Chapter 015: Zhou Yinzhi

Calm down.

Calm down.

Jiang Xuening forced herself not to think too much for the time being. The look in someone’s eyes, especially the initial look, is just the beginning of everything.

It’s easy to distinguish the look in a man’s eyes when he likes a woman.

Because besides love, there is always more or less desire.

But when a woman looks at another woman she likes, without the desire, the relationship is essentially no different from looking at a very close, particularly liked friend.

She must have been too deeply shadowed by her past life, becoming overly suspicious.

After this thought, Jiang Xuening became much calmer.

She was turbulent inside, but it didn’t show on her face.

Shen Zhiyi stood very close to her, but didn’t know how many strange and absurd thoughts had crossed her mind. She just asked the palace maid beside her to take out a small palm-sized mirror and, upon seeing the petal-like depiction, her eyes flickered, showing some emotion.

When she first saw Jiang Xuening, she was truly amazed by her appearance, thinking that Yan Lin liked her just because of her beauty. But after just a few words, this second Miss Jiang showed her a completely different side from ordinary young ladies.

Which young lady in the capital could say such things?

She had played with Yan Lin since childhood, and now thinking about it, he was never someone who was blinded by beauty. It must be that this second Miss Jiang had many likable qualities that made him like her.

Shen Zhiyi took two steps closer and smiled, holding Jiang Xuening’s hand: “You speak in a particularly charming way. No wonder Yan Lin likes you. Even I can’t help but like you.”

If she hadn’t said anything, it would have been fine. But as soon as she spoke, Jiang Xuening almost fell to her knees.

She forced herself to hold back the string in her mind that was about to snap and resisted the urge to withdraw her hand from Shen Zhiyi’s. She completely restrained her previous calm demeanor and, with a look of fear and trepidation, said: “Your servant speaks without thinking, always talking nonsense. Please don’t blame me, Princess.”

Seeing her suddenly acting like this, shrinking back, completely devoid of the spirit and elegance she had when she pulled her over to draw on her face, Shen Zhiyi frowned and was about to say something.

At this moment, a voice interrupted: “Your Highness scared her.”

Shen Zhiyi turned to look.

The speaker was a well-dressed woman who had been standing beside Shen Zhiyi all along. In terms of demeanor, she was only slightly inferior to Shen Zhiyi. Her clothes were made of the finest Shu brocade, and the pearls embedded in the headband she wore were priceless, not to mention the white jade bracelet on her wrist, almost flawless.

With distant mountain brows and phoenix eyes.

Her black hair like a waterfall, her cheeks like snow.

Although she didn’t have the kind of appearance that would make people jealous at first glance like Jiang Xuening, she was definitely radiant in this flower hall. Moreover, there was a natural noble air between her brows, and although she smiled, she gave off an aura of authority.

She was clearly a formidable person.

This was Xiao Shu, the eldest daughter of the Chengguo Mansion, whom Jiang Xuening also recognized.

Or to be more precise—

The eldest daughter of the Xiao family from the Chengguo Mansion, who was almost exterminated by Xie Wei in her previous life. 

She had been watching from the side all along, only speaking now. However, Shen Zhiyi was somewhat displeased after hearing her. Xiao Shu then smiled, unfolded the fragrant fan in her hand, looked at Jiang Xuening, and leaned close to Shen Zhiyi’s ear, whispering a few words.

After hearing this, Shen Zhiyi’s eyes sparkled, and the originally unsightly scar under her left eye was now shaped like a falling cherry blossom, making her entire face light up.

She clapped her hands and said with a smile: “Your idea is good.”

Then she said to Jiang Xuening: “There are too many people today, it’s inconvenient. I’ll find you to hang out another day.”

Jiang Xuening didn’t hear what Xiao Shu said to her, but a sense of unease rose in her heart. In her previous life, she didn’t get along well with Xiao Shu, as they were about the same age. She married Shen Jie when he was still the Prince of Linzi, and after he ascended the throne, she became the Empress. Xiao Shu, however, entered the palace later, relying on the prestige of her maternal family, the Chengguo mansion, and being Shen Jie’s cousin, she quickly became the Imperial Noble Consort and was entrusted with managing the six palaces.

