Chapter 21 Heat Rising from Her Body

Chapter 21: A Crawling Heat

Chen Yanqing swiftly suppressed the burning sensation in his throat.

Beneath his deep, restrained gaze lay only coldness. If he were to be swayed by feminine charms, how would he be any different from his father?

To him, romantic entanglements and carnal desires were equally base.

What could those influenced by such things ever truly achieve?

Chen Yanqing meticulously stripped away every unwarranted thought, then calmly walked to a nearby seat.

"Have all matters been settled?" Master Chen asked, looking at him.

Chen Yanqing replied with an air of detached ease, "Fortunately, I have not disappointed Father."

"You certainly haven't disappointed me," Master Chen sneered, a flicker of simmering anger in his eyes. He found it intolerable to be manipulated by his own son.

Yin Rou kept her head bowed, utterly oblivious to their conversation and the subtle tension between father and son.

Quan Zhong re-entered, his expression slightly troubled. "Master, the Fifth Young Master says he has something to discuss with you."

Why had Chen Yanlin come as well? Yin Rou paled, a thin sheen of sweat beading on her forehead. If she could relive the moment, she would have refused to come to Huai'an Hall, even if it meant punishment.

Facing the Third Young Master was already her limit; how could she possibly withstand Chen Yanlin's predatory gaze?

Yin Rou dug her nails into her palms, but she couldn't stop Chen Yanlin's voice from reaching her.

"Father—ah, Third Brother is here too."

Without waiting for Quan Zhong to announce him, Chen Yanlin strode in, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on Yin Rou.

His bold, possessive stare was impossible to ignore, making her scalp prickle. How could he be so audacious right in front of Master Chen?

Fortunately, Chen Yanlin only glanced at her before looking away. Master Chen hadn't noticed, but Chen Yanqing had seen it all.

His eyes, deep as a still pool, held a hint of imperceptible coldness as his thumb lightly caressed the jade ring on his finger.

Master Chen was displeased by Chen Yanlin’s unannounced entry and reprimanded him coldly, "Have you no manners left?"

Manners? A flicker of disdain crossed Chen Yanlin’s eyes as his gaze lingered on Yin Rou, nestled in the old man's arms. A dark flicker danced in his eyes—he had been too compliant.

"I'll be leaving soon enough, so spare me the lecture."

"Hmph." Master Chen glared at him. "Speak. What is it?"

"If we are to discuss serious matters, perhaps those not directly involved should not be present," Chen Yanqing interjected suddenly, his gaze briefly sweeping over Yin Rou.

Master Chen’s expression darkened. How many times had this son overstepped his bounds now?

Yet, though Master Chen indulged in pleasures, he was not one to neglect business—otherwise, how could the Chen family have prospered all these years? He patted Yin Rou’s hand. "You may leave first."

Yin Rou, who had long been squirming in discomfort, felt as if she had been granted a reprieve. She rose, bowed, and fled the room as quickly as possible—without daring to lift her head even once.

"Fifth Brother, what did you wish to say? Or perhaps I, too, should not be here?"

Chen Yanlin’s gaze followed Yin Rou’s retreating figure before he turned back at Chen Yanqing’s words, only to realize his father’s expression had turned thunderous.

Chen Yanlin’s expression hardened briefly before shifting back to indifference. He smiled at Chen Yanqing. "Third Brother’s presence is just right."

Chen Yanqing remained silent, and Chen Yanlin continued, "I heard Wu Zhaoye was spotted at the Western Jade Pass—and that he entered half a month ago."

"Half a month ago—just when Father and I finalized the shipment plans. What a coincidence." Chen Yanlin’s smile faded. "Does Third Brother have an explanation?"

Though he had long planned to use the tea-horse trade route between Western Jade Pass and Ulan to move salt and iron, he had been waiting for the right moment. Then, half a month ago, news suddenly spread that the watch had slackened—leading to the subsequent events. The timing aligned perfectly with Wu Zhaoye’s appearance, suggesting that this had all been Chen Yanqing’s trap from the very beginning!

