CXD - 19

The next morning, Jiang Zhiyi was awakened by a soft whisper of “Princess.” Bleary-eyed, she opened her eyes to see Guyu bending over her bedside. In the distance, Xiaoman was cleaning up the porcelain cup that had been knocked over during her nightmare the previous night.

Yuan Ce was no longer in the room.

Jiang Zhiyi blinked, recalling the last memory from the night before—

It seemed she had clung to him tightly for an indeterminate amount of time, crying until exhaustion lulled her into sleep.

Afterward, she slept soundly without any dreams.

...But when had he left?

Guyu: “Lord Shen departed two quarters of an hour ago.”

Jiang Zhiyi’s lips curved into a smile. “He kept his promise.”

—No wonder Lord Shen looked so impatient when he left, as though waiting for the princess to wake up annoyed him. He deliberately left in front of her and Xiaoman, as if offering them proof.

Thinking this, Guyu retrieved a blueprint from her sleeve. “Lord Shen also left this. He said our courtyard’s defenses are leaky and instructed us to make changes according to the diagram.”

Jiang Zhiyi sat up on the bed and took a look.

On the clean white paper was a bird’s-eye view of Yaoguang Pavilion. The ink was fresh, not yet dry. Though not a realistic brush painting, every door, window, and position was clearly marked, resembling a military deployment map.

So that’s where he disappeared to last night—he was busy with this...

Guyu: “But Princess, after we fortify the defenses like this, will Lord Shen still be able to enter?”

“Have you ever seen someone dig a hole and bury themselves? Isn’t this all to prevent—” Mentioning that despicable person, Jiang Zhiyi’s smile vanished instantly. “Has there been any movement from my eldest cousin?”

“It seems he left the estate early this morning to avoid your reprimand.”

“Keep an eye on him. Inform me as soon as he returns.”

“Then Princess won’t attend Princess Baojia’s celebration today? I woke you just now to remind you that the time is almost up.”

Jiang Zhiyi suddenly remembered that she had forgotten the date while sick.

Although she rarely went out in winter, invitations never ceased. Whether it was some noblewoman hosting a snow-viewing banquet or a plum blossom appreciation party, or organizing ice-skating competitions, they all sent invitations despite knowing she disliked braving the cold winds and didn’t mingle well with them. She didn’t take these formalities seriously, ignoring stacks of invitations. However, she specifically set aside Princess Baojia’s invitation and entrusted it to her maids.

“Her tavern opens today?” Jiang Zhiyi glanced at the rising sun outside and temporarily pushed thoughts of that unpleasant person out of her mind. “Hurry up and get me ready.”

An hour later, at the Western Market.

Passing through bustling streets lined with shops and crowded with people, the carriage came to a halt in a quiet riverside area amidst the noise. Jiang Zhiyi stepped down from the carriage, raising her eyes through the thin veil of her hat.

Before her stood a three-story building adorned in red and green, its eaves overlapping richly and magnificently. On the plaque above the door were three golden characters written in a flowing style: “Feng Xu Lai.” This must be the elegant name of the tavern.

A palace-dressed maid hurried forward. “We’ve finally awaited your arrival, Princess! Princess Baojia is in the private room on the third floor and specifically ordered me to wait here for you. Please follow me upstairs.”

Jiang Zhiyi recognized the maid named Cui Mei and responded with a smile: “‘Gentle breeze comes, ripples undisturbed.’ Sister, why did you choose such a bland name for this tavern?”

“Don’t I know it? Even I said this name was too plain and unfitting for Princess. The geomancer also said this name would bring bad luck and cause losses. But Princess wouldn’t listen, saying she’s only investing money behind the scenes and doesn’t plan to work hard as the manager. If it fails...” Cui Mei paused, covering her mouth and lowering her voice, “...then she’ll just keep fewer male companions.”

“Please don’t say that. They’re all precious to her; losing any would be difficult. If there’s a loss, I’ll support her!” Jiang Zhiyi joked with Cui Mei as they walked inside, passing through the bustling main hall filled with scattered guests. As they reached the first floor, the clamor gradually faded.

Jiang Zhiyi, holding onto Guyu’s wrist, was about to turn the corner of the staircase when suddenly she heard a familiar, drunken voice—

“...Do you know what worries me? It’s none other than my cousin Princess!”

Jiang Zhiyi halted her steps at the stairwell.

