Su Xin was not one of Duke Jin’an’s maids, so after leading them here, she curtsied and withdrew.
Not long after, Duke Jin’an’s maids also withdrew from the room.
“Those identified have been detained for now. Should they be dealt with as before?” Master Gu inquired.
Duke Jin’an’s gaze swept across the study.
Though called a study, it was no larger than a sitting room – much smaller than his outer study – and its furnishings were simple: a writing desk, cushions, bookshelves, an incense burner…
“Don’t be fooled by the simplicity – these are all fine items,” Eunuch Jing added in a low voice, pointing at them with a knowing look.
Master Gu frowned and cleared his throat.
Look at these two! They were in their own home, yet they were gawking as if seeing something rare and precious!
Eunuch Jing promptly straightened up, took a step back, and lowered his head to stand respectfully in attendance.
“In the past…” Duke Jin’an slowly tapped the desk with his hand.
There were many people around him, from various factions. Some were sent by others – bestowed by the Empress Dowager, assigned by the Emperor to attend to his writing and ink, provided by the Imperial Consort to serve tea. There were also officials who gifted attendants or maids who excelled in raising horses, driving carriages, or even brewing exceptional tea, those who had earned a word of praise or a nod and smile from him. And then there were those he had casually selected himself, choosing a few from newly assigned eunuchs or palace maids out of habit.
Though their origins were complex, in essence, it was simple: those he chose himself were his own people, while the others were all sent to him.
Previously, when servants who acted improperly were uncovered, his own people would be dealt with directly – beaten to death, as in the case of the once-trusted steward who had brought wolves to harm him. As for those who were sent to him, they would be returned to wherever they came from. He never dealt with them personally.
“Our own people will be dealt with as before,” Duke Jin’an said, raising his head with a faint smile. “As for those sent to us, they will be returned.”
Master Gu nodded, about to speak, when Duke Jin’an continued.
“Kill them first, then send them back,” he stated.
Master Gu was taken aback, and even the bowing Eunuch Jing looked up in surprise.
What startled them was not that these people would be executed. In the past, when such individuals were returned – no matter how politely it was phrased – it was merely a way of informing the other party that they were aware. Thus, those sent back would only be put to death by their own masters, just not directly by Duke Jin’an’s hand.
Whether they were sent back to be executed or executed before being returned, though the outcome was death, the implications were entirely different.
Master Gu’s expression grew solemn.
“Then… what about the people from the palace?” he asked.
Duke Jin’an slowly ran his hand over the surface of the desk – smooth and warm to the touch. He wondered where she had managed to find such a fine piece. It was like her, serene and reassuring.
“Precisely because they are from the palace, they must be dealt with even more severely. They have betrayed not just my trust, but the Empress Dowager’s goodwill.”
Duke Jin’an’s voice echoed steadily through the room.
“How could we show leniency to those who have betrayed the Empress Dowager’s trust?”
Master Gu gazed at the young man before him.
“So, you’re saying Your Highness was poisoned by someone – not that this was done to uphold the reputation of Her Majesty and His Majesty.” He spoke slowly.
This was not about the world accusing him of harboring disloyal intentions, nor was it about him demonstrating loyalty, filial piety, and integrity to prove his innocence. It was about being a victim.
By executing these people and sending them back, the incident would be firmly defined as an assassination attempt, which would inevitably cause a major uproar.
For the court, already mired in a season of troubles, this would hardly be good news.
The study remained quiet, and no sounds came from the courtyard outside.
Duke Jin’an smiled.
“Beat them slowly, piece by piece, and send them to the palace – but keep them alive, with just enough breath to apologize to Her Majesty.”
Master Gu and Eunuch Jing shuddered once more.
“I am doing this for the sake of Her Majesty and His Majesty’s reputation,” Duke Jin’an continued. “Back then, I attempted suicide out of pride, causing Her Majesty immense grief and sorrow, and earning me a severe reprimand. Yet now, not long after, another life-and-death incident has erupted. What would that make of my conduct? Wouldn’t that be a direct affront to Her Majesty? People might claim that Her Majesty has indulged me, leading me to exploit her favor and act recklessly.”