Master Chen also turned a scrutinizing gaze toward Chen Yanqing. If this were true, then he had underestimated this son—perhaps even been outplayed himself.

Chen Yanqing released the jade ring he had been turning and spoke with unflappable calm, "Fifth Brother need not overthink. Just know that I desire the Chen family’s prosperity more than anyone—its lasting glory."

The weight of his words struck Chen Yanlin, whose expression darkened instantly.

"And thus, I must root out every potential threat," Chen Yanqing smiled faintly and turned to Master Chen. "Don’t you agree, Father?"

A long silence stretched between father and son, an unspoken standoff.

Finally, Master Chen spoke. "If Wu Zhaoye has not yet left the pass, and before Fifth Son departs, invite him to the estate. He is, after all, your cousin."

These words were an implicit endorsement of Chen Yanqing’s actions.

Chen Yanlin let out a mirthless laugh in fury. The old man grew more cowardly with age. If the salt and iron route could be secured, the Chen family stood to gain immeasurable wealth!

"Enjoy your reunion, then." With that icy remark, Chen Yanlin swept out.

As he walked down the path lined with Golden Bamboo, he caught sight of Yin Rou just turning the corner of the corridor. The memory of her nestled in his father’s arms fanned his jealousy to fury, blackening his expression.

His hunger for her flared hotter than before.

The old man could no longer manage the household—nor, it seemed, could he keep a woman content. It was time for him to be replaced.

*

The Chen estate was preparing for a banquet. Aside from Wu Zhaoye, guild merchants had also been invited, so the servants had begun preparations days in advance.

As Yin Rou exited the Shifang Hall, she saw servants carrying tables toward the banquet area. She avoided the crowd, intending to take a side path back.

Walking with her head down, she noticed someone approaching from the corner of her eye and moved aside to make way—only for the person to shift direction and deliberately block her path.

Frowning, she looked up—and in the next instant, fear flooded her eyes.

"Fifth Young Master."

It was Chen Yanlin.

Yin Rou hadn’t expected to encounter him, and from the way he stood, it was clear he had come for her. Her nerves pulled taut, every muscle coiled in alarm.

Her defensive posture only fanned Chen Yanlin’s rage hotter. Combined with the guild matter, his last shred of patience snapped.

He’d meant to be tender, but she refused his kindness.

And now she sought out the old man—did she think him incapable?

Chen Yanlin’s gaze promised to eat her alive. Yin Rou’s heart pounded with the premonition of danger, her body strung tight as a bow. Fortunately, this wasn’t some hidden corner—servants’ voices still carried nearby.

Steeling herself, she asked, "Is the Fifth Young Master bound for the banquet?"

Chen Yanlin held her in a fixed stare. Just as Yin Rou felt she could bear it another second, he finally turned on his heel.

Yin Rou's tense gaze abruptly softened, her back now soaked with sweat, and her legs beneath her skirt felt weak and powerless. She closed her eyes for a moment, not daring to stay a moment longer, and quickly ran back.

*

The following day marked the Chen family banquet.

Early in the morning, Yu He came in cheerfully, arms full of cleaning tools. "Miss, Master Chen just sent word that since the household rarely hosts banquets, he has specially made an exception for the concubines and the young ladies to attend together."

Yin Rou nodded slightly, her expression indifferent, sharing none of Yu He's enthusiasm.

"Aren't you happy, Miss?" Yu He asked, puzzled.

In the past, concubines were never permitted at banquets. She guessed Master Chen had issued this order to make Yin Rou happy.

Yin Rou smiled bitterly and shook her head. This was hardly cause for joy—she could only accept her circumstances.

As the banquet was about to begin, Liu Zhiyi arrived at Wan Tang Courtyard to accompany Yin Rou. Seeing Yin Rou wearing such muted colors, she remarked with regret, "With such beauty, Sister, you should wear something brighter."

Yin Rou smiled faintly and explained, "I don’t wish to draw attention."

"That's wise of you," Liu Zhiyi nodded with a smile. The two then went to the banquet and took the least noticeable places at the far end.

