Without any preamble, Tao Wenkan unexpectedly understood. "Your Highness seems to have known in advance that there would be problems with the grain?"
This time, Wei Quan did not speak in riddles. He nodded in affirmation.
He knew it—his good father was capable of such beastly, despicable deeds.
Who could say whether the unusually agitated refugees did not include his handiwork?
The grain and fodder had been switched, and the defeat at Lu City could not only be pinned on the great aristocratic families, but also eliminate him, this useless prince—truly killing two birds with one stone.
To weaken the great clans, he was willing to sacrifice an entire city's populace and these eight thousand innocent soldiers. He truly had no sense of proportion.
The great families and the roots of the Great Yan Dynasty had grown intertwined, already hopelessly entangled. If they were forcibly uprooted, it would inevitably pull at one strand and affect the whole, inviting self-destruction. The man was not unaware of the consequences of such actions, yet he was still blinded by desire, eager for quick success, desperate to reclaim the imperial authority that had been hollowed out.
Having understood the full picture, Tao Wenkan finally realized what a perilous vortex he had been drawn into on this journey.
And the moment Wei Quan revealed the truth to him, whatever lingering hope he had was instantly reduced to ashes.
Especially when he turned his head and saw that the grain officer, who had been panic-stricken moments before, had risen at some point and now stood behind Wei Quan, like a silent and loyal shadow.
"General Tao, I am willing to give you time to consider." The young lord clasped his hands behind his back, striking a posture of negotiation and consultation.
But how could Tao Wenkan not know—having glimpsed the true face of this seemingly dissolute and foolish Third Prince, and even the one on the dragon throne—that he could no longer remain aloof and untouched in these treacherous political waters?
Observing the other's composed demeanor, he must already have a solution to the current deadlock.
Thinking again of Shao Zhen and his clan elders back home, waiting anxiously for his safe return, he drew a deep breath, cupped his fists, and gritted out the words: "Your subordinate Tao Wenkan, at Your Highness's command."
Wei Quan curved his thin lips at this, stepped forward, and made a gesture of helping him rise. "With General Tao's assistance, this battle will surely end in a great victory."
Recalling the endless unexpected events of these past days, Tao Wenkan could not help but sigh.
Even though Wei Quan had sworn confidently that he need not worry about the grain—that he had his own arrangements—seeing Lu City still unbreached after so long, how could he, as a commander, rest easy?
And thinking further ahead, to Shao Zhen far away in Yingdu, his eyes could not help but soften.
He set down the withered twig, casually wiped the dirt from the corner of his robe, and then carefully took out the letter hidden in his breast pocket, treating it like some rare treasure.
Before he even unfolded the letter, he caught a familiar scent of tea blossom.
It was as if Shao Zhen's graceful figure had appeared before him.
A nosy personal guard shuffled over, grinning, and asked curiously: "Is the General reading a letter from home?"
Tao Wenkan did not stand on ceremony, saying yes, but turned his body to block the other's view, reading those few short lines over and over. Learning that all was well at home, that Shao Zhen was well too, the taut string of his heart that had not relaxed for days finally felt a moment of joy.
He could imagine how beautiful the blush on his thin-skinned wife's cheeks would be when she wrote those final words of missing him.
He folded the letter again, tucked it back into his breast pocket, and under the teasing gazes of his guards, could not help but curl his lips upward.
"General Tao." Hearing Wei Quan's call, Tao Wenkan quickly composed his expression, returning to solemnity.
The other man drew him aside and said in a voice meant only for the two of them: "The grain has arrived. I have a plan that may break the current deadlock…"
Because of the nightmare that had plagued her, Shao Zhen found it difficult to sleep for the rest of the night.
She pressed her palms together and recited "Buddha protect us" countless times, yet could not smooth away the fear in her heart.
She was worried about Tao Wenkan, but she lived a reclusive life, had little interaction with the noble families of Yingdu, and was even further from the court. She had no way at all to learn news of him.
