Chapter 40 Pleading “Aren’t you afraid of angering him?”

Chapter 40: Pleading for Mercy "Aren't you afraid he'll get angry?"

It was already midnight when Ren Hanzhen was returned to Brocade Pavilion.

Having been startled during the day, Yue Rongrong had drunk the calming tea prescribed by the imperial physician and slept soundly. When she finally regained consciousness, the clamor around her felt like it was piercing her eardrums, and someone was slapping her cheeks.

"Rong Rong! Rong Rong!"

Yue Rongrong frowned, struggling to open her eyes. She blinked several times before finally making out Zhong Yu's face. In a soft, groggy voice, she asked, "Is it morning already?"

Zhong Yu rolled her eyes and pulled her up. "Hurry and get up! Something serious has happened!"

Yue Rongrong reluctantly sat up, rubbing her cheek as she looked at Zhong Yu in confusion. "...Did you hit me?"

Zhong Yu’s expression shifted awkwardly before she straightened up and said seriously, "Hanzhen is in trouble!" She then gestured toward Ren Hanzhen’s bed.

Only then did Yue Rongrong notice the crowd gathered in the room. Anxious voices repeatedly called out "Hanzhen," and the courtyard outside was brightly lit, with lights on in every room.

"What’s going on?" she asked blankly, just as the hurried footsteps of the manager echoed from outside.

Zhong Yu grabbed the cloak from the foot of the bed and draped it over Yue Rongrong, pulling her out of bed. Still dazed, Yue Rongrong spotted Wen Song standing outside the door, tall and rigid like a pine tree. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

What was he doing here?!

As she stared in shock, she saw the manager approach Wen Song as if he’d seen a ghost, his face deathly pale. He bowed so deeply his head nearly touched the ground.

"Lord Wen Song, this… this…"

Wen Song snorted coldly, his demeanor imposing. The manager trembled like a leaf.

"Manager Xu has trained his people well!" Wen Song said sarcastically.

The manager frantically wiped the sweat from his forehead and bowed again. "Please, Lord Wen Song, enlighten me."

But Wen Song didn’t explain. Instead, he said, "Having offended Marquis Shen, Manager Xu should weigh carefully whether he can bear the full force of his wrath."

"Lord Wen Song…"

Yue Rongrong was baffled. Offended the Marquis? Who? Hanzhen? How? And what exactly happened to Hanzhen? She tried to peer into the crowd, but Zhong Yu quickly tugged her sleeve. Yue Rongrong turned and saw Wen Song walking toward her.

His expression had completely changed—now exceedingly friendly. He approached her and bowed, and the room fell silent.

"Apologies for disturbing your rest, Miss. Please do not take offense," Wen Song said respectfully.

Yue Rongrong forced a slight smile, feeling the weight of everyone’s stares like needles on her back.

Wen Song added, "I take my leave now."

Yue Rongrong nodded slowly. When she came to her senses, she saw the manager staring at her in stunned silence before suddenly rushing toward her as if awakened.

"Rong Rong…"

Just then, Zhang Jing cried out, "Manager! Hanzhen is fading fast! Please fetch a doctor quickly!"

Hearing this, Yue Rongrong’s heart clenched. What did she mean by "fading fast"? She hurried over and froze at the sight.

Ren Hanzhen was lying face down on the bed, her back covered in blood. Her face was pale and fragile, her hair disheveled. She could only let out faint moans, a far cry from her usual gentle and composed self.

"What happened?" Yue Rongrong asked anxiously. "Wasn’t Hanzhen at the Duke’s residence?"

One of the embroiderers, sobbing in fear, said, "We don’t know either. She was just carried back like this…"

Although the manager was furious at Ren Hanzhen for causing such trouble, he couldn’t bear to see her in this state. He instructed Fang Xiuniang to fetch a doctor, adding, "Get the best one." After all, it was a matter of life and death.

But immediately after saying it, he regretted it. If word got back to Marquis Shen that they’d called a doctor, and he took offense, what would they do? In a panic, he was about to call Fang Xiuniang back. Even though Brocade Pavilion was the top embroidery house in the capital and served many nobles, it couldn’t withstand Marquis Shen’s anger! He could overturn the entire pavilion with a flick of his wrist!

His eyes fell on Yue Rongrong, and they lit up with hope. He grabbed her hand, startling her, then quickly let go and slapped his own hand. "Look at me, getting carried away in my panic! Rong Rong, only you can save Hanzhen and Brocade Pavilion now!"

