Even if Shi Shen didn’t say anything, Fang Linyuan wouldn’t really believe that seeing him in front of the palace today was a coincidence.

Although what he held in his hand was the confession of officials from Jibei, every sentence carried hidden meanings. It seemed unintentional, but it was actually providing clues to clear his name.

The chaos caused by the displaced people in Jibei had already passed a few days ago, and the bandit troubles didn’t arise out of thin air. The Emperor had just reprimanded him, and immediately after, Shi Shen inadvertently reported the reason for the imperial envoy’s attack. How could such a coincidence exist in the world?

Who else could it be but Zhao Chu?

However, Fang Linyuan also knew that Shi Shen was Zhao Chu’s shadow, hiding in the dark. Even if he guessed it, he couldn’t have any public interaction with Shi Shen.

But there was still a way.

A brief encounter of carriages and a simple word of thanks were enough for him to confirm his suspicions.

Where to go next?

Sitting back in the carriage, Fang Linyuan looked at the curtain faintly swaying in the wind, the soft breeze brushing his face.

At that moment, the faint scent of osmanthus enveloped him.

Naturally, he would return to the residence to find Zhao Chu!

Thinking that the Sixteen Guards had no urgent matters recently and that the patrols and inspections were all well arranged, Fang Linyuan lifted the carriage curtain and told the coachman to head back to the Marquis’s residence first.

After all, the bandit troubles in Jibei were no small matter. He had been in Jibei for several days and hadn’t heard a single rumor, which was truly strange.

Moreover...

Zhao Chu always acted this way.

Secretly protecting him without telling anyone, while on the surface pretending to be indifferent and cold.

He wasn’t really such a bad person, so why force others to dislike him?

Pretending to be cold, huh? Well, Fang Linyuan wasn’t going to let him have his way!

For some reason, thinking of this, Fang Linyuan felt a surge of anticipation.

It was like digging for clams by the sandy riverbank at Hulao Pass—finding a smooth, lustrous pearl in the muddy soil always brought a lively joy.

Zhao Chu probably thought he was still in the dark, right?

Later, he would confront him face to face. Zhao Chu would surely be caught off guard, likely maintaining a cold expression and claiming ignorance, completely unaware that Eunuch Shi’s glance had already betrayed him...

Fang Linyuan couldn’t help but laugh and lifted the carriage curtain again.

“Faster, faster,” he urged the coachman outside.

The coachman, receiving the order, quickly raised the whip.

The spacious and tall carriage swiftly sped through the bustling streets of the capital.

*

When Fang Linyuan returned to the residence, he didn’t see Zhao Chu.

The guards at the gate said that Her Highness the Princess had gone out in the morning to attend a gathering. It was said that the Duke of Yue’s family had sent an invitation a few days ago, as the old lady of the household was celebrating her 75th birthday, and they had specially invited Zhao Chu to the banquet.

“Ah…” Fang Linyuan was somewhat surprised.

“Did Her Highness say when she would return?”

Such banquets usually didn’t have a fixed schedule. After the meal, there would likely be opera performances. The servants at the gate, hearing Fang Linyuan’s question, simply shook their heads.

There was nothing to be done.

Fang Linyuan’s eager excitement was met with disappointment, and he couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened.

Well, they saw each other every day. Whatever he had to say could wait until evening...

Just then, Sui Chao happened to pass by the gate and, seeing Fang Linyuan there, quickly approached and curtsied.

“This servant pays respects to the Marquis,” Sui Chao said. “Why has the Marquis returned to the residence at this hour? Is there something you need to instruct?”

Fang Linyuan quickly shook his head. “No, I just came from the palace and happened to pass by.”

Sui Chao nodded and smiled. “What a coincidence. This servant was just about to deliver an account book to the Marquis’s courtyard.”

Fang Linyuan, who had never looked at accounts before, was somewhat surprised. “What account book do I need to see?”

