Ji Cheng played along with him, as people of their status were known for never getting straight to the point. “Indeed. Sister Yan wanted a snow-white one, and we happened to come across it today. Has Cousin Che had any success in today’s hunt?”
As she spoke, Ji Cheng nocked another arrow and aimed at the snow fox’s other eye. It was a cunning little creature, only severely wounded but playing dead. Had Ji Cheng not been paying close attention, it might have escaped.
If another young lady were present, she might have accused Ji Cheng of being cruel and merciless. The fox had already fallen, so why shoot another arrow? However, Ji Cheng’s concern was preventing it from struggling and damaging its fine pelt.
Ji Cheng understood that her actions appeared ruthless and might lower Shen Che’s opinion of her as a lady. However, as a subordinate or partner, such behavior would make Shen Che feel more at ease and see her value. He would be less likely to take advantage of her or let her go.
In Shen Che’s eyes, wasn’t Ji Cheng just like that cunning snow fox? Fortunately, what Shen Che valued was her cunning, not her “pelt.” Otherwise, Ji Cheng’s safety might have been in jeopardy.
After Ji Cheng asked about his hunt, Shen Che’s gaze briefly swept over her. Today, Ji Cheng wore a willow-green riding outfit with clustered jasmine patterns and four lapels. The riding outfit was much more form-fitting than her usual attire. The two-palm-wide waistband accentuated Ji Cheng’s slender waist, making it appear as delicate as a willow branch. For convenience, she wore no jade pendants or pouches today, drawing all attention to her high bosom and slim waist.
The white, tight-fitting silk trousers peeked out from the side slits, and the wind pressed the fabric against her legs, outlining her straight, toned, and long thighs. It was enough to make one swallow hard.
Of course, Shen Che wasn’t so uncouth. His gaze lingered only for a moment before settling on Ji Cheng’s porcelain-like face, which was even more delicate and snow-white than the jasmine clusters on her robe. With such beauty and figure, if she possessed some skills in the art of seduction, she would truly be an exceptional woman.
“I haven’t found any prey yet,” Shen Che answered Ji Cheng’s question. “Was the wound on your forehead caused by Consort Wang?”
“Yes,” Ji Cheng instinctively touched the wound.
“Later, I’ll have Nan Gui bring you some medicine. It won’t leave a scar. You’re quite determined, willing to harm such delicate skin to fake an injury,” Shen Che remarked.
Ji Cheng’s eyelashes fluttered rapidly. She had initially thought her perception was mistaken but now realized Shen Che truly intended to “flirt” with her. Ji Cheng couldn’t help but feel some contempt. Given their relationship, they shouldn’t involve more personal emotions, as it could easily lead to complications. Shen Che surely knew this, yet he spoke this way. Was he confident that she would fall at his feet and loyally sell out the Ji family to him? Or was this simply his naturally flirtatious nature that he couldn’t suppress?
Hearing this, Ji Cheng touched the wound again, smiling shyly with slightly pursed lips, as if she appreciated Shen Che’s concern.
Ji Cheng understood the principle of “repay a peach with a plum” and smoothly replied, “Cousin Che, I have something to tell you about Consort Wang.” She lowered her voice and took two steps closer to Shen Che, standing side by side with him.
“If I hadn’t met you today, I would have asked Nan Gui to send you a message tonight,” Ji Cheng said. This was true because last night, Ji Cheng had spent the whole day unable to think of the most suitable way to eliminate both Shen Che and Wang Yue Niang at once. She had to settle for the next best thing: getting rid of Wang Yue Niang.
Shen Che raised an eyebrow with an ambiguous smile, “It doesn’t always have to be at night. A Cheng, you’re my cousin. It would be perfectly normal for you to visit me at Nine Li Courtyard during the day.”
Ji Cheng blinked, unable to immediately understand Shen Che’s meaning. There was a hint of ambiguous teasing, yet it seemed he was seriously suggesting that many things didn’t need to be communicated through Nan Gui unless something urgent happened at night that required using the secret passage.
