Chapter 86 – Where Did It Go Wrong

Chapter 86 - Where Did It Go Wrong

Since the engagement at the Gathering Sun Pavilion last year, Zhu Yan had already taken notice of Wen Yu.

There was something odd about this person. He seemed to know a lot, about him, about Wen Ruan, always able to seize opportunities and do things he believed would benefit himself. But upon closer inspection and probing, it became apparent that this person wasn't particularly clever, and his knowledge was quite limited.

He wanted to understand where the line was drawn.

Unfortunately, he had been too busy to deal with it immediately, so he left it to his subordinates to observe and assess. With nothing pressing recently, he finally took up the matter.

Wen Yu was self-centered and foolish, believing he kept his secrets well-guarded, not trusting anyone, having no allies or partners, even keeping the closest people in the dark, lacking any means to handle crises... So why hesitate? Just grab him and ask directly.

Zhu Yan put down his teacup. "Three days. I want to know everything."

Lan Tian understood, and confidentiality was key. From the interrogation to the guards in this courtyard, they all had to be trusted insiders. "But how will we explain his disappearance for a few days when he returns?"

Their people would remain unseen throughout, even their voices altered. Wen Yu wouldn't know who had captured him, inevitably leaving him in a state of unease.

"That's his problem," Zhu Yan's thin lips curled slightly. "He's quite skilled at lying, isn't he?"

As for being in a constant state of unease, unable to live peacefully, wasn't that what Wen Yu deserved?

Did he think Zhu Yan was unaware of how this person had mistreated his Ah Ruan?

Ah Ruan was forgiving; as long as there was no substantial harm, if a grudge was settled on the spot, it was over, no longer holding a grudge. But Zhu Yan couldn't let it go; he was very much bothered by it.

Who gave Wen Yu the audacity to manipulate, threaten, and scheme?

But since Ah Ruan hadn't pursued it further, he was willing to save face and spare this person's life, as long as he cooperated. Afterward, he'd simply discard him. However, if he didn't recognize the kindness...

Three days later.

When Wen Yu saw sunlight again, tears welled up in his eyes.

He found himself in an isolated alleyway, thrown there while he was half-asleep. For a moment, he panicked upon opening his eyes, but soon recognized the place—it wasn't far from his home—giving him a semblance of security. He hugged himself and cried, releasing his emotions.

Spring snow came and went quickly, the harsh cold days long gone. The spring sun was warm and brilliant, gently touching clothes and hair, yet Wen Yu didn't feel its warmth, still feeling bone-chilling coldness.

Who had captured him? Why ask those questions? What use were the answers? How would he be dealt with in the future? Would he be grabbed for questioning at the slightest issue?

All his doubts remained unanswered, not even knowing who had interrogated him. There were no visible injuries on his body; the places pricked by needles showed no trace, as if the past few days were an illusion. Yet the sensation of ants crawling over his skin persisted... How could it be an illusion?

He was battered and scarred, yet no one knew.

Wen Yu didn't know what to do next. His mind was muddled, dazed and fearful. On his way home, everyone he saw seemed to have ill intentions, sent to monitor him by others.

Even returning home provided little comfort.

Claiming he went out for some fresh air, he had been away for three whole nights. Could Jing Mu not question it? Jing Yuqing also struggled to take Wen Yu's side, remaining silent, waiting for an explanation.

Wen Yu couldn't tell the truth, only lie: "I stayed at home for a few days."

"Home?" Jing Yuqing was disappointed. "So now, in your heart, home is still the Duke Wen's Mansion. This place isn't your home, and I, as your husband, am useless, right?"

Wen Yu was incredulous.

He married Jing Yuqing, giving up his noble status at the Duke Wen's Mansion, even distancing himself from that circle. For Jing Yuqing, he was ready to revolve around the kitchen. How could Jing Yuqing say such things!

Yet, due to the previous Spring Imperial Examination, a rift had formed between them. If he wanted to continue living harmoniously, he couldn't provoke Jing Yuqing anymore...

He had to endure his discomfort and emotions, carefully coaxing Jing Yuqing.

It didn't matter.

He told himself that everything was temporary. All the negative emotions stemmed from failing the Spring Imperial Examination. As long as he tried again and succeeded, Jing Yuqing would believe in him and realize who truly cared for him best!

If he remembered correctly... Later this year, the Emperor would add another Imperial Examination!

The weather wouldn't be too cold then, the season and environment favorable. Jing Yuqing would surely pass!

But he couldn't reveal it, fearing more trouble. He could only continue caring for Jing Yuqing day after day, urging him, not minding if Jing Yuqing found him annoying.

