Chapter 39 Seduction “Twenty cane strikes.”

Chapter 39 Seduction: Twenty Spine Strikes.

Yue Rongrong stood on the three-story viewing platform, gazing into the distance. She could see dancers twirling gracefully on the lake and elegant noble young masters and ladies enjoying the scenery by the lakeside. However, the distance was too great for her to make out their faces. She thought that perhaps Xue Yubai might be among them, which involuntarily lifted her spirits.

Even if he wasn't, she ought to give it a try.

So, she looked down. Three stories wasn't excessively high, but it was certainly enough to break her arms and legs if she fell. She closed her eyes in fear, touched her elbow, and returned to the room to try the door again—it was still locked.

She truly couldn't understand why the head maid had led her here, closed the door, and locked it. When she heard the "click" of the lock, her whole body tensed up. Disbelieving, she rushed to the door and pulled at it, confirming that she had indeed been locked inside. Clinging to a sliver of hope while she could still see the figure outside, she hurriedly called out, "Who are you? Why have you locked me in here?"

She had intended to speak calmly and reason with the person outside, but then she saw the figure turn and leave, disappearing from view. Her composure shattered, and she frantically pounded on the door, only to be met with endless silence. In a final burst of anger, she slapped the door, then winced in pain, cradling her reddened palm and gently blowing on it. As she did, she felt her nose tingling with unshed tears and widened her eyes to keep them from falling.

Putting on a brave face, she turned around and searched the entire circular room but found nothing she could use to break the door—only the elegant, flowing gauze curtains swaying in the wind. Frustrated, she struck the curtains. The wide-open window overlooked the three-story drop, and she couldn't fathom who would want to play such a trick on her—or worse, harm her...

The only person she had recently offended was Shen Jichen... At the thought of that name, she could no longer hold back the tears welling in her eyes. Could it be that he had pretended to let her off on the surface but was secretly targeting her? But then she dismissed the idea, pursing her lips. He didn't seem like such a despicable person...

The thought that someone else might want to harm her sent a sudden chill down her spine. Cold sweat broke out on her slender back, and her face gradually paled. She forced herself to stay calm. The wind blew the gauze curtains toward her, brushing against her cheek. Irritated, she pushed them aside, and suddenly her eyes lit up with a spark of inspiration.

She climbed onto the table and, with great effort and the help of the embroidery scissors she carried with her, cut down all the decorative gauze curtains. She tied them end to end and threw them down from the window, securing one end tightly to a beam. Thinking that there were people not far away, even if Xue Yubai wasn't among them, invoking his name might help her. Even if—even if the worst-case scenario occurred—even if the person who wanted to harm her was among that crowd, the nobles valued their reputations and might not dare to mistreat her in such a public setting with so many witnesses.

Now, clinging to this slim hope, she looked down again but retreated in fear. What if she lost her grip halfway and fell? Yue Rongrong's breath caught, and her fingers trembled.

She was afraid of death, and she was afraid of pain.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed outside the door, accompanied by the heavy panting of men—more than one—muttering urgently, "Hurry up." Yue Rongrong's blood ran cold, and without another thought about how she might fall, she gripped the gauze curtains tightly and climbed out the window.

Liang Yuanbian was leading a group toward the viewing platform. The thought of the cries for help that would soon come from the platform, Shen Jichen charging in without any decorum, beating the guards indiscriminately, losing face in front of all the noble ladies, and leaving a brutish impression on Meng Jiayan—completely shattering his dignified facade—and even earning a reprimand from the emperor—made his blood boil with excitement. He couldn't help but urge, "Everyone, hurry!"

Shen Jichen shot him a sharp glance but remained composed.

Han Zixian was equally perceptive and whispered to Shen Jichen, "Did you notice? I wonder what scheme he's plotting now."

Shen Jichen was indifferent; he had never regarded Liang Yuanbian as a threat. Han Zixian smiled. It was true—since childhood, Liang Yuanbian had always tried to outsmart Piao Yao, only to end up making a fool of himself. Yet, Liang Yuanbian had such a shrewd face that Han Zixian couldn't help but find it amusing.