Sui Chao then took an account book from a maid beside her and handed it to Fang Linyuan with both hands.

“Last time, the Marquis asked this servant about the estates in Jibei. Not long after, we heard about the chaos in Jibei,” Sui Chao explained.

“This servant specially sent someone to inquire and found out that the estates in Lingxi County and Jianyang County were almost all in turmoil, but the estates belonging to the Marquis’s residence remained safe.”

Fang Linyuan was stunned. “Why is that?”

Sui Chao smiled and flipped open the account book for Fang Linyuan. “The Marquis will understand once you see this.”

Fang Linyuan looked down at the opened account book in his hands.

He saw that for every household listed, the taxes were marked as empty, except for the last page, which noted that Princess Huining had paid 9,720 taels of silver to cover the entire year’s land rent for the estate.

Fang Linyuan looked up at Sui Chao in surprise.

“She paid for it?” he asked.

Sui Chao nodded. “Yes, for all four estates in Jibei, Her Highness paid nearly 40,000 taels of silver.”

...40,000 taels.

Zhao Chu still hadn’t told him. If it weren’t for the chaos in Jibei, he might never have known until the day he and Zhao Chu parted ways.

Beside him, Sui Chao continued softly, “If the late Madam knew that the Marquis had married such a kind-hearted and devoted wife, who always had the Marquis’s residence in mind, she would surely be overjoyed...”

Fang Linyuan, holding the account book in his hands, remained silent for a moment.

*

As noon passed, the Duke of Yue's residence buzzed with activity as a stage was set up for a performance.

Noblewomen and dignitaries filled the seats below, with tea and pastries at hand. Beside them, delicacies like candied fruits and plums were stacked high in ornate boxes. On the stage, the lively clang of gongs signalled the start of an auspicious play, Magu Offering Longevity. (NT:  traditional Chinese opera often staged during celebrations, particularly birthdays )

The Duke of Yue's elderly mother sat at the center, surrounded by other noblewomen. Toasts and well-wishes flowed one after another, bringing a constant smile to the kind-faced matriarch.

Zhao Chu sat quietly nearby.

He wasn’t fond of opera, nor did he enjoy such noisy gatherings. His presence today was solely because Dou Huairen had sent him several messages, insisting on meeting him in person.

What else could Dou Huairen want from him?

Last time, Dou Huairen had foolishly let others catch him in a scandal, accusing him of keeping a mistress. If not for Zhao Chu’s intervention, the woman and her child would have been driven out of the capital.

However, even though the matter was somewhat resolved, it had reached the ears of Princess Hejia.

As a result, Princess Hejia and Dou Huairen had been at odds for some time, and eventually, she didn’t even let him enter their residence.

Dou Huairen wanted to see his mistress, Yingniang, but Princess Hejia had already discovered the address in Chunlai Alley and stationed servants there to keep watch. He didn’t dare show his face.

For several days, Dou Huairen wandered like a stray dog, with nowhere to go, until an old friend finally took him in. But with court sessions every few days, how could he keep sneaking out the back door of someone else’s residence in his official robes?

So, Dou Huairen desperately sought Zhao Chu’s help, hoping Zhao Chu could relocate Yingniang and their child to a safer place, away from his wife’s prying eyes. This way, he could return home and reunite with his delicate, pitiful mistress.

Zhao Chu had no interest in their family drama. But Dou Huairen, spoiled by his parents since childhood, acted like a petulant child even at fifty. Ignored a few times, he sent letters threatening to ruin Zhao Chu’s grand plans if they didn’t meet.

His arrogant demeanour made it seem as if he were already on the throne.

What could he possibly ruin? Zhao Chu sneered inwardly.

Given the things Dou Huairen had done for him, his entire family’s heads wouldn’t be enough to atone.

But Zhao Chu was tired of the nuisance and finally agreed to meet him at today’s banquet.

Dou Huairen approached with a forced smile, offering wine and asking about Zhao Chu’s marital harmony and recent well-being.

