Zhu Yan hurried back to the Zhu Residence, only to encounter someone unexpected—Prime Minister Zhang Xingwei.
“Greetings, Prime Minister,” Zhu Yan said, bowing respectfully. Zhang Xingwei’s demeanor was amiable as if the unpleasantness at the Shen Residence had never occurred.
“No need for formalities, Madam Shen,” Zhang Xingwei replied, raising his hand. “You are young and talented, having already achieved an official position. I hear there has been significant progress in the recent murder case. You truly are a woman of both intelligence and wisdom.”
“Your praise is too generous, Prime Minister. I am unworthy,” Zhu Yan responded, puzzled by Zhang Xingwei’s compliments. However, she knew better than to try to discern his true intentions.
“I have always admired talented individuals,” Zhang Xingwei continued. “You are young, capable, and courageous. I wish to recruit you under my wing, to stand with me against our common foes. Would you consider joining me?”
Zhu Yan was taken aback. She had never imagined that Zhang Xingwei would try to recruit her, especially at the Zhu Residence.
Seeing her hesitation, Zhang Xingwei added, “I hold considerable influence at court. If you agree, I can ensure your future success in the court, and the Zhu family will shine because of you.”
Zhu Yan remained silent, weighing Zhang Xingwei’s offer. Making a hasty decision could lead to future regret. She joined the Ministry of Justice out of a passion for solving cases, not for power or status. Yet, offending Zhang Xingwei could bring trouble to her family. Agreeing would mean betraying Shen Du, confirming suspicions that she was a spy planted by Zhang Xingwei in the Shen household.
“Prime Minister,” Zhu Yan finally said, bowing again, “I am still young and need time to consider the implications. Please allow me some time to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.”
“No problem,” Zhang Xingwei agreed, a smile spreading across his aged yet authoritative face. “Take your time, but do not keep me waiting too long.”
“Thank you, Prime Minister,” Zhu Yan replied, bowing once more.
Zhang Xingwei, appearing somewhat fatigued and having achieved his goal, exchanged a few more pleasantries before leaving the Zhu Residence.
Once Zhang Xingwei was gone, everyone in the Zhu household breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhu Yan turned to her father, Zhu Kuo, with a serious expression. “Father, Xiao Liu agreed to marry on behalf of Third Sister, but he doesn’t want to be coerced. Since the Prime Minister didn’t achieve his goal today, he won’t give up easily. Do you have any plans to deal with this?”
Zhu Kuo was in a difficult position. He knew the dangers of the court and didn’t want his daughter to be harmed. Initially, he worried she would suffer at the Shen Residence, but as time passed and she seemed to be doing well, he felt more at ease.
Now, however, the Prime Minister wanted to recruit his daughter. Although it could lead to a prosperous future, it would also mean being under the Prime Minister’s control, without her autonomy.
Moreover, Zhang Xingwei was part of the Li faction, which opposed the Empress’s rule. This could lead to court turmoil. How could his daughter, a mere woman, stand firm in such a situation?
With these thoughts, Zhu Kuo sighed helplessly. “I know it’s difficult for you, my daughter. I will do my best to navigate the relationship between the Zhu family and the Prime Minister. But remember, the Empress’s favor is a double-edged sword. Shen Du is favored now, but it’s like walking on a knife’s edge. One misstep and he could be pierced. You are part of the Shen family, but you must also think of yourself.”
Hearing her father’s words, Zhu Yan remained silent.
Her father was right. The Empress’s favor was unpredictable, hence the saying “To serve the emperor is like serving a tiger.”
After a moment, Zhu Yan nodded slightly. “I understand, Father.”
Zhu Kuo sighed again. “It’s getting late. Stay for dinner before you leave.”
“No,” Zhu Yan declined her father’s offer. Too much had happened that day, and she had no appetite.
“There are still many unresolved questions in the case. I don’t want to waste any time.”
“No matter how busy you are, remember to eat. Your health is important,” Zhu Kuo said, looking at his daughter with concern.
“I will, Father,” Zhu Yan replied, still not intending to stay.
“You’ve grown up and have your own opinions. Since you don’t want to stay, I won’t force you. I’ll have a carriage take you back to the Shen Residence.”
As he spoke, Zhu Kuo was about to instruct a servant.
But Zhu Yan stopped him. “No need. I left something at the Ministry of Justice. I need to go back there first. Please take care of yourself and Mother. I’ll visit again soon.”
With that, Zhu Yan turned and left.
Watching his daughter’s solitary figure, Zhu Kuo’s eyes were filled with worry and helplessness.
Back at the Ministry of Justice, Zhu Yan reviewed the case files again, working late into the night.
No one from the Shen Residence came looking for her, perhaps she was overthinking things.
Under the same moonlight, Shen Du’s study was also silent.
As he read, Shen Du occasionally glanced out the window, as if waiting for something.
“Jing Lin,” he called.
Jing Lin, who was waiting at the door, turned around immediately. “Yes, Master.”
“Has she not returned yet?”
This “she” was obvious.
“Well…” Jing Lin was in a difficult position. The Master’s question was rhetorical, and answering it was tricky.
Shen Du looked at Jing Lin. “Is it hard to answer?”
“No,” Jing Lin replied, feeling a bit flustered. “Madam… hasn’t returned since she left this morning.”
“I see,” Shen Du responded blandly, turning his attention back to his book. Jing Lin dared not breathe loudly or ask questions, turning back to his duties.
The book in Shen Du’s hand gradually tilted, but he seemed unaware, his deep eyes filled with complex thoughts.
Why did this woman, who made him angry, occupy his thoughts so much? Shen Du couldn’t understand.
It was already late at night. Where would she stay? At the Zhu Residence, the Ministry of Justice, the Lu family, or somewhere else…
With a “thud,” the book fell to the ground.
Shen Du’s thoughts returned to the present. Jing Lin quickly entered the room, picked up the book, and closed it. “Master, it’s late. You should rest.”
“It’s fine,” Shen Du said, hiding his unease, and picked up the book again.
But after reading a few pages, he closed it and set it aside, rubbing his forehead. “Forget it, you can go.”
“Yes,” Jing Lin replied, preparing to leave.
Just as he reached the door, Shen Du spoke again. “Without my orders, do not go looking for that woman.”
Jing Lin stopped abruptly, shivering. The Master had guessed his thoughts.
Trying to calm his nerves, Jing Lin turned and bowed. “Yes.”
After walking a short distance from the study, Jing Lin looked back. Shen Du was holding a book, but his gaze was distant.
Sighing and shaking his head, Jing Lin turned and left.