Abruptly, his smile froze as screams erupted from the noble ladies behind him.

"Rong Rong!" Xue Yubai shouted in desperation, drawing a sidelong glance from Meng Jiayan. In that fleeting moment, she seemed to see Shen Jichen's face taut with horror—one she had never seen before.

Already tense and fearful, Yue Rongrong was startled by the screams. Her hands loosened, and she suddenly fell from the second-floor height.

Shen Jichen felt a surge of blood rush to his head. He lunged forward like a madman, reaching out his hands.

With a "thud," Yue Rongrong landed heavily in Shen Jichen's arms. The impact forced him to the ground, but he held her tightly, his voice trembling.

"Rong Rong..." He gently patted her face, his fingers stiff with fear.

Xue Yubai rushed over and called out to her from the other side, "Rong Rong!"

Dazed for a moment, Yue Rongrong slowly opened her eyes and saw Shen Jichen. After a brief moment of confusion, fear and grievance surged in her heart. She moved her lips, hearing someone else calling her name—it was Xue Yubai's voice.

She turned her face toward him, her heart leaping with joy. She had guessed correctly—he was indeed here. Weakly, she called out, "Mr. Xue..."

Xue Yubai was overjoyed; Shen Jichen's face turned livid.

Everyone witnessed the scene. The noble ladies exchanged glances, and one who had previously invited Yue Rongrong to her residence for embroidery work recognized her and whispered, "Isn't that Yue Rongrong from Jinxiu Tower? Why is the Marquis..."

Someone nudged her, signaling her to look forward toward Meng Jiayan.

Meng Jiayan had naturally overheard their gossip. She smiled gracefully and walked over, kneeling down. "Is Miss Rong Rong alright? I've already summoned the imperial physician. Let's take Miss Rong Rong back to the guest room first."

"I'll do it," Xue Yubai said quickly.

Shen Jichen shot him a cold glance but did not release his hold.

Meng Jiayan said, "There are too many people here. For Miss Rong Rong's sake, it's better to let the maids handle it."

As she spoke, two maids stepped forward.

Xue Yubai looked at Shen Jichen persuasively, hinting for him to let go. But Shen Jichen gave him a cold look and abruptly lifted Yue Rongrong into his arms.

Yue Rongrong had just been reaching out to the maids when she found herself back in Shen Jichen's embrace. She stared in shock at his icy expression and whispered fiercely, "Put me down!"

Shen Jichen snapped coldly, "Shut up!"

Everyone watched them in stunned silence. Xue Yubai, frustrated, chased after them, wanting to dissuade Shen Jichen and even snatch Yue Rongrong from his arms, but he feared hurting her by mistake and could only follow closely behind.

Liang Yuanbian was both shocked and delighted. Although things hadn't unfolded as he had anticipated, his goal had been half achieved. Unable to contain his excitement, he walked over to Meng Jiayan.

"See? While you were away from the capital, Shen Jichen has been anything but well-behaved. He's extremely concerned about that Yue Rongrong!"

Meng Jiayan sensed the probing glances from the noble ladies nearby and smiled radiantly. "Miss Rong Rong is injured. The maids aren't strong enough to carry her without risking further harm. As an imperial official, Piao Yao's concern for the people is only natural. Minister Liang, you should learn more from Piao Yao."

Liang Yuanbian's face stiffened.

He Minxuan and the others left with smiles. Only then did the noble ladies step forward and ask suspiciously, "Jia Yan, do you know Yue Rongrong?"

Meng Jiayan nodded. "Piao Yao mentioned her to me. But let's not discuss this now—the imperial physician I summoned should have arrived."

With that, she also headed in the direction Shen Jichen had gone. The noble ladies wondered, "When did she summon the imperial physician?"

"Who knows."

**

Shen Jichen carried Yue Rongrong straight into a courtyard, brought her into a guest room, and placed her on a luohan bed. His face, still pale with lingering fear, was frozen in a grim expression. When he spoke, his tone was harsh. "What are you doing here? Do you have any idea that if I hadn't arrived in time just now, you would have fallen!"

Yue Rongrong looked up at his dark expression and felt extremely wronged, too angry to respond to him.

