You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Chapter 100 — Time to Get Yan Wenxin to Fall Into The Trap!

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

Not expecting Bai Shaochang’s reaction to be so intense, after a moment of astonishment, Wu Xingzi leapt up in shock. Just as he wanted to walk over to see how he was, Man Yue moved even faster. A black shadow flashed past, appearing right next to Bai Shaochang. He took out a pill and shoved it into his mouth, before pouring a cup of tea into his mouth to help him swallow it down.

Although the medicine was given in time, and quite a bit of blood returned to Bai Shaochang’s ashen face very quickly, Man Yue’s action had been very rough. Having just recovered a little, Young Master Bai nearly lost his breath due to choking on the tea, and finally settled down after a long coughing fit.

Wu Xingzi patted his chest. He knew that it would definitely be difficult for Bai Shaochang to accept the information he gave him, but he did not expect that he would vomit blood. Was he not a little too physically weak? Later on, he should remind Man Yue to take care of him a little more, by preparing a tonic soup or something to let Young Master Bai improve his body condition.

As the old fellow was daydreaming, Bai Shaochang had already recovered. He gritted his teeth, the taste of blood still lingering in his mouth, along with the bitterness of the pill as well as the sweetness of the tea. It was truly a dissonance of flavours. However, his mood had inexplicably calmed down, and opening his mouth, he started to question Wu Xingzi.

“How did you know what he said?”

There was no need to mention who that “he” was.

“Zaizong-xiong hails from the same hometown as me.” Wu Xingzi sighed, unconsciously digging his fingers into his palms.

“The same hometown?” Bai Shaochang was astonished, and he studied this ordinary middle-aged man in front of him with even more doubt. “It’s been twenty years since he came to the capital, and he had never mentioned his hometown, as well as any close friends.”

Hearing that, Wu Xingzi smiled wryly. “If it’s me, I wouldn’t mention it either.” He again sighed, picking up his cup and gulping down a few mouthfuls of tea. Wu Xingzi seemed to be very shaken, and Bai Shaochang was even more anxious and doubtful.

“You mean, the two of you once had…” An affair? Even though Bai Shaochang had grown up in a sheltered environment, he still lived in the capital, amongst the aristocrats. He had heard about quite a number of scandals and secrets and schemes, and considering that he was not stupid, he quickly caught on to what Wu Xingzi had implied.

Bai Shaochang was not judging people by their appearances, but it had to be said that Yan Wenxin was very handsome, and the people close to him were also very good looking. He thought that back in his hometown, that would be the same case as well, and Yan Wenxin could have his pick of the lot. Why would he have an affair with such an ordinary, easily-forgettable face?

Wu Xingzi was at a loss by the questioning eyes directed at him. Hanging his head down, he scratched his cheek. He completely lost the sharpness he had just now that forced Bai Shaochang to be shaken so badly that he vomited blood, instead returning to his original bashfulness and mortification.

“If the two of you really had an affair, why did he not return to see you?” This question pierced his heart.

This question basically meant that Bai Shaochang suspected that Wu Xingzi was just flattering himself over the relationship between him and Yan Wenxin. Yan Wenxin most likely had not had any excessive actions towards him, and the two of them at most were just well acquainted. However, Wu Xingzi had fallen for Yan Wenxin, and perhaps, he had continuously badgered him, refusing to listen to his advice to stop. As such, Yan Wenxin ended up not returning to his hometown after becoming the top scholar, all because he wanted to hide from a friend’s “warmth”.

And somehow, the people from the Lord Protector’s estate had discovered this matter. They thus found Wu Xingzi, deliberately framing Yan Wenxin, and tried to trick him into spilling something.

The more Bai Shaochang thought about it, the more he believed that that was the case, and he started feeling a sense of contempt.

With just one glance, Man Yue saw right through him, and he could not resist bursting out with a laugh.

Wu Xingzi naturally understood what Bai Shaochang was implying, but he still gave him a glance, his expression just like normal. Gently, he answered, “If there was no such affair between us, how would I know about the perfume sachet, as well as those words of affection? My tongue is stupid, and I’m not very well educated. How can I compare to Yan-daren’s talent and wits?”

Man Yue laughed again.

Looking at how Wu Xingzi was normally so overly bashful, so cautious and reserved, and always behaving like a quail in front of Guan Shanjin, it was really a surprise that his tongue could be so sharp!

Bai Shaochang too was astonished. He had never met anyone like Wu Xingzi before, how he seemed so discomfited and cautious on the surface, but his words were agreeable yet as sharp as blades. Resenting it, Bai Shaochang was speechless. He could not say a word, and his face alternated between green and red.

