The Paranoid Male Lead’s "White Moonlight" Has Reborn - Chapter 30

Han Jiangmu’s sudden appearance gave Jiang Chaoyun a start. Before he could say anything, Han Jiangmu glanced at Jiang Yaozong and told him, “Go back, Young Master.”

Feeling a sense of retreat in his heart, Jiang Chaoyun gave a soft “Mm,” turned around, and walked toward his own carriage.

Bixin ran over to brush the snow from his shoulders and helped him onto the carriage. Just before entering, he turned his head to look at Han Jiangmu; the moment their eyes met, Chaoyun immediately averted his gaze.

Han Jiangmu was very tall. Standing next to him, Jiang Yaozong only reached his shoulder; even though the boy was fifteen, his stature was more like that of a twelve- or thirteen-year-old.

Han Jiangmu looked at him with a frozen expression. His features held a sharp, cold edge like a blade, and his gaze toward Jiang Yaozong was like looking at an ant.

Jiang Yaozong lowered his head slightly, exhaled a cloud of white mist, and said nothing.

Despite such a tense itinerary, they actually managed to reach Nanhua before the snow blocked the roads. Upon seeing the gates of Nanhua City, everyone felt a sense of relief.

By now, the snow was ankle-deep, thick and fluffy. However, near Nanhua, the official roads were clear of snow due to the constant traffic of people entering and leaving the city.

The convoy passed through the city gates and traveled for another half-day before arriving at the Lin residence.

The Lin family was a prominent and wealthy clan in Nanhua. Their estate was naturally very grand; even the plaque was more majestic than the Jiang family’s. Two mighty stone lions stood at the main entrance, showcasing the Lin family’s heritage.

Because Lin Shiyan had sent someone ahead to report their arrival, the entire Lin family had gathered outside the manor to welcome them.

This was a starkly different treatment compared to what they received at the Jiang manor; anyone could see that the Lin family held them in high regard.

Lin Yuerong and Jiang Chaoyun descended from the carriage and, led by Lin Shiyan, walked toward Lin Dongyue.

At the sight of Lin Yuerong, Lin Dongyue’s expression froze, as if he didn’t know how to react. Lin Yuerong, however, burst into tears the moment she saw his face. “Father,” she choked out, “your daughter has returned.”

Only then did Lin Dongyue’s expression soften. “It’s good that you’re back.”

When Lin Yuerong had insisted on marrying Jiang Zuoling, both Lin Dongyue and Old Madam Lin had disagreed. She had made a scene for a long time, leading to a very strained relationship with her father. Lin Dongyue had even gone so far as to say that if she married Jiang Zuoling, he would disown her. However, the one who loves more is always the one who relents; in the end, he couldn’t win against her and let her marry.

Back then, the father and daughter had barely spoken. Even when she returned for visits after the wedding, Lin Dongyue would maintain a stern face and show no warmth. Until now, the two hadn’t spoken properly in a very long time.

Old Madam Lin came over to embrace Lin Yuerong, her eyes red. “Don’t cry. It’s good that you’re back. You’ll live at home from now on, just like before you were married.”

Lin Yuerong agreed and pulled Jiang Chaoyun over, introducing him to her parents. “This is my son, Jiang Chaoyun. Chaoyun, these are your maternal grandparents.”

Jiang Chaoyun greeted them obediently. As Lin Dongyue looked at him, a slight smile appeared on his face; he noticed that this grandson looked very much like Lin Yuerong.

It was cold outside, so they didn’t exchange pleasantries for long before entering the manor together.

Since there was a welcome banquet in the evening, Old Madam Lin arranged their accommodations first, ensuring hot water and food were ready. This level of thorough attention caused the slight anxiety Jiang Chaoyun felt about “living under someone else’s roof” to fade, replaced by a sense of closeness.

The residence the Lin family arranged for him had likely been carefully considered; it was similar to his quarters at the Jiang manor but even more spacious. The bed and some furniture were brand new, as was the bedding.

As soon as Bixin entered the room, she couldn’t help but feel delighted. “Young Master!” she said to Chaoyun. “This is much better than the Jiang manor!”

She touched the golden, ornate canopy bed like someone who knew her wares. “Young Master, this is Phoebe zhennan wood! It’s very expensive!”

Jiang Chaoyun reached out to touch the patterns on the bed and found that it was indeed made of the precious wood as Bixin said.

Using such a large piece of Phoebe zhennan to make a bed for him—Jiang Chaoyun felt once again the care his maternal family had put into his arrival. A smile spread across his lips unconsciously.

Then, Bixin discovered they didn’t even need to burn silver-charcoal here. Upon further inquiry, they found that Jiang Chaoyun’s room actually had floor heating.

For this type of heating, tunnels had to be specifically dug beneath the house, lined with heat-insulating sand and stones, and then filled with burning charcoal. This allowed the entire room to become warm.

Even a maid like Bixin, who served in wealthy households, couldn’t help but be stunned by the Lin family’s extravagance.

Once the floor heating was actually lit, one could tell it was much better than silver-charcoal; at the very least, it wasn’t as stuffy. With this heating, there was no need for a long pre-heating period; every corner of the room was warm. Jiang Chaoyun didn’t have to fear catching a chill while bathing.

In his seventeen years of life, this was the first time he had taken such a comfortable bath. By the time he got into bed, he felt limp and drowsy. He actually fell asleep for a while.

In the evening, Lin Shiyan came to invite him to the welcome banquet. Jiang Chaoyun wrapped himself up thickly before following his cousin out.

