Chapter 710: Ah? Yanran, how dare she do this?! [Thank You]

The candlelight flickered.

Madam Chang shook her head slightly and hesitated to say, "Lady, with such heartless parents, will Yu Da's maiden marriage to our household bring trouble to Ye Ge?"

Bai Shi looked at Gu Tingye and asked, "Ye Er, what do you think?"

Gu Tingye lowered his eyes to the ground and said nothing.

Bai Shi glanced at Madam Chang, then said, "Ye Er, you are the legitimate son of the Marquis House; if this match falls through, we'll find another! If your heart refuses it, your mother will go to the palace—even if it angers the Empress!"

Gu Tingye raised his head and looked at Bai Shi. "Mother!"

When Bai Shi turned to him, Gu Tingye shook his head solemnly. "I am a man. If this match fails, I'll find another. But if our family does this, how will Miss Yanran ever find a suitable match again?"

Bai Shi waved her hand. "Ye Er, the Yu family is a scholarly and official household. If they don't suit us, we won't struggle to find another!"

Gu Tingye said urgently, "Mother, I've set my heart on Yu Da!"

"Your son has military merit and will enter officialdom through the imperial exams—not as a hereditary official! Should the Yu family ever face trouble, I'll stand before her to shield her."

Seeing his second son standing before him like a true man, responsible and upright, Bai Shi smiled, her eyes filled with pride, about to praise him—

Gu Tingye continued, "Besides, Jing Ge's sworn brother is Lord Lu the Young Duke! That young Yu official serves in the Ministry of Public Works—should he ever do anything, I'll have Jing Ge pull strings to ruin him!"

Seeing Madam Chang about to speak but holding back, Gu Tingye waved his hand. "Madam, don't worry! That Yu Er is even easier—I could pin him down with one hand!"

Bai Shi's smile vanished. She took a deep breath to steady herself. "Very well. Since you feel this way, I'll visit the Yu household several more times."

Gu Tingye nodded with a smile. "Yes."

"Go rest now. You must rise early for school tomorrow," Bai Shi said.

"Yes, Mother."

After Gu Tingye left the room, Madam Chang helped Bai Shi toward the bedroom.

At the bedside, Bai Shi sat on the edge of the bed and, after a moment's thought, whispered, "Ye Er is growing more and more like the Marquis."

Madam Chang nodded. "You're right, Lady."

She helped Bai Shi lay her legs upon the bed.

Looking up at Bai Shi's expression, Madam Chang spoke gently. "Lady, you've been in the Gu household for over twenty years. I've watched closely. Though the Marquis is loyal and still remembers the late Lady Qin, most of his heart now belongs to you."

Bai Shi nodded, lying back on her pillow. "Yes. Ye Er has chosen Yu Da—he won't easily change his mind. With all this happening, I wonder if she has any trusted maids."

Madam Chang lowered half the bed curtain. "Why not send Yi Jie to the Yu household? Let her ask questions, observe closely."

Bai Shi closed her eyes. "Good idea. When Yi Er goes to the Yu household, who manages the shops near Guangfu Alley?"

"Madam Wei."

"Mm. Tell her to keep a close eye on the Yu household's maids and servants—look for chances to gather information."

"Yes."

Saying this, Madam Chang lowered the other half of the bed curtain.

The next day,

In the morning,

Quyuanjie,

Yongyi Marquis House,

The sky now was far brighter than in winter.

A thin mist drifted slowly above the wide riding ground within the courtyard.

The lanterns before the wooden shed by the field had been extinguished, yet the fresh, clear hoofprints not far off were still visible.

Yin Bo sat with A Lan and Xun Shu on a bench before the shed, occasionally picking up an arrow from a pile beside him, inspecting it, placing the good ones to one side and the damaged ones to the other.

One side of the riding ground led straight to the main gate, where a carriage was now exiting.

"Ah~"

Gao Yun, riding a horse and covering her mouth as she yawned, saw several men standing motionless near the Xu household gate and quickly bowed in greeting.

Ahead of Gao Yun,

Xu Zaijing smiled and bowed. "Big Brother Gao, it's been a while. You've lost some weight."

Gao Yun, weary-faced, returned the bow with a smile. "Young Master Wu, I've been on official business outside the capital lately, often eating outdoors and sleeping under the open sky—but the results have been worthwhile."

As Gao Yun spoke, the several imperial secret police officers behind him also wore smiles.

Xu Zaijing nodded with a smile. "Then the hardship hasn't been in vain."

