Chapter 33: You Have the Courage of a Bear and the Bravery of a Leopard

Prince Yu had his own informants within the prime minister’s mansion, though they had not proven particularly useful until now. However, upon hearing that since Princess Zhao of the Zhao Kingdom had entered the mansion, the competition for favor had intensified, he decided it was time to seize the opportunity and ensure his people made a greater effort to capture Shen Zaiye’s heart.

As long as someone under his influence could captivate Shen Zaiye, he would feel more at ease.

For a man like Shen Zaiye, it was fortunate that he still had the weakness of “succumbing to beauty.” If he didn’t even have an interest in women, no one in the world would be able to contend with him.

On his way out of the palace, Shen Zaiye rode his carriage to the entrance of the prime minister’s mansion. Just as he was about to enter, someone suddenly emerged from the side again.

“Prime Minister, my master is awaiting your news.” The man, dressed in the attire of a household servant, immediately bowed deeply to him upon approach, his face brimming with flattery.

Glancing at him, Shen Zaive replied indifferently, “This is truly quite urgent. However, there is something peculiar about the study in my residence—it only opens at midnight. Please return and convey this to your master.”

The servant froze for a moment, then quickly nodded and dashed away as if flying.

It seems Minister Meng cares deeply for this daughter of his. Yet, displaying such haste and panic is akin to revealing his hand, which is hardly the mark of a clever person.

After all, he holds the rank of one of the Nine Ministers, so how is it that he cannot even compare to a woman like Jiang Taohua? At least up to this point, he still does not know what her hidden cards are.

“Master!”

As soon as he stepped inside the mansion, a woman in plain clothes named Meng rushed toward him. Shen Zaiji glanced sideways and was so startled that he took half a step back.

Her eyes were swollen and red, likely from crying the entire night. Her face was haggard, her nose red, and tears still glistened in her eyes. Her hair was not done up, simply tied loosely at the back, and her clothes were covered in dust. She looked as if she had gone completely mad.

With quick reflexes, Zhan Lu stepped forward and intercepted her just as she was about to throw herself on him. Meng Tingting, however, still struggled to reach out toward Shen Zaiji. “I am truly innocent, my lord,” she pleaded. “I did not order anyone to poison anyone!”

“I am investigating the truth. There’s no need for you to rush.” With a calm expression, Shen Zaiji replied, “If you are indeed innocent, I will clear your name. But if you deserve punishment for your actions, then do not blame me for being heartless.”

As for whether she was wronged or not, that depends on Lord Meng’s performance.

Meng Shi was taken aback, sensing that Shen Zaïye was not as angry as he had been the day before, and inwardly felt a surge of joy. She promptly straightened up and tidied her hair: “If my lord is still willing to give me a chance, I will be endlessly grateful!”

With a slight nod, Shen Zaïye had no desire to waste more time with her and turned to head back to Linwu Courtyard.

Jiang Taohua had been wandering around Linwu Courtyard all morning, and aside from the study, she had looked through every corner.

“The Prime Minister is quite the connoisseur of elegance.”

Gazing at the antique calligraphy and paintings collected on his flower stand, all works of refined and renowned scholars, she couldn’t help but murmur softly, “Truly, one should not judge a book by its cover. I thought someone like him would prefer collecting swords.”

“Why?” Qingtai asked curiously.

“Because he looks like the type who kills without batting an eye. Just last night, I even dreamed of him sharpening his sword in the courtyard at midnight.” Pouting, Peach Blossom thought for a moment and added, “But then again, that makes sense—he is a civil official, after all. He should be the type to dabble in calligraphy, paintings, and antiques.”

Someone approached quietly from behind. Sensing the presence, Qing Tai turned around sharply, only to meet Shen Zaiye’s deep, intense gaze. Frightened into silence, she immediately tugged at Tao Hua’s sleeve.

Tao Hua was still engrossed in examining a painting of a court lady, paying no attention to those around her. “Calm down,” she said without looking up. “Give me a moment. I haven’t yet figured out what kind of person Shen Zaiye really is.”

“What kind of person I am—how could you tell from looking at these?” Shen Zaiye sneered, reaching from behind to wrap his arms around her neck, his voice soft. “You should take a closer look at me in person.”

Like a venomous snake hissing near her ear, Jiang Tao Hua felt a shiver run down her spine, and she struggled immediately.

Yet, Shen Zaizhe’s hand, though not strangling her, seemed to have no intention of letting her go. The moss beside her wanted to step forward to save her, but was directly dragged out by the Zhanlu behind.

The situation isn’t looking good, better admit defeat quickly!

“Master~” Peach Blossom chuckled mischievously: “How did you come back so soon?”

Shen Zaizhe curled his lips, mimicking her tone: “Because I had to come back and see what you were up to~”

“I was just taking a casual stroll and had asked the servants beforehand. They said only the study is off-limits, so I dared to come here.” Peach Blossom blinked innocently and asked, “I haven’t offended any of your taboos, have I?”

“No, but I overheard what you said just now.” Shen Zaiye chuckled softly, leaning down close to her ear and whispering, “So you dreamt of me last night?”

A shiver ran through her, Peach Blossom covered her ears, her face instantly flushing red: “Ah… yes… yes.”

“In your heart, I am the kind of ruthless person who grinds a blade in the dead of night.” His tone tinged with sorrow, Shen Zaiye stood there, encircling her quietly, and whispered, “Yet, I am also quite pleased that you know me this well.”

Huh? Peach Blossom froze, staring at him in confusion.

In the room, there were only the two of them. Shen Zaoye appeared quite gentle on the surface, but she couldn’t quite figure out what was going on in his mind—whether he was pleased or displeased. All she could do was remain tense and watch his every move with caution.