Thinking of the secret passage, Ji Cheng felt more worried about her life. Shen Che had revealed so many secrets to her; how much freedom could she possibly have left? It wasn’t that Shen Che was particularly dangerous, but Ji Cheng now felt like Sun Wukong with the tight band around his head, uncomfortable all over.
Ji Cheng hesitated for a moment before answering, “I was overthinking, making things more difficult than necessary.”
Shen Che nodded and started walking forward. Ji Cheng followed half a step behind him. Nan Gui, who would catch up later, would take care of the hunted snow fox.
Taking this opportunity, Ji Cheng “honestly” told Shen Che about Wang Yue Niang’s plans, omitting only one detail: that it was Ji Cheng who had suggested Wang Yue Niang give up on Shen Yu and target Shen Che instead.
After listening, Shen Che said nothing, only turning his head to silently stare at Ji Cheng.
Ji Cheng knew what he was suspicious about and inwardly cursed Shen Che for being so sharp-minded. But having already spoken, Ji Cheng couldn’t lower her head guiltily, so she let Shen Che look. She stared back at him, afraid of revealing her thoughts, and began counting Shen Che’s eyelashes.
“A Cheng, do you know that you only put on airs when you’re guilty? Usually, you wouldn’t stare at me like this,” Shen Che said.
Ji Cheng inwardly exclaimed that things had gone awry. She had never noticed this habit before, and it was unfortunate that Shen Che had pointed it out.
“Does Cousin Che not believe what I said?” Ji Cheng asked, feigning slight anger.
“Is it me that Consort Wang wants to scheme against?” Shen Che asked.
Since Shen Che had asked, it meant he already had an idea. Ji Cheng couldn’t figure out where the flaw in this matter was. At the time, there was no one around her and Wang Yue Niang, and they were both speaking in low voices. Even if someone had been eavesdropping, it would have been unlikely for them to hear the content of their conversation.
Ji Cheng still insisted, “Cousin Che, your question is strange. You are the future Duke of Qi. If she wants to bring down the Shen family, who else would she target if not you?”
Shen Che smiled lightly, but that smile somehow exuded a chilling aura that made one’s hair stand on end. “Ji Cheng, I know you’re clever, but the cleverer one is, the easier it is to bring about one’s demise. Do you want to use my hand to get rid of Consort Wang? Since you’re so capable, why don’t I send you into the palace to deal with Consort Wang personally?”
Ji Cheng remained silent. When unsure of what to say, silence was always better than speaking rashly.
“Come to think of it, if you were in the palace, our actions would be even more convenient. With your abilities, you might even be able to coax my uncle into submission. He’s older now and much more sentimental than when he was younger. If you could bear him a prince, I can guarantee that both I and the Shen family would support you. You’re so clever; you’d surely produce an excellent Crown Prince,” Shen Che said.
Ji Cheng still didn’t speak, but her face showed a stubborn expression. She couldn’t tell if Shen Che’s words were true or false, but she feared he might do it if he set his mind to it.
“Still being difficult with me?” Shen Che asked Ji Cheng.
Ji Cheng took half a step back and adjusted her hair, smiling charmingly, “I know I can’t compete with Cousin Che, but please don’t push me like this. My life may be worthless, but if you want to send me into the palace, you might as well send my corpse.” Ji Cheng knew that Shen Che was likely just trying to scare her, but if she backed down now, he could intimidate her again in the future.
Shen Che laughed twice as if he had heard a very funny joke. “How can you say your life is worthless? You should know how precious you are. A Cheng, I understand your nature. Even if I were to send you into the palace now, you wouldn’t commit suicide. You might hate me to the core, but you’d come back to cooperate with me, aiming for the top.”
Ji Cheng’s pupils contracted slightly. She couldn’t deny Shen Che’s words. Suicide would never be an option for someone like Ji Cheng. Even in hell, she would struggle to find a way out. Back then, when her father was willing to give Ji Lan half of the family fortune to protect her, Ji Cheng naturally played a role in it. Even before that incident was resolved, Ji Qing had already seen the enormous potential in his daughter.
