Yan Jingshu’s joy naturally pleased Jiang Chenghan as well. He thought to himself that although Xie Huan was Xie Shi’s brother, their characters were vastly different—perhaps this was simply innate. But then again, recalling his earlier suspicion, he wondered if it might be more than that.
Jiang Chenghan had returned from the Governor’s residence to have lunch with Yan Jingshu. Now that everything had been cleared up, and Wenxiu arrived to announce that lunch was ready, the three of them headed to the dining hall to eat.
After the meal, Jiang Chenghan sat with Yan Jingshu for a while and chatted with Xie Huan. Seeing that it was getting late, he finally got up and left.
Yan Jingshu had much to say to Xie Huan, but as his body grew heavier day by day, his energy waned. Not long after Jiang Chenghan left, he began to feel drowsy.
Noticing this, Xie Huan, concerned for his health, urged him to rest for a while, assuring him that he would stay for some time and that there would be plenty of opportunities to talk later. Only then did Yan Jingshu feel at ease and obediently return to his room to sleep.
In the following days, as Xie Huan had said, he remained at the Jiang residence. Since Yan Jingshu was pregnant and had reduced mobility, the two seldom went out, spending most of their time conversing in Yan Jingshu’s study.
Though Xie Huan had written many letters and sent books to Yan Jingshu in the past, his whereabouts were unpredictable, making it impossible for Yan Jingshu to reply. Now that they were face to face, Yan Jingshu poured out all the words he had accumulated over the years.
He showed Xie Huan the books he had annotated and asked for his opinions, then shared the damaged books he had restored. Both being book lovers with shared interests, they found endless topics to discuss.
Even at night, when Jiang Chenghan returned home and lay with Yan Jingshu in bed, ready to sleep, Yan Jingshu kept chattering about "Uncle, Uncle," momentarily neglecting Jiang Chenghan.
Jiang Chenghan, far from feeling jealous, listened attentively. After all, Xie Huan was not only someone Yan Jingshu adored but might also hold another, even more significant role in the future. It was only right for him to learn more.
Yet, despite Yan Jingshu’s joy at Xie Huan’s visit, Xie Huan could not stay forever. Half a month after his arrival, it was time for him to leave.
Yan Jingshu was reluctant but did not unreasonably insist on Xie Huan staying. Unable to see him off due to his condition, he asked Jiang Chenghan, who happened to be on leave, to escort Xie Huan in his stead.
During Xie Huan’s stay, Jiang Chenghan had not forgotten his earlier suspicion and sought ways to confirm it.
Unable to directly ask whether Xie Huan was Yan Jingshu’s biological father, he thought that since shuang’er, like women, would show signs of childbirth in a pulse diagnosis, he arranged for the physician checking Yan Jingshu’s pregnancy to examine Xie Huan as well.
However, Xie Huan outright refused, insisting he was fine and knew enough medicine to avoid external diagnosis. Even Yan Jingshu’s persuasion failed to change his mind. Though unsuccessful, Jiang Chenghan was not disappointed. Xie Huan’s resistance to being examined, as if hiding something, only strengthened his conviction.
Before he could devise another plan, Xie Huan prepared to depart.
After seeing Xie Huan out, Jiang Chenghan insisted on escorting him beyond the city gates despite Xie Huan’s protests.
As they moved farther from home, Jiang Chenghan spoke regretfully, "Jingshu mentioned that you left the capital the year he was born. Now that we’ve finally met, who knows when we’ll see each other again?"
Xie Huan pressed his thin lips together, his expression calm but his eyes softening slightly. "...When the chance arises, I’ll visit him—visit you both again."
"Really? That’s wonderful. Jingshu will be overjoyed," Jiang Chenghan said with a smile.
Xie Huan fell silent. After a pause, Jiang Chenghan added thoughtfully, "Jingshu and you share such a bond, and you even resemble each other. One might easily mistake you for father and son. If not for Grandfather’s claim that Jingshu was merely an abandoned infant bought from traffickers, I’d never believe you weren’t blood-related..."
"Is that so..." Xie Huan hadn’t noticed the resemblance, but hearing this, he dismissed it. Having traveled widely, he had seen people who looked alike—or even identical—yet bore no relation, so he found it unremarkable.
Jiang Chenghan watched Xie Huan’s reaction from the corner of his eye. Seeing no change, he decided to push further and sighed. "...But regarding Jingshu’s origins, I suspect Grandfather’s account may not be the whole truth. Otherwise, why would Mother-in-law call Jingshu a ‘bastard born of illicit union’? Though Grandfather dismissed it as nonsense..."
The phrase "illicit union" made Xie Huan’s steps falter imperceptibly. His face remained composed, but his lips tightened briefly, draining of color.
Jiang Chenghan noticed but pretended otherwise and continued, "...This concerns Jingshu’s past. Though disrespectful, I find Grandfather’s words hard to believe. But with so much time passed, and both Grandfather and Mother-in-law refusing to speak further—as if avoiding the subject—and the Xie family being in the capital, I’ve no way to investigate..."
As Jiang Chenghan spoke, Xie Huan’s pace slowed until he stopped entirely, his calm demeanor replaced by dazed bewilderment, his eyes flickering with disbelief.
"...What exactly have they said about Jingshu? Tell me everything—word for word."
This was what Jiang Chenghan had been waiting for. He recounted all he knew without omission.
After listening, Xie Huan grew even more distracted. After a long pause, he asked, "...Jingshu said Yu’er and her mother were sent back to the Yan ancestral home in Qingzhou?"
"Correct," Jiang Chenghan nodded.
Qingzhou, though distant, was closer to Ningcheng than the capital. If Xie Huan sought confirmation, going to Qingzhou to question Xie Shi would be faster than tracking down Xie’s parents in the capital.
"I see." With this answer, Xie Huan could delay no longer. He mounted his horse immediately and, without a final farewell, spurred toward the city gates.
Jiang Chenghan watched him disappear into the distance, thinking that he need do nothing more. Xie Huan would verify the truth himself. All he had to do was care for Yan Jingshu and await the outcome.
With that, once Xie Huan vanished from sight, Jiang Chenghan turned and headed home.
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