Zhou Yan remained unaware that his intentions had already been seen through by Wei Xun, and he continued to find various ways to persuade him to drink.
Although Wei Xun did not frequent such places of pleasure and drinking establishments, his alcohol tolerance was quite remarkable.
Marquis Wei was a general stationed at the border, always accompanied by strong liquor. As his son, Wei Xun had been trained since childhood to develop a capacity for drinking without getting drunk.
However, he was curious about Zhou Yan’s purpose. After finishing two jugs of wine, he feigned drunkenness by resting his forehead on one hand.
Seeing this, Zhou Yan’s eyes lit up. He refilled the wine cup and offered it to Wei Xun. “Truly worthy of being the capital’s top winehouse. The wine from Jingyuan is indeed a divine brew. On such a fine evening, Lord Wei must have another cup!”
Wei Xun’s eyes appeared dazed, and his raised hand trembled slightly. He shakily took the wine from Zhou Yan’s hand and drank it in one gulp.
“Last cup… can’t drink anymore…”
Zhou Yan held his breath. Seeing Wei Xun stumble and sway, he knew he was truly drunk.
“Alright, then I’ll escort Lord Wei back.”
Both of their attendants were waiting outside. Chang Yuan, unaware of the drinking inside, was momentarily surprised to see his master emerge looking intoxicated.
His master, drunk? Could it be that Academician Zhou had drugged him?
Chang Yuan’s expression turned serious, and he was about to draw his sword to apprehend Zhou Yan.
Wei Xun lowered his head, covering his mouth as he coughed lightly. Chang Yuan withdrew his hand from his sword and hurried forward to support him.
“Master, how did you drink so much…”
Zhou Yan supported him on the other side. Seeing Chang Yuan’s question, he explained with a smile, “Lord Wei and I hit it off immediately, so we couldn’t help but drink a few extra cups.”
“Is that so?” Chang Yuan clearly did not believe it.
“It was my mistake, so naturally I should escort Lord Wei back to his residence.”
“No…” Chang Yuan had not expected Zhou Yan to insist on accompanying them and quickly tried to refuse. But before he could finish his refusal, he felt a pinch in his palm.
Chang Yuan understood—this was his master’s signal.
“Then… alright then. Thank you for your trouble, Academician Zhou.”
The Marquis Manor of Anning was not far from Jingyuan. By the time they arrived, the smell of alcohol on Wei Xun had not yet dissipated, which eased Zhou Yan’s anxious heart.
Only if Wei Xun remained drunk could his subsequent plans proceed smoothly.
Zhou Yan followed Chang Yuan, helping Wei Xun into the outer courtyard. Wei Xun’s courtyard, much like the man himself, was cold, quiet, and simple. Zhou Yan glanced around and suddenly spoke up.
“Where are the servants attending to Lord Wei?”
“You’re asking about the maids and elderly women in the courtyard, right?” Chang Yuan replied while helping Wei Xun remove his official robes. “My master isn’t used to having many people serve him. The only one he’s accustomed to having around is me.”
“Oh? Then is the concubine not here either?”
Zhou Yan clenched his hand, his tone cautious.
For once, Chang Yuan was quick-witted. “What are you saying, sir? My master reeks of alcohol—how could he bear to have Lady Xie attend to him?”
So, he was destined not to see A’Yuan?
A flicker of disappointment passed through Zhou Yan’s eyes, and he lost the desire to stay any longer. “Since Lord Wei has returned home, I shall take my leave.”
“I’ll escort you out.”
Chang Yuan stood up, but Zhou Yan waved his hand. “No need. Just attend to your master properly.”
“Then I’ll have a servant show you out.”
Chang Yuan called for Granny Zheng, and Zhou Yan followed her out.
As soon as the two left, Wei Xun rose from the couch.
His clear eyes showed no trace of drunkenness.
“Master?”
Chang Yuan did not know Zhou Yan’s identity and naturally could not understand why his master had pretended to be drunk.