He spoke with such sincerity and emotion that he seemed ready to kowtow to her.

Such high praise made Yue Rongrong step back, but the manager pressed forward, not letting her retreat.

"Rong Rong, we all saw how Lord Wen Song treated you just now. Who does Lord Wen Song represent? Marquis Shen! His attitude toward you is Marquis Shen’s attitude toward you! Please, I beg you, plead with Marquis Shen to spare Hanzhen and Brocade Pavilion!" His words were dramatic and impassioned, effectively putting Yue Rongrong on the spot.

Yue Rongrong immediately refused. "I can’t! I’m not close with the Marquis!"

Only she knew that Wen Song’s attitude toward her was entirely out of past affection. Back when she was with Shen Jichen, Wen Song had always treated her with respect, and even after all these years, it remained the same. But this had nothing to do with Shen Jichen, who now regarded her with displeasure…

She glanced at Ren Hanzhen. Whatever had provoked Shen Jichen’s fury, she had no confidence that a few words from her could calm him down. Thinking this, she shook her head vigorously.

But the manager saw her as his last and only hope. Determined not to let her back down, he pulled her into the crowd and continued, "Look at them! These are the sisters you see day in and day out! Can you bear to see them lose their support? Losing support is one thing, but if Brocade Pavilion falls and Marquis Shen vents his anger on them, what then? They’re all young girls, like flowers! And Hanzhen—we don’t even know if she’ll survive!"

His words drained the color from every embroiderer’s face. As Ren Hanzhen’s painful moans echoed intermittently, fear gripped everyone’s heart. Forgetting past conflicts with Yue Rongrong, they all began pleading with her.

"Rong Rong, please just try! Marquis Shen stood up for you before! Even if he doesn’t come to see you now, maybe he still remembers the past! Rong Rong…"

One sincere, fearful face after another pressed toward her, leaving Yue Rongrong with no room to retreat.

Zhong Yu held Yue Rongrong, seeing her distress, and spoke up, "Such a big matter—how can Rong Rong, a weak woman, handle it? Maybe we should think of other solutions. Brocade Pavilion knows many nobles…"

"Don’t be naive!" the manager cut her off sharply. "We’re insignificant people. Who would risk offending Marquis Shen and the Shen family for us?"

The youngest embroiderer burst into tears. "What if Marquis Shen takes his anger out on us…"

Yue Rongrong felt uneasy seeing their distress. The manager said, "Hanzhen was sent back—maybe there’s still a chance for a turnaround. Rong Rong, I beg you to try…" He bowed again.

The room fell silent except for Ren Hanzhen’s weak breathing and the embroiderers’ sobs.

Just then, Fang Xiuniang returned with the doctor. Yue Rongrong finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Let’s tend to Hanzhen first."

They were all ushered out of the room and waited in the courtyard. Fang Xiuniang stayed inside to assist. Ren Hanzhen was severely injured, and in the quiet night, her agonized moans were almost audible. Yue Rongrong couldn’t help but wonder what she had done to provoke such rage from Shen Jichen. And how could someone usually so steady and cautious do something to anger him so?

Since arriving at Brocade Pavilion, Ren Hanzhen had never offended anyone—not even the manager. In fact, everyone present shared Yue Rongrong’s thoughts.

After more than an hour, the doctor finally emerged, sighing. "It was a close call. Just a little more, and she would have been paralyzed for life."

A collective shiver ran through the crowd. The doctor added, "She needs careful rest and recuperation. I’ve written a prescription. Send someone with me to get the medicine."

The manager sighed, paid the fee, and sent Fang Xiuniang along. He dismissed the others, keeping only a few steady embroiderers in the room.

Looking at Ren Hanzhen’s pitiful state, the manager silently turned his gaze to Yue Rongrong.

Yue Rongrong’s resolve softened slightly. Upon reflection, she and Ren Hanzhen had never had any deep-seated conflict. When Yue Rongrong first arrived, she received some favor from Aunt Ming, and the manager had assigned her lighter tasks, which Ren Hanzhen resented under pressure. But after Yue Rongrong settled in, they got along reasonably well. It was only recently that they had a falling out, but Ren Hanzhen had never harmed her.

