Chapter 52: A Miscalculation?
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“Master Yu, why aren’t you saying anything?” You Bing Yue’s cold voice carried a hint of sarcasm.
Yu Zhi Yi looked at her calmly. “If you go to Ma Family Village, you will indeed find some clues.”
You Bing Yue’s smug smile faltered, and everyone around them looked startled. Moments ago, You Bing Yue had only mentioned a “small mountain village” without specifying which one. Yet, Yu Zhi Yi had named it precisely.
Everyone turned to look at You Bing Yue, whose expression darkened slightly. After a brief silence, she nodded. “Yes, it’s the Ma Family Village.” Her eyes narrowed at Yu Zhi Yi. “Did you already know about this clue?”
Yu Zhi Yi gave a small smile. “If that helps you feel better, then yes.”
“You…” You Bing Yue was taken aback. What kind of passive-aggressive reply was that?
The Guardian Duke, however, had no patience for their bickering. Now that the Ma Family Village was confirmed, he was ready to set off immediately to find his sister.
“Your Grace,” Yu Zhi Yi suddenly spoke.
The Guardian Duke paused, turning to her. “Master, is there something else you wish to advise?”
She nodded slightly. “It would be best if you brought more people and involved the local governor.”
The Guardian Duke’s brows furrowed thoughtfully. “Very well.”
You Bing Yue stood up. “I’m coming too,” she declared. She would not miss this chance to make a name for herself. Though Yu Zhi Yi had mentioned the Ma Family Village, it was she, You Bing Yue, who had first brought up the village. If she could rescue the Duke’s sister, she would be considered a benefactor to the household. It would grant her some standing in the capital—something she could finally hold over the snobbish Chancellor Du and Madam Yao.
Unlike Yu Zhi Yi, who leaned on others, You Bing Yue prided herself on forging her own way. When she returned victorious, those who looked down on her would realize what they had lost. She would make sure that Madam Yao understood that illusions conjured through trickery were worthless compared to real skill.
The Guardian Duke hesitated. He didn’t want to bring along anyone unnecessary. However, Prince Xiao Yao stood up and smiled. “Grandfather, you might not know this, but Miss You is no ordinary woman. She’s a bounty hunter with considerable skill and connections. Since she discovered clues about Great-Aunt, she probably knows even more. Bringing her along might help us find Great-Aunt sooner.”
You Bing Yue lifted her chin confidently. “I have some talent in this area. Rest assured, Your Grace, Your Highness, I will help find your sister.”
Seeing Prince Xiao Yao vouch for her, the Guardian Duke reluctantly agreed.
After informing the Emperor of his departure, the Guardian Duke left the capital with a grand entourage. Prince Xiao Yao and You Bing Yue traveled with him.
Du Zi Heng wanted to join as well, but his injuries made the journey impossible. Even if he insisted, the Guardian Duke would not have allowed it. So he had no choice but to watch as You Bing Yue left, his heart heavy as he stood like a statue, silently waiting.
Seeing that Du Zi Heng wasn’t moving, Yu Zhi Yi decided not to disturb him. She turned and went back to her own courtyard.
“Miss…” Zi Yuan, her servant, hesitated. “Should you really let Miss You go?”
Yu Zhi Yi shook her head slightly. Matters of fate and lives hanging in the balance weren’t something she could openly discuss. “I have my reasons. You’ll understand in a few days.”
In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed.
Du Zi Heng’s injuries had improved, and he was able to move around. With much still unsettled at the estate, Madam Yao had remained at the Duke’s household for the past few days. Chancellor Du left early each day and returned late; it was rare for the family to even catch sight of him.
With neither elder present, Yu Zhi Yi didn’t even bother putting on an act for Du Zi Heng. As long as he didn’t make trouble for her, she was more than happy to leave him alone.
She didn’t even go to Bright Harmony Courtyard to put on her usual pretense of virtue. She assumed Du Zi Heng felt the same—no need to interact unless necessary. This mutual avoidance was the best arrangement for both of them.
But her peace didn’t last long, as the Guardian Duke and the others had returned. The steward soon came to find her.
“Young Madam, the Guardian Duke and Prince Xiao Yao are here. They’re waiting for you in the Reflection Quarter,” the steward informed her.
Zi Yuan, puzzled, asked, “What could they want with Young Madam? Could it be they’ve found the Duke’s sister and come to thank Young Madam?”
The steward thought for a moment before adding cautiously, “Young Madam, their expressions didn’t seem friendly. Please… be careful.”
Yu Zhi Yi remained calm and nodded. “I understand. Thank you for informing me.”
“It’s my duty, Young Madam. No thanks needed.”
Yu Zhi Yi made her way to the Reflection Quarter.
After a moment’s thought, the steward called over a servant. “The Master is at the council today. Go let him know what’s happening here.”
Whether or not the Master would return in time depended on how much he valued his daughter-in-law.
Once the servant hurried off, Steward Du silently prayed, “Heavens, please bless us,” before quickly heading to the Reflection Quarter himself. He had a bad feeling about the Guardian Duke’s unexpected return and hoped nothing serious would happen.
When Yu Zhi Yi arrived at the Reflection Quarter, she saw that Du Zi Heng was already there. Inside the hall, the Guardian Duke and Prince Xiao Yao sat on either side, their faces grim. Prince Xiao Yao’s expression was somber, while the Guardian Duke looked downright furious.
Du Zi Heng, standing before them, looked restless. Although he’d grown up amidst power and prestige, the current situation had clearly thrown him off balance. Still, he managed to hold himself together, but his worry was visible.
When Yu Zhi Yi entered, all three turned to look at her. She’d heard nothing of You Bing Yue from the steward, which surprised her. Perhaps her name had been overlooked in the presence of the Guardian Duke and Prince Xiao Yao. But from the looks of things, You Bing Yue hadn’t returned with them at all.
And as for why Yu Zhi Yi hadn’t foreseen this… She seldom used her clairvoyance unless necessary—it took a toll on her energy. She was not some machine who could use her powers without limit. Unless she saw that someone would face a major event, she avoided probing deeper.
“Zhi Yi,” Du Zi Heng called out as he approached her.
After a week apart, his complexion had improved considerably. He hurried up to her, concern in his eyes. “The Guardian Duke and His Highness didn’t find His Grace’s sister in the Ma Family Village.”
Because of this, the Guardian Duke was incensed. He believed You Bing Yue had deceived them and wanted to punish her with a hundred lashes. Only Prince Xiao Yao had intervened to prevent the punishment.
But unlike You Bing Yue, Yu Zhi Yi had no one to defend her. Although Du Zi Heng wouldn’t stand by and let her be punished, he was just a scholar. If the Guardian Duke decided to act, there was little he could do to stop him.
Moreover, Prince Xiao Yao seemed just as unhappy with how the trip had gone. Though he hadn’t vented his anger on You Bing Yue, he might very well take it out on Yu Zhi Yi.
Du Zi Heng had come to warn her, hoping she would be wise enough not to provoke them. If she admitted she had miscalculated, perhaps they wouldn’t be so angry.