So, people always pave their paths.
“Is it because I’ve been very polite to you, A Cheng, that you’ve developed a misconception, thinking that I should recruit you and dote on you?” Shen Che asked again.
Ji Cheng inwardly wanted to spit on Shen Che twice. How dare he use the word “dote”?
That was because Ji Cheng didn’t fully understand Shen Che; she hadn’t seen all his facets. Considering Ji Cheng’s repeated provocations towards Shen Che, it was remarkable that she was still alive and well.
Ji Cheng replied calmly, “I wouldn’t dare.”
Shen Che’s smile faded as he shook his head, “Ji Cheng, I’ve given you so much time, but I didn’t expect you still haven’t adjusted your mindset. It’s truly disappointing. Have you been resenting me for pressuring you? If you always hate the winning side when you lose, instead of reflecting on why you left those weaknesses for others to exploit, then your Ji family isn’t worthy of participating in my cooperation. When you lose, you have to accept it.”
Ji Cheng knew this reasoning was correct, but she had never experienced such a major defeat in her life. Despite her high intelligence, she lacked experience and found it difficult to adjust her mentality in a short time.
“There’s something you need to understand. In my world, there are no indispensable people. If I discover you hiding information or acting on your own again, I will personally remove your thorns,” Shen Che warned.
At this moment, Shen Che seemed like the ruler of the Asura realm. Ji Cheng could almost smell the faint scent of blood on his fingertips.
Ji Cheng remained silent, her heart sinking as if weighed down by a stone. After a long while, she said, “I understand.”
Having understood, she naturally had to confess honestly. Ji Cheng then explained how she had persuaded Wang Yue Niang to switch her target from Shen Yu to Shen Che.
“What were you thinking?” Shen Che asked.
“I was afraid Consort Wang might have a backup plan or other arrangements. If she were solely focused on Cousin Yu, I feared he might be unprepared. If it were you instead, I thought you surely wouldn’t fall for her trap. Even if something happened, we could discuss and act together,” Ji Cheng replied, lowering her head.
Shen Che responded coolly, “My elder brother isn’t as weak as you think, but thank you for thinking highly of me, A Cheng.”
Ji Cheng remained silent with an expressionless face. She had lost all interest in conversing with Shen Che but had to ask, “Does Cousin Che have any plans regarding this matter?”
“I have my arrangements for Consort Wang,” Shen Che said.
Ji Cheng said nothing more. By now, she and Shen Che had reached the edge of a cliff. Below flowed a mighty river, and across stood a chain of mountains with snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunlight, emitting a dazzling silver light. While the distant peaks were magnificent, the nearby area was filled with withered leaves and grass, creating a sense of desolation and evoking feelings of autumn melancholy.
Shen Che stood with his back to Ji Cheng, allowing her to see his profile. His features were as if carved, neither too much nor too little – just right. Yet, in this world, the most difficult thing to achieve is that perfect balance.
Such a person, standing silently, inspired awe like a lofty mountain, yet when he showed affection, he was like the warm spring earth, with swallows playing and orioles singing, making one instantly forget his coldness.
As mentioned before, although Ji Cheng knew Shen Che’s hidden side, she was still blinded by his cultured and refined demeanor. How did she act afterward? She persisted in her old ways, thinking he was unrestrained and easy to deceive. It was truly courting death.
Ji Cheng wasn’t sure if she was too foolish, making the same mistake repeatedly, or if Shen Che was too skilled at maintaining his facade, blurring the line between truth and falsehood.
Ji Cheng bit her tongue to remind herself of today’s pain, vowing not to make such mistakes again.
“Why aren’t you asking anymore?” Shen Che seemed to have finished admiring the scenery and turned his head towards Ji Cheng, his lips curving into a smile that was like melting snow and ice. “A Cheng doesn’t seem like someone who would be silenced by a few words of rebuke from me.”
The stubborn expression on Ji Cheng’s face also dissipated with the wind. “I fear some matters are not for me to know.”
Shen Che turned to face Ji Cheng directly. “Indeed, but for clever people like you, it can’t be like this.”
