“For now, don’t enter. The malevolent energy will dissipate in three to six months.”
Zhu Yuanmo thought for a moment. “In a while, I’ll draw a talisman for Third Master to carry. Sleep with it under your pillow.”
Young Master Pei asked curiously: “Brother Zhu, how is your talisman different from the ones I got from monks?”
“The talismans my elder brother draws have the effect of warding off evil and calming the spirit, ensuring Third Master remains safe, healthy, and free from disaster for a year.”
Second Master Zhu said quietly: “My elder brother can only draw three talismans per year. They’re truly worth a thousand gold pieces.”
Bodhisattva!
Young Master Pei’s heart itched terribly, almost unbearably. He frantically winked at Xie Zhifei: Brother, after the Zhu family matter is settled, no matter what, ask Old Zhu for one.
Xie Zhifei had no mind for exchanging glances with him now.
“If I can’t step foot in the Zhu family for half a year, what about Yan Sanhe? What about me?”
Others might not understand, but Li Buyan and Young Master Pei knew perfectly well.
For the previous two heart demons, Third Master had been involved from start to finish. His status, background, and connections had often been invaluable assistance.
The Zhu family’s heart demon was this dangerous—without Third Master, it was like losing a powerful arm.
Li Buyan: “Brother Zhu, what would happen if Third Master insisted on entering the Zhu residence?”
“At best, he’d fall ill. At worst, he’d lose his soul and spirit.”
Zhu Yuanmo: “Once a person loses their soul and spirit, they become a fool, an idiot.”
“Then he’d better stay far away.”
Young Master Pei gave Xie Zhifei a firm look: “Don’t worry. I’m here—I’m worth two people.”
With your cowardly appearance?
No matter how much Li Buyan found fault with Xie Zhifei, she knew the Zhu family’s heart demon couldn’t do without him.
This wasn’t just about saving time for the Zhu family—it was also about reducing the pressure on Yan Sanhe.
“Third Master, I’m making this decision for Sanhe: no matter how dangerous it gets, we’ll return to the别院 at the first quarter of the Hour of the Pig.”
These words were exactly what Xie Zhifei wanted to hear.
He couldn’t enter the Zhu residence, but Yan Sanhe and the others could leave.
They might not have time during the day, but surely they had evenings!
“I have one condition.”
Hey!
Li Buyan ground her teeth with a grinding sound—give you an inch and you take a mile?
“Speak!”
Xie Zhifei’s expression was more solemn than ever before.
“Li Buyan, that scene you caused in the guest courtyard today was good. From now on, you must act that way—you have no choice.”
Li Buyan was stunned.
“This heart demon is dangerous. Yan Sanhe cannot have an accident. You must watch over her carefully. If she blames you, Third Master will take the responsibility.”
“No need for Third Master to take it.”
Li Buyan straightened her chest: “I’m tall with long legs, beautiful and well-built. I can handle it.”
How can someone praise themselves like that?
Have some shame.
Young Master Pei thought this but couldn’t help sneaking a glance. Before he could look, his lapel was grabbed.
Xie Zhifei: “Pei Mingting, you watch Yan Sanhe carefully too. If anything happens to her, I’ll skin you alive and pull out your tendons.”
Pei Mingting: “…”
You beast, treating your own brother so viciously!
Xie Zhifei released his grip and cupped his fists toward Zhu Yuanmo.
“Brother Zhu, forgive my bluntness, but in this world, only Yan Sanhe can save the Zhu family. Her life is more important than anyone’s.”
After his journey to the Yin Realm, Zhu Yuanmo deeply understood this.
His chest heaved several times before he said with utmost seriousness: “Rest assured, Third Brother. Miss Yan’s life is my life.”
…
The side gate closed with a creak.
Xie Zhifei looked at the two yellow talismans in his hand, feeling as if this afternoon had been a dream—absurd yet terrifying.
“Master?”
Zhu Qing approached. “Let’s return to the yamen!”
“Three things.”
Xie Zhifei tucked the yellow talismans into his robe.
“First, immediately send someone to meet Ding Yi and have him stay by Yan Sanhe’s side at all times when he returns. If anything unusual happens, come notify me immediately.”