After much deliberation, the only person she could turn to was Yun Cheng.
But thinking of the last time she had delivered tea and he had accidentally held her hand—and how for a long time afterward, the place he had touched still felt like ants crawling over it, itching and burning—she was terribly embarrassed, unsure how to face him.
She also wondered whether he had eaten the tea blossom cakes and cold soup she had made, and whether he liked them or disliked them.
Moreover, Yun Cheng held a high position at court and was burdened with countless affairs. If she approached him over such an unfounded worry, even if he was willing to answer, Shao Zhen would be too embarrassed to ask.
Therefore, she decided to settle for the next best option—first arranging to meet Yun Yao.
What Shao Zhen did not know was that the invitation she handed to the gatekeeper was first shown to Yun Cheng by Jiu Jian.
Yun Cheng looked at the elegant handwriting on the paper and found it somewhat curious—when had her relationship with Yun Yao become so good?
It was only when Jiu Jian deliberately coughed that he realized he had been staring at the letter for a long time. A subtle displeasure rose in his heart, like a small thorn that could neither be pulled out nor ignored.
But how could he possibly compare himself to Yun Yao over such a trivial matter?
To do so would make it seem as though Shao Zhen were some coveted prize.
Jiu Jian watched as his master's usually composed expression turned unusually grim, the ice chips in his eyes enough to freeze a person to death.
"From now on, letters like this need not be brought to me."
This made Jiu Jian intensely curious about what was written on that paper, that the ever-unflappable Yun Cheng would fly into such a rage.
In Shulan Studio, Yun Yao, upon receiving the invitation, swept away the gloom between her brows. Setting down the lotus handkerchief she had been embroidering—which looked more like wild grass—she said to Sui Shi, "Mother, a friend has invited me out, so I shall take my leave."
Though she had been confined here for only five days, eating vegetarian meals and chanting sutras, she felt as though she had endured three autumns of torment.
Sui Shi hadn't truly intended to keep her confined. Seeing that Yun Cheng had tacitly permitted it, she naturally wouldn't dampen her spirits—though she couldn't help but offer a word of caution: "The world is unsettled these days. As a young lady going out, you must be sure to bring guards with you."
Yun Yao smiled brightly and agreed, then suddenly turned around and gave her a hug. "Thank you for your concern, Mother."
The young woman's cheeks radiated vibrant brightness, leaving Sui Shi momentarily stunned.
Such an affectionate gesture was something Yun Cheng, her own flesh and blood, had never done for her.
Not until Yun Yao had left did Fu Mu, watching her mistress's wistful expression, couldn't help but venture a remark: "Madam, if you would give but one-tenth of the kindness you show Fourth Miss to the young master, you and he would not be so estranged."
Sui Shi acted as though she hadn't heard, closing her eyes and continuing to turn the white jade prayer beads between her fingers.
But Fu Mu saw clearly—her eyelashes trembled several times, like a butterfly with rain-soaked wings.
…
Settling into the carriage bound for Tianxiang Tower, Yun Yao finally felt the reality of leaving the manor.
In the easternmost private room on the third floor, Shao Zhen waited with growing impatience, fearing that Yun Yao might be unable to get out.
She had chosen to hold their meeting at the restaurant because she didn't want Madam Xu to know of her connection with Yun Yao. Given Madam Xu's tendency to latch onto people, she would surely use Shao Zhen as a stepping stone to get close to Yun Yao.
Thus, when she heard the other's footsteps entering, she greeted her with delighted relief. "A-Yao!"
"Zhen-niang!" Yun Yao was equally pleased, taking her hands and spinning her around once before complaining, "You have no idea—I've been suffocating in that manor!"
"What's happened?" Shao Zhen asked, following her lead.
Thinking of Yun Cheng's expressionless handsome face, Yun Yao shuddered and brushed it off. "Never mind that, never mind that."
"Zhen-niang, what made you think to seek me out today, and with such a fine spread of food and wine?"