Unknowingly, he too discovered that his convictions had been shaken. Even if Yan Wenxin truly held affections towards him, there still lay a number of motives within, and that affection was not as intense as Bai Shaochang himself had thought it was.

“I don’t believe that this perfume sachet is fake.” Bai Shaochang tightened his grip on the perfume sachet in his hand, forcing himself to speak. He laid extra emphasis on “fake”, and it was unclear if he was convincing himself or others.

“You can look at it more closely, or…” Wu Xingzi again nudged the perfume sachet on the table forward, a mediatory gentleness on his face. “I have someone who can embroider one right in front of you, is that alright?”

Bai Shaochang jerked violently, only realising that he had already stepped into a trap of his own making, no longer able to avoid it. During Man Yue’s interrogation a few days ago, he could still stand his ground, and he never had a shred of doubt towards Yan Wenxin. However, he was completely no match against Wu Xingzi’s silent and placid gentleness.

“I don’t believe…” He could still remember Yan Wenxin’s gentleness and charm towards him, as well as that day, how he had saved him from Du Fei. All these memories were still fresh in his mind! “H-he said that, in this life, he would definitely not let me down…”

Wu Xingzi did not have the heart to do so, but after a pause, he still said, “He has already let you down.”

Bai Shaochang blankly looked at the man in front of him, who had a look of sympathy on his face. Self-mockingly, he gave a bitter laugh. Laughing and laughing, tears dripped down his face, splashing onto the table, splashing into his cup, splashing onto the identical perfume sachet in his hand, and there was nothing he could say.

Only then did Wu Xingzi look at Man Yue. Man Yue gave him a nod of gratitude, aware that this obstruction of Bai Shaochang had now been torn down. Affection was like a double-edged sword, enough to make one unafraid of anything, but also enough to make one feel as though their souls had been battered. Bai Shaochang’s previous resolution was all because of his love towards Yan Wenxin. Now, his tears could be considered a form of homage.

“Bai-gongzi, think about Bai-daye, your father. Please don’t shroud yourself in regret and hate for the rest of your life, things are still not too late.” Seeing how pitifully Bai Shaochang was crying, Wu Xingzi could not help but console him.

“What… what were you cheated out of by him?” The tip of Bai Shaochang’s nose and his eyes had turned red from crying, but he had already wiped his tears away, and he tried his best to maintain his original elegance.

Being asked like this, Wu Xingzi looked a little flustered. He looked down, falling into silence for a while. Just as Man Yue planned to help him answer, Wu Xingzi hoarsely spoke up, “It’s been twenty years already. He was a poor scholar, planning on going to the capital to take the imperial exams. However, he did not have enough money, so I gave him everything I had, as well as borrowing around a dozen silver taels for him.”

The grievances had been glossed over in a few simple sentences. With a freedom he had never once felt, he looked up at the young, good-looking man in front of him.

“I don’t blame him for his change of heart. At the end of the day, our feelings were mutual, and neither was forced into it. There is nothing wrong with one wishing to reach further and higher. However, Bai-gongzi, think about the citizens living at the southern borders. This time, Yan Wenxin is not asking you for twenty-three silver taels, but the peace and lives of Great Xia’s citizens. Will you be able to settle this bad, rotten debt of his?”

With one blow, this question had destroyed Bai Shaochang’s infatuation, along with his satisfaction of having sacrificed for Yan Wenxin. It was as though the fog in his head had been dispersed, and he woke up. Now, his fear was causing chills to run down his back.

That was right. A few days ago, Man Yue had already said it while interrogating him. Those letters of communication Bai Shaochang claimed to have fabricated himself, original copies definitely existed, and most of them were integral events that had already occurred. Living in the capital, and without any government position, how did he know about such confidential intelligence? Furthermore, even if somehow, he really knew about certain military secrets, how did he manage to falsify the stamp of the southern barbarian king to the point where there was no difference from the real one?

Previously, Bai Shaochang was unwilling to think too much about it. The correspondence had been prepared for him by Yan Wenxin, and he thought that being the Minister of State Affairs, as well as with his good relationship with the others in court, it was natural for Yan Wenxin to know these secrets. As for the stamp, it was definitely also a forgery, and it was Man Yue who could not see the scheme for itself only.

Thinking about it, if he had insisted on his original testimony, refusing to change it, then the only explanation would be that the oldest son of the Bai family, himself, was inextricably linked to the southern barbarians. However, with how simple his life was, how could it be possible for him to come in contact with them? At the end of the day, Guan Shanjin would still be undeniably blamed for the correspondence, and now, he had instead lied on Guan Shanjin’s behalf in order to save him. In that case, he would never be able to absolve himself from this matter. Even if his father could help him out, it would be impossible between Yan Wenxin and him… It seemed like right from the start, Yan Wenxin had already had this planned.

