Chapter 161: The Intrigues of the Ancient Court

Chapter 156: Eldest Sister-in-Law

Liu Bei's Crown Princess, Lu Yizhi, and Xiao Jiming had grown up together as childhood friends. After their marriage, they had maintained a harmonious relationship, earning her a reputation as a virtuous woman within the territory of Liu Bei. When the Liu Bei's queen passed away, Xiao Chiye was still too young to understand much. As the saying goes, an elder sister-in-law is like a mother, and Lu Yizhi had been that for him. Not only was she Lu Guangbai's younger sister, but she was also Qi Zhuyin's good friend.

The carriage stopped outside Ci Prefecture City, with rows of Liu Bei's Iron Riders escorting them on both sides of the road. Seated inside, Lu Yizhi listened to the footsteps outside and heard someone calling out "Deputy Governor."

Deputy Governor.

Lu Yizhi clasped her hands together softly, filled with joy.

It's him!

Zhou Gui stood outside the carriage, bowing from a distance, saying, "Greetings, Crown Princess. The journey must have been tiring. Please enter the city promptly."

Lu Yizhi had never met Zhou Gui before, so she had not heard his voice either. She had just heard someone call out "Deputy Governor," so she mistook him for Shen Zechuan. As the carriage approached the city gates, she stealthily lifted the curtain and caught a glimpse of Zhou Gui's back.

Zhou Gui faced away from her, so Lu Yizhi could not see his face. She thought to herself that this Shen Zechuan seemed quite different from how Xiao Chiye had described him in his letters. Silently, she let the curtain fall back into place. A moment later, she raised it again to take another look.

This time, Zhou Gui turned around, revealing his face. He was significantly older than Xiao Jiming, with a medium build, a clear complexion, and a fine beard. Lu Yizhi was stunned, but she managed to retain her composure, remembering that Shen Zechuan was two years younger than Xiao Chiye.

At that moment, Zhou Gui slightly bowed to make way, revealing a figure clothed in white. The figure was tall and slender, and though they were facing sideways, one could vaguely discern their features. Lu Yizhi examined them carefully, thinking to herself that Aye hadn't been bragging; he truly was good-looking and must resemble his mother more.

Unaware that Lu Yizhi was observing him, Shen Zechuan whispered to Zhou Gui, "Today, I'd like all the gentlemen to draft new documents. Other matters can be postponed for another day."

Zhou Gui, even if slow on the uptake, understood why Lu Yizhi had made this trip. He followed closely behind Shen Zechuan and said, "I'll immediately dispatch people from the office."

Shen Zechuan was taken aback. "Why would you need to send anyone?"

Sweat formed in Zhou Gui's palm as he replied, "To protect the Associate Magistrate!"

Shen Zechuan found himself at a loss for words. He had estimated that there were around five hundred Northern Iron Riders accompanying them on this journey. If they really intended to capture him, Zhou Gui wouldn't be able to stop them. Xiao Chiye hadn't sent any letters since August, so Shen Zechuan could only act based on assumptions. He casually reassured, "Perhaps the Princess Consort is just passing through. From Chizhou, it's a direct route to Tea Prefecture, and it's much easier to enter Qidong from there. There's no need for you to worry too much. We aren't enemies with the North."

Little did Shen Zechuan know that his casual remark was spot on.

Lu Yizhi's southern journey was indeed headed for Qidong.

Due to Lu Guangbai's defection, Lu Pingyan had been implicated and ordered by the imperial court to be brought to the capital for trial. However, Qi Zhuyin had directly apprehended the border province's military eunuch, Yingxi, on charges of repeatedly interfering with border military affairs and involvement in issues regarding border grain supplies. She demanded an explanation from the Military Department and took Lu Pingyan under her care. As early as June, Qi Zhuyin had already written to Xiao Jiming, urging him to take Lu Pingyan away as soon as possible.