Guyu and Cui Mei exchanged glances, their expressions subtly changing.

From the private room behind, another man’s voice chimed in: “Your cousin seems aloof and unapproachable—it’s no wonder you haven’t succeeded in all these years...”

“What do you know? That’s all an act... She’s already secretly involved with someone!”

“Really or fake?!”

“I personally saw them meeting privately in the middle of the night—how could it be false?”

“Who? Who?”

“Let me tell you—it’ll shock you—Shen Yuan Ce!”

The private room erupted in commotion.

“...Wait, aren’t they sworn enemies?”

“How did those two end up together?”

“Never expected the princess to like this type...”

Jiang Zhiyi slowly inhaled deeply, her face cold as she turned to look at the private room behind her.

Just then, someone inside said “I need to relieve myself” and pushed open the door. A young master stumbled out, drunk and bloated. One moment he was laughing merrily, the next he tripped and fell flat on his face.

“What time is it, and you’re already this drunk!” Laughter erupted from inside the room.

The fallen man trembled as he raised his eyes. Seeing Guyu and Cui Mei, he realized who was behind the veil.

“Princess, Prin-cess...”

The private room fell silent. A group of young masters gathered around the table slowly turned their heads to look toward the doorway.

Meeting the icy gaze behind the thin veil, Fang Zongming’s wine cup trembled in his hand, spilling half its contents. “Cousin, wh-why are you h-here...”

Jiang Zhiyi chuckled softly. “You come to such a fine tavern but instead of enjoying the dishes, you indulge in wild talk. If you don’t know how to use your mouth properly, perhaps it should be cut off, Cousin?”

Fang Zongming jolted awake, his drunken haze clearing halfway. His flushed face paled as if struck by frost.

Cui Mei, her face stern, lifted her hand and glanced at Fang Zongming before sweeping her gaze over the drunken faces in the room. “As the princess says, coincidentally, the cold pig snout salad and fragrant braised pig ears at Princess Baojia’s banquet are still missing ingredients.”

“Is that so? Then we must prepare everything for the grand opening of this tavern.” Jiang Zhiyi sneered softly through her nose, flicked her sleeve, turned around, and headed upstairs.

The group watched Jiang Zhiyi’s retreating figure disappear around the corner, trembling as they touched their ears and mouths, beads of cold sweat rolling down their backs.

On the third floor, the silk-string music floated melodiously. In the center of the spacious circular stage, more than a dozen Western Region dancers in revealing attire swayed gracefully.

The female guests were seated on either side, chatting in small groups.

Jiang Zhiyi’s mood, thoroughly ruined on the first floor, entered the room listlessly. A maid removed her veil and cloak.

A group of noblewomen near the door quickly rose to greet her but froze upon seeing her displeased expression, sitting back down timidly.

At the head seat, Princess Baojia wore a trailing, colorful gauze dress, her phoenix-like eyes exquisitely made up. Leaning against a low table, she laughed and chatted animatedly with others. Hearing the commotion, she straightened up. “Oh, who upset our little Yongying?”

Cui Mei led Jiang Zhiyi to the head seat and invited her to sit beside Princess Baojia. Lowering her voice, she whispered a few words to Princess Baojia.

“Is that true?” Princess Baojia raised an eyebrow, a hint of disgust flickering in her eyes. She signaled Cui Mei to handle things discreetly, then leaned closer, hooking her arm around Jiang Zhiyi’s. “Sister will immediately throw out those unworthy people. Since this rumor originated in my tavern today, it won’t spread beyond here. Rest assured.”

Jiang Zhiyi’s expression softened slightly. “Thank you, Sister.”

“How have we grown distant after a month apart? Are you this angry because the rumors...could they possibly be true?”

Jiang Zhiyi relaxed her brows and regained her composure. “How could that be?!”

“Then why are you blushing?”

Jiang Zhiyi faltered. She hadn’t reacted so visibly before—otherwise, her relationship with Brother Ce would have been exposed long ago. Why was it that now, hearing his name, she couldn’t remain calm?

“Out of anger,” Jiang Zhiyi sneered. “Why would anyone spread rumors about me being with Shen Yuan Ce? Sister, you know very well the enmity between him and me.”

“Oh, I nearly forgot! What can we do now? I even sent him an invitation today. Will you two fight if you meet?”

“Has he arrived?” Jiang Zhiyi raised her head to glance toward the men’s seating area beyond the screen.

