Chapter 4: Believing You

Chapter 4: Believing You

Leaving the main hall, Yan Sanhe held her umbrella thoughtfully.

Xie Daozhi had interrupted her several times, preventing her from finishing her story. It was clear that he didn't want to acknowledge that past event.

But why? Was it because of guilt, or to preserve the dignity of his esteemed position in the cabinet?

Yan Sanhe glanced at Manager Xie walking ahead and then turned to look at the two bodyguards following behind them.

The situation seemed far more complicated than it appeared!

As she pondered, they arrived at a secluded courtyard.

Manager Xie nodded towards the yard, "This is it. Please, go in!"

"Hold on."

Supervisor Xie narrowed his eyes at Yan Sanhe, his face conveying the sentiment, "How oblivious can you be?"

Yan Sanhe, the oblivious one, raised her eyelids without an ounce of tact and said, "I need hot water."

Supervisor Xie: "..."

Supervisor Xie exchanged a glance with a bodyguard, then summoned another one and whispered a few words before hastily departing.

Yan Sanhe stood in the courtyard for a moment before entering the house directly.

The room was unlit, and she was too lazy to light a lamp. She found the nearest chair, sat down, and stared at the green stone tiles on the floor, lost in thought.

Xie Daozhi, as a high-ranking cabinet minister, must possess intricate schemes and tactics.

She had only one night left to prepare.

What should she do next?

In the silence, moonlight poured into the room, casting a still, dark-green figure that appeared frail and solitary.

"Miss, the hot water has arrived."

Two matrons carried the steaming water into the courtyard, noticing the darkness inside the room. They raised their voices to announce their arrival first.

Yan Sanhe seemed to have been abruptly startled awake from a nightmare, sitting up abruptly.

"Why hasn't Miss lit a lamp? Where would you like us to place the hot water?"

"Anywhere is fine."

Yan Sanhe approached the table and lit the lamp, then bent down to take out five taels of silver from his bundle.

The two women set down the hot water. Upon seeing the silver in Yan Sanhe's hand, their eyes gleamed with sudden brightness.

Yan Sanhe pressed the silver into one of their hands, saying, "It's cold outside. Mothers, please get some warm wine for both of you."

The woman hurriedly smiled and thanked him, "Many thanks to you, Miss."

The other woman also smiled warmly, "If there's anything else, Miss, anything at all that you need, feel free to tell us."

"No need," Yan Sanhe paused, "I just have a question to ask..."

...

In the study.

Xie Daozhi sat in his armchair, as still as a meditating monk.

Housekeeper Xie pushed the door open, "Master."

Xie Daozhi came back to his senses, "Has everything been taken care of?"

"Yes," replied the housekeeper.

He approached and whispered, "Master, she asked for hot water as an excuse to inquire about Madam's birthdate and zodiac, saying that she wants to light an eternal lamp for her."

"Hmph!"

Xie Daozhi's fists clenched, a fierce glint gradually appearing in his eyes.

As Chief Eunuch Xie had climbed to his position as a trusted confidant, he was skilled at discerning his master's intentions. "My Lord, should I...?"

"No need for now," Xie Daozhi interrupted him.

"Increased security around that courtyard, then. Tomorrow morning, you personally escort her out of the city. Only return after confirming she has left."

"Yes, Sir!"

Weary, Xie Daozhi waved dismissively. "Inform Lady that I'll be resting in the study tonight."

"Yes, Sir!"

"Wait!"

Xie Daozhi's expression turned stern. "If a third person were to learn of this matter, what would be the consequences..."

Supervisor Xie prostrated himself with a thud.

"The young lady was spouting nonsense. This old servant has long forgotten her words. Please, Your Excellency, rest assured."

Xie Daozhi picked up his teacup and sipped the tea calmly. He then said leisurely, "Old Xie, I naturally trust you!"