His hand reached past her side, Shen Zaiye pinched a clean vase on the flower stand, giving it a gentle twist.

The seemingly solid shelf actually split in the middle, revealing a small compartment behind. Peach Blossom was stunned and stretched her neck to look inside. When she saw what was hanging on the wall, a cold sweat broke out on her back.

No way?

The entire wall was covered with swords and blades, reflecting a chilling gleam under the light streaming in from outside.

Peach Blossom felt her legs go weak. She turned to look at the man behind her and flattered him with applause: “So my lord is proficient in both literary and martial arts! I truly admire you from the bottom of my heart!”

Shen Zaiye didn’t turn his head, merely lowering his eyelids to glance at her, and said softly, “These swords and daggers are all crafted by renowned masters, and none have been unsheathed before.”

“They say that fine blades must be tempered with a beautiful woman’s blood to gain their spirit.”

Upon hearing this, Peach Blossom shuddered with a chill, then immediately straightened her expression and replied solemnly, “Those words are just lies they told you! Master, please believe me. My blood isn’t much different from pig’s blood—it’s all red blood, after all.”

I was about to continue teasing her, but upon hearing these words, Shen Zaiye nearly couldn’t hold back and almost laughed. With great effort, he managed to hold it in and let go of her disdainfully: “Are you saying that every night, I’ve been sleeping with a sow?”

“If that’s how you choose to think, there’s nothing I can do,” Jiang Taohua gritted her teeth, bearing the humiliation and said: “But I still think sleeping with me is more comfortable than with a sow!”

“……”

Releasing him, Shen Zaiye turned around and stood by the door for a while.

Taohua was startled, thinking someone had arrived outside, but after watching for a long time, no one came in.

“Master?”

“It’s nothing.” Clearing his throat, Shen Zaive said, “Your wounds are about ready for the stitches to be removed. These next couple of days, get plenty of rest and nourishment, then have the female physician come and see you.”

“Yes.” Taohua nodded. Although she was puzzled by his sudden mention of her injuries, she could sense that this man truly had no intention of taking her life right now. That was excellent news!

After lunch, Taohua brought Qingtai to the medicine room to brew the decoction for Shen Zaive.

Because the manor was unsettled, the medicine was watched over by the medical maid throughout the process, with only the maidservant tending to the fire. Even the water had to be checked by someone.

In this situation, Peach Blossom’s duty of serving the medicine was merely a formality. She just waited nearby for the medicine to finish brewing and then carried it back to the Linwu Courtyard.

“From afar, I thought the scenery over here looked exceptionally beautiful. So it turns out Lady Jiang is here.”

A woman’s voice carried from a distance, Taohua paused and glanced back over her shoulder.

Gu Huairou and another woman walked side by side toward this direction. It wasn’t Gu who spoke up, but the woman beside her who called out.

With a subtle raise of her eyebrow, Peach Blossom looked her over, then stood up and nodded in greeting.

She probably didn’t recognize the person beside her either, so Gu Huairou stepped forward and said, “This is Liu Shiyi, a friend of mine for many years.”

Attendant? Peach Blossom nodded and saw Madam Liu perform a graceful curtsy toward her with proper etiquette, then lift her head with a smile and say, “I haven’t had the chance to speak with you until now. What a fortunate coincidence today. I’ve accompanied Lady Gu to fill a prescription for medicine.”

“Where is your discomfort, lady?” Tao Hua inquired.

Lady Gu pressed her lips together. “It is indeed uncomfortable. I’ve had trouble sleeping since early on, and now I can’t even eat. It can’t be delayed any longer.”

Nodding, Taohua said, “If there is anything you need help with, just have a maid inform my Zhen Chun Pavilion.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

Watching nearby, Madam Liu covered her lips and smiled, “This truly is fate. Who would have thought that the two of you, who started off on the wrong foot, could now help each other out? Looking at you, Madam Gu, I am truly delighted for you.”

Is this genuine or feigned happiness? Jiang Taohua glanced at her twice, always feeling that this person wasn’t very reliable. She wanted to give Madam Gu a few words of advice, but they were close friends; speaking up rashly might come across as sowing discord.

It’s better to just quietly do my own thing.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two of them entered the pharmacy. Once Shen Zaïye’s medicine was ready, Peach Blossom carried the tray back to Linwu Courtyard.

Shen Zaïye was in bed reading a booklet, which had various messy drawings inside. From a distance, it was unclear what they were, but he was completely engrossed, even using a vermilion brush to gently mark them.

“Master, it’s time for your medicine.”

“Yeah.”

Watching her enter, Shen Zaive stealthily tucked the booklet beneath his pillow before calmly taking the medicine bowl and downing it in one go. After he finished drinking, Taohua quickly popped a candied fruit into his mouth.

With the overly sweet treat in his mouth, Shen Zaive furrowed his brow slightly: “Do you take me for a child?”

Using candied fruit to soothe someone after taking medicine?

Taohua smiled and said, “No one ever said only children can have candied fruit after drinking medicine. I saw these in the medicine room—they’re quite delicious, so I brought some back to help ease the bitterness for you.”

“I don’t like it.” Shen Zaizhe opened his mouth, ready to vomit, but Taohua was swift and sharp, slapping her hand over his mouth!

“Don’t waste it, the medical woman said these preserved fruits are extremely rare, a reward from the palace!”

Her face turned even graver. Shen Zaiye looked up at her and asked, “Who on earth gave you the guts to treat me this way?”

A shiver ran through her whole body, Peach Blossom timidly withdrew her hand and whispered, “Please calm your anger, sir…”