He smiled again, but this time, the warmth did not reach his eyes – they remained cold and sharp.
“If I’m labeled reckless, so be it. But I cannot allow Her Majesty to bear the reputation of indulgence.”
Master Gu chuckled lightly.
“Then, Your Highness, you will indeed earn a reputation for being reckless,” he remarked.
To execute over a dozen servants at once, with several even being sent into the inner court – a reputation for brutality would likely spread in an instant.
“Outsiders won’t believe in any poisoning. They will be more inclined to think that Your Highness is simply taking out his anger,” he added.
Duke Jin’an let out a hearty laugh.
“What do outsiders have to do with me?” he said. “When I was poisoned, could they bear the pain for me? Now that I’ve recovered, they feel entitled to comment and judge.”
Master Gu nodded in agreement.
“That is true. Since Your Highness has suffered, it is only right that you seek redress,” he said, rising to his feet as he spoke. “Then the matter is settled. I will make the arrangements now.”
Duke Jin’an gave a nod of approval.
“One more thing – Madam has requested that Doctor Li move to a courtyard closer to this side,” Master Gu added, remembering something.
Duke Jin’an frowned.
“I’m already recovered. Why should he come here?” he said.
Besides, with her here…
Eunuch Jing thought to himself, That’s really what he means, isn’t it? With Madam here, there’s no need for us to be in the way.
“Madam’s arrangements naturally have their reasons,” Master Gu said with a smile. “Your Highness’s well-being is paramount now. Caution is necessary in all matters.”
He would not oppose her arrangements, of course. Duke Jin’an remained silent.
“Your Highness has been busy all day. You should rest early,” Master Gu said, glancing at Eunuch Jing. “Eunuch Jing, let’s go.”
Eunuch Jing was taken aback.
“I still need to attend to His Highness,” he replied.
“With Madam here, there’s no need for you to attend,” Master Gu said. “You have steady hands. Those lads haven’t practiced in a long time, and I worry they might not know their own strength – ending up killing someone with a single strike. You can set an example for them.”
Eunuch Jing’s face showed clear reluctance, but seeing that Duke Jin’an offered no objection, he had no choice but to respond reluctantly, “Yes, sir.”
“…I really don’t like handling such tasks. I just took good care of my nails…”
“…No one’s asking you to do it yourself. Can’t you just supervise?”
Listening to the two of them conversing quietly as they left, Duke Jin’an stood up in the study. Once on his feet, he glanced around again.
What kind of books was she reading?
And there were so many practice sheets for calligraphy.
After lingering in the study for a while, Duke Jin’an finally stepped out. The maids waiting under the corridor immediately bowed in greeting.
Yet Duke Jin’an paused once more, his gaze settling on the main chamber.
Bright lamplight spilled through open doors and windows, where sheer curtains hung, revealing faint peony patterns under the light. Inside, figures of maids could be seen moving about.
“Your Highness.”
A maid who had heard the commotion lifted the curtain and stepped out, bowing to him.
It was Su Xin.
“Are you finished with your duties?” she asked. “Madam had a midnight snack prepared.”
She had specifically arranged for this snack – out of consideration for him.
Duke Jin’an hummed in acknowledgment and stepped forward.
Two maids lifted the curtain, and Duke Jin’an stepped inside. He glanced around somewhat uneasily but did not see Cheng Jiao-niang.
“Madam has gone to speak with Doctor Li,” Su Xin quickly explained, bowing as she spoke. “Your Highness, please sit here.”
Duke Jin’an felt a slight sense of relief and settled by the window with a touch of ease, listening as Su Xin instructed someone to bring the midnight snack.
“Not yet,” he said. “I’d like some tea first.”
