The unremarkable eldest daughter of the Ji family was born and raised in the capital. Three years ago, a suspect involved in a case escaped from prison and was linked to a Jianghu gang. The timelines didn’t match, and it was impossible to connect these two people.
Huo Xian propped his head with his hand, a vague idea struggling to emerge but hindered by a missing key link. He stared at Ji Yuluo so intently that he almost drilled a hole through her, but apart from accidentally spilling a drop of ink, there was nothing unusual about her.
Liyang came in to report, and only then did Ji Yuluo return to the small table in the side room.
In front of her were refreshments sent by the Jinyiwei. Ji Yuluo picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup of tea…
Conscientious and diligent, always clear-headed and never making mistakes.
All nonsense.
Ji Yuluo indifferently lifted her eyelids, glancing at the dossier in Huo Xian’s hands out of the corner of her eye. She took a deep breath, barely restraining herself from crushing the teacup in her hand.
During this time, Huo Xian went out once, but he didn’t leave Ji Yuluo alone. He had Nanyue come in to serve her. Saying “serve” was just a cover; in reality, he was there to keep an eye on her.
His patience was running thin, and he made his surveillance overt. Even though Nanyue had a gentle and pleasing appearance, Ji Yuluo found him annoying and stopped smiling at him.
After three pots of tea, the scorching midday sun was replaced by the setting sun. Huo Xian finally returned, carrying a damp and dark smell with him.
He had come back from Zhaoyu Prison, with a bit of brown still staining his clothes. Upon entering, he glanced at Ji Yuluo to confirm she was behaving herself before instructing Nanyue to prepare clean clothes and a bath.
Huo Xian didn’t let people get close to him easily, so these chores fell to Nanyue. Nanyue tested the temperature of the bathwater with his hand, stirring it as he spoke, “Madam hasn’t moved all day. She borrowed a book from the shelf out of boredom but hardly looked at it… Her gaze towards me is icy.”
Huo Xian smiled, “Good, she’s angry. Anger is better than her pretending to be meek. Go out and keep watching her.”
Not long after Nanyue left, Huo Xian took a quick bath and changed into clean clothes, carrying the scent of cold fir. Ji Yuluo didn’t look up until Huo Xian knocked on the table twice and said, “I’m off duty now. Thank you, madam, for accompanying me all day. It’s still light outside; would you join me for a drink?”
Ji Yuluo closed the book she hadn’t been reading and declined, “Yuyao can’t handle alcohol. Thank you for your kindness, husband.”
Huo Xian patted the wide hood of her cloak, making the fur on it flutter. He said, “It’s kindness; how can you refuse?”
—
The Zhenfu Division was located at the deepest part of the alley outside Chaotian Gate. The residence took up the entire alley, surrounded by high walls, making it seem quiet and empty. Yet, across the wall was the busiest street in the capital, where shouts could be heard after walking around two streets.
Huo Xian, with his striking looks, insisted on walking openly in the streets. Ji Yuluo, following by his side, felt several strange gazes on them.
Some were fearful, some were disdainful, and some were a mix of both.
Of course, there were also small vendors who greeted them with smiles, offering food.
The owner of a jade shop bowed and presented several fine jades, all of which would be sent to the Huo residence if they caught Huo Xian’s fancy.
Huo Xian never shied away from appearing in public. On the contrary, he was flamboyant and high-profile. Many people in the capital recognized him. These merchants were either oppressed or protected by the Jinyiwei. Some pushed carts to the alley entrance, while others offered rare treasures with both hands.
Extravagance and endless greed.
No wonder he could inlay the walls with luminous pearls and pave the floors with jade.
Ji Yuluo couldn’t help but think of Cuixue Tower.
Over the past few years, Cuixue Tower had developed rapidly, with expenses that couldn’t be underestimated. In the past two years, Xie Subai’s health had worsened, and most of the daily affairs in the tower had been taken over by her, particularly the finances, which were a constant headache.
