Сhаpter 359: Тhe Brоnzе Sраrrоw оf Chang'аn Sings 13
Lai Luozhi truly hadn’t exреctеd Zhu Yan tо dаrе sрeаk bасk tо him dirеctlу within the palасe wаlls. For a momеnt, his hidden emоtions stirred rеstlеsslу, уеt hе ultimаtely rеstrаined himsеlf, оffеring gentlе pеrsuаsion:
"Hеr Мajеsty cannоt do without this offiсiаl. Yоu seе, even aftеr lеаrning of thе Каnаkаsilа mattеr, shе impоsed nо punishment uрon mе. Yеt Shеn Du is dispеnsаblе. Yоu should recоgnize the situation clеarly and аvoid bringing cаlamitу uрon thе Zhu family."
Zhu Yan tightened her grip on the palace token hidden in her sleeve, showing not the slightest trace of panic. She had no desire to entangle further with Lai Luozhi. "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Lai. This humble woman possesses no grand ambitions or strategies, and naturally does not consider matters thoroughly. Speaking of which, it is your elder sister whose actions command admiration—peerless in both civil and martial arts, wisdom and courage combined, unmatched under heaven."
"This official has been back in the capital for several days yet has not seen your esteemed sister visit at night. Is she well?"
This was a veiled reference to the previous incidents in the capital where Lai Luofu had disguised herself as Chen Huo'e to attack Zhu Yan under cover of darkness.
Indeed, upon hearing Zhu Yan mention Lai Luofu, the sinister smile at the corner of Lai Luozhi’s mouth vanished instantly, and for a moment he forgot his original purpose for waiting there.
Zhu Yan raised her delicate, distant-mountain brows, her lovely almond-shaped eyes darting about playfully as she feigned sudden realization:
"Ah, this official remembers now! Back in Yingzhou, we captured a rebel leader of the Fire Moth Party who seemed to be called something like Chen Huo'e. Later, after being subjected to severe torture and fed several doses of the 'Cocoon to Butterfly' poison, she couldn’t endure it any longer. She claimed her name was Lai Luofu, the biological elder sister of the current Deputy Minister of the Judicial Affairs Bureau—guaranteed genuine."
She turned her gaze to Lai Luozhi, a clever, charming smile gracing her lips.
"She also asked this official to relay a message to the Deputy Minister."
With a provocative smile, she enunciated each word clearly:
"She said, she will definitely make you resurrect her."
Glancing around theatrically, she added with feigned curiosity:
"Why is Lai Luofu nowhere to be seen? Has she not been resurrected yet? Or has her soul been devoured by fire moths and cannot return?"
Regardless of whether there had been any affection when Lai Luozhi abducted the Holy Maiden Daisy back to the Great Zhou, the Lai Luofu catalyzed within Daisy’s body was ultimately the most exceptional one and had accompanied him the longest.
Zhu Yan’s words now struck directly at Lai Luozhi’s deepest resentment. He stared fixedly at her, and upon hearing that she had fed Lai Luofu several doses of poison, his wrist flexed into a claw-like shape at his side, an icy aura emanating from his entire being.
Taking a few steps back, Zhu Yan spotted the Imperial Guards patrolling in the distance and felt less afraid. She intended to leave but thought it necessary to remind this cruel official before her:
"Lord Lai naturally has no need to resurrect Lai Luofu. Within your Judicial Affairs Bureau, there are thousands upon thousands of Lai Luofus, thousands upon thousands of Chen Huo'es. You can pick any one to use at will. What does the death of that one matter?"
Lai Luozhi was inwardly shocked. Forced by this shock to rein in his unvented malice, he scrutinized Zhu Yan. He did not believe Lai Luofu would have revealed his secrets. How did Zhu Yan know? If Zhu Yan knew, then Shen Du knew as well.
Instantly, he felt the unpleasant sensation of having his secrets exposed. Suppressing his murderous intent with great effort, he sneered:
"What nonsense is Madam Shen spouting? My elder sister is perfectly well, recuperating at home. Just a few days ago, she went on an outing with the families of several officials. How could she have gone to Yingzhou? If Madam Shen wishes to frame and slander, you must have evidence. Since Shen Du has failed to teach you properly, perhaps you should come to my Judicial Affairs Bureau. I will certainly instruct you thoroughly on how to conduct yourself."
