BXG - 64

◎Setting the Trap◎

The two arrived at the dining hall earlier than the ladies, but since it was filled with men, they didn’t enter.

Qu You stood under the corridor, noticing that the drizzle was almost stopping. Before long, sunlight filtered through the clouds and shone faintly. She reached out her hand but felt no raindrops. “Indeed, there’s little rain in the western borderlands—it’s just a passing cloud.”

She sat down leaning against a pillar, casually touching a violet dampened by the rain. “My guess was correct. Wang Yiran really liked my birthday gift. She must still harbor resentment over her child’s death. Her complexion looked poor; I assume she wasn’t happy today—despite knowing his wife’s displeasure, Wu Fen still insisted on celebrating her birthday. This isn’t for her birthday; I think he’s using it as an excuse to curry favor with the people of Ruo Zhou.”

“Correct,” Zhou Tan shook the oiled paper umbrella in his hand. “I just met Wang Juqian in the hall. His voice is loud, and he doesn’t fuss over details. From our conversation, he seems genuinely concerned about the movements of the Western Shao people this spring, just as Xiao Yan said—he doesn’t seem like someone full of schemes.”

Qu You nodded. “Wang Juqian agrees to work for Wu Fen largely because of his sister’s influence. But Wang Yiran’s birthday celebration was entirely organized by Wu Fen’s concubines. I subtly probed a few questions earlier—their marital relationship…”

She didn’t continue, merely shaking her head and smiling sheepishly. “Earlier, I acted coyly in the hall, but Wang Yiran didn’t mind at all. She was even very warm toward me before I presented my gift. I believe there’s an eighty percent chance…just as we suspected.”

Zhou Tan’s eyelids flickered. “Mm, good enough…that makes things easier. Even if we’re wrong, there are always other ways.”

After exchanging a few words, the ladies arrived. Qu You bid farewell to Zhou Tan, intending to return to the female guests when Zhou Tan called from behind her, “What did your coy act look like?”

Qu You was startled and turned to glare at him. Zhou Tan lowered his eyes and chuckled softly, tossing the oiled paper umbrella aside and entering the hall.

She had just reached Wang Yiran’s side when the previously feigning ignorance Zhongjiang Lady enthusiastically approached, saying, “Oh my, Lord Zhou is truly a fine figure of a man! Such a handsome husband—is he someone you chose yourself, Young Madam?”

Qu You linked arms with Wang Yiran, seemingly shyly hiding behind her shoulder, replying, “Not at all. Though my husband and I fell in love at first sight, this marriage was granted by the current emperor. My husband…was once highly favored. His demotion is merely a temporary measure due to the power struggle in the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince holds us in mind—even though we’re temporarily in Ruo Zhou, we’ll surely return to court.”

The ladies whispered among themselves, becoming much warmer toward her. Wang Yiran hesitated to speak, glancing at her, even seating her beside herself during the banquet.

Qu You, covering her face with one hand, shyly answered the inquiries from all directions while discreetly gathering information.

In her college days, she was one of the rare gossips in the history department. Now, in a short while, she had roughly memorized everyone’s identities and coaxed important news from Wang Yiran about two concubines in Wu’s household disrespecting her and Wu Fen neglecting family matters.

Zhou Tan came over earlier partly to pique everyone’s curiosity, giving her the opportunity to mention that he was “highly favored.” His marriage was even bestowed by the emperor, and his demotion was due to the power struggle in the Eastern Palace. If the Crown Prince successfully ascended the throne, wouldn’t he have a bright future?

Living leisurely now, he believed he would eventually return to court, feeling secure.

Her words were half true, half false. Pretending to be proud made them more believable. These women would surely embellish the story when telling their families.

Some in Ruo Zhou were disloyal to Wu Fen. Hearing this, those with sharp minds might reconsider the situation in Ruo Zhou.

As for the second reason... Women naturally appreciate beauty. His appearance would surely leave a good impression.

Sure enough, their strategy worked well. After Wang Yiran’s birthday banquet, Qu You suddenly became the belle of Ruo Zhou. Whoever hosted a banquet sent invitations.

She accepted them all, sending fashionable fabrics and jewelry each time. Even those initially hostile towards her soon became her friends.

The most frequent invitations came from Wang Yiran.

Though Wang Yiran was just over thirty, her hair had prematurely grayed, and she appeared weary. Seeing Qu You’s expertise in clothing and makeup, she often sought advice.

Qu You was adept at handling women of maternal age. Each time, she flattered Wang Yiran into a joyful mood.

Wang Yiran, perfectly adorned, returned home full of hope but came back dejected after a few days, treating Qu You to the finest grape wine from the western borders.

With their relationship at this point, Qu You finally understood the dynamics between Wang Yiran and Wu Fen.

Initially, Wu Fen ardently pursued this marriage. After being saved by Wang Juqian, he showered Wang Yiran with sweet words and fulfilled every request. Despite his unattractive appearance, Wang Juqian, seeing his deep affection, arranged the marriage.