When he had seen her hanging from the beam earlier, Shen Jichen felt a "buzz" in his head, a string pulling tautly at his heart. Now, seeing her silent, that string suddenly snapped. He roared, "Speak!"

Yue Rongrong was startled, tears welling in her eyes. She grew even more stubborn, pressing her lips tightly together, refusing to acknowledge him, and turned away in a huff.

Shen Jichen was both furious and helpless, but seeing the unshed tears in her eyes, he began to regret his outburst.

Xue Yubai, who had been watching from behind, finally stepped forward and knelt beside Yue Rongrong, asking gently, "Are you hurt?"

At this question, Yue Rongrong's tears couldn't help but fall. Shen Jichen's icy expression faltered, his brows furrowed tightly, his heart aching.

Xue Yubai quickly reached out to wipe her tears away. Shen Jichen's face turned even colder.

"How did you end up here?" Xue Yubai asked again. "Why were you climbing out the window?"

Yue Rongrong then tearfully explained what had happened. Xue Yubai looked up at Shen Jichen with a grave expression. Shen Jichen's face grew darker, barely containing his rage. He was angry that someone dared to plot against her, and even angrier that she refused to answer him but readily replied to Xue Yubai.

Just then, Meng Jiayan arrived with the imperial physician in tow. As she entered the room, her smile broke the tense atmosphere. Her voice was gentle. "The imperial physician is here. Let him take Miss Rong Rong's pulse and see if she's injured anywhere."

The imperial physician bowed to Shen Jichen and Xue Yubai. Shen Jichen still looked displeased, so Xue Yubai motioned for him to rise.

Yue Rongrong finally noticed Meng Jiayan and looked at her curiously. Meng Jiayan gave her a friendly smile and turned to Xue Yubai and Shen Jichen. "Piao Yao, it might be inconvenient for you to stay here. Why don't you step outside first?"

Upon hearing the address "Piao Yao," Yue Rongrong couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

Shen Jichen sat motionless on the other side of the daybed, his voice icy cold. "Examine her right here."

The imperial physician, observing the cold demeanor of Marquis Shen, grew nervous.

Xue Yubai pulled Shen Jichen up. "With you here, the physician can't relax."

Marquis Shen snapped impatiently in a low voice, "Let go." He then shot a glance at the physician, his tone frigid. "Examine her carefully."

The physician hurriedly said "Yes." Marquis Shen cast a heavy look at Yue Rongrong, who turned her face away haughtily. Only then did he turn and walk out.

Xue Yubai said to Meng Jiayan, "Please take care of her."

Meng Jiayan, without putting on noble airs, smiled and replied, "Don't worry."

After they left, she sat down in the spot where Shen Jichen had been and looked at Yue Rongrong. When she noticed Meng Jiayan looking at her, Yue Rongrong quickly pretended to casually look down at her own legs, she muttered, "My legs shouldn’t be injured, right?"

The physician replied honestly, "I’ll know once I've examined you."

Yue Rongrong's fair face flushed red. A soft laugh came from beside her, and she turned awkwardly toward Meng Jiayan, managing a faint smile, somewhat embarrassed.

Miss Meng Jiayan said understandingly, "Don’t be frightened by Piao Yao. He has always been like this—he can’t stand to see the weak get bullied."

With that light remark, she framed Shen Jichen's actions as "chivalrous." Unable to discern whether Meng Jiayan was friend or foe, Yue Rongrong cautiously asked, "May I ask how I should address you?"

"My surname is Meng, Meng Jiayan. I just returned to the capital two days ago."

So, the welcoming banquet Xue Yubai attended was for her. Marquis Shen was there too—they came together. Yue Rongrong asked further, "Miss Meng, how did you know my name?"

Meng Jiayan smiled. "Piao Yao told me. He mentioned that there’s an embroiderer named Yue Rongrong at Brocade Tower. The Grand Princess and my mother are childhood friends, so Piao Yao and I grew up together."

