Chapter 46: One with Three Cuts, One Unscathed
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Yu Zhi Yi placed her hand gently on Madam Yao’s back, ready to transfer some of her spiritual energy. But before she could act, Madam Yao took a few deep breaths, managing to regain her composure on her own.
Yu Zhi Yi lowered her hand and looked down, admiration stirring within her. No wonder she’s the lady of the Chancellor’s household, Yu Zhi Yi thought. Such strength of character.
“Yi’er, stay here and take care of Heng’er. I’m going to check things out,” Madam Yao said.
Yu Zhi Yi hid a faint smile. “I think it’s better if I come with you, Mother. There are plenty of servants here to care for Heng—he’ll be fine.”
Seeing her determination, Madam Yao couldn’t argue. After all, it was only natural for the younger generation to worry about their elders.
The two soon arrived at Plum Courtyard.
Chancellor Du sat peacefully, sipping tea as if nothing had happened. He seemed completely unaffected, as though he hadn’t just faced an attack.
“Husband, what happened? Are you hurt?” Madam Yao hurried to his side, checking him over.
Chancellor Du gently stopped her, giving her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, really. Not a scratch.” He held up the jade pendant around his neck and smiled again. “Thanks to Yi’er. This protective jade saved me.”
Madam Yao let out a sigh of relief. “No injuries—thank heavens!” She relaxed a little but then thought of her foolish son.
He knew Yu Zhi Yi’s abilities were real, yet he still listened to that dreadful woman and discarded the protective charm. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have gotten hurt.
When Chancellor Du had first returned, the butler was too afraid to mention Du Zi Heng’s injury. But Chancellor Du’s sharp eyes quickly noticed the bloodstains on Madam Yao’s sleeve.
“My dear, you’re hurt?” he asked, concerned.
Only then did Madam Yao realize her stained sleeve, and she explained what had happened to Du Zi Heng.
When she finished, she tried to soothe her husband. “Please, Husband, don’t be too upset just yet. Heng’er is hurt—let’s wait until he’s better before addressing this…”
Chancellor Du tried, but he couldn’t stay calm. “That fool! How could he not see the value of Yi’er’s skills? Throwing away something that could save his life… all his years of schooling, wasted!” He fumed. “And that woman—they must be separated!”
At first, Chancellor Du had tolerated his son’s relationship with the woman. If Zi Heng truly liked her, he thought, then maybe after the imperial exams, they could bring her in as a concubine. With Yi’er as the primary wife, one concubine wouldn’t cause trouble.
But now, he saw he’d been entirely wrong.
Yu Zhi Yi stayed quiet, though something nagged at her. “Why were both Father and Brother attacked at the same time? Could this be a conspiracy?”
Chancellor Du, sensing her attempt to change the subject, chose not to dwell on it. He sighed. “It’s complicated—it involves the struggle for the throne.”
He turned serious. “From now on, if either of you leave the estate, take enough people with you. Never go out alone.”
Madam Yao nodded in agreement.
Yu Zhi Yi still had her suspicions, but seeing that her father wasn’t willing to elaborate, she held her tongue. She had a good guess regardless.
In her past life, by this time, she’d already left the capital, unaware that both Chancellor Du and Du Zi Heng had been injured. Since this involved the power struggle, it wasn’t hard to deduce what had happened.
Chancellor Du might have influence at court, but he only had one heir—Du Zi Heng. If something happened to either of them, their family’s power would weaken, giving political opponents the perfect chance to strike.
When she died in her previous life, the new emperor had already taken the throne. The one who ascended was Prince Ning, the full brother of Prince Xiao Yao.
Prince Xiao Yao’s brother…
Yu Zhi Yi clenched her hand into a fist. In her past life, that man had made things difficult for Yu Jiao Jiao many times, and she had enjoyed watching it unfold. But now, it was her turn…
Du Zi Heng’s three wounds weren’t deep, nor were they in critical areas. They looked severe, but in reality, he was fine. Rest, along with nourishing food, would help him recover quickly.
Still, news of the Chancellor’s only son getting injured spread, and visitors came endlessly. The gifts they brought soon filled the estate’s storeroom.
Yu Zhi Yi held the gift list in her hand, staring at the long list of names and presents, feeling a headache forming.
She liked money. She liked valuable things. But these gifts weren’t for her.
Worse, she had to record each gift and name, so they could return the favor later. What a hassle.
Being the mistress of a house like this might seem glamorous, but it came with an endless stream of tedious tasks.
Just as she was about to put the list aside, soft footsteps approached.
Du Zi Heng appeared, his face pale, his usual strong presence tinged with frailty.
He looked at Yu Zhi Yi, hesitant. “Zhi Yi, could you…”
“No,” Yu Zhi Yi cut him off. “Not interested.”
Du Zi Heng paused. “At least hear me out.”
“Weren’t you about to ask me to convince Father and Mother to let Miss You back into the house?” Yu Zhi Yi replied.
Du Zi Heng had no words. Having a wife who could see right through him—how terrifying.
Yu Zhi Yi looked up, reading his expression easily. “My skills aren’t something I use on a whim. They require thought, analysis, effort. Figuring you out, though, that’s simple. You’re someone with a lot of pride. If you’re coming to me for help, it’s either because of Father and Mother or Miss You.”
Du Zi Heng couldn’t argue. She knew him too well.
Luckily for him, her attention was soon drawn to the account book on the table, and she didn’t notice his conflicted thoughts. “Father and Mother are forgiving people. If Father’s mad enough to say harsh things, then he’s truly angry this time.”
“I advise you to behave until the imperial exams are over. Don’t do anything else to upset them. Otherwise…” She closed the account book, her tone light, but her words cut deep. “Remember, Father isn’t just a father. He’s the Chancellor of the nation.”
For a Chancellor to eliminate someone quietly—it would be all too easy.
Du Zi Heng’s heart sank. He had never imagined his father might take such drastic action against the woman he loved.
But thinking it over—it wasn’t impossible.
Yu Zhi Yi assumed he understood, and she was about to head back to Wind Facing Pavilion to rest when he spoke again.
“All the gifts meant for me—they’re yours.”
Yu Zhi Yi stopped in her tracks.
That offer was certainly tempting.