Chapter 89: 探望
[Visit]
Hearing the voice, Tang Xiaobao and the others startled before turning to look behind them. There stood a man clad in dark robes, observing them. Even his plain attire couldn’t conceal the noble aura radiating from him.
Thinking he might be Ji Ling’s friend, Tang Xiaobao stepped forward and addressed him, “Yes, I am Ji Ling’s husband.”
Upon hearing this, the man discreetly appraised the young man before him. His gaze lingered on those exceptionally clear eyes, revealing a heart that was indeed transparent. Remembering the purpose of his visit, he offered a smile. “I heard Brother Ji had encountered some trouble, so I came to see if any assistance was needed. I never imagined I’d find you here. Since I’m heading inside anyway, shall we go together?” Though phrased as a question, his tone carried absolute certainty.
Tang Xiaobao looked at him and nodded. Then, with a hint of unease, he glanced at the guard stationed at the door. Just moments ago, this very guard had stubbornly refused them entry. He wondered if the young master before him could actually get them inside.
Following Tang Xiaobao’s gaze, Young Master Huang instantly understood his concern. He smiled at him, then signaled with his eyes to the servant behind him. The servant, catching his master’s glance, promptly produced an object resembling a token and presented it to the guard. The guard, who had been aloof moments before, instantly changed his expression. He bowed deeply, his demeanor suddenly deferential, his voice tinged with trepidation. “I did not recognize your noble presence, sir. My eyes were blind. Please forgive my ignorance. I shall escort you inside at once.”
Young Master Huang looked thoroughly satisfied. He nodded at the guard, then turned to Tang Xiaobao, who had been watching them eagerly from behind. His voice softened as he said, “Let’s go inside.”
“Thank you, Young Master.” Originally thinking he wouldn’t see Ji Ling, Tang Xiaobao was overjoyed by this unexpected turn of events. He nodded vigorously before following the young master inside.
Seeing Tang Xiaobao’s reaction, young master Huang paused in surprise before breaking into a relieved smile. He thought to himself, “Who would’ve guessed that Ji Ling, with all his scheming, would marry a man with such an exquisite heart?”
The moment they entered, an indescribable stench hit them. Tang Xiaobao, already anxious, recalled the tortures he’d seen in TV dramas, his heart racing. He hurriedly followed the guard inside. Each time they passed servants in dire straits, their anxiety deepened. Only upon reaching the final cell door and seeing Ji Ling did they breathe a slight sigh of relief.
Ji Ling sat on a neat pile of straw, eyes closed—whether asleep or lost in thought was unclear. Her clothes bore patches of mud, lending him a disheveled air.
“Husband.” Tang Xiaobao nearly shed tears at the sight of Ji Ling, but he remembered they were outside and managed to compose himself. He even recalled his promise to him, calling out, “Husband.”
At the sound of his voice, Ji Ling slowly opened his eyes. There stood his husband, accompanied by servants, tears welling in his eyes as he gazed at him. The tears hung precariously, ready to fall, making the sight all the more heartbreaking. Ji Ling realized that his sudden disappearance must have terrified Tang Xiaobao. He stood up, brushed his clothes, then walked over to Tang Xiaobao and smiled. “I’m fine. It was just your sudden arrival that left me looking a bit disheveled.”
Hearing his words of comfort, Tang Xiaobao nodded. He glanced around, satisfied to see no visible injuries, and finally relaxed.
Watching the two quickly ignore him upon meeting and even find time to comfort each other, Young Master Huang couldn’t help but clear his throat to get their attention.
Tang Xiaobao, who had been talking with Ji Ling, froze upon hearing the sound. He then looked at Young Master Huang standing there, staring straight at them. His face flushed instantly. Glancing at Ji Ling, who was looking their way, he said sheepishly, “We were stopped at the gate by the guards just now. Young Master Huang brought us in.”
Young Master Huang waved his hand dismissively, indicating it was no big deal. Before he could offer anything further, Ji Ling bowed his hands in a gentlemanly gesture, his tone tinged with gratitude. “Thank you, Young Master Huang.”
“No problem. I came to see if you needed any help anyway. After all, our business still relies on you to manage it.”