He mentioned me? What did he say? Judging by Meng Jiayan’s expression, Marquis Shen probably hadn’t said much—likely just that she existed. But why bring her up specifically? To report? Yue Rongrong observed Meng Jiayan’s elegant demeanor, her every movement and smile exuding the grace of an aristocratic family, much more imposing than Jin Tangsong. Naturally, her thoughts turned to the idea of "social equivalence."

Yue Rongrong forced a faint smile. Childhood friends… He certainly had plenty of those—first Jin Tangsong, now Meng Jiayan. And he even mentioned her to his childhood friend. What a pity—he had never brought up this particular childhood friend, Meng Jiayan, in front of her before. She pressed her lips together and fell silent.

The imperial physician finished the examination and said she was only frightened, with no serious injuries. He'd prescribe some calming herbs later.

Meng Jiayan felt relieved and asked, "Should I call Yu Bai in for you? He seemed very worried about you. This is, after all, the imperial gardens, and he can see you home later."

Still shaken by what had happened, Yue Rongrong naturally didn’t dare to leave alone. Not wanting to see Shen Jichen at the moment, she agreed. "Thank you, Miss Meng."

Meng Jiayan walked out of the room. Both Xue Yubai and Marquis Shen brightened at the sight of her. Marquis Shen moved faster, heading for the room, but Meng Jiayan stopped him. His frown deepening, he looked at her displeased. "What is it?"

"Miss Rong Rong wishes to see Yu Bai. She only asked for Yu Bai to enter."

Marquis Shen's face darkened instantly. Xue Yubai had already hurried into the room.

"Did she say that?" Marquis Shen’s voice was cold, as if soaked in ice water, filled with suppressed anger. His gaze on Meng Jiayan was sharp and intense.

Meng Jiayan kept her composure. "Yes, I asked her. She said she only wants Yu Bai. She seems… different toward Yu Bai." She studied Marquis Shen, watching as his gaze grew colder. He glanced into the room, his expression frosty, then finally turned and left coldly.

He bumped into He Minxuan and the others approaching. "Piao Yao?"

"Let’s go drink!" Marquis Shen roared angrily.

"Drink?" He Minxuan looked puzzled. "Why are you so angry about drinking?" Before he could finish, Han Zixian and Zheng Xuchao dragged him away.

Meng Jiayan watched quietly, glanced back into the room, then gathered her skirts and gracefully descended the steps, walking away unhurriedly.

Xue Yubai intended to support Yue Rongrong as they left, but she declined. Stepping outside, the courtyard was empty. She paused silently. Xue Yubai asked, "What’s wrong?"

Yue Rongrong shook her head and smiled brightly at him. "Nothing. Could you take me to find Zhong Yu?"

Xue Yubai nodded and walked slowly with her, occasionally observing her gait. Seeing that she indeed wasn’t injured and wasn’t forcing herself, he relaxed. "About this matter… Piao Yao will investigate it thoroughly."

Yue Rongrong’s smile faltered. She looked up and said, "As he should. He is the Vice Minister of the Board of Punishments, and this is the imperial gardens. It’s his duty." She spoke formally, without any personal sentiment, and Xue Yubai laughed.

The two chatted intermittently, mostly with Xue Yubai speaking while Yue Rongrong seemed distracted. When Xue Yubai mentioned Meng Jiayan, Yue Rongrong asked casually, "Is she General Meng’s daughter?"

Her surname was "Meng," and she warranted a welcoming banquet from their circle—Yue Rongrong could only think of the famous General Meng.

Xue Yubai nodded. "Yes, she’s General Meng’s eldest legitimate daughter."

"She…" Yue Rongrong hesitated. Xue Yubai grew anxious—not afraid of her asking, but afraid she might mind. In the end, Yue Rongrong smiled lightly. "She’s a good person."

Xue Yubai sighed in relief, relaxing into a smile. "Yes, the Grand Empress Dowager once said she is a model among noble ladies."

Yue Rongrong smiled.

＊＊

By the time Shen Jichen returned to the Duke’s mansion, the moon was high in the midnight sky. Smelling strongly of alcohol, he alarmed all the servants in the courtyard. Some hurried to heat water, some to prepare sobering soup, and others to fetch clean clothes.

But Shen Jichen snapped impatiently at them all to get out.

