Chapter 40: Was She Ever Truly at Fault?

When Ji Huali walked out of the courtyard, he suddenly paused and turned back to gaze at the southern garden behind him, his expression complicated.

“What is it? Are you thinking that this girl sees through these matters more clearly than any of us? And perhaps she isn’t as ruthless and heartless as you once believed?” Ji Yuntian’s voice suddenly sounded at Ji Huali’s side.

Ji Huali looked up and saw Ji Yuntian standing before him. He immediately bowed his hands. “Father.”

Ji Yuntian waved his hand, stroking his beard with a smile. “I saw and heard everything that happened just now.” He sighed softly, looking at Ji Huali. “Since she said Yuan Ruo was blameless, why do you insist on blaming him? Both of them did the same thing—one succeeded because he had the power, while the other failed because he lacked it. It’s only a difference in strength.

In this world, the most innocent thing is a person’s strength. Wouldn’t you agree?”

He continued, “This time, Yuan Ruo disturbed her. The ignorant bear no guilt, so she made this clear to you. But if he offends again, tell me, would you blame her or Yuan Ruo?”

As Ji Huali pondered—

Ji Yuntian laughed as he spoke. “Remarkable, truly remarkable! Who would have thought that I, Ji Yuntian, would have such a clever and perceptive granddaughter… hahaha…”

Ji Huali’s mouth twitched. With his father in such spirits, there was nothing more for him to say.

Indeed, the events of these past few days had changed his view of Tianxin considerably.

Even the anger over Lady Chen’s death had faded.

If Yuan Ruo sought revenge against her, then that act would be justified. So—how could she be at fault?

Having worked through these thoughts, Ji Huali felt a sense of relief. Though he still had some reservations about Tianxin, the previous aversion had dissipated.

After that day, the general himself issued a new family rule:

No one was allowed to approach the southern garden, nor disturb Miss Tianxin’s rest. No matter how urgent, nothing was to be discussed until Miss Tianxin awoke.

With this decree, everyone in the general’s residence understood one thing clearly:

Anyone could be provoked in the general’s household—except for Miss Tianxin in the southern garden.

Ji Tianxin slept for several days, and upon waking felt much refreshed. She checked her cultivation; there had been little progress, just as she had expected.

Her advancement would be slow for now, as her rapid progress in previous years had left her current body unable to digest the cultivation. Hers was still a mortal body, and it would take much time before it could truly merge with her spiritual essence.

Su Qing saw Ji Tianxin emerge from her room and immediately descended, “Master, you’re awake?”

Ji Tianxin nodded, stretching lazily. “Let’s go for a walk.”

“Certainly!” Su Qing replied with delight, hurrying inside to fetch a cloak for Ji Tianxin.

Yu Kingdom—Imperial Court.

Ji Huali was somewhat distracted as he attended court; the recent events at home had left him weary.

“I’ve heard the General’s residence recently played host to a tale of a daughter’s thousand-mile journey in search of her kin. Is there any truth to such a story, General Ji?” The emperor, a touch of gossip in his tone, inquired of Ji Huali after official matters had concluded.

At his question, all in court turned their gaze toward Ji Huali, a hint of entertainment and curiosity in their expressions.