Chapter Fifty-Seven: Wang Yunzhi Steps Into the Inner Chamber

Xue Fanzhi, accompanied by Hongxiao, arrived at the artificial mountain beside the second house’s east wing. The rockery had been arranged by a geomancer, its design meticulous and taller than most. In her previous life, Xue Fanzhi had surveyed the terrain; perched atop, one could overlook half the second house’s courtyard, a perfect vantage for sketching.

She gathered her skirts, about to climb, when the voices of young men drifted from not far off: “Is he really that skilled? I’d love to challenge him myself!”

“Why would I lie? I’m a son of the Sun family—are you questioning my integrity?!”

“So just saying that’s questioning your integrity? You’re awfully excitable! Fine, if you insist, then I’m not doubting your character. I just think, given your status, the people you know aren’t all that remarkable, you only see what’s right in front of you, so you believe that man to be a master. To put it bluntly, I’m saying your hair is long and your insight is short!”

“You’re calling me a woman?!”

“That’s right, just like a girl!”

“I’ll kill you…”

The two seemed about to come to blows. Xue Fanzhi and Hongxiao exchanged glances, curiosity sparking in their eyes, and they hurried over to see.

She saw a dignified youth in red and another, dressed in dark brocade, who radiated wealth.

Her brows knitted; weren’t these Wang Yunzhi and the young Sun master?

It was no surprise for Sun’s young master to be at home—he had been present at this time in her past life, and only after injuring her at her coming-of-age banquet was he sent away.

But Wang Yunzhi had never visited before. In her previous life, aside from robbing her, she had no other dealings with him.

Hongxiao didn’t recognize either, frowning, “Who’s arguing in our courtyard?”

Xue Fanzhi offered no explanation; she too wondered why Wang Yunzhi was here and shifted her attention to their conversation.

Wang Yunzhi was the second legitimate son of the Wang family, an illustrious clan—his nobility was innate, manifesting as arrogance untempered by courtesy.

But Sun’s young master? A few provoking words and he was ready to kill—such rage over nothing. Xue Fanzhi recalled how, in her previous life, he attacked her at her banquet; perhaps his mind was unsound, easily incensed.

Sun’s young master lunged at Wang Yunzhi, who deftly twisted his hand and subdued him, then strode away.

Xue Fanzhi saw him heading in her direction; anxious to avoid being seen, she quickly pulled Honglian aside to hide.

Hongxiao, unconcerned by propriety between men and women, felt her mistress had done nothing amiss.

But Xue Fanzhi’s avoidance of Wang Yunzhi was not about propriety—had everyone forgotten Wang Yunzhi had attempted to assassinate Prince Shou?

Strangely, though she recognized him at the time, the wanted poster issued by the court did not match Wang Yunzhi; the face was similar, but the brows and eyes differed.

Had no one seen Wang Yunzhi’s true face, or was someone shielding him—even deceiving the emperor?

Regardless, Wang Yunzhi was trouble incarnate; she must avoid any entanglement.

She needed to warn her grandmother—why had Wang Yunzhi come? He had assaulted a royal; his capture could implicate the Xue family. He could not remain here.

She was even more determined not to let Wang Yunzhi see her—though she could not say why. He was the villain, yet she was the one hiding.

Gradually, the footsteps receded. Xue Fanzhi pressed a hand to her chest, “Thank goodness he didn’t come this way!”

Hongxiao nodded, “Indeed. There are often visitors to the old general here; we should avoid coming by, lest you run into trouble. Madam, perhaps we should sketch the main house instead.”

But Xue Fanzhi wanted to paint the second house.

She waved her hand, “No need. At worst, we’ll keep out of sight—they won’t be here every day.”

“Who are we hiding from? Looks like you’re hiding from me.”

A youthful male voice, as refreshing as a spring breeze, sounded behind them. It carried a teasing tone, lively but not frivolous, oddly intimate.

Xue Fanzhi turned and met a pair of sparkling eyes. His red robes fluttered in the breeze, a roguish smile on his face, handsome beyond compare—vibrant as the sun, a dashing, carefree young rake.

Wang Yunzhi.

Xue Fanzhi nearly blurted, “Why are you here?”

But she did not want him to recognize her. Instead, she feigned casualness before a family guest, offering a polite bow.

She asked, “Are you lost, sir? Where are you headed? I can guide you.”

Wang Yunzhi laughed heartily, “Pretending not to know me, are you? All right, then I’ll tell everyone you killed Lady Zhang, and see if you still claim not to know me!”

Xue Fanzhi’s expression changed, “You killed her?”

Back in the Xie family’s washroom, Xue Fanzhi had dragged Lady Zhang into a cabinet—she had been unconscious, but somehow awoke and glimpsed Wang Yunzhi’s secret.

Knowing Wang Yunzhi would not let her off lightly, and when Lady Zhang’s mother came seeking her, Xue Fanzhi sensed trouble.

Now, hearing his words, was it not clear Lady Zhang was already dead at his hands?

Lady Zhang had only overheard, likely understood little—yet if she died for it, would it not be tragically unfair?

Xue Fanzhi had only exchanged harsh words with Lady Zhang; she did not deserve death. “You didn’t really kill her, did you?”

Otherwise, why was she neither seen alive nor dead?

Wang Yunzhi snorted, “She learned who I was—should I leave her alive to betray me?”

He could have threatened her. The Wang family was powerful; it wasn’t so easy to accuse Wang Yunzhi of being an assassin and have the emperor believe it.

Lady Zhang herself might not dare speak; she didn’t deserve to die, growing up was no easy feat.

Xue Fanzhi nearly voiced these solutions, but swallowed her words. Though Lady Zhang’s crime was not capital, she had not treated Xue Fanzhi kindly; life and death are fate, and Wang Yunzhi was the killer, not herself. Why quarrel with him over her?

After all, she was privy to the truth; perhaps Wang Yunzhi would want her dead, too. She must not invite trouble.

She wondered, had others called her foolish in her past life because of moments like this?

This time, she would be cold-hearted; being a pushover not only brought misery, but made those close to her uncomfortable as well.

Xue Fanzhi suddenly fell silent, surprising Wang Yunzhi. This girl was neither the chattering sort who condemned him nor someone cold and unfeeling, nor somewhere in between. She seemed to possess compassion, yet realized it was misplaced—a clear sense of right and wrong. Among women, she was intriguing indeed. No wonder he…