The doors of Heli Hall swung open, and Canglang, who had been sent away earlier, was called back. Upon entering, he immediately noticed their lord’s expression was as dark as ink. Beside him, Jinyun, ever observant, noticed that Miss Song’s hair was now restyled, her clothing slightly crumpled, and the tips of her hair still damp.
Jinyun’s heart leapt in alarm: Could the lord have lost control of himself…?
“Lost your mind?” Xiao Yan’s sharp, cold gaze swept over him, laced with warning.
Jinyun quickly lowered his head, the tension in his chest easing. If the lord had succeeded in his "endeavor," he would likely be in a cheerful mood. Instead, this sullen, irritated state made it clear nothing had happened. Quietly backing away, Jinyun heard Xiao Yan’s cold voice: “Prepare the carriage. We’re going to see Gu Helian.”
Canglang hesitated. “The head of the Gu family has been in a terrible mood lately. He might refuse to see you…”
Xiao Yan glanced up, his tone icy. “Tell him it’s about the Princess Consort of Cheng.”
“Will that work?” Canglang muttered. “Last time you used her name to bait Gu Helian, only to discard him afterward. He nearly started a fight with you. These days, he can’t stand the sight of you…”
Xiao Yan’s brow furrowed as he raised his foot and kicked him.
Jinyun swiftly clamped a hand over Canglang’s mouth, wrapping an arm around his neck to drag him out of the hall. “My lord, we’ll prepare the carriage right away!”
“Mmmph! Mmmph!” Canglang’s muffled protests echoed as he was hauled out.
Once they were under the eaves outside, Jinyun released his grip. Canglang, nearly suffocated, coughed violently and shot him a glare. “What was that for? Were you trying to strangle me?!”
Jinyun scowled. “If I didn’t, our lord might’ve beaten you to death.”
“But I wasn’t wrong…” Canglang muttered.
Indeed, Gu Helian had been irritable lately, snapping at anyone who crossed his path. When he stayed at the Tang residence, he at least managed a polite demeanor. Ever since he argued with the Princess Consort and moved out, anyone who ran into him—including Xiao Yan—received a frosty glare.
Canglang muttered under his breath, “Gu Helian’s probably still holding a grudge over being used to fend off those Lu family assassins outside the city. Do you think he’ll give us a warm welcome now?”
Jinyun rolled his eyes. “Grudge or not, just do as the lord says.”
After all, when was their lord ever reasonable when in a bad mood? His current expression was as cold as an ice cellar. The best course was to comply. Anything else was asking for trouble. Dragging Canglang along, Jinyun added, “Stop complaining and get the carriage ready.”
Grumbling, Canglang rubbed his neck and shuffled off. Meanwhile, Jinyun sighed, turning back to prepare for the outing. Just as he took a step, he froze, his head snapping toward the corridor. “Who’s there?”
“It’s me,” came a calm voice from the cross-corridor.
Jinyun turned and relaxed when he saw who it was. “Mr. Yue, it’s you?”
Mr. Yue, holding a folded fan, appeared scholarly and refined in his green robes. Though middle-aged, his warm smile and unhurried demeanor made him seem approachable. Fine lines crinkled around his eyes as he spoke gently, his tone soothing.
“I was planning to leave the city for some business but remembered I left something behind and returned. Wasn’t the lord at the palace earlier to handle the Lu family matter? Why are you all still here?”
“It’s been resolved, so he came back early.”
“And now you’re heading out again?” Mr. Yue asked with a faint smile.
Jinyun smiled back. “The Lu family’s dealings are intricate. The ledgers presented to His Majesty have some unclear accounts. The lord plans to consult Gu Helian, given his business acumen, to see if he can provide any leads.”
Mr. Yue nodded thoughtfully. “I see.”
“Would you like to see the lord? He’s still in the manor,” Jinyun offered.
Mr. Yue shook his head. “No need. I haven’t completed the task he assigned me. Once I have, I’ll report to him.”
The two exchanged pleasantries briefly before Mr. Yue departed. After he left, Jinyun’s polite smile faded, replaced by a frown. Watching Mr. Yue’s retreating figure, he turned to a guard stationed nearby. “When did Mr. Yue return?”
“Around noon.”
“Did he spend the entire afternoon retrieving his belongings?”
The guard looked puzzled but answered honestly, “After returning, Mr. Yue met briefly with Steward He and then stayed in the Qingyu Pavilion.”
The Qingyu Pavilion housed the Xiao manor’s guest scholars. Jinyun pressed further, “He didn’t go anywhere else?”
“No.”
Only then did Jinyun’s expression relax slightly. “Very well. Carry on.”
The guard resumed his post as Jinyun cast one last glance in the direction Mr. Yue had gone before returning to Crane Cry Hall.
Xiao Yan, usually adept at concealing his emotions, had regained his composure by the time Jinyun returned. He emerged with Song Tangning, who was now tidied up and presentable, looking as calm as ever. As Jinyun approached, Xiao Yan glanced at him. “Is the carriage ready?”
“Canglang is taking care of it,” Jinyun replied, then added in a low voice, “Mr. Yue didn’t leave the manor today.”
Xiao Yan’s expression didn’t change. “What was he doing?”
“He spent the entire afternoon in the Qingyu Pavilion and only left recently.”
Xiao Yan gave a faint, mocking laugh. “Understood.” He said nothing more, and Jinyun stepped aside, remaining silent.
Song Tangning, who had been following closely, perked up at the mention of "Mr. Yue." Curious about the scholarly man she had only met briefly, she listened intently. But seeing Xiao Yan’s demeanor, her curiosity turned into suspicion. Could I have been wrong to think Mr. Yue was my brother’s trusted confidant?
Fiddling with her skirt, she tiptoed closer to Xiao Yan and whispered, “Big Brother, is Mr. Yue a bad person?”
Xiao Yan chuckled at her sneaky behavior. “Not exactly. He’s one of the emperor’s men.”
Tangning’s eyes widened. “But I heard he was a minor official in the southern provinces, wrongfully accused, and saved by you.”
She recalled hearing from Steward He about Mr. Yue’s tragic past. She had felt pity for such a talented man, falsely accused and driven from the court. But now, it seemed Mr. Yue had a different allegiance altogether.
Xiao Yan shrugged. “I did save him. It was a trivial matter at the time, and since he seemed capable, I kept him around.”
“Then why…” Tangning puffed up in indignation.
“Between a eunuch with significant power and an emperor who controls life and death, it’s not surprising where his loyalties lie.”
Seeing her cheeks puffed in frustration, Xiao Yan chuckled softly. “People seek different things in life. I can offer him wealth and status, but the emperor can ensure the prosperity of his entire family for generations.”
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You can read ahead to chapterr 300 (100+ extra chapters) here
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