Zhao Chu, however, had no patience for small talk. When no one was around, he spoke coldly.

“In three days, I’ll move them to a new location under cover of night. I’ll send you the address. If you’re discovered again, I won’t care anymore.”

Dou Huairen was stunned, his fake smile turning genuine.

“Good, good! You’re truly our family’s good child!”

Zhao Chu ignored him, waiting only for the banquet to end so he could return home and avoid seeing Dou Huairen’s face again.

But escaping wasn’t so easy.

As the gongs sounded on stage, the lavishly dressed Magu gracefully appeared, holding a celestial peach. Seated beside Zhao Chu were Princess Hejia and Dou Huairen.

(NT: Magu is a divine being who lives in the mountains and possesses the ability to bring blessings of long life and prosperity. She brings a special gift: a peach of immortality (寿桃, shòu táo), which symbolizes eternal life and good health.) 

Princess Hejia sat stiffly, her face stern, her sharp eyes fixed on the stage, her expression cold and unpleasant.

Her features resembled those of Emperor Hongyou—unremarkable and somewhat short in stature—but her piercing phoenix eyes were enough to make Dou Huairen tremble like a chaff, too afraid to speak.

The surrounding nobles noticed but only exchanged knowing glances, saying nothing.

After all, everyone in the capital knew that Minister Dou was terrified of his wife.

*

Dou Huairen felt that his life had become unbearable.

And the source of all his suffering was his wife.

How wonderful life had been in his youth! His mother, though strict with Dou Qingyi, had been exceptionally lenient with him. She often said that her strained relationship with her mother-in-law had only improved after she gave birth to Dou Huairen, bringing prosperity to their household.

His father had doted on him, and Dou Qingyi had always yielded to him, as he was the only male heir in the Dou family.

He had the finest tutors for his studies, the grandest entourage when he went out, and later, he married the woman of the most noble lineage in the land.

But this woman turned out to be a she-devil!. (NT: 夜叉 (yè chā), domineering woman)

In the early years, when his parents were still alive, things were manageable. They always protected him and kept Princess Hejia in check. But after his parents passed away and he took charge of the household, the woman became increasingly domineering.

She belittled him for being useless and cowardly, yet she frequently made him kneel on the damp veranda. The torment left him exhausted, and after all these years, he had only one son, Qian’er, who had been raised to be arrogant and disrespectful, looking down on his own father.

It wasn’t until he met Shen Yingniang that he felt like a true man.

But this she-devil was determined to tear them apart!

(NT: "棒打鸳鸯" (bàng dǎ yuān yāng) literally means "to beat the mandarin ducks with a stick," Chinese idiom symbolizing the act of separating a loving couple or ruining a harmonious relationship)

Still, there was hope. Although Dou Qingyi was dead, she had left behind a daughter he could manipulate. In just three more days, once Zhao Chu rescued Yingniang, he would be reunited with her…

Sitting beside Princess Hejia, Dou Huairen didn’t dare breathe too loudly, lost in his thoughts. He barely paid attention to the opera, only catching a few lines here and there.

Filled with resentment, he cursed Princess Hejia in his heart. But whenever her sharp gaze turned his way, he immediately picked up the wine jug, forcing a smile as he refilled her cup.

If he behaved well, perhaps he could return to the residence tonight. Staying in someone else’s home wasn’t sustainable…

As the gongs and drums faded, the opera came to an end.

The nobles and officials began discussing what to perform next. Some suggested Jade Hall Spring, others Dragon and Phoenix Bring Prosperity. The hall buzzed with laughter and lively chatter.

Only Zhao Chu remained seated quietly, sipping his tea.

Dou Huairen noticed his wife turning her gaze toward Zhao Chu.

Her phoenix eyes narrowed, and her lips curled into a smile. When she spoke, the entire room’s attention shifted to her.

“How about The Heavenly Maiden Sends a Son?” she suggested.