Whether it was opening more shops, robbing the rich to aid themselves, or other unsavory activities, although the results were fruitful, it was indeed exhausting.
Thinking of this, Ji Yuluo glanced at Huo Xian with a hint of envy.
Huo Xian noticed the strange look beneath her indifferent expression and couldn’t help but give her a sideways glance. Their eyes met, and Ji Yuluo quickly looked away, pretending nothing was amiss.
Huo Xian intended to take her to Yipin Residence. Though he said it was for a small drink, who knew if he planned to get her drunk to extract information. Her tolerance for alcohol wasn’t great, so she couldn’t afford to be careless.
As she Mu Leid over this, Ji Yuluo caught a glimpse of a flash of white clothing on the second floor of an inn ahead. This was the inn she had passed by on her wedding day. Was it him?
What major event in the capital could be delaying him for so long?
Just as Ji Yuluo was about to take another look, a sudden commotion erupted ahead. The crowd along the street scattered in a flurry, with exclamations and curses filling the air. The most jarring sound was the thundering hooves of an approaching carriage—
It was a carriage pulled by four blood-red stallions!
A four-horse carriage barreling through the marketplace in broad daylight could only belong to someone of a highly prestigious and influential family.
The carriage recklessly plowed through the market, knocking over stalls and pedestrians. The person sitting in the driver’s seat was not some rough servant but someone dressed in luxurious silver silk. He held the reins in his left hand and wielded a whip in his right, his excitement palpable as he laughed loudly, “Move! Move out of the way for your master!”
Ji Yuluo’s pupils contracted. It was him.
The playboy who had stopped Huo Xian for a drink on her wedding day, whom Biwu had identified as the young master of the Duke Zhenguo’s family, Xiao Yuan. That day, she had worn a veil and couldn’t see his face clearly, but his voice and tone were unmistakable. Now, seeing him drive the carriage through the marketplace, several scenes flashed through Ji Yuluo’s mind, causing her to halt.
Nanyue stepped forward and said, “Master, it’s Young Master Xiao again. Should we stop him?”
The word “again” indicated how often this Xiao family young master caused trouble.
A look of disgust flashed in Huo Xian’s eyes as he said, “Stop him.”
The Xiao family of Duke Zhenguo and the Huo family of Xuanping Marquis shared some history.
The two families were old friends, especially in the generation of the old Duke, who had fought on the battlefield together, earning significant military merits. Even Xuanping Marquis had to respectfully call the old Duke “Uncle.”
The current Duke Zhenguo, Xiao Cheng, was the eldest legitimate son of the old Duke. Unfortunately, he wasn’t skilled in military matters and held a ceremonial position in the capital. However, the soldiers under his command were real and formidable, similar to the Huo family, making them not to be trifled with. By seniority, Huo Xian should also call Duke Zhenguo “Uncle,” but the Xiao family, guarding their century-old honor, refused to associate with him.
It was unfortunate that they had a scoundrel like Xiao Yuanting, much like how the Huo family had produced someone as exasperating as Huo Xian.
The Xiao family was in a worse position because Xiao Yuanting was an only son.
However, the Xiao family was different from the Huo family. Xuanping Marquis was firmly aligned with Grand Tutor Xu He’s faction. Since Huo Xian had killed Xu He, Xuanping Marquis had often made life difficult for his own infamous son in court. The Xiao family, on the other hand, maintained a neutral stance and avoided such political entanglements.
Huo Xian found Xiao Cheng difficult to approach. Several attempts to engage with him were met with a cold response. Fortunately, Xiao Cheng had a son like Xiao Yuanting.
To the public, Huo Xian and Xiao Yuanting were like two rotten apples, drawn to each other. Xiao Yuanting galloped through the marketplace, trampling crops, harassing women, and even causing deaths. Even if someone brought a case to the authorities, the Jinyiwei would cover for him.
As a result, Xiao Yuanting truly regarded Huo Xian as a good brother. When he was stopped, he was initially furious, but upon seeing Nanyue, his anger dissipated immediately.