By the way, how was Yan Wenxin able to fabricate the original correspondence mentioned by Man Yue?

“Zaizong, he…” Bai Shaochang turned pale in fright because of this speculation. He looked towards Man Yue in disbelief.

“Bai-gongzi, I have always reminded you that Lord Yan’s intentions are sinister.” Man Yue gave a broad and honest smile.

Sinister intentions? In a daze, Bai Shaochang looked at Man Yue, smiling bitterly as he felt at a loss for what to do.

He believed that he was not a fool, and he had always held himself to moral integrity. Never had he ever thought that he would have fallen to such a state because of love.

“I-I’ll tell you everything…” Bai Shaochang’s usual straight back hunched over, and his easy grace had completely vanished. His life, right until this very moment, had always been very smooth-sailing. Even the harassment from the Defender Duke’s son was because he liked him, and he usually was very careful in trying to please him due to his fear of the Emperor. The last time when he had suddenly acted so rudely to him on the streets, it was probably only a moment of frustration and overwhelming emotions. Although Bai Shaochang had been shocked, he had never felt humiliated, only a sense of disgust and irritation.

Right at that moment, when Yan Wenxin appeared in front of him, he was so charming. How he held himself like an immortal being and the beauty of the scene could not be put to words. Bai Shaochang willingly offered up his sincere heart, despite knowing that it would be difficult for him to gain an official status with the man. Perhaps, once the matter was exposed, he might even be subjected to curses and names, but he would take the hardship with a smile.

However, it turned out that everything was only a mistake, that he had believed in the wrong man, and loved a wrong man. Behind his back, how exactly was Yan Wenxin mocking him?

Bai Shaochang looked very lost, as though he would faint at any moment. Still, with a trembling voice, he answered all of Man Yue’s questions, finally putting his signature and thumbprint onto a copy of his testimony.

Yan Wenxin truly lived up to his reputation of being an old fox. After starting a love affair with Bai Shaochang, he seemed to have casually mentioned the situation at the southern borders. At the southern borders, Guan Shanjin was a god of war respected by all, and the citizens revered his decisiveness, his blood-thirstiness on the battlefield. Despite there existing some terrifying rumours, they sincerely idolised and loved this general who protected the peace of the southern borders. However, things were different in the capital. The capital was far from the northwest borders, and even further from the southern borders. The young Guan Shanjin was talented, wilful and arrogant, and such an outstanding person would always have many trying to tear them down. However, his foundations were strong, and there was no way that others could succeed. Instead, their attempts were all thrown back in their faces, and they were the ones who ended up suffering the loss. On the surface, the officials in the capital all flattered and praised each other, while underneath, they never let a chance to insult the other slip away from their hands.

Furthermore, Bai Shaochang had heard Guan Shanjin play the qin before. The rumour of him covering his ears and running away from fear because of the blood-thirstiness within was not false. Right from the start, feeling both fear and disgust towards Guan Shanjin, he was easily led astray by Yan Wenxin to believe that Guan Shanjin had traitorous thoughts towards Yan Wenxin, and towards Great Xia. Bai Shaochang’s heart ached for Yan Wenxin, and naturally, he was willing to follow the latter’s instructions.

Yan Wenxin had said that his heart ached for him, and originally did not wish for his beloved to take the risk. However, the more he insisted, the more Bai Shaochang was reluctant for him to face Guan Shanjin alone. Insistent, he convinced Yan Wenxin, then found an opportunity to come close to Guan Shanjin, and did everything according to Yan Wenxin’s instructions.

Foolishly, on his own initiative, he walked into the trap.

“Many thanks to Bai-gongzi for your righteousness. Please, continue remaining as a guest in the Lord Protector’s estate for a few more days with no worries. Once our young master is home, he will escort you home. If you do have any needs, please feel free to inform the staff. Don’t feel too upset over people like Yan Wenxin, our young master will definitely seek justice for you.” Man Yue kept the testimony, the smile on his round face becoming a little more sincere. Turning around, just as he wanted to lead Wu Xingzi away, he was called to a stop by Bai Shaochang.

“H-how are you all planning to deal with him?”

“Hmm…” Man Yue smiled apologetically. “The nation has its laws, like how a family has its rules. If it is confirmed that Lord Yan has interactions with the southern barbarians, endangering our Great Xia, the Emperor will make the final decision. May I ask that Bai-gongzi not worry too much over it.”

Man Yue looked very genial, but his words were warning Bai Shaochang to not even think of pleading mercy for Yan Wenxin, and that it was also pointless to do so. It was true that that man was innately selfish. If this was only a simple fight for power in the courts, it could not be said that Yan Wenxin was unforgivable. However, to offer up the lives of Great Xia’s citizens for his own benefits, even a saint would not be able to make any allowance for it!