But as months passed...

Whether Jing Yuqing's heart had been won back, whether he trusted him, Wen Yu didn't know. He only knew that the Emperor indeed added an Imperial Examination, yet Jing Yuqing failed again!

What went wrong? Why did he fail again!

Wen Yu bit his nails, unable to comprehend.

In his previous life, he remembered this additional Imperial Examination clearly. It was due to Yuan Weiang's downfall, factional purges, and the need for officials. News spread in summer that an additional examination would be held, on the official date at the end of October. In the capital, scholars received information promptly, preparing for a long time. He had prepared enough for Jing Yuqing, ensuring adequate food, clothing, and supplies, keeping him warm and healthy, allowing him to complete all the papers smoothly. Why did he still fail!

At this time in the previous life, Jing Yuqing hadn't participated because he didn't need to. He had already passed with high honors, entering the government and advancing steadily. He could have taken on the responsibility of assisting in this Imperial Examination, earning another merit. Now, forget about talent, he couldn't even reach the government!

How could it be? Wasn't Jing Yuqing supposed to be a scholar of the highest caliber, with the appearance of a top flower, and the power of a high-ranking official!

"What went wrong..."

Wen Yu muttered, he was someone reborn, his foreknowledge of the future hadn't been wrong. Many events still occurred, but regarding his own matters, making different choices led to corresponding changes. Regarding Jing Yuqing, the difference from his previous life was merely marrying someone else...

Was it because of that?

Wen Yu was furious. What was so great about Wen Ruan! Why did everyone close to him seem to prosper, becoming better and better, while those entangled with him suffered setbacks! Clearly, being reborn, knowing more than others, shouldn't he be the one benefiting Jing Yuqing! Why was Jing Yuqing blind, unable to see it!

Jing Yuqing even dared to blame him, saying that the questions this time weren't suitable, that the questions from the previous Spring Imperial Examination were most fitting for his knowledge. If it were the same questions as before, he would have definitely passed, blaming him for disrupting his life's great fortune!

Wen Yu took deep breaths.

He was now extremely hesitant, feeling deceived; Jing Yuqing was nothing but a stuffed sleeve, should he leave early? But thinking about all the effort, emotion, and money he had invested... just leaving like this felt like a huge loss.

He decided to give Jing Yuqing one last chance.

Next year, there would be another imperial examination. If Jing Yuqing failed again...

This year, Wen Ruan was very busy, incredibly so.

Firstly, his farming enterprise: the southern rice and millet, the northern corn, the newly acquired sweet potatoes and potatoes, all had bountiful harvests. Unfortunately, this year's autumn floods were severe, the worst in decades, leaving many refugees. The food he grew came in handy for disaster relief, earning him much praise.

The government paid for the grain, and he accepted it, not minding delays. He focused on getting things done, even pulling Young Master Huo, who was making waves in business, to help. The Canal Gang provided substantial support without question.

As for his good reputation, he didn't need it. Instead, he took the opportunity to spread the word that any farmer could come learn farming techniques from him. Those who didn't have a good harvest this autumn didn't need to panic; he could provide seeds for next year, but not for free. They had to work for him, farming, with a contract.

During the agricultural off-season, he worked on more innovations. Cement roads were already laid out in the capital, and cement walls, thanks to Marquis Fang's persistence, were being built into fortifications at the border. Perfumes, new wines, and businesses were doing well; it was time for something new...

Thus, sugar production, fragrant vinegar, soy sauce, crystal glass, greenhouse technology... little by little, these began to develop vigorously.

This year, the name of Princess Consort Jian spread throughout the land, her fame far surpassing Prince Jian himself.

Zhu Yan, this year, was heavily suppressed by Emperor Taiyuan, for his disobedience and causing trouble where there shouldn't have been any?

Of course, unable to do much in court, it was convenient for him to discreetly investigate the Empress Sect, unbeknownst to others.

But seeing his situation, how could the nobility of the capital not sigh with regret? The only prince to be made a king in this dynasty hadn't enjoyed his glory for long.

The Second and Third Princes naturally followed suit, adding insult to injury. What they said to Zhu Yan before seemed to have been taken seriously; the Second Prince thought Zhu Yan was siding with the Third Prince against him, while the Third Prince thought Zhu Yan was siding with the Second Prince against him. How could they not teach him a lesson or two?

You say it might be a misunderstanding? A misunderstanding is even more reason for a lesson. How could someone so indecisive be fit to be the only prince made a king in this dynasty?

