==Chapter Twenty-Four==
Late at night, when all was quiet in the City Lord’s Mansion, Gu Yushi remained awake. The study was brightly lit, with two cups of strong, hot tea placed on the desk. Someone stood beside the desk, reviewing documents with him.
Qin Li clicked his tongue twice:
“These people truly have immense audacity.”
Private sales of Salt Licenses would inevitably leave traces, but these individuals had started falsifying accounts directly at the salt fields. This batch of Salt Licenses had never existed from the very beginning, making them impossible to trace.
Unfortunately, nothing in this world remains completely concealed—every action inevitably leaves some mark.
Thinking this, Qin Li couldn’t help but glance at his superior. To this day, he still didn’t understand how the man had been so certain the problem originated at the salt fields even before any discrepancies were found.
Nevertheless, with evidence now in hand, their trip hadn’t been in vain.
Hearing this, Gu Yushi looked up and gave him a glance, his tone indifferent: “With powerful backing behind them, they naturally dare to do anything.”
Qin Li felt surprised again by his superior’s calm demeanor when mentioning the Gao Faction. It was as if he held no fear toward the faction whose disciples filled the imperial court. Though the man had only entered officialdom half a year ago, being valued by the Emperor and appointed as Imperial Envoy within merely six months had already proven his extraordinary capabilities.
With a worthy successor emerging, the Gu family had finally been restored.
Suppressing his thoughts, Qin Li smiled: “Pity the one backing them isn’t the Emperor himself.”
Gu Yushi shot him a look but offered no comment on these words. He continued reviewing the documents until Qin Li paused and said quietly:
“Sir, this humble official has something to say, though I’m uncertain whether I should mention it.”
Gu Yushi nodded slightly, prompting Qin Li to continue: “This humble official always felt the words the Emperor spoke to you before our departure carried profound meaning.”
Gu Yushi finally looked up at Qin Li. Without speaking, he closed the documents and tossed them directly onto the table.
Every human action reveals information.
Qin Li immediately understood—this was his superior’s silent confirmation of his words.
The Imperial Envoy delegation inherently possessed decision-making authority. There were precedents of acting first and reporting later in urgent matters. Yet the Emperor had specifically emphasized this point and mentioned the fifth-rank boundary.
Qin Li had long harbored suspicions but never dared voice them clearly.
Gu Yushi understood perfectly. Since his rebirth, he had placed extreme importance on the Jiangnan corruption case and had shown some radical tendencies before the Emperor. The Emperor was reminding him—too rigid things break easily, he should show restraint.
After all, the people behind these salt fields weren’t mere prefects—they were Gao Qianming.
And Gao Qianming was far above the fifth rank.
Gu Yushi said calmly: “The Emperor is reminding me to investigate, but not too deeply.”
Qin Li was taken aback, immediately frowning:
“What does that mean?”
Leaving weeds untouched ensures endless future troubles.
Qin Li wasn’t necessarily unaware of the reasons, but that didn’t prevent his indignation: “The Emperor is far too partial toward them!”
Hadn’t the Emperor indulged the Gao Faction enough over the years?
Gu Yushi gave him a warning look:
“Watch your words.”
Qin Li fell silent, but the resentment on his face remained undiminished, clearly feeling this was unjust.
Unjust?
Gu Yushi offered no judgment.
Childhood study companions, rivals during the princes’ succession struggles—Grand Secretary Gao and the Emperor shared thirty years of companionship. How many thirty-year periods does a person have in their lifetime?
Such affection is beyond ordinary comprehension. The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, but he is also flesh and blood. All humans harbor selfish desires.
Qin Li’s frown deepened, his heart filled with indignation.
Gu Yushi, however, felt nothing. If the Emperor took the initiative to act against the Gao Faction, it would inevitably lead to accusations of ingratitude and a reputation for cold-heartedness.
But what if the Gao Faction had forgotten their duty as subjects?
Judging by Qin Li’s reaction, it was clear that many in the court held grievances against the Gao Faction.
Gu Yushi was no longer the novice official he had been in his previous life. He understood that those in high positions sometimes had to turn a blind eye for the sake of stability.
Sitting on the throne, the Emperor was well aware of certain matters, yet he could not act arbitrarily. Moreover, he might not truly wish to punish the Gao Faction.
Ultimately, it all boiled down to the word “affection.”
Qin Li felt stifled but also sensed that dawn was near. He asked, “What does Your Excellency plan to do next?”
