Shen Ji was flipping through the property account ledgers that had just been delivered. In such a short time, Li Wenruo had managed the entire Marquis Residence’s property with great clarity. Quite a few shops had gradually begun turning a profit, business was growing increasingly prosperous, and a covert intelligence network had also quietly spread across the capital.
Now, Shen Ji received all kinds of news every day from Prince Duan’s Residence, the Liu Residence, and every corner of the capital. Through his close dealings with Duke Zhenguo’s Residence, he had also gained a better understanding of Prince Duan, and several plans were gradually taking shape in his mind.
Just then, the voice of old butler Zhong Bo came from outside the door:
“Heir, the manager of Ink Fragrance Studio heard that you favor Huizhou ink, so he specially brought a newly acquired set of ‘Yannan Ten Scenes’ Huizhou ink for you to appraise.”
Shen Ji set down the account ledgers in his hand, thinking that the real powerholder of the Yan family had arrived. The earlier message had only said that Yan Shu was temporarily staying at the Marquis Residence and had not mentioned anything else, so the other party must have rushed over in haste.
A merchant’s mind was indeed quick. That day, he had merely told the butler to mention, “Send some valuable brushes and ink tomorrow,” and the other side had immediately grasped the deeper meaning.
He composed himself and said in a deep voice, “Please invite the manager in.”
The study door was pushed open, and a middle-aged man slowly walked in. He looked to be around forty, dressed in an indigo brocade robe with orchid patterns, and a top-quality white mutton-fat jade pendant hung at his waist. His face was lean, and he resembled Yan Shu somewhat in his features, though with more of the warm refinement that comes with age.
Yan Li stepped into the study, approached the seat of honor, and solemnly performed a long cupped-hands bow to Shen Ji:
“I am Yan Li, Yan Shu’s second uncle. I have come specially to thank Heir Shen for saving my nephew’s life! If not for the Heir, Shu’er would likely already be dead. The entire Yan family is deeply grateful for the Heir’s great kindness!” His voice was gentle and clear, his tone sincere.
Shen Ji rose and lightly steadied him, and the two sat down in turn. Only then did Shen Ji slowly speak: “Second Master Yan need not be so courteous. Yan Shu is a lucky man protected by heaven. I merely happened to pass by and offered a little help.”
A page boy brought in fragrant tea.
Yan Li let out a soft sigh, his face filled with lingering fear and relief. Yan Shu was the most outstanding of the younger generation, clever and sensible from childhood. When he was young, he had always liked to cling to him, and it could be said that Yan Li had watched him grow up.
He steadied himself before speaking again: “Shu’er has told me everything in detail. If not for the Heir’s kind rescue, he would likely have fallen victim to villains. The Yan family truly has no way to repay such great kindness.”
As he spoke, he took out a gui-shaped jade pendant wrapped in bright yellow soft silk. It was lustrous and smooth, made of fine Hetian green jade, with intricate cloud patterns carved on the front and the ancient-style character for “Yan” engraved on the back.
“This is the Yan family’s token,” Yan Li said as he held the jade pendant up with both hands, his expression solemn. “Seeing this pendant is like seeing the head of the Yan family. Whoever holds it will receive the full assistance of every member of the Yan family and our complete obedience. It is also a small token of sincerity from the entire Yan family, and I sincerely hope the Heir will accept it. If there is ever any need in the future, the Yan family will surely give full support!”
Shen Ji’s gaze swept over the gui-shaped jade pendant, and he understood its weight. He did not refuse it, but accepted it calmly: “I accept the Yan family’s kind intention.”
After putting the jade pendant away, he pondered for a moment before saying, “Second Master Yan has come this time, presumably to take Yan Shu back to the Yan family’s residence in the capital to recover?”
Yan Li nodded. “Exactly. The family has an Orchid Garden in the capital. It is fairly quiet and elegant, suitable for Shu’er to recuperate and prepare for the examinations.”
But Shen Ji shook his head. “Forgive my frankness, but it is not suitable to bring Yan Shu back at this time.”