At the root of it, it was jealousy. They felt Zhu Yan had the potential to rise rapidly and needed to be suppressed.

Prince Six clearly lost the Emperor's favor. If they didn't act now, when would they?

And with Yuan Weiang's fall, there was a large gap in the court that needed to be filled. Fewer competitors meant more opportunities for themselves, right?

The Second and Third Princes were busy as bees, not caring about minor matters like disaster relief. What mattered now was power! Court power! This determined who could advance!

Emperor Taiyuan, however, was robust despite his age, thriving like a fish in water. With the chaotic atmosphere in court, his presence became increasingly important. He would support the Second Prince at times, and stand up for the Third Prince at others, helping the elder brother one moment, and the younger the next. His favor towards the late empress was also balanced, sometimes elevating Imperial Concubine Zhen, other times Imperial Concubine Rou. His skills in balancing were masterful, perfectly controlling both the front and back courts.

It was a pity he was old. Despite enjoying this state of affairs and his games, his energy was limited. He fell gravely ill several times, even spitting blood in his bedroom, which was kept secret.

Almost an entire year passed, and Yuan Weiang's affairs were finally settled. His power, wealth, and descendants all found their place. Feng Yi, imprisoned in the celestial prison, remained quiet, initially noticed but now almost forgotten. Even Emperor Taiyuan no longer sent people to check on him regularly, leading to a decline in his living conditions.

As the year approached its end, the capital awaited a spectacle, none other than at Prince Jian's mansion.

This year, everyone became more familiar with Princess Consort Jian. Wen Ruan had no airs, his smiling eyes and lips exuding a charming and festive demeanor. He could chat with anyone, and truly had no ambition. Court intrigues held no interest for him; he cared not for the position of princess consort, preferring farming and knowing his crops intimately. He was kind-hearted, scolding those who stepped on his crops, stingy to a fault, yet during disasters, he distributed food faster and more generously than the court itself...

Who could hate such a person?

Moreover, Wen Ruan excelled in creating various oddities. Anything he touched turned interesting and fun. When the citizens of the capital occasionally saw Wen Ruan on the streets, they would casually ask if there were any new toys, unable to control their mischievous grandchildren without some new tricks!

Such a princess consort, uninterested in fame and fortune, generous and viewing money as dirt, couldn't make enemies. Regardless of how situations changed, his life remained stable.

Aside from farming, he seemed to have few obsessions. He wasn't particularly kind to the Duke of Wen's household, as they hadn't been kind to him. For this, the Duke of Wen's household was punished by the Emperor. Disappointed in Prince Jian, the Emperor refused to see him, but continued to treat Princess Consort Jian with respect. The Duke of Wen remained indifferent, as if resigned to his fate, uncaring about what happened next.

There was one thing, though:

Wen Ruan and Zhu Yan would argue!

Prince Jian was simply too outrageous. Already disliked by the Emperor, he still didn't stay home with his wife, instead running around aimlessly, often nowhere to be seen. This made Princess Consort angry enough to move to the farmstead. Every time she returned to the mansion, they would argue. It had been a while since he'd been back, but with the New Year approaching, he should return soon?

"He's back, he's back! Hurry, let's go take a look!"

"Hold on, I'm coming too!"

Someone claimed to have seen Prince Jian galloping towards the mansion, and a group quietly followed...

Prince Jian's mansion was heavily guarded, so they couldn't enter. However, if the princess consort and the prince had a big argument, they could hear bits and pieces!

Wen Ruan and Zhu Yan did indeed argue.

Because Zhu Yan was injured again!

"You're back..."

Wen Ruan, hearing the news, joyfully opened the door to welcome him. Before he could finish speaking, he caught a faint scent of blood, his smile immediately fading as he stared at Zhu Yan twice over. "Your arm, show me."

"A'Ruan..."

Zhu Yan's left arm was behind his back, his voice tinged with a subtle plea.

Wen Ruan slammed the door shut with a "pa" sound.

"A'Ruan..."

Zhu Yan sighed, knocking on the door, his actions urgent yet restrained.

Wen Ruan didn't open the door. "What did you promise me last time?"

Zhu Yan's voice was low and hoarse. "Not to get hurt."

Wen Ruan: "So what's on your arm then?"

Zhu Yan paused for a moment. "I accidentally brushed against something, it doesn't count as an injury."

"I can smell the blood and the scent of the wound dressing," Wen Ruan shouted in anger. "And you dare say it's not an injury!"

Zhu Yan, helpless, lowered his voice further. "A'Ruan... I'm in a bit of pain."

