With a slight exertion of force, Chu Ruoyan found herself seated on Yan Zheng's lap. Afraid of putting pressure on his legs, she dared not struggle too hard. After a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, she whispered, "Let me go first!"
Yan Zheng not only refused but tightened his arms, pulling her even closer.
Helpless, Chu Ruoyan relented, "Fine, I’m not angry anymore."
"Really?"
"Truly. Didn’t I let it slide when you sent me that book yesterday?"
At the memory of Yongniang, Chu Ruoyan’s ears burned. She cursed inwardly—what kind of man gifts a woman such scandalous literature?!
Yet Yan Zheng frowned. "What’s wrong with that book? I thought it was your favorite."
"How could I possibly—" She cut herself off mid-sentence, studying his expression. "You haven’t read it, have you?"
Yan Zheng nodded and briefly explained how he’d purchased the book the previous day.
Chu Ruoyan nearly laughed. So it was all a misunderstanding—this fool had no idea what "shameless" truly meant!
A mischievous thought crossed her mind. "Ah, I see. Well, you should read it then. It’s an excellent book—a biography of a woman who saved five men in succession. I’m sure you’d learn a great deal from it."
Yan Zheng was puzzled. Weren’t women supposed to prefer sentimental romances? What use would such a tale be to him?
But seeing the playful glint in her eyes, he smirked. "Fine. But from now on, you can’t shut me out."
Chu Ruoyan’s lips twitched.
Shut him out? As if he ever waited for permission!
Aloud, she said, "Very well. I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you anyway. It’s just… thinking of Second Sister…"
The dream had felt too real—Chu Ruoyin confessing, then strangled with a white silk cord. The horror had made her lash out at him.
Pleased with her answer, Yan Zheng was about to speak when Yulu burst in, flustered. "Miss! Miss—oh!"
The maid gasped, covering her eyes at the sight of Chu Ruoyan perched on Yan Zheng’s lap.
Chu Ruoyan sprang up, coughing. "What is it?"
Yulu, cheeks flushed, stammered, "It’s… it’s the Second Miss Yao."
"Which Second Miss Yao?"
"The one from General Huwei’s family—the one who married Yan Fifth Young Master!"
Chu Ruoyan exchanged a glance with Yan Zheng. "Yao Qing? What does she want?"
---
In the Duke of Chu's Mansion’s drawing room, Yao Qing paced anxiously, nearly wearing through her soles.
At the sound of footsteps, she rushed forward and dropped to her knees. "County Princess Changle, please save my father!"
Stunned, Chu Ruoyan hurried to lift her. "Fifth Sister-in-law… Miss Yao, what are you doing? Get up!"
Yao Qing remained kneeling. "Your Highness, the emperor has ordered my father to lead fifty thousand men to retake Hulao Pass! You know as well as I do—even with a hundred thousand Yan troops, the Grand General couldn’t defeat the southern barbarians. How can my father possibly succeed with half that number?"
Chu Ruoyan was shocked. The emperor had chosen Yao Zhen?!
But on second thought, it made sense. The other generals were all well-connected. Only Yao Zhen, with his hollow title of "Tiger-Wielding General," was expendable enough to be thrown into the fire.
"Miss Yao, military affairs are beyond my influence, and your father is a general—"
Yao Qing let out a bitter laugh. "A general? A man who’s held nothing but sinecures for years? Let’s speak plainly, Your Highness. Yes, in times of crisis, my father should step forward. But sending fifty thousand against Amuze, the undefeated warlord—that’s not duty, that’s a death sentence! Why must he be the one to die while the likes of Duke Zou, Prince Yu, and those corrupt Ministry of War officials sit safe?"
Chu Ruoyan sighed.
Her former sister-in-law saw the truth clearly. She’d cut ties with the Yan family to protect herself…
Yet in this world of wolves, the weak could never truly escape. Now, she had come begging to the very family she’d abandoned.
"What do you need me to do?"
Yao Qing’s eyes lit up. "Plead with Third Brother—with Marquis Anning! The emperor favors him, and as the Princess’s only son, his word carries weight. If he speaks for my father, there’s hope!"
Chu Ruoyan hesitated.
Yao Qing turned and called out, "Bring it in!"
Servants carried in a heavy wooden chest. When opened, it revealed a trove of gold, jewels, silver notes, and deeds.
"This is half the Yao family’s wealth. If it’s not enough, we’ll scrape together more! Please, Your Highness, just ask him. He’ll listen to you!"
After a pause, Chu Ruoyan asked, "Why not approach him yourself?"
Yao Qing shook her head, her smile wretched. "I’ve no right to face him. When the Yan family suffered, you and Second Sister-in-law endured, while I fled to my parents’ home. I barely attended Fifth Brother’s funeral. How could I possibly beg him now?"
Chu Ruoyan glanced back.
Outside the hall, the figure in the wheelchair had overheard and gave a slight shake of his head.
Understanding, Chu Ruoyan said gently, "Miss Yao, I can’t help you."
Yao Qing paled. "Your Highness—"
"It’s not about the past. Your father taking command might not be the disaster you fear." If Yan Zheng’s predictions held, peace talks would begin soon, and no battle would occur. Yao Zhen might even emerge with honors.
But before she could explain, Yao Qing staggered back as if struck. "So even you won’t lift a finger? Then my father is doomed! I’ve begged every influential house in the capital—all turned me away. Is there truly no path left?"
"Miss Yao—Yao Qing!" Chu Ruoyan gripped her shoulders. "Listen! The war may never happen. Your father might not even see combat—"
Yao Qing shoved her away and stumbled out, deaf to reason.
Worried, Chu Ruoyan moved to follow, but Yan Zheng wheeled forward. "Don’t bother. Meng Ze won’t delay. Within days, the peace envoy will arrive."
Chu Ruoyan understood. "Meaning once negotiations begin, the Yao family’s crisis ends. But did you see her state? I fear she won’t last that long!"
Yan Zheng arched a brow. She was no longer part of the Yan household—her fate hardly concerned him.
Chu Ruoyan pressed, "Desperate people take desperate measures. Having failed with us, she’ll turn elsewhere. I’m afraid she’ll grasp at any straw!"
She rushed out, but Yao Qing had vanished into the streets.
When questioned, the gatekeeper said, "She left in Prince Zou’s carriage—though they seemed headed toward Lucky Tavern…"
"Jixiang Tavern?" Chu Ruoyan repeated the name twice, her expression suddenly shifting. "Oh no!"