Su Xin acknowledged his request, and one of Duke Jin’an’s maids promptly went to pour the tea.
Holding the teacup, Duke Jin’an leaned against the armrest, his gaze drifting around the room almost absentmindedly.
So this was his bridal chamber.
He hadn’t arranged this bridal chamber himself, and the chosen location was rather secluded within the estate.
He had thought about marriage, but he hadn’t yet had the chance to plan it properly – it was, after all, the most important event of his life. Even if she didn’t seem to mind, he still wanted it to be perfect and lively.
He simply hadn’t expected that it would happen so abruptly and haphazardly – he lying ill and near death, she in fresh mourning within her own family.
Duke Jin’an let out a soft sigh and drained the tea in his hand.
…
“You mean His Highness has not fully recovered?” Doctor Li asked with a hint of anxiety in his tone.
“But I observed his pulse and found nothing amiss…”
As he spoke, his expression grew somewhat dejected.
What did it matter if he saw nothing wrong with the pulse? In the past, when he had deemed someone beyond help based on their pulse, hadn’t this girl effortlessly cured them?
“To be honest, I don’t practice medicine,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.
Doctor Li offered a wry smile.
“You are truly modest, my lady,” he replied.
“It’s not modesty. I know what I know, and I don’t pretend otherwise. There’s nothing to hide or conceal,” Cheng Jiao-niang explained. “Our Cheng…”
Her voice trailed off abruptly.
Doctor Li couldn’t help but look up at her.
“…My teacher taught me the Meishan Daoist arts,” Cheng Jiao-niang continued, “not medicine.”
Meishan Dao! The Meishan Dongman people! That was the land of sorcery!
Doctor Li was taken aback, then felt a chill run down his spine.
Sorcery was a highly taboo subject, especially now that Cheng Jiao-niang had become a member of the royal family.
“Dao has its own path, and alleviating suffering and aiding the distressed is the righteous way,” Doctor Li promptly replied, unwilling to dwell on the topic.
Cheng Jiao-niang smiled at him.
“I have cured His Highness’s poisoning, but his body has suffered too much damage.”
Since Doctor Li understood, she said no more.
“From now on, he must be carefully nursed back to health. I rely on your expertise, Doctor Li. Do not neglect him simply because I am here.”
Doctor Li chuckled.
“Certainly not, certainly not,” he quickly replied.
“Doctor Li, your medical skills surpass mine,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.
Doctor Li felt his ears grow warm and let out an awkward, low laugh.
“Not at all, not at all. I wouldn’t dare make such a claim,” he repeated.
“No need for modesty. I am speaking solely of medical skills, nothing else,” Cheng Jiao-niang clarified.
Doctor Li’s smile froze momentarily.
This girl!
He shook his head again, this time with a genuine laugh.
Cheng Jiao-niang glanced at Ban Qin, who immediately handed over a box she was holding.
“And this is…” Doctor Li asked.
“This is the incense you inquired about before,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied.
Doctor Li paused for a moment before understanding, then looked somewhat embarrassed.
On that night after the wedding, when they saw Duke Jin’an in such a distressing state, they had thoroughly investigated the bridal chamber and discovered an unfamiliar scent – a fragrance unlike any used in the estate before, particularly one with medicinal notes.
“However, only His Highness can use it. It is not suitable for others,” Cheng Jiao-niang said. “Keep it with you. It might come in handy.”
Doctor Li’s eyes widened slightly.
“So, His Highness’s poisoning is indeed related to this incense?” he asked.
“It is an indispensable factor,” Cheng Jiao-niang confirmed.
So that’s how it was. Doctor Li nodded in realization and accepted the box with solemn care.
“These days, the household must remain vigilant. Although a group of unruly individuals has been removed, who knows how many more remain hidden,” he remarked. “Someone has suffered a hidden loss in this matter, and they will surely not let it go quietly.”
Cheng Jiao-niang gave a faint smile.
“A hidden loss?” she said. “This is no hidden loss.”
