BMN : Chapter 33

When Bai Hua saw Jin Yi, he immediately knelt down to confess his guilt.

Before Bai Hua could start, Jin Yi asked, “Do you know where Ming Gongzi is?”

Trembling, Bai Hua replied, “Master, I don’t know where Ming Gongzi is now. He didn’t tell me before he left. It was only on that day that I realized Ming Gongzi had left, and I understood why he gave me money and told me to leave if I had the chance.” He initially thought that Fu Ming’s actions were a precaution in case something happened to the Jin household.

“Are you sure you don’t know where he went?”

“I swear, Master, I wouldn’t dare hide anything. I’ll answer any question you have truthfully.”

“Then tell me where he went and whom he met recently. Don’t leave anything out.”

“Yes, Master.”

Bai Hua, with his head lowered, recalled every action of Fu Ming after Jin Yi was imprisoned, except for the time Fu Ming met Zhou Wanqing. Fu Ming had told him that Miss Zhou was looking for him to discuss rescuing Jin Yi. Bai Hua didn’t want his master to know that Miss Zhou was also concerned about him, especially since Fu Ming and Miss Zhou meeting privately could give rise to rumors. Thus, he kept that information to himself, but disclosed everything else in detail to Jin Yi. Jin Yi then realized that while he was suffering in prison, the person outside was tirelessly working to find a way to save him.

But if Fu Ming had gone to such lengths, why did he end up signing the divorce paper and leaving quietly?

Among the people Fu Ming contacted and the places he visited, Jin Yi sensed that the small courtyard, which was inhabited by an unknown person whom Bai Hua hadn’t met, might hold the key to Fu Ming’s departure.

Jin Yi had Bai Hua lead the way to that courtyard, but found the gate locked and the place seemingly deserted. He immediately ordered his men to investigate who owned the place and to keep watch in case anyone returned.

Days later, Jin Yi finally encountered Yan Le.

Yan Le, having heard that someone had been visiting his purchased courtyard regularly, grew suspicious. When he learned it was Jin Yi, his curiosity deepened. Thus, he presented himself, leading to this meeting with Jin Yi.

Upon seeing him, Jin Yi vaguely remembered having seen this renowned actor before.

Before Yan Le could ask anything, Jin Yi questioned, “Yan Gongzi, do you know Fu Ming?”

Yan Le nodded. “I’ve met Fu Gongzi a few times. I admire his musical talent.”

Jin Yi then asked, “Why did you meet with him frequently recently?”

Yan Le quickly considered his response and decided it wouldn’t hurt to tell Jin Yi. He replied, “Though I’m just a humble actor, I do have some connections, often being invited to the homes of the influential. Fu Gongzi asked me to deliver some items for him.”

Understanding dawned on Jin Yi. He felt a pang of disappointment, believing Yan Le had nothing more to offer in terms of clues. “Sorry to have disturbed you,” he said, preparing to leave.

Sensing something amiss and worried about Fu Ming, Yan Le blurted out, “Jin Jiangjun, may I ask how Fu Gongzi is doing now?”

Noticing the subtle concern in Yan Le’s tone, Jin Yi became curious. “Do you know where he might have gone to find peace and quiet for a few days?”

Yan Le thought that perhaps Fu Ming, having a dispute with Jin Yi and nowhere else to go, had sought solitude. He suggested, “Fu Gongzi often visited the Ci You Bureau for charitable works. He was close with the person in charge there. Perhaps he’s there?”

Jin Yi shook his head, “I’ve already looked there. He’s not.”

Not at the Ci You Bureau? Yan Le wondered if Fu Ming might have gone to the estate his mother had left him. The estate was small, located in the suburbs with mountains, fields, and a lake. They had played there as children. Fu Ming had recently sold much of the land to wealthier farmers but kept a few fields and houses. Though modest and desolate, it was still a place to stay. Yan Le decided to go and check if Fu Ming was there, to ask why he was avoiding Jin Yi.

Yan Le set off in a carriage toward the outskirts of the city. Jin Yi, suspecting Yan Le knew more, secretly followed him.

Yan Le’s journey ended at a small farmhouse at the foot of a mountain. Jin Yi hid in the nearby woods, watching as Yan Le entered the yard. Half an hour later, Yan Le came out, accompanied by someone to the gate. Jin Yi recognized the person as Wanlan. He quickly made his way toward the small courtyard.

As he approached, he overheard Wanlan remark, “I wonder if Yan Gongzi has more to say.” She went to open the door, but when she saw Jin Yi, she exclaimed, “Master, you—”

Without waiting for her to finish, Jin Yi pushed past and headed straight for the house.

Inside, Fu Ming turned his head, expecting to see Yan Le but instead seeing Jin Yi. He stood up but did not dare to approach.

Jin Yi, overwhelmed with mixed emotions, approached slowly. Fu Ming stepped back, but Jin Yi kept advancing until he stood right in front of him. They locked eyes, but Fu Ming quickly averted his gaze and softly asked, “Why are you here?”

