Chapter 111: Thunderstorm (3)

Since she had taken responsibility for their livelihood, she should have seen it through to the end, not neglecting it for any reason. Yet in recent days, she had wallowed in her own sorrow, neglecting business matters. Deep down, she knew the guild wouldn’t let things rest, but she had unconsciously avoided these troubles, seeking temporary peace of mind.

It was her!

Her weakness, self-indulgence, and selfishness had cost a life!

Shen Xiling trembled as she closed her eyes.

Outside the carriage, lightning flashed and thunder roared. Soon, darkness enveloped the sky, and raindrops began pelting the carriage roof. The sound grew louder and more intense, increasing everyone’s anxiety.

Amidst the thunder and rain, Shen Xiling slowly opened her eyes, revealing a glint more piercing than the thunder.

She said, “Let’s go to the Southeast Villa.”

The maids were startled, then exchanged puzzled looks. After some thought, they recalled that the Southeast Villa was located on the outskirts of Jiankang City, near Qixia Mountain. It was rumored to be the private property of Yang Dong, the head of the Weaving Guild.

Seeing their young mistress mention going there with such a cold expression, the maids naturally deduced she intended to confront the master of the villa, seeking justice for Manager Feng’s death.

This was entirely justifiable, but it was already late, and it looked like a heavy rain was imminent. Venturing into Yang Dong’s territory so recklessly seemed too risky. Moreover, their mistress was extremely agitated and unlikely to remain calm, making her vulnerable.

The maids wanted to dissuade her, but Shen Xiling was insistent. Though she didn’t say much, she gave them an icy glance, a sharpness in her eyes they had never seen before—reminiscent of Master Qi. This made them uneasy, and they dared not object.

Liu Zi, the most timid, immediately obeyed the young mistress, turning the carriage towards the outskirts. Shuipei inwardly cursed him for his lack of foresight but was powerless to stop him, leaving her to silently lament.

When Master Qi left Fenghe Garden a few days ago, he had specifically instructed her to take good care of the young mistress and mentioned that if anything happened, she should seek him at the office. However, today’s outing for business was routine, and Shuipei hadn’t thought it necessary to send word ahead. Now, unexpectedly, the young mistress wanted to confront Yang Dong, and being in the carriage, how could she possibly send a message to Master Qi now?

Shuipei felt uneasy, hearing the rain intensify outside. She could only silently pray for a safe and uneventful day.

Meanwhile, at the Privy Council, Qi Yin personally escorted Xu Zhengning, who had just returned, out of the office. This official had only returned to Jiankang at noon today and immediately went to the Privy Council to discuss matters with Qi Yin. It was now evening when he finally departed.

Qingzhu had been waiting outside the office. Once Official Xu left and was out of sight, he entered to change the tea for his master.

Upon returning with fresh tea, he saw Master Qi holding a brush, which remained suspended, not touching the paper for a long time. His expression was slightly furrowed, appearing deeply troubled and somewhat distracted.

Master Qi hadn’t rested properly for two consecutive days. Since leaving Fenghe Garden on the day of Shen Xiling’s hair-pinning ceremony, he had hardly slept. Qingzhu knew something must have happened between them, causing his master’s distress and preventing him from resting. Today, Official Xu’s return might have brought unfavorable news, adding to his political burdens. It seemed another sleepless night awaited him.

Qingzhu felt uneasy but didn’t dare ask, quietly attending to his master.

In fact, Qingzhu’s guess wasn’t entirely correct. Official Xu hadn’t brought back particularly bad news; even if there were some unfavorable tidings, they were all within Qi Yin’s expectations, so he wasn’t surprised.

However, for some unknown reason, he felt an unsettling sensation, as if something he dreaded was about to happen, causing his heart to palpitate, making it hard to calm down.

This was unprecedented for Master Qi.

Qi Yin closed his eyes, trying to suppress the turmoil within. Suddenly, a drop of black ink fell from the tip of his pen, spreading slowly and staining the document with a dirty blot. At the same time, lightning flashed outside, signaling an impending storm.

His unease deepened.

Qi Yin set down his pen, frowning, and turned to ask Qingzhu, “Has anyone come from the other residence?”

Qingzhu immediately understood that his master was inquiring about Shen Xiling’s situation. He bowed and replied, “No one has come. Everything seems fine.”

Upon hearing this, his master’s brows remained furrowed. He looked at the ink stain on the document, silent for a while before suddenly rising and striding towards the door.

Qingzhu was startled and quickly followed, asking from behind, “Where is Master going?”

It had started raining outside.

The master’s profile appeared even more stern in the dim light of the lightning.

He answered gravely, “Back to Fenghe Garden.”

Shen Xiling arrived at the Southeast Villa near the hour of Xu, amidst raging winds and torrential rain.

Liu Zi braved the rain to knock on the gate. The gatekeeper said his master wasn’t seeing visitors, with a rather arrogant attitude. Despite Liu Zi’s persistent pleading and Song Haotang’s assistance, it was futile. Finally, Shen Xiling stepped out of the carriage. The gatekeeper, upon seeing her distinguished air, guessed her importance and toned down his arrogance, bowing and asking her name.

With a cold and indifferent demeanor, Shen Xiling replied, “Please inform your master that Fang Yun requests an audience.”

