Night had fallen by accident . A cold wind whipped up rain and snow, extinguishing the candlelight reflected on the paper windows, and the courtyard fell silent.
Jie Xiangsi lay on her bed, staring blankly at the bed curtains above her head.
She seemed to still hear Qing Shu's voice: "The Xiao family is, after all, a family of generals with a century-long history. They should have gone to the capital for trial, but they were attacked en route. Now, rumors are circulating that the Emperor fears the Xiao family's growing power and deliberately orchestrated this. The Emperor is furious and has ordered the Crown Prince to find General Xiao and investigate thoroughly."
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the quilt, Jie Xiangsi's brow furrowed.
Growing power…
Scenes flashed through her mind of her father teaching her and her brother. He had said that as citizens of the Great Zhao, they must be loyal to the Great Zhao and the Emperor for life, and never harbor any disloyal thoughts.
Her father couldn't possibly rebel, but… what if the Emperor feared the military power her father held?
Except for her brother, no one from the Xiao clan survived. This raid must have been premeditated; otherwise, given their abilities, it's impossible that not a single one escaped.
Thinking of the evidence the Imperial Guards found in the mansion, Jie Xiangsi frowned.
On the day of the raid, she was the only one in the Jin'an Marquis's mansion. Her father and brother were rarely home, her mother had passed away, and she had managed everything in the mansion.
She was certain those letters and evidence had appeared out of nowhere.
Furthermore, only a few of her trusted confidants knew her whereabouts on the day she left the city. Could it be… a traitor within the mansion?
Now that her brother was still alive, he must know who killed the Xiao clan. Xiao Yan knew her brother's temperament; he would definitely seek revenge.
Therefore, what she needed to do now was prevent Zhou Yanzhi from finding her brother and, incidentally, find the traitor.
Thinking of this, Jie Xiangsi faced another dilemma.
Stopping Zhou Yanzhi was indeed a tricky matter. Both had achieved fame at a young age, but her brother left the impression of a spirited young general, while Zhou Yanzhi was a ruthless and cold-blooded Minister of Justice.
Anyone he arrested and brought to the Dali Temple, regardless of status, would be severely punished, if not killed. His ruthlessness was chilling, to the point that even though he was handsome, no family had ever considered marrying him.
Moreover, he was the Empress Dowager's most favored grandson, and aside from the Emperor, only Xiao Yan in the capital dared to challenge him openly.
If it were before, it wouldn't matter, but now Xiao Yan was dead, and Xie Xiangsi was alive. Would Xie Xiangsi dare to challenge Zhou Yanzhi?
Of course not.
She was an orphan who came to the capital seeking refuge; to treat him badly would be ungrateful. He already occupied Xie Xiangsi's body; he couldn't let her bear the infamy of being heartless.
So… what other way was there to get close to him?
"Crack—"
The sound of a tree branch breaking outside the window made Xie Xiangsi's heart skip a beat, and an extremely audacious idea surfaced in her mind.
What if she became his confidante?
The sound of wind and snow seemed to grow louder at night, stirring a storm in Xie Xiangsi's heart. Becoming Zhou Yanzhi's lover was the safest, yet also the most difficult, method.
With the howling wind, Xie Xiangsi closed her eyes, her mind made up.
Then…
in the name of love, she would obstruct him.
…
The next day, Xie Xiangsi was awakened by the blinding light in the room. She had thought for a long time the night before and was still a little sleepy when she got up, letting Qingshu and Moyue help her wash up.
It was still early, but Qingshu said that at this time usually, her aunt would be copying scriptures in her room. Xie Xiangsi thought for a moment and decided to go and greet her aunt first.
Considering that Jie Xiangsi was still in mourning, and that wearing white at someone else's house would be inappropriate, she wore a light gray pleated skirt with a plain pattern, paired with a lake-blue high-collared long coat, and a plain-colored vest. Her long, black hair was all tied up, simply adorned with a white jade hairpin and a white hairband.
This way, it was clear she was in mourning, but it wouldn't be considered unlucky.
Knowing that Qingshu was more composed and familiar with the household, Jie Xiangsi only took him with her, leaving Yuhe and Moyue in the courtyard.
