The Paranoid Male Lead’s "White Moonlight" Has Reborn - Chapter 26

Because they were already divorced, Madam Jiang was no longer “Madam Jiang,” but could once again use her maiden name, Lin Yuerong.

Lin Yuerong quickly loaded her original dowry onto carriages. The long convoy remained parked at the entrance of the Jiang Manor, attracting a crowd of onlookers. Soon, the entire city of Huaizhou knew that Jiang Zuoling and his wife had divorced.

This was the result of having a powerful maternal family. Otherwise, most men would choose to “repudiate” their wives (a one-sided divorce by the husband) to save face, whereas a mutual divorce  invited much speculation.

Jiang Zuoling did not show his face that day. Truthfully, he couldn’t say he loved Lin Yuerong much. Perhaps he had liked her quite a bit at the start; she had been very beautiful in her youth, and though arrogant, her noble birth provided a significant boost to his business. Her status alone was a badge of honor that allowed him to enter upper-class circles more easily.

Back then, he felt he loved her deeply. But such a noblewoman was born with an innate pride, as if she were always looking down on him from above. Her personality was too strong for them to ever truly share their hearts. By now, he couldn’t say he had any affection left for her.

He simply lamented the loss of the influence behind her. Without this incident, he might have relied on the Lin family’s support to go even further. After all, once Jiang Yulong and the others from the other branches attained official ranks, he could have used the Lin family’s power to secure better futures for them.

Thus, rather than the end of his marriage, what Jiang Zuoling mourned most were his lost opportunities.

He also feared the Lin family would suppress the Jiangs. Ordinarily, he would have done everything to make Lin Yuerong stay, but with that “malevolent deity” still in the manor, he truly didn’t dare move. He had ordered other guards to kill that man, only to be told that all the guards combined were no match for him alone.

It was a desperate situation. Jiang Zuoling had no idea why such a ruthless person had appeared in his household.

He worried about the Jiang family’s future and his missed career prospects, but he didn’t give a single thought to the fact that he still had a son.

Jiang Chaoyun was about to leave with Lin Yuerong, yet not a single person from the Jiang manor came to see him off.

Lin Shiyan said to him, “Cousin, it’s getting late. Once we reach the Lin family, you can just write a letter home to your father. There is no need to wait for him anymore.”

Jiang Chaoyun’s fingers had been tracing the carved patterns on his hand warmer. Hearing Lin Shiyan’s words, he gave an absentminded “Mm.”

He said he was waiting for Jiang Zuoling to see him off, but in his heart, he was thinking of Han Jiangmu.

Wow, he has such a cold heart. I’m leaving, and he doesn’t even come to see me off!

Jiang Chaoyun was unhappy, and it showed on his face.

Lin Shiyan felt uncomfortable seeing him like this. He wanted to tell the boy the truth, but the reality was so cruel that even he found it hard to stomach. Why tell Chaoyun and burden his heart? Besides, the fact that Chaoyun was willing to follow Lin Yuerong under these circumstances showed he possessed a rare and precious sincerity.

They accompanied Jiang Chaoyun for a long time before the twin brothers from the third branch finished their classes and came to see them off.

Lin Yuerong’s expression was cold. It was absurd that in such a large Jiang family, not one elder came to see them off. Even if they were no longer family, they should have maintained appearances. This was a blatant insult.

Seeing that the twins’ parents hadn’t come either, Jiang Qingjue and Jiang Linshi felt truly ashamed. The couple of the third branch were perennial “grass on the wall” (opportunists); seeing Lin Yuerong leave meant she no longer held power in the Jiang family, so they naturally sided with the manor. They completely forgot the favors Lin Yuerong had done for them. As sons, however, the twins could not be so ungrateful. After all, it was Lin Yuerong’s influence that had allowed them to enter Huaizhou’s best academy. Thus, they said sincerely, “Aunt, the journey from Huaizhou to Nanhua is long. Please take care of your health.”

Lin Yuerong gave them a small smile, acknowledged them, and, having no desire to wait any longer, gave the order to depart.

Watching the convoy leave, Jiang Qingjue couldn’t help but mutter, “What a mess this all is.”

Jiang Linshi added, “Eldest Uncle’s actions were truly unbecoming.”

The two looked at each other, both sharing a deep worry for the Jiang family’s future.