Now, seeing someone who had been full of life just days ago reduced to such agony, she couldn’t harden her heart. She also thought of the manager, who, though sometimes harsh and stingy, had generally treated them well. Brocade Pavilion was her support too—without it, she would struggle. After much deliberation, she finally sighed.

"Then I’ll go see the Marquis tomorrow and try."

The manager's eyes instantly lit up: "Rong Rong, you can definitely do it!"

Sprawled on the bed, Ren Hanzhen was in so much pain that her mind cleared instead. Hearing these words, she bit her lip hard, but her remaining strength eventually made her release it. She hated this! Hated it so much! In the end, she had just done all the work for Yue Rongrong—giving her an excuse to get close to Marquis Shen! But what could she do now? She had to survive first...

To save Brocade Pavilion and afraid that the injured Ren Hanzhen might affect Yue Rongrong, the manager specially arranged a separate room for her to rest properly.

Yue Rongrong naturally did not refuse and accepted readily. Although the night had been eventful, she slept relatively well in the latter half and woke up the next day with her color good. A light application of rouge and powder instantly made her glowing.

Once she was ready, she stepped out, but as she left Yunjin Courtyard, she ran into Master Zhou and Cheng Qian. They had likely come to visit Ren Hanzhen. Master Zhou, still resentful over the previous slapping punishment, flashed a venomous look at Yue Rongrong upon seeing her. Let her be proud for now—just wait, her good days were numbered!

Yue Rongrong had no intention of engaging with them either and prepared to leave, but Cheng Qian stopped her. After Master Zhou left, he asked with a stern face, "Are you going to the Marquis’s residence?"

Obviously, he already knew. Yue Rongrong didn’t want to say much and replied curtly.

Cheng Qian sneered, "You certainly think highly of yourself. Do you really believe a few words from you will make Marquis Shen forgive the incident?"

Yue Rongrong hated his arrogant, high-and-mighty attitude the most. Coldly, she replied, "It’s not that I think highly of myself—it’s that the manager does. Naturally, I have to give it a try. Now if you'll excuse me."

Cheng Qian, displeased, continued to mock, "Do you think just because Marquis Shen showed you a bit of favor, he’ll do whatever you want? You should know that to him, you’re just a replaceable woman. I advise you not to go and humiliate yourself."

Yue Rongrong lifted her eyes, her cool gaze fixed on him. "Is that advice?"

"Yes."

"Then thank you," Yue Rongrong said, her smile not reaching her eyes. "But I don’t need Young Master Cheng’s advice. After all, our relationship isn’t particularly harmonious." With that, she left.

Cheng Qian was left fuming. Master Zhou walked over and sneered, "This Yue Rongrong really has moves. Who would have thought Young Master Cheng—"

Cheng Qian shot him a sharp glance, and Master Zhou changed his tone: "It’s a pity she doesn’t appreciate it."

"Hmph, once she learns her lesson and suffers at Marquis Shen’s hands, she’ll naturally come to appreciate it," Cheng Qian said confidently with a cold laugh.

"Young Master Cheng is so certain?"

Cheng Qian glanced at him. "You don’t actually think Marquis Shen has any real feelings for her, do you? Foolish."

Seeing his attitude, Master Zhou couldn’t help but ask, "The palace selection for embroiderers is coming up soon. Do you think Yue Rongrong will be chosen?"

Cheng Qian did not answer.

＊＊

The manager was thoughtful and even arranged a carriage for Yue Rongrong. When the carriage stopped in front of the Marquis’s residence, Yue Rongrong spent what felt like fifteen minutes mentally preparing herself. She reminded herself that this trip was entirely for Brocade Pavilion and Ren Hanzhen—it had nothing to do with her. She had a proper purpose and wasn’t here to pester him. No baggage, no baggage.

She repeated this to herself for a long time, took several deep breaths, and finally mustered the courage to step out of the carriage. With resolve, she solemnly walked up to the entrance of the Marquis’s residence. The guards and gatekeepers were very familiar with her—they didn’t stop her, and one even came forward to greet her.

"Miss Yue, why are you here so early?"

Yue Rongrong mustered a bright smile, first nodded, then said, "I have something to discuss with the Marquis. Could you please let him know I'm here?"

The gatekeeper replied, "You’re too kind, miss. If you wish to see the Marquis, how could I dare stop you? But the Marquis isn’t in the residence right now."

Yue Rongrong’s smile stiffened, and she raised her eyebrows in surprise. "He’s not here?"