Gu Yushi leaned back in his chair, tapping the table with his knuckles. Outside, the night was deep, and the faint moonlight cast shadows on his face, obscuring his expression. Only his voice remained clear, cold, and ruthless:
“Yangzhou City should descend into chaos.”
Qin Li looked up and noticed the white bandage peeking out from Gu Yushi’s sleeve, with traces of crimson seeping through the wound.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Qin Li’s breath hitched. Then, excitement surged within him: “I obey your command!”
Feng Wenyu felt as if the entire Yangzhou City had turned upside down overnight.
As soon as she reached the main courtyard, Lu Shi grasped her hand, her face pale with fear: “News came this morning—the Imperial Envoy was assassinated! The City Lord’s Mansion and the entire Yangzhou City are now under lockdown!”
The Imperial Envoy assassinated?
Feng Wenyu’s mind went blank for a moment. Instinctively, she turned to look in the direction of the City Lord’s Mansion.
Someone appeared beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder, as if already aware of her thoughts. He shook his head and said, “Little sister, don’t act rashly.”
Perhaps because they were twins, Feng Wenzhou always understood Feng Wenyu’s feelings better than others. He vaguely knew that his sister was not as carefree as she appeared.
But if she wished to hide it, he had no intention of exposing her.
Feng Wenyu forced a faint smile and said, “I’m fine.”
As she calmed down, she began to notice the inconsistencies in the situation. Just yesterday, Gu Yushi had told her that the Jiangnan case would soon be resolved. And now, an assassination attempt on the very same night?
Was it an unforeseen event, or had Gu Yushi planned it all along?
Feng Wenyu already had her answer. She looked up at her aunt and asked, “Is there any other news?”
Lu Shi, still unsettled, shook her head:
“They say a cook in the City Lord’s Mansion poisoned the Imperial Envoy yesterday. The matter has been uncovered and has implicated several households. Troops have already been sent to confiscate their properties. Even our Zhou Residence is surrounded by soldiers!”
The Zhou Residence was now under strict lockdown—no one was allowed in or out. Lao Ye had been summoned to the City Lord’s Mansion early in the morning, and these details were relayed by him. Beyond that, she knew nothing more.
City Lord’s Mansion.
The assassination attempt had been premeditated, but the incident with the cook was an unexpected twist.
The cook pleaded desperately: “I beg Your Excellency for mercy! I had no choice! If I refused to do this, both I and my family would face certain death!”
Mu Fan was furious:
“You tried to kill my lord, and now you expect him to spare you?!”
The cook, disregarding all else, wept and pleaded: “Your Excellency, you are most kind-hearted, I beg you to spare this humble woman just this once!”
Mu Fan found the woman utterly detestable. When they first arrived in Yangzhou City, he had witnessed this cook being bullied and had even rescued her once. It was because of this that she had been assigned to manage the meals for the Imperial Envoy’s party.
Who would have thought she would repay kindness with betrayal.
Gu Yushi also watched the farce with cold eyes.
He understood perfectly well why the cook had made such a choice—simply because, in her view, the Imperial Envoy’s party was kind-hearted, while those threatening her from behind were truly capable of murder.
Kindness, in the official circles, sometimes only becomes an obstacle.
“Who ordered you to do this?”
The cook shook her head, not daring to speak. Tears streamed down her face as she cried: “Your Excellency, this humble woman cannot say!”
Gu Yushi’s eyes remained indifferent, showing no trace of sympathy. His voice was detached as he said:
“Attempted assassination of an Imperial Envoy is punishable by lingchi, with execution extending to three generations of family. Take her away.”
The cook’s face filled with terror. She never expected that the previously approachable Imperial Envoy would actually sentence her to death. As she was being dragged away, fear finally overwhelmed her, and she screamed repeatedly:
“I’ll talk! Your Excellency, I’ll talk!”
Mu Fan looked toward his superior. Gu Yushi nodded slightly, and Mu Fan immediately took the cook away.
Not long after, Mu Fan returned, gritting his teeth: “These people are utterly audacious!”
Gu Yushi’s tone was icy: “Throughout history, it’s not uncommon for Imperial Envoys to die while investigating cases.”
There were plenty willing to take risks for profit, and Gu Yushi wasn’t surprised such things happened. But not being surprised didn’t mean he wouldn’t pursue the matter.
Gu Yushi threw down the wolf-hair brush in his hand and looked into the distance:
“Have Qin Li make arrests based on the cook’s testimony. Those who resist orders—”
“Kill!”