Their worries proved to be well-founded. Just a few days after Lin Yuerong left, a group of “bandits” came from the south. In the dead of night, they smashed the city gates with boulders and went on a rampage of looting and burning. Finally, they stormed directly into the Jiang Manor and stripped it bare.

Furthermore, the head of the Jiang family lost his life in this catastrophe.

Old Madam Jiang, seized by terror and shock, soiled herself and died on the spot.

The entire Jiang Manor was burned to the ground in a great fire, leaving no evidence behind.

Jiang You of the second branch went to report this to the authorities, but the government showed no reaction.

Furious, Jiang You began shouting insults on the spot. The Huaizhou officials usually benefited greatly from the Jiang family’s bribes. The officials didn’t even dare to show their faces now, clearly having sensed something. But sensing it was one thing; officially, they had to act as if they knew nothing. Seeing Jiang You making a scene and fearing trouble, a soldier whispered to him, “Think about who you’ve offended. Those bandits only burned your family’s shops and only looted your house. Besides, it’s hard to say if those people were even bandits at all.”

Jiang You was startled and asked what that meant.

The soldier said vaguely, “Those bandits’ actions clearly bore the marks of a military unit. If they were ordinary bandits—humph—do you think they could break through the city gates just like that?”

Upon hearing this, Jiang You didn’t dare utter another word.

Who else could it be now? Naturally, it was the handiwork of Lin Yuerong’s “good elder brother”!

Jiang You informed the whole family, and everyone was plunged into panic. Only then did they realize what kind of character the Lin Yuerong they had offended truly was. When she was part of the family, the Jiangs could enjoy wealth and glory, rising to the heavens in a single step; when she cut ties with them, the Jiang family could be utterly destroyed!

Jiang Yulong bit his lip and said to Jiang You, “Father, do not be afraid. Once I earn my official rank, I will go to the capital to file an imperial complaint. I won’t let the Lin family off easy!”

Hearing this, Jiang You’s spirits improved slightly. However, Madam Zhao suddenly broke into a wail. “That damned Lin Yuerong! She even stole all of my dowry!”

Hearing this, Jiang You fell silent again.

Lin Yuerong was truly ruthless. They had lived under the same roof for over a decade, yet she didn’t leave a single copper for the Jiang family. Truly, “a woman’s heart is the most poisonous”!

Madam Fang of the third branch was also filled with regret, weeping that she had harmed her sons, Qingjue and Linshi. “If only I had known… if only I had known, I would have gone to see her off. How could she be so cruel as to steal my dowry and all of your father’s savings!”

Jiang Qingjue and Jiang Linshi felt bitter, but they also understood they were reaping the bitter fruit they had sown. The Jiang family had only been able to soar by relying on the Lin family’s power. Things had reached this point, and there was nothing left to say. If the Jiang family had treated Lin Yuerong even slightly better, it wouldn’t have ended this way.

Regret came too late.

On a mountain peak some distance from Huaizhou City, the “bandits” who had looted the Jiang Manor were resting and reorganizing.

The soldier had been correct; the true identities of these “bandits” were indeed military men.

However, it was not as the Jiang family speculated—they were not Lin Rui’s men. Lin Rui had come and gone in a hurry; how could he have brought so many people?

Wu Jiu busied himself for a long time before finally finishing the count of how much money had been taken from the Jiang family.

As the “Great Wealth of Jiangnan,” the Jiang Manor alone yielded four million taels in gold and silver, plus various jewels and ornaments. It could only be said that the harvest was bountiful, enough to expand the forces under Han Jiangmu by at least tenfold.

Receiving Wu Jiu’s report, Han Jiangmu wore a heavy expression and said, “The Jiang family has made such a contribution to our great cause. When rewards are distributed in the future, there will certainly be a place for the Jiangs.”

All the soldiers responded with thunderous applause, shouting loudly, “Your Highness is magnanimous! It is only right that the Jiang family helped with everything they had!”

With money, anything was possible, regardless of how that money was obtained.

Han Jiangmu spent the entire morning discussing important matters with his officers, only stopping as the sun reached its zenith.

After the others left, Wu Jiu entered carrying a box and asked, “Master, how should we handle this Mother Gu?”

Han Jiangmu stared at the wooden box, his mind drifting for a moment before he asked, “What did Jiang Zuoling say before he died?”

