Chapter 12: Capturing the Sorcerer and Bringing Him to Justice

“I have come to trouble Uncle Chi today with cause. My grandmother is gravely ill, and we have been busy caring for her. My second brother, in his impatience, heard some baseless rumors and came here to speak of breaking the engagement, which is truly against our family principles. Therefore, I have already disciplined him according to our family rules. Today, I bring him before you not only to apologize to Uncle Chi, but also to inquire about Miss Chi’s illness, and most importantly, to finalize the wedding date. The union between our two families has long been established; it is improper to delay any further. Since my grandmother is unwell, using my second brother’s marriage to bring good fortune might be a blessing. Thus, I earnestly ask Uncle Chi to permit Miss Chi to marry. Our General’s household will honor and protect her; no one will dare to mistreat her.”

Her words were firm and meticulously measured.

Madam Qiao’s speech left Chi Yunjing silent, while Lady Guo beside him wore a stunned expression. How could this be? Weren’t they supposed to come and continue discussing the breaking of the engagement? How had it suddenly turned into a joyous wedding to bring good luck? What about her second sister? A flood of thoughts overwhelmed her, and she forced an uneasy smile before asking, “The Qiao family’s statements have been so inconsistent that both my husband and I are confused. Is it a broken engagement or a wedding?”

“Please forgive us, Lady Guo; it is a wedding,” Madam Qiao replied.

Qiao Er dared not speak rashly. Although he had harbored dissatisfaction toward this future wife, the pain from the wound on his back still lingered. He would not risk his life and future to defy his elder sister-in-law, so he remained silent.

“But isn’t it true that our eldest sister’s fate clashes with your family matriarch’s? Wouldn’t using the marriage to bring good fortune be inappropriate?” Lady Guo pressed on stubbornly.

Madam Qiao’s eyes, sharp and perceptive, regarded Lady Guo calmly. Though her expression remained unchanged, she understood the real implication behind Lady Guo’s words, knowing that the Chi family also had Lady Guo’s own second daughter.

With a faint, insincere smile, she replied, “That so-called Taoist was a fraud, spreading nonsense to swindle money. On behalf of the General’s household, I petitioned the Emperor to have this charlatan apprehended. The Imperial Court’s Ministry of Justice reported half a day ago that he has been caught. Soon, the truth will come out. It’s uncertain whether he spoke on his own or was hired by someone.”

Hearing this, Lady Guo’s complexion became difficult to control. Such words from the charlatan meant he was surely directed by someone. Although she had not appeared openly, if the trail was followed, she would inevitably be implicated.

After years of caution, she hadn’t expected to falter here. The situation felt dire; if the Qiao family pursued it, she would suffer greatly. Her years of effort could not be ruined in an instant.

So she turned to Chi Yunjing, attempting to persuade him.

“I see. Then there’s no need for the Master to worry anymore. Lady Qiao may not know, but since the young general first came to break the engagement, the Master has been restless, fearing he had wronged his late sister from the Hai family. Now that the engagement stands, prudence is necessary. Since Sister Hai passed early, leaving only our eldest sister’s child, her marriage must be handled with care. Has Lady Qiao set a date yet?”

“Not yet. I hope to discuss it with Uncle Chi first.”

Lady Guo, experienced in the inner chambers, spoke with tact and confidence, leaving no room for fault. She then calmly said, “If the marriage is to bring good fortune to the matriarch, our Chi family will have no objection. However, as you know, the eldest sister has been ill for some time due to the matriarch’s condition. It might not be suitable to use this occasion to bring good fortune now. Perhaps it would be better to choose a date near the end of the year. Then, when you come to marry her, we can also hold our own wedding. At year’s end, with three blessings gathered, maybe the matriarch’s health will improve, and she can personally witness her grandson’s marriage, which would be a joyous matter.”

Chi Yunjing found this reasonable and nodded, asking, “Madam, your suggestion is wise. What does Lady Qiao think?”

With the couple united in purpose, Lady Qiao could not refuse. She consented, “Very well, let’s set the date near the end of the year. I will consult the astrologer to select an auspicious day. This way, the betrothal can be arranged promptly. Uncle Chi, the Qiao family eagerly awaits the arrival of the eldest young lady into your household.”

The emphasis on “eldest young lady” was deliberate and heavy with meaning. Behind the screen, Chi Guiying clenched the handkerchief in her hands so tightly she wished she could tear it apart to relieve her fury.

What was so great about the Qiao family? Coming here to humiliate her? It was only a minor general from the Qiao family! If they didn’t wish to marry, she certainly didn’t want to be married off either! She refused to believe that this whipping today would lead to any happy outcome for her eldest sister. Perhaps the couple would live in discord, making a laughingstock of themselves.

Turning away, her footsteps grew heavier.

Qiao Er and Hai Yu had both trained in martial arts and had keen hearing. Yet, since the matter was being discussed in the front hall, who would dare to eavesdrop so blatantly? Surely it was not the outspoken eldest young lady of the Chi family.

The two exchanged a glance, barely able to conceal their expressions. Since Madam Qiao had come all this way, she would not leave without seeing the principal involved. Having obtained permission, she then led Qiao Er and Hai Yu to the Si Jin Courtyard.

They were the future couple—one her cousin, the other her betrothed.

Entering the courtyard was no great matter, especially with Madam Qiao and Lady Guo accompanying them. They entered the gates in a grand procession.

The medicine was bitter, and after nearly half a month of taking it, Chi Guiwan had long lost any taste in her mouth. She was not truly ill, so secretly she had asked Fudong to find some sweet and sour cherry preserves to savor occasionally.

Just as she was enjoying the treat, a voice called from outside.

“Lady Guo has arrived! Madam Qiao has arrived! Young General Qiao has arrived! Second Young Master Hai Yu has arrived!”

Chi Guiwan was bewildered. Why had they all come? She barely swallowed the cherry preserve before hastily downing a cup of warm water, choking until her face flushed and she coughed. This scene was witnessed by all who entered, confirming her apparent frailty.

For a moment, the expressions of the Qiao family and Second Young Master Hai Yu grew complicated.

“What’s going on? Has Miss Chi been unwell all this time?” Madam Qiao stepped forward with concern. She had met Chi Guiwan several times at gatherings and always remembered her as vibrant and proud, like a splendid golden pheasant, full of confidence. She had never seen this weak and sickly side before. Thinking of the Qiao family’s role, she felt a pang of sympathy for her future sister-in-law and turned to scold Qiao Er sharply.

“Why aren’t you here yet? Go apologize to Miss Chi immediately!”