Chapter 603

When Yun Duo arrived at the Zhao family general's residence, it was already very late; upon learning that someone from Rui Wangfu had sent a message in, the Zhao family's steward personally ushered Yun Duo inside, and not long after Jinzhi came over with people.

Jinzhi and Yun Duo had previously gone through many hardships together; earlier, at the Third Prince's residence, they were both rescued by Gu Jiu Ling, and together they entered Rui Wangfu to serve, becoming like sisters.

Yun Duo came to visit late at night; how could Jinzhi not take it seriously?

Jinzhi directly ushered Yun Duo into the side hall of the inner residence, and had someone bring up refreshments and tea.

Jinzhi pushed the teacup in front of Yun Duo and raised her hand to gesture with Yun Duo.

Although Gu Jiu Ling had mostly healed her voice, allowing her to make a few simple sounds, she was still accustomed to using sign language; now, with a few tones added, she could communicate smoothly with others.

「Yun Duo, little sister, why have you come to see me so late with something urgent? 」

Jinzhi's voice was hoarse.

Yun Duo didn't even have time to drink tea, and she told everything the master had instructed her to say.

「Young Madam, the Prince ordered me to deliver a message to the manor. 」

Upon hearing that Xiao Yin had sent the message, a hint of solemnity crossed Jinzhi's face.

「What does the Prince need the general's residence to handle? 」

Yun Duo slowly said: 「It's still the case of Qi Sha Gu. 」

Upon hearing it was the Qi Sha Gu case, Jinzhi immediately understood: 「Yun Duo, little sister, help me relay the message back later; tomorrow I will go beat the Tai Ping drum. 」

Jinzhi spoke with a firm tone, showing no hesitation.

The last time she beat the Tai Ping drum, those civil officials interfered and the matter wasn't resolved; she is determined to investigate the Qi Sha Gu case to the end.

Back then, her biological father was also framed in Qi Sha Gu; both publicly and privately, this matter is something Jinzhi cannot shirk.

Yun Duo had already prepared the words the Prince entrusted to her, but before she could speak them, Jinzhi voluntarily took on the responsibility.

She stared at her friend Jinzhi and said slowly: "Since you are willing to beat the peace drum again tomorrow, the Prince has a few things to make clear."

"Speak!" Jinzhi looked at Yun Duo.

Yun Duo said slowly: "Last time we beat the peace drum, many things happened in between, especially those conservative old‑guard who refuse to change the rules left by our ancestors; these are the people you must especially be wary of."

"The Prince will also send people to protect your safety; you can rest assured about that."

Jinzhi nodded.

These days she also wanted to help, but the conflict between civil officials and military generals has always existed.

Moreover, her identity as General Zhao's wife means that whatever she does now is wrong.

Zhao Lang also did not want her to be criticized by many people, so he sheltered her under his wings.

No matter how much those civil officials fuss, they dare not storm the Zhao family's general residence, for that would truly cause loss of life.

It was already late; Yun Duo dared not linger longer, exchanged a few intimate words with Jinzhi, and then left the general's residence.

Jinzhi returned to her inner courtyard with a heavy heart.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Lang had already returned at some point, took off his outer armor, and sat by the brazier to warm himself.

Although spring has arrived, this year's spring is especially colder than usual.

Jinzhi's health is poor; Zhao Lang bought a lot of silver-frost charcoal to bring back to the manor, which keeps warm, produces little smoke, and even has a faint fragrance.

"Has my husband returned?" Jinzhi hurried forward a step, smiling as she poured Zhao Lang a cup of hot tea.

Zhao Lang has been drilling troops at the South Camp in Jing Cheng these days, basically not coming back, yet he returned tonight despite the late hour.

Zhao Lang rose to take the tea Jinzhi had brought, but set the cup aside, seized Jinzhi's hand, and his expression became unprecedentedly stern.

"What is the Prince Rui's mansion asking you to do again?"

Jinzhi understood that Zhao Lang was angry; last time she beat the peace drum, Xiao Yin had guaranteed her safety, yet she never expected such a major conflict with the civil officials.

This time, if she goes to beat the peace drum again, it probably won't be so easy to get along with.

Zhao Lang drew a breath, his voice sinking and cold as he said slowly: "Back then, so many people died in Qi Sha Gu; not all of their relatives perished—only you remain."

"With so many relatives, anyone could step forward to bear the peace drum, except you."

"Last time the civil officials caused such a fuss; do you really think people's hearts are so easily controlled this time? Can Xiao Yin's word be trusted?"

"If you go to beat the peace drum this time, others will insist you kneel on nails—what do you think? Will you kneel or not?"

"You say Xiao Yin can protect you, yet he can't even protect himself sometimes."

"This time, going to beat the peace drum will surely bring more misfortune than fortune—I forbid you to go!"

Jinzhi sighed, holding Zhao Lang's waist a little tighter.

"I know you're doing this for my own good."

"But I also understand Prince Rui's intentions; the Qi Sha Gu case will certainly be retried."

"I, Jinzhi, am fortunate in three lifetimes to be the daughter of General An, and later to marry you and become the lady of the pillar‑state great general; such an identity will inevitably attract more attention, which is why Prince Rui wants me to go."

"Prince Rui keeps his word; since he said he won't let me come to harm, he will surely follow through. You shouldn't worry too much—everything will pass."

"My father, General An, died under mysterious circumstances; how could I possibly keep myself pure and untouched?"

Zhao Lang finally sighed, held Jinzhi tightly, then whispered: "I can't persuade you any further; if you go to beat the peace drum again tomorrow, you'd better rest early tonight."

Zhao Lang took Jinzhi's hand and walked toward the bed.

Jinzhi's cheeks flushed slightly; whenever this person returns from drilling, they always share intimacy.

Tonight he showed particular dissatisfaction; Jinzhi felt she owed him, so she went along with his nature.

Usually Zhao Lang also pities her health, but tonight he seemed to be venting some displeasure; Jinzhi was tossed about enough to feel choked, and she actually fell into a dazed sleep.

This sleep doesn't matter; the fragrance she smelled in her dream was completely different from usual incense, making her feel ever more drowsy after smelling it.

Jinzhi clearly remembered she had important matters to attend to, yet she slept so deeply she was almost unconscious.

Early the next morning, the spring chill was biting; passersby tucked their hands into their sleeves and hurried along.

In the morning, street stalls selling fruit, items for girls, and so on were countless.

The guards watching the peace drum had more than doubled; no one expected that this worst duty would now become an office everyone values.

Not long ago, right in front of the Peace Drum, I had just knocked down and killed a great scholar; now, the number of people patrolling around the Peace Drum has increased, but the older royal guards still couldn't help but yawn.

Suddenly, his expression froze there, and he instinctively slapped awake the guard beside him who was somewhat drowsy.

「Quick… quick look, someone's coming again!