“What about clever people like me?” Shen Che was truly annoying. Ji Cheng had already resolved to be an obedient subordinate, but he always found a way to provoke her.
“Clever people have a flaw. They always like to get to the bottom of things, understand the cause and effect, and then judge for themselves whether to do something and how to do it. If you don’t tell them the plan, they might act on their own. Wanting them to obey orders is harder than climbing to heaven. That’s why sometimes we prefer to use those who are less intelligent,” Shen Che said, his lips constantly curved in a smile. Although his words made Ji Cheng’s blood boil, she had to admit that Shen Che had a point. Reflecting on her past, she realized she too had been annoyed by those who thought themselves clever. Ji Cheng couldn’t help but smile at this realization.
“Finally, a smile,” Shen Che seemed genuinely pleased.
Ji Cheng glanced at Shen Che sideways, unmoved by his hot-and-cold behavior. “So, does Cousin Che plan to tell this clever person the cause and effect?”
Shen Che just smiled without speaking. Ji Cheng knew he was waiting for her to ask. “Cousin Che surely knows that Consort Wang is not on good terms with the Shen family and must have made arrangements. There’s no need for me to worry about that. I have another matter I’d like to ask Cousin Che about.”
Shen Che nodded.
“I see that Consort Wang is very eager for revenge. She’s only been in the palace for a little over a month, and her foundation isn’t stable, yet she’s acting rashly. This makes me very uneasy. Could it be that His Majesty’s health is not well? If so… what are Cousin Che’s plans?”
The transition between old and new is always the most turbulent time. One wrong move could lead to irreversible consequences, especially for someone as deeply involved as Shen Che. Would the new emperor still trust him? These were all Ji Cheng’s concerns. She wasn’t looking at immediate benefits, but at whether the Shen family’s position could remain stable in the future.
Shen Che’s gaze held a hint of appreciation. “A Cheng is indeed astute, guessing His Majesty’s poor health just from Consort Wang’s behavior. However, there’s no need to worry about this for now. We can ensure peace for at least five years. As for what happens after five years, if A Cheng were in my position, what would you plan?”
Ji Cheng knew Shen Che was testing her. She had already pondered this question in secret. She chose the most outrageous but potentially most beneficial option. “Since there’s no worry for at least five years, why doesn’t Cousin Che follow the example of the Lü clan? Consort Wang is deeply in love with you. If you can fulfill her dream this time, what is there to worry about in the future?”
Shen Che stared at Ji Cheng for a long while before speaking. “A Cheng, whether you’re speaking off the cuff or after careful consideration, such an answer shows that you have a rebellious nature. Fortunately, the country is at peace now. If we were in chaotic times, I’m afraid you would stir up quite a storm.”
Ji Cheng was secretly shocked. She had never thought of herself as having a rebellious nature, but with Shen Che’s comment, she suddenly realized that she had always been unwilling to submit to others and always wanted to take over when facing situations. But what was wrong with that?
“Cousin Che flatters me. I’m just a woman. Even in chaotic times, I could only be displaced. How could I possibly stir up a storm?” Ji Cheng refused to admit it.
Shen Che didn’t argue with Ji Cheng. “Your method is not without merit, but it wouldn’t work for me. I was born into the Shen family, raised with national patronage, living in luxury. My uncle treats me with sincerity and has been a great mentor to me. For the sake of the country and my personal feelings, I would never commit such a treasonous act.”
Ji Cheng hadn’t expected Shen Che to say this. He seemed to be unrestrained and talented, and Ji Cheng had thought he had other ambitions. She hadn’t expected him to be such a loyal subject. Looking into Shen Che’s eyes, they were clear and calm, not seeming to be lying. Ji Cheng gained a bit more respect for him.
“Then what are Cousin Che’s plans?” Ji Cheng asked again.
Shen Che didn’t elaborate, only saying, “You just need to know that it definitely won’t be the Crown Prince ascending to that position.”
