At this moment, the outer estate’s steward Zhu Shun was holding a box with a worried expression. Inside the box was a partially decayed severed hand, frozen blue, and quite nauseating to look at.
Just then, there was suddenly a “bang” sound. The man, once bitten by a snake, jumped up like a rabbit with its tail on fire, grabbing a dagger and leaping to his feet, glaring around while shouting, “Who’s there?”
All around was quiet, with no one to be seen. Zhu Shun turned his head and saw a pristine white letter quietly placed on the ground. The top of the letter was tied with a string, attached to a stone. On the envelope was drawn a pure white pear blossom. The stationery was elegant, emitting a faint fragrance.
After opening it, the man’s eyes immediately emitted a lecherous light. But after thinking for a moment, he couldn’t help but pout, sitting back in his chair without going out.
After a while, another package was tossed through the window. When Zhu Shun opened it, he found a scarlet undergarment with a pair of intertwined figures drawn on it—a man and a woman in a seductive pose that made one’s blood boil and body heat up just by looking at it.
The man gave a lewd chuckle, leaned forward to take a strong sniff, then tucked the undergarment into his bosom, muttering, “Can’t even wait until nightfall, you little harlot!”
With that, he put on his outer robe and left.
The main residence of the Zhuge family was located in the east of Zhenhuan City, backed by Mount Chisong, with Lake Chishui to its right. It faced south while situated in the north, covering an extensive area. The entire estate followed a three-courtyard design, with deep inner quarters and layer upon layer of protection. The exterior had high corner towers where guards monitored and defended twenty-four hours a day. There were four arrow towers on the perimeter, as well as small ditches for fire prevention. In case of war, it was essentially a small fortress.
The chambers and courtyards of the various Madams and young ladies of the Zhuge family were situated at the safest location, at the foot of Mount Chisong. To enter the inner estate where the Madams’ boudoirs were located, there was no possibility of infiltration except by forcibly breaking in from the outside.
It was now midday, with abundant sunshine and excellent visibility. However, on the cliff of Mount Chisong, a black shadow was rapidly sliding down. The mountain was covered in snow, its cliffs layered with ice. Under the glare of reflected snow, no one could see that small shadow.
With a soft “thud,” the feet finally touched the ground. The child untied the rope from her body, turned her head to look around—no one was there. It was safe.
The side door made a sound, and the gatekeeper greeted, “Oh, it’s Steward Zhu. What brings you to the inner estate?”
“Yesterday, A-Si mentioned that there was a water leak in Liyan Courtyard. The snow on the second-floor terrace melted and flowed into the hall below. I’ve come to take a look.”
The gatekeeper smiled obsequiously, “How can such a small matter trouble Steward Zhu? Let me take care of it.”
Zhu Shun smiled and shook his head, “I’m free anyway. Is the Eldest Young Master in the residence?”
“The Eldest Young Master and the Fourth Young Master have been discussing matters in the study all morning. It seems they won’t be coming out anytime soon.”
“Oh,” Zhu Shun nodded, “Alright, I’ll go now. No need to inform the masters—it’s midday, and they’re all resting. Let’s not disturb them.”
“I understand.”
The timing was perfect. The child, hidden among the flowering trees, had bright eyes and a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
In Chunhua Courtyard, the Seventh Madam Duanmu Huaning was preparing for her midday nap. She had removed her outer shawl, which was as light as cloud silk. Her shoulders were smooth as congealed cream, with a full bosom, slender waist, ample hips, and long legs. Her skin was delicate, and her fingers were tipped with red-like begonia buds. She was truly enchanting, alluring, and beautiful. The maid lifted the silk brocade blanket for her, serving the Seventh Madam who was accustomed to sleeping unclothed.
At this moment, the tiles on the roof quietly shifted, though no one noticed. A small bag was slowly lowered down. The bag kept moving as if there was something alive inside.
The maids had withdrawn, and the room was very quiet, with only the Seventh Madam’s shallow breathing gradually becoming audible.
With a soft “plop,” the bag fell beside the Seventh Madam’s pillow. The bag was pink and had a beautiful pear blossom drawn on it.
The Seventh Madam was sleeping sweetly when she suddenly felt something gently licking her fragrant ears and neck. The Seventh Madam drowsily brushed at it, feeling something furry, thinking she was dreaming, and didn’t open her eyes. Just then, a sudden pain shot across her face. The Seventh Madam rubbed her eyes in pain, and after seeing clearly what was before her, she froze momentarily before a shrill scream immediately spread throughout the entire Chunhua Courtyard!
“Madam, Madam!” The maids rushed in from outside. As soon as they stepped into the room, they were shocked and screamed continuously. They saw that the Seventh Madam’s boudoir was filled with huge rats—each one with black fur, fat and large. They weren’t afraid of people, and several were even on the Seventh Madam’s body, tearing at the gorgeous brocade blanket.
“Ah! Where did these things come from? Chase them all out, chase them out!”
That noon, the entire Chunhua Courtyard conducted a grand rat extermination competition. The Seventh Madam Duanmu Huaning drank more than ten cups of calming tea but was still in disarray, her whole body cold.
“Madam, we found this on your bed.” A guard came up holding a pink cloth bag.
The Seventh Madam took the bag, looked at it once, and immediately widened her eyes. She stood up with a “thump” and said sternly, “You little slut! I knew it was you! Come with me to Liyan Courtyard. I’ll tear the skin off that little harlot!”
The servants of Chunhua Courtyard followed the Seventh Madam in a mighty procession as she stormed towards Liyan Courtyard. In an unnoticed corner, a small cabinet was slowly pushed open, revealing the child’s calm face.
The fire had been lit; let it burn on its own. The deed was done; it was time to retreat.
Quickly returning to the edge of the withered flower grove, the entire inner estate was in chaos, with Liyan Courtyard being particularly noisy. Chu Qiao easily returned along her original path, leaving this place of turmoil.
Inside the study, Zhuge Huai’s expression was solemn as he said gravely to Zhuge Yue, “Fourth Brother, what do you think of this matter?”
The room was quiet, without a sound. Zhuge Huai frowned and softly called out to Zhuge Yue, who had his brows furrowed as if lost in thought, “Fourth Brother?”
“Hmm?” Zhuge Yue was startled and looked up, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face, quickly saying, “The Yan Prince’s Manor is doomed, and Yan Xun is in danger.”
“Yes, I see it the same way.” Zhuge Huai nodded and said, “The Yan Prince’s Manor has grown too large and has become a thorn in the side of all major aristocratic families. The Batuha family from the western territories has coveted the lands of Yan Bei for a long time. This dirty water will most likely be splashed on the Yan Prince’s head. Moreover, the master in Sheng Jin Palace has always been one to trust outsiders rather than his brothers.”
Just then, they heard a commotion outside, noisy and chaotic. Zhuge Huai frowned and called out loudly, “Zhu Yong, what’s happening outside? Why is it so noisy?”
“In reply to the Eldest Young Master, the sound is coming from Liyan Courtyard. It seems the Seventh Madam and the courtesan Lixiang are arguing. The Third Madam, Fourth Madam, and others have all gone there.”