Chapter 325: The Meeting
So soon already.
Ye Xian closed his eyes in brief contemplation before smiling. "Have your men guard this place. Since the Grand Secretary has come all this way, I should personally welcome him."
He glanced back at the warm golden glow seeping through the window—Gu Jinzhao was inside having dinner.
For a fleeting moment, he felt an absurd notion that Gu Jinzhao would wait for his return, that the two of them could share a peaceful moment together.
Shaking his head, he strode toward the main hall, inwardly mocking himself. After all, Gu Jinzhao belonged to someone else. She wasn’t waiting for him.
The autumn night was heavy with dew as the gates of the marquis’s residence creaked open, letting in a gust of cold wind.
Chen Yanyun entered, draped in his usual cloak, his crimson official robes marking his second-rank status. Behind him stood Chang Hai, clad in an imperial-bestowed feiyu robe, his face all smiles. A flood of soldiers poured in after them, swiftly surrounding the hall, making Ye Xian frown.
If Chen Yanyun had brought so many men intending sudden violence, Ye Xian’s own forces might not be enough to counter them.
Chang Hai chuckled first. "Young Master Ye, still awake at this hour? Then we’re not disturbing you too much!"
Ye Xian ignored him entirely, his cold gaze fixed on Chen Yanyun.
Chang Hai’s smile stiffened, though he was never one to take offense easily.
He and Marquis Changxing were old acquaintances, but this young master was far too arrogant. No one could ever please him. Lucky for him, he was the heir—if he were anyone else, such temperament would have doomed him in officialdom long ago.
Chen Yanyun, however, smiled. "Even if the Young Master dislikes us, surely you could offer a cup of tea?"
…How could he still smile? Seeing Chen Yanyun’s composed demeanor only irritated Ye Xian further. Then again, it made sense—what was one woman to him? Would Chen Yanyun ever lack for women? If Gu Jinzhao was missing, why should he grieve?
Ye Xian finally returned the smile. "Of course, tea will be served. I was merely considering how you’ve come from afar with so many men. I wondered if I should immediately summon the Iron Cavalry Battalion—lest a fight breaks out and I’m left without reinforcements. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?"
Chen Yanyun replied softly, "Why would that happen? If the Young Master has committed no crime, there’s no need to fear our hostility."
Ye Xian led them into the hall. Soon, servants brought in fine Hanyang Cloud Mist tea.
Chang Hai cleared his throat. "We haven’t come without reason. A gang of ruthless thieves has infiltrated the capital, responsible for over a dozen murders in Baodi. Witnesses reported them fleeing toward Yu Liu Alley, so we’ve come to investigate. We’d appreciate your cooperation—once we’ve searched, we’ll leave immediately. If we find any suspects, we’ll arrest them at once."
Ye Xian sneered.
"You think you can search Marquis Changxing’s residence at will? Two years ago, would Duke Zheng have dared challenge the Changxing household? This estate is heavily guarded—no intruder could enter. There’s no need for your search." He retrieved an item from his sleeve and handed it to his personal guard. "Mobilize three thousand elite troops. Have Vice General Feng bring heavy reinforcements.""Lord Ye, why must you be so hostile? We are merely carrying out our official duties to protect the peace of the people. The capital is a crucial area—deploying troops into the city would only disturb the citizens," Chang Hai retorted angrily. Though Duke Zheng's estate might not compare to Marquis Changxing's, he was still a dignified duke. How dare this brat Ye Xian, who hadn't even inherited his title yet, speak to him like this?
Ye Xian smiled faintly. "What do you mean by that, Duke Zheng? Isn't your late-night search of my estate also a disturbance? The commotion outside has turned everything upside down. Even the outer city of Beijing is under lockdown—doesn’t that count as disturbing the people?"
Chang Hai couldn’t hold back his anger. "We are hunting down thieves. How is that disturbing the people, my lord?"
Chen Yanyun pressed a hand on Chang Hai's arm and looked up at Ye Xian.
To strike a snake, one must hit its vital spot—arguing with Ye Xian was futile.
They had already searched the Jiuchun Quarter. The suspects' movements were highly unusual, and through careful investigation, Chen Yanyun had quickly located the robbers' hideout. Unfortunately, the group was too cunning and skilled—they sensed the danger and attempted to escape over the walls. Several were shot dead on the spot, but a few managed to flee and were now being pursued. Inside the house, Caifu and Mama Song were still bound, but Gu Jinzhao was nowhere to be seen.
Chen Yanyun personally interrogated the two captives. They were stubborn, and only after extreme torture, when they were barely alive, did they finally confess. They revealed they had come to the capital to seek refuge with someone—a certain noble heir. However, they couldn’t specify who, only that their leader had connections with this heir’s subordinates.
Chen Yanyun immediately concluded it must be Ye Xian.
Jinchao might be with him.
When Chen Yanyun surrounded the Marquis Changxing's estate with troops and saw the heavy security, with Ye Xian emerging to greet him without a hint of surprise, his suspicions were confirmed.
The angrier he grew, the calmer his mind became.
Chen Yanyun spoke slowly, "Lord Ye, there’s no need for anger. I’ve interrogated those thieves—they came to the capital seeking a future. If you obstruct our search, so be it. Deploying the Iron Cavalry Battalion is also your prerogative. But if you’re mistaken for their accomplice, accused of colluding with bandits for profit and murder—that would be a grave charge... Don’t you agree?"
