Over the next two days, He Yan kept waiting for news from Xu Jiafuwang’s side. Unfortunately, whether Xu Zhiheng was also searching for Governess Qin’s whereabouts or not, Fuwang’s search wasn’t progressing smoothly. Meanwhile, on the night He Yan and Xiao Jue met with Madam Fan, someone indeed tried to sneak into the prison to silence her.

Thanks to Xiao Jue’s warning, Magistrate Liu had increased the prison guards beforehand. Though the assassin failed, the guards couldn’t catch the masked assailant who managed to escape. Even so, Madam Fan remained in a state of delirium. Magistrate Liu didn’t dare to use torture, and the investigation of people connected to the Fan family and the maid who committed suicide remained ongoing. The case had reached a deadlock.

The assassination attempt on He Yan happened in a street alley. After the City Guard arrived, many civilians gathered to watch. When He Yan revealed her identity, the matter couldn’t be kept secret. By the next day, everyone in Shuo Capital knew that Xiao Jue’s fiancée, the Imperial-appointed Marquise of Wu’an, had been attacked in broad daylight but fortunately escaped thanks to her martial skills. Subsequently, fewer people ventured out at night in the capital, fearing encounters with roaming bandits.

Before everything was clarified, the capital’s residents could only assume it was the work of “bandits.”

In the Crown Prince’s residence, beautiful maids were playing zithers and dancing.

Crown Prince Guang Yan’s indulgence in sensual pleasures wasn’t a recent development. Though the Crown Princess was furious, she was powerless to intervene. She focused all her attention on herself, hoping to bear an heir soon to secure the Crown Prince’s position. Unfortunately, her womb hadn’t shown any signs of life since entering the Crown Prince’s residence. Guang Yan’s dissatisfaction with the Crown Princess made him increasingly unrestrained. By now, no one in the entire residence could control him.

Today, the Crown Prince hosted a banquet, inviting Minister Xu and Chu Zhao.

“Since Father Emperor arranged the marriage, I haven’t had the chance to congratulate Zilan,” the Crown Prince smiled at Chu Zhao. “This time, Zilan has fulfilled his wish to strengthen ties with Minister Xu’s family. It’s a tremendous blessing. Congratulations.” He raised his wine cup toward Chu Zhao.

Chu Zhao quickly lifted his cup, repeatedly saying he didn’t dare accept such praise. He drank his wine along with the Crown Prince.

“Now that Xiao Huaijin has returned to Shuo Capital,” Guang Yan sighed, “the Wutuo nation’s envoys will enter the capital soon. Xiao Huaijin will certainly try everything to obstruct the establishment of trading posts in Great Wei. However, since most court officials are now our people, I’m not worried.” The Crown Prince paused, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his eyes. “What I’m worried about is Fourth Brother. If Xiao Huaijin allies with Fourth Brother…”

Though Guang Shu’s court connections weren’t as extensive as Guang Yan’s, and Consort Lan’s family wasn’t as powerful as Empress Zhang’s, he had a natural advantage they lacked—Emperor Wenxuan’s favor.

Emperor Wenxuan doted on Guang Shu, and several old, stubborn court officials secretly supported Fourth Prince Guang Shu.

“Fourth Prince is mediocre and unambitious, Your Highness need not worry,” Minister Xu smiled as he spoke.

“That kid might be incompetent, but…” the Crown Prince narrowed his eyes, “he’s simply an eyesore.”

Perhaps because although no one said it openly, everyone knew that his talents and character couldn’t compare to Guang Shu’s. Even his people thought so, including this old fox before him… The Crown Prince’s gaze swept over Minister Xu, but he recalled another interesting matter.

“Zilan,” the Crown Prince suddenly looked at Chu Zhao, “I heard you have a maid who is beautiful and clever. Is this true?”

Hearing this, Chu Zhao felt as if ice-cold water had been poured over his head, slowly freezing, but his face showed no change as he respectfully answered, “Indeed, there is such a person.”

“With such a beauty, why have I never seen you bring her by your side?” the Crown Prince asked with a smile, though his eyes held no trace of mirth.