"Hahaha, you're right, Young Master Wu," Gao Yun laughed.

"How are Brother Zhao and the others?" Xu Zaijing asked.

"Fine! All very well."

Xu Zaijing nodded repeatedly.

Earlier, when Xu Zaijing returned from Beizhou and caused a ruckus at the Northern Liao embassy, he had helped the Imperial Secret Police capture two fish of different sizes.

So before the Northern Liao envoy mission even returned to Northern Liao territory,

Many of the Northern Liao intelligence agents stationed within the Zhou realm—those at the Regional Headquarters and the Zhuang Fo Terrace—had already been arrested by the Imperial Secret Police.

Since the New Year,

in places Xu Zaijing couldn't see, the Imperial Secret Police, having endured years of suppression, had achieved great success and finally avenged themselves.

Many officers who took part in the arrests would be promoted this year based on their merits.

The officers who came with Gao Yun were clearly favored by Zhao Meifeng and knew well that their success stemmed from this young master before them.

"Big Brother Gao, let's walk and talk."

Xu Zaijing smiled and gestured forward.

"Alright."

They turned their horses and headed toward the mouth of Quyuanjie.

Xu Zaijing and Gao Yun rode ahead of the carriage; Gao Yun and the others followed behind.

Before they had even left Quyuanjie, Xu Zaijing had explained the matter in full.

Gao Yun nodded. "Young Master Wu, this is a minor matter—I'll give you an answer in one or two days."

Xu Zaijing bowed with a smile. "Thank you, Big Brother Gao, for making this trip. Since it concerns the ladies of the household, please keep it discreet."

Gao Yun's face lit up. "Lately, the office has been swamped! By His Majesty's order,"

Gao Yun bowed toward the sky and continued, "we've taken in many new recruits. One of them is surnamed Li—he has ties to an old constable in Kaifeng Prefecture and was assigned to me as an apprentice."

"He's well-known, experienced, and thorough. The task you mentioned—investigating the maids and servants of the Yu household—would suit him perfectly."

Xu Zaijing nodded thoughtfully. "If Big Brother Gao says so, then it must be true."

Leaving Quyuanjie,

the hour was still early,

the streets held few pedestrians.

"Big Brother Gao, how is the situation in the north?"

Hearing this, Gao Yun smiled. "Most of Northern Liao's spies in our Zhou realm have been captured. They're now blind in the dark. Naturally, they've tightened their border defenses, terrified we'll attack."

Xu Zaijing nodded with a smile.

Gao Yun added, "By the way, the news may not have spread yet! Reports from the northwest troops say a new, fierce warrior has emerged among the Xu Marquis's cavalry scouts—a man surnamed Hua!"

Xu Zaijing's eyes brightened. "Oh? If the Imperial Secret Police call him fierce, he must have some remarkable battlefield feats?"

Gao Yun nodded vigorously, clearly impressed. "He and a comrade ventured into Northern Liao territory to scout enemy positions. Unluckily, they encountered a Northern Liao cavalry unit."

"The comrade was immediately shot in the shoulder. This man told his comrade to flee while he held off the cavalry."

Xu Zaijing: "What happened after?"

Gao Yun laughed. "Later, this man returned unharmed—and brought back over a dozen horses laden with Northern Liao corpses."

"They say his archery is extraordinary. When the wounded comrade looked back, he saw the man surnamed Hua was a divine marksman—arrows flew fast and struck every target right between the eyes."

"At first, they were being chased. Then, it was the man surnamed Hua chasing them."

"Young Master Wu, I've visited the Marquis House several times—have I seen this Hua warrior?"

Xu Zaijing shook his head with a smile. "You were outside the capital then—you wouldn't have seen him."

Gao Yun patted his saddle, sighing regretfully. "What a pity!"

Then his eyes lit up. "Do you know this warrior, Young Master Wu?"

"I do. We've practiced archery together."

"Good, good, good! When this warrior returns, you must tell me."

"Don't worry," Xu Zaijing smiled.

They exchanged a few more words before parting.

At 7:30 a. m.,

the morning light was bright,

Jiyin Alley,

the Sheng household,

After studying for an hour, the students in the classroom rose at Master Zhuang's signal—some stretching, others preparing tea or water.

Xu Zaijing stood up and stretched his waist.

"Young Master."

Yun Xiang held out two pastries on a sheet of paper to Xu Zaijing.

"Mm." Xu Zaijing nodded, took them, and ate.