Wen Song quickly shooed everyone away. "I’ll handle it here. All of you, leave." He added a warning, "Watch your tongues. If even a word of this reaches the main residence, be prepared for consequences."

Men and women filled half the courtyard, bowing in unison to acknowledge the order.

Yet, word got out anyway. Ren Hanzhen, Du Yan, and several other embroiderers were just leaving Jin Tangsong’s courtyard. The day after tomorrow was Jin Tangsong’s wedding, and they had been working late into the night these past two days.

Ever since unexpectedly encountering Shen Jichen in the garden two nights ago, Ren Hanzhen had been preoccupied. Last night, she found an excuse to stroll through the garden again. However, the Duke’s mansion was heavily guarded, so she couldn’t linger long. Tonight, she contemplated doing the same again. As they neared a turn, she said to the embroiderer beside her, "I’m a bit hungry. I’m going to the kitchen to find some snacks."

The kitchen she referred to was, of course, the one reserved for stewards and servants. Although it wouldn’t take her past the garden, she could take a deliberate detour.

The other embroiderers suspected nothing and urged her to be careful before leaving. Du Yan, however, stayed behind. "I’ll go with you. It’s quite late."

Ren Hanzhen naturally didn’t want her company and smiled. "No need. I’ll be back soon."

But tonight, Du Yan was determined to accompany her. A flicker of impatience crossed Ren Hanzhen’s face, though she kept up her usual gentle demeanor. She considered making a quick escape alone, but Du Yan followed nonetheless.

Du Yan was well aware of Ren Hanzhen’s intentions. When Yue Rongrong was around, she resented Yue Rongrong intensely and wished for Ren Hanzhen to overshadow her. But now, with only the two of them left—if it could be Ren Hanzhen, why couldn’t it be her?

Ren Hanzhen remained cold-faced but unwilling to give up this opportunity. What if she encountered Marquis Shen again? But Du Yan was stubbornly by her side.

Just then, a woman’s voice called out from the side, "You, yes you, come help me."

Du Yan, surprised, pointed at herself. Confirming she was the one being summoned, and noting the woman’s attire—that of a second-rank maid—she didn’t dare disobey and hurried over.

Ren Hanzhen breathed a sigh of relief and quickly slipped into the shadows of the trees. She saw two maids passing by, whispering and giggling. "I’ve never seen the Marquis this drunk before. He wouldn’t let anyone attend to him and sent everyone away."

Suddenly, as if possessed, she froze. The Marquis is drunk... A wild, terrifying thought crept maddeningly into her mind. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away, trying to dismiss the absurd idea. She struggled to suppress her racing thoughts and walked back, but once the idea emerged, it clung to her like a dark shadow, entangling her retreating steps.

She only had these two days. That night she met Shen Jichen, his care toward her, remembering how he had once let her use his carriage—she thought something would change the next day. But she waited a day, and nothing happened. She couldn’t control her disappointment and anxiety.

Once the wedding passed, she would have to return to the Brocade Tower, suppressed by Yue Rongrong, watching Yue Rongrong someday rise to greatness. Though she appeared gentle as water, she was more ambitious than anyone. The thought of Yue Rongrong stealing all the spotlight made all her suppressed pettiness and calculations surge forth.

If that's the case, why not take a desperate gamble tonight? As long as she and the Marquis consummate their relationship, even if he is furious afterward, the Duke's mansion would not be able to cast her out. Moreover, during her days in the mansion, she had heard that the Marquis showed no interest in women, which greatly worried the Grand Princess. If she succeeded, the Grand Princess might not be angry.

Besides, the Marquis's attitude toward her that night might not have been entirely without affection.

Even if she failed, as long as rumors spread, the Duke's mansion would keep her for the sake of face and reputation. That would be far better than her parents hastily marrying her off to some petty official or, like Zhen Xi, making her a concubine to an old man.

She coveted a man envied by all women in the world and longed to see Yue Rongrong consumed by jealousy. With these thoughts, she immediately ran back to the embroiderers' courtyard, took the luxurious robe she had embroidered for Shen Jichen during the day, and headed straight for the main residence.

