Ji Chongwang knelt in front of the Fengtian Gate, the setting sun casting a shadow of his hat brim over his face. Sweat trickled down from his temples, but he did not raise his hand to wipe it away.
Behind him were dozens of people, some elderly ministers with white hair, others young and inexperienced scholars, all gathered to plead for justice against Huo Xian.
Since the emperor sentenced the Grand Tutor to death, these people had been tirelessly begging for the imperial decree to be revoked, causing Emperor Shun’an to avoid court sessions altogether, hiding in the forbidden palace and refusing to see anyone.
As the execution date approached, everyone knew their efforts were in vain. Many sighed and planned to drink in mourning for Grand Tutor Xu. They never expected that Huo Xian would nearly trample someone to death at the city gate, and upon hearing this news, they were outraged and refused to let the matter go.
However, Emperor Shun’an did not wish to make a grand spectacle by punishing the Jinyiwei. In his view, Xu He was already sentenced to die; whether trampled or beheaded, what difference did it make? The Jinyiwei served the imperial power and were his loyal subjects, and he knew the balance of importance well.
But he also knew that leniency would only provoke more public outrage, so he compromised by sparing Xu He from beheading, allowing him to keep his body intact in prison.
This result seemed better than a direct beheading.
At least Xu He was still alive for now, giving people hope that they could pressure the emperor to take another step back and perhaps save the Grand Tutor’s life.
Thus, a crowd knelt outside the Fengtian Gate once again.
With everyone kneeling there, Ji Chongwang could not watch from afar.
Firstly, no one knew whose head the Jinyiwei’s blade would fall on next. At such times, unity was essential. Though they were pleading for the Grand Tutor, they were also saving themselves.
Secondly, it was to clarify his political stance with Huo Xian to everyone, showing that despite his familial ties with Huo Xian, he did not agree with his actions.
On the distant Lotus Terrace opposite the Fengtian Gate, Zhao Yong, dressed in a plain blue robe with narrow embroidered sleeves, gazed afar and tossed some fish food into the pond, sighing, “After all these years, he still acts so recklessly.”
There was a smile in his tone, not genuine reproach. Shengxi, interpreting his words, said, “You can’t entirely blame Lord Huo. The Grand Tutor speaks bluntly and unpleasantly, and he had to mention General Lou…”
Zhao Yong snorted, “Still, it’s reckless. He’s been acting without restraint, relying on the emperor’s favor. After serving the emperor all these years, he still hasn’t curbed his temper. If the emperor ever fails to protect him, how will he manage?”
“Look at you saying that,” Shengxi chuckled. “It’s not just the emperor’s favor he relies on; he relies on yours too. Besides, Lord Huo has always been like this since he was a child. If he were to become cautious and steady, he wouldn’t be himself, and you wouldn’t like him any other way.”
Zhao Yong laughed, “You know too much.”
Shengxi laughed softly, secretly relieved.
Zhao Yong had a warm appearance and spoke gently, with a black mole at the corner of his eye adding to his soft look. When he smiled, it gave the illusion of a spring breeze, but it was just an illusion.
Unlike Huo Xian, who was openly wicked, Zhao Yong’s thoughts were too deep, hidden within shadows, making him difficult to serve.
Seeing the people kneeling unsteadily, a servant whispered something in Ji Chongwang’s ear, but Ji Chongwang did not get up, only furrowing his brow slightly.
At this moment, Shengxi received news and told Zhao Yong, “I’ve heard that the Ji family’s carriage was attacked by mountain bandits on their way back from Chengyuan Temple, and several young ladies in the carriage were frightened.”
After scattering the last handful of fish food and wiping his hands, Zhao Yong said, “Since the emperor refuses to see them, they should be advised to return home. As husbands and fathers, they should care for their families.”
When Ji Chongwang returned, the Ji household was in chaos.
Today, most of the travelers only suffered minor injuries, and though they were all a bit shaken, they managed to walk back on their own.
Only Ji Xianyu was carried back.
The doctor arrived quickly.
Maidservants bustled in and out with basins, the water in them stained red with blood.
Ji Xianyu had several knife wounds on her body, though none were deep. The most severe injuries were on her hands, as if she had grabbed the blade, resulting in deep, shocking cuts. Lin Chan found her unconscious in the forest and was so frightened that she nearly fainted. It was only after learning that Ji Xianyu’s life was not in danger that she calmed down somewhat.