Why? Of course, because once brought to his side and seen by the Crown Prince, Yingxiang would no longer be able to stay in the Chu family. Given Crown Prince Guang Yan’s character, he always seized any beautiful woman for himself. Yingxiang’s beauty would only bring her misfortune.

“This maid is not very dexterous, and because she is excessively beautiful, it’s inconvenient to bring her along. I have her stay at the residence doing menial tasks like sweeping,” Chu Zhao replied.

Hearing this, the Crown Prince laughed heartily, “Zilan, you’re wasting such talent. With such an inability to cherish beauty, you must change when you marry Pingting, or Minister Xu will be displeased.”

Minister Xu Jingfu merely sat to the side, smiling and drinking tea, appearing not to have heard the barb in the Crown Prince’s words.

Chu Zhao displayed a somewhat bewildered expression.

“Since she’s staying at your residence, it’s still a waste. Why not give her to me?” the Crown Prince said casually. “I happen to need such a clever girl in my service, and the Eastern Palace won’t miss the cost of feeding one more person. What do you think?”

Chu Zhao froze, raising his eyes to look at Guang Yan.

The zither music in the hall had stopped at some point, and the dancing maids had quietly withdrawn. In the silence, the air stagnated like viscous blood, bringing suffocating nausea.

The young man’s face appeared handsome enough, but perhaps due to his excessive indulgence, dark circles were visible under his eyes. When looking at others, there was always a hint of malice and frenzy. Though his lips wore a smile, his eyes watching Chu Zhao held a trace of contemptuous arrogance.

It was genuine disdain, the contempt of a superior looking at an insect.

“What’s wrong?” the Crown Prince spoke jokingly, “Zilan, you’re not reluctant to part with her, are you?”

Minister Xu just looked at his teacup, saying nothing.

Chu Zhao stood up, walked before the Crown Prince, and knelt, “How dare I be? It’s Yingxiang’s fortune to be chosen to serve Your Highness. However, this maid is clumsy and might offend Your Highness. Since Your Highness desires her, I will send someone to bring Yingxiang here as soon as I return to the residence.”

His respectful attitude clearly pleased the Crown Prince, who let Chu Zhao kneel for a while before rising to help him up, saying with satisfaction, “No need for such ceremony. You are one of my close confidants. Once she arrives at the residence, I will take good care of her.”

After Chu Zhao expressed more loyalty, pleasing the Crown Prince greatly, he returned to his seat.

At the long table full of wine and delicacies, he held his chopsticks and ate, appearing unaffected, but when he put down his cup, his gaze fell on Minister Xu beside him.

The old man’s face was kind and loving, seemingly showing some magnanimity, smiling back with the same gentle expression as when Chu Zhao had first become his student years ago.

Chu Zhao returned Xu’s smile and raised his cup in congratulation, but looking closely, one could see that his other hand was under the table, his fingertips were digging into his palm, leaving a shallow bloody mark.

When he returned to the Chu residence, it was already very late.

As soon as he crossed the gate, the smile disappeared completely from Chu Zhao’s face. He usually maintained a gentle and refined smile, even when facing the servants of the Chu family, but today it seemed unbearable. As soon as he entered the mansion gate, his expression became as dark as water about to drip, and the servants didn’t dare approach.

Everyone in the Chu household knew this Fourth Young Master was extraordinary. When he was first brought back to the residence, everyone thought this Fourth Young Master wouldn’t live long. An illegitimate child, born to a brothel woman, would never be accepted by Madam Chu. Before meeting Minister Xu, Chu Zhao had endured a difficult period in his early years. Although protected by Chu Lingfeng, Chu Lingfeng wasn’t an attentive father. In the corners beyond Chu Lingfeng’s sight, Chu Zhao was often bullied and beaten.

But this child could endure well, persisting until good fortune arrived when Prime Minister Xu Jingfu chose him, soon becoming Minister Xu’s favorite student.