Wang Yiran was moved, and they enjoyed a long period of marital bliss. With Wang Juqian’s help, Wu Fen rose rapidly in Ruo Zhou, eventually becoming governor.

Until their child’s accidental death.

Wang Yiran didn’t elaborate, but in her drunken state, she repeatedly lamented, “It’s all my fault.” Qu You guessed that since Wang Yiran’s child drowned on her birthday, Wu Fen likely blamed her for negligence, causing her years of self-blame.

For whatever reason, Wang Yiran’s relationship with Wu Fen soured. Wu Fen began taking concubines, neglecting her.

But he knew how to give a slap followed by a sweet treat. Occasionally, he sent her mementos to express affection, always reiterating, “I love you, but seeing you reminds me of our child’s death.” Wang Yiran suffered immensely, and because of this, Wang Juqian continuously supported Wu Fen, powerless against his increasingly improper behavior.

Recalling Wu Fen’s appearance, Qu You shivered.

Love-struck brains are dangerous.

Moreover, hearing this situation, why did the siblings seem deceived by cunning Wu Fen?

This aroused her suspicion, prompting her to privately investigate. To her surprise, she found a maid who had served Wang Yiran years ago. Initially skeptical, she arranged a meeting. Wang Yiran immediately recognized her.

The maid tearfully collapsed at her feet, recounting her near-death experience years ago—the day Wang Yiran’s son drowned, it was caused by Wu Fen’s affair with another maid promoted to concubine.

Afterward, Wu Fen not only blamed Wang Yiran but also executed all the servants who knew about it. She witnessed this from behind a rockery and escaped, resigning from the Wu household. Years later, unable to bear Wang Yiran’s suffering, she risked her life to inform her.

Her account was detailed and convincing. Wang Yiran fainted on the spot, waking up furious and returning home.

Coincidentally, Zhou Tan was to handle official matters at the government office the next day. Using this as an excuse, he hosted a grand banquet at their residence.

Thanks to Qu You’s recent popularity, the banquet rivaled Wang Yiran’s birthday celebration.

As expected, Wang Yiran sent a maid, pleading illness and inability to attend. Wu Fen cited urgent matters, sending only He Yuan Kai, the ever-present, handsome advisor.

Early April brought mild breezes. The former deputy governor’s residence had many trees, so Zhou Tan set up the banquet in the open courtyard. Men and women were seated separately but within view across the courtyard.

Qu You introduced some literary games popular in Bian Du, channeling two streams through the estate for floating wine cups. Such ingenuity was rare in Ruo Zhou, intriguing even military leaders like Wang Juqian. Zhou Tan calmly exchanged toasts with them, delighting both host and guests.

As dusk approached, just as the first guest prepared to leave, a group of stern-faced guards clad in tight uniforms suddenly surrounded the banquet courtyard.

Everyone was stunned. Wang Juqian still held the cup Zhou Tan had just passed him. Being straightforward and expressive, he slammed the cup down angrily, demanding, “Lord Zhou, what is the meaning of this?”

The ladies, though startled, were accustomed to soldiers in Ruo Zhou. They sat back, casting puzzled glances at Zhou Tan.

Zhou Tan lowered his eyes, turning his empty cup upside down on the table. Suddenly, his previous demeanor vanished as he coolly stated, “Tomorrow, I will officially take office. Before then, I wish to present all esteemed guests with a gift.”

Before anyone could respond, three or four guards carried two bags of white rice to the tables. Zhou Tan glanced up, turning to Wang Juqian, “General, do you know what this is?”

Wang Juqian snapped, “Obviously, it’s grain. Does anyone not recognize it?”

Zhou Tan replied, “Good. Hei Yi, take your men and cook this rice into porridge. Distribute it equally—one bowl per person. Ensure no one gets less.”

Hei Yi immediately obeyed, carrying the rice bags to the rear garden.

Others were puzzled by Zhou Tan’s intentions. A few hot-tempered ones stood up, cursing and approaching the encircling guards, seemingly attempting to force their way out.

Most of Zhou Tan’s guards were skilled individuals once aided by the Bai family of Jinling, including retired veterans.

Qu You heard the ladies gasp beside her. Looking up, she saw an unknown military officer disarmed within three moves by a guard. The guard emotionlessly struck his elbow, side, and leg, causing him to suddenly lose strength and nearly collapse.

The guard caught him and respectfully returned his sword.

This display was highly intimidating. Those attempting to leave stopped in their tracks. Wang Juqian, experienced in military affairs, immediately recognized the guard’s exceptional skill. “Lord Zhou, you…”

Seeing his expression, Qu You thought this tactic indeed worked. Though they didn’t bring many guards—half in the courtyard were disguised servants—the scare was effective.

Zhou Tan ignored everything, refilling his tea and rinsing his mouth. After a moment, he calmly met Wang Juqian’s gaze, appearing sincerely earnest. “I said, please drink the porridge before leaving. General, don’t refuse my kindness.”