Chapter 160 You Should Call Me Shang Yin

Chapter 160: You Should Call Me Shang Yin

Shang Yin appeared outside Zhao Xun’s courtyard. Servants went to announce him, but it was not Zhao Xun who emerged, but his current wife, Lady Li.

“The master is occupied today and cannot see you,” Lady Li stated, her tone far from welcoming.

Ever since the Dowager Consort’s return, Lady Li had treated Shang Yin as if he were invisible. But now, with her own son having suffered family punishment because of Shang Yin, her feelings toward him had curdled into pure loathing and hostility.

Shang Yin paid no mind to Lady Li’s attitude, simply stating, “Whether Father is free or not is hardly for you to decide. The Dowager Consort wishes to see him.”

“You—” Lady Li glared at Shang Yin, seething. “Do you truly believe that by resorting to such petty tricks to harm my son, the Master will ever give you a second thought?”

Seeing Shang Yin look at her, Lady Li assumed she had struck a nerve and sneered. “The Master has long lamented that his greatest regret in life was obeying his father’s command to marry your mother, a woman of low birth. If not for you two dragging him down, he wouldn’t be in this predicament today.”

The words were laughably absurd, yet some people readily employ such excuses to rationalize their own incompetence.

Shang Yin offered no rebuttal. He fixed his gaze on Lady Li for a moment, long enough to make her uneasy, before shifting his eyes away and calmly stating, “Kindly fetch Father at once. Do not delay the Dowager Consort’s important business.”

His composure deflated Lady Li. Since he invoked the Dowager Consort’s authority, she dared not delay further and returned to summon Zhao Xun.

When Zhao Xun emerged, his expression was grim. “You said the Dowager Consort wishes to see me. What is it about?”

“The Dowager Consort desires to leave the city for some leisure and prefers not to trouble others. She would appreciate Father’s guidance.”

At this, Zhao Xun’s eyes brightened. Though he harbored many grievances against his mother, he was acutely aware that his current comfortable life depended entirely on her.

Cultivating a close relationship with the Dowager Consort could only benefit him.

“One moment. I shall go prepare.”

Shang Yin added nonchalantly, “The Dowager Consort does not wish to be disturbed by too many people on this outing. She only desires a relaxing time with family. Father should not bring too many attendants—two or three servants will suffice.”

Family? The word sparked a thought in Zhao Xun’s mind, and he asked Shang Yin, “If we’re not bringing others, then taking Zeqian along shouldn’t be an issue, should it?”

In Zhao Xun’s mind, “family” had never included this long-ignored son of his.

The only son he acknowledged was Zhao Zeqian, born to Lady Li.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The Dowager Consort has not given her permission.”

The more Shang Yin refused, the more Zhao Xun suspected ill intent, and his resolve to bring Zhao Zeqian only solidified.

“You need not concern yourself with this. I will speak to the Dowager Consort myself.”

Shang Yin did not argue further. He watched coldly as Zhao Xun exchanged a glance with Lady Li, who hurried away.

Lady Li understood the gravity of the situation. A private outing with the Dowager Consort was a rare opportunity to cultivate a relationship—one they naturally had to seize.

Fortunately, Zhao Zeqian’s injuries were not severe, and with medicine, he was able to move about.

Before long, Lady Li returned with Zhao Zeqian. Seeing this, Shang Yin said nothing, merely instructing Zhao Xun to wait at the side gate once ready before returning to report back.

Zhao Xun and his son prepared two carriages, bringing along four servants, while the Dowager Consort was accompanied by only one maidservant.

When boarding the carriage, the Dowager Consort caught sight of Zhao Zeqian waiting nearby but merely gave Zhao Xun a sharp look without further comment.

Seeing that the Dowager Consort did not object to Zhao Zeqian’s presence, Zhao Xun allowed himself a slight smile before snapping at his son, “Get in the carriage. Be mindful and don’t displease your great-aunt, or I’ll break your legs.”

“Yes, Father,” Zhao Zeqian replied quickly, knowing better than to cause trouble.