Young Master Huang spoke bluntly, his expression carrying an air of entitlement.
Hearing this, Ji Ling didn’t grow angry. Instead, he found it perfectly reasonable. After all, he and Young Master Huang shared little personal connection; even their business dealings mostly went through Lei Ming. Thus, these words felt entirely convincing. Recalling the favor he’d recently asked Lei Ming to do, Ji Ling believed this matter would be resolved swiftly. He addressed Young Master Huang with utmost courtesy: “I was wrongfully accused from the start. Moreover, I previously entrusted Brother Lei with a small task. I expect to clear my name and be released very soon.”
Seeing Ji Ling speak with such certainty, Young Master Huang nodded in agreement. He trusted Ji Ling’s capabilities. His original purpose in coming had been to recognize Ji Ling’s talent, knowing that cultivating a relationship with him would be advantageous. Now, knowing Ji Ling could extricate himself, he saw no need to say more. He merely turned to Tang Xiaobao beside him and added, “When I depart shortly, I will leave my pass token. Should the guard cause you trouble in the coming days, simply present that token. He will surely let you in.”
Tang Xiaobao had witnessed the guard’s earlier demeanor and surmised the token must be something formidable. He promptly nodded in agreement, then flushed slightly upon realizing how hastily he’d consented. He knew the harsh conditions inside the prison cell. Only with that pass could he bring supplies to Ji Ling. Though it was only for a few days, he couldn’t bear the thought of his suffering there.
Glancing at his husband’s appearance, then at the standing Huang Gongzi, Ji Ling nodded and offered his thanks.
Huang Gongzi, however, paid little heed to such formalities. Seeing Ji Ling didn’t require his assistance, he prepared to take his leave, allowing the remaining two to speak privately. Before departing, he instructed his servant to hand over the waist token they had agreed upon earlier.
After young master Huang departed, Tang Xiaobao turned to Ji Ling, his expression filled with concern. “Did those men harm you? Did they beat you?”
Staring at Tang Xiaobao’s anxious face, Ji Ling shook his head. Reaching through the wooden bars, he gently touched his cheek and smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. I’m a member of the Ji family. No matter what, those men wouldn’t dare act recklessly.”
Seeing Ji Ling’s calm demeanor, Tang Xiaobao’s own tension finally eased. Noticing where Ji Ling was confined, he quickly motioned for his attendants to bring the prepared items forward. He instructed the nearby guards to open the door and deliver the goods inside.
The guards initially seemed reluctant, but their expressions changed instantly upon seeing the waist token left by Young Master Huang in Tang Xiaobao’s hand. They quickly sprang into action, opening the door with great deference and allowing Tang Xiaobao to arrange the items he’d brought for Ji Ling one by one.
Seeing the once-bare floor now covered with cotton quilts and brocade bedding—far superior to the prison’s own provisions—and after arranging the prepared food, Tang Xiaobao finally felt at ease. He conversed with Ji Ling for a long while longer before the repeated urging of the guards compelled him to depart.
Gazing at the sky outside, which was rapidly darkening, Tang Xiaobao clenched the identification token in his hand and declared firmly through gritted teeth, “We’ll come back tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir!” The men behind him responded in unison.
It took Lei Ming some effort to finally locate the Chief Magistrate’s whereabouts. He hurriedly gathered his men and rushed over.
Upon meeting the Chief Magistrate, he learned the incident had already spread far and wide. Even the Chief Magistrate here had heard bits and pieces, though he lacked the full details. Judging by the Chief Magistrate’s demeanor, he didn’t seem indifferent to Ji Ling’s plight. So Lei Ming handed over the items Ji Ling had entrusted to him, then departed—he had other matters to attend to.
Seated in his study, the Old Master opened the letter Lei Ming had left behind, thinking of the man he had most hoped would succeed him. Reading its contents, he trembled, then exclaimed angrily, “That vicious woman!” He then called out toward the door, summoning the servant who had accompanied him.
“Master.” Looking at the eldest master, he knew the man was furious, so even his tone of inquiry carried a hint of caution.
The eldest master did not look at him. He let out a long sigh before instructing, “Have everyone else prepare. We’ll be heading back to the Ji residence in the next few days.”
“Yes, sir.”
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