Yun Yao was always quick to speak her mind, and Shao Zhen was used to it, deciding not to beat around the bush.
"I have few connections in Yingdu… My husband is far away in Lucheng and hasn't managed to send word back yet. I'm truly worried, so I wanted to ask you, A-Yao, to inquire with Young Master Yun on my behalf. As an official at court, he might know something of the situation."
Yun Yao had been about to say it herself—in just a few short days, Shao Zhen had grown thinner again. Even with powder to conceal it, the faint shadows beneath her eyes still showed through.
Though even in weariness, a beauty remained beautiful.
Yun Yao didn't want to willingly engage with Yun Cheng, but to spare Shao Zhen from having to deal with him directly, she would have to be the intermediary.
Shao Zhen had rescued her from the Yun manor today, and she had been wondering how to repay her.
"No problem," she said, patting Shao Zhen's hand reassuringly and agreeing readily. "When I return to the manor, I'll ask my elder brother right away, then send word to you."
Shao Zhen looked at her with profound gratitude and gestured for her to sit down quickly.
In front of her friend, Yun Yao naturally couldn't be bothered with the rule of "no talking during meals." A thought suddenly struck her, and she asked Shao Zhen, "Zhen-niang, what do you think of my elder brother?"
She had been unable to glean anything from Yun Cheng's side, so she had to work through Shao Zhen instead.
She was far too curious about what had happened when Shao Zhen gave Yun Cheng that gift, that he had taken his anger out on her.
Shao Zhen thought seriously for a moment, then said, "Young Master Yun is cold on the surface but warm at heart. He has come to my aid several times, and I am truly grateful to him."
So this man had two different faces—one for Shao Zhen, and one for her!
Yun Yao scoffed inwardly. It was only because Shao Zhen was kind and honest that she interpreted Yun Cheng's erratic moods as cold-outside-warm-inside. But she couldn't very well disparage Yun Cheng in front of Shao Zhen, so she could only vaguely steer the conversation away.
She could only hope that fellow Yun Cheng had some conscience and wouldn't lead Shao Zhen into a difficult predicament.
The two left the restaurant and, thinking to stroll a bit to aid their digestion, walked into a cosmetics shop.
The female shopkeeper had a silver tongue, praising them to the heavens as incomparable. It wasn't just her enthusiasm that was infectious—the lip balm was naturally fragrant and wouldn't easily smudge once applied. No wonder the shop's threshold was nearly worn through by the constant stream of young ladies.
Shao Zhen took out silver and bought two jars of the new-style lip balm, gifting one to Yun Yao.
Leaving the shop, Yun Yao still hadn't had her fill of conversation. Since part of the way home was along the same route, Shao Zhen climbed into Yun Yao's carriage.
They were in the middle of an animated chat when the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Had they not reacted quickly, they would have been knocked dizzy against the carriage walls.
Yun Yao was never one to let a grievance go unanswered, so she immediately lifted the curtain to see what was happening outside.
Shao Zhen, fearing she might act impulsively, hurriedly leaned out as well.
What she saw made her heart skip a beat—the carriage across the way, adorned with golden bells and beads hanging from its four corners, was all too familiar.
"Master!" At the driver's call, the man seated comfortably inside emerged with visible impatience, as if utterly unbothered by what he had done.
Yun Yao's gaze met that fleshy, brutish face, and a mocking smile curled at the corners of her lips.
Truly, fate had a way of bringing enemies face to face.
"Yun Yao, is that you?" Wang Qi squinted, his ill-intentioned gaze sliding over to Shao Zhen beside her.
Yun Yao stepped subtly in front of Shao Zhen, shielding her, and let out a contemptuous laugh. "It's me. You've startled my Yun family's carriage—hurry up and lower your head to apologize."
"This young lady looks rather unfamiliar." He looked past her, his eyes tracing Shao Zhen's figure from a distance.
