After leaving the Xu residence, He Yan returned directly to the He family home. He Sui and He Yunsheng had not yet returned. He Yan retrieved a small box from beneath the table, which contained several silver ingots. Fu Wang was greedy – without substantial profit, he would never dare take such risks to help her.

He Yan’s gaze gradually grew serious. Xu Zhiheng must have been frightened out of his wits to search for Madam Qin’s whereabouts so quickly. She needed to find the person before Xu Zhiheng, and that would certainly require some monetary persuasion.

Looking at the pitiful few silver ingots, He Yan sighed. Perhaps she really would need to make another trip to Le Tong Manor?

…

An ornate carriage stopped at the entrance of Marquis Shi Jin’s residence, and maids escorted a young lady inside. The Chu family servants hurriedly came out to welcome her respectfully: “Miss Xu has arrived.”

Xu Pingting held her chin high, lifting her skirts as she crossed the Chu family threshold. When Xu Jingfu occasionally visited the Chu family to see Chu Zilan, Xu Pingting would accompany him. Everyone in the Chu household knew that Xu Pingting was Xu Jingfu’s precious daughter, so they dared not slight her in the least.

Madam Chu came out to greet her, saying with a smile, “Ah, Miss Xu has arrived. Zilan hasn’t returned home yet. Please sit in the main hall and have some hot tea while waiting for her return.”

Xu Pingting glanced at Madam Chu and responded with a snort. Though this behavior was quite rude, Madam Chu didn’t show any anger. She maintained her smile and went to instruct the maids to prepare some refreshments. Watching her busy figure, Xu Pingting raised the corners of her mouth in satisfaction.

The Marquis’s wife was plain-looking, which normally wouldn’t matter – there were plenty of unremarkable-looking women in Shuo Capital. However, she married Chu Linfeng, a renowned handsome man. The contrast naturally invited mockery and gossip. Furthermore, Chu Linfeng was known for his appetite for beauty, bringing in concubine after concubine until he had nineteen of them, each more beautiful than the last. This only made Madam Chu appear more pitiful.

Yet no one dared underestimate Madam Chu. In this household, aside from Chu Shao, the son of a concubine, none of the concubines had borne Chu Linfeng any children. Xu Pingting had heard from Xu Jingfu about Chu Shao’s awkward position in the family. Since she was fond of Chu Shao, she considered herself his ally against their common enemy, and thus would deliberately make things difficult for Madam Chu, his legal mother, whenever she visited, to avenge him.

Today was no different. Madam Chu had servants bring refreshments and tea. Chu Linfeng wasn’t home at the moment, and Madam Chu smiled, saying, “It’s been some time since we’ve seen Miss Xu. Ever since His Majesty arranged the marriage, hearing that Miss Xu would be joining our family with Zilan, I’ve been quite pleased. In all of Shuo Capital, only Miss Xu is worthy of Zilan’s devotion.”

Who doesn’t like hearing such praise, especially about Chu Zilan’s love for her? Xu Pingting couldn’t help feeling proud and said, “Of course, no other woman is worthy of Brother Zilan.”

Madam Chu smiled and picked up her tea for a sip, her gaze falling on Xu Pingting’s maid, Mo Tai.

Noticing her gaze, Xu Pingting spoke with displeasure, “Why are you looking at my maid?”

“I was just noticing how beautiful Miss Xu’s maid is,” Madam Chu gently smoothed her hair and continued unhurriedly, “After you marry Zilan, with his Ying Xiang who is also quite beautiful, you’ll have quite a collection of beauties in the household.”

The mention of Ying Xiang immediately brought that devastatingly beautiful face to Xu Pingting’s mind. While Mo Tai was indeed pretty, she fell far short of Ying Xiang’s beauty. Not just Mo Tai – among all the women in Shuo Capital, very few could compete with Ying Xiang’s looks.

Suddenly, Xu Pingting realized that while she had seen Chu Shao recently, she hadn’t seen Ying Xiang.

“Where is that girl now?” Xu Pingting asked.

