Chapter 169: His Thoughts (Seeking Monthly Votes)

His Thoughts (Seeking Monthly Votes)

A bout of passion burned like fire. When Yin Fengzhan walked out of the room, it was already more than an hour later.

The blaze at Ningxiang Yuan was finally put out, yet the whole Ningxiang Yuan was already almost completely burned away. The remaining broken walls and shattered pillars were so few they could be counted on the fingers.

Night, quiet. The entire Chen Wangfu also returned to calm. When Yin Fengzhan arrived at the front courtyard, the yard outside the main hall was already filled with kneeling people. Yin Fengzhan walked past them one by one, then entered the main hall, also packed with kneeling people, and proceeded straight to the seat of honor.

In the main hall and the courtyard, torches flickered, casting their light onto Yin Fengzhan's cold yet stern face, giving it an awe‑inspiring chill. His gloomy eyes glimmered with a trace of malice. Seeing this, the only person not kneeling, Yin Fengxuan, couldn't help but shiver all over, but he still stepped forward and whispered.

"Four, Fourth Brother…"

Yin Fengxuan had been reckless since childhood, defying discipline, and even Zhang Guifei could do nothing about him. Yet across the world, only two people could keep him in check. Those two were Prince and the one who had grown up with him since childhood, Yin Fengzhan.

Now that Yin Fengxuan had caused such a huge disaster, although Nie Jinxuan hadn't died—considered a blessing in misfortune—Yin Fengxuan still felt overwhelming shame about what happened tonight.

But at this moment, Yin Fengzhan acted as if he hadn't heard anything, not even glancing at Yin Fengxuan, remaining expressionless as he sat there. He then lifted his eyes to scan the kneeling crowd before him, and his gaze shifted to Gu Hong standing nearby.

"How is it going?"

"In reply to the Prince, the fire has been extinguished. Apart from Ningxiang Yuan, the surrounding courtyards suffered little damage. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is certain that it was deliberate."

"Who did it?"

"…This old servant is still investigating."

Although feeling deeply responsible, Gu Hong reported the facts. Upon hearing this, Yin Fengzhan said nothing, then swiftly changed the subject.

"Shui Yun."

"Yes, reporting to the Prince, this evening when the lamps were being tended, I discovered the candles were tampered with; they were laced with a narcotic. Once lit, anyone in the room would gradually fall asleep. So I immediately informed Third Miss. Third Miss, fearing the worst, left together with me and Xiao Xiu, thus escaping the disaster."

In front of everyone, Shui Yun did not go into too much detail; some matters were deliberately omitted. Yet Yin Fengzhan's face instantly darkened.

"Where did the candles come from?"

"Xiao Xiu took them from the rear courtyard's steward in the evening, retrieving them from the storeroom."

Lowering his head, Shui Yun remained expressionless. As soon as Shui Yun finished speaking, a steward from the rear courtyard, voice trembling, pleaded.

"Prince, spare me, Prince, spare me, I truly know nothing! I really know nothing! I was just following the usual routine, bringing Xiao Xiu in to fetch something, and did nothing else, Prince. You must believe me, I truly know nothing…"

Everyone was no fool; Ningxiang Yuan caught fire without cause, and now they claim it was the candles. This plainly shows someone deliberately wanted to end the life of the Nie family's Third Miss! And that Third Miss is the beloved of our lord; if she were implicated, it would be no joke.

"The candles were taken from your hands; why didn't you know?"

"Prince, I truly know nothing, I swear everything I say is true, Prince, you must trust me, I really did not lie…"

Jia Yuan, now in his thirties, has been in the Wangfu for several years. Since the last time Aunt Wu and Nie Jinxuan had a feud and he was transferred to Shuyu Xuan, he was promoted to steward of the rear courtyard. Jia Yuan is naturally timid, so he was already terrified by the current events, only knowing to kowtow and beg for mercy, hoping Yin Fengzhan would believe him.

But at this moment, seeing Jia Yuan already weeping and repeatedly kowtowing, Yin Fengzhan immediately turned his gaze to Xiao Xiu.

"Xiao Xiu, did you take the candles?"

"Yes…"

Xiao Xiu was also timid, but not stupid, so when Yin Fengzhan questioned her, she trembled all over with fear, yet hurried to explain.

"Prince, Prince… the candles, I— I took them… but I have never harbored any ill will toward the Miss. Moreover, after Shui Yun inspected, not only the candles given to the Miss's room were faulty, but also the candles I took to my own room were problematic. So Prince, it truly wasn't me; I have served the Miss for so long that even if I died, I would never harm her…"

"Then how do you explain the candle incident?"