“What does the Heir suggest?” Yan Li’s expression tightened, and he leaned forward slightly.
“The person who tried to harm Yan Shu, Li Du, is already the legitimate son-in-law of the Vice Minister’s Residence, and their ties are not shallow.” Shen Ji’s tone remained calm as he continued analyzing, “Vice Minister Shi’s Residence has deeply rooted power in the capital, and with the concubine aunt from the maternal family fanning the flames, if Li Du learns that Yan Shu is not dead, he will surely hatch another murderous scheme if the first one fails. Although the Yan family is famous in Jiangnan, in the capital, open spears are easy to dodge while hidden arrows are hard to defend against. And the imperial examinations are imminent…”
He paused slightly and looked at Yan Li, whose face was growing increasingly grave. “Why not let him remain under the care of my Marquis Residence until the imperial examinations are over? All grievances can be settled after the examinations.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Li thought for a moment and immediately understood the danger. He could not help but look at the young Pingyang Marquis Heir in front of him again. The other man’s expression remained calm; though so young, he handled matters with such maturity, thoroughness, and far-reaching foresight.
A trace of admiration flashed in his eyes. He immediately stood and bowed with cupped hands: “The Heir’s considerations are thorough. In that case, Shu’er will continue to trouble the Heir! Everything will be arranged as the Heir sees fit!”
“That is excellent.” Shen Ji nodded. Yan Shu’s safety before the imperial examinations was now properly arranged.
The two chatted casually for a while longer, and then Yan Li rose to take his leave.
At evening meal time, Shen Ji learned that the brush-and-ink chest Yan Li had sent contained nothing but precious medicinal herbs such as century-old ginseng, as well as several authentic paintings and calligraphy works. He could not help but sigh inwardly. A family with a century of history truly had deep foundations, and he carefully instructed that Yan Shu be well taken care of.
…
Outside the east wall of the Marquis Residence, several black-clad shadow guards glared resentfully at the towering courtyard wall. Beside them lay two corpses whose faces had already turned black and blue. For an entire night, they had exhausted every trick they knew, yet still could not break through the invisible barrier surrounding the Marquis Residence. Worse still, they had been struck by hidden arrows and poison, and all were badly injured.
One of them lowered his voice, sounding anxious and disbelieving: “Chief, this Pingyang Marquis Residence is really wicked! Cheng Li and Fang Wu were poisoned by who knows what and died instantly! We’ve been at this for so long and still can’t even touch the gate! Who knows what kind of formation this Pingyang Marquis Residence has set up?”
Shadow One’s face was hidden beneath his cloak, leaving only a pair of gloomy eyes visible. As shadow guards of the prince’s residence, their skills needed no introduction, yet this was the first time they had met such a troublesome opponent… they had not even seen a figure, and yet they had already suffered heavy losses and lost two brothers.
Thinking of Prince Duan’s cold and furious demeanor, his heart tightened. It seemed they could only wait until Shen Ji left the residence before seizing the chance to strike.
…
Inside Prince Duan’s Residence.
Zhao Sheng received the message relayed by Shadow One and flew into a rage, hurling the wolf-hair brush in his hand to the ground!
“Useless! You can’t even get into a Marquis Residence! What strange formation? Could that sickly invalid really have heaven’s help or something?!” His chest heaved violently, and murderous rage surged in his eyes. “Tell Shadow One that no matter what method he uses, he must get rid of Shen Ji as soon as possible!”
He paused, then barked another order: “Send more men! Search for me! Even if you have to turn the entire capital upside down, find capable experts who can break this formation for this prince!”
After venting his anger, he forced himself to suppress it and gradually calmed down. What mattered more now was secretly winning over those newly successful examination candidates.
A few days later, once Yan Shu’s injuries had improved somewhat, Shen Ji quietly sent him out of the residence so he could focus on preparing for the exam and recovering in peace.
The Pingyang Marquis Residence seemed to have returned to its former calm, at least on the surface.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the much-anticipated imperial examinations had arrived.