The moment she sat down, Yin Rou felt a gaze lock onto her—one radiating unchecked predatory intensity and danger. She knew without looking.

Her fingers tightened imperceptibly. After tonight, Chen Yanlin would depart from Western Jade Pass. She just had to endure this night.

As the guests took their seats, servants streamed in bearing trays of wine and delicacies. Someone asked Master Chen, "Where is the Third Young Master?"

Yin Rou glanced around and indeed saw no trace of him.

Master Chen smiled and replied, "He and Second Young Master Wu still have unfinished business. They’ll arrive later."

Yin Rou lowered her gaze again, only to hear a sudden uproar—

"Ninth Yiniang, you mustn’t go over there!"

"Quick, stop her!"

"Don’t let her disturb the guests!"

Before the voices faded, the banquet erupted into chaos. A woman with disheveled hair charged wildly through, snarling and clawing at anyone who tried to grab her.

Amid the confusion, Yin Rou got one horrifying look at the woman’s face—her skin was red and festering, her eyes sunken and ghostly.

It was Ninth Yiniang.

Yin Rou clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a cry. What had reduced her to this state? Others around her screamed in fright at the sight.

Ninth Yiniang spotted Yin Rou and lunged toward her like a madwoman. Fortunately, an alert attendant intercepted her before she could reach Yin Rou, though she still sent a serving girl sprawling, spilling the wine she carried onto Yin Rou.

The scene left the guests buzzing with horrified whispers. Master Chen bellowed, face purple with rage, "Drag her away at once!"

Ninth Yiniang was muzzled and hauled off, her hate-filled eyes locked onto Yin Rou until the very last moment.

"Are you all right? Were you hurt?" Liu Zhiyi asked anxiously beside her.

Yin Rou shook her head blankly, unable to shake the image of Ninth Yiniang’s hate-filled stare. An ice-cold dread crept through her limbs—not because of the attack, but because of the woman’s fate.

"Your gown's spoiled. Let me accompany you to change," Liu Zhiyi said with a frown.

Yin Rou nodded numbly, and Liu Zhiyi sought Master Chen's leave before leading her to an empty chamber to change.

"You must have been terrified just now," Liu Zhiyi said, noticing Yin Rou’s pale face. "Some careless maid must have failed to restrain Chu Yan. Don’t worry—she won’t take another step outside from now on."

Her words plunged her into icy terror. Chu Yan’s fate only filled her with sorrow and fear.

Liu Zhiyi comforted her a few more times before carefully closing the door. "Quickly take off your outer robe. I’ve already sent a maid to fetch fresh clothes."

Yin Rou obeyed mechanically, fumbling with her waist ties, when a cloying, unfamiliar scent reached her nose. The Chen household typically used sandalwood or spikenard incense—what was this scent?

Puzzled, she turned toward the incense burner, but in an instant, the room lurched violently. Her body swayed, and she gripped the edge of the table to steady herself, only to collapse uncontrollably.

Liu Zhiyi barely caught her from behind. "What’s wrong?"

Yin Rou’s vision blurred, yet the reflection of Liu Zhiyi’s eyes in her pupils showed no trace of concern.

"Sister Yin Rou, are you all right?" Liu Zhiyi asked, peering at her with false concern.

Yin Rou heard her voice grow distant as her thoughts slipped away entirely.

Seeing her lose consciousness, Liu Zhiyi’s mask of concern slipped, replaced by a glacial hatred and envy.

A moment later, as if snapping out of a trance, she stared at Yin Rou’s unconscious form, her eyes filled with struggle. It was too late for regrets now.

Steeling herself, she first extinguished the drugged incense in the burner, then pulled a small porcelain vial from her sleeve and poured its contents into her palm. In her nervousness, she spilled far too much.

Without bothering to put it back, she forced Yin Rou's jaws apart and forced the powder in. Once done, she stumbled back a few steps before fleeing the room.

…

Hot. So hot…

Yin Rou lay slumped over the table, her brows tightly furrowed. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead as her fair skin flushed an unnatural shade of red. Fire seemed to course through her, threatening to consume her entirely.