Two years unseen, the original Embroidered Uniform Guard Chiliarch had already transformed into the Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. In recent years, though Jiang Xuening had been far from the capital, she had still heard some rumors about the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Actually no different from her previous life.

The Emperor’s blade, the nobles’ lackey—ruthless methods, swift and decisive. The difference was that in her previous life, his backing had been Jiang Xuening, but in this life he seemed to have changed masters.

On the deep blue brocade everyday robe, dark-colored auspicious beast and cloud-thunder patterns were embroidered, their origins not readily apparent. But the Embroidered Spring Blade at his waist already clearly displayed his identity.

Over these years, his position had risen, and he appeared increasingly composed.

Already possessing somewhat the威势 of holding great power.

Only upon arriving in the hall, he had absolutely no trace of arrogance, presenting an attitude of humility and congratulations to the fullest.

Jiang Xuening had already been secretly startled upon hearing his name.

Now seeing this person enter the hall with her own eyes, her heart jumped even more. However, the hall was only so large. If Zhou Yinzhi had rushed all the way from the capital and heard some gossip upon entering Xinzhou, he should have guessed she was here. Avoidance was impossible, so she might as well be forthright.

Xie Wei, Lu Xian, and others, suddenly seeing this “uninvited guest,” knew full well that their side wasn’t fighting the Tartars for the sake of nation and world. In silence, each harbored their own thoughts. The other commanders had absolutely no idea they had inadvertently participated in treasonous deception of the emperor. Still thinking the court had specially sent an imperial envoy because His Majesty had received news of the great victory against the Tartars and wanted to reward them, they not only weren’t surprised but were full of delight, their attitudes especially warm.

Zhou Yinzhi—this person—the border commanders might not recognize, but Xie Wei, Yan Lin, Jiang Xuening, and the other core group all recognized him.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Shen Zhiyi sat high in the place of honor, her gaze flickering slightly. She opened her mouth to speak, but after glancing at Xie Wei beside her, closed it again.

The atmosphere in the hall actually seemed somewhat delicate.

In the end, it was Xie Wei who laughed first, saying: “Commander Zhou is too polite. Coming from the capital all this way, you’ve just happened to arrive for the victory celebration. Someone, please invite Lord Zhou to take a seat.”

Everyone then exchanged pleasantries with Zhou Yinzhi.

Jiang Xuening was also seated, and because she sat beside Shen Zhiyi, her position was quite conspicuous. After Zhou Yinzhi paid respects to Yan Lin, he spotted her almost immediately. Whether genuine or false, he seemed slightly stunned, actually saying to her: “I didn’t expect Miss the Second would also be here. Two years since we’ve met.”

In her previous life, Zhou Yinzhi had been a dog she raised—not any kind of good person, capable of using any means to climb upward.

The Yan family’s confiscation, he had contributed three parts of effort to that.

Later changing masters several times, he had attached himself to her, then connected with Shen Jie, specializing in doing those things the court must do but that didn’t sound good.

Speaking of capability, absolutely not lacking.

Only unfortunately, in her struggle with Xiao Shu, this dog had turned and bitten her, causing her to fall into irredeemable disaster, even implicating Zhang Zhe.

In this life, the child in Consort Wen’s belly had been saved, smoothly giving birth to a prince.

Shen Lang also hadn’t mysteriously died suddenly.

So Shen Jie was still Prince Linzi, hadn’t been established as “Imperial Younger Brother,” much less ascended the throne. The person Zhou Yinzhi served naturally changed to the currently reigning Shen Lang. And Shen Lang’s temperament was sinister, governance mediocre. He was good at manipulating imperial balance techniques and could be said to be more naturally trusting and appreciative of this confidential sharp blade who could do any dirty work than Shen Jie who had ascended the throne in the previous life.

Jiang Xuening had already left the capital for two years. Originally not wanting people in the capital to notice her whereabouts, she had almost cut off contact with that side, even too lazy to send a few letters back to the Jiang manor.

Such a her naturally had no more benefit to Zhou Yinzhi’s career path.