“Zilan has relieved her of close attendance duties, so she just does light work around the courtyard,” Madam Chu smiled warmly. “As Miss Xu knows, Zilan has a gentle nature and a kind heart, always treating women with courtesy. Since Ying Xiang grew up with him as his maid, she naturally receives special treatment compared to other servants.”

Mo Tai couldn’t help interjecting, “No matter how special, she’s still just a servant!”

Xu Pingting’s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms, her expression extremely unpleasant. Ying Xiang was like a thorn in her heart – how could she be at ease with such a seductress by Chu Shao’s side? If not for Chu Shao’s protection, Ying Xiang would have died a thousand deaths already. Once when she had joked about selling Ying Xiang off, Chu Zilan, who had always indulged her every whim, didn’t speak to her for half a month.

That’s when Xu Pingting understood – Chu Shao would protect Ying Xiang, and if she used the same methods she had used against other girls who had shown interest in Chu Shao, he would never forgive her. Xu Pingting didn’t want to create a rift between herself and Chu Shao, nor did she want him to think she was inherently vicious. So she had endured for many years. But previously, she and Chu Shao weren’t yet betrothed – now that she was to become his wife, did she still have to tolerate this vixen prancing about under her nose?

Madam Chu observed Xu Pingting’s expression and sighed, “Miss Xu is still young and hasn’t yet managed a household. Once married, life becomes quite different from being an unmarried lady. Look at this Chu household – there are nineteen concubines, and they all show me great respect. It might look fine, but do you think I truly have no grievances?”

“When a woman is unmarried, she can afford to be jealous and throw tantrums – that’s acceptable. But if she continues such behavior after marriage, others will call her jealous and improper, neglecting her proper place.”

Xu Pingting heard this and flew into a rage, “Who dares call me jealous?”

“Even if they don’t say it, that’s what they think,” Madam Chu said with a smile. “So, Miss Xu, if there’s someone you particularly dislike, you must send them away before the wedding. Having an extra person in the household might seem like a small matter, but affecting the feelings between husband and wife is serious. You’re both still young… it would be a shame to damage your relationship.”

Her words were caring and her face was full of smiles, but Xu Pingting knew Madam Chu was trying to sow discord. Yet what she said touched on Xu Pingting’s greatest concern. Keeping Ying Xiang around was like keeping a thorn in her heart – if this thorn wasn’t removed, she would never be happy in this life.

“What if the person I want to remove is protected by someone else?” Xu Pingting asked.

Chu Linfeng had taken nineteen beautiful concubines, both clever and simple, but none could match this plain-looking woman before her. To be honest, setting aside her status, Xu Pingting rather admired Madam Chu – how else could she control such a large household without some skill?

“That’s simple,” Madam Chu said. “I hear the Minister was once the Crown Prince’s tutor. The Crown Prince’s household needs clever and attentive servants. If the Crown Prince were to request her, who would dare refuse?”

Xu Pingting’s eyes lit up. She had forgotten about this possibility. While she couldn’t do anything to Ying Xiang herself, the Crown Prince could. Could Chu Shao refuse the Crown Prince?

Suddenly excited, Xu Pingting couldn’t even wait for Chu Shao anymore. She stood up, glanced at Madam Chu, and showed her first smile of the day, “Thank you, Madam Chu, for your advice. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll visit another day.” She hurriedly left with her maids.

After Xu Pingting left, Madam Chu’s smile faded. A nearby elderly servant quietly asked, “Madam, if the Crown Prince wants to take Ying Xiang, the Fourth Young Master will have no way to prevent it.”

“Chu Zilan has always known how to protect himself. Even if he cherishes that girl, he won’t ruin his future as a mere servant. I never expected him to stand against the Crown Prince.”

“Then you…”

Madam Chu picked up her teacup, took a sip, and after a while said, “When Ying Xiang is taken by the Crown Prince, it will be Xu Pingting’s doing, and I’ll make sure Chu Zilan knows this. That bastard holds grudges – though he won’t show it on his face, he’ll be furious inside. I want him to fight with the Xu family.”