Wei Xun’s face was cold, not answering his question, and said, “Prepare water, let A’Yuan come in to serve.”
……
Zhou Yan followed Granny Zheng to the second gate, beyond which was Yuqing Courtyard.
He paused his steps, as if casually mentioning, “This courtyard is quiet, who lives here?”
Granny Zheng had never seen her master have guests before, thinking he was a friend of her master.
“Your Excellency, this is where the mistress of my master, the heir, lives.”
“Oh?” Zhou Yan slowed his steps even more, his gaze lingering on Yuqing Courtyard, reluctant to move away.
“I heard that Lord Wei is very fond of his concubine, is that true?”
Granny Zheng’s eyes showed surprise, as Zhou Yan’s words were indeed somewhat inappropriate, but Zhou Yan urgently wanted to know about A’Yuan. Everyone told him A’Yuan was living well, but unless he saw it himself, he would never believe it.
He understood A’Yuan, she was someone who would endure hardships without speaking out.
He feared she was suffering.
Granny Zheng withdrew her gaze, her heart already rising with caution, “Of course it’s true. Although my master has a cold temperament, he is extremely good to Xie Niangzi.”
Chang Yuan was her adopted son, and she knew all about the Shen family’s affairs. Just because Shen Niangzi had Xie Niangzi burn her hand, the heir had exposed Shen’s secret of keeping a mistress outside.
Now the Shen family’s reputation was ruined, and Shen Niangzi’s reputation had also greatly diminished.
Others might not know, but those who served knew best how protective the heir was.
“Is that so…”
Zhou Yan murmured, glancing at Yuqing Courtyard again.
Even if Wei Xun treated A’Yuan well, he still couldn’t give her status.
Rather than being a caged golden bird, it was better to let her fly free.
Zhou Yan lowered his eyes, hiding the ferocity within, he would take A’Yuan away sooner or later.
A’Yuan, wait for me.
……
Yuqing Courtyard.
Tonight, A’Yuan slept a bit later, the screen panel she was embroidering was halfway done, and the pattern was already visible.
The days of confinement were much easier than imagined. Apart from not being able to leave, it didn’t affect her much, and not having to go to Cian Courtyard to pay respects or serve Wei Xun, A’Yuan actually felt relaxed.
She also had more time to do embroidery.
Although confined to the rear courtyard, A’Yuan never neglected her embroidery skills.
The aunt who taught her said that as long as a woman has the ability to stand on her own, no matter what predicament she faces, there will always be a day when things turn around.
This statement always reminded her not to slack off. Serving with beauty is not lasting, she must have the means to survive.
“Xie Niangzi, the heir asks you to come.”
Granny Zheng went to send Zhou Yan off, so the one who came to fetch A’Yuan was replaced by an unfamiliar old woman.
A’Yuan didn’t know why Wei Xun called her so late, but she couldn’t disobey her master’s words, especially when that person was the most domineering Wei Xun.
“I understand.”
After tidying up briefly, she followed the old woman out. Chun Tao also wanted to follow, but she persuaded her to stay.
“The courtyard needs someone to watch over it, you don’t need to come.”
Mainly, she didn’t know Wei Xun’s purpose and feared the man might be angry and vent his anger on Chun Tao.
The little maid had a quick temper, and if she angered the master, she couldn’t protect her.
“Yes.” Chun Tao agreed, watching the two leave.
The Marquis Manor was lit with lamps, and the old woman ahead also carried a lantern, illuminating the path brightly, naturally also illuminating the figure passing by the second gate.
Zhou Yan’s appearance was etched in her mind, even though she only saw a side profile, A’Yuan immediately recognized him.
Why was he here?
A’Yuan’s heart tightened. From their last encounter, she had already realized that Zhou Yan had never stopped searching for her.
Now that he appeared at Marquis Manor, did it mean he already knew her identity?
And Wei Xun, did he know…