Pei Residence.
Madam Pei was restless. Since Lao Ye had left the residence, the Pei residence had been surrounded by the Imperial Envoy’s men. Lao Ye had only managed to leave behind a warning not to make any rash moves.
Pei Yan also came to the main courtyard, frowning deeply. Thinking of the Imperial Envoy, his eyes darkened with uncertainty.
Madam Pei clasped her hands together, praying to Buddha, unable to contain her anxiety as she said:
“I wonder when Lao Ye will be able to return.”
Pei Yan also frowned: “Father has always been honest and upright, with no connections to the salt merchants. Even if the Imperial Envoy investigates, they won’t find anything against Father.”
Madam Pei fell silent for a moment.
She knew perfectly well that in the official circles, no matter how one tried to stay clear of trouble, complete innocence was impossible. Moreover, since they hoped Pei Yan would become a disciple of that Lord Zheng from the capital, they absolutely didn’t want the salt merchant case to implicate the Gao Faction.
In that moment, Madam Pei suddenly had an epiphany, finally understanding why Lao Ye had such complex feelings when he learned that Lord Zheng from the capital wanted to take Yan’er as his disciple.
Madam Pei was extremely troubled.
She finally understood—once Lao Ye accepted the olive branch extended from the capital, he could no longer remain completely detached from the corruption case.
Madam Pei’s face turned somewhat pale.
Pei Yan noticed something and immediately looked up, staring directly at Madam Pei: “Mother, are you and Father keeping something from me?”
Madam Pei’s lips trembled slightly, but in the end she chose to tell the truth.
Pei Yan suddenly stood up, keeping his voice low with effort:
“Has Father gone mad? The Emperor’s intention in sending an Imperial Envoy to Yangzhou at this time is obvious. The Gao father and son share a bond with the Emperor and might escape punishment, but others won’t be so fortunate!”
The influence of the Gao Faction permeated both court and countryside, yet precisely because of this, their prominence appeared as splendid as blooming flowers while actually being as precarious as oil boiling over flames.
Madam Pei lowered her head and asked only one question: “Do you believe the Gao Faction will collapse this time?”
She found it hard to believe – after years of the Gao Faction throwing its weight around, how could they possibly fall?
Pei Yan detected the implication in his mother’s words and couldn’t maintain his composure: “Mother!”
Madam Pei massaged her temples, her face somewhat pale, yet she met Pei Yan’s gaze directly:
“I may not have read as many books as you, but I understand one principle – a centipede dies but never falls down.”
No matter how destitute the Gao Faction might become, with Grand Secretary Gao’s personal connection to the Emperor, they would always remain more prominent than the Pei family. If they missed this opportunity, it would be difficult for Pei Yan to board the Gao Faction’s ship again.
Her slender frame appeared increasingly fragile in the cold wind, yet at this moment she displayed remarkable determination:
“Opportunity always comes with risk.”
For Pei Yan’s future prospects, Madam Pei was willing to take any risk, no matter how great!
Seeing his mother’s persistence and resolve, Pei Yan’s usually straight shoulders slumped slightly. He closed his eyes, somewhat bewildered: “Why must you suffer so…”
His father’s term in Yangzhou was about to end. Once promoted, he would have a foothold in the court. Though not comparable to the Gao Faction, it would be sufficient to ensure their family’s security. Why take such risks?
However, Madam Pei only looked at him with understanding:
“Yan’er, your stubborn refusal to associate with the Gao Faction today – is it because you clearly understand the court situation, or do you have other private motives?”
Pei Yan’s voice abruptly stopped.
Did he have private motives?
Yes, he did.
Factional struggles had always been brutal. Once the Pei family aligned with the Gao Faction, there would be no possibility left between him and Feng Wenyu!
Pei Yan closed his eyes as numerous conflicting thoughts crossed his mind. He knew clearly that at this moment, his own opinion no longer mattered. What mattered was how his father, currently outside the residence, would choose.
The tense atmosphere in Yangzhou City persisted for several days, with curfews suddenly imposed in market districts that normally never slept.
Confined within Zhou Residence, Feng Wenyu’s mood had shifted from initial anxiety to numbness. Faced with this situation, there was truly nothing she could do but wait for news. However, her aunt would summon her to sit together daily.
Every time this happened, Feng Wenzhou would be waiting for her at the main courtyard gate upon her return.
