Chapter 46: One Suffered Three Cuts, the Other Unharmed
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Yu Zhi Yi placed her hand on Madam Yao’s back, intending to transfer some spiritual energy to her. However, Madam Yao steadied herself with a few deep breaths, recovering without assistance.
Yu Zhi Yi lowered her hand and cast her gaze downward.
As expected of the lady of the Chancellor’s Mansion, Madam Yao’s resilience commanded respect.
“Yi’er, stay here and look after Heng’er. I’ll go check on him,” Madam Yao said.
Yu Zhi Yi discreetly curled her lips. “I’d rather accompany Mother. With so many servants here, there won’t be any issues.”
It was only natural for a junior to care for an elder. Madam Yao, understanding her concern for Chancellor Du, no longer objected.
Shortly, the two arrived at the Leaning Plum Courtyard.
Chancellor Du was sipping tea, his demeanor and appearance showing no signs of having been attacked.
“My lord, what happened? Where are you hurt?” Madam Yao quickened her pace and began examining him.
Chancellor Du gently stopped her with a laugh. “I’m fine, completely unharmed. No need to worry.”
He raised his jade pendant, a smile lingering on his face. “Thanks to Yi’er and this protective talisman, I was shielded from harm.”
Madam Yao exhaled a sigh of relief. “As long as you’re unharmed, that’s all that matters.”
But her thoughts quickly turned to her foolish son. He had ignored Yi’er’s genuine abilities, discarding the protective talisman upon listening to the words of a scheming woman. Had he kept it, he wouldn’t have been hurt.
When Chancellor Du returned, the steward, afraid to burden him further, withheld the news of Du Zi Heng’s injuries. However, Chancellor Du’s sharp eyes caught the bloodstains on Madam Yao’s sleeve.
“Are you hurt, Madam?” he inquired.
Realizing her sleeve was stained, Madam Yao didn’t deny it and explained Du Zi Heng’s injuries. She then swiftly patted Chancellor Du’s chest to calm him. “Don’t be angry yet, my lord. Heng’er is hurt, but we can discuss this once he recovers.”
But not being angry was impossible for Chancellor Du.
“That fool! Doesn’t he understand Yi’er’s skills after all these years? Discarding a life-saving talisman—has everything he learned been wasted?”
“As for that woman, their relationship must end!” Chancellor Du declared firmly.
Previously, he had turned a blind eye to his son’s affair. If his son truly cared, Chancellor Du was even willing to allow the woman into the mansion as a concubine after his son’s scholarly success. With Yi’er holding the position of main wife, a concubine wouldn’t cause much trouble.
But now, she had led to his son’s injury. Tolerance was no longer an option.
Yu Zhi Yi, uninterested in their family squabble, voiced her suspicions. “Father, why were you and Brother Heng attacked simultaneously? Could there be a conspiracy?”
Chancellor Du, sensing her attempt to change the subject, let it go with a sigh. “It’s complicated and involves the imperial succession.”
He gravely advised, “From now on, ensure you’re adequately protected when leaving the mansion. Never go out alone.”
Madam Yao nodded in agreement without probing further.
Though Yu Zhi Yi had doubts, she didn’t press the matter. Even without further explanation, the connection was clear. In her past life, she had already left the capital by this time and hadn’t known of the attack. Yet, given its ties to the imperial struggle, the motive was obvious.
Chancellor Du, despite his power, had only one son. If anything happened to him or Du Zi Heng, the Chancellor’s lineage would be severely weakened, providing their enemies a chance to seize his position.
In her past life, the new emperor ascended the throne after her death. That emperor was none other than Prince Ning, the elder brother of the Carefree Prince.
Prince Ning had made Yu Jiao Jiao’s life miserable in the past, something Yu Zhi Yi had enjoyed watching. Now, however, it seemed she might face his machinations herself.
Du Zi Heng’s three injuries were not life-threatening, merely appearing more dangerous than they were. A few days of rest and some blood-tonics would suffice for recovery.
Nevertheless, the news of the Chancellor’s sole heir being hurt spread like wildfire, bringing an endless stream of visitors bearing gifts. Soon, the mansion’s storerooms were overflowing.
Yu Zhi Yi stared at a long list of these offerings, her headache growing. Though she appreciated wealth and treasures, none of these gifts were for her. Worse, she had to meticulously record each item and its giver, ensuring proper reciprocation later.
The burdens of being the young madam of the Chancellor’s Mansion weren’t glamorous—they were tiresome.
As she was about to set the list down, faint footsteps approached. Du Zi Heng entered, his pale complexion lending a fragile air to his otherwise handsome demeanor.
He hesitated before speaking. “Zhi Yi, could you…”
“No,” Yu Zhi Yi interrupted, cutting off his request.
Du Zi Heng sighed. “At least hear me out.”
“You want me to convince Father and Mother to allow Miss You into the mansion, don’t you?” she stated flatly.
He was stunned into silence. Having such an insightful wife was terrifying.
Yu Zhi Yi, noticing his expression, clarified, “My abilities aren’t omnipotent. Most of the time, I rely on logic and observation, not mystical powers. Your request was easy to deduce.”
She smirked. “You’re a proud man, Du Zi Heng. The only things that could compel you to ask me for help are Father, Mother, or Miss You.”
Her bluntness left him speechless. She knew him too well.
Thankfully, her attention shifted back to the account book. “Father and Mother are kind-hearted, but Father’s anger this time is genuine. I’d advise you to behave until the examinations are over. Otherwise…”
She closed the book with finality. “Don’t forget, Father isn’t just a parent—he’s the Chancellor.”
For a Chancellor, eliminating someone discreetly was child’s play.
The thought sent a chill through Du Zi Heng. Though he had never considered that his father might harm his beloved, it wasn’t entirely out of the question.
Believing her warning had sunk in, Yu Zhi Yi prepared to return to the Breeze Pavilion for rest. As she left, Du Zi Heng’s voice stopped her.
“Everything in these gifts belonging to me, you can have it.”
Her steps faltered. Such an offer was tempting indeed.