Afterward, Chu Zhao rose rapidly. Gradually, Madam Chu could no longer touch him, and Chu Lingfeng became obedient to this son. Yet Chu Zhao never changed his personality because of this. He remained consistently gentle with the Chu family’s servants, and over time, many of Madam Chu’s people secretly switched allegiance to Chu Zhao.

A more promising and gentler master—even a fool would know how to choose.

But today’s Chu Zhao seemed to have exhausted his upbringing and good temper.

As soon as he walked into his courtyard, he saw the familiar lantern swaying at the door. Chu Zhao entered, and Yingxiang came forward to greet him: “Fourth Young Master.”

He entered the room without a word.

Perhaps because his expression was too unusual today, Yingxiang hesitated, followed him in, and stood beside Chu Zhao, asking softly, “Fourth Young Master, has something happened?”

Chu Zhao raised his eyes to look at the woman before him.

Yingxiang was very beautiful, graceful, and picturesque. Standing there, her charm surpassed flowers. With such beauty, she would be qualified even to enter the palace. In the Chu family, if she hadn’t been his maid making her untouchable, Chu Lingfeng would probably have already made Yingxiang his twentieth concubine.

It was hard to imagine how Yingxiang’s ordinary-looking parents could have produced such a gracefully beautiful face.

The first time Chu Zhao saw Yingxiang was in front of a brothel. Yingxiang’s father, a gambler, was gripping her wrist, haggling with the brothel madam in a bargaining tone about how much money he could get for selling his daughter. Yingxiang’s mother, a pregnant woman, just stood aside silently crying, not daring to say anything.

At that time, Chu Zhao was only nine years old, having just followed Xu Jingfu for a short while, and Madam Chu no longer dared to bully him openly. Yingxiang looked about his age, wearing very shabby clothes, but her skin was very fair, and even without makeup, her features showed she was a natural beauty. Her expression had always been calm, neither crying nor making a fuss, standing in place. When Chu Zhao stopped across the street to look at her, the girl raised her head and glanced at him.

Though her face showed no expression, it seemed possible to see through her eyes to her deep sorrow and despair. Like surrendering to a fate already understood, powerless to resist.

In that instant, Chu Zhao thought of Ye Runmei.

He ordered his servant to use two portions of silver to buy Yingxiang, telling Chu Lingfeng upon returning that he needed a personal maid. Chu Lingfeng thought Chu Zhao had other intentions in mind. Being a romantic himself, he not only wasn’t angry at his son’s behavior but greatly admired it. Thus, Yingxiang stayed by Chu Zhao’s side.

Over the years, Yingxiang spoke little. In stark contrast to her charming and stunning appearance was her quiet and obedient nature. She grew increasingly beautiful, and Chu Zhao understood clearly that beauty invited misfortune. His ability to protect Yingxiang was very limited.

Perhaps sensing the pity in his eyes, Yingxiang hesitated briefly before pressing her lips together and asking, “Fourth Young Master, does this matter concern this servant?”

“Today I went to the Crown Prince’s residence,” Chu Zhao said. “The Crown Prince knows about you.”

The room fell silent for a moment.

After a while, Yingxiang calmly said, “This servant understands.”

Her response was obedient and gentle, just like that moment outside the brothel when she was about to be sold by her birth father. She naturally accepted her fate, as if she had anticipated it long ago.

Chu Zhao moved his lips, finally uttering two words, “I’m sorry.”

Instead, Yingxiang smiled. She walked to the table and, as usual, poured tea for Chu Zhao. The tea had been warming on the stove beforehand, so when Chu Zhao returned, he could drink hot tea. On such a cold day, one needed something warm for the stomach. She handed the teacup to Chu Zhao, speaking softly, “Having served Fourth Young Master for so long, this servant is already content. After this servant is gone, Young Master must remember to take good care of yourself.”

Chu Zhao took the tea but said nothing.

Yingxiang knelt.

“All these years, thanks to Young Master’s care, Yingxiang has no way to repay you. Before leaving, let this servant kowtow to Young Master.” She gently kowtowed Chu Zhao three times, each bow seemingly heavy as gold.

