Chapter Seventy-Seven: Threat

When Shen Hezhi heard that it concerned Yan Heru, he immediately turned his gaze to the second young master.

Looking at the man before him, Shen Hezhi recalled the information Dongfang Qing had given him.

This was Dongfang Ming, the second son of the Dongfang family, always opposing Dongfang Qing, and holding considerable influence within the household.

"Your lady, you see, I took her away. It was entirely out of concern for your reputation, Your Highness, so I didn’t inform you and simply acted," Dongfang Ming continued.

"Oh? Something concerning my reputation? Then I must hear it in detail," Shen Hezhi replied coldly.

Dongfang Ming was unperturbed, even smiling as he moved to Shen Hezhi’s side. Speaking to the guards encircling him, he said, "Step aside, everyone. This is merely a misunderstanding. I have matters to discuss with the Ninth Prince. Return to your posts."

At his words, the guards departed at once, seemingly oblivious to Dongfang Qing, the eldest son, who had been present moments ago. Their behavior was markedly different when Dongfang Qing was around.

Shen Hezhi noticed the obvious rivalry between the two brothers, matching the contents of the dossier Dongfang Qing had sent him.

Once the guards had left, Dongfang Ming approached Shen Hezhi in an unusually friendly manner, as if they were old acquaintances.

Since Yan Heru had not yet been found, Shen Hezhi did not reject Dongfang Ming’s affability.

The two sat together in the pavilion. Dongfang Ming smiled and said, "Your Highness, I’ve done you a favor. Had this matter spread, it would have been most damaging to your reputation."

"And what matter is that, Second Young Master?" Shen Hezhi asked coolly.

Dongfang Ming was not offended by Shen Hezhi’s tone. He glanced around, leaned closer, and spoke in a low voice, "It’s rather embarrassing to say, but Your Highness, do you know your princess has been intimate with another man?"

At these words, Shen Hezhi’s anger flared. He slammed the table and stood up. "Second Young Master, there are things that cannot be spoken lightly, lest trouble be invited."

His attitude was unmistakable; he trusted Yan Heru.

Dongfang Ming, however, simply thought he had touched a nerve, provoking such a strong reaction.

"Your Highness, calm yourself. Though it sounds unpleasant, you ought to know the truth," Dongfang Ming soothed.

Shen Hezhi trusted Yan Heru deeply, but curiosity compelled him to sit and listen further.

"You seem to know much. Tell me, what exactly happened?"

"One of my men happened to pass by your lady’s chamber and overheard two people inside. Their actions were intimate, and the sounds... quite suggestive," Dongfang Ming replied with a mischievous smile.

Hearing this, Shen Hezhi felt a strange familiarity. Yan Heru was almost always with him, and if not, she was usually with Mo Yi; she was seldom alone.

Dongfang Ming’s words brought to mind last night—his cold poison had acted up, and Yan Heru had cared for him. Afterwards, they had nearly crossed a boundary.

With this in mind, Shen Hezhi quickly asked, "When did your man discover this incident? Could you be more specific?"

"Last night, just before midnight," Dongfang Ming answered.

Upon hearing the time, Shen Hezhi realized that the man Dongfang Ming referred to was himself.

He was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. How could he explain this? He could hardly claim to have been intimate with his own wife—after all, their relationship was entirely legitimate. Why describe it in such terms?

Moreover...

Shen Hezhi decided not to explain to Dongfang Ming. Instead, an idea for resolving the tangled powers at the border occurred to him.

Feigning deep sorrow, he said to Dongfang Ming, "I hope you will release my lady, Second Young Master. Let us pretend this matter never happened."

"If the Ninth Prince asks, naturally I will oblige. I’ll have my men release her immediately."

He signaled his attendant, who nodded and departed.

Once assured that Yan Heru was safe, Shen Hezhi felt relieved and resolved to spar seriously with this second young master.

He had already decided whom to support at the border—Dongfang Qing, the eldest son of the Dongfang family.

Given the present circumstances, only Dongfang Qing acted with integrity and uprightness, and only his actions benefited the borderlands.

At that moment, Dongfang Qing sat quietly nearby, observing the two but not interjecting.

"Ninth Prince, I’ve given you ample face—thought you might punish your lady. I feared she might flee over this, so took her into custody for you. Please don’t hold it against me," Dongfang Ming said.

Shen Hezhi nodded; Dongfang Ming’s intentions were clear.

He was implying: I now hold leverage over you, so you’d best treat me well. I have the means to threaten you.

Shen Hezhi sensed that Dongfang Ming would use this incident to coerce him in the future, which suited Shen Hezhi’s own designs.

Suppressing his amusement, Shen Hezhi replied, "Of course, Second Young Master. I must thank you for your help."

Dongfang Ming was satisfied with Shen Hezhi’s attitude, nodded, stood up, and said, "Since Your Highness will handle this matter himself, an outsider like me need not be involved."

He waved his fan and departed, paying Shen Hezhi no mind.

When Dongfang Ming had left the courtyard, Dongfang Qing approached Shen Hezhi, and at Shen Hezhi’s gesture, took a seat.

Just this small act pleased Shen Hezhi.

Dongfang Ming was arrogant, but Dongfang Qing was not—possessing both talent and humility.

"Your Highness, he..."

Dongfang Qing began, but Shen Hezhi raised a hand to stop him.

"Master Dongfang, only those of wisdom should lead the Dongfang family. I do not believe that person is the second young master," Shen Hezhi said plainly, making it clear to Dongfang Qing that Dongfang Ming would never rule the family.

This reassurance brought much relief to Dongfang Qing.