“Yes.”
“Second.”
Xie Zhifei: “Notify the family that from today, I’ll be staying long-term at Yan Sanhe’s residence. If Father asks, tell him the Zhu family’s heart demon is too dangerous and I need to help.”
“Yes!”
“Third, notify Tang Yuan that at the first quarter of the Hour of the Pig, have hot water and a late-night meal ready. The meal should focus on nutritious foods, never repeating dishes. Don’t worry about the cost—Third Master will subsidize it privately.”
“Understood!”
“Return to the yamen.”
Xie Zhifei mounted his horse, turned to look at the Zhu residence’s main gate, and said through gritted teeth: “This evening, arrange a meeting with He Yun. Tell him Third Master is inviting him for drinks with courtesans.”
Zhu Qing’s heart skipped a beat.
Why was the master suddenly socializing with Young Master He?
That one was the type who, once you got involved with him, you could never shake off.
…
When Yan Sanhe woke, two hours had already passed.
Seeing the color of the sky outside, she covered her eyes with her hand and said softly: “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Boss Zhu said to let you rest properly. He also said from now on, all questioning will take place in this guest courtyard.”
Li Buyan sat down by the bed. “How do you feel?”
“Much better.”
Yan Sanhe licked her lips. “Where’s Xie Zhifei?”
I knew you’d ask about him.
“Old Zhu’s calculation was correct—it’s because of his shallow soul and faint spirit. He’s already left and can’t enter for half a year.”
Li Buyan: “I made a decision for you: we’ll return to the manor at the first quarter of the Hour of the Pig and won’t stay at the Zhu residence. First, this heart demon will definitely need Third Master’s help at some point. Second…”
“This house has some sinister energy, and you’re afraid something will happen to me?”
“Yes.”
Li Buyan pointed to her heart. “It’s a feeling from here.”
“I have the same feeling.”
Yan Sanhe didn’t hide it: “Very strong.”
Li Buyan’s heart jumped, cold sweat slowly seeping into her palms.
Yan Sanhe: “How are Madam Mao and Third Madam?”
“Both are very weak, like they’ve just recovered from a serious illness.”
Li Buyan: “Especially Madam Mao. I deliberately went to look just now—she’s aged more than ten years all at once.”
Yan Sanhe was shocked. “More than ten years?”
“Yes!”
Li Buyan thought about it. “And her vitality and spirit are also poor, her complexion sallow. It’s truly bizarre.”
Yan Sanhe sighed. “Nine times out of ten, this matter is still related to Zhu Xuanjiu.”
“Damn it, who exactly is this Zhu Xuanjiu? He won’t spare his daughter-in-law, won’t spare his grandson, and won’t even spare his bedfellow.”
Li Buyan cursed, then said: “Oh right, Third Master asked me to pass on a message to you.”
Yan Sanhe removed her hand from her eyes. “What?”
Li Buyan: “Take it easy!”
Yan Sanhe smiled bitterly. Once she’d accepted this heart demon, it wasn’t a matter of taking it easy or not.
“Buyan, close the door.”
Li Buyan assumed Yan Sanhe wanted to discuss Third Master and stood up to close the door.
“Have you been moved by him? Don’t be—it’s just words. Anyone can say them.”
Yan Sanhe waited for her to sit down, then said softly: “Buyan, if I’m not careful with this heart demon, I might die!”
“What?”
In an instant, all color drained from Li Buyan’s face.
“Han Xu knows about this. He advised me not to accept it and questioned me whether Li Buyan would try to stop me if she were here.”
Yan Sanhe reached out her hand and lightly touched Li Buyan’s hand.
“I said she wouldn’t. She would only say: If you die, I’ll follow you.”
“Yan Sanhe.”
Li Buyan grasped Yan Sanhe’s hand in return, gripping it tightly, grinding her teeth: “You… you really do understand me!”
No wonder Xie Zhifei mentioned seeing a hint of resolve—the real reason was this!
“Why?”
Li Buyan’s expression was dark.
“You need to give me a reason, or I’ll turn around and leave. Do you believe me?”