Yun Xiang then went to the wooden table and brought over Xu Zaijing's large-handled porcelain cup.

As Xu Zaijing drank water, he caught Minglan's gaze out of the corner of his eye.

When he set down the porcelain cup and turned to look at Minglan, he found her still sipping her drink with her head bowed.

After a moment's thought, Xu Zaijing understood: she must have heard about Yanran yesterday afternoon at the old lady's, and was worried.

Then Xu Zaijing whispered two words to Yunxiang and added softly, "Talk more about this with Xique, Xiaotao, and the others."

Yunxiang quickly blinked to show she understood.

Seeing this, Xu Zaijing nodded with clear approval in his eyes.

So,

during the next morning break,

after Xiaotao whispered a few words into Minglan's ear, her expression grew much lighter.

Before long,

the day had passed.

Since the polo match, everyone had been attending class for ten straight days.

Xu Zaijing, Gu Tingye, and the others were fine—they were young, and though they rose early every day, they felt no hardship.

But Zhuang Xuejiu was old—he announced at the end of class that tomorrow would be a holiday!

The next day,

at the eighth hour of the morning (8 a. m.),

Quyuanjie,

Yongyi Marquis Mansion,

the courtyard of Xu Zaijing's quarters.

In the morning light,

"Chirp, chirp."

An unknown bird sang a melodious tune.

In the courtyard, the lush green grape arbor was thick with clusters of tiny green berries—grape blossoms.

Beneath the arbor, a large fish tank, polished to a glossy sheen, held fish swimming happily.

A cat with a golden bell around its neck padded silently toward the tank.

Before it could get close, a pair of pale hands lifted it up.

"Daring to come to our courtyard again? Afraid the young master won't punish you?" A girl's crisp voice rang out as she poked the cat's fluffy head with her finger.

Other flowering trees bloomed in the courtyard,

and bees buzzed as they landed on blossoms to gather nectar.

Through the branches, Xu Zaijing's study window, draped with gauze curtains, stood open.

From the courtyard, one could see Xu Zaijing's profile, focused on writing at his desk.

Not far from the study, two stunning twin maids were jointly carrying out a clothes-drying rack from the house.

At that moment,

a well-dressed matron entered the courtyard through the moon gate.

"Oh my, where's Xia Mama? How could you two carry this?" the arriving matron laughed.

"Greetings, Zhu Mama!" Yunxiang and her sister bowed and smiled. "Xia Mama is right behind us!"

No sooner had she spoken than Xia Mama emerged from the house, carrying a large wooden tub of laundry.

"Young Master, Zhu Mama is here," Qingcao called out, turning toward the study while holding the cat.

After calling out,

Qingcao glanced curiously at the woman following behind Zhu Mama.

"I'm here."

Xu Zaijing's voice came from inside.

Qingcao and Yunxiang exchanged glances, then hurried after Zhu Mama into the house.

Inside the main hall,

"Greetings, Fifth Young Master."

Zhu Mama bowed with a smile upon entering.

Xu Zaijing smiled and returned the bow.

Before Xu Zaijing could ask, Zhu Mama continued, "Earlier you said you needed a female sword instructor for the courtyard—well, the Liang family has sent this girl."

Xu Zaijing looked at the girl, about Qingcao's age, trailing behind Zhu Mama, and asked doubtfully, "This one… is the sword instructor?"

Then he laughed. "If she's been sent here, she must be skilled."

Zhu Mama smiled. "You're right, Fifth Young Master—this girl began practicing swordplay at ten, and is quite famous in the capital! The Huangfu family often invites her to appraise swords!"

Xu Zaijing nodded, then looked at Qingcao and the others by the door and said, "Come, your instructor is here—begin training."

Hearing this, the girl who had been quietly trailing behind Zhu Mama, eyes lowered and avoiding all glances, looked back in surprise.

She had assumed the Marquis's noble family wanted to watch her perform.

Turning around, she saw beside her a row of tall swords.

Her eyes widened further.

After studying them closely for a moment, she stared, dumbfounded, at Xu Zaijing.

"She's clearly an expert! You three are lucky," Xu Zaijing laughed to Qingcao and the others.

"Fifth Young Master, then I'll take my leave," Zhu Mama said.

Xu Zaijing rose. "Please, Zhu Mama, don't trouble yourself to see me out."

"No need to escort me," Zhu Mama smiled.

Xu Zaijing looked at the "female instructor" inside and said, "Qingcao, take this lady's surname."