In the main courtyard, watching the Feng siblings leave hand in hand, Madam Lu suddenly sighed with emotion:
“If only I had given Bo’er siblings back then, would things have been better?”
The matron seeing this could only say: “The young mistress and young master share a rare sibling bond.”
She spoke discreetly – even biological siblings could have conflicts, especially in families like theirs where interests were extensively intertwined. If distribution became unequal, maintaining sibling affection would be fortunate enough, let alone deepening bonds.
Madam Lu was merely expressing a thought. She sighed: “I wonder what’s happening with Lao Ye.”
The matron couldn’t say for certain either, but she found it curious:
“Why does Madam summon the young mistress daily?”
Madam Lu coughed lightly and spoke truthfully: “Seeing her puts my heart at ease.”
Setting aside the Imperial Envoy’s connection with A-Yu, just considering the Feng family in Jingcheng, they wouldn’t abandon the Feng siblings without care.
On the evening of the seventh day, Zhou Yuangui finally returned to the residence. Seeing this, Madam Lu stood up and began bustling about.
“Lao Ye, please take a bath first. I’ve had someone prepare some food.”
Only after Zhou Yuangui had sat down did Madam Lu venture to ask, “What exactly is the situation outside now?”
Hearing this, Zhou Yuangui paused, his expression inscrutable. He let out a deep sigh:
“The Li and Wang families have already been arrested. I saw that the Imperial Envoy shows no intention of stopping.”
He hastily finished his meal and directly ordered: “Pass down the command – the Zhou residence will close its gates and decline all visitors. No matter who comes, we will not receive them!”
Lu Shi was utterly confused. She had thought that with Lao Ye’s return, Yangzhou City would return to normal. Why did it seem the situation was growing increasingly severe instead?
Not daring to delay, Lu Shi passed down Zhou Yuangui’s command before asking: “Why are we closing our gates to visitors?”
Zhou Yuangui glanced toward Wen Shi Courtyard and whispered:
“The past relationship between A-Yu and the Imperial Envoy has spread.”
Lu Shi still didn’t understand what this had to do with anything.
Zhou Yuangui gave a bitter smile: “Do you know how many people have died in this corruption case?”
Lu Shi was stunned. Just from Zhou Yuangui’s few words, she could almost visualize rivers of blood, making her heart pound with fear.
Feng Wenyu also received news of her uncle’s return. After some hesitation, she ultimately decided not to go to the main courtyard.
She sat dazedly on the soft couch, hugging her knees and gazing blankly at the scenery outside the window.
Jinshu closed the window a bit, worried her young lady might catch a chill: “What is young lady thinking about?”
Feng Wenyu snapped back to reality, her voice fading into the evening breeze:
“In my dream… this never happened…”
Jinshu didn’t catch what she said and turned back puzzled: “What did young lady just say?”
Feng Wenyu immediately came to her senses. Biting her lip, she thought she must be bewitched – how could she confuse dreams with reality?
But the dream felt so real, as if it were another existing world.
Feng Wenyu felt she was truly confused. After all, the dream had differed from reality from the very beginning. She and Gu Yushi hadn’t actually married, had they?
Though she told herself this, Feng Wenyu still felt deeply troubled in her heart, as if she had overlooked something important.
The next day, when Feng Wenyu went to the main courtyard, she watched her aunt refuse visits from several families. Puzzled, she looked at her aunt, but Lu Shi just wiped cold sweat from her forehead:
“Fortunately Lao Ye had foresight, otherwise this situation would be impossible to handle.”
Feng Wenyu asked in confusion: “What exactly is going on?”
Lu Shi didn’t dare hide it from the person involved:
“These people all came either to seek information from Lao Ye, or to plead with the Imperial Envoy.”
When mentioning pleading, Lu Shi glanced at Feng Wenyu, who immediately understood. Rather exasperated, she said: “We’ve already broken off our engagement.”
Lu Shi remained silent, but thought of Zhou Chiyu.
Zhou Chiyu had received the salt license, yet could still remain in the residence, and the Zhou family hadn’t been implicated in the salt merchant scandal. Who could say this wasn’t due to the Imperial Envoy showing mercy?
While Feng Wenyu and Gu Yushi’s broken engagement was a fact, as long as Gu Yushi still held some affection for Feng Wenyu in his eyes, others would still see an opportunity to exploit.
Gu Yushi showed no mercy whatsoever – arresting those who should be arrested immediately, sending batches of officials directly to Jingcheng to await trial.
