The moment these words left his mouth, Xie Zhifei wanted to slap himself.

Only when a master passed could mourning banners be hung at the residence gate. The Lu residence had only one master.

Xie Zhifei’s expression turned extremely ugly. The person who’d been standing right before him just two hours ago was actually gone?

“How did he die?”

“Unknown.”

“Send someone to find out immediately. Find Lu Da—he’s bound to know.”

“Yes.”

“Wait.”

Xie Zhifei’s expression calmed. “Send word to the villa as well. Check on how Miss Yan is doing.”

“Yes.”

After Zhu Qing left, Xie Zhifei had no mood left for bathing. He washed roughly and walked out of the bathing room wearing only an inner robe.

Xiaohong and Lüqi were waiting outside with clothes. Seeing Master emerge, they quickly stepped forward to serve him.

Due to years of martial arts practice, the man’s physique was quite outstanding. Especially wearing the short-cut upper garment with the waistline pulled up, his two legs appeared exceptionally long.

A strong masculine aura.

Xiaohong had lived this long without ever being so close to a man, especially such a handsome one. She couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter, her soul flying away as she stared at him with infatuated, lingering eyes.

Xie Zhifei’s mind was full of concerns, his heart anxious. He’d been hoping these two maids would move faster when he noticed the person before him wasn’t moving. Looking down, his expression instantly turned cold.

“Get out!”

Third Master Xie’s harsh shout startled the two maids so badly they quickly put down what they were holding and left with lowered heads.

Just then Steward Xie walked in. Glancing at the anger on Third Master’s face, then at the two maids who brushed past him, he understood everything.

“Third Master, this old servant will attend to you.”

Only then did Xie Zhifei’s expression ease slightly. “Speak. What is it?”

“Miss Tang requests Third Master to come over.”

He’d originally intended to go over anyway, but now…

“Old Censor has passed. I need to go out. Tell her to rest early. I’ll speak with her tomorrow.”

Xie Zhifei urged, “Move quickly. I’m waiting to leave.”

Hearing it was Old Censor, how could Steward Xie dare delay? He swiftly helped Third Master dress, then wrung out his hair strand by strand and tied it up.

Just as everything was ready, Zhu Qing returned.

“Master, Miss Yan requests you to come over.”

Xie Zhifei’s heart jumped. How did she wake so quickly this time?

“Did she say what it’s about?”

“She said it’s urgent business, asking Master to come no matter what…”

“Prepare the carriage immediately.”

“Yes.”

Xie Zhifei patted Steward Xie’s shoulder and strode off.

Xie Xiaohua watched his Third Master’s retreating back, his eyes narrowing with a smile.

“Miss Yan’s words are still the most effective!”

…

Very quickly, Xie Zhifei arrived at the villa.

Tangyuan held an umbrella in one hand and a lantern in the other, waiting at the gate. Seeing Third Master descend from the carriage, she hurried over.

Xie Zhifei asked, “Is she in the study or the flower hall?”

“In the flower hall.”

“Let’s go.”

In the flower hall, everyone was present, each face as ugly as Xie Zhifei’s—like frost-bitten eggplants.

Yan Sanhe saw him arrive and pointed to the paper on the table. “Third Master, come quickly and look at this.”

As Xie Zhifei picked up the paper, his peripheral vision caught sight of the girl’s frighteningly pale face—even her lips had no color. He couldn’t help asking, “Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Yan Sanhe shook her head. “Look at the letter first.”

Xie Zhifei spread open the paper, glanced at it, and slumped into a chair somewhat dazedly.

“About half an hour ago, Yan Sanhe and I were talking when suddenly a white light flashed and this letter shot right in with a thud.”

Young Master Pei began explaining in detail.

“Yan Sanhe and I discussed it and decided to notify you immediately. Who knew we’d run into your people on the way. Hey, so you’ve been keeping people around the Lu residence all along!”

“I stationed a few beggar boys.”

Xie Zhifei spread the letter open again. There were only four characters on it: “Departed with a Smile.”

That meant Lu Shi’s death was from natural causes.

Xie Zhifei sighed. “I received the news and specifically had Zhu Qing find Lu Da to inquire, fearing there might be something unexpected.”

“This letter was sent by Lu Da. The Emperor spared him.”

Yan Sanhe refocused her gaze on the letter. “This should also have been calculated by the old gentleman himself.”

Xie Zhifei looked at Yan Sanhe. “Why do you say that?”

“I think… probably because he was Lu Shi.”

Yan Sanhe held the letter over the candle flame. Soon it burned into a ball of ash. Meeting everyone’s gaze, she said softly:

“Lu Shi was a Censor. A Censor’s duty is to correct wrongs. The downfalls of Yan Ruxian, Li Xing and others all had solid evidence. He used righteous strategy—no one could find fault with him.

Most importantly, he was the most beloved good official in the nation. If he died miserably, how could the Emperor silence public opinion?

The Emperor most likely spared him for this reason.

And Lu Shi himself said he was sustained by a single breath.

Now that his wish is fulfilled, that breath is gone. To depart with a smile is Heaven’s greatest mercy toward him.”

The room fell silent. No one spoke, all feeling somewhat sad yet vaguely happy for him.

This was a good ending.

The only bad thing was how sudden it was.

After a quiet moment, Xie Zhifei said, “This news should have reached the palace by now. We needn’t concern ourselves with what happens next.”

“By having Lu Da send these four characters, he meant for us not to involve ourselves. Third Master, Young Master Pei.”

Yan Sanhe’s gaze swept across both men’s faces.

“Jingchen’s heart demon is completely resolved. From now on, don’t mention this matter to anyone. Swallow it down.”

“Wait!”

Xie Zhifei interrupted her. “This matter still has one loose end.”

“What loose end?”

“Tang Mingyue came to find me. I’ve settled her at the Xie residence right now. I haven’t had a chance to speak with her yet, but I estimate she’s come for you, Yan Sanhe.”

“There’s no point in my meeting her. The matter is too complex—telling her even a little serves no purpose. She needn’t thank me either. Everything was proper and appropriate.”

Yan Sanhe’s voice was somewhat hoarse from that coughing fit.

Xie Zhifei couldn’t help looking at her again, feeling that today her complexion was excessively pale.

“Please convey this to her for me, Third Master: the coffin is sealed, the heart demon resolved, all dust has settled. She should return to Muli Mountain to nurture her pregnancy as soon as possible!”

That won’t do. There are some things I haven’t asked clearly yet. How can I let her go back so quickly?

Xie Zhifei thought this to himself but said aloud, “Alright, I’ll tell her. But if she insists on seeing you…”

“You find a way to stop her for me.”

Yan Sanhe had no mind to see anyone right now. All she could think about was one thing. “Bring me the Zheng family case files tomorrow.”

A yawn is contagious. Xie Zhifei’s mouth opened halfway but was frightened back shut.

“…Won’t you rest for two days?”

“No need to rest.”

Yan Sanhe stood up and walked to the threshold. Her voice was soft yet so firm.

“My body is better than ever before. Better than ever.”

Because I’ve found my roots.