The woman bowed deeply and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "My humble surname is Gong."

Xu Zaijing nodded. "Help Mistress Gong clean the swords."

"Yes, Young Master."

After speaking, Xu Zaijing returned to his study and resumed writing.

At the end of the ninth hour (11 a. m.),

Xu Zaijing, standing at the window to rest his eyes, saw Dan Mama enter the courtyard with a smile.

Beneath the courtyard's green shade, Qingcao and Yunxiang were each practicing basic stances with wooden sticks.

Dan Mama smiled upon seeing this, then bowed to Xu Zaijing at the window and said, "Fifth Young Master, the eldest miss has returned."

Hearing this, Xu Zaijing laughed. "Big sister's back?"

He stepped outside.

In the courtyard, seeing Qingcao and the others looking miserable and eager to follow him, he said, "Keep practicing."

"Ah?" Yunxiang's face fell.

Watching Xu Zaijing's retreating back, Huaxiang wiped sweat from her brow. "If I'd known, I never would've told the young master I wanted to learn swordplay."

In the main hall of the back courtyard,

"Fifth Young Master has come."

As the maid announced his arrival,

Xu Zaijing stepped in with a bright smile, lifting the bamboo curtain.

"Uncle!"

Gu Shixing rushed forward and threw himself at Xu Zaijing's legs.

"My dear nephew!"

Xu Zaijing scooped him up and tossed him lightly into the air.

Catching the laughing Gu Shixing as he landed, Xu Zaijing called out, "Big sister!"

Xu Xingdai, unwilling to be outdone, also grabbed Xu Zaijing's leg.

Xu Zaijing held his nephew with one hand, gripped the back of Xu Xingdai's robe with the other, and with a slight tug, sent Xu Xingdai flying into the air before catching him with one arm.

After playing with the children for a while, their personal maids carried them off to play elsewhere.

Seeing Qingzhi standing beside Pingmei, Xu Zaijing smiled. "Qingzhi, go to my courtyard, find Qingcao, tell them to stop practicing, then go together to the horse field and see Ma Er."

Hearing this, everyone in the room laughed. That boy A Lan was tending the horses at the field.

Qingzhi glanced at Pingmei.

Seeing Pingmei nod, she lowered her head shyly, bowed to everyone, and walked out.

"Big sister, why are you home today?"

Xu Zaijing sat down and smiled.

Pingmei smiled at her mother, sister-in-law, and brothers. "Of course there's a reason."

Hualan, seated nearby, said with admiration, "Little Fifth, it's about Yu's eldest daughter, Yanran."

Xu Zaijing's eyes flickered—he hadn't yet received any news about Yu's servants today.

"Miss Yanran?"

"Yes," Pingmei nodded.

"What happened to her?" Xu Zaijing asked.

Pingmei gestured for Hualan to speak. Hualan nodded. "Didn't the physician say Miss Yanran was frightened?"

Xu Zaijing nodded.

Hua Lan said with a touch of wonder: "Today, Miss Tingyi went to visit the Yu family and only then learned that last night, Yanran had caught the culprit herself!"

Seeing Xu Zaijing's puzzled expression,

Pingmei continued: "According to Tingyi, these past days, Yanran has often woken up startled at night, hearing strange sounds and seeing dark shadows."

"After telling the old master and mistress Yu, they summoned monks and Daoists, but their investigations yielded nothing."

Xu Zaijing nodded, listening intently.

Pingmei went on: "Then, last night, Yanran gathered the courage to hide in the dark outside the courtyard after the lamps were extinguished."

Xu Zaijing: "What? Outside, in the dark, at midnight?"

Pingmei nodded firmly, then continued: "In the late night, Yanran personally caught the maid who had been faking ghosts and spirits."

Xu Zaijing frowned: "Was it one of Yanran's personal maids behind this?"

Pingmei: "Yes! When Yanran tackled her from behind, the maid was terrified half to death—and before the old master Yu could interrogate her, she spilled everything."

Xu Zaijing smiled wryly and shook his head: "Come on, sister, I've met Yanran a few times—she gets startled even at raised voices. Truly, you can't judge a person by appearance. Impressive!"

Pingmei and Sun Shi exchanged a glance, then sighed: "When Mother-in-law heard about this, she was shocked—and deeply impressed!"

Xu Zaijing chuckled: "I imagine Bai's auntie will now look at this future daughter-in-law in a whole new light!"

(End of Chapter)