After the final bow, she remained prostrate for a long time without rising.

Chu Zhao didn’t stop her actions. After a long while, Yingxiang stood up again. She bowed to Chu Zhao, “Then, this servant will return to pack her belongings. Young Master, take care.”

With that, she turned to leave.

“Yingxiang.” Chu Zhao called her name.

Yingxiang stopped and turned back, a sudden line of hope appearing in her eyes. That hope was very subtle, yet in the night, it was brighter than the stars.

Chu Zhao avoided her gaze, as if unable to bear looking, and after a moment of silence, he uttered two words.

“Take care.”

……

He Yan knew nothing of these matters in the Chu family.

These days, all her attention was focused on the Xu family’s side. Money makes the world go round and driven by silver, Fuwang manages to find Governess Qin’s whereabouts several days earlier than his initially stated eight or nine days.

When He Yan received the news and went to the teahouse near the Xu residence, Fuwang approached with a smile, as if proud of some good deed, eager for his reward.

Seeing him like this, He Yan knew he must have made a significant discovery and was also delighted, so she asked, “Have you found her whereabouts?”

“Young Master,” Fuwang knew how to handle matters, first speaking at length about the hardships and dangers of his investigation these past days before saying, “I risked my life to handle this matter for you. You must show some consideration.”

He Yan smiled and placed the last silver piece from her sleeve on the table. With this, she too was completely penniless. However, she still had to keep up appearances in front of Fuwang.

“Brother, for helping me with this matter, I’ll certainly ensure you’re well compensated. This silver is just the beginning. If you can help me with more matters in the future, you’ll have more silver than you can spend.”

Hearing this, Fuwang’s eyes brightened, feeling reassured. He had feared that after this business was done, this mysterious person would disappear. With silver coming so easily, he naturally wanted to establish a long-term business relationship. This person’s meaning was clear – there would be other tasks to entrust to him, which made Fuwang even happier.

“As for Governess Qin’s whereabouts, I’ve already investigated for Young Master. Governess Qin has a lover who previously lived in Ox Family Village outside the city. However, I’ve also learned that after Governess Qin fled to find this lover, they no longer lived in Ox Family Village. This lover’s surname is Niu, originally a blacksmith. Blacksmith Niu has a relative who lives in the wild mountains about ten li away from Ox Family Village. The mountain is so vast that finding someone isn’t easy. But living in the mountains, they still need to exchange for grain, cloth, and oil. On the tenth of each month, Blacksmith Niu comes down the mountain to nearby markets to buy food. He also does some work for others, and on the days he buys food, he sells his forged iron wares at a place called ‘Changmao Iron Shop.'”

“If Young Master wants to find Governess Qin, you can first find that ‘Changmao Iron Shop.’ On the tenth, when Blacksmith Niu comes down the mountain, you can find him. Only Blacksmith Niu knows where Governess Qin is.” Fuwang smiled cunningly, “As for how to make Blacksmith Niu talk, that depends on how Young Master plans to handle it.”

“Is this information you’ve provided true?” He Yan asked.

“True, how dare I deceive Young Master?” Fuwang hurriedly said, “However, the Master is also having people search for Governess Qin’s whereabouts. I had to go through many channels to find this information, but the Master might also discover it. If Young Master is in a hurry, it’s best to go to that iron shop quickly. If the Master gets there first…”

He wasn’t genuinely concerned for this mysterious person’s interests but rather feared that if the mysterious person couldn’t find Governess Qin and disappeared, he would lose this easy source of silver.

He Yan felt somewhat excited. She had originally come to the Xu family just hoping to find evidence, not expecting to find a living witness. Now that Fuwang had investigated so thoroughly, it was an unexpected blessing.

“You’ve done very well with this matter.”

Receiving the praise, Fuwang was overjoyed, as if seeing silver flowing endlessly toward him, and immediately said, “It’s my fortune to serve Young Master. If Young Master has any other tasks, please feel free to command them. Though I’m not good at much else, I’m quick on my feet. It would be wonderful if I could help Young Master more.”