As she entered, Aunt Xie had just finished copying the last word of the scripture. Seeing her, she quickly pulled her to sit down by the brazier, gesturing for the old woman to light a hand warmer, and said with a smile, "Why are you up so early? You must have had a long journey yesterday; you should have slept in a bit today."
Xie Xiangsi smiled shyly, took the hand warmer from the old woman, and said, "I heard that you copy scriptures and recite them every day, Aunt. It just so happens that because I've been weak since childhood, my father often has me copy scriptures to strengthen my character."
She sighed as she said this.
"I was in such a hurry when I went to the capital that I didn't have time to bring the scriptures. I thought I'd copy them with my aunt, but I was too late."
Hearing this, Aunt Xie smiled. "I don't believe in gods or Buddhas. I'm just copying scriptures to pray for Yanzhi's well-being. He's away from home all year round, and as his mother, I'm always worried. I figured he might as well copy some scriptures since he's idle anyway. Maybe they'll actually be useful."
After saying this, she had someone bring over a key and handed it to Xie Xiangsi, saying, "This is the key to the library of the Prince An's mansion. You can take whatever scriptures you need."
Thinking she had to play the part, Xie Xiangsi obediently took the key and smiled slightly at Aunt Xie. "Then thank you, Aunt. I have nothing to repay you with, but I will definitely copy scriptures for you and my cousin every day to pray for your well-being."
Xie Xiangsi's words made Aunt Xie very happy.
"Then Auntie thanks Xiangsi."
She only had one son, Zhou Yanzhi, in her life. Although Zhou Yanzhi wasn't as mischievous as ordinary boys, his temperament was exceptionally cold, causing her much heartache.
Now, with the arrival of Xie Xiangsi, beautiful and charming, she had experienced what it was like to have a daughter.
So, Xie Xiangsi went empty-handed, but returned with a large pile of gifts from her aunt.
Looking at the items on the table, Xie Xiangsi knew her status in the household had risen another level; after all, winning over her aunt was a skill.
Moreover, to get close to Zhou Yanzhi, she had to please her aunt.
Thinking of this, Xie Xiangsi felt a headache coming on.
Zhou Yanzhi rarely returned home; how could she approach him?
...
Of course, Xie Xiangsi hadn't expected this opportunity to come so quickly.
Because of her military family background, Xiao Yan had practiced martial arts since childhood. Almost the instant the person entered the room, she opened her eyes abruptly, sensing an unfamiliar aura filling the room.
Seeing this, Xie Xiangsi opened her mouth to call for help, but the newcomer sensed her intention and lunged forward to cover her mouth, pressing Xie Xiangsi, who had already stepped halfway off the bed, back down and forcefully pushing her back onto the bed.
"Don't make a sound, it's me,"
the newcomer said, their voice unusually familiar.
Xie Xiangsi paused, tilting her head to signal Zhou Yanzhi to release her, and exclaimed in surprise, "Cousin?"
"Yes."
Zhou Yanzhi's breathing was unsteady, as if he were injured, and a faint smell of blood filled the air.
After a moment, Xie Xiangsi hesitated before speaking, "Um…cousin, you're pressing down on me, could you please get up?"
Zhou Yanzhi: "…"
Perhaps it was her reminder that made Zhou Yanzhi belatedly realize their awkward position.
Face to face, on the bed.
He was wearing night clothes, with little fabric, and Xie Xiangsi was already in bed, wearing only a thin undergarment.
They were very close; he could almost feel the warmth emanating from Xie Xiangsi, and… the rise and fall of her body.
Almost instantly, Zhou Yanzhi felt a rush of heat to his head, thinking how lucky it was to be nighttime, otherwise Xie Xiangsi would definitely see his flushed face.
Suppressing his embarrassment, Zhou Yanzhi stammered an apology.
"I'm sorry, I'll get up right away, I'm sorry…"
Xie Xiangsi was also embarrassed, but not as much as he was, simply repeating, "It's okay."
Pulling a blanket over herself, Xie Xiangsi looked at the person panting heavily not far away and said softly, "Would you like me to treat your wound?"
