章 15: Kunning Chapter 15: Zhou Yinzhi
Stay composed.
Take a breath.
Jiang Xuening consciously refrained from overthinking at the moment. The eyes, the very first gaze, marked the genesis of everything.
When a man admires a woman, his eyes easily reveal more than just affection. Amidst the love, there lurk desires.
However, when a woman looks at another woman she fancies, devoid of desire, the dynamic of the connection mirrors that of cherishing a close friend.
The remnants of her past seemed to cast a profound shadow, leaving her somewhat enigmatic.
After a mental readjustment, Jiang Xuening regained a sense of calm. Though her heart churned, she concealed it expertly.
Even with Shen Zhiyi standing in close proximity, unaware of the myriad thoughts that raced through Jiang Xuening's mind, she calmly instructed a palace attendant to fetch a small mirror. Upon seeing the reflection resembling a falling cherry petal, her eyes shimmered with a hint of fascination.
Shen Zhiyi had been taken aback by Jiang Xuening's beauty at their initial meeting, assuming Yan Lin's attraction stemmed solely from her looks—a departure from the typical courtly demeanor.
Reflecting on their shared childhood, Shen Zhiyi realized Yan Lin had never been overly fixated on physical desires. The second daughter of the Jiang family must possess qualities that endeared her to him.
Drawing closer, Shen Zhiyi couldn't help but smile, taking Jiang Xuening's hand. "Your words are endearing. It's no wonder Yan Lin likes you; I find myself drawn to you as well."
Jiang Xuening felt her knees weaken at the unexpected compliment, but she maintained composure. Suppressing the impulse to retract her hand, she feigned sincerity and trepidation. "Your Highness, forgive my nonsensical words. I am accustomed to such banter."
Witnessing Jiang Xuening's sudden change, Shen Zhiyi was perplexed. Unaware of the internal struggle and the emotions painted on Jiang Xuening's face, she frowned, about to inquire further.
A voice intervened, stating, "Your Highness, you frightened her."
Turning towards the source, Shen Zhiyi found a well-dressed woman beside her, only slightly less elegant. Clothed in luxurious Sichuan brocade, adorned with valuable pearls and a suet white jade bracelet, she exuded grace.
With distant mountain eyebrows and red phoenix eyes, and blue black hair cascading like a waterfall, she stood out in the flower hall. Although not initially striking like Jiang Xuening, her natural nobility commanded respect.
This was Xiao Shu, the Duke Cheng's mansion's eldest daughter, a fact Jiang Xuening recognized.
Or, more precisely —
In her previous life, she was the Xiao family's eldest daughter from the Duke Cheng's mansion, nearly slain by Xie Wei.
Initially observing silently, she now spoke up."
However, upon hearing this, Shen Zhiyi displayed a hint of dissatisfaction.
Xiao Shu chuckled, unfurled her incense fan, gazed at Jiang Xuening, then leaned in to whisper something into Shen Zhiyi's ear.
In response, Shen Zhiyi's eyes gleamed, and the previously unattractive scar beneath her left eye transformed into the likeness of a falling cherry blossom. The contrast illuminated her entire face.
She clapped her hands with a smile. "You have a brilliant idea."
Addressing Jiang Xuening, she added, "Today is crowded, but I'll seek you out for some leisure another day."
While Jiang Xuening didn't catch Xiao Shu's words, a sense of unease crept into her heart. In her past life, she and Xiao Shu were at odds, both being nearly the same age. She had married Shen Jie when he was still the Prince of Linzi, and their relationship had taken a turn for the worse after Shen Jie became emperor. Though Jiang Xuening had ended up in a dire state due to her family background, the current presence of Xiao Shu left her feeling apprehensive.
Politely agreeing with Shen Zhiyi, she gave only a subtle nod to Xiao Shu — a determination not to entangle herself with Xiao Shu.
In the future, Xie Wei would mercilessly take lives.
Xiao Shu, raised in the noble environment of the Duke's Mansion, possessed knowledge beyond that of an ordinary girl. She easily perceived Jiang Xuening's indifference from her small gesture, finding it intriguing.
