Chapter 52: A Miscalculation?
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“Master Yu, why aren’t you saying anything?”
You Bing Yue’s cold voice carried a sharp edge.
Yu Zhi Yi glanced at her indifferently. “Heading to Ma Family Village will indeed yield clues.”
You Bing Yue’s triumphant expression faltered, and the others looked on with surprise.
You Bing Yue had only mentioned a “little mountain village” earlier, never specifying its name. Yet, Yu Zhi Yi had pinpointed it exactly.
The crowd turned their gaze toward You Bing Yue.
Her expression turned awkward. After a moment’s hesitation, she admitted, “That’s right, it’s Ma Family Village.” She glared at Yu Zhi Yi with suspicion. “Did you know about the clue beforehand?”
Yu Zhi Yi smiled faintly. “If that makes you feel better, then yes.”
You Bing Yue: “?”
What a “tea-drinking” response!
The Duke had no interest in the veiled hostility between the two women. Once Ma Family Village was confirmed, he decided to waste no time and prepared to set out to find his sister.
“Your Grace,” Yu Zhi Yi suddenly called.
The Duke paused. “Does the Master have more advice?”
Yu Zhi Yi reminded him, “It would be best to bring more men and involve the local county governor.”
Thoughtfulness flickered in the Duke’s eyes. “Understood.”
You Bing Yue stood up. “I’m going too.”
Opportunities like this to showcase her competence were not to be missed.
Even though Yu Zhi Yi had mentioned the village’s name, it had been You Bing Yue who first brought up the place. If they successfully rescued the Duke’s sister, she would be the hero of the household. While that status wouldn’t compare to being the Adopted Daughter of the Yu Family, it would still give her a foothold in the capital.
Unlike Yu Zhi Yi, she relied on her own abilities to stand out. When she returned triumphant from Ma Family Village, she would prove her worth to Chancellor Du and Madam Yao, showing them what they had lost. It would also shatter the illusion of Yu Zhi Yi’s so-called mysticism, reducing it to nothing in the face of true skill.
The Duke hesitated, reluctant to bring along unnecessary people.
However, the Carefree Prince stood and smiled. “Grandfather, you may not know, but Miss You is no ordinary woman. She’s a skilled bounty hunter with both methods and connections. Since she discovered clues about Aunt’s whereabouts, she might know more inside details. Bringing her along could speed up the search.”
You Bing Yue exuded confidence. “I do have a knack for this. Rest assured, Your Grace and Your Highness, I will certainly find the Duke’s sister.”
With the Carefree Prince’s recommendation, the Duke made no further objections.
After reporting the matter to the Emperor, the Duke left the capital with a large entourage, accompanied by the Carefree Prince and You Bing Yue.
Du Zi Heng wanted to join the mission but, being injured, was deemed too risky to travel. Even if he insisted, the Duke wouldn’t take the responsibility. Thus, he could only watch You Bing Yue’s departing figure with longing, frozen in place like a statue of devotion.
Seeing this, Yu Zhi Yi didn’t bother him and returned to her Breeze Pavilion.
“Miss…” Zi Yuan hesitated.
Yu Zhi Yi, bound by the secrets of fate and many lives on the brink of peril, could not divulge much. She waved her hand, cutting Zi Yuan off. “I have my reasons. You’ll understand in a few days.”
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
Du Zi Heng’s injuries had improved significantly, and he could now move around.
With unresolved matters at the estate, Madam Yao had been staying there for several days, while Chancellor Du came and went without pause. With the elder couple absent, Yu Zhi Yi didn’t even bother maintaining a facade of harmony with Du Zi Heng. As long as he didn’t bring trouble, she wouldn’t interfere with his actions. She didn’t even bother pretending to be a dutiful wife in Radiant Harmony Courtyard.
She assumed Du Zi Heng felt the same. Their mutual avoidance was an unspoken agreement that provided them both comfort.
But her peace was soon disrupted.
The Duke and his entourage returned.
The steward came to inform her, “Young Madam, the Duke and the Carefree Prince are waiting for you in Tranquil Contemplation Residence.”
Zi Yuan was baffled. “What do they want with the Young Madam? Surely not another courtesy visit?”
Suddenly, she recalled something. “Could it be that the Duke’s sister has been found, and they’ve come to thank you?”
The steward hesitated before offering a reminder. “Young Madam, their expressions didn’t look good. Be careful.”
Yu Zhi Yi remained composed. “Understood. Thank you for the warning.”
“It’s my duty, Young Madam,” the steward replied.
Yu Zhi Yi made her way to Tranquil Contemplation Residence.
The steward, contemplating the situation, called a servant. “The Chancellor is in the Hall of State Affairs today. Go inform him of what’s happening at home.”
Whether the Chancellor would return depended on how much he valued his daughter-in-law.
As the servant left, the steward silently prayed, “Heavens, please let nothing happen.” Then he hurried toward Tranquil Contemplation Residence.
By the time Yu Zhi Yi arrived, Du Zi Heng was already there.
The Duke and the Carefree Prince were seated in the guest chairs, their expressions grim. The Carefree Prince’s face was stern, while the Duke’s was downright stormy. In contrast, Du Zi Heng seemed more like a guest in his own home, visibly tense.
Fortunately, his upbringing in the political center of the capital allowed him to maintain composure. Yet, worry still flickered in his eyes.
When Yu Zhi Yi stepped into the courtyard, all three men turned their gaze to her.
Not hearing You Bing Yue’s name from the steward, Yu Zhi Yi assumed her presence had been overlooked due to the distinguished statuses of the Duke and the Carefree Prince. She hadn’t expected You Bing Yue to be absent altogether.
As for why she hadn’t foreseen this…
She didn’t keep her celestial eye active constantly. It drained too much energy and spiritual power, and she wasn’t one to overuse her abilities unless absolutely necessary. She only performed calculations for significant events or major changes.
“Zhi Yi!”
Du Zi Heng approached.
In just a few days, his complexion had improved significantly. He walked up to Yu Zhi Yi, his concern evident. “The Duke and the Prince didn’t find his sister in Ma Family Village.”
The Duke had flown into a rage, accusing You Bing Yue of lying and calling for her to be beaten. Thankfully, the Carefree Prince had intervened, sparing her punishment.
However, Yu Zhi Yi had no such protector.
While Du Zi Heng wouldn’t stand idly by if she were punished, he was still a commoner. If the Duke truly wanted to act, he wouldn’t be able to stop him. Moreover, the Carefree Prince’s frustration over the failed search might also be directed at Yu Zhi Yi.
Du Zi Heng hoped his early warning would prevent Yu Zhi Yi from being too stubborn. If she admitted her error quickly, it might ease their anger.