“You know,” Madam Chu sneered, “fighting with the Xu family has only one outcome – death.”

“I’m waiting for the day he dies.”

…

These events at the Chu residence were unknown to He Yan. Since the celebration banquet, she hadn’t seen Chu Shao. He was likely busy with his marriage arrangements to Xu Pingting, as the Xu family valued their daughter highly.

One evening, He Yan went to pick up He Yunsheng from school. In early winter in Shuo Capital, darkness fell early, and there were fewer people on the streets than usual. Except for vendors selling hot soup, people preferred staying in their warm homes.

A group of young men emerged from Helu Academy, with He Yunsheng in their midst – a stark contrast to what He Yan had seen on her previous visit.

“Yunsheng, your future brother-in-law will be the renowned General Feng Yun – you’re something!”

“How is this about Yunsheng being impressive? It’s his sister who’s impressive! Can your sister do that? I bet not!”

Standing by the wall listening, He Yan felt something was off – somehow it sounded like they were mocking her.

He Yunsheng’s status at the academy had transformed from being ignored by everyone to becoming someone everyone wanted to befriend, all because he had a sister who became a female marquis and a brother-in-law who was General Feng Yun. Some shameless individuals even tried to invite themselves to his home – bah! He didn’t even know them.

After finally shaking off these clingy people, He Yunsheng walked home carrying his cloth bag. Someone suddenly patted his back, and when he turned around, He Yan ruffled his hair, saying, “Why are you walking so fast? Is this a race?”

He Yunsheng was startled and looked around, “Why are you here?”

“I handled some official business today,” He Yan said seriously, “Since I was passing by your academy on my way home, I thought we could walk back together.”

“Don’t come to the academy to find me anymore,” He Yunsheng walked ahead with his head down, appearing unhappy, “These lunatics go crazy when they see you.”

He Yan smiled, guessing what the young man had experienced, and said, “Alright, I know our Yunsheng doesn’t like being in the spotlight. I won’t come looking for you next time. Hey, Father should be heading home soon too. Qing Mei is making porridge tonight – shall we buy some lamb buns to take home?”

“Always thinking about food.” He Yunsheng complained, but still obediently followed He Yan to buy the buns.

The lamb buns on Shuo Capital’s streets were known for their thin skin and generous filling, and they weren’t expensive. The steaming buns wrapped in oiled paper were warm to hold. He Yan carried the paper bag as she walked home with He Yunsheng. Turning into a small alley, she took out a bun for He Yunsheng, “Are you hungry? Want to eat one first to tide you over?”

He Yunsheng refused, “No, do you want to end up like the Tang Yuan from the Wang family next door?”

Tang Yuan was a pig raised by the Wang family next door, and the fattest pig on the street. When it walked, one could only see a round white mass moving, so despite being an enormous creature, it had been given the cute name “Tang Yuan” (soup dumpling).

He Yan looked him up and down, taking a bite herself, “So young and already concerned about looks. Listen, you’re at the age for growing taller – how will you grow if you don’t eat enough? You can always lose weight later if you get fat. Besides, with your looks, you won’t turn out badly anyway.”

Her rambling made little sense, and He Yunsheng was about to scold her for speaking so carelessly when he saw He Yan suddenly frown and quickly pull him behind her. Before he could ask what was happening, the half-eaten bun in He Yan’s hand flew out, accurately hitting a shadow on the wall. The next moment, several black figures emerged from the surrounding walls, charging at the siblings with drawn swords.

“Yunsheng, be careful!” He Yan pushed He Yunsheng into a corner of the alley. He Yunsheng was stunned by the sudden attack. When he got up, he saw He Yan already engaged in combat with the black-clothed men. Their target wasn’t him. He Yunsheng shouted, “Help! Murder!”

However, this street was already sparsely populated, and even fewer people were out at night. Even if anyone heard, they wouldn’t dare approach. He hadn’t brought any weapons to school, and when he tried to charge in bare-handed to help, he was knocked back by a sword slash from one of the assassins.

