Chapter 283: 263: Journey to Jinghe (2) Still having Song Zhizhi as bait!
Chapter 283: 263: Journey to Jinghe (2) Still having Song Zhizhi as bait!
Her mind was filled with Luo Xiaolang saying, “She really wanted to kiss Yin Qin.”
She is not overthinking it.
It’s that Luo Xiaolang truly, really… kind of likes Yin Qin.
She heard Luo Xiaolang murmur, “Yin Qin has been coming to look for me lately, I actually find him annoying, sometimes I hate him getting close to me, but I don’t know why, whenever he asks me to do something, I always do it, I never get very angry when he arranges things, when he says we’re friends, I kind of feel happy.”
Luo Xiaolang seemed unable to understand why she both loved and hated Yin Qin.
Song Zhizhi also couldn’t understand why Luo Xiaolang would fall for Yin Qin.
She had always regarded Luo Xiaolang as Wei Ziming’s wife, but now, at this moment, how did she become Yin Qin’s?!
The key is.
Could Yin Qin possibly like Xiaolang?!
Basically impossible.
Even if there were feelings, even if Yin Qin harbored a tiny spring of affection for Luo Xiaolang, it would absolutely never reach the level of his affection for Ji Baixin, in this lifetime, in Yin Qin’s life, the name Ji Baixin would be deeply rooted in his heart, it couldn’t be uprooted, so, anyone who falls in love with Yin Qin other than Ji Baixin would be mistreating herself.
Such a simple Luo Xiaolang, Song Zhizhi simply couldn’t imagine what would happen if she truly fell for Yin Qin!
Luo Xiaolang wouldn’t fight for herself, either.
Just endure it like this, accept it like this?!
Song Zhizhi thought this, while looking at this clean Luo Xiaolang.
She felt that before these feelings had begun, she needed to make things clear to Yin Qin.
Up to this moment, Luo Xiaolang still didn’t feel when she started liking Yin Qin.
In her eyes, she still simply regarded Yin Qin as her friend, just as Yin Qin said, they were the type of friends who would give their all for each other!
The car arrived home.
Song Zhizhi went inside.
She was supposed to go to Jinghe Village tomorrow, she was already feeling quite heavy-hearted, now because of Luo Xiaolang, her mood couldn’t brighten up any more.
She changed into slippers and went upstairs.
Upstairs, her husband had already finished washing up, he was sitting on the edge of the bed reading a book, waiting for her.
Seeing her now, he naturally closed the book, his pleasant magnetic voice gently said, “You’re back.”
Song Zhizhi nodded.
She just walked over, didn’t change clothes, didn’t take a shower, just directly walked towards Ji Baijian and snuggled in his arms.
Ji Baijian didn’t mind, even if she still smelled of alcohol.
But more than that, it was her unique scent.
Song Zhizhi said, “Ji Baijian, I’ll be going to Jinghe Village first thing tomorrow.”
“So you’ve decided to go?” Ji Baijian asked.
His tone sounded somewhat displeased.
Song Zhizhi had mentioned this before, she had told Ji Baijian that she might be assigned to go to Jinghe Village before the list was confirmed. Ji Baijian was very clear at that moment about what kind of dangers she could face if she got sent out.
“Yes, I need to go,” Song Zhizhi confirmed, “Jinghe is the most remote village in Nanyun, I am guessing that, in such an isolated and wild place, it would be easy for Ye Taiting to harm me.”
“So… you’re not afraid?”
“Of course I’m afraid! But I want to resolve things as soon as possible. Actually, I have been thinking a lot about it.”
“What thoughts?” Ji Baijian asked.
Song Zhizhi said, “Forming an alliance with the three major clans is no doubt one of the best ways to protect ourselves, but more importantly, is how to pull down Ye Taiting.”
“Hmm.” Ji Baijian nodded.
“I don’t know what illegal things Ye Taiting had done over the years in the commercial management sector, but I do know one thing for sure, I know he has been hiring killers secretly. Since I know about this crime of his, why can’t we find evidence for it?!”
“It’s easy to pull down Ye Taiting, but…” Ji Baijian furrowed his brows.
“But, it’s hard to smoothly take over the commercial management from Ye Taiting’s hands, right?” Song Zhizhi looked at him.
In this period, Song Zhizhi really thought a lot. Facing the crisis at home and thinking about retaliation against Ji Baijian, she was also pondering a lot of things.
Ji Baijian nodded.
Some things were not stated clearly.
But Song Zhizhi understood it all along.
In fact, after thoroughly understanding all the issues, the situation of Song Zhizhi’s family and Ji Baijian was contradictory.
Song Zhizhi’s thoughts were simple. She just needed to protect their home, and it would be enough to bring to justice the culprit who wanted to frame them. She never thought about having to secure the position of the head of the commercial management—what she wanted was the safety of their family.
But Ji Baijian was different.
In addition to seeking revenge, Ji Baijian also needed to protect the commercial management structure that the Ye family had been maintaining for so many years.