Once these people went to Jingcheng, there was no guarantee they would return.
After all, after serving as officials for so many years, whose record could be completely clean? If one investigated thoroughly, problems were bound to be found.
As the Imperial Envoy grew increasingly unrestrained in making arrests, more and more visitors came seeking an audience at the Zhou Residence last week.
While the Zhou family could still shut their doors and decline guests, Prefect Pei’s residence had already received several waves of visitors.
Prefect Pei fell ill immediately upon returning home. When informed of visitors seeking an audience, he remained silent for a long time before finally opening his doors. Upon learning this, Pei Yan rushed to the front courtyard, bewildered:
“Father, what are you doing? Anyone with eyes can see this is a pit of fire ahead!”
The Imperial Envoy represented the Emperor’s eyes and ears. Every move in Yangzhou City would reach the imperial court. With his term nearing its end, Pei Yan couldn’t understand why the Pei family would wade into these troubled waters.
Pei Xuzhu looked at him with complex emotions: “Why do you think your father has been able to sit securely in the position of Yangzhou Prefect all these years?”
Pei Yan grasped his implication and was rendered speechless.
Without waiting for his response, Pei Xuzhu turned to look out the window. The heavy night enveloped Yangzhou City in complete silence: “The salt field matter involves grave consequences. It’s not just about officials protecting each other—it also concerns the interests of various salt merchants. When it comes to commerce, everything ultimately revolves around profit.”
“Merchants live for profit. Now that the Imperial Envoy has destroyed their interests, they dare to kill!”
“The Zhou family can shut their doors because they have a Grand Secretary as in-laws. Our Pei family has no such backing!”
Before his term ended, these desperate families and merchants facing their final struggle could absolutely drag him down with them—especially since Pei Xuzhu himself couldn’t claim complete cleanliness during his tenure.
Pei Yan fell completely silent.
Though not yet officially entered into officialdom, he received a sobering blow today, fully comprehending the perils of bureaucratic life and the brutality of factional struggles.
At the first light of dawn, Pei Xuzhu went to the City Lord’s Mansion. Not daring to plead openly, he could only subtly persuade through implied meanings.
Gu Yushi looked coldly at Pei Xuzhu. Without saying anything, he directly ordered an incense table be set up and displayed the imperial edict. When Pei Xuzhu saw the words “Fifth-rank officials may execute first and report later” on the edict, his heart instantly sank to the depths.
Gu Yushi’s tone was ambiguous:
“Prefect Pei has chosen self-preservation all these years. Why not continue preserving yourself?”
Pei Xuzhu remained silent. The phrase “self-preservation” coming from Gu Yushi’s mouth felt peculiarly mocking at this moment. While it sounded noble, to some extent it also represented timidity and fear of trouble. It was precisely his inaction that had allowed the mutual protection among Yangzhou officials and corruption to grow increasingly rampant.
Returning to the Pei residence, Pei Xuzhu immediately fell ill. He deeply understood this matter was already beyond his intervention.
The Emperor had sent an executioner this time—someone utterly audacious, completely unafraid of the Gao Faction’s influence. With blood still fresh on his blade, whoever dared block his way would meet their end!
Irresistibly sharp.
Pei Xuzhu finally awakened from the opportunity of Pei Yan becoming a disciple. The Imperial Envoy’s mission represented the Emperor’s will—the Emperor was determined to settle accounts with the Gao Faction.
When Madam Pei came to care for him, Pei Xuzhu grasped her wrist, his face ashen. He smiled bitterly:
“Wrong. Terribly wrong.”
Madam Pei’s hand trembled, her heart filled with terror: “Then now—”
Pei Xuzhu shook his head with a bitter smile, suddenly appearing to have aged ten years. His voice was heavy:
“There’s no turning back.”
Meanwhile in Jingcheng, batches of officials were being escorted back to the capital one after another. Emperor Wenyuan laughed in sheer exasperation. With several grand secretaries present in the imperial study, he slammed the imperial desk fiercely:
“This Gu Yushi is truly audacious!”
Grand Secretary Gao kept his head lowered and remained silent throughout.
Lord Feng had no choice but to respond: “Attendant Reader Gu is, after all, still young.”
Someone inwardly cursed “old fox” – these words appeared to condemn Gu Yushi, but were actually speaking in his defense.
Youth implied impetuousness and intolerance of injustice.
What ruler wouldn’t appreciate such officials? They share his burdens, and their youth suggests greater potential and easier co-option.