Zhou Yanzhi shook his head, then realized it was night and, afraid Xie Xiangsi hadn't seen him, added softly, "No need, thank you, cousin."
"Okay,"
Xie Xiangsi replied softly, but didn't tell him to leave, since judging from his condition, he probably wouldn't be able to leave anytime soon.
So, one sat on the bed wrapped in a blanket, the other leaning against the round table, panting.
For a moment, apart from Zhou Yanzhi's uncontrollable breathing, the room was very quiet.
After a while, Zhou Yanzhi finally spoke, his voice much calmer, but still somewhat embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, cousin, I didn't mean to barge into your room. I haven't been home for a long time, I... I didn't know Mother gave this courtyard to you."
Xie Xiangsi shook her head.
"It's alright, ignorance is no excuse."
Hearing Xie Xiangsi's calm voice, Zhou Yanzhi felt even more guilty.
In the past, when he was injured, he would secretly return to the manor to rest in this courtyard. Today, he habitually went into his room as well, not even noticing that someone was inside.
His cousin had come to the capital alone to seek refuge with their mother, all alone and helpless, probably too frightened to tell anyone.
He had been so rude!
So, Zhou Yanzhi carefully spoke.
"Today was my fault. If my cousin wants compensation, she can simply tell me."
Xie Xiangsi still shook her head.
"Cousin, I'm really fine."
Zhou Yanzhi insisted.
"Cousin, don't worry that I'll go back on my word. A gentleman's promise is his bond."
Hearing this, Xie Xiangsi finally poked her head out from under the covers, looking intently at Zhou Yanzhi, "Really?"
Zhou Yanzhi: "..."
Something felt off.
Suppressing the strange feeling in his heart, he nodded, "Really."
"Anything?"
Zhou Yanzhi hesitated for a moment before affirming.
"Anything."
Hearing his promise, Xie Xiangsi didn't show it on her face, but inside she was overjoyed.
In their past lives, the two had been rivals for many years. Although they disliked each other, over the years, she had come to understand Zhou Yanzhi thoroughly, knowing him better than anyone else.
He was a man with a temper as stubborn as a rock, but he wasn't without merits. If his coldness was his biggest flaw, then his unwavering commitment to his word was his greatest virtue.
So…
under Zhou Yanzhi's earnest gaze, Xie Xiangsi slowly spoke.
"Cousin."
"What?" Zhou Yanzhi asked
, puzzled. Xie Xiangsi enunciated each word carefully and seriously.
"I said, I want my cousin."
Zhou Yanzhi: "?!"
Zhou Yanzhi: "Huh?"
…
The sound of wind and snow outside continued, but the room was eerily quiet.
Looking at Xie Xiangsi's serious expression, Zhou Yanzhi was unusually at a loss. He quickly lowered his head, wanting to say something but unsure what to say. He spoke and stopped, stammering and unable to form coherent sentences.
"Cousin, you...I..."
"How...can this be..."
His demeanor was completely different from his usual cold and authoritative presence at the Dali Temple. If those people from Dali Temple saw him, they would probably laugh at him behind his back.
"Pfft—"
Suddenly, a very soft laugh rang out in the air.
Zhou Yanzhi looked up and met a pair of smiling eyes. Martial artists are usually sharp-witted, but Zhou Yanzhi felt inexplicably dizzy at this moment.
Xie Xiangsi rolled up the covers and got out of bed, walking step by step to Zhou Yanzhi.
Under Zhou Yanzhi's puzzled gaze, she placed the medicine bottle in his hand and said with a smile, "People often say that you, cousin, are a heartless and cruel official, but I think the rumors are untrue. You clearly have feelings in your heart; you just haven't met the right person yet."
Zhou Yanzhi smiled.
"Oh? So, you know me very well?"
Xie Xiangsi shook her head.
"Xiangsi dares not presume to know your intentions, cousin, but to be honest, I was merely joking with you earlier. However, there is indeed something I would like to ask you to help me resolve."
Hearing this, Zhou Yanzhi became interested and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Go ahead."
"Just now, when you got up, I inadvertently glimpsed a silver ingot. Judging from its shape, it seems similar to the evidence seized in the Xiao family's treason case. But isn't the Xiao family case still pending?"