"I don't know… Moreover, after the Miss took me and Shui Yun away, she also asked me this question. Later I recalled something: when I was leaving the storeroom and passing the rear courtyard kitchen, I saw Aunt Zhou moving things, so I set the candles down and went to help…"

If Nie Jinxuan had not previously asked Xiao Xiu, Xiao Xiu would have already been crying like Jia Yuan now, terrified by Yin Fengzhan. At that moment, hearing Xiao Xiu mention herself, Aunt Zhou in the courtyard trembled all over and then 'thump' fell to the ground, kneeling.

For a moment, the vast Chen Wangfu courtyard and the main hall fell silent. Everyone held their breath, daring not to speak a word.

Clearly, Yin Fengzhan intended to investigate the matter thoroughly. As he personally interrogated each person, Yin Fengxuan, standing aside, grew increasingly nervous and stepped forward again.

"Four, Fourth Brother…"

Yin Fengxuan's voice quivered slightly, and as he spoke, he turned his head to glance at someone kneeling before him, then clenched his teeth and directly looked at Yin Fengzhan, saying

"Fourth Brother… actually today, today I…"

"You go back first."

Yin Fengxuan was about to reveal the truth, but before he could finish, Yin Fengzhan cut him off instantly. Hearing this, Yin Fengxuan was momentarily stunned.

"Um… Fourth Brother, actually tonight's matter, I…"

"This has nothing to do with you, go back!"

He spoke again, and as soon as the words fell, Yin Fengzhan instantly turned his gaze to Yin Fengxuan. The cold, stern eyes shocked Yin Fengxuan, leaving him at a loss for words.

Seeing this, Yin Fengzhan pursed his thin lips, then without hesitation spoke directly to Gu Hong beside him

"Gu Hong, send someone to escort Prince Gong back to the residence."

"Yes."

"Um… Fourth Brother…"

"Prince Gong, please."

Yin Fengxuan wanted to say more, but Gu Hong had already stepped forward and made the 'please' gesture. Seeing this, Yin Fengxuan furrowed his brows in confusion, then turned and followed Gu Hong out.

Yin Fengxuan didn't understand why Yin Fengzhan let him leave without hearing his truth, and just as Yin Fengxuan was about to depart, Yin Fengzhan's expression suddenly softened, then he coldly stared at the kneeling crowd and said in a deep voice

"Tonight's incident, I have already inquired about, and you all heard it. The candles were tampered with midway, and it happened in the rear courtyard, so everyone in the rear courtyard bears responsibility!"

After Yin Fengzhan left, Nie Jinxuan fell asleep not long after. When she awoke, the sun was already high in the sky.

She sat up, but as soon as she moved, she let out a sigh, then couldn't help cursing

"That bastard, why didn't he tone it down!"

Recalling Yin Fengzhan's brutality last night, Nie Jinxuan couldn't help complaining, but she wasn't foolish; she understood Yin Fengzhan's intent. After all, if it had been Yin Fengzhan who caused the trouble, she would have been terrified half to death.

But the point is, it wasn't that she didn't want to tell him; it was how could she have told him under those circumstances! After all, when she discovered the candles were problematic, she only thought something was wrong and that something would happen at night, so she fled. She never imagined the other side would use arson so viciously against her.

And even if she had told him then, what would have come of it? Without evidence, it would only have made her angry, perhaps even worse, leaving her on edge.

Of course, besides all this, Nie Jinxuan also had her own thoughts: she believed she could handle the matter herself, so why bother informing him? She didn't want to put him in a difficult position, nor make him worry about the filthy affairs of the rear courtyard. She simply miscalculated his malice, which turned out so decisive!

Indeed, arson is a good method. If the plan succeeded, it would completely kill her, removing the thorn in his eye. Even if it failed, and she wasn't burned, Ningxiang Yuan would be destroyed, and a discarded woman like Nie Jinxuan would have no reason to stay here!

Whether it succeeds or not, the goal is achieved; truly a viciously clever scheme!

So thinking of this, Nie Jinxuan couldn't help but sigh, but also found it funny. Then she got out of bed and put on her clothes… At that moment, perhaps hearing the sound, Shui Yun and Xiao Xiu pushed the door open and walked in, attending Nie Jinxuan with washing up and dressing.

After a few days together, Shui Yun and Xiao Xiu worked in perfect sync. When Nie Jinxuan finished tidying up, Xiao Xiu had someone bring the breakfast in. Sitting at the table, looking at the exquisite yet simple and varied dishes before her, Nie Jinxuan couldn't help but frown and say

"Ah, didn't I already say I can't eat much in the morning? Why prepare so much?"

