Chapter 43: Du Zi Heng: Am I Worthy?
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
Du Zi Heng had been furious, ready to explode, but as he looked at Yu Zhi Yi’s calm face, all his anger seemed to vanish. She was so indifferent, as if everything was just as it should be. Instead of rage, he felt a heavy sadness settling in his chest.
So, she hadn’t lied that day. When she wore that dress, it wasn’t for him. She’d done it to use her reputation and his nonexistent “favor” to boost Hong Luan’s name.
Realizing he was just a pawn, Du Zi Heng felt uneasy.
“Young Master Zi Heng, actually…” Hong Luan began, her voice hesitant.
Not knowing the real situation between them, she hesitated. She had seen Yu Zhi Yi defending Du Zi Heng at the Splendid Embroidery Workshop and assumed they had a good relationship. Not wanting to come between them, she tried to explain.
But Yu Zhi Yi waved her hand dismissively. “No need.”
Du Zi Heng: “…”
Hong Luan, ever sensible, stopped at once. She looked at Yu Zhi Yi and smiled. “I’ll head back now. I’ll come visit you next time I’m free. You’re also welcome to come see me at the Xiang Mansion whenever you can.”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded. “Sure.”
After Hong Luan left, Yu Zhi Yi was about to signal the coachman to drive on when Du Zi Heng climbed into the carriage beside her.
He looked out the window, avoiding her puzzled gaze. His expression was awkward as he asked, “The bracelets and jade pendants you made for my parents… do they have some kind of special properties?”
The more he thought about what had happened that morning, the stranger it seemed.
He knew his parents well. Madam Yao liked jewelry and ornaments, so it made sense she’d love the bracelet Yu Zhi Yi had given her. But his father? Chancellor Du wasn’t the type to care for such things. Why had he chased after Yu Zhi Yi, asking for the jade pendant?
Yes, chased.
Though his father had seemed reserved, Du Zi Heng knew that behind that calm exterior was a strong desire. And knowing Yu Zhi Yi’s abilities, it wasn’t hard to guess there was more to those items.
Yu Zhi Yi hadn’t expected him to ask, but there was no reason to hide it. She answered truthfully, “Madam Yao’s bracelet is a defensive charm, with twelve beads that can ward off twelve major disasters. On regular days, its spiritual energy can nourish the body, improve alertness, and prolong life.”
There was one more thing she hadn’t mentioned—the bracelet could also cure minor chronic illnesses and extend the lives of those with serious conditions for a few more years. But since neither Madam Yao nor Chancellor Du suffered from any severe illness, there was no need to bring it up.
Du Zi Heng’s fingers trembled slightly. “It can prevent twelve major disasters?”
He thought of the injury on You Bing Yue’s shoulder. If she had a bracelet like that, she wouldn’t have gotten hurt, right?
Doubting the charm’s power was foolish after witnessing the defensive formation’s capability firsthand.
He hesitated. “Is there any way…”
“Ten thousand taels for a protection talisman,” Yu Zhi Yi cut in.
Du Zi Heng was stunned. “Ten thousand taels? Did my parents pay that much?”
Yu Zhi Yi looked at him like he was an idiot. “Why would I take money from my parents-in-law?”
Alright, not entirely accurate. She hadn’t taken money, but Madam Yao’s bracelet had been a return gift. As for Chancellor Du, she hadn’t taken anything from him. Still, as an elder who treated her well, it wasn’t unreasonable for her to give him something.
But give something for free to Du Zi Heng? Why would she?
Though Du Zi Heng didn’t know why Madam Yao received the bracelet, he understood now how different his relationship with Yu Zhi Yi was compared to his parents’.
Since she’d come into the family, his parents had always treated her kindly. And he…
Best not to think about it.
“Fine, ten thousand taels it is. Can you make it into a bracelet or pendant too?”
She still had just under twenty thousand taels in her private stash—she could afford it. And if ten thousand taels could save a life, it was worth it. Making it into a charm felt odd.
Yu Zhi Yi’s gaze turned strange. “You want it as a bracelet or pendant? Those are only exchanged between lovers.”
Du Zi Heng: “…”
He closed his eyes for a moment, then answered with determination, “Alright, just the talisman then.”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded. “It’ll be ready tomorrow. Just carry it with you, and it’ll keep you safe. Make sure you always have it on you. While it will still work if you’re not carrying it, the further away it is, the weaker its effect will be.”
Du Zi Heng nodded. “Got it.”
The next day, Yu Zhi Yi made the jade pendant and talisman as promised.
She was fair. Since Du Zi Heng paid ten thousand taels, she put her heart into making the talisman. Though it looked like a simple yellow piece of paper, she had used special techniques to make it indestructible by normal means. Besides deflecting one fatal disaster, it could also calm the mind and nourish the body. Except for the plain appearance and fewer uses, it was just as powerful as Madam Yao’s bracelet and Chancellor Du’s pendant.
As for Chancellor Du’s jade pendant, it also had the ability to ward off twelve major disasters.
The following morning, Chancellor Du was, as usual, not home for breakfast. But, to everyone’s surprise, Du Zi Heng was there, and Madam Yao couldn’t hide her delight.
Once she recovered from her initial surprise, her face broke into a smile, radiating happiness.
Yu Zhi Yi could tell what she was thinking: “…”
Forget it. No need to burst her bubble, especially since she was her mother-in-law.
Madam Yao finished her meal quickly, wiped her mouth, washed her hands, and stood up. “I’ll be heading to the palace later to visit the Empress. You two take your time eating. No rush.”
After Madam Yao left, Yu Zhi Yi lost interest in eating. She pulled out the talisman she had prepared the day before. “Here.”
She didn’t mind showing a little kindness to her big client, so she also gave him a red pouch for the talisman.
The moment Du Zi Heng took the talisman, he felt a refreshing calm, as if all the stress and gloom he’d been carrying had suddenly lifted.
His eyes widened in amazement. “This is incredible!”
Yu Zhi Yi got up. “Take your time, I’ve had enough.”
“Wait…” Du Zi Heng called after her but couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eyes. His gaze drifted elsewhere. “This… does it work for anyone?”
Yu Zhi Yi guessed his intention. She wasn’t mad and even hoped he’d buy more. “Yes, a protection talisman doesn’t have an owner. Whoever carries it will be protected. Of course, there are talismans that can be bound to one person, but those cost several times more.”
With only a few thousand taels left, Du Zi Heng sighed. “Forget it. No need for that.”
Anyway, with Bing Yue’s skills, no one would be able to steal from her.
Yu Zhi Yi had barely returned to her quarters at Wind Facing Pavilion when the steward arrived, bowing. “Madam, Aunt He from the Yu family is here. She says Madam Yu wishes for you to visit.”
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t even look up from her book. “No.”