Hearing the all-too-familiar voice, Shen Jinxiao relaxed slightly, casting a glance in its direction.
“Just come in, no need for the sarcasm,” Shen Jinxiao said to the man who had just entered, but couldn’t be bothered to look at him further.
The man, dressed in a luxurious deep purple robe, took the seat that Leng Yaoda had just vacated. His handsome face was marked by a pair of narrow, fox-like eyes that were both enchanting and aloof, revealing a sense of coldness and detachment.
Zhou Yingkui, the current Regent, was also the senior disciple and close friend of Emperor Shen Jinxiao since childhood.
The two had studied under the same master from a young age. Zhou Yingkui specialized in the art of understanding human nature and employing cunning tactics, while Shen Jinxiao focused on military strategy and statecraft.
For twenty years, they had firmly upheld the principles of heaven, earth, ruler, family, and teacher.
Glancing at the lavish spread of dishes before him, Zhou Yingkui ignored them and instead fixed his gaze on the celadon teacup in front of him.
Shen Jinxiao seemed to anticipate his next move and spoke first, “The tea has gone cold. Let’s have someone bring a fresh pot.”
Zhou Yingkui raised his fox-like eyes slightly, pretending not to hear as he picked up the teacup in front of him, poured a cup of cold tea, and drank it.
The emperor across from him instinctively frowned—the celadon cup had just been used by Leng Yaoda, who had left not long ago.
Only after setting down the teacup did Zhou Yingkui clap his hands. A young man in white entered, bowing his head and obediently clearing away the cold tea. His movements were so swift and precise that it was clear he possessed some skill.
“What did Leng Yaoda send someone to intercept you for?”
Hearing the question, Shen Jinxiao replied, “She said she wanted to replace the person named in the Imperial Edict. She has someone else in mind.”
After speaking, he seemed to snap out of his thoughts and looked up at Zhou Yingkui to ask, “Do you know her?”
Although the Victorious Spring Court belonged to Zhou Yingkui, and he was well aware of all the comings and goings, the woman must have arrived in disguise, her face concealed. Only someone familiar with her would have recognized her immediately.
Zhou Yingkui replied lazily, “We’ve only crossed paths a few times over the years and know a little about each other’s backgrounds, that’s all.”
For some reason, Shen Jinxiao was not entirely satisfied with his answer, but he chose not to press further.
After leaving the Victorious Spring Court and boarding her sedan chair, Leng Yaoda shed her earlier fragile, tearful demeanor. The young woman now appeared calm and thoughtful as she pondered the situation.
Baoyu had a thousand questions she wanted to ask but ultimately forced herself to swallow them.
Noticing Baoyu’s complicated gaze, Leng Yaoda looked at her and suddenly spoke, “Today, where we went and whom we met—aside from that esteemed person—only the two of us can know. Even if Yingzhu asks you out of curiosity when we return, you must not speak of it. Do you understand?”
Baoyu had grown up with her mistress since childhood, and Leng Yaoda was her only master. The young woman quickly lowered her head and replied, “Miss, please rest assured! Baoyu understands.”
Leng Yaoda nodded, then reached out to wrap some items in a handkerchief on the small table in front of her. She personally handed Baoyu the candied fruits and dried snacks that she liked.
“Here, you’ve worked hard today. Tomorrow, I’ll send someone to buy more preserved fruits from Chen’s shop, all for you to enjoy.”
Hearing her mistress say this, Baoyu felt a warmth in her heart and quickly accepted the treats.
Unable to contain her joy, she thanked her, “Thank you, Miss!”
Though they were just candied fruits and preserved snacks, her mistress’s words clearly showed trust in her, which made Baoyu feel genuinely happy.
In the elegant chamber on the third floor of the Victorious Spring Court, Zhou Yingkui picked up a fresh pair of chopsticks and placed a small spare rib in his bowl.
The two had already finished discussing official matters. The dishes Leng Yaoda had ordered earlier had gone cold, and these had been reheated and served again.”You two are truly wasteful, each taking only a few bites and licking the chopsticks before setting them down. Could it be that the dishes of my Victorious Spring Court don’t suit your tastes?”