With no overt expression, Xiao Shu merely shot Jiang Xuening a meaningful look before guiding Shen Zhiyi away.
The banquet at the uncle's mansion in Qingyuan had concluded, providing an opportune moment to meet the Duke's Mansion's eldest daughter and the court's eldest princess. Sensing the chance, sisters You Shuang and You Yue extended an invitation to the banquet, serving as judges to select the standout artist and poet from the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet.
Xiao Shu's literary and artistic works garnered praise, and after discussions with Shen Zhiyi, they chose You Yue's "Slim Chrysanthemum Picture" as the top painting and "Chongyang Thoughts" by Miss Fan Jia, the head of the Imperial Academy, as the leading poem.
Miss Fan, though conservative, proved stable in her artistry. However, You Yue's dedicated years of painting practice had finally borne fruit, earning her Princess Leyang's favor. Overjoyed, she nearly shed tears of happiness.
Jiang Xuening, lacking skills in drawing or writing, observed from the sidelines throughout. As the events concluded and Shen Zhiyi and Xiao Shu departed, she was the first to leave.
While assisting her into the carriage, Tang'er inquired cautiously, "Are we heading to the Sky Tower?"
Jiang Xuening glanced at the sky and estimated the time. The waterside pavilion remained lively after the flower hall concluded, and Yan Lin might not be able to join her immediately. Redirecting her attention, she remembered another pending matter.
"Go to Xiejie Hutong first."
Zhou Yinzhi resided in Xiejie Hutong.
Given its distance from the Forbidden City, this alley wasn't a preferred location for high-ranking officials requiring frequent court appearances or palace visits. Zhou Yinzhi, having achieved wealth later in life, had prioritized building connections over acquiring a grand mansion.
Upon reaching Xiejie Alley, Jiang Xuening observed two small black lacquered doors with aged copper knockers and a simple sign that read "Zhoufu."
It did appear somewhat humble.
She instructed Tang'er to knock on the door.
After a moment, a female voice responded from within: "We're here."
Subsequently, the sound of the bolt being removed echoed from the back.
Following a slight creak, the door swung open, revealing a delicate face that peeked out. Initially spotting Tang'er, the occupant's gaze then fell upon Jiang Xuening behind her. Despite the modest attire, it conveyed a sense of sophistication, prompting a moment of hesitation. "You are?"
Without a direct response, Jiang Xuening inquired, "Is Mr. Zhou not at home?"
The woman responded, "My lord went to the guard early this morning. I am uncertain when he will return. If it's urgent, you may wait in the hall, and I'll relay the message. However, I can't guarantee when the lord will be back."
Jiang Xuening hadn't anticipated having to wait. Nevertheless, with everyone already present, there seemed little point in making a fruitless trip. After a brief contemplation, she nodded.
The woman opened the door, gestured for Jiang Xuening and her maid to enter, then proceeded to the small courtyard. She called a young boy tending to a horse and instructed, "Nanzhou, go to the guard and fetch an adult. Inform him that there's a visitor at home with an urgent matter."
Nanzhou set aside his broom, ready to leave. However, Jiang Xuening halted him, suggesting, "No, simply inform your family that his cherished horse is gravely ill. Please ask him to return and attend to it."
Nanzhou stared at Jiang Xuening in bewilderment. Unaware of her identity and detecting no signs of malicious intent, he hesitated before nodding, saying, "I'll report it that way."
As Nanzhou departed, the courtyard, not overly spacious, contained only four or five rooms, with the central hall serving as the guest area. The woman introduced herself as "Yao Niang," a maid purchased by Zhou Yinzhi.
Inviting Jiang Xuening to sit, Yao Niang brewed tea, her demeanor betraying a hint of shyness and embarrassment. She apologized, "This year's new tea isn't the finest; I hope you'll be understanding."