He leapt down from the carriage in surprise, exclaiming, “Zhe’an!”
Xiao Yuanting strode over and, upon seeing Ji Yuluo, couldn’t help but take another look. This was the first time he had seen the true face of the eldest daughter of the Ji family. Finally, he laughed and said, “I heard you, Huo Zhe’an, were taking your wife to work today, and I thought it was just gossip. But it turns out to be true. You two are so inseparable after your wedding that it makes me want to get married!”
Ji Yuluo smiled faintly but said nothing.
Huo Xian rubbed his forehead and said, “Last time, someone reported your behavior to the Emperor. Duke Zhenguo was reprimanded, and you got a few beatings for it. Did you forget?”
Xiao Yuanting pouted, “That was Xu He’s meddling. He’s dead now, so who else will gossip about me? Enough about that. Where are you taking your sister-in-law?”
Xiao Yuanting’s words about “Xu He’s meddling” left it unclear who exactly he was insulting.
Ji Yuluo maintained a calm expression while inwardly criticizing him, as Huo Xian replied, “Yipin Residence.”
Xiao Yuanting raised an eyebrow and said, “What a coincidence. I booked Yipin Residence for tonight and invited performers from Liuhua Courtyard. However, for you, Huo Zhe’an, I’ll make an exception. Come on, drinks are on me tonight! But sister-in-law…”
Ji Yuluo understood the kind of entertainment men indulged in and didn’t want to stay by Huo Xian’s side anyway. Seeing Xiao Yuanting’s enthusiasm, she glanced sympathetically at Huo Xian. Just as she was about to suggest going back home, Huo Xian spoke first, saying, “No problem, she can come with us.”
Ji Yuluo moved her lips but said nothing.
Xiao Yuanting gave Huo Xian a suspicious look but then led the two of them to the emperor’s private room in Yipin Residence. Before entering, he pulled Huo Xian aside and whispered, “I’ve prepared quite a few beauties. Isn’t this inappropriate?”
Huo Xian pretended to think for a moment and said, “It’s fine, you enjoy yourself.”
Xiao Yuanting nodded, then looked at him sympathetically. “Why did you get married? The eldest daughter of the Ji family is beautiful, but she’s nothing compared to the alluring women in the pleasure houses. Now you’re all tied up, regretting it, right?”
Huo Xian smiled meaningfully.
The beauties in the pleasure houses were three parts looks, and seven parts due to their scanty attire. Calling them alluring was just an excuse; they were merely provocative. Ji Yuluo, however, had a face that would be beautiful even if she were covered in a burlap sack.
Xiao Yuanting, poisoned by the sight of those pale bellies, could only appreciate the coarse and simple, never recognizing true elegance.
Xiao Yuanting thought he had hit a sore spot for Huo Xian and patted his shoulder, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll help get your sister-in-law drunk, and then we can have our fun!”
Huo Xian chuckled, “Alright.”
The sun had completely set, giving way to a star-filled sky as dusk settled.
The private room had an open terrace on the second floor, offering a view of the nighttime streets of the capital. Every house and shop, even the small vendors, had hung up lanterns, creating the appearance of a bustling and prosperous era of peace.
Xiao Yuanting didn’t call for companions, giving Ji Yuluo some face, though it was more out of respect for Huo Xian rather than her.
When he wasn’t being reckless, Xiao Yuanting appeared handsome and well-mannered. He politely poured Ji Yuluo a cup of wine and handed it to her, saying, “Sister-in-law, on the day you married Zhe’an, I couldn’t personally toast to you due to customs. Today, let me make up for that with this celebratory drink. Can you accept my heartfelt intentions?”
Ji Yuluo took the cup, sniffing it slightly. The wine smelled rich and fragrant, but it was very strong. She knew that even less than eight cups would be too much for her. However, she maintained a flawless demeanor and said, “I appreciate Young Master Xiao’s kind intentions, but I have never been good with alcohol—”
Xiao Yuanting interrupted her, “Sister-in-law, are you refusing to give me, Xiao Yuanting, face? I am Zhe’an’s close friend. If you don’t drink my wine, it would hurt my feelings.”
