Chapter 25: Zhou Yan’s Thoughts

Chapter 25: Zhou Yan's Thoughts

Zhou Yan had no idea that Wei Xun had already figured him out and kept finding ways to get him to drink.

Although Wei Xun did not frequent brothels, he could hold his liquor pretty well.

Marquis Wei was a general stationed at the border, always with a taste for strong liquor. As his son, Wei Xun had been trained since childhood to have an ironclad tolerance for alcohol.

However, he was curious about Zhou Yan's intentions. After finishing two jugs of wine, he supported his forehead with one hand, faking drunkenness.

Seeing this, Zhou Yan's eyes lit up, and he filled the wine cup again, offering it to him, "No wonder this is the best tavern in the capital. Jing Garden’s wine is out of this world. On a night like this, Lord Wei, you’ve got to have another!"

Wei Xun's eyes were hazy, and his hand was shaking as he reached for it. He shakily took the wine from Zhou Yan's hand and downed it in one go.

"Last one, I’m done..."

Zhou Yan froze, seeing Wei Xun stumble, he was sure he was wasted.

"Alright, then I’ll escort Lord Wei back."

Their servants were waiting outside, and Changyuan had no clue what had gone on inside. Seeing his master come out drunk, he was momentarily shocked.

Was his master actually drunk? Did Zhou Hanlin spike his drink?

Changyuan’s face darkened, and he reached for his sword, ready to take Zhou Yan down.

Wei Xun lowered his head, coughing lightly into his hand. Changyuan let go of his sword and quickly stepped forward to support him.

"My lord, how did you end up like this..."

Zhou Yan supported him on the other side, and when Changyuan asked, he smiled and explained, "Lord Wei and I clicked right away, so we ended up having a few more."

"Is that so?" Changyuan clearly didn’t believe it.

"My bad, so of course I’ll see Lord Wei home."

"No..." Changyuan was caught off guard by Zhou Yan’s offer and quickly refused, but before he could finish his refusal, he felt a squeeze on his hand.

Changyuan understood, knowing that this was his master's hint.

"Then... then alright, thank you, Zhou Hanlin."

The Marquis Wei's residence was not far from Jing Garden, and by the time they arrived, the smell of alcohol on Wei Xun had not yet dissipated, which made Zhou Yan's heart settle.

Only if Wei Xun was drunk could his subsequent plan proceed smoothly.

Zhou Yan followed Changyuan to help Wei Xun into the outer courtyard. Wei Xun's courtyard was as cold and simple as the man himself. Zhou Yan looked around and suddenly spoke.

"Where are the attendants serving Lord Wei?"

"You mean the maids and old women in the courtyard, right?" Changyuan replied as he helped Wei Xun out of his official robe, "My lord is not used to having so many people serve him. The only one he’s used to having around is me."

"Oh? Then is the concubine not here either?"

Zhou Yan clenched his hand, his tone cautious.

Changyuan was unusually quick-witted this time, "What are you saying? My lord’s soaked in booze—no way he’d let Mistress Xie deal with that."

So, he was destined not to see A Yuan?

Zhou Yan’s eyes showed a flicker of disappointment, and he no longer felt like staying. "Since Lord Wei is home, I’ll be on my way."

"I’ll see you out."

Chang Yuan stood up, but Zhou Yan waved his hand, "No need, just focus on your master."

"Then I’ll have someone show you out."

Chang Yuan called for Nanny Zheng, and Zhou Yan followed her out.

As soon as they stepped out, Wei Xun rose from the couch.

His eyes were clear, showing no sign of drunkenness.

"Sir?"

Chang Yuan, unaware of Zhou Yan’s identity, didn’t understand why his master pretended to be drunk.

Wei Xun’s expression was cold, and he ignored the confusion. Instead, he said, "Get some water ready and have A Yuan come in to help me."

......

Zhou Yan followed Nanny Zheng to the second gate, beyond which lay the Jade Clear Courtyard.

He paused, casually asking, "This courtyard is so peaceful. Who lives here?"

Nanny Zheng, seeing a guest of her master for the first time, assumed he was a close friend.

"Sir, this is where the Heir Apparent’s people live."

"Oh?" Zhou Yan slowed down, his gaze lingering on the Jade Clear Courtyard, unwilling to look away.

"I’ve heard Lord Wei is very fond of his concubine. Is that true?"

Nanny Zheng looked surprised, as Zhou Yan’s question was a bit out of line. But Zhou Yan was desperate for news about A Yuan. Everyone said A Yuan was fine, but he wouldn’t believe it unless he saw it himself.

He knew A Yuan well—she’d endure anything without a word.

He worried she was suffering.

Nanny Zheng looked away, now on guard. "It’s true. Though our master is cold, he’s very good to Mistress Xie."

Chang Yuan was her godson, and she knew all about the Shen family’s troubles. When Lady Shen burned Mistress Xie’s hand, the Heir Apparent revealed Master Shen’s secret mistress.

Now the Shen family’s reputation was ruined, and even Lady Shen’s status had fallen.

Others might not know, but the servants knew how protective the Heir Apparent was.

"Is that so..."

Zhou Yan muttered to himself, glancing once more at the Jade Clear Courtyard.

Even if Wei Xun treated A Yuan well, he could never give her a real place.

Better to let her fly free than keep her as a caged bird.

Zhou Yan lowered his gaze, concealing the ferocity in his eyes. He would take A Yuan away eventually.

A Yuan, wait for me.

......

Jade Clear Courtyard.

A Yuan stayed up late tonight, her half-finished embroidered screen already showed the pattern.

The days of house arrest weren’t as bad as she’d thought. Apart from not being able to go out, it didn’t affect her much. Moreover, she didn’t have to go to Ci'an Courtyard to pay her respects or serve Wei Xun, so A Yuan actually found it quite relaxing.

She even had more time for her embroidery.

Although confined to the inner courtyard, A Yuan never neglected her embroidery skills.

The senior maid who taught her said that as long as a woman can support herself, no matter what predicament she is in, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.

This advice constantly reminded her not to slack off, as relying on beauty alone to please others won’t last. She needed practical skills to get by.

"Lady Xie, the Heir Apparent summons you."

With Zheng Momo away seeing Zhou Yan off, an unfamiliar maid came to fetch A Yuan.

A Yuan didn’t know why Wei Xun called her so late, but she couldn’t refuse her master’s summons, especially when it was the most domineering Wei Xun.

"Understood."

After quickly tidying herself up, she followed the maid out. Chun Tao also wanted to follow but was persuaded to stay.

"Someone needs to stay behind and watch the courtyard, so don’t come with me."

Mainly, she didn’t know Wei Xun’s purpose and was afraid that the man might vent his anger on Chun Tao.

The little maid was quick-tempered, and if she angered the master, A Yuan couldn’t protect her.

"Yes," Chun Tao replied, watching the two leave.

The marquis’s mansion was well-lit, and the maid in front also carried a lantern, illuminating the path brightly, naturally also illuminating the figure passing by the second gate.

Zhou Yan’s image was imprinted in her mind, and even though she only saw a side of his face, A Yuan immediately recognized him.

Why is he here?

A Yuan’s heart tightened. The last time they met, she could see that Zhou Yan had never stopped looking for her.

Now that he appeared in the marquis’s mansion, does that mean he’s figured out who she really is?

What about Wei Xun, does he know...