Although she met a bad end because of her Xiao family background.

But now, Xiao Shu’s presence still made Jiang Xuening feel a bit apprehensive.

She respectfully responded “Yes” to Shen Zhiyi, but only gave a slight nod to Xiao Shu—

She must avoid any association with the Xiao family.

In the future, Xie Wei would kill without blinking an eye.

Xiao Shu, having grown up in the high gates of the Duke’s mansion, had seen and learned far more than ordinary girls. From Jiang Xuening’s small gesture, she easily sensed the other’s coldness towards her.

This was interesting.

Xiao Shu didn’t show anything, just gave Jiang Xuening a meaningful look before pulling Shen Zhiyi away.

As the banquet at the Qingyuan Earl’s mansion was coming to an end, and coincidentally encountering the eldest daughter of the Duke’s mansion and a current princess, the sisters You Shuang and You Yue seized the opportunity to invite the two to judge and select the best poem and painting at today’s chrysanthemum appreciation banquet.

Xiao Shu, being excellent in both poetry and painting, reviewed them one by one.

After a discussion with Shen Zhiyi, Shen Zhiyi selected You Yue’s “Thin Chrysanthemum Painting” as the best painting and the Hanlin Academy’s Miss Fan’s “Chongyang Thoughts” as the best poem.

The Fan family’s Miss, known for her family’s literary heritage, was considered steady.

You Yue, having practiced painting for many years, finally saw her efforts rewarded, and being chosen by the Princess of Leyang, was so happy she almost cried.

Jiang Xuening, who neither painted nor wrote, watched coldly from the beginning to the end. Seeing everything come to an end, she was the first to take her leave after Shen Zhiyi and Xiao Shu left.

As she was helped into the carriage, Tang’er cautiously asked, “Are we going to Cengxiao Tower?”

Jiang Xuening looked at the sky, calculated the time, and remembered another matter that was still pending. She said, “Let’s go to Xiejie Alley first.”

Zhou Yinzhi lived in Xiejie Alley.

This alley was not close to the Forbidden City, so many officials who needed to attend court or frequently enter the palace would not choose to build their residences here. Therefore, most of the residents in this alley were lower-ranking officials.

Zhou Yinzhi, having risen to prominence late, had to spend his money on smoothing relations and naturally had no extra funds to buy a mansion.

Thus, when Jiang Xuening arrived at Xiejie Alley, she saw two small black lacquered doors deep inside, with old copper door knockers and a simple plaque with the words “Zhou Residence.”

It was indeed a bit shabby.

She had Tang’er go knock on the door.

Soon, a female voice came from inside, “Coming.”

The sound of the door latch being removed was heard.

Then, with a creak, the door opened, and a delicate face peeked out. Seeing Tang’er first, then Jiang Xuening behind her, she hesitated, “Who are you?”

Jiang Xuening didn’t answer but asked, “Is Master Zhou not at home?”

The delicate woman replied, “The master went to the guard post early this morning and I don’t know when he’ll be back. If you have urgent business, you can come in and wait. I’ll send someone to inform him, but I can’t guarantee when he’ll return.”

Jiang Xuening didn’t expect to have to wait.

But since she was already here, it wouldn’t make sense to leave empty-handed.

She pondered for a moment and then nodded.

The woman opened the door and stepped aside, inviting her and her maid inside. They walked to the small courtyard, where the woman called out to a boy brushing a horse, “Nanzhou, go to the guard post and find the master. Tell him there’s an urgent guest at home.”

The boy named Nanzhou put down the broom and was about to leave.

Jiang Xuening frowned and suddenly called him back, “No need. Just tell your master that his beloved horse is dying and ask him to come back and take a look.”

Nanzhou looked puzzled and glanced at the woman.

The woman didn’t know Jiang Xuening’s identity but, seeing that she didn’t seem to be there for revenge and fearing to delay the master’s business, hesitated but eventually nodded, “Report it that way.”

Nanzhou then left.

The courtyard was indeed small, with only four or five rooms in total. Guests were received in the main hall.