Wu Jiu hesitated, saying somewhat nervously, “Your servant killed him with one blow; he had no final words.”

Han Jiangmu gave him a cold look. Wu Jiu immediately knelt to admit his mistake. “It was your servant’s oversight! Please forgive me, Master!”

Han Jiangmu tapped his finger on the table. Wu Jiu hurriedly placed the box on the desk. Han Jiangmu said, “Dismissed.”

Only then did Wu Jiu stand up and slowly retreat. Once he was far away, he dared to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. Wu Jiu felt his life was only long because he followed such a master.

Zhu Yuchun walked over and threw an arm around his neck. Seeing Wu Jiu’s sweaty face, he asked with a smile, “What’s wrong? Did His Highness give you the cold shoulder again?”

Seeing Zhu Yuchun, Wu Jiu relaxed, and it showed on his face. He recounted his conversation with Han Jiangmu. “Where did I slip up? I truly don’t understand.”

Zhu Yuchun laughed. “You’re so thick-headed. You let Jiang Zuoling die too quickly. His Highness wanted him to die with his eyes wide open in regret—do you understand now?”

Upon hearing this, Wu Jiu nodded heavily as a realization dawned on him. “So that’s it.”

Zhu Yuchun said, “It’s truly a surprise to me that a stubborn fellow like you has managed to serve by His Highness’s side for so long.”

Recalling Han Jiangmu’s many tendernesses toward that Young Master Jiang, Wu Jiu couldn’t help but whisper, “Actually, His Highness is also a gentle person.”

Zhu Yuchun shuddered with disgust. “Ha! Gentle? That word doesn’t belong anywhere near His Highness.”

Wu Jiu glared at him. “What do you know?”

Zhu Yuchun tucked away his smile and said with a hint of melancholy, “To accomplish great things, gentleness will never do—especially for someone of His Highness’s status.”

He glanced at Wu Jiu again and said, “Forget it. Why am I telling you anything, you stubborn blockhead.” He released Wu Jiu and walked away humming a little tune.

Watching his back, Wu Jiu didn’t quite understand Zhu Yuchun’s words, but his heart remained fixed on the same thought: his master was a gentle man.

Jiang Chaoyun’s body could not handle fatigue, so the carriage traveled very slowly. Because they were taking the wider and smoother official roads, the distance was much longer than the path Lin Shiyan and the others had taken to arrive. A journey that could take three days and nights by shortcut would now take at least half a month; considering Chaoyun’s health, that time was extended to at least a month.

When Lin Yuerong had married into Huaizhou, her dowry was immense. Fearing bandits, the entire group was disguised as traveling merchants and had hired three separate security bureaus to escort them. Thus, there were no worries about danger on the road.

The exterior of Jiang Chaoyun’s carriage looked very plain, but the interior was a hidden paradise. First, it was very spacious; second, it was lined with very thick lambskin rugs, eliminating most of the jolting. Whether sitting or lying down, it was quite comfortable.

Traveling in such cold weather wasn’t usually ideal, but Jiang Chaoyun was well cared for and didn’t suffer any fatigue.

Like now, after traveling for half a day, Lin Shiyan came over to ask how he felt, if it was too bumpy, and if he needed to rest.

Jiang Chaoyun smiled and said no. The convoy traveled for another hour before stopping to rest in place.

When Lin Yuerong left, she took the servants she found most useful. Jiang Chaoyun did the same, though the only ones he could take were Bixin and the cat; the other servants and maids were all born into the manor with families there, so it wasn’t right to take them. Thus, they were left at the Jiang manor.

Bixin got off the carriage to feed “Bao-er” (the puppy) some milk, then brought him into Chaoyun’s carriage, saying with surprise, “Young Master! Look, this dog has grown so much!”

Jiang Chaoyun looked and was also surprised. In just two days, Bao-er had grown quite a bit; his chubby body had lengthened, and his belly no longer nearly touched the ground.

As soon as the dog saw Jiang Chaoyun, he affectionately let out an “Awooo” and nuzzled closer. Bixin said from the side, “It’s over. This dog still won’t bark.”

Not only did he not bark like a dog, but Jiang Chaoyun clearly heard Bao-er let out a soft “Baaa.”

