Chapter 58: The woman is quite reserved

After leaving the Xu family, it took Du Yu less than an hour to send a messenger with a reply regarding the adoption ceremony.

Xu He was subsequently summoned to the Du residence under the pretext of preparing for the kinship ceremony.

It was already the hour of the Dog (7–9 PM) by the time they returned.

Wei Zhang offered his greetings and entered: "My Lady!"

Yue Tang set down her brush and looked at him. "How was it?"

He stood with his head bowed. "Du Minghuan summoned Xu He, but there was nothing unusual. He merely offered some polite platitudes to appease him and then reported the progress of the case involving the Fu father and son.

"He also mentioned that tomorrow happens to be a scheduled day off, so he told Xu He to prepare himself. In a few days, on the fifteenth of the ninth month, he is to visit the residence to perform the ceremony.

"However, after leaving, I followed protocol and went back to scout once more.

"I saw Du Yu dispatching people to keep a close watch on Shen Li, the nephew of Grand Empress Dowager Shen, starting early tomorrow morning. Du Yu claimed that Shen Li would certainly take advantage of the day off to visit Guang'an Temple to burn incense and pray for the safety of his entire clan.

"He also said that during this time, Shen Li would inevitably meet with officials, so he must be watched closely, and then—"

"Stop!" Yue Tang raised her hand. "The Shen family? Shen Li?"

Wei Zhang nodded heavily.

Yue Tang looked at him. "I recall Shen Li is the eldest legitimate grandson of the Shen family. He is only in his early twenties, yet he already holds the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the Department of State Affairs. With the autumn harvest underway across the country, the tax grain should be arriving in the capital. Given his heavy responsibilities, why would he have the leisure to go to a temple to burn incense?

"Do no one else from the Shen family go?"

Wei Zhang bowed. "I have not yet had the chance to investigate. However, I did hear previously that every year around the ninth or tenth month, something unexpected happens to the Shen family.

"It is either someone getting injured, someone falling ill, or someone suffering political fallout in the imperial court.

"The Shen family believes this period clashes with their fortune, so every year they send family members to the temple in advance to pray for blessings.

"It has been going on for four or five years now.

"Counting from the grandfather of Grand Empress Dowager Shen, there are three branches in total. This year, it should be the turn of the eldest branch."

Yue Tang’s brow furrowed deeper. "Why is Du Yu so certain that Shen Li will meet officials at the temple?"

"That is indeed strange. Unless there is a definitive source of information, one should not be so categorical."

Yue Tang thought for a moment, then added doubtfully, "Is the Du family actually willing to take such a risk? Are they truly targeting the Shen family?

"And why must it be tomorrow?"

Wei Zhang was also puzzled. "Du Yu is adamant about tomorrow, and they are going early. I also suspect he has pinpointed the information accurately."

Yue Tang looked out the window at the darkening sky, her hands clasped as she paced.

Although the evidence collected by the Du family suggested that the Chu and Mu families were more likely suspects, the fact that the Shen family suffered accidents during this specific season every year was clearly suspicious. She had no reason to ignore it.

She turned around. "Tomorrow, you will follow Xu He. Qin Niang and I will head to Guang'an Temple early to investigate the situation."

Lan Qin asked, "What about the Prince of Jingyang's residence...?"

"There is time," Yue Tang nodded. "We are only going to take a look. I said we would arrive in the morning, so we will certainly make it before noon."

...

Early the next morning, Yue Tang and Lan Qin departed.

Xu He was on his day off and remained in the residence to organize the items needed for the kinship ceremony. Seeing them leave through the window, his gaze lingered for a moment.

Wei Zhang glanced at him sideways. "Lord Xu is a married man. It is highly inappropriate to stare at my mistress like that."

Wei Zhang's words stirred a sense of frustration in Xu He.

He felt like he had the worst luck in eight lifetimes!

At first, he thought he had gained an advantage—a strategist. She had jumped in herself to impersonate the He clan, making her easy to handle.

Now, not only had he gained no advantage, but he couldn't shake her off either!

With this "old wife" around, he wouldn't even be able to discuss marriage with the daughters of high-ranking families in the future!

This deal was a total loss!

If he had known he would ultimately be tied to the Du family, why bother breaking off the engagement with the Duan family?

In the end, he had offended people, and now he was being constantly pressured by this enchantress.

The wrist he had injured yesterday was still swollen.

The more Xu He thought about it, the angrier he became, nearly grinding his teeth to dust.

Yan Bei had woken up early. He first took A-Li to breakfast, then brought her to the garden. He practiced his swordplay while letting A-Li play in the sand with the ducklings nearby.

As soon as Yue Tang arrived, she would surely come looking for A-Li first.

Once she found A-Li, she would naturally find him.

He would just give her a casual greeting when the time came.

He was the one who had been tricked into being a live-in son-in-law and then cast aside; he couldn't exactly greet his heartless ex-wife with a smile, could he?