Once the party had boarded the carriages, the servants drove them out of the Zhao residence in succession.

About an hour after their departure, Zhao Qi’s steward suddenly arrived at the Dowager Consort’s courtyard, stating that the family patriarch wished to speak with her.

The maidservant left behind awkwardly informed him that the Dowager Consort had gone out for leisure. The steward, left with no choice, relayed this to Zhao Qi.

Hearing the steward’s reply, Zhao Qi’s aged face showed little emotion. He only murmured, “My daughter has always been deeply thoughtful since childhood, trusting no one’s words, not even mine, her own father. She guards herself even against me.”

The steward knew the Old Master was hurt and attempted to comfort him. “Perhaps the Dowager Consort did not wish to involve you in this matter.”

After last night’s disturbance, Zhao Qi had naturally ordered an investigation.

With the Zhao family’s connections, even if the Bright Mirror Bureau had suppressed the information, he soon learned that a Fourth Realm practitioner had been captured in Changping Ward the previous night by the Bright Mirror Bureau Guard.

Ever since locating the incense burner, the Dowager Consort had insisted on handling the matter herself. Knowing his daughter’s methods, Zhao Qi had not interfered.

He only knew that the incense burner was likely in Changping Ward.

Connecting these facts, he naturally suspected that the suddenly captured Fourth Realm practitioner might be linked to his daughter.

He had intended to summon her for questioning, only to find she had left the city.

Zhao Qi shook his head at the steward’s words. “She isn’t afraid of implicating me. She’s afraid I’ll use this chance to control her. That child has grown too accustomed to her high station—she tries to dominate everyone she meets, even her own father.”

The steward hesitated before asking, “Could the Dowager Consort be planning to return to the Northern Wastes?”

“No,” Zhao Qi said firmly. “She has likely found a way to contact the Northern Wastes without wanting me to know beforehand.”

“Should the residence send some men to protect the Dowager Consort? I heard she only had Young Master Xun bring a few servants, along with Zhao Yin.”

The Zhao family employed several skilled cultivators, though none matched the Dowager Consort’s personal attendants.

“Zhao Yin…” Zhao Qi murmured the name softly before finally saying, “No need. That child is completely loyal to the Dowager Consort. With him present, nothing major will happen.”

This was the imperial capital, not the Northern Wastes. A Third Realm cultivator was more than enough to handle most situations.

The steward nodded, though after a moment, he expressed another worry. “But what if the Bright Mirror Bureau uncovers something? I’ve heard that Bai Xiuming, who leads the Bright Mirror Bureau, is not someone to be trifled with.”

Zhao Qi’s expression showed no reaction. “A single incense burner and an unidentified Fourth Realm practitioner are not enough to implicate the Zhao family. His Majesty will not allow him to overstep his authority.”

Comforted by his master’s composure, the steward relaxed slightly.

Zhao Qi gazed at the overcast sky outside and said, “When the Dowager Consort returns, ask her to come see me.”

“Yes.”

The Zhao family’s carriages rumbled out of the city. Since the Dowager Consort had only mentioned leisure without specifying a destination, the servants did not dare decide on their own and followed Shang Yin’s instructions, continuing along a dirt road.

The carriages traveled a considerable distance, putting ample space between them and the capital.

By now, patches of green could be seen in the mountains, and further ahead, a village became visible.

On the opposite mountainside stood a dilapidated temple.

Spotting the temple, Shang Yin directed the servants to head toward it. Though puzzled, they didn't dare object.

Feeling the carriage lurch, the Dowager Consort inquired, and Shang Yin replied truthfully, “Dowager Consort, there is a temple halfway up the mountain. From afar, it appears abandoned. It may suit our needs.”

The Dowager Consort frowned slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Shang Yin’s choice of location. However, they had left in haste without a predetermined site, and using a peasant's home was out of the question—any blood ritual performed there might be discovered later, causing even greater trouble.

Given this, the dilapidated temple chosen by Shang Yin was indeed convenient.

“We’ll do as you say,” the Dowager finally agreed.