Earlier she’d still heard he would often visit the Jiang manor. Later, as he gained more imperial favor and held sole power in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Jiang Boyou as merely a minor Vice Minister of Revenue had to show respect when meeting him, so gradually she stopped hearing about any visits.

Toward this person, she always harbored wariness and vigilance in her heart. Even though she had once used him to secretly warn Yan Lin, deal with Earl Qingyuan’s manor, and even rescue You Fangying, she never dared trust him completely.

Now having not seen him for two years, their statuses vastly different.

Jiang Xuening naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough to still treat him with past attitudes. She only returned a smile that appeared neither warm nor cold: “Two years unseen, congratulations to Lord Zhou on rising so smoothly, ascending considerably.”

After a full circle of greetings, they finally truly took their seats.

Zhou Yinzhi claimed that news of the border victory had reached the capital, the Emperor greatly delighted, dragon countenance pleased, specially commanding him to come personally with rewards to show favor. He also said things like how the Marquis Yongyi manor could finally return to the capital, and how Grand Tutor Xie’s planning in the rear had also established great merit.

A complete appearance of not knowing the truth!

As if Yan Lin hadn’t left his place of exile on his own authority, as if his seizing military power wasn’t from falsely using imperial edicts but truly the Emperor’s will. Even the imperial family’s original attitude of ignoring Shen Zhiyi and leaving her to die seemed to have never existed.

Everything was thunder and rain dew, heavenly grace boundless!

You must know that this group of people—openly led by Yan Lin, secretly headed by Xie Wei—were genuinely engaged in treasonous activities, yet Zhou Yinzhi sat down and chatted and laughed with them…

This courage, even Xie Wei had to praise.

However, compared to others deeply feeling strange and uneasy, he possessed an extraordinary composure and calm. After all, the court’s attitude after the war ended was within his expectations all along.

Jiang Xuening was also inevitably uncertain at first. After calming down to think carefully, she understood the key points—

The border war had already settled, with a fixed outcome.

The Tartars harbored wolfish ambitions. Having developed murderous intent toward Shen Zhiyi, they would certainly invade Great Qian next year. Now victorious in one battle, throughout the nation, there was boiling excitement. The original Marquis Yongyi manor heir Yan Lin, bearing guilt, had taken military command, rescued the princess, and trampled the Tartars—his fame spread ten thousand miles, praised by the common people.

Even the Emperor gained much acclaim.

Looking back at the court, the Heavenly Teachings caused chaos, secretly watching—it could be called “crisis on all sides.”

Shen Lang naturally knew this group at the border were treasonously deceiving the emperor.

But exposing this truth held absolutely no benefit for him. Firstly, he would inevitably confirm rumors of imperial cold-bloodedness, violating Confucian teachings of filial piety and brotherhood, losing popular support. Secondly, the border stationed a hundred thousand troops—truly prosecuting them would only force Yan Lin to immediately rebel. With external threats not eliminated, how could the court add internal worries for itself?

Better to deal falsely, go with the flow.

Since you treasonous rebels dare claim to have received imperial edicts, I as Emperor dare truly treat it as if I issued such an edict, making the false true, instead gaining popular support and easing the situation.

He could even send a Zhou Yinzhi to the border to buy hearts.

With the Emperor’s attention, high office and generous salary in sight—who would want to risk beheading to rebel?

Thinking to this point, Jiang Xuening raised her eyes to look again at those seated—cups passing, words and laughter harmonious—yet who wasn’t pretending confusion while understanding clearly?

Thus she suddenly felt a cold气 surge upward.

She didn’t interject, only listening to everyone speak.

Over these two years, Zhou Yinzhi had become increasingly adept. Not only could he chat and laugh with Xie Wei, Yan Lin, and others, he even noticed You Fangying and Ren Weizhi sitting beside them, laughing and saying: “After that parting in prison years ago, I never saw Miss You again. Now married to a good match, also wealthy in all directions—truly an immortal couple.”

Ren Weizhi wasn’t familiar with Zhou Yinzhi.

You Fangying had truly received Zhou Yinzhi’s care when suffering under You Yue’s torment years ago. Even the abacus she used to learn accounting was found through Zhou Yinzhi’s help. Being someone who remembered kindness, she was sincerely grateful: “Thanks to Lord Zhou’s thoughtful care back then. Just as a humble merchant of the lowest rank, I never had opportunity to express thanks. This cup, I toast to Lord Zhou.”

