Chapter 112 — IAVD (QT) Chapter 112

Qi Feng hurriedly ran back home.

Pushing open the door, the house was empty. He called out Qi Xiaoman’s name twice, receiving no response, and then remembered that Qi Xiaoman had fallen ill. He quickly pushed open her bedroom.

It was empty as well.

Qi Feng panicked, his legs weakening, and he collapsed to the ground. His expression was terrified, his eyes dazed.

“Little sister…”

Because of his stubbornness, his sister had gotten into trouble.

Qi Feng’s eyes turned bloodshot as he looked toward the Su family.

Ji Xiu, the Su family—they were irreconcilable enemies!

If his sister really got hurt, he would spend his entire life eradicating Ji Xiu and the Su family to console her spirit in heaven.

Otherwise, how could he face his deceased parents?

Just as Qi Feng was lost in self-pity, a neighbor, hearing the commotion, came to the courtyard gate and told him that a group of people had taken Qi Xiaoman away.

“She seemed to have fainted and didn’t react much,” the worried neighbor woman said. “Could something have happened?”

Qi Feng looked up at her, his face filled with resentment, like looking at the murderer of his parents: “If you saw them, why didn’t you stop them!”

The neighbor woman took three steps back, ashamed: “I…I still have children at home…”

“Xiaoman treated you so well, are they not worth more than your own children?” Qi Feng said bitterly, mocking her. “I see now, you’re also someone who repays kindness with hatred.”

The neighbor woman’s guilt turned into confusion. Wait, when did she ever receive any favor from the Qi family?

Everyone here was poor; wasn’t it normal to help each other? After the Qi couple passed away, she had even helped arrange the funeral.

The neighbor woman felt aggrieved and started to argue with Qi Feng.

But being timid, she could not debate with the educated Qi Feng. In no time, she was scolded into fleeing home, covering her face in shame.

Qi Feng sneered at her retreating figure: “Petty person!”

But even after driving away the neighbor woman, Qi Feng still couldn’t find Qi Xiaoman. The old Qi house was terrifyingly silent, with only him inside.

Scanning the empty house, he gave a bitter laugh and muttered to himself: “Why bother with outsiders? My sister is still in Ji Xiu’s hands.”

But how to save his sister, he had no clue.

After a night of pondering, he got up and thought of a plan.

If he could meet the young lady of the Su family and explain the situation, she would surely understand and sympathize with him. Then she could plead with Ji Xiu, and his sister could return.

Report to the authorities?

Qi Feng showed disbelief. With Ji Xiu involved, what use would that be? He had to find another way.

Without hesitation, Qi Feng got out of bed, took some silver, went to a street corner for breakfast, and then headed toward the Su family.

The old master Su had just passed away. The Su family’s house was still draped in white cloths, but it wasn’t quiet at all.

Numerous wealthy merchants held gold and jewels outside the gates, hoping to meet Ji Xiu.

Qi Feng glanced from afar, a flash of anger in his eyes, and turned to the corner to find another way into the Su household.

…

Three days passed in a blur.

Qi Feng wandered outside the Su family walls every day, unable to find a way in, becoming increasingly disheveled.

No one had boiled water, so he hadn’t bathed for three days. No one had cooked, so he had eaten out, spending the last of his family’s savings. His stomach was empty, letting out pitiful groans.

He had never been so miserable!

Qi Feng now hated Ji Xiu and the Su family with a burning intensity. Looking up at the Su family plaque, his eyes filled with disgust and rage, wishing he could tear Ji Xiu apart.

“What are you looking at?”

A voice, melodious and pleasant, came from somewhere.

Qi Feng froze and carefully looked, only to see a small head peeking out from behind the wall.

It was a delicate young girl in a pink dress. He couldn’t tell if she was standing on a rock or something else, but she looked down at him, her expression curious.

Qi Feng’s heart leaped. Could it really be that easy?

Such a beautiful girl, in such rich clothing—who else could she be if not the Su family’s young lady?

Qi Feng quickly adopted a polite and gentle demeanor and confidently introduced himself.

Born in the southern part of the county as a poor boy, he was handsome, intelligent, and talented in studies. Everyone in the neighborhood praised him as an exceptional child. Many wanted their daughters to marry him, but he refused. Later, when he attended the academy, even the headmaster wanted his daughter to marry him.

He was confident that no one would refuse friendship with him if he wished.

The girl looked at him curiously. As he introduced himself, her expression changed, wrinkling her nose in disdain: “So you’re a lowly commoner.”

With that, she jumped down from the rock, clapped her hands, and walked away.

Qi Feng: “……”

He was furious, unable to understand why he was scorned. Was his appearance and conduct truly inferior to wealth and status?

He even wanted to say, “Thirty years on the east bank, thirty years on the west—don’t underestimate a poor boy…”

After all, Ji Xiu had once been a mere son-in-law to the Su family, right?

How was he worse than those rich kids? They just had a good father.

Ji Xiu’s daughter was just as spoiled and cruel as him!

