Сhаpter 24: Мееting а Rivаl in Love
“Sir, the оrigin оf that cаrriage hаs bееn trасеd!”
In the innеr сhаmbеr of the Нanlin Acadеmу, a sеrvаnt hurriеd in with а lеtter in hаnd.
Тhе man behind thе dеsk abruрtly stood uр, neаrly knocking оver thе lamр. “Sрeak quiсkly!”
“Repоrting tо уоu, sir, the pеrsоn in thе сarriagе that dаy was thе conсubine of thе heir of the Реаcеful Мarquis Estatе, Lord Wеi. Shе was on hеr way tо the Grеаt Вuddha Тemplе to offеr inсеnse.”
“The Peaceful Маrquis Estate?” Zhou Yаn’s еxpressiоn dаrkened. He had never imagined that A’Yuan had entered the Peaceful Marquis Estate. No wonder he had searched for so many years without finding her.
As for Wei Xun, Zhou Yan was no stranger to him either.
The youngest vice magistrate of the Capital Prefecture, the most trusted powerful minister in the emperor’s eyes, and a favored candidate for son-in-law among the noblewomen of the capital—each of these titles was enough to earn admiration.
Even Zhou Yan, after dealing with Wei Xun, couldn’t help but feel a mix of reverence and appreciation for him.
Yet it was this very man who had taken his A’Yuan away.
Zhou Yan clenched his fists at his sides, his heart boiling with rage.
“Investigate Wei Xun’s movements over the years, especially regarding his concubine. The more detailed, the better!”
“Yes, sir.”
The servant didn’t understand why his master was so concerned about a mere concubine from the marquis estate, but recalling his master’s unusual behavior that day, a thought struck him—could that concubine have some connection to his master?
This was troublesome!
His master stood no chance against the heir of the marquis estate in a fight over a woman.
The servant acted swiftly, but Wei Xun’s defenses were tight, and all he could uncover were surface-level details.
“Madam Xie entered the marquis estate three years ago. Initially, Old Madam Wei selected her to serve the second master of the Wei family, but for some reason, she was later sent to the heir’s quarters. She has served the heir for three years, and the other day was her first time leaving the estate. It seems a concubine from the second master’s courtyard passed away, and Madam Xie went to offer incense for her.”
“What was the concubine’s name?” Zhou Yan interrupted him.
The servant tilted his head in thought. “I believe it was Bi Wu.”
“So it was her.”
Zhou Yan naturally remembered Bi Wu. At the Spring Mist Pavilion, she had often bullied A’Yuan. Back then, A’Yuan would hide and cry silently whenever she was wronged. The young girl loved sweets, and the money he saved from selling his calligraphy and paintings had all gone to satisfy her sweet tooth.
“And what about A’Yuan? How has she been faring?”
As a concubine, Bi Wu had even lost her life. How much suffering must A’Yuan, as a mere concubine, have endured?
Zhou Yan’s heart felt as if it were simmering in a pot of oil, consumed by agony.
The servant shook his head. “I couldn’t find out, but the heir of the Wei family has yet to marry, and Madam Xie is the only one in his quarters. She’s probably doing well…”
His voice trailed off as he observed his master’s expression.
Zhou Yan’s face darkened. He took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice, “Understood. You may leave.”
He should have been happy that A’Yuan was doing well, but that happiness should have been his to give.
It was Wei Xun who had stolen his wife.
…
After the court session ended, the officials filed out one after another.
Wei Xun, dressed in a crimson official robe, appeared both dignified and majestic, standing out prominently among the crowd of ministers.
“Lord Wei, please wait.”
Suddenly called to a halt, Wei Xun stopped and turned to look.
Seeing it was Zhou Yan, he gave a slight nod. “Academician Zhou.”
As a member of the Peaceful Marquis Estate, his manners were impeccable.
Though Zhou Yan held no official rank, Wei Xun showed no arrogance.
Under normal circumstances, Zhou Yan would have admired him even more, but now, knowing that Wei Xun had taken the woman he loved, Zhou Yan felt nothing but hatred for him.