She truly raised a cup of wine to toast him.

Most present didn’t know what past connection they had, but seeing Zhou Yinzhi even knew You Fangying, they inevitably thought more highly of him.

Yet Jiang Xuening somehow felt some unease.

Zhou Yinzhi came from the capital, while Shen Zhiyi had been in the Tartars for two years. The journey distant, she knew almost nothing about conditions in the palace. At the banquet, she inevitably asked, and Zhou Yinzhi narrated one by one.

Only then did Jiang Xuening learn there were many more changes in the capital.

Those old acquaintances each had their own encounters.

Jiang Xuehui had married Shen Jie as a concubine, naturally dignified and virtuous, helping manage all household affairs in Prince Linzi’s manor, initially quite favored by Shen Jie. Though Fang Miao was the primary consort, compared to her, she inevitably came from a small household, with her fortune-teller manner. Not quite compatible with Shen Jie’s temperament, they bickered and quarreled every few days, infuriating the dignified Prince Linzi until smoke came from his seven orifices.

The capital all thought the prince’s rear courtyard would belong to Jiang Xuehui.

Who could have expected that after a year of such turmoil, the originally partial favoritism gradually became bland and tasteless. Instead, that occasional quarreling became increasingly endearing and interesting, gradually harmonious like zither and lute, inseparable as glue.

When Zhou Yinzhi had just set out from the capital, news of Fang Miao’s pregnancy had already reached the palace, somewhat pleasing the Empress Dowager who had long resided in Cining Palace and lost influence, slightly smoothing her worried brows.

As for the past companion readers of Yangzhi Studio, most also had destinations.

Apart from Yao Xi going mad at home and unfortunately dying young, that sharp and domineering You Yue had also been matched with a successful examination candidate. Only the other party entered the Hanlin Academy without high position, moreover not valued, mediocre. That little girl Zhou Baoying who always loved eating and enjoyed chess had found a satisfactory gentleman, becoming engaged to Prince Yanping, Yan Lin’s old playmate in the capital—reportedly mutually compatible.

More strange was that Yao Rongrong had actually entered the palace.

The Emperor favored her one night while drunk. With extremely good luck, she became pregnant. Elevated by Xiao Shu, she was granted the rank of Talented Lady, residing in a side hall of her Zhongcui Palace.

Shen Zhiyi hadn’t heard news of her companions in so long. Now knowing, she inevitably felt some sense that everything had changed while people remained.

Hearing Xiao Shu’s name, her lips floated with a cold smile.

Having grown up in the palace, how could she not taste the deep meaning and ambition of Xiao Shu placing Yao Rongrong in her own palace? Only she already disdained asking further. Instead, she raised her eyes: “Thinking back on the companion readers of Fengchen Palace years ago, those truly were rare good times. Now everyone has their place. However, why is there no news of Shuyi?”

Chen Shuyi was the treasured pearl of Grand Secretary Chen Yunjin. Calculating by age, she had also long since reached marriageable age.

Hearing this, Zhou Yinzhi held his wine cup but seemed somewhat hesitant, not speaking.

This inevitably made people more curious.

Only Lu Xian beside them laughed, easily revealing the key points, even with somewhat half-true half-joking teasing: “Lord Zhou is now Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. What news in the entire capital doesn’t he know? Only because it concerns his own lifelong matter, he’s embarrassed to elaborate. Your Highness doesn’t know—as early as this past September, the match between Lord Zhou and Grand Secretary Chen’s daughter was already settled, just waiting to marry after the New Year.”

“Ah…”

Immediately there were sounds of amazement throughout the seating.

Shen Zhiyi froze for a moment, seemingly not expecting this.

Even Jiang Xuening was stunned.

The others reacted quickly, continuously laughing and toasting Zhou Yinzhi, congratulating him on having such good fortune next year, truly “establish career first, then form family”—embracing the beauty.

The banquet became even livelier. Most people’s gazes had already fallen on Zhou Yinzhi, clearly feeling this Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard not only had his own capabilities but also such formidable in-laws supporting him. His future prospects were limitless. All spoke good words, taking this opportunity to form connections.

