TNIBFT -Chapter 85 The Protagonist’s Aura

Jiang Huichun’s face darkened with anger as he frowned and scolded.

In Sifang City, the city lord was like heaven itself. For a boy without any background to belittle the Second Young Master of the City Lord’s Mansion—wasn’t that just asking for death?

Jiang Huichun interrupted Shen Jie mid-sentence.

He had taken a liking to the boy, but there were ears everywhere in the corners; he feared that Shen Jie might bring trouble upon himself.

Shen Jie was momentarily stunned.

During the past few days at Huichun Hall, he had gained a rough understanding of Jiang Huichun’s character: passionate about medicine, soft-hearted and kind, and protective of his only daughter as if she were a delicate treasure—cradling her in his hands for fear of dropping her, holding her in his mouth for fear she might dissolve.

Shen Jie was certain that as long as he sincerely considered Jiang Yunxi’s wellbeing, Jiang Huichun would not turn hostile.

“Divine Doctor Jiang, even if you won’t let me speak, I must finish. Miss Jiang is virtuous and kind, and she has done me a great favor. Though I, Shen Jie, am humble, I cannot stand by and watch someone who saved my life leap into the fire before my eyes.”

Shen Jie’s voice was full of grief and resolve. His eyes glinted with righteous anger as he stared at Jiang Huichun. “You fear the City Lord’s power; I do not. Compared to Miss Jiang’s happiness, my life and death are nothing. At worst, on the day of the engagement, I will risk my life to take Miss Jiang and flee Sifang City.”

Having spoken, Shen Jie swept aside his cotton robe, knelt properly in front of Jiang Huichun, and bowed his forehead to the ground, knocking out a resounding kowtow. “Thank you for taking me in these past few days. Shen Jie will never forget this kindness. I bid you farewell!”

Shen Jie said this without even glancing at Jiang Huichun or Qiu Feibai, his face cold as he prepared to leave.

Jiang Huichun, seated, was utterly shocked.

This boy’s character was one in a million: grateful, selfless, fearless of death. He even dared to oppose the City Lord’s Mansion for Yunxi’s sake.

Jiang Huichun was deeply moved.

He stood slightly, about to reach out to stop him, but was restrained by Qiu Feibai at his side. Seeing his friend shake his head, Jiang Huichun sat back down.

“Father!”

“Master!”

Before Shen Jie could exit, Jiang Yunxi, her face full of worry, grabbed his wrist and pulled him back into the study.

She had originally planned to meet Shen Jie to take a patient’s pulse at the pharmacy, but he hadn’t shown up. When she reached the study door, she overheard the conversation between Jiang Huichun and Shen Jie. She hadn’t expected that, besides her father and master, there was someone else in the world who cared so deeply for her.

Someone who wouldn’t even hesitate to risk his life for her!

“Father, do you know who Xiao Tianyi is? How could you not know? If you insist on this marriage, I’d rather die!” Jiang Yunxi’s expression was resolute.

Turning to Shen Jie beside her, tears glimmering in her eyes, she said, “You and Master are forcing me—then I’ll run away with Brother Shen, never return, and make sure you never find me again.”

“This…” Jiang Huichun rose in a panic, his face anxious, unsure how to soothe his daughter.

He cast a pleading glance at Qiu Feibai.

Qiu Feibai’s eyes were cold; he had watched Shen Jie with a detached gaze from the start.

This boy’s heart was cunning, ambitious, and reckless—but only their old friend and disciple had been completely taken in.

Seeing Jiang Huichun remain silent, Jiang Yunxi pouted. Whenever she had threatened to run away before, her father would have agreed to any request—but now it didn’t work?

She looked at Shen Jie beside her and dropped another bombshell: “Father, actually Brother Shen is also the son of City Lord Xiao.”

“What?”

Jiang Huichun’s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe it.

Jiang Yunxi continued, “Brother Shen’s mother is Liu Ruyan. She knew City Lord Xiao over ten years ago. They…”

No matter how much Jiang Yunxi explained, Shen Jie remained silent.

