Hong Tianyun

Li Xintian spent three days recuperating in the ancient tomb, and at last, his wounds inflicted by Hu Xiaoqiu were healed. He set out again, accompanied by Hu Qiuyan.

“Xintian, where are we headed this time?” Hu Qiuyan asked as she walked beside him.

“We’re going to visit another old classmate of mine. He’s serving as a magistrate in a nearby county and was once the top scholar in the imperial examinations. It’s only right we pay him a visit,” Li Xintian replied, recalling his friend.

“Qiuyan, you hardly know me—why follow me on my journey? Your father must be worried about you. You really don’t need to wander the world with me,” Li Xintian said gently, remembering that Hu Qiuyan had been traveling with him for at least a month.

“I may not know you well, but in this month together, I’ve found you a man of principle and courtesy. You’re fair and upright, respectful to all—be they human, demon, or spirit—so long as they do not commit evil. Only wrongdoers earn your disapproval.

And my father has no need to worry. You possess a righteousness that keeps danger at bay,” she said with a smile. “Adventuring with you is far more exciting than staying at home, and I’ll never regret my choice.”

Li Xintian smiled, saying nothing more, feeling his earlier words had been gentle enough.

Hu Qiuyan understood well and laughed quietly to herself. She had no intention of letting Li Xintian go so easily, nor would she give up so soon.

“By the way, how long have you lived?” Li Xintian, not wishing to press her to leave, changed the subject.

“Let me think—about five hundred years,” Hu Qiuyan replied, tapping her chin with a finger.

“You don’t look a day over twenty! How have you spent these five centuries?” Li Xintian was astonished.

She laughed. “That’s the result of five hundred years of cultivation. But it was a dull existence—always in the manor, rarely venturing more than a thousand meters from home. Since meeting you, I’ve discovered how fascinating and thrilling the world beyond can be. It’s far more interesting than staying home.”

So, man and fox walked the road together, chatting as they traveled.

By noon, they reached the county town.

Li Xintian looked up at the sky. A heavy sense of resentment hung in the air—the town must have seen many murders.

“Xintian, this…” Hu Qiuyan, too, sensed the pall.

“Let’s go into town and see for ourselves what’s happened,” Li Xintian said, cutting her off.

“All right,” Hu Qiuyan nodded, following him.

After paying the entrance fee, they walked the streets, which were shrouded in gloom.

“Perhaps we should visit your classmate the magistrate first and ask about the situation?” Hu Qiuyan suggested.

“Good idea. Come with me,” Li Xintian agreed. He asked a passerby for directions to Hong Tianyun’s residence.

After several streets, they arrived at the Hong estate.

Li Xintian stepped forward and knocked on the door.

“May I ask whom you’re seeking?” A middle-aged man answered.

“Here is my calling card,” Li Xintian said, handing it over.

“A calling card? Very well,” the man replied, taking it.

“Thank you for your trouble,” Li Xintian said with a bow.

“No need for thanks. Please wait a moment,” the man replied, closing the door and heading toward the main hall.

In the main hall of the Hong residence, a sharp-faced, shrewish woman was shouting, “That poisonous woman must leave! It’s her or me!”

Hong Tianyun looked troubled. At that moment, Steward Wen entered. The servants around lowered their heads.

Only Yang Surong, Hong Tianyun’s primary wife, stood weeping, wronged and aggrieved.

“Master, two young guests have arrived—a man and a woman. Here is their card,” Steward Wen announced, handing over the calling card.

Hong Tianyun opened it and, seeing who it was, his sour mood vanished. Delighted, he exclaimed, “Quick, come with me to greet Brother Zhixian!”

He took Yang Surong by the hand, hurrying out, ignoring the shrewish woman entirely. Steward Wen and the servants followed, leaving the woman fuming and wondering who this Zhixian could be to so swiftly lift Hong Tianyun’s spirits.

“Ha! Brother Zhixian!” Hong Tianyun threw open the door, embraced Li Xintian, and clapped him on the back.

“Ha! Tianyun, it’s been too long,” Li Xintian replied, turning to the lady beside his friend. “Madam Hong, it’s been a long time.”

“Greetings, Scholar Li,” Yang Surong replied with a curtsy, though her eyes were still red.

“Yes, it’s been a long time,” Hong Tianyun released his friend and patted him on the shoulder. “Come in, quickly.”

“In future, Brother Zhixian, you needn’t wait at the door. You’re always welcome to wait for me in the hall,” Hong Tianyun instructed.

“Yes, Master,” the steward and servants replied, glancing at Li Xintian to remember his appearance.

“Zhixian, I see you’ve found yourself a companion at last! Is this young lady…?” Hong Tianyun asked, smiling at Hu Qiuyan.

“This is my—” Li Xintian began, but was interrupted.

“I am Xintian’s beloved. I’ve accompanied him all the way here,” Hu Qiuyan declared, slipping her arm into his. She knew Li Xintian would never admit such a thing himself.

“Well, Brother Zhixian, you’re a fortunate man,” Hong Tianyun laughed. “I remember you only ever showed affection for your childhood sweetheart. How is she?”

Hearing this, Hu Qiuyan tightened her grip on Li Xintian’s arm.

“Since I left the exams, I haven’t seen her in five years. I don’t know how she is,” Li Xintian replied, a little embarrassed.

Before they reached the hall, the shrewish woman appeared, calling out to Hong Tianyun.

“Yubao, I have guests to attend to,” Hong Tianyun said, raising a hand to stop her.

“Tianyun, I see you have household matters to tend to. Perhaps I should excuse myself?” Li Xintian suggested.

“Brother Zhixian, you are my great benefactor. Without your guidance, I never would have become top scholar. There’s no need for you to leave—perhaps you can even help,” Hong Tianyun insisted.

“Well, I may not be of much help, as these are your family affairs,” Li Xintian replied with a bow.

In the main hall, Li Xintian finally learned what had transpired: Hong Tianyun’s primary wife, Yang Surong, had purchased medicine for the concubine Yubao, but was accused of poisoning Yubao and her unborn child.

Yubao had been recommended by Yang Surong herself, who hoped Hong Tianyun would have an heir. Now, with both women blaming each other, it was impossible to know whom to trust. Yubao’s background was also unclear, and Yang Surong had deceived Hong Tianyun in the past.

“Zhixian, could you offer your insight?” Hong Tianyun summarized the matter.

“Do you truly wish me to analyze this?” Li Xintian hesitated, reluctant to interfere in family disputes.

“Brother Zhixian, everyone at the academy knew you were the wisest among us—able to discern right from wrong. It’s a pity you never sought an official post,” Hong Tianyun replied with conviction.