CHAPTER 396: CHAPTER 393: LOST

As Xie Liangchen’s carriage passed by the Ministry of Justice, she happened to see an eunuch riding towards the palace gates.

Also accompanying her in the carriage was Meng Changshu, who whispered, "They’ve been arresting people outside lately. I heard from my uncle that it might be because Xiao Xingzong confessed about his accomplices after arriving in the Capital City."

Xie Liangchen nodded, "Probably!" She was on good terms with Meng Changshu, but there were things she couldn’t speak of; knowing too much might bring trouble, and now wasn’t the time.

Moreover, the statement had some truth, only most people didn’t know that Xiao Xingzong’s accomplice was the current Emperor.

The two had agreed to make a stop at the "Child Care Institute," where children without parents or family were residing. In the cold winter months, the court gathered them together, providing meals until spring, when the government office would arrange their future.

During this period, wealthy families in the Capital City were donating food and clothing.

The carriage stopped, and Xie Liangchen and Meng Changshu disembarked together. The Meng family servants and Chang Yue carried the items they had brought into the Child Care Institute.

"Commandery Princess," Chang Yue remarked from the side, "Ji Yuan is here too."

Xie Liangchen glanced somewhat casually in the direction Chang Yue indicated, seeing a man in a blue robe talking with a child.

Ji Yuan, this face appeared much fresher than when Xie Liangchen had seen him in her previous life, with a touch of shyness and gentleness, yet this face was just a guise Ji Yuan put on.

Xie Liangchen had seen Ji Yuan after he gained power, when he no longer needed to hide. That greedy, deceitful, and cruel face was still vivid in her memory.

At this time, Ji Yuan had just fought a few battles in the army, achieving small victories, but these achievements were rather insignificant and couldn’t advance his career.

Additionally, the Ji Family lacked the capability to support him, so he had to rely on his uncle, seeking shelter under the Wang Family’s protection for survival. Perhaps he was secretly aligned with Prince Lu, but without accomplishments, the prince wouldn’t heavily employ him.

If not for marrying Meng Changshu, Ji Yuan would never have had such a promising future, but unfortunately, Ji Yuan had impure intentions from the start.

At this moment, Ji Yuan appeared thin and unsupported, yet he harbored ambitions and was willing to sincerely treat people.

His interaction with the unfortunate children would certainly linger in Meng Changshu’s memory, and their first meeting would leave a lasting impression on her.

Later, when Meng Changshu learned he was the one her family suggested for her marriage, she would naturally agree to the proposal.

"Liangchen," Meng Changshu said, "Let’s leave after putting down the things, so we don’t keep Ru Chu and Mr. Li waiting."

Xie Liangchen felt a slight surprise. She had heard from the Meng Family Housekeeper that Meng Changshu usually lingered for a long time each visit, yet today, after briefly checking on the children inside, she was eager to leave.

Meng Changshu said, "Let’s prepare the herb illustrations early so we don’t delay next spring’s planting; aren’t you planning to grow more herbs in the eight states? Listen to what Mr. Li has to say."

Meng Changshu was no longer the woman who could only stand aside lamenting the children’s plight. Seeing them live decently, she felt relieved; staying longer wouldn’t offer much help, so she preferred to busy herself with other things.

Meng Changshu pulled Xie Liangchen towards the carriage; the two smoothly boarded, and the carriage departed the Child Care Institute, with Xie Liangchen smiling at Meng Changshu.

"What is it?" Meng Changshu asked, "Is there dirt smudged on my face?"

Xie Liangchen replied, "No."

Ji Yuan must have taken considerable effort for this meeting, secretly inquiring about Meng Changshu, yet didn’t anticipate that she had changed from before. This little shift could let Ji Yuan’s plans today go to waste.

Xie Liangchen couldn’t help but think of her and Song Xian. Even though they experienced life and death together in her previous life, they carelessly missed each other, let alone the one-sidedly contrived encounters by Ji Yuan.