The gatekeeper said cheerfully, "At this hour, he’s likely just finished court and is heading to the Ministry of Justice office. If you’re in a hurry to see him, you could try there."

Yue Rongrong paused, nearly forgetting that he had official duties and was busy with government affairs. She thanked the gatekeeper, turned around, and got back into the carriage.

"Safe travels, miss."

A guard behind them walked over curiously and said dismissively, "She’s just a girl from the embroidery workshop. Why are you so careful? You don’t actually think she could become an official consort of this residence, do you?"

The gatekeeper chuckled. "Whether she becomes an official consort or not is one thing, but whether she becomes the apple of our Marquis’s eye—that’s hard to say."

The guard said, "Just because of those couple of times the Marquis showed her special treatment?"

The gatekeeper retorted, "But have you ever seen the Marquis show special treatment to anyone else? Those ‘couple of times’ you mention speak volumes. Whatever happens in the future, showing respect is never wrong."

The guard was stunned. Seeing that the gatekeeper was only sixteen or seventeen, he couldn’t help marveling, "To have such insight at such a young age—impressive."

"You flatter me."

＊＊

The carriage stopped directly in front of the main gate of the Ministry of Justice. As Yue Rongrong stepped out and approached, a guard came forward to stop her. "Who goes there! If you have a case, take it to the county magistrate’s office!"

Yue Rongrong immediately put on a smile. "Officer, I’d like to see Marquis Shen. Could you please—"

"Outrageous! The Marquis isn’t someone you can just see whenever you want! Get lost! Don’t stand here daydreaming. Every day, girls from who-knows-where come up with excuses to see the Marquis!" The guard shooed her away while muttering under his breath.

Yue Rongrong paused, patiently saying, "I really do have something important to discuss with the Marquis. Please announce me."

"You think we’ll announce you just because you say so? If we did that, we’d spend the whole day announcing people like you and get no work done."

Yue Rongrong gritted her teeth but kept a smile on her face.

"Hey, don’t be so rough with the miss," said a kindly-faced man in his thirties stepping out from inside.

The guards nearby bowed in unison. "Assistant Minister Guo."

Yue Rongrong, quick-witted, immediately bowed as well. "So it’s Assistant Minister Guo. This commoner pays her respects."

Assistant Minister Guo looked at her cheerfully. "Miss, I completely understand your desire to see the Marquis. But what good will it do? It’ll only bring you more sorrow... So many girls have left in tears from the Ministry of Justice." He sighed, hoping to make her see reason.

"......" Yue Rongrong fell silent. It seemed they all thought she was just another lovesick girl making excuses to see Marquis Shen.

Before she could explain, Assistant Minister Guo continued, "Even if I announce you, the Marquis won’t see you. Instead of wasting your time here, why not go home, do some embroidery, wash some vegetables, cook a meal for your parents? Those are meaningful things!"

As he spoke, he gently guided Yue Rongrong outward, hoping to send her off without further fuss. But Yue Rongrong swiveled gracefully, slipped past him, and took two quick steps back up to the ministry’s entrance. Smiling brightly, she said, "Please just announce me. If the Marquis refuses to see me, I’ll wait here. Surely the Ministry of Justice wouldn’t roughly eject a commoner?"

Everyone was speechless for a moment. Who would have thought this fragile-looking, sweet-looking girl would be so stubborn?

One guard grew impatient. "Announcing you is useless! The Marquis isn’t even here!"

Yue Rongrong froze. Not here? Her surprised expression turned scrutinizing. "State servants shouldn't deceive."

Assistant Minister Guo grew anxious—even telling the truth wasn’t believed! He was about to find another excuse to persuade her to leave when he noticed a luxurious carriage approaching in the distance.

He quickly ushered Yue Rongrong aside and whispered urgently, "The Marquis is coming. Don’t make a scene, or you’ll anger him—no one can save you then." Making sure she stood properly and respectfully, he straightened his clothes and stood at attention.

The carriage stopped. Wen Song alighted first, and soon after, Yue Rongrong saw Marquis Shen Jichen descend at a measured pace. He had likely just come from the palace, still wearing his official court garments. An aura of commanding presence radiated from him. This was the first time Yue Rongrong had seen him in court attire. Though young, his presence was overwhelming—the solemn, intricate court robes seemed to complement his steady, stern demeanor when he wasn’t smiling. He looked every bit the austere and magnificent influential statesman holding great authority.