Baojia smiled faintly. “Not yet. Be patient. Perhaps he’ll arrive soon.”

Looking into Princess Baojia’s seemingly omniscient eyes, Jiang Zhiyi cleared her throat, picked up the teacup beside her, sipped slowly, and turned her head away.

As she turned, she suddenly felt a prying gaze fall upon her face.

Jiang Zhiyi looked down and saw a maiden dressed in a pale blue long jacket and tea-white pleated skirt, adorned simply.

Realizing she had been noticed, the girl immediately averted her gaze, lowered her head, and gripped her teacup.

Many people in the room were secretly observing her since she hadn’t appeared for a long time. But this gaze was different—it seemed to focus intently on her lips, as if trying to decipher her lip movements with Princess Baojia.

Jiang Zhiyi recalled that this person had entered the private room after her. When she confronted Fang Zongming and the others, this person seemed to be at the corner of the stairs behind her, perhaps overhearing those crude remarks...

Jiang Zhiyi asked Princess Baojia, “Who is that? She looks unfamiliar.”

Princess Baojia glanced downward. “That’s Miss Pei Xueqing, the youngest daughter of Chancellor Pei. A proper lady who usually stays indoors. No wonder you find her unfamiliar—even I do... But recently, it seems I’ve seen her out more often. Perhaps she’s of age and attending banquets to seek potential suitors.”

Jiang Zhiyi glanced at Pei Xueqing again.

Like her modest attire, her features were delicate and understated. Her tiny, exquisite face remained quietly bowed, neither speaking to those around her nor appearing nosy or gossipy.

As a daughter of the Pei family, she should be intelligent enough to know that some things are better forgotten once heard. Why was she showing curiosity toward her?

Just as she thought this, Cui Mei led a servant into the room. Jiang Zhiyi casually glanced and recognized a familiar face—

It was Qingsong.

Jiang Zhiyi looked toward the men’s seating area but didn’t see Yuan Ce. In the blink of an eye, Qingsong had already approached, bowing respectfully to those at the head of the room and introducing himself.

“Humble servant greets Princess and Lady. My lord is currently stationed at the barracks and unable to attend the banquet. He has specially instructed me to deliver a congratulatory gift as a token of celebration.”

“So busy, what a pity,” Princess Baojia teased, glancing at Jiang Zhiyi. “Yongying, do you want to open it and take a look?”

“Do I—what nonsense! It’s not even meant for me!”

Princess Baojia laughed and waved her hand, signaling Cui Mei to present the gift box. Upon opening it, they found a jade-inlaid six-legged Pixiu figurine, symbolizing warding off evil and attracting wealth.

Jiang Zhiyi glanced at it and gave Qingsong a sarcastic smile. “I thought your lord only knew how to give swords.”

“...” Qingsong suddenly felt a pang of guilt and bowed his head.

Jiang Zhiyi: “Princess Baojia’s banquet lasts all day, continuing into the night. Does your lord really have no spare time at all, or has he become so arrogant with his military achievements that he disregards even Princess Baojia’s invitation?”

Qingsong hesitated briefly, carefully considering his response.

The young master has been going out secretly for four consecutive nights. If not for his strong constitution, he might have fallen asleep standing up from exhaustion. Working so hard, the princess must have reconciled with him, so there’s no reason for her to deliberately make things difficult...

I understand now—she’s hinting at something!

Qingsong: “Princess misunderstands. My lord was delayed this morning and arrived late at the barracks. He won’t return until after nightfall, around the hour of Xu. Indeed, he will miss Princess Baojia’s banquet.”

Jiang Zhiyi let out a soft “oh,” pondering the phrase “delayed this morning.” She picked up her teacup to hide the slight curl of her lips and silently noted the time.

Half past the hour of Xu, Yaoguang Pavilion.

After returning from the tavern, Jiang Zhiyi had a proper bath to refresh herself and was now sitting in front of her dressing mirror while her maids dried her damp hair.

Upon returning to the estate earlier that evening, she immediately inquired about Fang Zongming’s whereabouts but learned that he hadn’t returned all day. Likely, after being caught red-handed again today, he didn’t dare come back.

If he returned, she could lead people to surround his courtyard and discipline him. However, since he remained outside, it wouldn’t be prudent to make a big fuss over capturing him, as doing so might damage her reputation instead.