Qi Feng ignored the girl’s pink dress—since the Su family was in mourning, Su Ling’er wouldn’t wear such bright clothing. He had mistaken a newly hired maid for Su Ling’er, infuriating him more than when he first discovered Qi Xiaoman missing. Clutching his chest, he was nearly deranged.

He kicked the wall violently, his face twisted.

The noise drew the attention of the royal guards hiding nearby. They couldn’t stand seeing Qi Feng wandering like a fool, flaunting a challenge to their dignity.

“What are you doing?” The guards appeared, staring at Qi Feng like wolves eyeing a lamb. “Don’t you know this is Lord Ji’s residence? How dare you destroy things here?”

Qi Feng was startled. Covering his face with his hair, he bolted in another direction.

The guards chased him briefly, laughing at how nearly he lost his trousers, then stopped.

“This boy is useless. Did you see that? Just a little scare and he nearly fell, hahaha.”

“Yes, he crouched outside for days and didn’t dare climb the wall, now a little scare and his legs are weak. What a waste.”

“After all, a scholar like Lord Ji who remains calm in crises is rare. I once guarded the Left Chancellor; he may look mighty in court, but in danger, he faints faster than anyone.”

The group laughed, looking down on scholars, but were very respectful to Ji Xiu.

Years ago, Ji Xiu, as an imperial inspector, faced corrupt officials attempting to kill him. Surrounded by 300 men at a post station at midnight, he remained calm, fought his way out, joined local troops, and crushed the corruption in Jiangnan, impressing everyone.

Compared to Ji Xiu, other scholars seemed insignificant.

…

Qi Feng escaped from outside the Su family wall and headed home to hide.

Upon arriving, he found several people in the courtyard.

Dozens of strong men stood neatly, in uniform, tall and muscular, their faces fierce.

Qi Feng’s legs weakened.

Had the Su family’s power grown so fast to find him?

“Brother?” Qi Xiaoman heard the commotion and came out, surprised and delighted to see Qi Feng. “You’re back! I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Xiaoman?” Qi Feng froze.

Qi Xiaoman pressed her lips and shyly said: “Brother, I won’t be called Qi Xiaoman anymore. My name is Zhao Xiaoman.”

What?

“My real parents sent people to find me. I’m not my parents’ child; I’m a child of the Jin Yang Marquis House, lost outside.”

Seeing Qi Feng stunned, she hurriedly explained: “I’m not after wealth, but I saw the evidence. The portrait of Lady Hou matches me perfectly, they knew about my safety amulet and the red birthmark on my foot. That’s why I trusted them…”

Qi Feng slowly regained composure, looked at her, and then at the guards surrounding her. A complex light flashed in his eyes.

He spoke slowly and gently, interrupting her: “Don’t worry, sister. I trust you.”

Qi Xiaoman froze, looking at Qi Feng.

Qi Feng smiled, still gentle and refined: “Let’s go inside. You were missing for days; I thought something had happened. Tell me where you’ve been.”

Seeing her brother’s disheveled state, she felt guilty and obediently went inside to explain.

Two maids stood inside.

Xiaoman embarrassedly explained: “The Marquis House said my status is important, so they bought a few maids and attendants locally.”

Qi Feng nodded, glancing at the maids: “You may leave. Xiaoman and I have things to discuss.”

The maids hesitated, glancing at Xiaoman.

She nodded: “Follow brother’s instructions.” The maids bowed and left.

Qi Feng’s eyes flashed with irritation—maids who pick favorites and ignore his orders.

Yet he remained composed, smiling gently.

Xiaoman’s return seemed to awaken his rationality.

Against Ji Xiu and the Su family, he was inexperienced.

But Xiaoman admired her brother and kept no secrets. Controlling such a girl would be easy.

The more certain of victory, the more patience required.

Qi Feng’s nature was like this—desperate but waiting like a wolf.

Days later, Qi Feng left Shanglang County with the Marquis House, heading to the capital.

…

The news of Qi Xiaoman and Qi Feng leaving reached Ji Xiu that day.

Since he orchestrated it, he wasn’t surprised. He even sent a letter through the Marquis House advising the Jin Yang Marquis to protect Xiaoman from water, as her element was fire.

The Jin Yang Marquis House, with six sons and one daughter, had long sought Xiaoman, finally finding her last month in Shanglang County.

According to the original timeline, they would have found her in three months.

Ji Xiu’s intervention accelerated the process, preventing Xiaoman’s illness or Zhao Xiaoman’s transmigration, altering the original timeline.

It was a test of the world consciousness—to see whether the chosen protagonists were selected by name, body, or soul.

A bold experiment, but so far, no issues.

In the coming decades, the real heroine Zhao Xiaoman might still transmigrate, making the outcome uncertain.

Only when Xiaoman lived to old age would it be clear.

Ji Xiu: …Time to focus on staying healthy!

…

After the mourning period, the Su family resumed normal life, receiving guests daily.

Su Ling’er, now 18, could no longer delay a marriage even as a son-in-law candidate.

Many coveted Ji Xiu’s status and Su family wealth, seeking to marry her.