At such a time, no one noticed Xie Wei.

The slender fingers holding his wine cup had at some point begun trembling slightly. A strange sensation traveled upward from below, gradually becoming obvious and intense, causing his upright sitting body to tense somewhat.

Those around still saw nothing wrong.

His pupils contracted coldly. Everything that had occurred at tonight’s banquet rapidly flashed through his mind. He raised his head to survey the surroundings, sweeping over those servants and maids adding wine at the banquet. The fingers gripping the wine cup used force, yet he soundlessly set it down.

Then turning his head, he first summoned Daoqin to give instructions, his eyes already holding murderous intent.

Daoqin couldn’t help but be surprised, accepting the command and departing.

Then he summoned Jianshu, making another round of arrangements.

Jianshu was even more startled. After reacting for a moment, he realized something, glanced at the wine cup he held, said “Yes” in a low voice, and hurriedly left the hall, having people prepare cold bathing water.

Xie Wei then walked out from the hall.

Only those sitting close like Yan Lin and Lu Xian noticed.

But they only thought he had some matter to handle going out, or perhaps slightly drunk from wine, going out to get some air, soon to return. They didn’t pay too much attention.

This night was originally a victory celebration, and also New Year’s Eve—a rare happy good day. The common people each presented their good intentions.

By the end of the hai hour, steaming hot noodles were brought up.

The pass region didn’t produce rice, so Shanxi folk customs used much noodle food. In the city, there was a noodle shop famous far and wide. The owner made excellent dragon whisker noodles. Today helping in the back kitchen, he specially used his signature skill, preparing a bowl of fine noodles for everyone, inviting Grand Princess Leyang Shen Zhiyi to taste Xinzhou delicacies.

The noodles served in white porcelain bowls floated in clear broth dotted with a little oil, truly fine as silk threads in strands. Beside them floated some配 green vegetable leaves, with two spoonfuls of carefully selected seventy percent lean, thirty percent fat minced pork stir-fried into meat sauce added.

Just brought up, the aroma reached people.

Shen Zhiyi knew this was the common people’s heartfelt intent, specially rising to receive it with thanks.

Jiang Xuening also had a bowl. Using chopsticks to pick up a cluster to eat, then drinking a mouthful of noodle broth, she actually tasted rare fresh fragrance. Only she had ultimately had her palate spoiled by Xie Ju’an and didn’t feel extremely surprised.

However, turning her head to see Shen Zhiyi peacefully sitting beside her, she felt an indescribable calm.

Those who suffered disaster in the previous life were all well in this life.

She couldn’t help but slightly curve her lips, leaning close to Shen Zhiyi’s ear, quietly lowering her voice, not without playfulness: “These noodles are ordinary. The noodles Your Highness had someone send on my birthday that night tasted even better.”

Hearing this, Shen Zhiyi turned her head, confusion floating in her eyes: “Noodles, what noodles?”

“…”

Jiang Xuening suddenly froze.

The fingers holding chopsticks stiffened. She raised her head, staring at Shen Zhiyi, the vivid expression on her face vaguely congealing.

Shen Zhiyi was frightened by her: “Ningning?”

Jiang Xuening was as if in a dream, speaking like sleep-talk: “Two years ago, on my birthday night, after leaving Mingfeng Palace, didn’t Your Highness send someone specially to bring me a bowl of longevity noodles?”

Shen Zhiyi was astonished: “How could that be?”

She said: “That night you and Fang Miao could drink well. I got drunk after drinking only a little and didn’t wake until the next day. Moreover, the palace imperial kitchen can’t be ordered around after the hai hour—they couldn’t make any longevity noodles. Didn’t you remember wrong?”

“…”

Didn’t you remember wrong?

In that instant, Jiang Xuening’s heart held a kind of空旷 confusion, then gradually clear panic after unraveling layer by layer. She couldn’t distinguish what exactly her muddled head was thinking, subconsciously looking toward a certain direction at the banquet.

That seat was empty.

At some unknown time, Xie Ju’an had already left his seat, vanished without a trace.