This was a major case. After Lu Guangbai's defection, whether or not he would seek refuge with the Twelve Tribes of Border Sands was crucial. The Great Zhou currently had no news about the border garrison, and judging solely from Lu Guangbai's infiltration into the desert, the likelihood of him seeking the tribes' protection was higher. The court officials requested Lu Pingyan's trial, hoping to use her as leverage in future negotiations with Lu Guangbai. The Military Department's dispatch had encountered obstacles in Qidong, and Qi Zhuyin chose to ignore it. At this point, it should have been handled by the Imperial Guards.

Yet, the imperial command never came.

Six years ago, in the case of the Central Bo military defeat, it was the imperial command that led to Shen Zechuan's arrest by the Jinyiwei, headed by Ji Lei. Not only did it require an arrest warrant, but also an imperial edict and the emperor's handwritten approval. After Li Jianheng's death, the empress dowager temporarily assumed the role of the emperor. Initially, she indeed intended to issue the order jointly with the cabinet as a substitute for the emperor's handwritten approval. However, Qi Zhuyin refused; she recognized only the emperor's handwriting. Thus, unless the Jinyiwei in Qidong arrived with the imperial edict, she would not release Shen Zechuan.

During Huai Qi's wedding, Han Cheng personally led the ceremonial escort, partly to negotiate with Qi Zhuyin. The empress dowager offered a generous reward, but they failed to reach an agreement. Qi Zhuyin, now the military support of Qudu, could not be forced to hand over Lu Pingyan. Xiao Jiming had previously used the excuse of sending gifts to send someone to gather information. Qi Zhuyin had given a clear message that Lu Yizhi's visit was to take Lu Pingyan to Libei.

On the way, he would also get a chance to meet Shen Zechuan and learn more about him for his father back home.

Of course, Shen Zechuan couldn't let Lu Yizhi stay at the station. He specially arranged for his courtyard to be cleaned up and invited Lu Yizhi to stay under Xiao Chiye's name. When Lu Yizhi saw that the eaves of the house were in the style that Xiao Chiye favored, and that everything inside and out was well-kept, he couldn't help but recall the letter Xiao Chiye had written to him before leaving, which had three pages praising Shen Zechuan.

After stepping down from the carriage, Ding Tao eagerly greeted Lu Yizhi. Seeing him, Lu Yizhi was delighted, pulling him aside to look him over and ask, "Ding Tao, you've grown taller. Why didn't you return home with Young Master?"

Ding Tao replied, "Master asked me to stay behind and guard Young Master."

Lu Yizhi called for a servant to bring sugar to Ding Tao and, sitting on a chair, folded his sleeves gently, asking, "Does Young Master often stay here?"

Ding Tao, having been warned by Qiao Tianya, hesitated, yet dared not lie to the princess consort.

So, Lu Yizhi spoke even more warmly, "Back when we were at home, you'd often come to keep me company. The heir has always known about Brother Tao and constantly asks for you to come home and play with him." He then leaned slightly to one side, somewhat saddened, "It's been six years since I last saw our little Tao. You're distant from me now."

Ding Tao hurriedly replied, "Not at all! The Princess Consort treated me kindly, and before she left for Qidu, she even asked Brother Jin to look after me. I haven't forgotten."

Lu Yizhi turned back and said, "Being the younger one, they, as your elder brothers, naturally have a responsibility to look after you. When I heard that Aye was being bullied in Qudu, I lost my appetite and tossed and turned all night, worrying for a long time..."

Ding Tao immediately replied upon hearing this, "His Highness left Qudu unharmed. The Eight Banners were unable to match our pace. As for that Han Jin who came after us, he's still locked up in prison. Don't worry, Your Highness the Crown Princess, our Master is very capable now."

"Considering how formidable Aye is," Lu Yizhi said with concern, "why did it take you so long to return?"

"Gentleman Ding Tao was injured," recalled Ding Tao, "Master was besieged in the city by Minister Han Cheng. Gentleman rendered tremendous assistance. But that Minister Han Cheng was dreadfully wicked, using our teacher as leverage against Gentleman. Despite his efforts, Gentleman failed to save the teacher and fell gravely ill afterward. The physicians we encountered on the journey were unable to cure him, so we dared not travel hastily."