Lin Shiyan asked him, “Cousin, how do you like it here?”

Jiang Chaoyun naturally smiled and said, “It’s very good. I think it’s even better than at the Jiangs’.”

Lin Shiyan felt gratified that he referred to it as “the Jiangs” rather than “home.” He said seriously, “From now on, just treat this place as your own home. There is no need to be formal.”

Jiang Chaoyun smiled and nodded. “Alright.”

Seeing him so obedient and gentle, Lin Shiyan was very satisfied. Having the intention to match him with his own younger sister, he couldn’t help but say casually, “Speaking of which, you have a younger cousin whom you likely haven’t met. I’ll introduce you later.”

Jiang Chaoyun thought nothing of it and agreed with a smile.

When he arrived at the banquet, he saw Lin Yuerong. She seemed to have already had a round of crying; though her eyes were red, her face bore a smile.

Seeing him, she quickly beckoned him over to sit beside her and introduced the members of the Lin family.

The Lin family structure was relatively simple. Because the branches had already split their households, the highest-ranking member was Lin Dongyue, the head of the house. He had five sons and two daughters. Aside from Lin Yuerong, the other daughter had married into a local prominent family in Nanhua; the two households weren’t far apart and visited often.

The other sons all held official posts, and since these were turbulent times, they couldn’t come to welcome Jiang Chaoyun and his mother. However, they had all sent generous gifts to express their joy.

Jiang Chaoyun followed Lin Yuerong in identifying each person. After the introductions were finished, Lin Dongyue spoke: “This will be your home from now on. If you need anything, just tell your grandmother.”

Jiang Chaoyun obeyed and said, “Thank you, Grandfather.”

Lin Dongyue only had to look at him to find it hard to hide his joy; seeing the boy’s well-behaved manner made him feel more affinity for him than for his other grandsons.

This affection was expressed quite openly in his gaze. Lin Yuerong, who knew him well, felt a sense of relief.

Lin Dongyue’s dislike for Jiang Zuoling had never been hidden; she had worried he would dislike Jiang Chaoyun by extension. It seemed she had worried for nothing.

Lin Shiyan and his younger brothers livened up the atmosphere, helping Jiang Chaoyun blend into the Lin family’s environment. By the time the welcome banquet ended, Jiang Chaoyun felt a bit lightheaded.

On the way back, he couldn’t help but say to Lin Yuerong, “Grandfather is so kind.”

Lin Yuerong smiled. “Yes, he likes you very much.”

Jiang Chaoyun was happy, and his shallow dimples appeared.

Lin Yuerong looked at the carefree smile on his face, her heart softening. But soon, she thought of the Gu curse on him, and her softness turned to worry.

Jiang Chaoyun returned to his new residence, washed up, and lay down in the soft bedding. As his excitement faded slightly, he felt a sense of something being “off” that he couldn’t quite name.

He sat up in bed, looking at the flicker of the candle on the side table. Suddenly, it dawned on him: Han Jiangmu hadn’t come to keep watch tonight.

Jiang Chaoyun sat cross-legged, scratching his face hesitantly. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he called for Bixin. “Bixin.”

Bixin ran in. “What is it, Young Master?”

Jiang Chaoyun’s cheeks turned slightly red. “That Guard Han… why hasn’t he come to keep watch?”

Bixin looked at him in shock. “Young Master, you actually still want Guard Han to come and keep watch?”

Jiang Chaoyun: “…I think he’s quite good at it.”

As soon as he said it, he felt something wasn’t quite right with himself. He couldn’t help but touch his face, finding it indeed burning hot.

Bixin said with great distress, “But he is so cruel! He killed someone!”

Jiang Chaoyun gave a soft “Oh” and said, “But he’s good at the night watch.”

Bixin: “…?”

Bixin asked, “Young Master, aren’t you afraid?”

Jiang Chaoyun thought about it seriously. “I am.”

Bixin was confused. “Then why do you still want him to keep watch?”

Jiang Chaoyun said softly, “I told you—he’s good at it.”

Bixin: “…”

Bixin covered her face. “Young Master, I can keep watch too.”

Jiang Chaoyun said, “But he’s better at it.”

Bixin: “…” She felt like giving up on life.

But she quickly pulled herself together and whispered, “Young Master, Madam has already dismissed Guard Han. He can’t keep watch for you anymore.”

Jiang Chaoyun: “…”

He was a bit surprised, even found it hard to believe, yet it also felt like it was only to be expected.

Bixin prepared to sleep on the rug by his bed, but Jiang Chaoyun refused. He lay back down in his blankets, feeling a bit unhappy.

He couldn’t help but let out a long, melancholy sigh. However, at that very moment, he heard a very slight “creak.”

Initially, he didn’t care, but the “creak” grew louder, turning into a series of slightly sharp sounds that made Jiang Chaoyun sit up immediately.

The room was pitch black. Combined with the sound, it was quite frightening. Jiang Chaoyun couldn’t help but hug his blanket tightly. However, soon there was a soft flick, and a flicker of red flame appeared, illuminating a face with sharp features.

Jiang Chaoyun gasped. “You… how did you get in here?”

Han Jiangmu lit the candle, looked at him sideways, and said, “I’ve come for the night watch, Young Master.”

Jiang Chaoyun: “…”

The words “Weren’t you dismissed?” were on his tongue, but his heart seemed to be greedily clinging to something, so they wouldn’t come out. Finally, he only managed to squeeze out one sentence: “Climbing through a window is not the behavior of a gentleman!”