"Seventh Lord, Lady Lu, we are approaching the Duke Lu's residence," Jiang Fusheng announced.
Yun Wan lifted the carriage curtain as the vehicle slowly turned into the street where the grand estate stood. Under the moonlight, the imposing stone lion statues at the entrance were faintly visible.
Soon, the carriage arrived at the eastern side gate, and Yun Wan immediately spotted Yuezhi pacing anxiously by the entrance.
"Yuezhi!"
The frantic maid turned and rushed toward her. "My lady!"
Without waiting for the attendant to bring a stepping stool, Yun Wan leaped down from the carriage, her skirts fluttering like a butterfly's wings.
Yuezhi nearly burst into tears upon seeing her. "My lady, you’ve finally returned! When I couldn’t find you, I feared something terrible had happened—I was terrified!"
Noticing Yun Wan’s disheveled appearance, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you unharmed? Were you injured?"
Yun Wan shook her head gently. "I’m fine, everything is alright. Why were you waiting here? Is everything in the household well?"
Yuezhi replied, "I searched for you all afternoon. Later, a man told me you were safe and instructed me to return first. He didn’t seem like a bad sort, so I believed him. I haven’t spoken of your absence to anyone—the Dowager still doesn’t know."
"That’s good."
After exchanging a few words, Yun Wan turned back to the carriage, standing on tiptoe to lightly tap the carriage wall. Softly, she called, "Seventh Lord."
The heavy, embroidered curtain shifted slightly, revealing a sliver of the figure inside.
Emperor Jingxuan lifted his gaze, looking down at Yun Wan with an aloof, almost imperious air.
The sparse moonlight slanted through the carved window, casting shadows that accentuated his sharp, noble features—his high nose, thin lips, and an aura of detached elegance.
Yun Wan stole a fleeting glance before lowering her eyes, then curtsied gracefully. "Thank you for your kindness today. I shall never forget your great mercy."
Though he had frightened her earlier, without his help, she might not have returned so swiftly.
The cool moonlight draped over her like a feathered cloak, blending seamlessly with her pale robes.
With her raven hair, snow-white skin, and slender waist, every movement she made was enchanting, a vision of delicate beauty.
Jiang Fusheng marveled inwardly—such peerless grace was rare in this world, no wonder...
He clicked his tongue in admiration.
Emperor Jingxuan’s dark eyes lingered on her briefly before he lowered the curtain, cutting off the view.
"Jiang Fusheng, return to the palace."
As the lavish carriage turned and disappeared into the distance, Yun Wan withdrew her gaze and said to Yuezhi, "Let’s hurry back. Sui must be worried."
On the way, Yuezhi couldn’t resist asking, "My lady, who was that man just now...?"
She had heard Yun Wan address him as "Seventh Lord," clearly a man of status.
Yun Wan paused briefly before answering gently, "A noble person. The one who sent you back earlier was acting on his orders."
Yuezhi nodded. "I understand. I won’t speak of this to anyone."
Given Yun Wan’s delicate position, any association with an unrelated man could invite trouble if the Dowager found out.
Upon returning to Cuiwei Pavilion, they were swarmed by anxious maids. Yun Wan gave them a brief account of the day’s events, omitting Emperor Jingxuan’s involvement.
When they heard of the murders and the fire in Anyi Ward, and of Boss Luo’s demise, the maids gasped in shock.
Not seeing Sui, Yun Wan was about to ask when Yue Ya spoke up. "My lady, the young master waited by the gate for hours, but he grew too tired, so I coaxed him to sleep."
The thought of Sui waiting for her tugged at Yun Wan’s heart. "I’ll go see him."
Yue Ya added, "I’ll have hot water prepared for your bath."
Pushing open the door to Sui’s chamber, Yun Wan approached the bed.
The April night was damp and chilly, but Sui slept soundly under a thin quilt, his cheeks rosy like a ripe apple.
He lay curled on his side, clutching the little stuffed cat Yun Wan had sewn for him.
The sight filled her with serenity.
She reached out, her fingertips lightly tracing the contours of his plump face.
After lingering for a while, Yue Ya’s voice came from outside. "My lady, the bath is ready. Will you go now?"
"Yes."
Yun Wan tucked the quilt snugly around Sui before rising to leave.
---
The imperial carriage passed through Anfu Gate, traversing the palace passageway until it reached Zichen Palace.
The attendants, well-drilled, swiftly prepared tea, fresh robes, and hot water upon the Emperor’s return.
In the vast side chamber, a jade-lined bathing pool steamed, its dragon-headed spout pouring a steady stream of heated water.
Emperor Jingxuan reclined in the pool, eyes half-closed, arms resting on the smooth steps. His soaked underrobe clung to his broad frame, the open collar revealing the firm lines of his chest.
Jiang Fusheng entered and bowed behind the screen. "Your Majesty, Xuan Yi has reported that all individuals closely tied to Luo Yongcheng have been detained. What are your orders?"
Emperor Jingxuan’s lips curled slightly. "Interrogate them harshly. Should any resist or conceal the truth—"
He uttered two icy words: "Kill them."
The command carried ruthless authority. Jiang Fusheng bowed lower. "As you will."
Hesitating, he ventured, "And what of Luo’s estate and shops?"
The Emperor’s eyes opened, cold and decisive. "Leave the treasury untouched. I have plans for it."
As Jiang Fusheng turned to leave, Emperor Jingxuan spoke again.
"Jiang Fusheng."
"Your servant is here."
Expecting an important decree, the eunuch tensed, ears pricked.
The Emperor’s voice was sardonic. "Do you believe there truly exists unwavering, lifelong devotion between husband and wife?"
Jiang Fusheng froze, then stammered, "Surely... such things exist?"
"Oh? You think so?"
The Emperor’s tone was mocking.
Sweating, Jiang Fusheng forced a laugh. "Your Majesty spares no mercy in testing this lowly servant. How would a eunuch know of marital bonds?"
Fearful of seeming dismissive, he hastily added, "Though I’ve heard Third Young Master Lu cherished his wife deeply. Theirs was a love admired by all."
Emperor Jingxuan’s voice turned silken. "Was it?"
He scoffed. "If he loved her so, why not ensure she remarried? Our laws don’t enforce widow chastity."
Jiang Fusheng’s back dripped with cold sweat. "This... I cannot say."
Perhaps Lady Yun Wan chose to mourn her late husband of her own will?
But not even a hundred lives would make him voice that thought aloud.