Ji Xiu did not mind their intentions; wealth and power ensured lifelong loyalty.

Yet he could not find a suitable match.

Su Xiangyu advised him not to be too picky.

“I know Ling’er is perfect to you, but that boy isn’t bad. Second son of a prominent family in Jiujiang, already a scholar, good character, fell in love with Ling’er three years ago, willing to wait, and willing to marry in. What’s your dissatisfaction?”

Ji Xiu was irritated, but acknowledged this was due to his fatherly bias.

“Then let them interact for a while,” he decided reluctantly, and told Su Ling’er:

“Ling’er, you are my precious daughter. Remember: the world has many men, but you have only one. If a man displeases you, tell me—I will annul it and find another. Even with children, no one can take them. You can have as many as you want, and as many husbands as you want. Don’t care about others’ opinions; I’ve got your back!”

“Rules only bind honest people.”

Su Ling’er was stunned.

Ji Xiu’s serious expression conveyed a father’s love behind rebellious words.

“Father, I’m your daughter. I won’t suffer losses! If he wrongs me, I’ll replace him immediately!”

The young suitor trembled, fearing failure.

…

After Su Ling’er married, Ji Xiu, prompted by the emperor, returned to the capital, intending to serve the emperor a few more years before retiring home.

In the capital, he noticed changes: the newly recovered heiress of Jin Yang Marquis was now the Crown Princess, the emperor’s sole female consort, fully favored.

The Marquis House and Crown Prince formed a strong alliance, causing other princes to step back. The Crown Prince handled several matters effectively, earning the emperor’s praise, securing the throne.

Ji Xiu wondered: the female lead became Crown Princess, but what about the male lead?

The Marquis House’s search for the heiress had caused a stir. Ji Xiu investigated and discovered that Qi Xiaoman had returned to the capital with Qi Feng.

Qi Feng’s intentions were invisible to Xiaoman. The Marquis House soon decided to send Qi Feng to a strict academy, separating him from Xiaoman.

Qi Feng went mad, publicly questioning the Marquis House, offending them.

Rumors spread: how could someone fall for a girl who grew up with him? Did she have special charms? Did they have a secret relationship?

Ultimately, Qi Xiaoman refused to see Qi Feng again, leaving him without support.

Qi Feng never understood why the Marquis House preferred a tarnished daughter over marrying her to him, to quell gossip.

They weren’t siblings. Marriage would have easily turned a joke into a story.

The Marquis House: “You? Impossible.”

With six capable sons, they wouldn’t let their only daughter suffer.

Soon, the Crown Prince fell for Qi Xiaoman at first sight, marrying her into the Eastern Palace, dispelling rumors.

The Marquis House discovered the gossip had been spread by Qi Feng.

Now, Qi Feng was nowhere to be found.

Ji Xiu imagined Qi Feng’s fate, which couldn’t have been good.

He had some moral sense, at most a burglary.

But for a powerful man of that era, killing a commoner was simple.

Ji Xiu compared the original timeline and the present, feeling satisfied.

If Zhao Xiaoman never occupied Qi Xiaoman’s body, and her soul dissipated, all the better.

…

In winter, a court banquet was held at the West Warm Pavilion.

Qi Xiaoman had just discovered her pregnancy, escorted by the Crown Prince.

On the way, they met Ji Xiu, who smiled: “Shall we go together?”

The Crown Prince felt disturbed but accepted, as refusal was difficult.

At the pavilion, a palace maid bumped into Qi Xiaoman on the bridge. The Crown Prince didn’t catch her, and she nearly fell into the water—

Ji Xiu intervened just in time.

Qi Xiaoman was shaken; the Crown Prince was grateful, thanking Ji Xiu repeatedly.

Ji Xiu calmly explained: “The Crown Princess is fire-element; she must stay away from water, especially now during pregnancy.”

He had learned that in the past three years, Qi Xiaoman often had accidents near water, but always survived due to the Marquis House’s resources and imperial doctors.

During pregnancy, it was more dangerous. Learning of her pregnancy, Ji Xiu accompanied her, and indeed, an incident occurred.

The Crown Prince, having been startled, agreed to extra protection. Twenty guards were assigned to her daily until she became empress.

Since then, no more water accidents occurred.

Ji Xiu speculated that as the mother of the nation, her aura overpowered the transmigrated female lead.

Satisfied, he no longer needed to stay in the capital.

…

The year after the Crown Prince ascended, Ji Xiu feigned illness, retired, and returned to Shanglang County to spend his remaining years with Su Xiangyu and Su Ling’er.

He held office for ten years, implementing reforms, earning people’s love, and securing his place in history.

Later readers found that besides his career achievements, his family and love life were equally intriguing.

What kind of love made him, despite wealth and status, maintain his position as a son-in-law and remain by his wife’s side?

What fatherly love allowed him to tell his daughter to “change men like changing clothes” in such a rebellious era?

Famous mathematician and businesswoman Su Ling’er wrote in her autobiography about her father Ji Xiu’s lifelong influence.

Perhaps, from these fragments, we glimpse a legendary story in history.