Thinking of this, Yan Bei felt a surge of energy.

He exerted his full strength. However, even after completing his entire set of one hundred and eight forms, there was still no sign of Yue Tang.

That was normal.

Women, after all.

Don't they have to dress up before going out?

With a face as captivating as hers, she would have to take extra care.

Even when she was heavily pregnant, she used to stew red dates and silver ear fungus every day.

How vain she was!

So, he composed himself and practiced a set of fist forms.

But even after finishing the sixty-four forms, she was still nowhere to be seen.

Could it be that the people in the Imperial Guard were being incompetent and hadn't let her in?

Thus, he sent the young eunuch guarding nearby to go and wait at her gate personally.

As it turned out, the eunuch did not return for a long time.

A-Li, who was playing in the sand, stood up with her small shovel.

Her little mouth mumbled incessantly, urging the ducklings: "Xiao Xixi, Xiao Haha, we have to go! Grandpa Hua is waiting for A-Li to do the needle-pricking..."

Yan Bei looked up at the climbing sun and decided he couldn't stay any longer.

The fact that the eunuch hadn't returned proved it wasn't the guards blocking her.

Besides, if they had blocked her, she would have had her credentials.

With her temper, would she really not be able to get in?

Forget it.

She was a woman, and a true member of the nobility; she would naturally have some pride. Perhaps she was too embarrassed to actually come knocking on his door.

Yes, she must be being reserved! Too embarrassed to ask him directly to pick her up!

Fine, since he happened to be free anyway.

He was completely unaware that he had pushed the memory of how ferociously Yue Tang had tied him up in the bridal chamber to the back of his mind.

He went back to his room, bathed, changed into a dark indigo patterned brocade robe, tied his hair with a mutton-fat jade crown, and set out in a carriage.

Gao An asked, "Should we bring A-Li?"

As a mother, she would surely want to see her child immediately.

But Yan Bei said, "No need."

If he brought the child, she wouldn't come!

Upon arriving outside the Scholar's Residence, he ordered the carriage to stop and pointed his folding fan at Gao An. "Go knock on the door and bring her out."

Gao An stepped out of the carriage.

Yan Bei lifted the curtain with his fan, observing the scale of the Scholar's Residence.

The entrance was not large, and being surrounded by several small government offices, there were few riffraff passing through, making it quite peaceful.

Xu He had finished his preparations and read half a volume of a book. Noticing Wei Zhang was not in sight, he was about to step out for some fresh air when a doorman hurried in. "Master, someone is at the gate. They are dressed exceptionally well and have a very fair complexion. They say they wish to see our Lady."

"See her?" Xu He's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly stood up and walked outside. "Where are they? Have they been invited in?"

"This lowly one did not dare to let them in arbitrarily..."

"Fool!"

Xu He cursed as he walked. "If you offend a noble, you'll pay for it!"

Reaching the gate, he opened it with both hands. Three paces beyond the threshold stood a middle-aged man around forty years old. He wore sky-blue casual robes, cloud-patterned shoes, and a silver fish pouch at his waist. At first glance, his face appeared kind, but his eyes were sharp and piercing.

Was this not Gao An, the head eunuch serving the Prince of Jingyang?

Xu He hurriedly bowed. "I am late in welcoming the Eunuch. Please forgive me!"

Gao An had not expected Xu He to come out personally. With the Xu family servants around, it would be improper to ask about his "wife" directly.

After a moment of hesitation, he looked toward the carriage behind.

Xu He followed his gaze and was startled again. Although the carriage was merely large and lacked distinctive features, could he not guess who was inside if it caused Gao An to hesitate like this?

He hurriedly lifted his robes and stepped forward. "This official was unaware of the Prince's arrival. My late welcome is a crime punishable by death!"

Yan Bei had only intended to pick up his child; he hadn't expected this "childhood friend" to appear.

He felt impatient, but since he was already here, standing in the middle of the street would be an eyesore.

So he said, "I was strolling by and remembered the Scholar lives nearby, so I came to pay a visit. I hope I am not disturbing you?"

"Your Highness overstates it! It is an honor for this official!"

"Then lead the way."

Yan Bei snapped his folding fan shut, stepped out of the carriage, and took the lead.

Entering the threshold and the main hall, Yan Bei glanced at Xu He, who was standing to the side with bowed hands. "Sit and talk."

Xu He sat down and diligently presented the freshly brewed tea to him.

Although Yan Bei knew this "childhood friend" was a fake, the man lived under the same roof as her.

Meanwhile, the actual father of the child had to stay in an empty room. Where was the justice in that?

Feeling dissatisfied, he asked, "Where is your esteemed wife?"

Xu He's expression flickered. "The Lady has gone out."

If he had known, he should have asked when he saw them leaving earlier.

Yan Bei frowned. "When did she leave?"

"She has been gone for over an hour."

That was a long time. Yan Bei felt something was wrong.