If Ye Taiting’s criminal actions were exposed, Ye Taiting, as the only heir of the Ye family, would inevitably tarnish the reputation of the commercial management. Moreover, the Confucian officials have always been expelling the existence of commercial management. If it wasn’t for the commercial management holding the economic lifeline of Yanshang Country, and its high status in the eyes of the public, the official family would have done something long ago.
Therefore, now is not a suitable time to expose the scandals of the Ye family.
Once exposed, commercial management would easily disintegrate.
At that time, it would be really difficult for Ji Baijian to reestablish commercial management.
Song Zhizhi looked at Ji Baijian and said, “Actually, my main purpose this time is not just to lure the snake out of the hole, but also, I want to confirm Yi Wenhan’s identity.”
“So, you suspect me, don’t you?”
“No.” Song Zhizhi shook her head, “I’m just thinking…if Yi Wenhan dies, what will Ye Taiting do?”
Ji Baijian looked at Song Zhizhi.
Song Zhizhi became serious at that moment, and said straightforwardly, “If we kill Yi Wenhan…”
Ji Baijian was still looking straight at her.
Song Zhizhi was a bit scared of Ji Baijian’s gaze, “I told you that I was reincarnated, right? In my previous life, I was pushed down the rooftop by Yi Wenhan, and then I came back to life. It’s fair to kill him as well, isn’t it? It’s just to repay a life with a life!”
Song Zhizhi tried to justify her words.
Indeed, killing people is against the law.
A common person would not think about killing others!
She took a deep breath and continued, “Think about it, Yi Wenhan is Ye Taiting’s son. Ye Taiting wanted Yi Wenhan to manage Jinghe Village this time for a reason: to let him shine in the commercial management, to win people’s hearts and successfully take over his position. He’s been secretly helping him eliminate hidden dangers and pave the way for his Bright Road. Ye Taiting has started doing all these things. Although not everything has been successful, everything is developing under Ye Taiting’s plan. I was thinking that if everything Ye Taiting has done was for Yi Wenhan, then what would happen to Ye Taiting if Yi Wenhan suddenly died?”
She hadn’t thought about killing Yi Wenhan in this way before.
She is a good citizen, and even if she wanted to kill Yi Wenhan with a knife due to the grudge of her previous life, she wouldn’t do so. She would use her own methods, correct ways to deal with them, just like how she dealt with Nie Xiaofei and Nie Wenzhi. She would always wait for them to expose their faults and then legally sanction them.
However, at this moment, she suddenly didn’t want to wait anymore.
Yi Wenhan’s background is too big, and it’s hard to wait for a result.
But if Yi Wenhan suddenly died, and all the hope Ye Taiting had was gone, could Ye Taiting still hold on?
Song Zhizhi looked at Ji Baijian and asked him, “Do you want to kill him?”
Ji Baijian seemed to smirk and said, “Does the lady think he deserves to die?”
“Yes.”
“Then kill.”
“Then kill.”
It was said so casually.
To even consider this, Song Zhizhi had made a big decision, not to mention implementation!
Yet Ji Baijian, could be so indifferent.
She didn’t know whether she should admire him or not.
“So, my departure this time not only allows Ye Taiting to find an opportunity to deal with me, but also paves the way for the mantis to catch the cicada and the oriole to be behind. At this moment, when Ye Taiting thinks we don’t know Yi Wenhan’s identity and has no guards up, we will give him a fatal blow!” Song Zhizhi said viciously, “Without an heir, Ye Taiting might go mad.”
Ji Baijian nodded.
“And if he really goes crazy, three leading chiefs will jointly ask him to step down and I believe things will go smoothly afterwards,” Song Zhizhi said to Ji Baijian, “so our focus should have been Yi Wenhan rather than Ye Taiting.”
“Madam has become very clever,” Ji Baijian praised generously, “it’s not easy to deal with Ye Taiting; you’ve thought it through very thoroughly. I don’t want anyone to tarnish the reputation of the Commercial Management; it’s a kingdom my grandfather and several generations above us established and I don’t want to destroy it overnight. That’s why I’m a bit hesitant in dealing with Ye Taiting, I fear the loss of public support. With the official family eyeing us for the past few years, sooner or later, the Commercial Management will become their prey. So, I need to solve both the internal issues and external threats. For many years, I’ve not made rash moves partly because of my insufficient power, and partly for the reasons mentioned.”
Song Zhizhi listened to what Ji Baijian said.
Ji Baijian continued, “Yi Wenhan’s identity, if not for your appearance, I might not have really known it now. Even knowing who he is, I didn’t plan on moving against him now, for fear of triggering Ye Taiting’s revenge when I haven’t really won over the other leading chiefs yet, and whether I can pacify the Commercial Management by myself. But I must say, given the current situation, it’s time to confront Ye Taiting directly.”
Song Zhizhi laughed.
It’s rare for her to think ahead of Ji Baijian.
Ji Baijian said, “Eventually, I just don’t believe you should offer yourself as bait.”