But only somewhat.
After a bout of crying by Ji Xianyu’s bedside, she called the accompanying maidservants and older servants to her and scolded them for failing to protect their mistress. Those who had barely escaped with their lives were now crying bitterly, creating a chaotic scene in Muqiu Courtyard.
Even in the other courtyard, Biwu could feel the suffocating tension.
But when she recalled the scene in the forest, she also felt a lingering fear.
At that time, Lin Chan only saw the fallen Ji Xianyu, but Biwu had been paralyzed with fear upon seeing Ji Yuluo covered in blood. It was only after touching her that she realized it was someone else’s blood.
It turned out that a young heroine passing by had saved them, and Biwu felt extremely fortunate.
After bathing, Ji Yuluo stood by the window, frowning, looking in the direction of the main courtyard.
Biwu thought she was worried about Ji Xianyu and walked over to reassure her, “Miss, don’t worry. The madam has called the doctor, who said the injuries are superficial and not life-threatening, though she is still in shock and hasn’t woken up yet. Miss, you were also frightened; drink the medicine and rest early.”
Ji Yuluo was not concerned about Ji Xianyu. Instead, she regretted her impulsive action earlier. Fortunately, Ji Xianyu had fainted just before she acted and saw nothing.
She pressed her lips together in frustration and took the bowl of medicinal soup from Biwu, drinking it in one gulp.
As the sky darkened, clouds gathered, hinting at imminent rain.
The calming effects of the medicine took hold, and Ji Yuluo felt her head grow heavy as she quickly drifted into sleep. She hadn’t had such a dream in a long time—
That night was clear with sparse stars, the moonlight filtering through the trees, casting bright, dappled shadows.
The “click-clack” of abacus beads and the croaking of frogs were suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps, startling birds in the bushes and scattering leaves.
The entire residence smelled of blood.
The black boot pressing on the boy’s body was embroidered with gold thread in the shape of a beast. The golden tassel at the waist was stained with blood. The face, not young, was obscured by the light, making it hard to see clearly.
But she could still make out the mole at the corner of his eye, which made his eyes look both sinister and soft, his lips curling into a faint, but entirely unkind, smile.
The next morning, Ji Yuluo went to visit Ji Xianyu.
Lin Chan looked haggard, having clearly stayed up all night. Seeing Ji Yuluo only added to her heartache, and she gave her a slight, cold glance.
The reason was simple: despite encountering the mountain bandits together, Ji Xianyu had nearly lost her life, while her elder sister Ji Yuluo was unscathed. It seemed she had simply dodged the danger when it appeared.
Ji Yuluo softly and concernedly said, “Mother, if Third Sister wakes up, I would like to see her.”
Lin Chan scoffed, “See what? You come to see her now, but why didn’t you protect her yesterday? Tell me, how did she get so badly injured when you were with her?”
“Mother, I—” Ji Yuluo’s eyes reddened as she said, “Those people were so strange yesterday. It was as if they were only targeting Third Sister, completely ignoring my presence. I… it’s my fault, all my fault…”
Ji Yuluo hung her head, tightly clutching her handkerchief, her voice starting to choke. Lin Chan’s expression changed at that moment, “What do you mean they were only targeting your Third Sister? She’s just a young girl who hasn’t even come of age yet. Who would go after her?”
“I… I don’t know. Maybe, maybe I was mistaken.” Ji Yuluo did not really want to see Ji Xianyu, so she stood up and said, “Mother, if Third Sister is fine, I’ll come to see her tomorrow.”
Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly stopped and turned back, “Oh, Mother, I heard that Father has arranged a marriage for Second Sister… was that your idea?”
Of all times, why bring up Ji Yunkou’s marriage now?
Lin Chan frowned and said coldly, “You still have the leisure to concern yourself with the affairs of Fuxia Courtyard.”
Ji Yuluo gave a faint smile and said, “Mother, you misunderstand. A few days ago, Second Sister came to me angrily, asking if this marriage was your doing… She even cried, seeming very unhappy with the arrangement, thinking it was your idea—”
She suddenly stopped, as if realizing she had said something she shouldn’t have, quickly covering her mouth, and hurriedly said, “I spoke out of turn. I will take my leave now.”
