TSWRLM -Chapter 357 You Dare Say Your Heart Is Without Distraction?

“Cousin Xie Zhang, aren’t you already an official in the Ministry of Rites? Why have you come to the clan academy?”

Xiao Qinghe nodded respectfully.

Xie Zhang was a nephew from the second aunt’s side. Six years ago, he had passed the imperial examination and entered the Ministry of Rites. Though he was now only a sixth-rank official, he was handsome and gentle. Back then, it had been Madam Xiao who helped arrange his marriage.

Unfortunately, three years ago his wife died in childbirth, leaving only a daughter.

Xie Zhang had loved his wife deeply and had sunk into despair for over half a year before regaining his composure. Now, three years later, he seemed to have emerged from the shadow of grief, returning to his former refined and gentle demeanor.

Xie Zhang spoke softly: “I haven’t come to study. I was entrusted to deliver a letter to my cousin.”

He then took a slightly crumpled envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Xiao Qinghe.

The envelope bore deep red stains. Xiao Yecheng immediately recognized them as blood marks and frowned: “Don’t touch it. This letter is stained with blood.”

Although the blood was dry, its origin was unknown—an ominous sign.

Xiao Qinghe didn’t move. Xie Zhang praised Xiao Yecheng’s keen eye before explaining: “This letter was written by a woman in a tragic situation and was entrusted to me by a former classmate. The blood on it comes from her. Since it involves her privacy, I cannot open and copy it. But rest assured, Cousin He’er, I stake my life on this—the letter is completely reliable.”

Even with Xie Zhang’s assurance, Xiao Yecheng remained uneasy. He had intended to open the letter first, but Xiao Qinghe had already reached for it.

The letter was from a woman named Madam Yu.

Madam Yu had been a famous courtesan in Yuzhou. At the height of her fame, a wealthy merchant had bought her freedom to marry her.

At first, he treated her well, and she, grateful, gave up her previous life. She devoted herself to domestic duties and even restored her health, hoping to bear children for him.

However, she miscarried three times and never had a child.

Feeling guilty, she became even more obedient to her husband and his family and used her skills to train a group of dancers and singers for the merchant.

Thanks to these performers, the merchant’s business flourished. Eventually, he moved his entire family to Hanjing, where he gained some influence.

But after moving to Hanjing, he began to neglect her, stripping her of household authority and confining her. One of the dancers, trained entirely by her, became the merchant’s new favorite.

Through investigation, Madam Yu discovered that all three miscarriages had been deliberately caused by the merchant. He never intended for her to bear a child and had secretly given her a slow-acting poison, hoping she would die.

This letter was painstakingly sent by Madam Yu after great effort.

Every word was written with tears and blood.

Xiao Qinghe’s expression darkened as she read it.

Madam Yu was poisoned long ago and might not have much time left.

The immediate priority was to find a physician to treat her, then gradually uncover the truth.

Xiao Qinghe carefully put the letter away and asked Xie Zhang gently: “The writer is in mortal danger. Cousin, could you bring your classmate to the Xiao residence? I need more details.”

“Of course,” Xie Zhang replied immediately, then added, “I’ve long heard that Cousin He’er, along with the princess and Madam Shen, secretly helps women. I deeply admire that.”

He bowed solemnly, full of respect.

Xiao Qinghe returned the bow and arranged a meeting with Xie Zhang’s classmate.

Cao Wen’s luggage remained on the carriage. After settling it, he busied himself meeting other classmates.

Xiao Qinghe showed the letter to Chun Xi as well. Chun Xi immediately said: “My elder brother’s shop is doing well and deals with many people daily. I can have him quietly inquire and then send messages via pigeon to Yinyin, who can look into Madam Yu’s history in Yuzhou.”

As soon as Chun Xi spoke, Xiao Yecheng said: “Although Xie Zhang is He’er’s cousin, he is still a man. I will go meet his classmate on her behalf.”

Xiao Qinghe had initially asked Xie Zhang to bring the classmate to the Xiao residence because of the gender barrier. With many servants present, nothing untoward could happen. But over the past two years, Xiao Yecheng had often assisted them. Though cold in demeanor, he was meticulous and more capable of handling matters outside.

Xiao Qinghe didn’t hesitate and nodded: “Then I’ll trouble you, Brother.”

**

On the appointed day, Xie Zhang arrived at the Xiao residence early in the morning with the classmate.

The servants brewed tea. Just as Xie Zhang took a sip, Xiao Yecheng entered the hall.

Xie Zhang instinctively glanced behind him, surprised: “Brother Yecheng? Why are you here? Has something happened to Cousin He’er?”

His tone was natural, full of concern.

Today, Xie Zhang wore a moon-white silk robe embroidered with emerald bamboo—a stark contrast to the plain gray attire he had worn at the academy. His previously refined and handsome face appeared even more striking.

It seemed intentional—a subtle effort to leave a stronger impression on Xiao Qinghe through contrast between their two meetings.

Xiao Yecheng quickly assessed the situation. He lowered his gaze slightly, revealing no emotion, and said calmly: “He’er is fine. But as this involves both men and women, I will handle it from now on.”

Disappointment flickered in Xie Zhang’s eyes.

He had intended to use this matter to spend more time with Cousin He’er, but Xiao Yecheng had intervened.

Still, it was good that He’er was cautious after her return home.

Xie Zhang had also worried that she might interact with improper people while focusing on helping Madam Yu. Now, he could rest easy.

The Xiao family maintained strict discipline, and He’er herself was strict with her conduct.

Xie Zhang quickly composed himself and introduced his classmate to Xiao Yecheng.

The classmate came from Yuzhou and had once been aided by Madam Yu. Learning of her dire situation, he risked everything to help deliver her letter.

Madam Yu’s husband, the wealthy merchant Yu Zhao, had moved his entire family to Hanjing the year before last. He was wealthy, owning a bookstore, a curio shop, a silk store, and several fields, and was widely connected socially.

Recently, the Xiao family academy had been purchasing writing supplies from his shops.

Next month, Yu Zhao was hosting his mother’s birthday, inviting numerous guests. The classmate could assist in gaining access to Yu Zhao’s household to see Madam Yu.

Xiao Yecheng discussed the plan with him on the spot and set a basic course of action.

After the discussion, the classmate departed. As Xiao Yecheng was about to leave, Xie Zhang suddenly asked: “I don’t recall ever offending you, Brother Yecheng. Why have you seemed hostile both times we’ve met?”

Xie Zhang’s face was puzzled. Xiao Yecheng did not hide it, replying coldly: “I am hostile toward you because your intentions are ill.”

As men, Xiao Yecheng recognized Xie Zhang’s motives at a glance.

Honestly, Xie Zhang was a fine-looking man, but at the end of the day, he was a widower with a child.

Losing his wife three years ago, he could remarry—but he had no right to set his sights on Xiao Qinghe.

Exposed by Xiao Yecheng, Xie Zhang remained unperturbed, teasing: “I may have ulterior motives, but Brother Yecheng, do you dare claim your heart is pure and without distraction?”