Huo Xian remained unmoved, sipping his wine without any intention of intervening. Clearly, he was content to watch Xiao Yuanting persuade Ji Yuluo to drink, perhaps even hoping she would get drunk.
Ji Yuluo smiled and, covering her sleeve, drank half a cup. When Xiao Yuanting tried to persuade her to drink more, she turned the tables, pouring a cup for him instead. “Since Young Master Xiao is Zhe’an’s close friend, and Zhe’an lives a life of danger with few true friends, I toast to your genuine friendship with him.”
Uh.
Xiao Yuanting paused, finding her words commendable and feeling obligated to drink. He downed the cup heartily and continued urging her to drink, determined to get her drunk. Believing he was persuading her, he didn’t realize that Ji Yuluo was subtly leading him.
Ji Yuluo poured another cup for Xiao Yuanting and said, “Young Master Xiao is such a handsome and talented man. I wish you find a perfect match and have a harmonious marriage.”
Xiao Yuanting hiccuped, “Sure! Once I’ve made my mark, the noble ladies of the capital will be mine to choose from.”
Ji Yuluo followed up, “With your extraordinary demeanor, it’s certain you’ll achieve great things in the future. Perhaps even rise to the highest offices.”
Xiao Yuanting, susceptible to flattery, felt elated even before getting drunk. He found the new wife of the Huo family to be extremely agreeable, more so than Huo Xian. Her earnest tone made everything she said sound sincere, and thus, he drank more cups under her encouragement. However, he didn’t forget his initial goal and continued to insist that Ji Yuluo drink.
What he failed to notice was that each time he drank heartily, showing the bottom of his cup, Ji Yuluo only sipped half of her cup.
In the midst of the flying cups, Xiao Yuanting soon forgot his original intention, and began complaining about recent grievances. “A new casino called Fuchun Hall opened in the capital, right opposite my Changsheng Hall! Right opposite! They’re blatantly stealing my business. I’ve raided them several times, but their guards are exceptionally tall and strong. Zhe—” He coughed. “Zhe’an, you have to stand up for me. You know well the dirty dealings beneath these casinos. They’re all the same, none are clean. You should have your Jinyiwei investigate thoroughly and shut them down!”
Xiao Yuanting, now less coherent, reached out to Huo Xian, who brushed his hand away coldly. Xiao Yuanting continued to shout, “We don’t even know who is behind that casino. In just a few months, they’ve flourished. It must be some clueless out-of-towner. We can’t let them continue unchecked!”
By this time, Xiao Yuanting was swaying while Ji Yuluo, despite her flushed face, could still sit upright.
It was remarkable. The wine was extremely strong, and even a small sip would usually intoxicate an average person after several cups. Yet, the person next to Huo Xian still had a trace of clarity in her eyes.
Only a trace, as on the way back to the residence, she was already too drunk to stand straight.
Hongshuang and Biwu came to support her. Hongshuang’s eyelid twitched, and Biwu exclaimed, “Miss, how did you drink so much?”
Huo Xian, coldly, instructed, “Carry her to the room and prepare some water.”
The servants complied, but once they were inside, Huo Xian dismissed them, saying, “Leave. I’ll handle it.”
Hongshuang hesitated. Miss Yuluo had a poor tolerance for alcohol and was highly vulnerable when drunk, which was why the master usually forbade her from drinking.
Now…
However, Huo Xian’s cold gaze swept over her, forcing Hongshuang to retreat without a word.
Ji Yuluo leaned against the bedhead, eyes closed, pressing her temples as if suffering from a headache.
Huo Xian looked at her and casually handed her a cup of tea, saying, “I didn’t know you were so eloquent, able to even get Xiao Yuanting drunk.”
Ji Yuluo, her eyes half-open, looked up at him and said, “Husband… what are you talking about?”