"It's early morning—who can eat a lot? I'm not a pig; leftovers would be waste!"

Nie Jinxuan felt helpless, and upon hearing that, Xiao Xiu immediately laughed and replied

"Miss, you don't know this—these were specially arranged by the Prince, so you should eat more; it's the Prince's kindness."

"He's being kind, but the point is I'm the one eating, and it's a hassle for the kitchen to make so much—pure waste! He just opens his mouth, says something, and makes everyone below work all day; everything ends up being his doing…"

She complained two sentences, intentionally or not, but while speaking, Nie Jinxuan's mouth corner involuntarily twitched slightly. Then she pursed her lips, lifted her eyes, and said to Xiao Xiu and Shui Yun

"Fine, you two haven't eaten either, so sit down and eat with me; otherwise I'll be bored eating alone."

"Oh dear, Miss, that's not allowed; how could we servants share a table with you? That's impossible."

"What's impossible? I'll have you both eat, that's that. You're being disobedient, aren't you~!"

Nie Jinxuan pretended to be angry, but as soon as she said that, Shui Yun and Xiao Xiu exchanged a glance, then, unable to argue further, simply sat down as told.

Though Nie Jinxuan remained calm and composed, deep down she's still a modern person, so notions of hierarchy aren't strong. After this meal, the few servants and she were cheerful; after eating, Xiao Xiu had someone clear the dishes, but just then a messenger's voice rang from outside the room

"Reporting Third Miss, the Duchess of Qi has arrived."

The messenger was the old gatekeeper Lao Wang of Chen Wangfu, and upon hearing that the Duchess of Qi had arrived, Nie Jinxuan answered without hesitation, and a moment later the Duchess of Qi entered briskly with her daughter Qiu Pingtian. Before Nie Jinxuan could speak, the Duchess of Qi stepped forward and said

"I heard this morning that Chen Wangfu caught fire; Third Miss, are you alright?"

The Duchess of Qi truly cared about Nie Jinxuan. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan smiled faintly, then helped the Duchess of Qi to a side seat, and said with a smile

"Madam, you can see I'm fine! But I'm sorry to have made you worry."

"Worrying is nothing; as long as you're unharmed, that's all that matters."

She sat down, glanced at Nie Jinxuan, and only after confirming Nie Jinxuan was truly fine did the Duchess of Qi sigh in relief. At this point, Qiu Pingtian also jumped up and said

"Oh dear, Sister Xuan doesn't know—when Mom heard Chen Wangfu was on fire, she didn't think much at first, but then learned the fire was at your residence Ningxiang Yuan, and Mom and I instantly panicked. We rushed over… Now that you're fine, Mom and I are relieved."

The fate between people is indeed mysterious; perhaps someone you've known for years isn't your true confidant, while a stranger met yesterday may become your close friend the next day.

And Qiu Pingtian smiled, her lips curving, revealing a pair of small tiger teeth; her white cheeks showed tiny dimples, utterly endearing. So, looking at this mother‑daughter pair, Nie Jinxuan felt deeply moved.

"I'm truly sorry for making you and Pingtian worry, but I'm fine, really fine."

"Well, it's good you're fine. Still, how could a fire break out when everything was fine? And why did it happen in the courtyard where Third Miss lives…"

The Duchess of Qi isn't clueless; many things she doesn't fully know, yet she has a sense of them. Nie Jinxuan also understood the Duchess's meaning, and only gave a slight smile… But before Nie Jinxuan could speak, another messenger announced that Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang had arrived.

……

Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang, like the Duchess of Qi, had also heard about the incident at Chen Wangfu early that morning and rushed over. Not long after his arrival, Mo Yujue and the Minister of Punishments Zuo Wei came one after another. Only when everyone saw Nie Jinxuan unharmed did they sigh in relief.

In an instant, the once spacious room became packed with people. Everyone chatted, the atmosphere remained cheerful. Unintentionally, Nie Jinxuan noticed that the usually lively Qiu Pingtian suddenly became shy, repeatedly glancing toward one direction; Nie Jinxuan raised an eyebrow, looked that way, and saw she was staring at Prince Rui Yin Fengxiang.

It makes sense—Yin Fengxiang has been frail since childhood, so he rarely appears publicly. Even many members of the royal clan have never seen him, let alone Qiu Pingtian. Yin Fengxiang is exceptionally handsome; when she first saw him, she was stunned, let alone the love‑struck Qiu Pingtian.

Seeing this, Nie Jinxuan burst into laughter. Yet she also knew this matter couldn't be discussed openly; even if she wanted to matchmake, she'd have to speak privately with both sides first, see if they both consent.