Jin Yi, with a cold smile, replied, “I came for an explanation.”

Fu Ming clenched his fingers, trying to control his racing heart, but maintained a calm facade. “What explanation do you need? Isn’t the divorce paper clear enough?”

“Divorce paper? Do you think a piece of paper with grandiose words can explain everything?”

Taking a deep breath, Fu Ming met Jin Yi’s gaze again. “Birds of the same forest fly away when disaster strikes. Is that explanation enough?”

“Ha! Birds of the same forest fly away when disaster strikes! Then why did you do all that for me, go through all that trouble?”

Unable to contain his anger, Jin Yi’s hands tightened on Fu Ming’s shoulders. Noticing how thin Fu Ming had become, his anger softened, replaced by concern. “Why did you exhaust yourself like this, and for whom?”

Fu Ming didn’t shy away. “For you, and also for myself.”

“If so, why leave after I got out?”

“You misunderstand. I decided to leave long ago. All those efforts felt futile, so I chose to go.”

Jin Yi was incredulous. “I don’t believe a word you’re saying.”

“Facts speak louder than words. Didn’t the divorce paper already reach the Jin household? If I hadn’t decided to leave, how would the divorce paper, despite our royal marriage, be delivered to the Jin household?”

“But you came to see me in prison. You said to wait for me, you said—” Jin Yi’s voice choked, “You said, ‘Your heart is as clear as the sun and moon.’ Were those words a lie too? Was everything before a lie?”

“That was…” Fu Ming looked down slightly, voice cold, “That was to comfort you. Seeing you suffer in prison, I couldn’t bear it, so I said some nice things to ease your mind. Without trouble, I was willing to be a loving couple with you. But life is unpredictable, and human hearts are fickle. I’ve done all I can, and I don’t want to sacrifice everything for you, so I chose to withdraw. I’m not a saint or a lovesick fool; I’m just an ordinary person. Isn’t this the logical thing to do?”

Fu Ming’s words were like sharp blades, cutting into Jin Yi’s open heart. Jin Yi gritted his teeth, gripping Fu Ming’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Look at me and say that again.”

Fu Ming stared straight at him, not blinking. “Righteousness often belongs to butchers, and betrayal to scholars. I’ve wronged you, but I had no choice. Facing death, I fear it. I hope you understand and let me go, and we can each find peace.”

Jin Yi released him, laughing bitterly. “Righteousness often belongs to butchers, and betrayal to scholars. Fu Ming, I thought we were the same. I thought we could spend our lives together, grow old together! You’re good, very good. Clean and decisive, you want to leave without a trace and want me to forgive you? Fine, fine. As you wish, yesterday is gone, and Ye Xin is dead. Such a good person, such a good name, you don’t deserve it. You don’t deserve it!”

The more Jin Yi loved, the deeper the hate. Fu Ming turned away, hiding his tears, ignoring the pain in his heart, opening his mouth several times before finally saying softly, “If you want to blame me, then blame me.”

“Blame?” Jin Yi sneered, “Shouldn’t I thank you for trying so hard for me? And thank you for leaving so cleanly? If you were someone who shared my heart, I could blame you. But you’re not, so why blame you?”

“In that case, I hope you find someone who shares your heart soon, and grow old with her, with no grievances, only love.”

“What happens to me in the future is none of your concern.”

“Then please sign the divorce paper soon, so we can truly cut ties.”

Jin Yi closed his eyes, taking a long time before saying, “Let me ask you one last time…”

“No need to ask again.” Fu Ming cut him off, “I’ll wait for your divorce paper. If you’re unwilling, you can give me a repudiation letter.”

Jin Yi laughed through his tears. “Fu Ming, don’t regret this!” With that, he stormed out, walking quickly, never looking back.

After Jin Yi left, Lu Fei and Wanlan dared to enter the room. Fu Ming, already unable to support himself, slumped into a chair, coughing and crying.

“Young Master, why did you say those things, why!” Wanlan sobbed in anger and confusion.

Lu Fei didn’t ask anything, only comforting Fu Ming. “Young Master, your illness is worsening. You can’t just take the medicine yourself; we need to call Dr. Fang.”

Fu Ming didn’t respond, only murmuring, “He hates me, he hates me…”

After a while, they all calmed down. Fu Ming got up and walked toward the bed. “I’ll rest for a while, Lu Fei, go call Dr. Fang.”

Most of what Fu Ming said to Jin Yi were lies, but one thing was true: facing death was the hardest thing. Unless someone is as cold as ice, who would willingly accept such fate? Even now, at this point, Fu Ming still wanted to live. Even if Jin Yi’s future had nothing to do with him, he still hoped to see him, to see the Jin household have a better future.

R : This week update is too sad, I have no words… but I BELIEVE that things gonna be alright !!………..

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