Along the way, she was terrified and nervous, deliberately choosing paths without patrolling guards. By the time she neared Shen Jichen's courtyard, a thin layer of sweat had dampened her back. She had been worried about not being able to enter, but to her delight, she found the area outside the courtyard empty, without even the usual guards at the gate. Recalling the maids' words, she quickened her pace.

Entering the courtyard, she found it eerily quiet, with only the lanterns hanging in the yard swaying gently. Holding her breath, she mustered her courage and strode toward the main chamber.

As soon as she stepped inside, the smell of alcohol assaulted her, making her cheeks burn. Not daring to lift her eyes, she walked in and said, "Marquis, Ren Hanzhen has come to deliver the wedding attire. Please try it on so Ren Hanzhen can make any necessary adjustments."

Her tone was light and soft, yet her words were all business. She set down the clothes but heard no response. Her heart pounded wildly as she mustered the courage to look up. Behind a screen, she saw a figure slumped over, sitting on the bed. Her throat tightened, and her heart raced faster. She took two slow steps forward, circled around the screen, and saw Shen Jichen supporting his forehead as if in great discomfort.

Ren Hanzhen hurried to pour a cup of tea and approached him. Today, he wore a smooth satin robe that outlined the cold, hard lines of his back muscles. Her heart raced, and she knelt beside him, gazing at him with fervent concern. "Marquis, please have some tea."

Hearing her voice, Shen Jichen frowned and glanced sideways at her. His gaze was cold and stern, yet tinged with confusion, as if dazed.

Ren Hanzhen gathered her courage and reached out innocently, placing her hand on Shen Jichen's cheek. "Marquis, your face is so hot. Are you unwell?" she asked with feigned innocence. Her fingertips accidentally brushed against the collar of his robe, and she paused, looking at him with feigned innocence, her face flushed with shyness.

She was convinced that her tender, yielding demeanor would surely evoke pity from any man.

Suddenly, Shen Jichen grabbed her hand, which had lingered at his collar, and fixed her with a piercing gaze that made her blush and her heart race.

"Are you Ren Hanzhen?" His low, mellow voice came slowly.

Ren Hanzhen softened further, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Yes, Marquis. You're hurting me..." It was nothing but a coy tactic.

Shen Jichen slowly moved closer and asked deeply, "Does it hurt that much?"

Ren Hanzhen's heart hammered like a drum. Her other hand covered his, as if to push him away, but her voice remained soft and tender. "Yes, it hurts..." Yet her pushing seemed more like caressing.

"It doesn't seem to hurt that much," Shen Jichen said deliberately. With that, he shoved her hand away harshly.

Caught off guard, Ren Hanzhen fell heavily to the ground, her knees aching from the impact. Ignoring the sharp pain in her arm, fear welled up in her eyes. "Marquis..." she tried to call out to him in her most delicate tone.

Shen Jichen had already risen to his feet, stern and imposing, without a trace of drunkenness. His voice was cold and authoritative as he called out, "Wen Song!"

Wen Song immediately entered, followed by two guards. At that moment, the color drained completely from Ren Hanzhen's face.

"Take her away. Twenty strokes of caning. Let her learn what pain truly means."

Wen Song responded with zeal, "Yes!"

"Marquis!" Ren Hanzhen shed all pretense of gentleness and knelt to clutch at Shen Jichen's robe. "Marquis, I only came to have you try on the clothes..."

Shen Jichen coldly pulled his robe back and issued an emotionless order. "After the punishment, send her back to Brocade Pavilion."

Wen Song understood immediately. "Yes! I will make sure to publicly humiliate her by returning her to Brocade Pavilion!" He waved his hand. "Take her away!"

"Marquis! Marquis!" Ren Hanzhen pleaded in despair, her voice raw with agony, forgetting all dignity and decorum.

Shen Jichen walked indifferently to the outer room. Seeing the clothes she had brought, he called for someone and said without a hint of emotion, "Get rid of these."

-----------------------

Author's Note: Fortune is sought in danger, but also lost in danger. The chance of gaining is one in ten, while the chance of losing is nine in ten.

[Du Yan's comment]: That was close. I narrowly avoided disaster.