Bixin heard it too. The two looked at the lively dog and shared a look, both feeling something was slightly wrong.

Bixin thoughtfully took on the heavy responsibility of teaching Bao-er. Before long, the sounds of “Woof, woof, woof” from Chaoyun’s carriage rose and fell, making for a lively scene.

Lin Yuerong heard it and couldn’t help but laugh.

Lin Shiyan said to her, “Cousin has a gentle nature; it is truly rare.”

Pride showed on Lin Yuerong’s face. This son of hers had been well protected, and even at this age, he still possessed a pure heart. She didn’t expect him to become a great success in the future; if he could live this life happily, that would be enough.

Lin Shiyan added, “Once Cousin’s health improves, Aunt should arrange a marriage for him.”

Expectation appeared in Lin Yuerong’s eyes.

Doctor Ma had told her that to break the curse, they still needed to find his master, the Sage of Southern Glory, Xun Ziyang. It so happened the Lin family was also in Nanhua, so there was truly hope for Jiang Chaoyun’s recovery.

This gave Lin Yuerong great hope. She had even thought that if Chaoyun wouldn’t follow her to the Lin family, she would take him by force. But Jiang Chaoyun had actually followed her without a word.

As Lin Yuerong’s mind wandered, Lin Shiyan lowered his voice. “Aunt, you haven’t seen Jingxian in many years. She’s told me many times that she misses you.”

Lin Yuerong came back to her senses, fully understanding his unspoken implication. She smiled and said, “Jingxian is sixteen this year, isn’t she?”

Lin Shiyan smiled. “Yes. Jingxian is also at a marriageable age. My parents are always thinking of finding her a good family, but there are very few in Nanhua who meet their standards.”

Lin Yuerong’s heart stirred. The Lin family’s traditions were unique; while most believed daughters were not as valuable as sons and gave them less attention, her parents were not like that. Instead, they doted on her excessively. For the current era, this was somewhat unbelievable.

Because of this family tradition, the daughters of the Lin family were always highly valued. When she had married “down” to a merchant house, she had actually been the object of much ridicule, and it had lowered the threshold for others seeking to marry Lin family daughters, causing the girls of her generation to marry several years later than usual…

Thinking of this, Lin Yuerong felt very ashamed. Her stubbornness hadn’t just harmed her, but also several of her sisters. Yet her parents still spoiled her, helping her both openly and secretly.

Her brother, Lin Rui, had also used many of his connections just to ensure she lived comfortably in the Jiang family.

If Chaoyun and Jingxian could be a match, it would be a happy occasion. But the problem was Chaoyun’s body—doctors had always stated it would be difficult for him to have children. Even if he were cured, she didn’t know if that aspect…

Thinking that Jiang Chaoyun hadn’t even had “nocturnal dreams” at his age, her heart ached. She didn’t respond to Lin Shiyan’s words, vaguely brushing them off.

Seeing her expression was not quite right, Lin Shiyan knew this matter couldn’t be rushed and temporarily dropped it.

Jiang Chaoyun had no idea his marriage had almost been decided. After playing with Bao-er, his mood turned slightly sour again.

He reached out and pushed open the window, poking his head out to look. Bixin quickly said, “Young Master, aren’t you cold?”

Jiang Chaoyun touched the carp-shaped warm jade around his neck and sighed. “I’m not cold. I actually feel hot.”

It was indeed hot inside the carriage. Because it was lined with thick lambskin rugs, Bixin, fearing they might catch fire, had placed a specially designed stove on the tea table. It was filled with silver-charcoal that burned faster and hotter than usual.

Even though she had served in Chaoyun’s room for years, she was sweating through her clothes. Feeling the cold wind, she found it refreshing but still worried he would catch a chill, so she insisted on closing the window.

Though a servant, Bixin was sometimes very headstrong. Jiang Chaoyun was too lazy to argue with her, so he stepped back and let her close the window.

After closing the window, Bixin saw Jiang Chaoyun playing with a mechanical puzzle box. Understanding suddenly dawned on her, and she whispered, “Young Master, you wouldn’t be thinking about that guard, would you?”

Jiang Chaoyun froze and immediately denied it. “How could that be! Why would I think of him?”

Bixin said, “Young Master, don’t let these little trinkets he sends distract you. That man is truly not someone…” She hesitated and whispered, “Truly not someone easy to deal with.”