Better left unsaid, but once spoken, He Yan remembered another matter. She hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you know if there’s anything unusual about your household’s current Madam Xu recently?”

“Madam?” Fuwang was startled, finding the person before him increasingly unfathomable. Earlier they had mentioned Concubine He was his former lover, could it be that the current Madam Xu also had some unclear connection with him? If so, wouldn’t their master’s head be covered in green clouds? For a moment, Fuwang felt very sympathetic toward Xu Zhiheng.

He Yan didn’t know that the servant before her had let his imagination run wild, and just asked, “Don’t you know about Madam Xu’s situation?”

“I’m just a gatekeeper,” Fuwang smiled, “Madam’s courtyard is served by maids and old women, with very few male servants. If Young Master really wants to inquire, I can run some errands, however…”

“However what?” He Yan asked.

Not long after encountering Second Madam He and He Xinying at Yuhua Temple, she encountered assassins. He Yan thought about it repeatedly and felt it must be connected to He Rufei. Although He Xinying knew nothing, given He Rufei’s caution, he wouldn’t necessarily spare her. Though she hadn’t spent much time with this sister, He Yan didn’t want anything to happen to her.

“However, these past few days Madam seems to be feeling weak and hasn’t gone out much. When Madam Xu goes out, she doesn’t take her along either,” Fuwang said.

He Yan’s heart tightened.

Madam Xu not taking He Xinying out shouldn’t be anything unusual, but it happened right after she went to Yuhua Temple… It really made one suspect that He Xinying was being held under house arrest by the Xu family.

“Fuwang,” He Yan looked at the person before her, “I ask you to help me with one more thing – keep an eye on Madam Xu. If anything happens to Madam Xu, or if there are any problems, please find the pockmarked worker at the teahouse and let him know.”

Though puzzled, Fuwang still nodded, “Alright.”

After matters were arranged, they left separately. He Yan left first, Fuwang after. When Fuwang left, he didn’t notice that across the street at a silk shop’s corner, someone was hiding behind the shop’s round pillar. After his figure disappeared, the person emerged.

It was a woman in black clothes.

……

At night, the door to the study in the Xiao residence was opened, and someone entered from outside.

Xiao Jue hung his sword back on the wall and removed his outer garments. Just as he turned around, someone knocked on the door.

“Enter.”

The one who entered was Luanying in black clothes.

Xiao Jue didn’t look at her, walking to the desk where a pile of letters lay. He casually picked up several and flipped through them.

Luanying said, “Young Master, the matter you asked this servant to investigate has some leads.”

The young man was pulling out a letter, and hearing this, he didn’t raise his head but just said, “How so?”

Luanying hesitated.

Xiao Jue’s hand paused, glancing at her.

Just that glance made Luanying make up her mind, and she said softly, “This servant watched the Xu family gate for three days and today finally caught sight of Miss He.”

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“Miss He sat with a gatekeeper from the Xu family at a nearby teahouse for half an hour before leaving. This servant asked the teahouse workers, and before this, they had met several times.”

Xiao Jue threw the letter in his hand onto the table, sat down in the chair, looked at her, and said calmly, “What did you find out?”

“That gatekeeper is called Fuwang, and recently he’s had plenty of silver, looking for someone called Governess Qin at the Xu residence. Governess Qin was the wet nurse of Xu Zhiheng’s favored concubine He Wanru, but after He Wanru died of illness, Governess Qin disappeared.”

“This servant suspects that Miss He gave Fuwang a sum of silver to inquire about Governess Qin’s whereabouts. But strangely, Master Xu Zhiheng is also currently searching everywhere for Governess Qin.”

After speaking, Luanying didn’t dare look at Xiao Jue’s expression. That He Yan secretly had unclear connections with the Xu family was certainly not good news for Xiao Jue. A woman harboring many secrets always aroused suspicion.

“This person called Governess Qin seems very important.” The young man played with the paperweight in his hand. In the shadow of the oil lamp, his expression couldn’t be clearly seen.

“Have you found Governess Qin’s whereabouts?”

Luanying nodded: “Yes.”