Chapter 68: You Will Never Escape My Grasp

“An official’s rank is never permanent, and the people’s station is never fixed. I understand your desire not to be constrained by others. But if, for this, you abandon a promising future—unable to serve the court above, or protect the common folk below—what purpose does that serve? We serve as officials to conduct ourselves with uprightness and integrity, not to shy away from hardship or become shackled by our own obsessions.”

Li Yi remained silent for a long time.

He understood Shi Kefan’s well-meaning counsel and found his words to hold some truth. Hong Chengchou was the Provincial Grain Supervisor and Deputy Governor, a high-ranking local official. If he could serve under him, he would be promoted, gaining greater power and status.

With such power and status, the strength he could accumulate would far surpass anything possible in Ganquan Lane.

Moreover, with the farmers’ association now established in Ganquan Lane and the able-bodied youths willing to join the army already under his command, it no longer required much of his attention.

What he needed to do now was to blend in, to share opportunities, to let others bear him up as they would carry a bride in a sedan chair.

“Thank you for your guidance, sir. I understand now.”

Li Yi bowed deeply to Shi Kefan.

Shi Kefan’s words had awakened him from his dream, completely changing his perspective.

Shi Kefan smiled with satisfaction. He valued Li Yi’s character and talent, which was why he so sincerely advised him. Seeing Li Yi accept his words, he was delighted, feeling that he had succeeded in winning over a talent for the court.

Yet what Li Yi was truly considering was how to use his official position and influence to gather strength for a greater rebellion.

When it was time to take his leave, Li Yi handed Shi Kefan an invitation.

Shi Kefan opened it and laughed, saying, “So, you’re marrying so soon? Don’t worry, I’ll be there to offer my congratulations on time.”

Li Yi took his leave.

He then went to the county office to pay New Year’s respects to Gao Yigong, also delivering an invitation.

With these matters settled, Li Yi prepared to return to Li Family Village.

However, just as he left the city gates, his eyes fell upon a slender figure standing beside a carriage, as if waiting.

Amidst the tattered city gate and the stream of ragged, disheveled commoners, Hong Yuying’s delicate features, rosy lips, and sparkling eyes made her stand out like a crane among chickens, exuding an air of otherworldly grace.

She stood there, cold and aloof, surrounded by armed guards—no one dared approach.

When she saw Li Yi leading his horse out of the city, her expression softened slightly.

Li Yi approached with some embarrassment and cupped his hands. “Miss Hong, we meet again. Are you waiting for someone?”

Hong Yuying snorted, a touch of pride in her voice. “I’m waiting for you.”

“For me?”

Hong Yuying pouted, her tone tinged with annoyance. “What, is that not allowed?”

Faced with the willful young lady, Li Yi dared not say no.

“Walk with me,” Hong Yuying said suddenly, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Li Yi nodded in agreement.

The two of them walked out of the city together, the Hong family’s guards following with the carriage.

Li Yi led his horse, glancing at Hong Yuying by his side.

Today, she wore a vivid orange-red gauze dress, a rose-colored silk jacket over it, and a purple-black robe edged with gold. The playful innocence of youth had faded, replaced by an air of refined elegance.

“Do I look nice?” Hong Yuying suddenly turned to him.

Their eyes met, and Li Yi, feeling awkward, quickly looked away.

“Hey, are you made of wood? I asked you a question.”

Li Yi smiled wryly. “You look very nice. It’s a different charm from before—refreshingly so.”

Hearing his praise, Hong Yuying broke into a sweet smile.

But soon she asked teasingly, “So, between me and your fiancée, who is more beautiful?”

Li Yi was helpless. Weren’t women of old supposed to be reserved and shy? Why was this young lady so difficult?

“Why aren’t you answering? Are you saying I’m not as pretty as your betrothed?” Hong Yuying rolled her eyes, displeased by his silence.

“Yunniang was also born to a scholarly family. She met me only after being exiled with her father. She’s pure, gentle, and virtuous—naturally, in my heart, she is extremely beautiful,” Li Yi replied, glancing at Hong Yuying.

“So you’re saying she’s more beautiful than I am?”

Hong Yuying bristled like a cat with its tail stepped on, glaring fiercely at Li Yi, her lips pursed in indignation.

Li Yi shook his head. “Miss Hong, your beauty is elegant and refined—it’s a different kind of beauty from Yunniang’s.”

“Hmph, don’t think I’ll be happy just because you said that,” Hong Yuying muttered haughtily, though the corners of her lips curled up as she absentmindedly twisted her handkerchief.

The two continued talking as they walked.

After they’d gone about two miles, Hong Yuying suddenly stopped.

She looked at Li Yi, as if mustering great courage, and declared, “Li Yi, you should break off your engagement.”

“Break off my engagement? Why would I do that?” Li Yi was utterly confused.

Just moments before, the proud and imperious Hong Yuying blushed, then quickly resumed her lofty demeanor, gazing into the distance as she spoke rapidly, “Break off your engagement and marry me.”

“Marry you?”

Li Yi was so startled he could scarcely believe his ears. Was this young lady out of her mind? She was Hong Chengchou’s daughter, and he was nothing more than a lowly ninth-rank official—how could he possibly marry her?

“What, are you afraid?” Hong Yuying puffed out her cheeks, staring at him. “If my father doesn’t agree, we can elope!”

“Eloping?” Li Yi looked at her in astonishment.

He was at a loss, utterly speechless. “Miss Hong, are you in some kind of trouble? Our statuses are worlds apart; how could we possibly be together? Besides, Yunniang and I are devoted to each other, sharing hardship and joy. How could I become a traitor and abandon such a good wife?”

At his words, Hong Yuying’s whole body trembled; she bit her lip, her expression turning fierce, like a lioness provoked. “If someone hadn’t tried to arrange a marriage with my father, do you think I’d be doing this? I only want you to play along and help me buy some time. I can pay you well for your trouble.”

“So that’s it.” Li Yi smirked with disdain. “I’m afraid I can’t help you. The wedding date is set—I’ll be marrying on the sixth.”

“If you won’t help, then don’t! It’s not as if I care about you! Don’t be so full of yourself,” Hong Yuying sneered, mocking him repeatedly.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave.” Li Yi found her willfulness unbearable, mounted his horse, and rode toward Li Family Village.

Hong Yuying watched his retreating figure, her expression proud and cold.

As his silhouette faded into the distance, her eyes gradually blurred with tears.

Only when her guards and maid caught up did she quietly brush away the tears, her face once again stern as she climbed into the carriage.

“Tell the steward that at dawn on the sixth, he’s to summon Li Yi to accompany my father on official business to Yan’an Prefecture. He must not refuse—or else, detain him for disobeying orders.”

Her voice was icy.

The guards and maid shivered and quickly assented.

Hong Yuying lifted the curtain, gazing at the distant mountains, murmuring, “There has never been anything I wanted that I could not obtain. Li Yi, you will never escape from the palm of my hand.”