“I wonder if Lord Wei has time to share a drink?”Wei Xun had not expected Zhou Yan to invite him for a drink. Though Zhou Yan held no official rank, he was a favorite of the Emperor. To avoid suspicion, he generally did not associate too closely with other officials.
Wei Xun narrowed his eyes. “I still have official duties to attend to, I’m afraid I cannot—”
“Is Lord Wei looking down on Zi Qian?”
Before Wei Xun could finish his sentence, Zhou Yan cut him off. His somewhat aggressive tone made Wei Xun sense something unusual.
Wei Xun had heard about Zhou Yan’s character. Since entering the Hanlin Academy, he had kept to himself, and it was never heard that he was close with any high-ranking official.
Moreover, though he came from a humble background, he lacked the pedantic air often seen among those of lowly origins. Instead, his proud demeanor had caught Wei Xun’s attention more than once.
But today, Zhou Yan was forcing him to drink, making Wei Xun suspect he had some ulterior motive.
Thinking of the unsolved case of the abused woman in the capital, Wei Xun lowered his gaze and agreed.
“Since Academician Zhou insists on the invitation, I shall go.”
“Lord Wei, please.”
Each boarded their own carriage, and in less than half an hour, the carriages stopped at Jing Garden.
This was the most famous tavern in the capital. The courtesans here sold their talents, not their bodies, yet they could charm men into spending a fortune just to hear them sing.
As the two stepped down from their carriages, they were greeted by several beautiful courtesans. Though they were still in their official robes, the courtesans paid no mind, waving their handkerchiefs to hook onto their clothes.
“Gentlemen, please come inside. Do you have a favorite girl? If not, how about letting this humble one sing a tune for you?”
The men who frequented Jing Garden were either wealthy or noble, and the courtesans were long accustomed to it.
Moreover, Wei Xun and Zhou Yan were young and exceptionally handsome gentlemen. If they could attach themselves to such men, the courtesans would be willing to pay for the privilege.
Zhou Yan observed Wei Xun’s expression, but the man was always deep and inscrutable. After watching for a while, Zhou Yan could discern nothing.
The two took their seats. A courtesan tried to stay and serve them, but Wei Xun brushed his sleeve. “Just leave the wine.”
“Sir…” The courtesan bit her lip, looking aggrieved.
This was the first time she had ever been rejected.
Zhou Yan chuckled lightly. “Coming to Jing Garden, how could Lord Wei not choose a courtesan here? Drinking plain wine is so dull!”
Wei Xun glanced at him, smoothing the sleeve the courtesan had touched and placing his official hat beside him. The corners of his usually indifferent lips lifted slightly. “My family is strict. If I pick up any scent, there will be trouble when I return.”
His tone was natural, his eyes carrying a hint of indulgence. Zhou Yan’s hand inside his sleeve suddenly clenched. It took several steadying breaths before he finally spoke.
“Has Lord Wei married?”
“Not yet.”
“Then who does ‘family’ refer to?”
Zhou Yan clenched his fingers, holding his breath as he waited for Wei Xun’s answer. But Wei Xun merely picked up his wine cup and took a small sip, changing the subject.
“Did Academician Zhou invite me for a drink just to inquire about my private affairs?”
Zhou Yan pressed his lips together. “Of course not. I just didn’t expect that someone as aloof and upright as Lord Wei would also have someone he holds dear.”
“Humans have seven emotions and six desires. I am no exception.”
He lowered his head to take another sip of wine, his dark eyes slightly narrowed.
Compared to him, Zhou Yan was still too green. At least at Zhou Yan’s age, Wei Xun had already learned to conceal his emotions.
Who else could Zhou Yan be probing about so indirectly if not A’Yuan?
Behind the wine cup, Wei Xun’s cold, sharp lips curved. The one who had stopped A’Yuan’s carriage that day was also him, wasn’t it?
He truly didn’t know where Zhou Yan got the courage to dare snatch his person.Wei Xun drank in silence. Zhou Yan tried several times to fish for information, but Wei Xun brushed him off with a few words each time. In the end, Zhou Yan realized how difficult he was to deal with and stopped trying to pry information from him, instead starting to urge him to drink.
Wei Xun refused none of it. He wanted to see what Zhou Yan was up to.