Sure enough, some noticed Emperor Wenyuan’s expression soften slightly:
“When he returns, I must give him a proper scolding.”
Some officials felt their hearts sink. While these words expressed dissatisfaction, they also carried an unwarranted intimacy.
It was said that Attendant Reader Gu had once been betrothed to the Feng family, though the engagement was called off before his departure for Jiangnan. Yet now, Lord Feng was still speaking up for him. Who could say whether the broken engagement was genuine?
Feng Rongyu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, seized the opportunity to complain: “Yangzhou City currently faces a shortage of officials. I beg Your Majesty to decide.”
This should have been the Ministry of Personnel’s responsibility. Feng Rongyu would have preferred to make the appointments himself – who wouldn’t covet the wealthy Jiangnan region?
But Feng Rongyu couldn’t.
Anyone who spoke up now would openly offend Grand Secretary Gao. While Feng Rongyu wasn’t afraid, there was no need to invite trouble. People were often contradictory – though the Emperor was now preparing to purge the Gao Faction, who could guarantee he wouldn’t later recall Grand Secretary Gao’s merits?
Then the Emperor would resent those who had kicked the Gao Faction while they were down.
Feng Rongyu glanced discreetly at Lord Feng. His father sat serenely silent, so he restrained his ambition.
Emperor Wenyuan named several candidates. Listening carefully, everyone began calculating. Some cast subtle glances toward Grand Secretary Gao – aside from the Gao and Feng factions, the Emperor’s selections were quite balanced.
After leaving the imperial study, others deliberately lagged behind Grand Secretary Gao and Lord Feng, pretending to converse quietly while watching the two ahead.
Once completely out of the palace, Feng Rongyu caught up with his father and shared Lord Feng’s carriage. Lord Feng glanced at him but said nothing.
Feng Rongyu washed his hands with water from the carriage, shaking off the droplets discontentedly: “What do you think the Emperor has in mind?”
Though the Jiangnan case had purged the Gao Faction, their Feng family hadn’t gained much from it either.
Lord Feng, advanced in years with drooping eyelids, showed no emotion or dissatisfaction:
“The Feng ancestral home is in Yangzhou.”
Sending Feng Faction members to serve in Yangzhou would only make the Emperor fear a repeat of today’s events with different players.
Feng Rongyu understood this well enough, but remained unwilling to accept it.
Closing his eyes, Feng Rongyu murmured: “Yangzhou…”
Lord Feng remained silent throughout. Since they lived in separate residences and Feng Rongyu was just hitching a ride, the carriage stopped first at Shilang Manor. As he disembarked, he finally heard his father say:
“Have A-Yu return. Young Zhou doesn’t need her company for the Provincial Examination.”
Feng Rongyu paused almost imperceptibly. He’d heard the recent rumors in Jingcheng. Turning back, he hinted cautiously: “A-Yu just had her engagement broken off recently. Shouldn’t we let her relax a while longer?”
Lord Feng lifted his eyelids to stare directly at Feng Rongyu, making it impossible to meet his gaze:
“Gu’s boy is in Yangzhou. Are you sure that would be relaxing?”
Feng Rongyu’s heart skipped a beat. He knew he couldn’t hide anything from his father, but A-Yu was his wife’s cherished darling. The slightest mishap in arranging A-Yu’s marriage could lead to domestic instability in the future.
Lord Feng snorted coldly:
“A-Yu is my own granddaughter. I wouldn’t sell her off.”
Feng Rongyu gave an awkward laugh before turning back to climb into the carriage, calling out loudly: “Inform my wife that I’ll be dining at Father’s residence today.”
Inside the carriage, Feng Rongyu carefully measured his words:
“Father, have you heard about the Second Prince wanting to marry A-Yu?”
The Second Prince was currently a leading candidate for the crown prince position. While A-Yu becoming a princess consort might seem appropriate based on status alone, Feng Rongyu knew his own family’s affairs well. The Feng Faction and Gao Faction weren’t exactly incompatible, but they certainly didn’t get along.
His father served as Deputy Grand Secretary. Once Grand Secretary Gao stepped down, Lord Feng would undoubtedly become the next Grand Secretary.
Yet Grand Secretary Gao persistently clung to power. To say Feng Rongyu held no resentment toward the Gao Faction would be untrue.
Moreover, Feng Rongyu was reluctant to marry A-Yu into the imperial family. While the royal household appeared prosperous, he secretly shook his head – in this world, women in the imperial family had the most difficult lives.