After learning Shen Jie’s background, Jiang Huichun stroked his goatee, full of regret. He hadn’t expected the boy’s life to be so tragic—and yet Shen Jie, despite knowing his lineage, was unlike ordinary children. He never flaunted his status, nor did he dream of immediately claiming recognition from the City Lord.

During this time at Huichun Hall, Shen Jie had been more diligent than most apprentices, enduring hardships with perseverance—every detail had been observed by Jiang Huichun.

He felt even more that Shen Jie had exceptional character.

“You’ve been living a harsh life all on your own. It would be better to go to the City Lord and recognize your kin. You’re still young, and your future can still be glorious,” Jiang Huichun said.

Shen Jie immediately retorted angrily, “Even if I die in this lifetime, I will never acknowledge Xiao Haoyang.”

He directly named the City Lord.

His voice was cold and merciless, the young man’s pride and ambition unyielding.

This steadfastness moved Jiang Huichun.

Shen Jie continued, “He abandoned me and my mother. Xiao Tianyi imprisoned me. My mother risked her life to save me, and I don’t even know if she’s alive. He’s not my father; he’s my enemy. Right now, all I want is to know my mother’s whereabouts.”

Shen Jie’s expression was filled with sorrow.

Jiang Huichun recalled the first day he met Shen Jie—covered in wounds—and realized it was because he had been rescuing someone.

Truly pitiable.

“I’ve known City Lord Xiao for a few years and have never heard him mention any other children. He values his offspring greatly; perhaps there’s been some misunderstanding,” Jiang Huichun said, frowning.

Shen Jie’s heart leapt with hope.

To value one’s offspring meant that if Xiao Haoyang confirmed his identity, he would surely allow Shen Jie to be formally recognized, with everything in proper order.

“Here’s what we’ll do: tomorrow I’ll take you to see City Lord Xiao,” Jiang Huichun said after a moment’s thought, finally making up his mind.

He frowned and looked up at Shen Jie: “If it’s a lie, City Lord Xiao will certainly kill you. You must tell the truth.”

Shen Jie’s face was stern: “Do you think I want to see Xiao Haoyang if it weren’t for my mother? She’s still ill, and who knows how much longer she can hold on.”

His face was full of grief.

Jiang Yunxi held Shen Jie’s hand to comfort him: “Brother Shen, don’t worry. We’ll definitely find your mother. Tomorrow—tomorrow we’ll go to the City Lord’s mansion together. I’ll tell City Lord Xiao that you’re amazing, far better than his three useless children. He’ll definitely like you—you’re so outstanding.”

Jiang Yunxi’s small face lit up with joy; she was genuinely happy for Shen Jie.

Shen Jie lowered his head, his expression unreadable. Once father and son reunited, it would be the end for Ye Tian and his family. With just a flick of his finger, he could crush Ye Tian.

…

Elsewhere:

Mingfeng Village, Ye Tian’s home.

After dinner, Ye Tian and his family of four, along with Fang Shenghu, sat around the fire chatting.

The flames leapt in the hearth, reflecting a fiery glow on each face.

Fang Shenghu’s smile never faded; he had never imagined a day when Ye Tian could sit calmly with him and the three children, chatting together.

Fang Shenghu was so excited he could hardly sit still.

In the past, Ye Tian wouldn’t even feel Fang Shenghu worthy of being in the same room, let alone sit together.

“Are we running low on hay? I’ll go fetch another bundle,” Fang Shenghu said, looking at Ye Tian with a flattering expression.

Ye Tian nodded: “Alright.”

Seeing Ye Tian didn’t refuse, Fang Shenghu’s face lit up with joy. He was about to stand and leave when Ye Tian said, “It’s still early. Why the rush? The snowstorm hasn’t stopped these past days. The house can’t be delayed. I’m willing to pay double wages. See if there are any laborers nearby?”

“This…” Fang Shenghu hesitated.

The snowstorm was so heavy that going out was difficult, let alone working. By morning, the accumulated snow would block the doors.

“Not enough? Then I’ll pay triple wages. Five times?”