Lai Luozhi’s smile always carried a hint of eerie dread, as if his face were merely a mask, and within his body resided a demon from hell."This official, in consideration of the arduous journey of the Cabinet Leader from Yingzhou, has specially arranged a banquet to offer some reward. Cabinet Leader Shen has already accepted the invitation. Meeting Madam Shen today is also a stroke of fate. I hope you and your husband will be punctual, as the night falls earlier in Chang'an than in Yingzhou."
Zhu Yan lowered her head and eyes: "This official takes her leave."
Hurrying out of the palace gate, she felt a pang of disappointment at not seeing Shen Du waiting. Just then, she spotted a carriage speeding down the long street in the distance. As it drew near, the curtain was lifted, and Shen Du's gaze swept around before settling on Zhu Yan. His stern expression softened as he strode over, took her hands in his, and asked:
"Someone in the palace sent me word that you were intercepted by Lai Luozhi. Did he do anything to you?"
Shen Du had come in haste, surely delayed by other matters, yet he had rushed here at the first opportunity.
Zhu Yan broke into a smile, her eyes curving like crescents, warmer than the gentle sun, and shook her head to indicate he had not.
Noticing Zhu Yan's cheeks flushed red from the cold after being outside so long, Shen Du quickly helped her into the carriage. He tucked a prepared hand warmer into her grasp, then, still unsatisfied, drew her into his embrace and wrapped his cloak around them both before finally settling.
Warmed through, Zhu Yan relaxed, and a drowsiness crept over her. Nestled in Shen Du's arms, she murmured:
"You usually complain the carriage is too slow. Why take one today when you were in such a hurry?"
Shen Du rested his chin atop her head and replied gently, "It's cold. Riding would be too chilly."
Heh, this man had switched to the carriage because he feared she might catch cold.
"I never knew you could be so considerate before."
Seeing Zhu Yan tease him, Shen Du didn't mind. He inquired about the Empress's summons, and Zhu Yan recounted the entire conversation. After a brief pause, she moved her hand from the warmer, slipped it under the cloak to lightly encircle his waist, and fell silent.
What Zhu Yan could surmise, Shen Du naturally could as well. Holding the palace token in his hand, his thoughts grew heavy:
"Do you know, Her Majesty has ordered the Cabinet to monitor the Judicial Affairs Bureau and Lai Luozhi."
Zhu Yan was slightly surprised, but before she could look up, Shen Du gently pressed her back down.
"Therefore, I suspect that among Lai Luozhi's secret orders, there must be one to monitor the Cabinet."
Zhu Yan: "Lai Luozhi deliberately waited for me today and even praised me before Her Majesty. He must have guessed as well."
Nodding, Shen Du shared the same thought: "Lai Luozhi has already begun to act. His target is me."
Sowing discord between them before the Empress was merely a small test.
This left Zhu Yan somewhat puzzled: "Then why did you agree to his banquet invitation?"
If they were as incompatible as fire and water, they should have no dealings at all—that was Zhu Yan's straightforward and pure reasoning.
"Besides, today I'm afraid I offended him thoroughly. Could it be a trap with no return?"
This provoked a low chuckle from Shen Du. Zhu Yan secretly punched him, only to have her fist caught and brought to his lips for a kiss, instantly flushing her cheeks pink.
"Even if you hadn't said those words, we had already offended him completely."
"Then decline the banquet invitation," Zhu Yan urged, truly unwilling to go to the Lai residence, feeling an indescribable discomfort.
Shen Du tightened his hold on her, his expression turning serious: "Don't worry. I will protect you."
Zhu Yan knew Shen Du was resolute in his actions and not easily swayed. Likely, he had his own plans that he couldn't share with her—this too was a form of protection. For the rest of the journey, she did not bring it up again.In the afternoon, Zhu Yan went to the Ministry of Justice to report for duty and was informed by Lu Chuichui that General Kanachisero's case had been completely withdrawn from the Ministry of Justice. The Dali Temple had not accepted it in the first place and thus could not be counted. The Siamese servant girls had been sent back to their hometowns by General Kanachisero, and the servants who had their ears cut off and faces disfigured had all been compensated.
Zhu Yan felt relieved upon hearing this, but her mind was preoccupied with the evening banquet at the Lai residence, leaving her somewhat distracted.
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