The woman introduced herself as “Yaoniang,” a maid bought by Zhou Yinzhi.

She invited Jiang Xuening to sit and served tea, feeling somewhat overwhelmed and self-conscious in front of such a glamorous person. She said, “This is this year’s new tea, but it’s not very good. Please forgive me.”

Jiang Xuening had heard of Yaoniang in her previous life. She was one of the few concubines who had been favored by Zhou Yinzhi for many years. Some even said she was his favorite. It turned out she had been with him since the early days, which explained why, even with many favored concubines later, he never neglected this plain-looking concubine.

Jiang Xuening said, “It’s fine. I’ll just sit for a while. If your master doesn’t return soon, I’ll leave.”

She took a sip of the tea.

It was Dong Ding Oolong, but it indeed tasted a bit rough and bitter.

Having been spoiled in the palace for years, she had developed a high standard for food and drink. So she didn’t force herself and put the tea down after just a sip. After waiting for about half an hour, hurried footsteps were heard at the alley entrance.

Yaoniang quickly went to open the door.

Zhou Yinzhi, wearing a black embroidered robe of the Jinyiwei, entered. The small courtyard was unshielded, and he immediately saw Jiang Xuening sitting in the main hall, his eyes flashing.

He walked towards the house.

Yaoniang followed him.

He turned back and said, “You may leave.”

Yaoniang was momentarily stunned, glanced at Jiang Xuening, and dared not say anything, only replying, “Call me if you need anything, master.”

Zhou Yinzhi then walked in and, without hesitation, bowed to Jiang Xuening, “Last time, Second Miss invited me, but I had an urgent matter and left without saying goodbye. I was rude. Today, I trouble you to come in person. Please forgive me.”

This man was quite tall, making the room feel small.

Jiang Xuening looked up at him and said, “You came back quickly.”

“There was nothing happening at the guard post, and I was about to return anyway.”

In fact, the opposite was true; the guard post was always busy. When Nanzhou came to find him, he was listening to the dispute between Chief Zhou and Zhang Zhe from the Criminal Division. Hearing Nanzhou say his horse was unwell, he immediately knew something was wrong.

He had personally fed the horse that morning and saw nothing wrong.

So he knew there was another matter. He immediately put on a worried expression, informed his superior at the guard post, and hurried back. On the way, he asked Nanzhou and found out it was Jiang Xuening who had come to see him.

Zhou Yinzhi, having risen from humble beginnings, was ambitious. Facing Jiang Xuening, a weak woman, he showed no arrogance and instead lowered his stance even more: “But perhaps if you had waited two more days, even if you hadn’t come to find me, I would have come to find you.”

Jiang Xuening guessed it but pretended to be surprised: “Oh?”

Zhou Yinzhi continued, “Recently, when Chief Zhou of the Jinyiwei caught a thief, he didn’t get approval from the Criminal Division, so Zhang Zhe from the Censorate impeached him, claiming he should be severely punished according to the law. Although Chief Zhou has some connections in the court, it’s hard to settle this matter. I don’t know what will happen to Zhang Zhe, but at least Chief Zhou’s position is in jeopardy. This will leave a vacancy for a Chief position. But I, being insignificant, have neither money to smooth things over nor connections, so I was planning to shamelessly ask for your help.”

It turned out that the position he was seeking was somewhat related to Zhang Zhe.

She knew very little about Zhang Zhe’s early years and didn’t know how he got through this time.

Jiang Xuening lowered her eyes.

Coming here, she originally had a complete plan, but she didn’t expect Zhou Yinzhi to be so straightforward and speak first. However, this saved her from having to say much.

Thinking this, she said, “You want me to introduce you to Yan Lin?”

Zhou Yinzhi sat below her, a sharp glint in his hawk-like eyes, and said, “The Marquis of Yongyi’s mansion is comparable to the Xiao family and has considerable influence in the court. Moreover, you are on good terms with the heir, who is about to come of age. If I can gain his favor, I can also serve you in the future.”

This clearly implied her future marriage into the Marquis of Yongyi’s mansion.