“Without me, how else can we put Ye Taiting off his guard?” Song Zhizhi replied, “Aside from Ye Taiting and his confidants, possibly only the two of us know Yi Wenhan’s real identity, so why don’t we make good use of our upper hand?”
Ji Baijian didn’t respond.
Undoubtedly, this trip to Jinghe seemed dangerous, and indeed it was, but it was also an opportunity for them.
Ye Taiting is intent on killing Song Zhizhi to undermine Song Shan’s influence, but little does he know, they are also taking advantage of this opportunity he’s created to kill his only son!
Ye Taiting should never suspect that his actions are all anticipated and guarded against by them, let alone that he’d fall into their trap.
Although, there are many benefits for Song Zhizhi to take this trip.
In the end.
It’s dangerous.
So at that moment, Ji Baijian hesitated to agree.
“Ji Baijian,” Song Zhizhi looked at him, knowing his concerns.
Ji Baijian has been suppressing himself for so many years, from watching his family tormented and scattered, to being brutally murdered himself. Over these years, he must have been desperate to exact revenge. Now is the best time to act, he shouldn’t hesitate because of her.
Song Zhizhi tightly held Ji Baijian’s hand, “I’ve explained to my father and he agrees for me to go. Considering the present situation, he believes it’s important to find evidence against Ye Taiting. Only then can we bring him down from the stage of history, and solve our family crisis. My father has agreed to let me go with Wei Ziming and Luo Xiaolang.”
Ji Baijian remained silent, just watching her.
Song Zhizhi was telling him that since her father has already agreed, he should have no qualms.
But…
He didn’t trust her father that much.
Even while mediating the conflict between the two parties in his own way.
Song Zhizhi continued, “Ji Baijian, we were lucky to find each other. I’m truly grateful to heaven for giving me a second chance in life, and even more so, for letting your soul travel in time. I feel like every day we’re borrowing from the heavens, as if it’s all unreal. I’m scared that when I wake up, we may not exist and we’ll just be bubbles in this world…”
Ji Baijian swallowed hard.
Seeing the sentimental side of Song Zhizhi.
He held her hand, “I’m more afraid than anyone else of losing what we have now. But… in addition to our existence, we need to do more for our families. Our family has always been under the shadow of the Ye family. If we do not take down Ye Taiting, our family will always be on edge. Your family was brutally usurped and murdered by Ye Taiting’s family. If Ye Taiting doesn’t face retribution, your family will never rest in peace. Ji Baijian, we both bear so much and we must act. Now is an opportunity, and we must seize it.”
“If I don’t agree, you’ll still go, won’t you?” Ji Baijian asked her.
Song Zhizhi had thought everything over.
For her, and for him.
So regardless of whether he agrees or not, Song Zhizhi will still go.
His eyes met hers.
Watching Song Zhizhi nod, “Yes, I have to go.”
“Alright,” said Ji Baijian.
He agreed.
No matter what, he was going to agree.
Song Zhizhi looked at Ji Baijian.
She and Ji Baijian, more often apart than together.
They’ve been married for a while, and whether it’s because of personal reasons or external factors, they’re always parting ways.
She was truly content with the happiness she has now, but she knew she couldn’t be indulgent.
With so many dangers and crises surrounding them, they couldn’t be satisfied with their current state or back down.
This time.
She hoped it would bring closure.
She leaned into Ji Baijian’s arms.
Ji Baijian held her close, tightly.
They were fully aware of how dangerous this trip to Jinghe could be.
Killing Yi Wenhan wasn’t as easy as it seemed, let alone killing him and keeping themselves safe in the aftermath.
Everything… had to be faced directly!
…
The next day.
Song Zhizhi woke up early.
Ji Baijian was by her side, watching her pack for her departure.
Song Zhizhi looked into Ji Baijian’s eyes.
She felt a sudden softness in her heart.
Last night, Ji Baijian didn’t say a word, he just held her, as if afraid of her leaving.
As daylight broke, she still had to leave.
This parting, whether it led to a delightful reunion or… separation by death, no one knew.
She said, “Ji Baijian, I’m leaving.”
“Madam,” Ji Baijian called to her.
Song Zhizhi was always touched by his address.
He said, “Take care of yourself.”
“I certainly won’t die until the last moment,” Song Zhizhi promised.
Ji Baijian nodded.
She left.
Ji Baijian watched her recede.
Slowly.
He rose, picking up the crutch beside him.
His leg had healed considerably.
But he would still use a crutch to avoid any aftereffects.
It seemed.
It wouldn’t be much longer.
Song Zhizhi’s decision was right.
Some opportunities truly can’t be missed; once missed, they might never return.
He picked up the phone and dialed.
The call was quickly answered. The other end was beyond respectful, “Mr. Ji.”
“Have the people in Jinghe been arranged?”
“Everyone has already moved there in advance, Mr. Ji can rest assured, as soon as madam arrives, we’ll do our best to ensure her safety.”
“Mmh.”
Ji Baijian hung up.
After all, he had allowed her to serve as bait.