Frustrated, Jiang Zhiyi sat quietly, waiting until the maids finished drying her hair, yet she couldn’t think of a good plan.

Looking at the bed behind her, it seemed to cast a shadow—she didn’t want to lie on it.

Last night, she dreamed that Yuan Ce promised not to leave but then broke his word, resulting in Fang Zongming returning and climbing onto that bed...

Xiaoman, who hadn’t accompanied her today, had already changed everything—from the bedding to the curtains. Even if it was dirtied in her dream, it was still dirty.

Guyu and Xiaoman, worried that her recent cold might relapse, earnestly urged her to rest. After implementing the security changes based on Lord Shen’s blueprint, the courtyard was now as secure as a fortress. But because of last night’s scare, the princess still felt unsafe.

They assured her they would stay awake and keep watch until Lord Shen arrived, ensuring she wouldn’t be alone.

Hearing this, Jiang Zhiyi glanced at the time but suddenly felt uncertain.

Had Qingsong understood her hidden message? Did the phrase “arriving at the hour of Xu” refer to Brother Ce coming?

It was already the hour of Hai by now.

After much deliberation, Jiang Zhiyi sent a guard to deliver a message to the Shen residence and sat gloomily on the bed, waiting for news.

Half an hour passed, and the guard returned, reporting that Lord Shen hadn’t returned home all day.

Jiang Zhiyi grew even more frustrated, leaning back with a sigh. “So late and still not home—where could he have gone?”

Guyu: “Perhaps there’s an urgent matter at the barracks, and he stayed there?”

“So I’m not important enough...”

“If he wasn’t coming, he could have at least sent someone to inform us...”

Guyu tucked in the quilt for her. “Then Princess shouldn’t wait anymore. Even if you can’t sleep, lying down to rest your eyes would be beneficial.”

“That despicable person might return at any moment—I can’t possibly close my eyes!”

Guyu stopped persuading and simply sat with her, thinking that once the princess grew truly exhausted, she wouldn’t dwell on such thoughts.

After some unknown amount of time, as Guyu nearly dozed off on the footstool, Xiaoman burst in breathlessly: “He’s here—he’s here!”

Jiang Zhiyi’s eyes shot up toward the rear window.

“No—it’s not Lord Shen. It’s the eldest master—he’s returned!”

Well, if she couldn’t wait for her lover, encountering this wolf was fine too!

Since Fang Zongming dared to return, she absolutely had to teach him a lesson—to ensure he wouldn’t dare gossip about her or even tremble at the mere thought of her in the future!

Jiang Zhiyi shook herself awake, slipped on her robe, stepped down from the bed, and waved her hand. “Bring the men; let’s go—”

“Princess needn’t...” Xiaoman caught her breath. “The eldest master returned with both legs broken!”

“What?”

“Both legs broken—he was carried back screaming like a banshee!”

Jiang Zhiyi froze. “What happened?”

“I don’t know the details either. I just heard the news and rushed to report to you.”

How strange—justice had descended before she even took action! Jiang Zhiyi blinked, tilting her chin. “Let’s go take a look.”

Jiang Zhiyi tied her hair, changed into warm clothing, and boarded a sedan chair heading east. As she approached Fang Zongming’s courtyard gate, she heard piercing screams from inside.

She furrowed her brows, rubbing her ears as Guyu and Xiaoman escorted her into the courtyard.

From afar, the brightly lit room was crowded with people: two physicians bent over their work, several maids and servants carrying basins of water and towels, and Concubine Xu, her uncle’s wife.

As soon as the physician touched him, the man on the bed bit into a cloth and howled, his hands flailing wildly, impossible to restrain. It was utterly hopeless.

“Master Fang, please endure it. If we don’t set these bones properly with splints, they may never heal correctly!”

Jiang Zhiyi stood at the threshold, peering inside. “What happened?”

At the sound of her voice, everyone immediately bowed their heads or stepped aside.

Fang Zongming’s wails paused as he saw her approach. His eyes widened in terror, and he scrambled desperately toward the corner of the bed.

“Ah, Master Fang, don’t move—don’t move!”

Jiang Zhiyi looked at Concubine Xu, puzzled.

Concubine Xu: “Apologies for disturbing you late at night, Princess. The eldest master got into some kind of altercation with someone outside, and—”

“Someone beat him like this?” Jiang Zhiyi feigned surprise. “What did the doctor mean when he said the bones might not heal? What happens then?”

