Chapter 052

Chapter 52: Miscalculation?

You Bing Yue spoke in a cold, slightly sharp tone: “Master Yu, why aren’t you saying anything?”

Yu Zhi Yi gave her a calm glance, then said: “If you go to Ma Family Village, you can find clues.”

You Bing Yue’s proud look faltered, and the others showed surprise. Moments ago she had only said “a small mountain village” without naming it, yet Yu Zhi Yi named it exactly. Everyone turned to look at You Bing Yue again.

You Bing Yue paused with an unhappy face, then said: “Yes, it is Ma Family Village,” and she stared at Yu Zhi Yi with doubt as she asked: “Did you already know the clues?”

Yu Zhi Yi smiled a little, then said: “If thinking that makes you feel better, then sure.”

You Bing Yue blinked: [What kind of sly, tea-scented comment was that?]

Duke Ding Guo had no time for the two women who were at odds. Now that Ma Family Village was confirmed, he decided not to delay and was ready to set out to find his sister.

Yu Zhi Yi suddenly called out: “Your Grace.”

Duke Ding Guo paused and asked: “Master, do you have any more instructions?”

Yu Zhi Yi reminded him: “You should bring more men, and also bring along the local Commandery Governor.”

Duke Ding Guo’s eyes showed a thoughtful light as he said: “Alright.”

You Bing Yue stood up and said: “I’m going too.” She would not miss a chance to take the credit. Although that woman had named Ma Family Village, the first person who mentioned that village was her, You Bing Yue. If she rescued Duke Ding Guo’s sister, she would become a benefactor of Duke’s Manor. Even if that status could not match the adopted daughter of Yu Manor, it would still give her footing in the capital. Unlike Yu Zhi Yi, she wanted to stand in the capital by her own skill, not by relying on anyone.

She told herself: [When I return from Ma Family Village, it will be time to slap the faces of Chancellor Du and Madam Yao, those snobs. They will learn what they lost. And that clinging vine will see that fake mystique is nothing before real ability.]

Duke Ding Guo had hesitated and did not want to bring unrelated people. Prince Xiao Yao rose with a smile and explained: “Maternal Grandfather, Miss You is no ordinary woman. She is a bounty hunter with real skills and connections. Since she found clues about Great Aunt, she must know more of the inside story. If we bring her, we can find Great Aunt faster.”

Confident in herself, You Bing Yue said: “I do have a knack for this. Please rest easy, both of you. On this trip I will definitely find the prince’s great aunt.”

Since Prince Xiao Yao spoke up, the duke said nothing more.

After entering the palace to report the matter to the emperor, Duke Ding Guo led a large group out of Capital City. Prince Xiao Yao and You Bing Yue left with him.

Du Zi Heng wanted to go too, but he was still a patient. Even if he forced himself to travel far, Duke Ding Guo would not take that risk. So he could only watch You Bing Yue’s back as she left, standing there like a statue.

Seeing he would not move for a while, Yu Zhi Yi did not disturb him and returned to her Windward Pavilion.

Zi Yuan hesitated, then began softly: “Miss…”

This concerned the Heavenly Mechanism Device and many lives hanging by a thread. Yu Zhi Yi could not reveal anything, so she waved a hand to stop her and said: “I have my reasons. In a few days you will know.”

In a blink, seven days passed. Du Zi Heng’s injuries had improved a lot; he could get out of bed and move around. Matters at the country estate were still unfinished, so Madam Yao had been staying there these days. Chancellor Du left early and returned late; the people of the manor did not see him all day.

With the old couple not around to supervise, Yu Zhi Yi did not even want to put on a show with Du Zi Heng. As long as he did not go out and court death, she would not interfere. She was even too lazy to go to Bright Radiance Courtyard to act virtuous. She felt Du Zi Heng surely did not want to see her either. Not disturbing each other was the most comfortable state for both.

But soon her comfort was broken, because Duke Ding Guo and the others returned.

The steward came again and reported: “Young madam, Duke Ding Guo and Prince Xiao Yao are here. They are waiting for you in the Hall of Worthy Reflection.”

Zi Yuan looked puzzled and asked: “Why are they waiting for the young madam?” She thought to herself: [It can’t be to make Miss go give greetings again, right?] Then she suddenly brightened and said: “Could it be that the duke’s sister was found and they are here to thank the young madam?”

The steward thought for a moment and reminded: “Young madam, the duke and the prince did not look happy. Please be careful.”

Yu Zhi Yi stayed calm and said: “I know. Thank you for the warning.”

The steward bowed and said: “It is only what I should do, young madam.”

Yu Zhi Yi walked toward the Hall of Worthy Reflection. The steward considered, then called a servant and ordered: “The master is on duty at the Council Hall today. Go and tell him what is happening at home.” Whether the master would come back would depend on how much this daughter-in-law weighed in his heart. After the servant left, Steward Du silently prayed: [Heaven help us,] then hurried toward the hall. He felt the duke and the prince had not come in peace and hoped nothing bad would happen.

When Yu Zhi Yi reached the Hall of Worthy Reflection, Du Zi Heng had been waiting for a while. At that moment, Duke Ding Guo and Prince Xiao Yao sat on the left and right guest seats of the hall. Prince Xiao Yao looked serious, and Duke Ding Guo’s face was very grim. Even as the young master of Chancellor’s Manor, Du Zi Heng felt like a guest before them, so tense his soul had nowhere to rest. Fortunately, he had grown up around power and could still hold the scene, though worry showed in his eyes.

As soon as Yu Zhi Yi entered the courtyard, all three looked over. She had not heard You Bing Yue’s name from the steward and had assumed the steward had ignored her because the duke and the prince were too important. She did not expect that You Bing Yue had not come at all.

As for why she had not seen this, she did not open the Heavenly Eye all the time without need. It cost too much Spiritual Energy and focus. She was not made of iron, and she would not abuse her ability. Only if she saw someone facing a major change would she make a calculation.

Du Zi Heng came to greet her and said: “Zhi Yi.” After a few days, his complexion looked much better. He walked quickly to her and, not hiding the worry in his eyes, explained: “Duke Ding Guo and the prince did not find the duke’s sister in Ma Family Village.”

Because of that, the duke flew into a rage. He believed You Bing Yue had lied and wanted to have her slapped a hundred times. Luckily, Prince Xiao Yao stopped it, so the punishment was not carried out. But Yu Zhi Yi did not have Prince Xiao Yao to shield her. Although Du Zi Heng would not just watch Yu Zhi Yi be punished, he was still just a commoner; if the duke truly acted, he could not stop it. He could also see that Prince Xiao Yao was very unhappy about the fruitless trip. Prince Xiao Yao would not vent at You Bing Yue, but he would vent at Yu Zhi Yi. So Du Zi Heng warned her early, hoping she would stop being so stubborn. If she admitted sooner that her judgment had been off, those two might be less angry.