Was Third Master Chen trying to pin the robbery on him? Too naive.
Ye Xian replied coolly, "Lord Chen, what a heavy accusation! I dare not bear it. Have you ever heard the saying—food can be eaten carelessly, but words must not be spoken recklessly?"
Chen Yanyun met his gaze, his tone light. "I have confessions and evidence. Lord Ye, don’t be too willful. The Marquis Changxing’s household can’t afford any missteps now, can it? You likely know my true purpose. Return what’s mine intact, and I’ll leave immediately with my men. But if you persist..." He smiled faintly. "You know my methods are never too honorable. How many of your father’s secrets I hold—need I spell them out?"
Ye Xian was left speechless, staring silently at Chen Yanyun.
Chen Yanyun, however, picked up his teacup and took a sip, his expression unreadable.
His lowered eyelids concealed his thoughts, but Ye Xian knew—Third Master Chen was renowned for his composure. If he had resorted to threats, he must be seething inside.Ye Xian didn't want to return Gu Jinzhao to Chen Yanyun, because he felt Chen Yanyun still didn't value her enough. In truth, he understood perfectly well—if Chen Yanyun didn't care for her, he wouldn't have revealed so many of his hidden cards to rescue her. It was enough to make those with ulterior motives wary.
He sighed softly. Forget it. He was going to return her anyway.
He stood up and said to Third Master Chen, "Have them all withdraw. I'll bring her out."
Ye Xian added, "This business with the bandits has nothing to do with me. I've already captured the person responsible. You can take him back for questioning." He nodded at Chang Hai. "Duke Zheng, come with me to fetch her."
Ye Xian's sudden softening of attitude surprised Chang Hai. He had thought they would be locked in a standoff with Ye Xian until dawn.
But Third Master Chen only smiled. "Troublesome of you, Young Master."
...
Gu Jinzhao draped on her cloak, pulled up the hood, and followed Li Xianhuai along the path. Li Xianhuai merely told her to follow without saying where they were going. The night was already so deep. Only stone lanterns lit the roadside. Passing through the moon gate, no one stopped them.
Li Xianhuai halted before the brightly lit hall.
Gu Jinzhao saw many dark figures around, dressed in Chengzi uniforms and armed with embroidered spring sabers—likely government soldiers.
Her heart remained uneasy. What were these people doing here in the dead of night? What was Ye Xian planning now?
She hadn't rested properly these past few days. Her body was utterly exhausted, yet her mind kept racing. She had to ensure she remained in an advantageous position.
Li Xianhuai stopped. "Madam, please go in. Someone is waiting for you inside." He stepped aside.
Who could it be?
Gu Jinzhao hesitated before stepping forward. As soon as she crossed the threshold, she saw a familiar tall figure. Unmistakably familiar. The flickering candlelight made her doubt her eyes, and she froze, afraid to approach.
But Third Master Chen turned first and walked toward her, coming closer until he pulled her into his arms. Stroking her hair, he sighed, "Are you stunned? Can't even speak when you see me?"
Only when she caught the soothing sandalwood scent on him did her eyes grow hot. She clung tightly to his solid frame.
"Yanyun..." She buried her face in his chest and murmured something too muffled for him to hear. But holding this long-lost Jinzhao again, he couldn't bear to ask anything. He only comforted her softly, "It's alright now. I'm here. Everything's alright."
Waves of exhaustion washed over her, and Gu Jinzhao nearly lost her balance. Third Master Chen guided her to sit while still holding her, and she melted into his embrace. She never knew she could cry so much—tears fell uncontrollably, faster than he could wipe them away.
Seeing her like this pained him further. He coaxed, "Jinzhao, this isn't the place to talk. Let me carry you to the carriage." Gu Jinzhao wiped her tears with her sleeve and shook her head.
But Third Master Chen simply lifted her, wrapping the cloak fully around her.
Suspended in midair and unable to see, she could only clutch his clothes tightly until he set her down.
Inside the carriage, a stove burned warmly.
She pushed back the cloak and sat up in his arms, her hand accidentally brushing his face—his chin rough with stubble.
He must have suffered these past few days too...Gu Jinzhao leaned against his chest, hearing his slightly hurried breathing, which made her feel even more distressed.
Third Master Chen's arms held her tightly, and after a while, he asked, "Jinchao... did those people harm you?"
Gu Jinzhao shook her head.
Only then did Third Master Chen relax, taking her bandaged hand in his. "Then how did you get this injury on your hand?"
Such a minor injury wasn't worth mentioning, but Gu Jinzhao thought of something else and sat up worriedly, whispering, "Third Master, after being kidnapped like this, my reputation is surely ruined... You..."
"I know everything," he gently interrupted her. "I've kept it from the Chen Family, and those bandits will be dealt with thoroughly. No one will know." He stroked Jinchao's hair. "Don't worry."
PS: Thank you to Lin Gaotai and Haohao Guoguo for the Heshibi. I only realized after checking the fan rankings that there were rewards I hadn't noticed before. Sob, if I didn't thank you, it's because I didn't see it. Mwah, everyone Don't worry, there will be a double update tomorrow.
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