Luckily, she and Song Xian eventually came together, and she remembered the events they faced at sea back then.

Reflecting on it now, the bond between people is truly rare and should be cherished sincerely.

Xie Liangchen came back to her senses: "Just now, Chang Yue told me she saw Ji Yuan at the Child Care Institute."

Meng Changshu displayed a surprised expression, "That... Ji Yuan?"

Xie Liangchen nodded: "After you mentioned him, I kept an eye on the Wang Family in Xizhou and Ji Yuan, asking Song Xian about Ji Yuan. Chang Yue overheard and remembered. Today, when she saw Ji Yuan at the Child Care Institute, she immediately alerted me. But rest assured, sister, I didn’t mention it to anyone else; Ji Yuan wants to marry you."

Meng Changshu naturally trusted Xie Liangchen.

Xie Liangchen continued, "Did Ji Yuan know you’d be at the Child Care Institute, sister?"

Meng Changshu froze as she realized Xie Liangchen’s implication: "Probably not. Ji Yuan hasn’t been to my home yet... Could it be that he deliberately inquired in advance and came to the Child Care Institute specifically to meet me?"

Xie Liangchen shook her head. "I’m not sure, but sister, do stay alert."

Meng Changshu frowned, "Does he think meeting me in private would make me agree to the marriage? This evasive approach is far less honorable than outright visiting my home for a formal request."

Xie Liangchen replied, "Sister Meng’s thoughts are correct; you shouldn’t hastily judge someone based on mere encounters."

Meng Changshu thought of Song Xian: "And what about you and Song Jiedu?"

Suddenly mentioning Song Xian, Xie Liangchen was still a bit bashful: "Initially, I thought Song Xian was someone who lacked empathy, was cold and easily angered. Coincidentally, at that time, I owed him quite a favor, and each time we met, I felt he was there to collect the debt."

Meng Changshu hadn’t expected this scenario.

Xie Liangchen said, "In gratitude for Song Xian’s kindness, I made him a bowl of noodles from the kitchen, but Mr. Song refused to eat them. Outwardly, I remained courteous, yet I felt he was difficult to serve, and besides repaying my debt, I wanted to stay as far from him as possible."

Meng Changshu asked, "When did you start changing your perception of Song Jiedu?"

Xie Liangchen didn’t need to ponder and answered directly, "After seeing him in Zhenzhou, safeguarding the common people, and witnessing his risk-taking efforts to capture the Liao people spies. Later, when he led troops into the eight states, through these experiences, I truly understood his character."

Xie Liangchen couldn’t clearly identify when she began drawing closer to Song Xian. Perhaps after Song Xian expressed "delight"? Or maybe earlier, when an inebriated Song Xian snagged her clothes with a branch, and the next morning she saw him carrying her younger brother to change clothes.

Unknowingly, they grew closer.

"No wonder you’re unafraid about marrying him," Meng Changshu said, "Because you understand Song Jiedu, know the kind of person you’ll marry and the life you’ll lead. If I marry in the future, I want it to be like yours. If I can’t fully comprehend it, I’d rather not take the risk and stay home forever."

During their conversation, they arrived at the Li Family.

Xie Liangchen and Meng Changshu laughed as they got off the carriage, greeted by Li Ruchu and Miss Yan, with the four girls walking into the courtyard.

Today, Mr. Li from the Imperial Hospital was hosting guests, but the invitees were all women, a rarity.

...

Ji Yuan left the Child Care Institute, looking at the wheel marks on the road feeling lost, not expecting Meng Changshu to leave so quickly, and he was certain that Miss Meng hadn’t seen him.

Though it was just a small matter, wanting to meet again, he could still find opportunities, but his heart felt empty, as if a chance he should have had suddenly slipped away.

"Mr. Ji," the Wang Family Steward hurriedly approached, "Something’s happened, Vice General Jiang has been arrested. Second Master wishes to find an excuse to leave the Capital City and has called for you to join the discussion."