As she looked up, the usually snow-white skin of her neck, now flushed pink from the alcohol, appeared exceptionally attractive.
Huo Xian averted his gaze, letting it linger on her face for a moment before he reached out and grasped her chin. The grip was anything but gentle; Ji Yuluo could feel the pain.
He looked down at her from above, asking, “Who exactly are you?”
Ji Yuluo pried his hand away, holding onto his wrist as she staggered to her feet, taking a deep breath that seemed induced by anger. The redness at the corners of her eyes appeared to be from the same. She said, “Husband, as a man, you wouldn’t understand the hardships and sorrows of women in the inner chambers. How could you know the layers of disguise one must adopt for self-preservation? If you think I am not the gentle and virtuous wife you wanted, you can divorce me.”
She looked so pitiful that he almost believed her.
Huo Xian laughed in exasperation. Even drunk, she wouldn’t tell the truth. He squeezed her arm, pulling her forward slightly. “No matter, I have plenty of time. You’re drunk, my lady, and need a bath. Tonight, I will attend to you.”
Ji Yuluo’s scalp tightened at his words, but she quickly relaxed, thinking of something. However, before Huo Xian could carry her to the bath, Nanyue knocked on the door, “Master, there’s an urgent matter!”
Freed from his grasp, Ji Yuluo stumbled back a few steps, collapsing onto the bed with exhaustion. The flush on her face faded, replaced by paleness.
Huo Xian left for the study, and Hongshuang hurried in, seeing Ji Yuluo lifting her sleeve to reveal a fresh cut on her forearm. The blood had dried and stuck to her inner garment, but Huo Xian’s grip had reopened the wound.
Hongshuang frowned, “It’s my fault for not being more attentive. I’ll make sure to have anti-drunk medicine ready for you next time, Miss.”
Ji Yuluo didn’t seem to mind, only suffering from a headache. After bathing and taking the anti-drunk medicine, she heard that Huo Xian had urgent business and had left the residence in a hurry. She breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to get a good night’s sleep.
However, the scent of cold fir used by Huo Xian still lingered on the pillow. Ji Yuluo, exhausted, closed her eyes but couldn’t calm her mind.
She recalled Xiao Yuanting’s reckless behavior in the marketplace that day, reminiscent of a scene from years ago.
Seven years ago, Huo Xian’s elder brother, Huo Jue, the heir of the Xuanping Marquis, led troops to Yunyang. At that time, Yunyang was a strategic location. Huo Jue went to fend off the enemy but was defeated and killed, causing chaos in Yunyang city. Before the imperial reinforcements arrived, the local authorities couldn’t maintain order, allowing bandits to run rampant and plunder many homes. The ensuing famine and unrest left many refugees dead from cold, and some even resorted to cannibalism.
It was during that winter that she lost her home.
This wasn’t Ji Yuluo’s first time on the streets. Due to previous experiences, her family had hired a master to teach her self-defense, allowing her to snatch food faster than other children.
But there weren’t buns to snatch every day, so she stole a money pouch from a rich young master behaving recklessly.
She was nearly frozen to death that day, huddled on the street when a four-horse carriage approached. The young driver, dressed in fine silk, mocked the lowly people along the street.
It was then that she stole his money pouch.
But she didn’t escape. The young master was furious, pointing at her and cursing for a long time. She was so dazed that she didn’t hear a word, her hands bound and tied to the back of the carriage, dragged along for two streets.
If she hadn’t encountered Xiao Yuanting again, Ji Yuluo would have nearly forgotten about this incident.
Ji Yuluo stared at the faintly glowing luminous pearl above her. With no one else sharing the bed, her body gradually relaxed, and she let the memories of Xiao Yuanting slip into her dreams.
However, she was abruptly awakened before midnight by Hongshuang, who looked grave as she handed over a piece of paper. Ji Yuluo, under the dim light of the luminous pearl, looked down to read it, her drowsiness instantly vanishing.