In her previous life, Zhou Yinzhi made such a request because she needed someone to investigate Shen Jie’s identity and thought Zhou Yinzhi could be useful, so she helped him. 

But in this life, she already knew Shen Jie’s identity and had no such need.

However…

Jiang Xuening looked at him and slowly smiled, “My father is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Although he doesn’t control the Ministry of Personnel, he is still in one of the six ministries. If you only want to seek a Chief position, you could have asked my father, but you chose to seek Yan Lin through me. I’m curious, why?”

Listening to her words, Zhou Yinzhi suddenly felt an indescribable feeling—

When did the Second Miss become so knowledgeable about court affairs?

One must know that she used to be just a spoiled girl, playing around with Yan Lin all day.

He looked at Jiang Xuening and didn’t answer for a moment.

Jiang Xuening said, “It’s not impossible for me to introduce you to Yan Lin. But I have a question for you. This is also the purpose of my visit today.”

Zhou Yinzhi remained calm, “Please ask, Miss.”

Jiang Xuening said, “Chief Zhou’s disposition hasn’t been decided yet, but you’re already eager for me to introduce you to Yan Lin. Besides wanting to secure a Chief position, I suspect the Jinyiwei is investigating the old case of Prince Pingnan’s rebellion and wants you to infiltrate the Marquis of Yongyi’s mansion to find out more, right?”

“Creaaak!”

The sharp, grating sound was Zhou Yinzhi standing up abruptly, causing the chair legs to scrape against the floor.

His pupils contracted as he stared at Jiang Xuening.

His eyes were filled with disbelief!

This matter was something he had only heard whispers about two days ago. Today, his superior at the guard post had just called him in for instructions. It was supposed to be top secret, and he hadn’t told anyone!

Yet Jiang Xuening had just revealed it in one sentence!

How did she know?!

Seeing Zhou Yinzhi’s strong reaction, Jiang Xuening knew she had guessed correctly.

What surged up in her was sorrow.

No wonder Zhou Yinzhi met a tragic end in her previous life. The Marquis of Yongyi’s mansion was implicated in Prince Pingnan’s rebellion case, leading to confiscation and exile, and it was all connected to him. No wonder Xie Wei later made him suffer a death by a thousand arrows and had his head hung at the palace gate…

And this viper was someone she had introduced to Yan Lin back then.

Jiang Xuening closed her eyes slightly and said, “Zhou Yinzhi, if you want to live, I’ll give you some advice. This case is significant; don’t get too deeply involved. If you succeed, you might rise quickly and be prominent for a while; but if you wait a little longer, I’m afraid you’ll end up dead with no place to be buried!”

After confronting Zhou Yinzhi, Jiang Xuening spoke with him for another half an hour before leaving.

It was getting late, and she feared Yan Lin would wait too long at Cengxiao Tower.

After she left, Zhou Yinzhi sat in the hall with a gloomy face, not moving for a long time.

Until Yaoniang came in and was frightened by his expression: “Master, what’s wrong?”

Zhou Yinzhi didn’t answer.

He turned his gaze to the small courtyard.

In one corner of the courtyard was a stable where a fine chestnut horse was eating fodder.

This horse was bought by Zhou Yinzhi two years ago when he secured his position as a Jinyiwei Chief. He personally fed it every day and took it for runs in the suburbs of Beijing.

He watched for a while before getting up and walking over to stroke the horse’s beautiful, smooth mane.

The horse recognized its master and nuzzled his palm affectionately.

But Yaoniang standing under the eaves clearly saw that Zhou Yinzhi had drawn a knife from his waist with his other hand and screamed in shock.

“Thud—”

The sharp blade pierced the horse’s neck with a dull sound.

The horse reared in pain, kicking over the stable, but Zhou Yinzhi held its head firmly as blood sprayed everywhere, covering him.

However, the blow was so precise that it didn’t struggle for long before collapsing.

Zhou Yinzhi then lost some strength, half-kneeling in the horrifying pool of blood. One hand gripped the blood-stained knife while the other gently rested on the horse’s head. Watching it breathe its last breath, he slowly said, “Remember, no one came today. My horse fell ill.”