As the Zhao family’s carriages climbed the hillside, A Chan and Chen Hui stood in the village, spotting the two eye-catching carriages from afar.

“What are they going to that ruined temple for?” Chen Hui asked curiously.

A Chan smiled faintly. “Perhaps they’re up to no good.”

Chen Hui paused thoughtfully.

The two carriages lumbered with difficulty toward the front of the dilapidated temple. Fortunately, there was a clearing before and behind the temple, barely enough space for parking.

Only after directing the servants to move the carriages behind the temple did Shang Yin assist the Dowager in getting down.

Once Zhao Xun stepped down and saw only a ruined temple, he asked curiously, “Aunt, why stop here?”

The Dowager replied casually, “The journey wore me out. We’ll rest here for a while.”

Seeing Zhao Yin help the Dowager into the temple, Zhao Xun grew suspicious. His aunt’s words sounded more like an excuse—she didn’t seem to be out for leisure but rather had some purpose.

Noticing something strange, Zhao Xun fell silent. Meanwhile, Zhao Zeqian looked at the crumbling temple in disgust. The doors and windows were completely gone, and inside were faded, broken clay statues and a decrepit altar.

The small temple was covered in dust, dirt, and the scattered bones of small animals left behind by wild beasts, along with withered weeds.

Eager to leave, he pointed to the village across the way and said, “Great-aunt, why not rest in that village instead? It’s much cleaner there.”

The Dowager gave Zhao Zeqian a quick, dismissive look and ignored him.

“Zhao Yin, have the servants come in and rest as well,” the Dowager instructed.

Shang Yin nodded and stepped out for a moment. Soon, four servants followed him into the temple.

The already tiny space became even more crowded with nine people inside.

The Dowager now sat on a stool brought by her maid. In her hands was a book, its pages open to reveal a Golden Page within.

Zhao Xun and his son watched closely the Dowager’s movements until they heard a loud thud. Turning, they saw the four servants collapse unconscious to the ground.

“Zhao Yin, what are you doing?” Zhao Xun grabbed Zhao Zeqian’s arm and backed away cautiously.

Shang Yin remained silent, but the Dowager scolded, “Act your age—where’s your self-control?”

“Aunt, what exactly is going on?” Zhao Xun asked sharply.

“There are matters to attend to. You and Zeqian stay quiet and don’t disturb Zhao Yin.”

Zhao Xun’s eyes darted. “If there’s anything to be done, Aunt, you can assign it to Zeqian. He’s a hard worker.”

The Dowager knew what he was up to but didn’t expose it, just amused by it. “Enough. Both of you, behave and don’t cause trouble.”

Shang Yin pulled the four unconscious servants closer to the Dowager and slit their wrists. As crimson blood poured out, the faces of Zhao Xun and Zhao Zeqian went pale.

The servants’ blood loss was clearly unnatural. Zhao Xun could tell that if this continued, they wouldn’t survive.

He didn’t care much about lives, but this was the first time he’d witnessed such cold-blooded treatment.

The Dowager watched expressionlessly. Only when Shang Yin finished did she take out the Golden Page, holding it by one corner and letting the rest soak in the blood.

As the Golden Page submerged, it began rapidly absorbing the blood. Gradually, faint golden light flickered across its surface, growing brighter as the servants’ faces turned ashen.

Finally, the light steadied—the Golden Page, now saturated, released from the Dowager’s grip and hovered before her.

By then, one of the servants had already stopped breathing.

Not even looking at them, the Dowager accepted a small knife from her maid and made a cut on her forefinger. Just as she was about to write on the Golden Page with her blood, she heard another thud.

She looked up at Zhao Xun and Zhao Zeqian, who were staring fixedly behind her, then turned.

Only then did she realize that her maid had suddenly collapsed—and Shang Yin was leisurely withdrawing his hand after striking her.

“Zhao Yin, what are you doing?” the Dowager snapped, frowning.

Shang Yin turned to her with a mysterious smile. “Grandmother, didn’t you promise Grandfather that the first child of my parents would bear the Shang name? You should call me—*Shang Yin*.”