Lin Chan instinctively rolled her eyes, then let out a mocking laugh. Did Gu Rou really think Ji Yunkou’s marriage was her suggestion to the master?
Ridiculous…
Her smile stiffened suddenly, her brows knitting deeply. After a moment’s distraction, a wild suspicion formed in her mind, causing her to tremble with anger. She clenched her fists and took a deep breath, “Someone, come here!”
Meanwhile, over in Fuxia Courtyard, Ji Yunkou was in a struggle.
Ji Yunkou had been terribly frightened, not because she nearly lost her life to the bandits.
When the carriage was attacked yesterday, Nanny Sun had taken her away from the fight and into the woods to hide. At the time, in her panic, she hadn’t thought much of it. But later, on the way back, she realized something was wrong.
Nanny Sun usually loved to flatter, but she was not particularly brave. Yet, in that situation, she had pulled her away and run without hesitation, not showing any sign of panic, as if she had expected it.
Thinking back to Gu Rou’s warnings before their departure…
Ji Yunkou wanted to confront her mother and get a clear answer, but just as she reached the door, she overheard the conversation between Gu Rou and Nanny Sun.
To say the least, Ji Yunkou was deeply shocked.
She had always resented her mother for being timid and only doing things to please her father, like filling Fuxia Courtyard with wintersweet or reading those literary and convoluted poems for him. But she never dared to fight for herself or her daughter in front of him.
Moreover, Gu Rou frequently reminded her to follow the rules, often saying, “You are a concubine’s daughter…” She even scolded her when she caused trouble for Ji Yuyao.
In Ji Yunkou’s eyes, her mother was just a gentle and weak ordinary concubine with no real means, destined to live her life as such.
But she never imagined her mother would dare to do something so lethal!
The image of her mother in Ji Yunkou’s mind was completely overturned, and she was struggling to accept it.
And the reason—was to marry her off to Huo Xian?!
Ji Yunkou’s face turned pale at once. Her mind flashed back to the scene at the city gate: the young and powerful official with his strikingly handsome and sharp features, so finely sculpted as if meticulously crafted by Nuwa herself. Yet, she couldn’t summon a single romantic thought!
She was terrified!
Moreover, since her father was so against this marriage, it indicated that the Huo family was not a good place to be. Although she didn’t want to marry a penniless scholar, she didn’t want to jump from one extreme to another either…
Gu Rou, however, thought she was truly foolish.
Pulling her into the room, Gu Rou silenced Ji Yunkou with just a few words. “Do you know that a few days ago, your grandmother personally added a set of jewelry to her dowry?”
Ji Yunkou was stunned. Yes, if it were really that bad, why would her grandmother treat her so well?
Thinking again about the marriage Ji Chongwang had tried to arrange for her, Ji Yunkou bit her lip, feeling somewhat swayed.
But before two days had passed, someone came from Qinzhai Pavilion.
Qinzhai Pavilion was Ji Chongwang’s private lakeside garden, where he usually worked and rarely allowed others in. For someone to come and invite her there today was alarming.
Given the recent secretive matters weighing on her mind, Ji Yunkou felt guilty. “Mother, could it be…”
Gu Rou said it was impossible.
Not only would Lin Chan not suspect this, but even if she did, the gambling house incident was extremely covert. She wouldn’t find the place or any evidence.
Thus, Gu Rou and Ji Yunkou went to Qinzhai Pavilion together.
Chaolu was sitting by the window in another courtyard, her legs dangling over the edge.
She was eating walnut pastries that Biwu had just brought in. “As Miss instructed, all the information has been passed on to Lin Chan. That gambling house is full of unsavory characters, and they’re not trustworthy in business. Whoever pays more gets their service, so they’ll find out soon enough.”
In reality, Gu Rou’s actions were far from flawless and left many gaps, but she assumed no one would investigate this angle. She had funded the hired thugs with money earned from usury, and this could be traced. The person she sent to handle matters at the gambling house was Nanny Sun’s nephew, who occasionally begged Nanny Sun for money at the corner gate of the Ji residence. He knew many of Gu Rou’s secrets and had recently lost a lot of money, leaving him desperate.
Chaolu prattled on about the eavesdropped news, finishing a plate of walnut pastries in no time. Her eyes gleamed as she eyed the sweet soup by Ji Yuluo’s side. “Miss, are you going to drink that?”