Ji Cheng was shocked again. That Shen Che would tell her this much was already beyond her expectations. This meant that the Wang sisters were not a concern. For some reason, when Shen Che said this, Ji Cheng believed him without any doubt.
After Shen Che left, Ji Cheng considered her situation. She couldn’t respond to Wang Yue Niang’s plans, and Shen Che hadn’t given any instructions, so this was something Ji Cheng had to resolve on her own. Ji Cheng cursed silently, knowing she would have to suffer a bit. Fortunately, before coming, Ji Cheng had anticipated the difficulties of this journey and had prepared many things.
Ji Cheng slowly walked back, with Nan Gui leading a horse carrying the hunted game behind her. Just as they turned from a mountain hollow, they saw Shen Cui emerge from behind a tree, her face flushed red.
Seeing Ji Cheng, Shen Cui was first startled, then her face turned even redder, the blush spreading to her neck. She awkwardly adjusted her hair and asked, “Sister Cheng, where are you coming from?”
Ji Cheng noticed that Shen Cui’s eyes were filled with autumn water, her lips red as if painted, with a charming demeanor. She had lost some of her girlish innocence and instead showed more of a womanly air.
“I just came down from the mountain,” Ji Cheng said. “Where are you going?” As she spoke, her eyes glanced toward the tree Shen Cui had emerged from.
Fearing Ji Cheng might discover something, Shen Cui hurriedly pulled Ji Cheng away. “Sister, do you have any dried food? I’m starving.”
Of course, there was dried food. Ji Cheng didn’t point out Shen Cui’s behavior. “Let’s go to the riverside. We can wash our hands and eat there.”
Shen Cui was naturally eager to leave the area quickly.
While eating the dried food, Ji Cheng asked Shen Cui, “The other day when you saw Wang Yue Niang, did she say anything to you?”
At the mention of Wang Yue Niang, Shen Cui spat angrily, “What could she say? She’s just a lowly consort, yet she dares to act so boldly.” Then she glared at Ji Cheng, “If you had agreed to enter the palace back then, how could Wang Yue Niang be so arrogant today?”
Ji Cheng ignored Shen Cui’s complaint and frowned, “But yesterday she said some strange things to me.”
“What did she say?” Shen Cui asked.
Ji Cheng said, “She said that the incident back then was instigated by her sister, Fourth Miss Wang, but afterward, Fourth Miss Wang completely denied involvement, leaving her to bear the consequences. She also said that the Shen family was blind, not knowing the true mastermind behind the scenes, and only bullying a weak woman like her.”
Hearing this, Shen Cui stood up, slapping her thigh. “I knew it, I knew it,” she muttered. “No wonder I heard yesterday that Wang Yue Niang was constantly using you to put pressure on Fourth Miss Wang. I was confused before, but now I understand.”
Ji Cheng also pretended to be indignant. “I had guessed early on that it was Fourth Miss Wang who gave Wang Yue Niang the idea. To be fair, Wang Yue Niang is indeed arrogant, but she couldn’t have come up with such a vicious plan on her own.”
“Those sisters are birds of a feather,” Shen Cui snorted coldly.
“It’s just a pity that Fourth Miss Wang, after doing such a thing, is now safe and sound. The people in the capital don’t know her true face. Those noble ladies still surround her like stars around the moon. Even when my brother mentions Fourth Miss Wang, his face is full of praise, saying she’s the top among the capital’s noble ladies,” Ji Cheng said.
“What top lady is she? Not to mention Sister Yan, even your and Sister Jun’s beauty surpasses hers by far,” Shen Cui said, full of contempt for Fourth Miss Wang.
However, even with this, Ji Cheng couldn’t see any intention of actual action in Shen Cui’s eyes, so she had to fabricate a story out of thin air.
“But Fourth Miss Wang indeed has talent and beauty, and her family background is so prominent. She’s also good at dealing with people, fooling everyone with her facade. Even Sister Qi Hua’s brother, I heard, is still unmarried because he was infatuated with Fourth Miss Wang back then,” Ji Cheng said. Ji Cheng had no idea that her made-up words had hit the truth.