His eldest daughter had married into the imperial clan. His wife had initially been satisfied, but as the Feng family rose steadily in status, she grew increasingly dissatisfied with their eldest daughter’s marriage.
The heir apparent wasn’t devoted, and as his principal wife, her life wasn’t easy.
Fortunately, with the Feng family’s backing, even the commandery prince’s heir could only maintain respectful distance from Yan’er.
With numerous thoughts swirling in his mind, Feng Rongyu couldn’t help but glance at his father’s expression. Lord Feng lifted his eyes to look at him: “Since you know it’s unsuitable, you should settle A-Yu’s marriage arrangements soon.”
Only then would certain people be unable to covet her.
With the Gao Faction’s support already secured, still wanting to gain the Feng Faction’s backing – the Second Prince seemed to have forgotten that despite being the Emperor’s favorite, he remained merely a prince for now.
Feeling relieved, Feng Rongyu said: “I’ll discuss this matter further with my wife when I return.”
Lord Feng said nothing more, directly knocking on the carriage wall. The carriage stopped. Under Feng Rongyu’s puzzled gaze, Lord Feng stated bluntly:
“Get out.”
Feng Rongyu responded resentfully: “I already told my wife I’d be joining you for dinner at your residence.”Lord Feng sneered without responding.” Ultimately, Feng Rongyu had no choice but to disembark. Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, he clicked his tongue: “Just because I doubted you a little – how petty.”
Feng Wenyu remained completely unaware that people in Jingcheng were contemplating her marriage prospects. Meanwhile, the turmoil in Yangzhou City had temporarily subsided, with Gu Yushi personally visiting the Zhou Residence to apprehend someone.
Zhou Chiyu clung to Zhou Yuangui’s leg, tears and mucus streaming down his face:
“Father, save me! Save me! I’m your own son!”
The entire Zhou Residence held its breath in fearful silence. Zhou Yuangui looked at Gu Yushi, not even daring to claim personal connection lest it reach the Emperor’s ears as factional collusion.
He felt somewhat perplexed – if Gu Yushi intended to settle accounts with Zhou Chiyu, why wait until now?
Gu Yushi raised his eyes, meeting Zhou Yuangui’s gaze:
“Minister Zhou, it’s time you made your choice.”
Zhou Yuangui’s heart chilled. Without even glancing at Zhou Chiyu, he directly chose to sacrifice family ties for justice: “Your Excellency may handle this according to the law.”
Zhou Chiyu was terrified out of his wits. He couldn’t comprehend how simply drinking at Yunyan Tower had led him to this mortal peril!
He clearly understood what his turning point was and dared not waste any more time. Subconsciously releasing Zhou Yuangui, he sprang up and dashed toward the rear courtyard:
“Grandmother! Save me!”
In his view, the fact that Gu Yushi hadn’t detained him initially was solely out of consideration for his cousin. As long as his grandmother exerted pressure and his cousin pleaded for him, he was certain to survive.
Under normal circumstances, Zhou Chiyu’s reasoning wouldn’t be wrong, for filial piety outweighed all else.
But regarding the relationship between the Zhou and Feng families, he had mistaken the primary and secondary roles. In this dynamic, it had always been the Zhou family who dared not show the slightest neglect.
He was destined to be disappointed.
Zhou Yuangui’s face darkened: “Guards, stop him!”
Zhou Chiyu hadn’t run more than a few steps before servants seized him, forcing him to kneel in the main hall. Being young, Zhou Chiyu was terrified out of his wits. Desperate to survive, he tearfully begged Feng Wenyu:
“Cousin! Cousin! Please save me! Speak for me! Cousin!”
Feng Wenyu watched this scene coldly. For some inexplicable reason, when she saw Zhou Chiyu being captured, she actually felt a trace of satisfaction in her heart.
It was as if she had resented him for a long time, and now could finally release those feelings.
Feng Wenyu felt somewhat dazed. She had rarely met Zhou Chiyu – how could she have harbored long-standing resentment toward him?
Gu Yushi didn’t remain long at the Zhou Residence. After having Zhou Chiyu apprehended, he directly took him away. Watching the party depart into the distance, Feng Wenyu chased after them.
Hearing familiar footsteps, Gu Yushi subconsciously slowed his pace. He turned back and ultimately chose to stop and wait.
Feng Wenyu stopped before him, breathing heavily as she asked:
“I want to know what will become of Zhou Chiyu?”