*

Zhao Chu felt Princess Hejia's gaze and slightly turned his head to look at her.

He saw Princess Hejia wearing a fake smile, her phoenix eyes sharp as knives, filled with malice that seemed ready to spill over.

Though she was technically his aunt by marriage and his maternal uncle's wife, making her doubly related, they had barely interacted.

The only time they had crossed paths was during the incident at Chunlai Alley, which had earned Zhao Chu Princess Hejia's hatred.

She believed that Dou Huairen dared to keep another family outside because Zhao Chu was backing him.

Zhao Chu had no interest in engaging with her. Holding a teacup in one hand and lifting the lid with the other, he paused briefly before lowering his eyes and taking another sip.

"Your Highness, is there a special meaning behind choosing this play?" someone nearby, oblivious to the silent exchange, asked loudly.

Princess Hejia turned her head and smiled. "I heard that the Duke's family is about to welcome a new member. I'm so envious. Surely such a blessing of many children and grandchildren should be shared with us all."

Though she smiled, her expression was disdainful. Despite Dou Huairen's modest official rank, she was the highest-ranking royal relative of her generation and the emperor's sister. Even the elderly matriarch at the centre of the celebration had to curry her favour.

Immediately, the surrounding guests laughed, praising the matriarch's good fortune and the princess's cleverness. The matriarch herself even called for her six-months-pregnant granddaughter-in-law to come forward and pay respects to the princess.

Princess Hejia, however, ignored everyone and turned to Zhao Chu. "Huining, don't you agree?"

Zhao Chu continued sipping his tea without even lifting his eyes.

Zhao Chu remained cold and composed, while Princess Hejia pressed aggressively. The surrounding guests, sensing the tension, fell silent.

Zhao Chu calmly set down his teacup and said, "I don't care much for opera."

The matriarch's daughter-in-law, sitting beside her, was momentarily stunned but quickly tried to smooth things over. "Ah, that's my fault! Today we only prepared the opera stage but didn't arrange any dances or songs. Please forgive us, Your Highness..."

Princess Hejia coldly interrupted her, still glaring at Zhao Chu.

"Huining, your aunt chose this play for your sake. When the actors take the stage, you should listen carefully and absorb some of the Duke's good fortune."

She then sneered and added, "Perhaps it will bring you good news soon, so you won't have to meddle in other people's affairs and cause unnecessary annoyance."

*

Zhao Chu's hand on the teacup tightened slightly, but he remained silent, his eyes downcast.

He had anticipated this when he decided to attend today.

Dou Huairen still had some use to him, so he hadn't discarded him yet. Otherwise, this family's filth wouldn't have come near him.

His fingers lightly tapped the teacup, his posture unchanged as he slowly exhaled, suppressing the cold anger rising in his heart.

Princess Hejia might appear domineering, but in reality, she was just a waste of breath, spouting empty words that wouldn't lead to any real trouble.

But seeing Zhao Chu remain silent, Princess Hejia became even more aggressive, convinced he was hiding something.

"Didn't your uncle send you medicinal soup? I heard you've been drinking it every day. Why hasn't it worked?" she sneered, aiming her words at what she believed was Zhao Chu's weakest point.

Zhao Chu simply stared at the teacup in his hand. The cup seemed to radiate a hidden killing intent, as if it were gripping someone's throat.

She had reminded Zhao Chu that Dou Huairen truly deserved to die. Once his last bit of usefulness was exhausted, Zhao Chu could show some mercy and let him be buried with his beloved Yingniang.

Beside him, Dou Huairen, knowing full well that the "medicinal soup" he sent monthly was actually contraceptive, felt utterly guilty but dared not make a sound.

A noblewoman nearby, unable to bear the scene, spoke up. "Your Highness is still young. There's no need to rush. You can wait a few more years."

Princess Hejia immediately shot her a glare, startling the woman into silence.

She disdainfully turned her gaze back to Zhao Chu.

