Another Sure-Kill Move
"Perhaps Houye does not know that originally, Ye Manor intended to send Ye Yingxue to you as a concubine. My younger sister was overjoyed at first, urging our father every day to quickly arrange the matter, hoping to enter the Marquis's Estate.
But for some reason, after the matter was truly settled, she suddenly changed her mind, saying she absolutely did not want to enter the Marquis's Estate.
Then, at the Spring Banquet, Ye Yingxue and my former fiancé were found embracing each other in disheveled clothing.
I had originally dreamed that after marriage, once my husband passed the imperial examinations and became an official, he could protect me, my mother, and my brothers, so we would no longer be arbitrarily bullied by Madam Gu.
Unexpectedly, I suffered such betrayal and humiliation. My beautiful dream shattered, my hopes vanished, and in a moment of despair, I attempted suicide.
After being rescued, Madam Gu threatened me with the safety of my mother and brothers, forcing me to replace Ye Yingxue and enter the Marquis's Estate. My father also kept persuading me, so I agreed.
However, after these life-and-death experiences, and after Houye dealt with Concubine Yao last time to protect my safety, I have come to understand.
Only a high-ranking official and marquis like you is worth relying on, someone who can help me protect my mother and brothers. Of course, I must strive to serve you well and satisfy you."
After Ye Qingzhi finished speaking, she looked at Xie Jin with clear, bright eyes, her gaze frank and filled with wholehearted trust.
Anyway, she had said all she needed to say. Whether he believed it or not was up to him.
How long she could keep this concubine job depended entirely on Houye, her leader. Alas, in this world, she was not allowed to resign or switch to another employer.
Dare to resign and run away? Well, Houye worked for the Imperial Guards—where could she possibly escape to?
Dare to switch employers and cuckold Houye? That would only lead to a more miserable death.
Xie Jin believed about eighty percent of her story, so he did not dwell on the matter further. He had only asked out of curiosity, not because he particularly cared.
Because Ye Qingzhi's behavior in bed was truly outrageous compared to other ladies of noble families who emphasized propriety and face.
But it was precisely this outrageousness that satisfied him. As a concubine, this was what made things interesting. Being too rigid, always putting on airs, and constantly talking about rules and etiquette—where was the fun in that?
At that moment, a commotion arose outside. Ye Qingzhi heard Ru Yi's sharp scolding:
"If your mistress is unwell, go beg the madam to summon the estate physician! What are you doing here looking for Houye? Houye can't cure illnesses. If you want to intercept him, just say so—why pretend to be sick?"
"Truly, like mistress, like servant." Xie Jin looked at Ye Qingzhi, teasing her for being sharp-tongued and blunt.
"Ru Yi isn't wrong. Houye, are you going? I wonder which concubine couldn't hold back and is making a move to get you to favor her."
Ye Qingzhi said righteously, wanting to pick up her clothes to put on and go out to see. But when she picked up the small bellyband, she blushed and tossed it aside.
Xie Jin rubbed his forehead, sat up, and began dressing as well, admonishing her, "In the future, before you speak when going out, let your brain control your mouth."
With a mouth like hers, always tearing off others' fig leaves and offending people to the extreme, Xie Jin feared she would be beaten to death as soon as she stepped outside.
He wouldn't even have time to save her.
"Understood, Houye. From now on, when I go out, I won't bring my mouth—I'll sew it shut. I'll just say Houye ordered me to practice the 'silent meditation.'" Ye Qingzhi said obediently.
Xie Jin tapped her forehead with his index finger in exasperation. "Don't take a chicken feather as a warrant."
While the two were bickering, Ru Yi came knocking at the door, announcing that Chunxing from Concubine Qin’s side was requesting an audience. She said Concubine Qin was ill and had important matters to report to Houye.
“Understood. Have her wait,” Ye Qingzhi responded. Without bothering to put on her inner garment, she draped a light outer robe over herself and casually tied the silk sash, instantly achieving a seductive, half-revealing effect.
Xie Jin’s gaze was immediately drawn to her.
Ye Qingzhi followed his heated stare and glanced at herself, instantly understanding. As she pushed him out, she said,
“Houye, stop looking. If you keep staring, we’ll end up rolling back into bed again, and Concubine Qin is waiting for you. If you like this outfit of mine, I’ll prepare a few more sets and wear them just for you next time.”
Xie Jin, “…Shut your mouth.”
This woman really had no filter.
“Oh, so you don’t like my arrangements? Never mind, then,” Ye Qingzhi readily conceded.
Xie Jin shot her a look, leaving her to interpret it herself, then opened the door and left, ordering Ye Qingzhi to stay inside.
Dressed like that and still thinking of stepping outside? Did she not value her head?
Ye Qingzhi watched the door close again, then looked down at her clothes and clicked her tongue lightly.
She had just been trying to save effort, but she hadn’t expected to unintentionally create a “uniform temptation” effect.
It was all due to her lack of experience.
She hadn’t even remembered such a classic seduction technique as uniform temptation.
Ye Qingzhi made a mental note.
Another killer move added to her arsenal, another point to her core professional skills.
She really was a diligent and ambitious employee.
Xie Jin left Yanliu Courtyard and followed Chunxing to Concubine Qin’s quarters.
His expression remained frighteningly dark the entire way. Chunxing didn’t dare breathe too loudly, her scalp tingling with fear, and she couldn’t help but worry whether Concubine Qin could withstand Houye’s anger.
After all, they had pulled Houye right off Ye Yiniang’s bed. Houye must not have been satisfied yet; otherwise, why would he be in such a foul mood?
Xie Jin was indeed unsatisfied, but his gloominess stemmed from the realization that, when it came to women, he found it difficult to restrain himself around Ye Qingzhi. He even felt somewhat manipulated by her.
For someone with such a strong desire for control, this was hard to accept, and he even felt a flicker of murderous intent toward Ye Qingzhi.
But then Xie Jin reconsidered. She was just a plaything for the bed, not worth making such a fuss over.
Besides, she was genuinely amusing. Killing her would be a pity.
Arriving at Xiangxiu Courtyard and entering the room, Xie Jin saw Concubine Qin lying in bed, her face pale.
“Greetings, Houye,” Concubine Qin quickly rose from the bed to bow to Xie Jin, her voice soft and coquettish.
“My lord, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I’ve missed you terribly…”
Xie Jin stopped before her, his gaze cold as he watched her performance.
Seeing Xie Jin remain silent, Concubine Qin grew uneasy. She slowly rose and moved closer to him, her voice sweet and flattering.
“My lord, I heard from my father that the horse farm under his management has captured a king of horses—untamed and capable of traveling a thousand miles in a day. It will be transported to the capital soon as a tribute to you…”
Xie Jin avoided her outstretched hand, his voice icy as he asked,
“Whose bastard is in your belly?”
Concubine Qin’s face instantly turned ashen. Her legs gave way, and she trembled as she collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by sheer terror.
She didn’t even have the strength to defend herself.
Houye… he already knew everything!