Everyone bowed in unison, and Yue Rongrong followed suit.

As Marquis Shen Jichen stepped onto the entrance, he seemed to sense something and glanced in her direction. Yue Rongrong looked up and met his calm, deep eyes, like a still pond. Her heart skipped a beat as she stared intently at him.

Unfortunately, Marquis Shen Jichen only glanced at her once before brushing past her without a word.

Assistant Minister Guo noticed Yue Rongrong's disappointment and felt a pang of compassion. He closed his eyes briefly before speaking: "My Lord, this lady says she has an important matter to report."

Shen Jichen ignored him. Assistant Minister Guo muttered: "See? The Lord Marquis won't see you. You should leave."

Yue Rongrong stood frozen, her eyes fixed intently on Shen Jichen's back as he walked away. As she watched him step across the threshold, her heart sank bit by bit.

Then she saw Shen Jichen pause. Everyone noticed and were baffled.

"Let her in."

Shen Jichen's cool voice cut through, causing everyone present to stare in disbelief as they looked at Yue Rongrong. Yue Rongrong's face lit up, but before she could move, Wen Song urgently signaled her with his eyes. She quickly scurried after him.

The group at the entrance stood stunned.

"Did the sun rise from the west today? The Lord Marquis actually let her in without even asking what the matter was?"

"Wait, the Lord Marquis is heading toward his study, isn't he? Not the main hall for interrogations?"

"Who exactly is this girl?"

＊＊

Yue Rongrong followed Shen Jichen into the study and saw him pause in front of the desk. He picked up an open dossier, glanced at it, and without looking up, said coldly: "If you're here to plead for mercy, you can leave now."

"Why!" Yue Rongrong exclaimed, both shocked and annoyed. "Must you be so heartless?"

"Heartless?" Shen Jichen looked up at her, a flicker of mockery in his eyes. "Yue Rongrong, what gives you the right to stand here and accuse me of being heartless?"

"I—" All her heated emotions cut off abruptly. She no longer had any right to accuse him. Shen Jichen's gaze was intense and penetrating, fixed on her as if waiting for her answer, but she could only look down. "I... I..." she hesitated, voice filled with guilt.

A cold laugh cut through the air. She looked up and saw Shen Jichen, his expression grim, slap the dossier onto the desk. He sank stiffly into an armchair, his face icy and severe.

Yue Rongrong calmed her racing heart and her voice softened. "No matter what wrong Hanzhen has committed, she's just a weak woman. Why must you go after a weak woman..."

"A weak woman?" Shen Jichen scoffed. "Are you saying that seducing this marquis and attempting to steal state secrets from the Duke's mansion is the act of a weak woman?"

Yue Rongrong froze. Her face went pale instantly as she stared at him in disbelief. Ren Hanzhen seduced him?! And attempted to steal state secrets—a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations! Yet he had sent Ren Hanzhen back to Brocade Tower. What about everyone at Brocade Tower...

Wen Song, who had been observing from the side, twitched his lips. So his lord marquis was quite capable of telling lies too.

But Yue Rongrong took him at his word. Terrified, her legs went weak, and she reached out to steady herself on the nearby table, but instead her hand landed on Shen Jichen's palm. He had moved to her side at some point, his tall figure looming over her, firmly supporting her. She instinctively gripped his hand. "How will you punish Brocade Tower then?"

Shen Jichen gazed at her fair, smooth fingers, which had turned pink at the tips from clutching too tightly. He said in a low voice, "Still considering it."

He released her and walked toward the inner chamber. This study had a bedchamber where he could change clothes and rest. She stared at him blankly, still not recovered from the devastating news. Wen Song walked over to her and whispered, "Miss, this matter isn't without room for negotiation."

Room for negotiation? Yue Rongrong's face gradually regained some color as she looked hopefully at Wen Song. Then she saw him give a meaningful glance at the teapot on the table. Yue Rongrong was puzzled for a moment before understanding.

When Shen Jichen emerged, he had changed into comfortable casual clothes, which softened his authoritative presence and added a touch of aloofness. She watched him return to his desk, take a couple of steadying breaths, then picked up a teacup and walked over.

"Lord Marquis, please have some tea," she said in an excessively sweet voice.

When Shen Jichen looked up, she was smiling sweetly and gazing at him appealingly. The ice in Shen Jichen's eyes thawed slightly. He made a grunt of acknowledgment and accepted the tea. Did that actually work? Yue Rongrong could hardly believe it. She quickly pulled up a stool and sat down beside the desk. "Lord Marquis, shall I grind ink for you?"