The physician: “If they don’t heal, at best he’ll be lame, and at worst, he’ll never walk again!”

“Oh, it’s that serious? So he’d be bedridden for life?”

“Yes...” The physician began a long sigh of lament but, turning his head, saw the princess covering her nose with a handkerchief, looking at the man on the bed with pity mixed with disdain. Suddenly unsure whether to continue his sigh, he hesitated.

“In that case, Cousin Fang should grit his teeth and endure it. Only by treating these legs properly does he have hope for the future.” Jiang Zhiyi turned to the physician. “Endure hardship now to become someone great later. Doctor, don’t mind how loudly my cousin screams—apply maximum force. Know that your severity now is for the future of the Yong’en Marquis household.”

Fang Zongming, tears and snot streaming down his face, shook his head frantically, biting the cloth and making muffled sounds.

Physician: “Princess, rest assured. This old man will do his utmost to treat him and restore his legs to full health.”

Once again, screams filled the room. Two servants pinned Fang Zongming’s arms, finally restraining him.

Watching Fang Zongming scream until his veins bulged, gradually growing weaker until his breathing faltered and his eyes rolled back, Jiang Zhiyi sighed deeply. “With this lesson, Cousin Fang must remember not to provoke those he shouldn’t. If it happens again, who knows what else might break?”

Fang Zongming’s eyes flashed with terror. Unable to catch his breath, he fainted.

Leaving the eastern wing, Jiang Zhiyi returned to Yaoguang Pavilion. Upon entering her bedroom, she curiously asked her maids: “Did you find out what happened?”

Guyu: “I just questioned one of the eldest master’s servants. He said Master Fang lingered at Yanchun Pavilion tonight with a group of unsavory friends. Upon leaving, he was suddenly grabbed by the collar, dragged into a dark alley, and struck twice without warning. Both legs were brutally shattered!”

“Ho!” Jiang Zhiyi lightly covered her mouth.

“And it wasn’t just Master Fang. Several other young masters accompanying him also suffered similar fates, though strangely, each only had one leg broken...”

Xiaoman marveled: “Who administered justice like this, so meticulously punishing accordingly?”

“They say it was pitch black, and all they could see was a tall figure shrouded in a dark cloak descending like a vengeful spirit—terrifying and mysterious!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the candlelight flickered.

The three of them fell silent, sensing something amiss, and slowly turned their heads toward the rear window.

There, a tall figure in a dark cloak descended gracefully, removing the hood upon landing. He stretched his neck, raised his head, and spoke.

Jiang Zhiyi: “...”

Seeing the stunned trio—one master and two maids—Yuan Ce untied his cloak, lifted an eyebrow, and said, “Fetch me some water.”

After a brief pause, Guyu and Xiaoman responded with a double “oh,” busying themselves pouring water while staring at him.

Jiang Zhiyi stood frozen for a moment before her eyes slowly brightened.

So Brother Ce flew into a rage for her sake!

Jiang Zhiyi hurried forward, grasping his wrists. “Were your hands hurt beating so many people?”

Yuan Ce: “...”

He freed one hand to take the teacup Xiaoman offered, raising it to his lips. Seeing him hesitate, she tilted the rim: “Aren’t you thirsty? Drink quickly.”

Yuan Ce glanced at the teacup, then at the two maids watching from afar. He leaned back, using his free hand to take the cup and turned to drink.

Jiang Zhiyi gazed at him with sparkling eyes. “How did you know I was bullied today?”

Princess Baojia was a clever woman. Such an incident surely required informing the other party involved, so she had Qingsong deliver the message to him.

Since it concerned his brother’s reputation, he couldn’t just sit idly by.

Yuan Ce: “Is that so? I merely found these people distasteful. Did they bother you too?”

Jiang Zhiyi, in high spirits, ignored his stubbornness and drew out a long “oh.” “Though these people are scoundrels, their backgrounds aren’t low. Aren’t you afraid of being impeached by court officials for acting so recklessly?”

“If they impeach me, will those useless cowards go to the battlefield?”

Jiang Zhiyi smiled faintly. “Rest on my bed for a while. I just visited my eldest cousin’s courtyard—it’s filthy. I need another bath.”

Yuan Ce glanced at her newly made bed and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t I have a bed at home?”

“You don’t have me there!” Jiang Zhiyi stamped her foot and glared at him. “I’ll be back shortly—you’re not allowed to leave!”