A hint thinner and she'd lose grace; a hint fuller and she'd lose charm—paired with that striking face, she was a rare beauty indeed.
Though he hadn't announced himself, Shao Zhen could roughly guess his identity.
Rumor had it that the current head of the Wang family and his wife had been blessed with a pair of twins late in life. The boy, born first, was named Wang Qi, and from birth he'd enjoyed every luxury, growing into the "little demon king" everyone went out of their way to avoid. Wang Jing was his full-blooded younger sister.
Shao Zhen could naturally feel his lecherous gaze—sticky and thick like mud that wouldn't wash off once it touched you. She didn't raise her eyes, didn't respond, only gave Yun Yao's hand a gentle tug. "A-Yao, let it go."
Because of Wang Jing, she maintained a cautious distance from everyone in the Wang family. With Wang Jing's marriage into the Tao family still up in the air, she truly didn't want any entanglement with her brother.
Seeing that Shao Zhen didn't wish to pursue the matter, Yun Yao also understood the stakes. She couldn't be by Shao Zhen's side at all times, and if she provoked Wang Qi into noticing Shao Zhen, it would be her fault.
So she swallowed her simmering frustration and turned to climb back into the carriage.
But the culprit, Wang Qi, had other ideas. Having finally found someone who caught his eye, how could he let her slip away so easily?
He'd already met every notable noble lady in Yingdu, so he was certain this woman's family background was nothing remarkable.
One thing was strange, though—she was with Yun Yao. Could she be related to the Yun family?
This wasn't his first time stopping someone in the street. He knew the virtue of patience—he could quietly send men to follow and find out where she lived, then wait for her to be alone before making his move.
But Shao Zhen had truly hooked him. He couldn't wait another moment.
He wanted her. Now.
Seeing the carriage about to turn around, he raised his whip and lashed it around the wheel track. The barbed whip cut through the air with a crackling sound like electricity. "My apologies for the earlier rudeness. I'd like to invite the two young ladies to the tavern nearby for a meal, to properly make amends."
Shao Zhen was especially ill-equipped to handle such situations. At his words, she twisted her fingers together and looked to Yun Yao in panic.
Yun Yao mouthed to her: "Don't be afraid."
In that instant, the Yun family guards hidden in the shadows stepped forward, baring their blades at the relentless Wang Qi. Without a shred of courtesy, they sliced clean through his whip.
Yun Yao was bold—she peered through the gap in the curtain to look outside.
Not only was Wang Qi taken aback, but even she stared in shock, eyes wide. She'd known there were guards protecting her in secret, but she hadn't expected over a dozen of them.
Wang Qi's plan to forcefully "invite" them to the tavern fell apart on the spot.
With Yun Wenhu and Yun Cheng at the helm of the Yun family, even his own father would have to greet them with a smile. Realizing this, the clawing, burning desire was dispelled somewhat by the flash of blades. Wang Qi couldn't even spare a thought to mourn his precious whip, now split in two, and could only stammer, "Misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding." But those sinister, squinted eyes lingered long on the departing carriage, refusing to look away.
After such an incident, there was no way Yun Yao felt comfortable parting ways with Shao Zhen midway. She escorted her all the way to her residence before leaving.
The moment she returned to the Yun estate, she swept into Qingyan Study in a whirlwind. Jiu Jian announced her before letting her in.
Thinking of Wang Qi's salivating expression, Yun Yao wore her anger plainly on her face.
She was being too deliberate about it, so Yun Cheng stayed silent, waiting for her to explain herself.
Seeing that he wasn't playing along with her usual script, she rolled her eyes and pretended to be the first to lose patience. "Do you know who I ran into today?"
Yun Cheng said nothing, so Yun Yao continued on her own. "It was Wang Qi!"
"That beast actually dared to set his sights on Lady Shao! Her husband isn't around right now—tell me, how should I help her?"
As she spoke, she stole glances at the man from the corner of her eye.
Strange. Why wasn't he reacting at all?