"Wait a few more years? By then, this girl might even reach into the palace, meddling in her father's affairs of taking concubines!"

Zhao Chu had endured countless insults since childhood and was long accustomed to them.

He knew his own heart was tainted, and encountering such people always stirred his murderous instincts. To avoid trouble, he usually distracted himself with other thoughts.

He would review military strategies he had memorized or martial arts he had learned, letting time pass.

He focused his mind...

But what appeared before him was Fang Linyuan on that small boat, holding a lantern and smiling at him.

Zhao Chu was caught off guard, momentarily stunned. Even the deep killing intent hidden beneath his eyelashes was washed away in an instant by a spring of clear water.

That day... Fang Linyuan had smiled at him. Amidst a hundred acres of lotus ponds, he had smiled at Zhao Chu alone, as if the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

Princess Hejia's insults and the varied gazes of the surrounding guests seemed to vanish in an instant.

Zhao Chu's hand on the teacup gently tightened, his thumb slowly brushing over the smooth lid, as if afraid of breaking something.

Yes, Fang Linyuan had looked at him. Even knowing he was a man, Fang Linyuan hadn't despised him...

But at that moment, amidst the surrounding guests' attempts to mediate, Princess Hejia sneered, her voice sharp.

"I'm afraid she can wait, but Marquis Anping cannot," she said.

"How about this? I'll select a few respectable women and send them to your residence as concubines for the Marquis. Since you can't bear children, you should at least be tolerant of others."

Zhao Chu suddenly raised his eyes.

What vile nonsense was this woman spewing?

He couldn't bear children... He truly couldn't.

He wore a woman's robes, a demon lurking beside the purest, brightest person in the world. Though he seemed to occupy the position by Fang Linyuan's side, he knew he wasn't the one who could give him children and a family.

But how dare she suggest sending women to him, to be his concubines?

The hidden corners of Zhao Chu's mind were violently exposed, filled with raging flames that could consume everything.

His rationality snapped for a moment.

But in that same instant, he heard a clear, refreshing voice, like spring water striking stone, coming from behind him.

"Your Highness Hejia, I'm afraid I don't understand. What is it that I cannot wait for? Perhaps you could explain it to me in detail?"

*

Fang Linyuan was also on the verge of exploding.

He had just received the account book showing that Zhao Chu had quietly invested tens of thousands of taels of silver into the Marquis's estate. He had come to the Duke's residence to escort Zhao Chu home, only to overhear someone spitting vile insults and non sense at him.

Such words were shocking even to him. Even commoners, servants, or prisoners shouldn't be subjected to such humiliation, let alone in public, under everyone's watchful eyes.

He saw Zhao Chu sitting there, surrounded by guests casting varied glances at him, yet no one dared to speak up in his defence.

And Zhao Chu, sitting straight-backed, remained silent, his head slightly lowered, showing a rare vulnerability Fang Linyuan had never seen before.

Suddenly, Fang Linyuan felt as if he had returned to that snowy palace courtyard from years ago.

After all these years, Zhao Chu was still alone, enduring the cold snowstorm under the indifferent gazes of others.

He shouldn't have to face this alone.

Zhao Chu had secretly protected him and silently aided the people of the borderlands and Jibei. Yet his memories of his birthday were dark, and even his own aunt treated him like a sworn enemy.

He was a gem buried in river sand, battered by mud and filth, overlooked by others. But Fang Linyuan would never overlook him.

Fang Linyuan strode forward, stopping beside Zhao Chu, and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

It was a gesture of protection and support.

He didn't see the look in Zhao Chu's eyes at that moment.

There was no trace of the resilience or vulnerability Fang Linyuan had imagined.

Instead, there was only a cold, dark aura of killing intent, like a vengeful spirit emerging from the depths, gradually fading under the sunlight.

 

--

The author has something to say:

Fang Linyuan: I'm here to protect my wife!

Zhao Chu (slowly putting away his knife): Yay, wu wu QWQ.

Translator : DarNan