Jiang Chaoyun said, “Do you think I don’t know that?”

Bixin couldn’t help herself and whispered quietly to him, “No, Young Master, you don’t know—Guard Han killed someone that day.”

Jiang Chaoyun held his breath and asked softly, “…Who did he kill?”

Even though there was no one else in the carriage, they both spoke as if they were afraid of being overheard.

Bixin whispered, “The Master’s mistress! I heard that Guard Han swung his sword and cut her head clean off!”

Jiang Chaoyun: “…”

Bixin saw his frightened expression as she intended and added more detail. “Young Master, you don’t know—the ground in the Master’s courtyard was all red. It was all that woman’s blood!”

Jiang Chaoyun: “…”

Because he had held his breath too long, he suddenly began to cough.

Bixin quickly poured him a cup of water, handed it to him, and gently patted his back to help him catch his breath.

After drinking the water, Jiang Chaoyun’s heart was still thumping wildly. He whispered to Bixin, “Is everything you said true?”

Bixin nodded heavily. “Absolutely true. Young Master, you must believe me. Guard Han is truly terrifying. Young Master, you should be glad he didn’t follow us, otherwise we’d have to worry if he’d suddenly turn his blade on us.”

Jiang Chaoyun hesitated and said, “He’s not that kind of person.”

Bixin was stunned. “Eh?”

Jiang Chaoyun bit his lip and whispered, “He wouldn’t raise a hand against us.”

With a click, he opened the mechanical box and said somewhat gloomily, “On the contrary, he is actually very good to me.”

“He always gives me the feeling that, no matter what, he would never harm me.”

Bixin thought to herself: Oh no, Young Master has been deluded by that Guard Han!

Just as she was about to speak, there were several knocks on the window from the outside. Bixin forgot what she was going to say and reached out to open the window. “Who—”

“Aaaahhhh!” Bixin shrieked and fell backward. Jiang Chaoyun looked out the window in confusion, only to lock eyes with the person outside.

“Young Master, how have you been lately?” The person’s gaze was profound, his tone as cool and calm as ever.

Jiang Chaoyun’s eyes widened, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. “You! Why are you here!?”

The corners of Han Jiangmu’s lips turned up slightly. He said in a low voice, “I am the Young Master’s guard. Naturally, I must follow wherever the Young Master goes.”

Jiang Chaoyun’s heart pounded fiercely. He slammed the window shut, throwing that utterly detestable face of Han Jiangmu outside.

The window was knocked again several times. Jiang Chaoyun grabbed an orange from the tea table, cracked the window open a sliver, and threw the orange at him.

Han Jiangmu had just caught the orange when, with a bang, the window was slammed shut again.

Han Jiangmu looked down at the orange, slowly raised his hand, and pressed his thin lips against the fruit, leaving a gentle kiss.

Back in Huaizhou, Zhu Yuchun and the others were all dumbfounded.

What a “gentle” Third Prince! Zhu Yuchun thought through gritted teeth.

When they made camp that night, Han Jiangmu spoke with Lin Shiyan and then brought a roasted lamb leg to Jiang Chaoyun’s carriage. He knocked gently, and Chaoyun’s soft voice came from inside: “Go away!”

Han Jiangmu opened the door and sat straight down inside. He said coldly, “I will not go away.”

Jiang Chaoyun: “…”

Han Jiangmu asked, “Is the Young Master angry?”

Jiang Chaoyun glared at him, but looking at Han Jiangmu’s solemn face, he lowered his eyes and whispered, “You are far too presumptuous. I didn’t tell you to come in, yet you come in anyway.”

Han Jiangmu handed the roasted lamb leg to Jiang Chaoyun. “Will Young Master eat?”

Jiang Chaoyun looked at it with disdain. “It’s filthy.”

Han Jiangmu gave him a soft look, took a small knife to carve a piece of meat, and brought it to the boy’s lips. “Eat.”

Jiang Chaoyun still looked disgusted. “Your hands… are dirty.”

Han Jiangmu narrowed his eyes slightly at him.

Jiang Chaoyun felt the low pressure emanating from him and thought of what Bixin had told him. He fell silent, craned his neck slightly, and took the meat from Han Jiangmu’s hand into his mouth, eating it with a look of extreme grievance.