Jiang Xuening had heard of Yao Niang in her previous life—a concubine favored by Zhou Yinzhi for many years, and some even claimed she was his favorite. Observing Yao Niang's humility, Jiang Xuening acknowledged, "It's quite alright. I'll only stay for a while. If your lord doesn't return soon, I'll take my leave."
Lifting the tea to her lips, she tasted Dongding oolong, finding it a bit astringent. Having developed refined tastes during her palace years, she chose not to force herself, taking only a sip before setting the cup aside.
After a wait of about two or three quarters, hurried footsteps echoed from the alley. Yao Niang hastened to meet the visitor and opened the door.
In walked Zhou Yinzhi, donning a black brocade robe adorned with dark embroidered cloud patterns. The small courtyard offered a clear view, and as Zhou Yinzhi glanced towards the entrance, he spotted Jiang Xuening seated in the main room, sparking a flicker in his eyes.
Entering the room, Yao Niang followed, but Zhou Yinzhi halted her. "Step outside."
Momentarily stunned, Yao Niang glanced at Jiang Xuening but refrained from saying anything. She merely responded, "If the lord requires the slave, please summon me."
Zhou Yinzhi, without hesitation, bowed to Jiang Xuening, "Last time, the second girl invited me, and Zhou had pressing matters, so I left without bidding farewell. I was impolite. Today, the girl has graced my humble abode in person. I hope the girl can forgive my lapse in etiquette."
Towering over the room, Zhou Yinzhi's apology was sincere. Jiang Xuening looked up at him and remarked, "You returned promptly."
"The guard had no urgent matters, and I was prepared to return," he explained.
Contrary to the belief, there's no shortage of tasks in the guard. When Nanzhou sought him out, Zhou Yinzhi was engrossed in a dispute between Zhou Qianhu and the Criminal Division. Upon hearing Nanzhou's mention of his ailing horse, he immediately sensed something was amiss. Having personally fed the horse that morning without noticing any issues, he knew it was a fabricated excuse.
Concerned, he swiftly informed the guard's officer before hurrying back. During the journey, Nanzhou confirmed that Jiang Xuening had indeed come to find him.
Zhou Yinzhi arrived with certain ambitions but displayed no arrogance in the presence of Jiang Xuening. Instead, he adopted a humble tone, suggesting, "Perhaps the girl could wait for a couple of days. If she didn't visit, I'll come to you."
Pretending surprise, Jiang Xuening inquired, "Really?"
Casually, Zhou Yinzhi explained, "Recently, Zhou Qianhu from Jin Yiwei apprehended a thief without seeking approval from the criminal department. Zhang Zhe used the incident to impeach him, arguing for severe punishment according to the law. While Zhou Qianhu has some court connections, resolving the matter won't be easy. I don't know the specifics, but at the very least, Zhou Qianhu's position is precarious. This leaves a vacancy for a Qianhu position, and I lack influential connections. Therefore, I planned to seek the second girl's assistance."
Unraveling the connection, he revealed that the sought-after vacancy was related to Zhang Zhe's involvement.
Jiang Xuening, unfamiliar with Zhang Zhe's early years, narrowed her eyes in contemplation.
She had a comprehensive plan when coming here, but Zhou Yinzhi unexpectedly laid his cards on the table first. Although it deviated from her expectations, it might expedite matters.
Considering this, she remarked, "Are you asking me to introduce you to Yan Lin?"
Seated at the lower end, Zhou Yinzhi's sharp eyes flashed momentarily, and he responded, "The Marquis of Yongyi's mansion rivals the Xiao family, and they hold sway in the court. Additionally, the girl shares a good relationship with the Marquis's son, who is expected to ascend in the coming years. If I can win the son's favor, I will undoubtedly serve the girl in the future."
Implicit in his words was the suggestion that she might marry into the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion.
In her previous life, Zhou Yinzhi made such a request to personally verify Shen Jie's identity. At the time, she believed Zhou Yinzhi could be manipulated, so she assisted him. However, knowing Shen Jie's identity in this life, she had nothing to seek from Zhou Yinzhi.