"Worth it!" Wen Ruan gritted his teeth. "Are you in such a hurry to reincarnate that you won't have time later? Why must you be so rushed!"

He knew that the Empress Sect was not easy to deal with. It wasn't because of its power or influence but rather due to the way it chose to grow—starting from the poorest villages and brainwashing the common folk. Once successful, these people would protect the sect members out of their own volition, making it difficult for outsiders to act harshly against them. If they wanted to eradicate it completely, rooting it out from every corner of the country, they would need to travel extensively. The methods were secondary; what was truly required was time and patience.

Was there any rush for him and Zhu Yan? What did it matter if it took one or two years?

Outside, all was silent.

But Wen Ruan knew that Zhu Yan hadn't left: "Go change your bandages if it hurts!"

Zhu Yan remained silent, but suddenly there was a loud 'bang', as if something had fallen to the ground.

Wen Ruan's heart raced. Surely Zhu Yan hadn't fainted and fallen!

He quickly opened the door—

Only to be met with a tight, warm embrace.

"A-Ruan... will you change my bandages for me?"

Wen Ruan saw the thing that had fallen at the door—a large pot of kumquats that had been placed just outside. Despite being knocked over by Zhu Yan, the pot remained intact.

Lying to him again!

Fuming, Wen Ruan stomped on Zhu Yan's foot and struggled to break free from the embrace.

"Ouch..."

At Zhu Yan's intake of cold air, Wen Ruan froze, glaring at him angrily. "Does it hurt?"

Zhu Yan nodded. "Yes."

It was then that Wen Ruan got a good look at him—the dust covering his body, the unshaven stubble, the dark circles under his eyes, the deep, piercing gaze... It all gave off an aura of heartbreak that was strangely alluring.

Fine, the beauty trap, the ploy of feigned suffering. Some people were truly adept at these tactics.

Pulling him inside and pushing him onto a chair, Wen Ruan said, "Roll up your sleeves. I'll change your bandages!"

But when he turned around to fetch some medicine, upon returning, he found that Zhu Yan had not only removed the sleeve covering his arm but also taken off his entire shirt.

Zhu Yan explained, "This is more convenient."

Wen Ruan was speechless.

Zhu Yan added, "And it's not cold. The room is quite warm."

Indeed, this was the advanced version of the beauty trap.

However, today, the princess was unusually cold-hearted. Suppressing both the urge to scold and the desire to comfort, she finished changing the bandages and then pushed Zhu Yan out the door, clothes and all.

"You can sleep in the study for the next few days, Your Highness. After all, you're injured," Wen Ruan said, his back pressed against the door, his eyes narrowed. "I'm not a peaceful sleeper, so I won't disturb Your Highness while you recover."

Zhu Yan was left speechless.

Outside the walls of Prince Jian's mansion, daring citizens were peering in.

"What happened? Who won this time?"

"It's obvious. Of course, it was the princess. When has Prince Jian ever won?"

"That's true... But isn't it a bit humiliating?"

"You don't understand. Not caring about face in front of your wife is actually saving face. You wouldn't know since you're not married."

"Why didn't she make him kneel on the washboard! The princess is too gentle!"

"But isn't it a bit shameful that the prince is just a title now, without any real duties?"

"I've already told you, you don't understand..."

Zhu Yan, of course, noticed the audacity of those outside the wall. "What's going on?"

Had people been treating A-Ruan like this while he was away?

"Lady said that they were just 'passing by' the outer walls of the mansion and hadn't done anything immoral or tried to intrude, so she didn't let us interfere," Lan Tian explained. "Everyone has indeed been respectful."

Zhu Yan beckoned Lan Tian closer with a gesture. "...Later, you will repeat these words to Nanxing."

Lan Tian immediately understood but was somewhat worried. "There isn't much information here. What if Lady can't guess it?"

Zhu Yan glanced at him with a hint of disdain in his eyes. "Do you think Lady is like you?"

Lan Tian was left speechless.

Thus, Wen Ruan soon learned of the fruits of Zhu Yan's recent endeavors.

The investigation into the Empress Sect was nearly complete, and it was time to strike. Gong Rongxue had proven to be very useful, contributing significantly to their efforts. Today, there had been an assassination attempt planned against Zhu Yan, which he had discovered. He hadn't gone...

Someone was likely in for a bad turn.

...

The unfortunate Second Prince realized that everything was going wrong for him lately. What was happening? Who was behind this!

Why would he encounter an assassin while simply having a meal out!

Where did the assassin get the information? How did they know he would be here, infiltrating the place with such precision!

The sumptuous feast he has prepared!

"Summon someone ——"