Lu Yizhi was unaware of who Shen Zechuan's mentor was, but the story piqued his interest, prompting him to reveal a genuine expression and inquire, "And what happened afterward? Did he recover from his illness?"

Ding Tao was at a loss for words to explain. He said, "It seems to be better, but Master and Grandfather both say it isn't. Last time when Young Master went to Tea State on an assignment, he fell ill on the journey. Master was extremely furious when he returned."

Lu Yizhi knew that Xiao Chiye did indeed frequent the place. She said, "I've never even seen Aye angry before."

"However, my lord is in a hurry and must leave after spending just one night." Ding Tao pondered for a moment, then added in a low voice, "He climbed over the wall to get in."

Lu Yizhi understood and asked, "Are you happy living here? If you want to go back with me, I'll take you."

Ding Tao hesitated, torn between returning to Libei and staying in Cizhou. He had promised Li Xiong they would go fishing in the outskirts of the city during winter, and he had pledged to Ji Gang that he would learn a set of martial arts before the New Year. Most importantly, Shen Zechuan never restricted his allowance, allowing him to keep frogs in Shen Zechuan's courtyard without complaint.

Lu Yizhi observed this and, with a thoughtful expression, gently patted Ding Tao's head, deciding not to pressure him further. Ding Tao's hesitation indicated that Shen Zechuan treated him well. Therefore, Shen Zechuan couldn't be difficult to deal with, especially since he showed great patience with a teenage boy like Ding Tao.

Lu Yizhi mused inwardly.

Handsome, capable, patient, and loyal. Skilled in managing the household and handling official affairs. He could control Aye without being overly domineering. His health was not optimal, likely due to ailments incurred during his early years in Qudu. Despite his tumultuous life, he remained approachable.

What a remarkable young man!

Lu Yizhi clapped her hands, excitedly saying, "Quickly prepare some writing materials. I'll write a letter, and you should deliver it to Dajing immediately. After the prince reads it, send it to the battleground for the Duke."

* * *

As Shen Zechuan was a male guest, he couldn't meet Lu Yizhi directly, so a screen was set up in the courtyard to separate them. Knowing that Lu Yizhi was passing through, they prepared a small banquet to welcome her, with Lady Zhou accompanying her during the meal.

Lady Zhou was well-versed in social etiquette and privately praised Shen Zechuan to Lu Yizhi, sharing a few anecdotes. Initially, Lu Yizhi's impression of the Shens was based solely on Shen Wei. However, Xiao Chiye had written a letter overnight, singing Shen Zechuan's praises over three pages. He subtly mentioned being scolded by his father and demoted in the battlefield, but omitted the dangerous situation involving Tudala's flag. Instead, he only mentioned being injured, which made Lu Yizhi feel sorry for him and reluctant to criticize the matter.

Lu Yizhi was only staying for one night, as she needed to continue her journey south to Chazhou the next day. As the banquet ended, she summoned Shen Zechuan into the main hall. The more she looked at him, the more attractive and satisfactory he appeared. Recalling Xiao Chiye's mention of his background and what she had heard from Ding Tao, Lu Yizhi couldn't help but feel extra affectionate towards Shen Zechuan.

Shen Zechuan felt that the Princess Consort regarded him with the tenderness one would show a rabbit, as if any harshness could frighten him.

"Magistrate Shen," Lu Yizhi said softly, "I apologize for the inconvenience I've caused you. As a token of gratitude, there is a gift I hope you will accept."

Without waiting for Shen Zechuan's response, she instructed her maid to present the item. It was not an extraordinary object; it was silk brocade enclosed in a box. Not being particularly valuable, Shen Zechuan politely declined at first, but upon taking it, he found the box surprisingly heavy.

Upon returning to his courtyard, Shen Zechuan opened it to find a layer of gold and jade bracelets underneath. Each was intricately inlaid and meticulously crafted, clearly precious family heirlooms.

Peering from behind, Fei Sheng thought to himself that these were the kind of items passed down to a daughter-in-law! However, he dared only think it, diverting his gaze silently, leaving Shen Zechuan standing there, puzzled.