Shen Jichen glanced at her but did not object.

Assistant Minister Guo was extremely curious about why the Lord Marquis had allowed an unknown young lady into his study and why she hadn't emerged for so long. Unable to restrain himself, he took a case file about a recent incident involving counterfeit famous paintings linked to powerful families and entered the study. Instantly, he gasped in shock.

What did he see! That audacious girl was actually sitting beside the desk! That desk which even they weren't qualified to sit beside! And she was resting her chin on her hand, grinding ink absentmindedly! Grinding ink like that would make the ink uneven, yet the Lord Marquis hadn't scolded her! He had only frowned slightly!

His feet seemed nailed to the floor, unable to move. He didn't know which part he had missed, which part had gone wrong!

Shen Jichen saw Assistant Minister Guo and noted his astonishment, but his expression remained unchanged. "What is it?"

Assistant Minister Guo immediately steadied himself and walked over, respectfully placing the case file on the desk. "Lord Marquis, this is the file on the counterfeit famous paintings case."

When Yue Rongrong heard "famous paintings," she immediately remembered that she had made plans with Xue Yubai yesterday to go to the painted boat today to appreciate paintings. "Oh no, I forgot to tell him. What if he's been waiting for me all this time..."

Gradually, she began to feel cold. The study seemed eerily quiet. For some reason, she looked up and shuddered involuntarily. Wen Song and Assistant Minister Guo had their heads bowed so low they were almost buried in their chests. She felt a cold, sharp gaze on her back, and her spine stiffened. Only then did she realize that she had spoken her thoughts aloud. Her fingers gripping the inkstick tightened with effort as she laboriously turned her face, directly meeting Shen Jichen's frosty, star-like eyes.

"You..."

A smile curled at Shen Jichen's lips, icy to the extreme. He said slowly and deliberately, "So you had plans with Yu Bai today. Why are you wasting time here then?"

Yue Rongrong knew he was angry and quickly shook her head. "No, it's not important. It's fine if I don't go."

"He is waiting for you," Shen Jichen said, his smile vanishing, his face expressionless.

"It's alright. If he waits a while and doesn't see me, he'll leave!"

"Aren't you afraid he'll get angry?"

Yue Rongrong was about to say that he wasn't that petty, but instead she forced a laugh and said, "I'm not afraid."

Shen Jichen's expression turned serious. His eyes burned as he stared at her, his voice extremely deep. "Yue Rongrong, you had better be telling the truth."

Yue Rongrong nodded hesitantly. The most important thing now was to resolve Brocade Tower's crisis. She must not anger Shen Jichen. She lowered her head and continued grinding ink, but her mind was on whether Xue Yubai would leave if he didn't see her...

Just then, there was a knock at the door. A minor official entered, and upon seeing the scene before him, was also struck dumb. When he regained his senses, he had already placed the invitation in his hand on the desk.

Shen Jichen opened it and saw that it was from an elder who had long-standing ties with the Shen family, inviting him to a midday meal at Qingyang Pavilion. He glanced at Yue Rongrong. Since the other party was an elder after all, he couldn't refuse without causing offense. So he stood up and said, "I'm going out for a while."

Yue Rongrong immediately stood up too, and the ensuing delight on her face—as if she could now leave to keep her appointment—pierced Shen Jichen's eyes. He pointed mercilessly at a stack of dossiers on the desk and said coldly, "You stay. Find all the year records noted in these files."

Yue Rongrong was flabbergasted. She said weakly, "Couldn't your subordinates do these..."

"They have their own duties," Shen Jichen cut her off, his gaze fixed on her. "You don't forget why you came here."

Why? She came to plead for mercy. Yue Rongrong muttered silently, then suddenly grasped the meaning behind his words. Her eyes brightened instantly. "You mean, if I do well, you'll spare Brocade Tower and Hanzhen?"

She looked at Shen Jichen with shining eyes. For a moment, the ice in Shen Jichen's expression seemed to soften. He turned his face away and responded neither lightly nor heavily, "It can be considered."

Yue Rongrong was overjoyed. After Shen Jichen left, she gathered up the stack of dossiers and followed Assistant Minister Guo to the archives. Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder sounded overhead. Dark clouds gradually blotted out the sky; it looked like a heavy downpour was imminent.