However…
Jiang Xuening gazed at him and smiled, "My father serves in the Household Department. While he may not oversee the official department, he holds a position within the six departments. If you seek a position as Qianhu, you should approach my father. But your desire to seek Yan Shizi through me surprises me. Why?"
Hearing her words, Zhou Yinzhi was overcome with an indescribable feeling—when did the second girl become so well-versed in court matters? Previously, she had been a pampered young lady, frolicking with Yan Shizi.
He looked at Jiang Xuening but remained silent.
Jiang Xuening continued, "I can introduce you to Yan Lin, but I have a question, which is also the purpose of my visit. Zhou Qianhu's fate remains undecided, yet you're already eager for me to introduce you to Yan Lin. Besides aiming for a Qianhu position, I suspect you're conducting investigations related to the old case of King Pingnan. Why else would you sneak into the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion?"
"Crunch!"
The sharp and piercing noise made Zhou Yinzhi's hair stand on end. Suddenly getting up, he dragged the chair beneath him, and the legs scraped against the ground, emitting a brief, grating sound.
His pupils constricted as he fixed an intense stare on Jiang Xuening.
The disbelief in his eyes was palpable!
It's crucial to note that he had only learned about this matter two days ago. The chief of the guard had summoned him today to provide discreet instructions—information kept under tight wraps, not disclosed to anyone!
Yet, Jiang Xuening now laid it bare!
How did she know?!
Observing Zhou Yinzhi's strong reaction, Jiang Xuening couldn't ignore the fact that her guess had hit the mark. In that moment, a pang of sadness welled up within her.
No wonder Zhou Yinzhi had met such a tragic end in his previous life. The implication of Yongyihou's mansion in the old case of King Pingnan's rebellion resulted in the confiscation and exile of Hou family. This fate was inextricably linked to him. No wonder later Xie Wei sought to end him with a hail of arrows, severing his head and displaying it at the palace gate…
And to think that she had once introduced this venomous snake to Yan Lin.
Jiang Xuening closed her eyes slightly and uttered, "Zhou Yinzhi, if you wish to survive, I can teach you how. This case is of immense significance, so do not delve too deeply into it. While success might bring temporary fame, waiting a little longer could spare you from a gruesome fate. I fear your head might end up in a different place, with no burial site to speak of."
After Jiang Xuening confronted Zhou Yinzhi, she engaged in a conversation with him before departing.
As the night advanced, she worried that Yan Lin might be left waiting for an extended period in the sky tower.
Once she left, Zhou Yinzhi remained seated in the hall, his face wearing a gloomy expression, motionless for an extended duration.
It wasn't until Yaoniang came in to look for him that he reacted, his expression frightening her: "My lord, what's wrong with you?"
Zhou Yinzhi didn't answer.
His gaze shifted to the small courtyard.
In the corner of the courtyard, a stable housed a fine bay-red horse, quietly grazing with its head lowered.
This was a horse that Zhou Yin had purchased for himself two years ago when he first assumed the role of Jin Yiwei Baihu. He fed it daily and occasionally took it for runs in the outskirts of Beijing.
He stared at it for a while before standing up and walking over to touch the beautiful and smooth mane of the horse.
The horse recognized its owner and affectionately nuzzled his palm.
However, Yao Niang, standing under the eaves, saw clearly that Zhou Yinzhi had drawn a knife from his waist with his other hand, prompting her to cry out in surprise.
"Pfft—"
When the sharp point of the knife pierced the horse's neck, a muffled sound ensued.
The horse, in pain, kicked up its front hooves and knocked down part of the stable. Undeterred, Zhou Yinzhi firmly held down the horse's head as copious amounts of blood sprayed, drenching him entirely.
Yet, the knife was relentless and precise, swiftly ending the horse's struggle.
Only then did Zhou Yinzhi lose his strength. Half-kneeling in the gruesome pool of blood, he clutched the bloodied knife in one hand and gently rested the other on the horse's head. Observing the creature's final moments, he softly uttered, "Remember, no one came looking today. My horse is sick."
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