So Nie Jinxuan weighed her thoughts. At that moment, a crying voice instantly shattered the room's laughter, and a petite figure burst in

"Wuwu… Third Miss, Third Miss, help me! Third Miss, save me, I beg you, please save my lady! Third Miss, I beg you… wuwu…"

……

The newcomer, with a runny nose and tears, cried out, startling the room's people into a nervous laugh. Nie Jinxuan narrowed her eyes and realized the newcomer was Qin Yuxia's maid Xiao Lian.

Nie Jinxuan didn't have a strong impression of Xiao Lian, but saw she was a shrewd maid, even more calculating than the not‑very‑bright Qin Yuxia. Yet seeing her pitiful state, Nie Jinxuan frowned and asked softly

"What's wrong, Xiao Lian? Why are you crying like this? Get up first, then we'll talk."

Nie Jinxuan was suspicious. Hearing that, Xiao Lian, still on her knees, ignored the surrounding people and simply shook her head

"No, Third Miss, if you don't answer, I'll kneel here to death and won't get up. Third Miss, I beg you, please save my lady… wuwu…"

Xiao Lian persisted, but upon hearing this, Nie Jinxuan's complexion darkened

"I don't even know what happened yet, and you're making me promise? Is that appropriate? Or, Xiao Lian, are you threatening me?"

"No, Third Miss, I'm not meaning that, I'm just—"

"I don't want to hear excuses; if you have something, stand up now, explain clearly, otherwise how can I help you?"

At this moment Nie Jinxuan wore a serious face, and seeing this, Qiu Pingtian couldn't help but interject

"Exactly, you're pleading for your master, but you also need to tell the matter. You say nothing, just stay down, forcing Sister Xuan to agree, that's too much! Speak up if you have something."

Xiao Lian didn't know Qiu Pingtian, but seeing her attire and hearing her call Nie Jinxuan 'Sister Xuan', she realized Qiu Pingtian's background was significant. She wiped her tears, nodded obediently, then staggered to her feet… Seeing her stand, Nie Jinxuan pursed her lips, then asked

"Alright, speak now—what exactly? That Qin lady isn't fine, why do you say I should rescue her?"

"To answer Third Miss, the matter is this… Last night Ningxiang Yuan caught fire, then the Prince personally investigated, but clues were few; only that the candle in Third Miss's room had been tampered with, and the fire spread so quickly, which seemed suspicious. Therefore, the Prince concluded the arsonist must be from the Houyuaner. In anger, he ordered the Houyuaner's concubines to leave the Prince's residence immediately, otherwise they'd be sent for investigation… wuwu…"

Xiao Lian stammered, but finally couldn't hold back her tears. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan was instantly shocked

"What? You say the Prince wants to expel people?"

"Yes, yes… wuwu… The Prince said they're jealous and malicious, thus they'd harm Third Miss, so such wicked people must not stay in the Prince's residence… wuwu… But Third Miss, my lady is innocent! She's sharp‑tongued and often offends others, but she's not that malicious. Now the Prince wants her to leave… where can she go? She's a secondary daughter; back at her mother's house she suffered discrimination from the main wife's lady, and if she leaves the Prince's residence she'll have no way to survive… wuwu… So, Third Miss, I beg you, please save my lady; she's truly innocent, and if she leaves the Prince's residence she'll die… wuwu…"

Xiao Lian's cries were heart‑wrenching; she could not imagine her lady having no future after leaving Chen Wangfu—only death. Hearing this, Nie Jinxuan was greatly startled and furrowed her brows

No one knows Yin Fengzhan better than Nie Jinxuan. Although last night's incident had few clues, it wasn't without leads. With Yin Fengzhan's methods, how could the culprit not be found?!

Yet now he claims everyone in the Houyuaner is responsible, clearly unwilling to investigate further. Is he trying to use this chance to wipe out the entire Houyuaner in the Prince's residence?!

Thinking of this, Nie Jinxuan didn't know what to say. After all, she was the one who said she'd be with one person for a lifetime. Yet she never said he should…

Thus, after this calculation, Nie Jinxuan understood internally. Then she narrowed her eyes and asked the petite Xiao Lian

"Xiao Lian, did Qin's lady send you to plead with me?"

"No, Third Miss… wuwu… My lady doesn't know. My lady fainted from crying earlier, so I… I dared to come to plead with Third Miss… wuwu…"

"Fine, since you say so, I'll believe you. But Xiao Lian, there's one thing I must ask: last night, was your lady truly innocent?"

Today's chapters are still merged, tomorrow's chapters will be many, everyone don't forget to cast monthly votes~!