“Yunsheng!” He Yan grew anxious. She ducked under one attacker’s blade, bent her elbow, and rammed it into his abdomen. As he stumbled back, she seized his sword and deflected the attacks of several others.

Her swordsmanship was already quite good, and while these men had numbers on their side, their skills weren’t particularly impressive. In moments, they fell to He Yan’s blade. She didn’t take their lives, but after kicking down the last man, He Yunsheng ran over, his eyes full of fear, “He Yan!”

“Where are your manners,” He Yan tried to lighten the mood, teasing, “I told you to call me sister.”

He Yunsheng ignored this, grabbing He Yan’s hands to check them, “Are you hurt? What happened back there? Why did you push me away?”

“With your small frame, you’re not ready to block swords yet,” He Yan said, “Go get the torch from the wall, I need to ask some questions.”

He Yunsheng was still nervous, but after He Yan urged him several times, he went to fetch the torch. He Yan took it and crouched down beside the nearest man, only to freeze in shock. Though she hadn’t struck any vital points, this man had blood flowing from his mouth and wasn’t moving – clearly dead.

She checked the others with the torch, finding the same situation.

“What’s going on?” He Yunsheng, already sensitive about killing since the Fan Cheng incident, became alarmed seeing all the men lying lifeless, “How did these bandits all die? You didn’t…”

“They had poison in their mouths and bit into it when captured,” He Yan stood up, her eyes bright in the torchlight, “They weren’t bandits – they were death soldiers.”

“Death soldiers?” He Yunsheng was startled, “Death soldiers… why would they come to kill us… no, to kill you.”

Earlier when He Yan had pushed him away, the attackers hadn’t tried to kill him but had focused entirely on He Yan. But He Yan had been in Liangzhou until recently, having just returned to Shuo Capital, and had no enemies. Why would someone carefully plot to take her life?

At that moment, the sound of voices and hoofbeats approached, accompanied by torchlight as a large group carrying torches ran over. He Yan looked up to see it was the City Guard. It seemed He Yunsheng’s shout had alerted nearby residents, and someone clever had fetched the local City Guard.

“What happened here?” The lead guard dismounted, his expression immediately turning serious at the sight of the corpses.

Fearing they might suspect He Yan and himself, He Yunsheng quickly explained, “Officer, we were just walking by when these men jumped out to kill us. My sister fought with them, and when they couldn’t defeat her, they took poison and killed themselves.”

Though the young man was still nervous, he was much better than during the previous incident on the boat – at least he could complete a full sentence.

“Sister?” The guard looked at He Yan suspiciously. A woman defeating so many men, who then couldn’t overcome her? It seemed incredible.

He Yan remained calm, simply taking out her seal, “I am Marquis Wu’an He Yan.”

Hearing this, the guard was startled, and He Yunsheng’s story became more believable. Who didn’t know of Marquis Wu’an? That remarkable woman who received a noble title for her beauty and was the Right Army Commander’s ‘beloved’ – everyone in Shuo Capital had heard of her.

“So it’s Marquis Wu’an.” After confirming the official seal was genuine, the guard’s attitude became much more respectful, though he still looked puzzled at the bodies, “You say these men ambushed you here, attempting to take your life?”

He Yan nodded.

“Does the Marquis know who these men are?”

He Yan shook her head, “As they were death soldiers, they were sent by someone determined to take my life. However, I have no enemies in Shuo Capital, so I’m quite puzzled myself.”

“Let’s report this to the authorities,” she said.

He Yunsheng looked up.

“This matter is beyond my ability to resolve alone. That someone would dare attack a court official right under the Emperor’s nose – what if today’s victim hadn’t been me but an ordinary civilian without fighting skills? Perhaps the City Guard is understaffed, leading to such oversight.” The woman who usually treated others with warmth and smiles now showed a cold edge when her smile disappeared, “In my opinion, this matter should be handled by the authorities. What do you think, sir?”

The guard wiped cold sweat from his brow and smiled, “Of course, of course.”