Even Feng Wenyu herself wondered why she was so insistent on knowing this answer.
Looking at Feng Wenyu pressing for an answer, Gu Yushi experienced a momentary illusion – as if the person before him also knew about events from their past life.
But he knew this was impossible.
Gu Yushi lowered his eyes, concealing the complex emotions within them. After a long pause, he answered succinctly:
“Death.”
He would not permit any other outcome for Zhou Chiyu.
Gu Yushi turned his face away, his tone cold and hard: “If you intend to plead for him, spare your words.”
Feng Wenyu was baffled. Why would she plead for Zhou Chiyu? His current fate was entirely of his own making. Had the Imperial Envoy been anyone other than Gu Yushi, perhaps the entire Zhou family would have been implicated by Zhou Chiyu’s actions.
Precisely because of this, Feng Wenyu held complicated feelings toward Gu Yushi, making her increasingly puzzled. He seemed to still have lingering feelings for her, deeply affectionate even – so why did he insist on breaking their engagement?
Feng Wenyu didn’t understand, but she subtly detected something in Gu Yushi’s emotions. Hesitantly, she asked:
“Do you despise Zhou Chiyu?”
Merely because of the Salt License matter?
Feng Wenyu felt this shouldn’t be the case. She believed she still understood Gu Yushi – even if Zhou Chiyu had deliberately schemed against him, Gu Yushi wouldn’t bear such a grudge against Zhou Chiyu.
Hearing this, a shadow momentarily passed through Gu Yushi’s eyes. Despise? He loathed Zhou Chiyu to the marrow of his bones.
In their previous life, the Jiangnan case had erupted four years later.
When that case broke out, Zhou Chiyu became deeply embroiled, dragging the entire Zhou family into the mire. Not even the Feng family could save the Zhous then.
When Old Madame Zhou received the news, unable to withstand the blow, she passed away within three days.
When the news reached Jingcheng, Feng Wenyu’s mother fainted immediately. Upon waking, she rushed to Yangzhou for the funeral. As the elder had passed away, Feng Wenyu was among those who attended the funeral.
At that time, he and Feng Wenyu had been married for three years, and she was with child.
The Jiangnan case was deeply entangled with the Gao Faction, and with the downfall of Grand Secretary Gao, the Feng Faction stood to gain the most. One could imagine how perilous it was for the funeral procession returning to Yangzhou.
Bandits, ambushes, assassinations, poisonings—countless schemes were employed.
What followed, Gu Yushi refused to recall. He only remembered the stark red beneath Feng Wenyu in the icy snow and the endless sounds of grief surrounding them.
By the time everyone rushed back to Jingcheng, it was already too late.
The imperial physicians confirmed that her body was permanently damaged.
Gu Yushi didn’t know whom to blame—Zhou Chiyu? The Gao Faction? Or himself for failing to protect her?
Perhaps all of them deserved blame.
Thus, when the Gao Faction later crumbled, he showed no mercy, pursuing them to the ends of the earth, even at the cost of earning a reputation for ruthlessness.
The child she and he had conceived had briefly existed.
Later, when he and Feng Wenyu reached a point of silent estrangement, he couldn’t help but wonder—if that child had lived, would everything have been different?
When she became entangled with Shen Jingchen and repeatedly brought up divorce, he had even entertained the despicable thought of using the child to bind her.
But it was all wishful thinking.
Noticing his lack of response and growing silence, Feng Wenyu grew increasingly puzzled. Her dreams had only begun after their engagement was broken off, and every scene in them was related to Gu Yushi.
She had a premonition that perhaps only Gu Yushi could unravel her confusion.
Yet Feng Wenyu had no intention of asking him. How could she speak of such dreams to the person involved? Would she ever be able to face anyone again?!
Gu Yushi answered evasively:
“The Imperial Envoy’s mission is nearing its end. I will soon return to Jingcheng.”
Feng Wenyu subtly curled her lips and nodded perfunctorily, “Understood. I wish the Imperial Envoy a smooth journey.”
She fumed inwardly—he never answered her questions directly!
Gu Yushi gazed at her intently. “When do you plan to return to Jingcheng?”
Jingcheng and Yangzhou City were far apart, with bandits infesting the routes. The Imperial Envoy traveled with imperial guards, making it far safer than if she journeyed alone.
Feng Wenyu sniffed lightly. “That’s none of the Imperial Envoy’s concern, is it?”
There was no way she would return with him!