Chapter 15: So Close, Bound to Her for Life

Accompanied by Xue Jin and Xue Ke, Xue Baochai stepped slowly through the gate of the Jiang family courtyard, led by Lady Yao, winding her way toward the rear garden.

Xue Baochai’s eyes wandered as she inwardly marveled, “From the outside, this residence appears unremarkable, even somewhat plain, yet once you pass through the two gates and enter the inner quarters, it reveals an entirely different world.”

Within the inner courtyard, a path paved with bluestone slabs meandered sinuously, with tender green sprouts peeking through the cracks, adding a touch of vitality to the tranquil abode.

Following the stone path, Xue Baochai eventually reached the rear garden.

The garden itself was a secluded retreat.

Winding paths led into quiet nooks, ornamental rocks and miniature hills were artfully arranged, and a pool of clear water shimmered dazzlingly under the sunlight.

By the pond stood a small, delicate pavilion, quietly poised. Inside, a stone table and several stone stools were set, upon the table a set of celadon porcelain tea ware lay, its glaze warm and lustrous, harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding scenery.

Xue Baochai thought to herself, “That young master of the Jiang family acts with overbearing arrogance, yet his home exudes refined elegance at every turn.”

Jiang Nian’s training ground for martial arts was beside this pool.

As Xue Baochai approached the pond, Jiang Nian was concentrating on archery.

He stood tall and poised, arms outstretched, bowstring drawn taut like a full moon. With a sharp whizz, the arrow sliced through the air and struck the bullseye with a solid thud.

Xue Baochai’s bright eyes flickered, a ripple stirring within her heart.

Though she harbored resentment and fear toward him, at this moment, she found this young master—whose looks were not strikingly handsome—imbued with a certain heroic vigor.

Unconsciously, the taut strings of her heart relaxed slightly, her breath softened.

Jiang Nian sensed footsteps and paused his shooting, turning to look at Xue Baochai. Their eyes met.

This was their third eye contact; the first two had occurred that very morning on the Qinhuai River.

At their first gaze, his eyes held admiration, while she seemed scorched by his glance and quickly looked away.

At their second, she glared with anger, and he smirked playfully, unfazed by her fury, finding it amusing.

Now, at this third meeting, she hastily lowered her head to avoid his eyes, while he remained calm, emotionless, quietly awaiting her approach.

A breeze by the pond stirred his garment’s edge and brushed her temple.

That breeze seemed to bind the two of them together.

Lowering her gaze and brow, as if a child who had erred, Xue Baochai approached Jiang Nian and knelt with a deep kowtow, her voice soft yet slightly trembling: “Greetings to Master Jiang.”

Though this encounter filled her with humiliation, grievance, and fear, she resolved to steel herself and complete the task at hand.

Jiang Nian fixed his gaze on the “Sister Bao” before him and said, “Lift your head.”

This simple command stirred in Xue Baochai a mix of shame and dread, but Jiang Nian’s tone bore no threat or mockery—only gentle warmth.

After hesitating, she slowly raised her head, deliberately avoiding his eyes by glancing aside.

Beside her was the pool, where dozens of koi swam leisurely, occasionally leaping and splashing crystalline droplets that disturbed the water’s stillness.

At this moment, Xue Baochai’s heart felt as if those koi were swimming and leaping within her.

Jiang Nian’s gaze lingered intently on her face.

Though still unmarried and somewhat youthful, Xue Baochai was undeniably beautiful. Her complexion was as pale and radiant as the bright moon, her distant brows soft and misty, framing a pair of clear autumn-like eyes. Her delicate nose and faintly rosy lips resembled a newly blossomed peach.

His eyes slowly drifted downward to her clothing: a moon-white cotton jacket, a lotus-colored shoulder cape, and an ivory silk cotton skirt, all modestly aged yet not worn, lacking any hint of extravagance.

She bore no ostentatious airs of wealth, but instead possessed the refined elegance of celadon pottery washed by spring rain—understated yet irresistibly charming.

“Truly one of the most distinguished beauties in ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’. Since I have entered this world, and met her so early, this Sister Bao—I shall claim her as mine!” Jiang Nian resolved silently.

So close, he vowed to bind her for life.

Under Jiang Nian’s focused gaze, Xue Baochai felt like a courtesan being scrutinized by a noble guest, fearful he might suddenly make an embarrassing demand—such as buying her.

At twelve years old, Xue Ke was carefully observing Jiang Nian, sensing that this young man, only three years his senior, exuded an aura of commanding authority that inspired a measure of respect.

Just then, Xue Jin cleared his throat deliberately, breaking the eerie silence. He said to Xue Baochai, “Bao, hand over the silver notes to Master Jiang.”

Startled as if awakened from a dream, Xue Baochai withdrew a stack of silver notes from her sleeve. Still avoiding Jiang Nian’s stare, she extended them to him. Her pale rosy lips parted, voice soft and trembling like autumn leaves drifting down: “This is ten thousand taels of silver as compensation. My brother acted rashly and offended you; I offer my apologies and hope for reconciliation.”

Jiang Nian did not immediately take the silver but continued to appraise Xue Baochai, savoring the feeling of this dignified and composed sister yielding to him.

Xue Baochai grew increasingly ashamed and fearful, secretly wondering, “Could Master Jiang be reneging? Or might he demand something more humiliating?”

At this thought, she could not help but glance up once more, meeting Jiang Nian’s eyes again. His lips curved into a playful smile.

Flushing, Xue Baochai quickly lowered her head.

Only then did Jiang Nian leisurely reach out, accept the silver notes from her hand, and say kindly, “Since Miss Xue has come personally to apologize and offer compensation, the matter is settled.”

Though Jiang Nian lived comfortably, his family was not fabulously wealthy. Their funds depended on his father’s limited allowance.

Knowing that life in the capital would require much silver, he was naturally pleased to receive ten thousand taels from the Xue family.

Relieved to see Jiang Nian accept the money, Xue Baochai remained nervous and just wished to leave this troublesome place and escape her unease.

She hastily performed another deep kowtow, her voice respectful yet tinged with urgency: “Thank you for your generosity, Master Jiang. I shall take my leave now.”

With that, she hurried away, silently praying, “Do not make me stay, do not make me stay...”

Her steps were light and quick, fearful that lingering even a moment longer might invite trouble.

Xue Jin bowed earnestly to Jiang Nian and asked, “Thank you, Master Jiang! When might you release Pan Ge?”

Jiang Nian’s expression was calm: “Tomorrow, I will go to ask Lord Tang, the military governor, to release him.”

Hmph—at least let Xue Pan suffer one night in the prison.

Xue Jin dared not say more, nodding: “Thank you, Master Jiang. We won’t trouble you further and will take our leave.”

He led Xue Ke to follow after Xue Baochai.

After walking a little distance, Xue Baochai couldn’t help but glance back at Jiang Nian, seeing him resume shooting arrows by the pond. The bowstring drew taut again, the arrow streaked like a meteor, and once more struck the bullseye.

“What a commanding young master!”

“Thankfully, I am soon bound for the capital; I never want to see him again in this life!” Xue Baochai sighed inwardly, unaware she had just been quietly claimed by him for life.