Bai Shaochang shuddered, his face again paling a little more. His lips moved, but in the end, he did not say anything more, only bowing his head in hopelessness.

Man Yue led Wu Xingzi away. After instructing the servant standing guard outside the door to take good care of Bai Shaochang, it was only when they were in the parlour that he bowed deeply towards Wu Xingzi. “Mr. Wu, the Lord Protector’s estate and the Guan family army owes you a great debt. In the future, if there’s anything that we can do for you, please let us provide the effort.”

“No, no, there’s no need for that. I did this also because of Haiwang.” Shocked, Wu Xingzi hurriedly denied it. Panic turned his face red, and his palms were all sweaty.

“The General is definitely grateful towards you too.” This time, Man Yue truly was relieved. He did not expect that Wu Xingzi would be able to do so much, that for Guan Shanjin, he could even make use of his own past. He really was a person who could bear to inflict such pain on himself.

Wu Xingzi again shook his head, wanting to speak but faltering as he looked at Man Yue.

“Is Mr. Wu hoping to visit the General in jail?” Man Yue could see his unspoken request and he was not surprised.

“Ai, I was only just wondering, how is Haiwang surviving there, and I keep thinking about him… However, it is the jail, and Yan Wenxin will definitely have eyes on it. I’m only making things difficult for you.” Wu Xingzi truly missed Guan Shanjin too much. Along with being afraid that he was suffering in jail, Wu Xingzi had not been able to enjoy his food at all these days.

“It’s not impossible to see him just once.” Man Yue considered it for a moment, then made his decision. “In any case, you’re already in the Lord Protector’s estate and Yan Wenxin has not discovered it yet. Why not take advantage of this opportunity and let’s take you to the jail? Those spies will definitely not be able to guess that you’re actually so daring!”

“We can do that? Aiyah, I’m really very grateful to you, Vice General Man!” Wu Xingzi’s face shone and he gave Man Yue a bow right there and then.

Man Yue turned his body, avoiding the bow. Taking a large stride forward, he held Wu Xingzi’s arm, speaking as he stroked his chin, “In an hour’s time, there will be a change of guards at the jail. They happen to be our men, so why don’t we take advantage of that timing and sneak inside? It’s just that your face… It’s better if we disguise it a little.”

He did not say much more. Man Yue opened the door, summoning a secret guard. After the two conversed for a moment, he then revealed an ingratiating smile towards Wu Xingzi.

※※※

It was dark and damp in the jail, but it was still considered clean, and there were not many prisoners in custody. They were all locked up a distance away from each other. Together with gusts of winds that blew from somewhere unknown, there were occasional wails and moans. Along the long and winding corridor were dim oil lamps, flickering in the dark, and chills ran down one’s back as they shuddered.

It was time for the change of guards, and it was a little more noisy than usual. The head jailor thus went out and asked a few questions, then not too long later, he returned with two people, one fat and one thin, with a look of impatience.

The fat one was Man Yue of the Lord Protector’s estate and the head jailor knew him. As for the thin one, he should be a lackey. On his face was an ugly, black birthmark, the sight making one lose their appetite. Even so, they could not help but look again. The man had his head lowered, looking very subservient.

“Vice General Man, I’m paid by the government. This time, I’ve made things easy for you and I hope that you can excuse me in the future.” With a superficial smile, the head jailor cupped his hands towards the plump Man Yue. Man Yue hurriedly returned the gesture, offering up a basket of wine and food.

“Many thanks, Wang-daren! I will definitely not make things difficult for you!”

Having gained something out of it, the expression of the head jailor too became less harsh. He jerked his chin up. “There, you can go ahead by yourself. You’ll have to leave in an hour’s time, understood?”

“Of course, of course. Thank you, Wang-daren.” After giving his thanks again, Man Yue then led the thin and ugly lackey further into the jail.

Guan Shanjin was locked up in the deepest part of the jail. Due to his high martial prowess, as well as his insolence, he had a chain around his neck, the other end attached to the wall. The chain was not long, just enough for him to walk to the gate and speak to a person standing there. However, it was impossible for him to reach out between the bars to do anything.

“Haiwang!!” Wu Xingzi, disguised as a servant, could not help but lunge over upon seeing Guan Shanjin. He tried his best to reach through the bars, wanting to touch his beloved whom he had not seen in a long time.

“Wu Xingzi!” Guan Shanjin was astonished. Although Wu Xingzi’s face had been disguised to look ugly and strange, he could still recognise him at one glance.

With no time to care about the piercing screech of the chain around his neck, as well as the pain caused by the choking of the chain, with a flash of his body, he appeared by the gate, holding tightly onto Wu Xingzi’s hands that were reaching towards him.