If she were going to the Prince's residence, she would have arrived by now, even if she had to crawl.

Besides, where did she go?

Hadn't they agreed she would visit the child this morning?

This heartless fellow had lied to him again!

Yan Bei felt a knot in his chest. Seeing Xu He stealing glances at him, he became even more irritable.

"Where did she go?"

"The Lady left without leaving a word."

As the words fell, Yan Bei's expression turned displeased. Xu He hurriedly added, "The Lady left someone behind; perhaps he knows!"

"Who?"

"Zhang Wei!" After saying this, Xu He turned his head and shouted, "Go and call Zhang Wei here!"

Hearing that name, Yan Bei's hand twitched.

This Zhang Wei—no, this Wei Zhang—had he already become her personal cleanup crew?

As they spoke, a shadow moved at the entrance, and a tall, agile man walked in. Was this not the distant cousin of the landlord's daughter who had originally tricked him into becoming a live-in son-in-law at the guild hall!

Yan Bei set down his cup. "Lord Xu, please step aside. I wish to speak with Zhang Wei."

Xu He breathed a massive sigh of relief and hurried out the door.

Yan Bei tapped his palm with his fan, looking at Wei Zhang through gritted teeth. "Manager Zhang, I trust you have been well."

Wei Zhang smiled and cupped his hands. "Your Highness, that is all in the past."

Yan Bei was still angry. "Where is she?"

Wei Zhang replied, "The Mistress went out to handle some matters, which delayed her visit to see the young heir."

Yan Bei frowned. "You let her go, and you stayed home?"

Wei Zhang pondered for a moment and smiled. "You know our Mistress is a woman of her word; I can only follow her orders."

Truly, a subordinate is a reflection of their master. This stubbornness was exactly like hers!

Yan Bei paced in a circle with his hands behind his back before stopping. "I will stay here. Xu He wouldn't dare act rashly. I don't care what important matters you have, but you must go find her now, lest she has no one to look after her."

He said solemnly, "Do not mess this up. Protecting her safety is more important than anything."

Wei Zhang gave him a slightly surprised look.

Yan Bei clicked his tongue. "I am doing this for the sake of the child!"

Wei Zhang smiled.

If it weren't for her concern for A-Li, Yue Tang would not have immediately sent Hua Lin to the Prince's residence. With Hua Lin gone, the task of watching Xu He fell to him.

Although Yue Tang's trip inside the North Gate did not involve the expected dangers, Wei Zhang was ultimately uneasy.

Remembering her saying that Yan Bei's side was largely cleared of suspicion, he gave Yan Bei another look, nodded, bowed, and walked out.

Yan Bei withdrew his gaze. "Where is the Scholar?"

Xu He hurried back in.

Yan Bei pointed his fan at the table. "Bring a chessboard. Let's play two games."

...

With Yan Bei watching Xu He, Wei Zhang arrived at Guang'an Temple with peace of mind. After inquiring at the entrance, he headed straight toward the northern side of the temple.

By then, Yue Tang had already reached the pagoda in the north.

"The reason Guang'an Temple was chosen is because the ancestral tablets of the Shen family from previous generations are placed here. The incense money the Shen family has donated to the temple is immeasurable."

On the way, Lan Qin recounted some information Wei Zhang had gathered last night, while keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding pilgrims alongside Yue Tang.

Many trees were planted around the four sides of the pagoda. Only a hundred-step staircase led down to the main hall below.

The Zen courtyard closest to the pagoda was where Shen Li was scheduled to copy scriptures today.

Yue Tang left Lan Qin to keep watch while she used the trees for cover. She pulled a dark robe from her bundle to throw over herself, secured her veil, leaped onto the treetops, and then glided under the eaves.

Just as she had concealed her figure, there was a quiet rustle in the treetops opposite her, and someone else leaped onto the eaves.

Before she could look closely, a series of rhythmic footsteps came from below.

A line of armed guards arrived quickly under the eaves, methodically securing the four sides of the Zen courtyard.

These were clearly members of the Shen family.

The person on the opposite eaves must, naturally, be someone sent by Du Yu.

Yue Tang held her breath.

At that moment, four maidservants carrying food boxes and bamboo baskets arrived below. They entered, neatly laid out silk cloths, arranged the four treasures of the study along with fruit and tea, and finally placed two embroidered cushions behind the table.

Finally, three people arrived. The leader was a man in his early twenties, dressed in fine casual clothing, with only a single jade hairpin in his hair. Yue Tang recognized him as Shen Li.

He was speaking to two attendants behind him: "...I will see no one except those from the Department of State Affairs!"

Yue Tang frowned.

The fact that someone from the Department of State Affairs was coming here to meet the Shen family proved that Du Yu's deduction was correct. Shen Li was certainly here to discuss something important.

But why was Du Yu's prediction so accurate?

Did they have such ability?

Who exactly provided this information?

After a moment of thought, she moved forward along the roof beams.