Though she used the humble term “request,” her presence exuded sharpness. The gatekeeper, though unable to detect her suppressed anger, could feel her intensity. He had heard of Miss Fang’s reputation, knowing she conducted business with his master and was an esteemed guest. He didn’t dare be disrespectful, hesitating briefly before entering to report, asking Shen Xiling to wait.

Shen Xiling didn’t press him, simply saying, “Thank you.”

The gatekeeper closed the gate and entered the estate. After the time it took to burn an incense stick, he returned, bowing to Shen Xiling and saying, “My master invites Miss Fang inside.”

He paused, then looked at the group behind Shen Xiling, continuing, “However, my master hasn’t personally seen anyone in a long time and dislikes disturbances. Today, please let the young miss bring only one person inside, and the rest may wait here.”

This was indeed an affront.

Not to mention Shen Xiling had been raised in the Qi family, even without that, considering her business stature, it was unheard of for her to be accompanied by only one servant. Normally, she would have at least two maids and a manservant. For important occasions, she would also bring two senior clerks, which was considered appropriate.

Yang Dong allowing her to bring only one person was clearly disrespectful.

Before Shen Xiling could react, Liu Zi and the others were already angered.

Liu Zi angrily said, “What strange rules! How esteemed is our young mistress? How can she be attended by only one person? Your master’s arrangements wouldn’t be so unreasonable. Perhaps you heard wrong?”

Liu Zi’s words, seemingly absolving Yang Dong, were actually criticizing his improper handling. The gatekeeper, however, remained firm, not backing down but instead saying, “I heard correctly, no mistake. My master also said if Miss Fang doesn’t agree, we can reschedule for another place.”

Hearing this, Shen Xiling remained calm, raising her hand to quell the anger and indignation behind her, saying, “Shuipei will accompany me inside. The rest may wait here.”

With that, she stepped across the threshold into the villa.

Seeing this, Shuipei naturally hurried to follow her mistress. After some thought, she whispered something into Liu Zi’s ear before rushing inside after her mistress.

Under the dark, stormy night, Shuipei held an umbrella, accompanying Shen Xiling into the Southeast Villa’s gate.

This place was vastly different from the Qi family estate.

The Qi main house was a noble family estate, grand yet dignified and solemn. Fenghe Garden was Qi Yin’s private residence, luxurious yet elegant and refined. The Southeast Villa was entirely different from both, lacking those considerations, focusing solely on opulence. Gold, jade, and glass were visible everywhere. Even amidst the storm, flashes of lightning revealed elaborate landscaping, larger than the Qi estate.

At that moment, Shen Xiling’s heart burned with anger, paying no heed to these trivialities. Under Shuipei’s umbrella, she crossed courtyards, following the gatekeeper to a building.

Shuipei was on edge throughout the journey. Upon reaching the eaves, she looked up and saw the plaque inscribed with “Yi Jiu Tang” (Hall of Nostalgia). Inside was quiet, with only faint light filtering out. Not long after their arrival, the door opened from within, and two beautiful maids emerged, their eyes filled with allure.

Upon seeing the two women, Shuipei immediately understood what had transpired inside earlier. Her brows furrowed tighter, and her sense of foreboding intensified. She heard the gatekeeper say to their young mistress, “Miss Fang, the master awaits you inside.”

Upon hearing this, Shuipei was immediately enraged, thinking that Yang Dong must be mad to allow their young mistress into such a sordid place. Just as she was about to lash out, she saw their young mistress step forward without hesitation.

Realizing their young mistress still… didn’t understand these matters, Shuipei quickly pulled her back.

Growing up under Master Qi’s care, though well-educated, she hadn’t been taught about intimate relations. Thus, their young mistress remained oblivious to the implications of the two women’s appearance.

But Shuipei understood, wanting to warn her mistress but unsure how to broach the subject. Struggling, she saw her mistress glance indifferently at the hand holding her back.

That glance told Shuipei that even if their young mistress didn’t see through the situation, she would enter this door today.

A fire burned in her heart.

Shuipei was right. At that moment, Shen Xiling was indeed seething. Though outwardly calm, she had lost all rationality.

She only wanted to confront Yang Dong, demanding why he had driven Manager Feng to his death.

Though Shuipei realized this, she couldn’t help but try to dissuade her. Pulling her mistress close, she urgently whispered, “Young Mistress, this door mustn’t be entered. Let’s reschedule to meet Master Yang elsewhere or inform Master Qi first, awaiting his approval…”

The latter part of her statement poured oil on the fire.

Since the hair-pinning ceremony, Shen Xiling had already resolved to sever ties with Qi Yin. How could she rely on him at the first sign of trouble? Shuipei’s words didn’t deter Shen Xiling but pushed her further.

Shen Xiling glanced at Shuipei, gently pushing away her restraining hand, saying, “There’s no need to involve Master Qi. This is my own matter.”

At that moment, a maelstrom of complex emotions churned within Shen Xiling.

Manager Feng’s death had thrown her into turmoil. She blamed herself for her incompetence and couldn’t help but resent Shuipei and Liu Zi for concealing Manager Feng’s visit to Fenghe Garden. Especially now, hearing Shuipei mention Qi Yin again made her feel particularly distressed.

Being so sensitive and having lost rationality, she irrationally felt Shuipei wasn’t truly close to her. A vague resentment arose, and she said to Shuipei, “Sister Shuipei, perhaps you should wait here. I’ll speak with Master Yang briefly and come out soon.”