As the Regent, Zhou Yingkui was known for his ruthless and cunning methods, always appearing decisive and efficient in public. Yet, no one would have imagined him to be so informal in private.
Shen Jinxiao smiled without saying a word, glancing out the window to check the time and deciding it was time to leave.
“It’s time. I’ll take my leave now.”
In front of Zhou Yingkui, Shen Jinxiao never referred to himself as “We.”
Zhou Yingkui set down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and stood up. “Leaving so early today?”
“Yes, there are still memorials left to review.”
Hearing this, Zhou Yingkui nodded. “Very well. You can rest assured about matters outside the palace, but take care of yourself within.”
As they parted, their conversation grew noticeably more serious. Zhou Yingkui’s expression turned calm, shedding his earlier casual demeanor.
“Oh, one more thing.”
Just as Shen Jinxiao reached the door, Zhou Yingkui’s voice sounded again. “Don’t forget the beauty’s request. She wept so pitifully, even I felt my heart soften.”
Hearing his slightly mocking tone, Shen Jinxiao gritted his teeth and said, “And you still claim you weren’t spying?”
Zhou Yingkui spread his hands in an innocent gesture. “Wrongfully accused! I truly wasn’t. I just happened to catch a glimpse of it by chance.”
Shen Jinxiao took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation, and left.
Zhou Yingkui watched from the window as the man walked away, the usual smile fading from his lips, a thoughtful glint flashing in his eyes.
“Sister Daji?” the man murmured softly.
Upon returning to Pear Water Residence, Leng Yaoda suddenly felt hungry.
At the Victorious Spring Court, she had been too focused on putting on an act with Shen Jinxiao, only picking two or three dishes and taking a bite or two of each, barely even tasting them.
Yingzhu noticed Leng Yaoda devouring three red bean pastries in a row upon her return, washing them down with tea to ease the richness. Sensing an opportunity, she approached the young lady.
“Miss, are you hungry? There are still some untouched hot dishes from lunch in the manor. Shall I take them to the small kitchen to warm up?”
Leng Yaoda nodded. “Alright, but just a little. Dinner is in an hour, so I’ll just have a small snack to tide me over.”
Upon receiving the order, Yingzhu hurried off to make arrangements. Meanwhile, Baoyu returned with two plump, oil-paper-wrapped packages, looking quite cheerful and relaxed.
“Baoyu, what did you buy?” Yingzhu asked upon seeing her.
Startled, not having noticed Yingzhu nearby, the young girl stiffened and turned around. “I… I just bought some candied fruits and preserves. The weather is getting hotter, and the miss instructed us to have some to relieve the summer heat.”
Yingzhu didn’t think much of it and simply walked over, saying, “The miss returned hungry earlier. Pick out some of the best ones and take them to her. I’ve already asked the small kitchen to warm up the dishes.”
Hearing this, Baoyu quickly went to prepare a small plate for Leng Yaoda. Seeing the exquisite preserves, the young lady’s appetite was whetted, and she ate quite a few.
After having dinner with her family that evening, it wasn’t long before Leng Yaoda began to turn pale, clutching her stomach as fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead.
Oh no, she had overeaten.
This body was delicate and fragile. Leng Yaoda was in such severe pain that, as soon as night fell, the entire household was alarmed. Even the Manor Physician and others gathered at Pear Water Residence.
Zhao Yujin’s heart ached for her daughter, and seeing her in such distress brought tears to her eyes.
“Your daughter is fine… Father and Mother need not worry.”
Soon, Leng Qi and Leng Lin, who lived farther from Pear Water Residence, arrived. As her elder brothers, they too cherished their younger sister deeply.”Little sister, how are you? Are you feeling better?”
Leng Qi asked the young girl, while Leng Lin went to inquire of the Manor Physician: “How is our little sister now?”
Before the Manor Physician could answer, they heard the distant voice of a servant from outside: “Master, Madam. The Prime Minister has arrived with his wife and two sons!”