Chaрtеr 36: Нusbаnd Сomes to Fеtсh
After thаnking Princеss Yоng'аn, Zhu Yаn sаt bаck down оn the chair, but this time she felt аs if sitting оn pins аnd neеdlеs, uttеrlу uncоmfоrtаblе аll ovеr.
Although it wasn't hеr first timе meеting Princess Yоng'an, theу could hаrdlу bе соnsidеrеd familiar.
Тhе prinсеss's suddеn warmth tоward hеr inеvitably stirrеd susрiciоn in her heart.
"It hаs been manу dауs sincе we last met. Is Маdаm Shen wеll?"
"Тhаnk уоu fоr yоur сonсern, Yоur Highness thе Prinсе оf Ying. This оffiсiаl is dоing well."
Princеss Yong'an smiled again. "It hаs been quite sоme time sinсe уоu marriеd the Great Pavilion Commander. Rumors in the streets say the two of you are deeply affectionate, a harmonious couple—truly enviable."
Zhu Yan's eye twitched, unsure where Princess Yong'an had heard such gossip.
"Your Highness the Prince of Ying jests. Since this official has married the Great Pavilion Commander, naturally, I should prioritize my husband's position in all matters."
"Hehehe…" Princess Yong'an let out another soft laugh, making it impossible to discern whether it was genuine or feigned.
Zhu Yan said no more, merely lowering her gaze slightly and placing her hands on the newly changed brocade-cloud gauze gown.
Whether from nervousness or unease, her palms were already damp with sweat.
Seeing Zhu Yan so unsettled, Princess Yong'an spoke again, "Madam Shen need not be nervous. I summoned you here merely to chat about family matters, nothing more."
"Yes," Zhu Yan replied, though her heart held a different meaning.
The more Princess Yong'an spoke this way, the more uneasy she became. They weren't close—what family matters were there to discuss?
If Lu Chuichui spoke to her like this, she would unceremoniously prop her feet on the chair and speak openly, holding nothing back.
Seeing that Zhu Yan remained uneasy, Princess Yong'an stopped speaking in circles.
"How is the investigation into the Liang family murder case proceeding?"
Zhu Yan's heart skipped a beat. She knew it—this visit to the palace wasn't just for admiring flowers, bathing, or chatting about family matters.
"The case is progressing smoothly, Your Highness need not worry."
"Is that so?" Princess Yong'an clearly did not believe Zhu Yan's words. "This serial murder case is inextricably linked to the Liang family case. Surely, Madam Shen has other thoughts?"
Zhu Yan quickly rose and bowed to Princess Yong'an. "This official… does not understand what Your Highness means."
"Do not feign ignorance here." Princess Yong'an stood and approached Zhu Yan. "You'd best not take an interest in the Liang family's affairs. Focus on investigating your case honestly and avoid unnecessary actions. Otherwise, the price may be more than you can bear."
As Princess Yong'an's words fell, Zhu Yan's legs weakened, and she stumbled.
She understood exactly what the "price" in Princess Yong'an's words referred to.
Though she was Shen Du's wife, her surname was Zhu, and behind her stood the entire Zhu family. She could not afford to gamble, nor could she afford to lose.
"Your Highness the Prince of Ying."
Sweat beaded on her palms again. The imperial family's intimidation and pressure made Zhu Yan feel uneasy, as if Mount Tai were pressing down on her, filling her with dread and anxiety.
"Madam Shen is a clever person. Naturally, you understand what this princess means."
As she spoke, Princess Yong'an lightly tapped Zhu Yan's shoulder with her silk fan.
That single tap felt like a solid wooden mallet, sending pain and pressure coursing through Zhu Yan's entire body.
The air remained frozen. Not only her palms, but even Zhu Yan's forehead was now damp with cold sweat.
She had to guard against the imperial family's authority, yet she also had to uncover the truth of the case. How had she, a mere ninth-rank official, become entangled in such a dilemma?
"Has Madam Shen come to understand?"Seeing that Zhu Yan had fallen silent, Princess Yong'an pointedly asked, "A wise bird chooses its tree to roost in. Someone as clever as Madam Shen naturally knows what to do."
Another layer of threat fell, and Zhu Yan stiffened all over.
She knew in her heart that Princess Yong'an was not joking with her.
"Your humble official..." Just as Zhu Yan was struggling with how to respond to Princess Yong'an, a palace maid waiting outside suddenly entered.
"Your Highness, the Great Pavilion Commander has come to fetch someone."
"What?" Princess Yong'an seemed not to have expected Shen Du to arrive so quickly. Surprise was mixed with unwillingness.
The palace maid's message broke the suffocating atmosphere.
Zhu Yan took a deep breath. This time, she would definitely have to thank Shen Du properly.
Shen Du arrived at the side hall, bowed to Princess Yong'an, and then turned his gaze to Zhu Yan.
Zhu Yan was still maintaining a posture with hands clasped and body bent. Although Shen Du did not know how long she had held this position, the cold sweat on her forehead and her pale complexion at this moment were enough to explain everything.
"Only half a day apart, and the Great Pavilion Commander is already so concerned about his wife. It seems the rumors circulating are not unfounded—the affection between the two of you truly makes others envious."
Hearing Princess Yong'an's lukewarm praise, Shen Du did not offer thanks. "My wife has been away for a long time, and there are many household matters awaiting her attention. That is why I hurried here to fetch her."
"Is that so?" Princess Yong'an's tone was skeptical. "Whether it's handling affairs or deep marital affection, since the Great Pavilion Commander is here today, I might as well speak plainly."
"Your Highness the Prince of Ying, please speak directly."
"The serial murder case has remained unresolved for so long. Whether you cannot find the culprit or wish to investigate thoroughly, I have no time to concern myself with it. However, regarding the Liang family matter, I advise you to be cautious with your words and actions, and to know your limits."
"Your Highness the Prince of Ying." Shen Du bowed to Princess Yong'an and spoke with righteous conviction. "Our investigation into the serial murder case is by the Empress's personal decree. Whether it concerns the Liang family's internal affairs or the murder case, as long as it is related, we will investigate thoroughly. Could it be that Your Highness intends to obstruct our investigation?"
Princess Yong'an fixed a cold gaze on Shen Du. "Great Pavilion Commander, my words are clear. Why must you ask such an unnecessary question?"
"Then has Your Highness considered the consequences of defying Her Majesty the Empress?"
Shen Du's words struck like a warning bell in Princess Yong'an's mind.
Though unwilling, she had no strength to refute.
After a long silence, with no response from Princess Yong'an, Shen Du spoke again. "If Your Highness the Prince of Ying has no further matters, we shall take our leave."
After speaking, he gave Zhu Yan a meaningful look.
Zhu Yan's expression was pained. She tried to move but found her legs and feet unresponsive.
Whether from tension or numbness, she could not take a single step at that moment.
Zhu Yan cast a pleading look at Shen Du, who immediately understood her meaning.
Without any hesitation, he stepped forward, directly picked Zhu Yan up, and strode away.
It was only after the carriage had traveled a long distance from the palace that Zhu Yan regained her senses.
Her body was still trembling, but her mind had cleared considerably. Looking at the carriage she was riding in, a strange feeling suddenly arose in her heart.
It seemed Shen Du had long been prepared to fetch her.
"You... did you anticipate long ago that my visit to the palace this time would be fraught with danger?"
Zhu Yan wrapped herself tighter in the cloak draped over her, as if still not fully recovered from the earlier peril.Shen Du did not directly answer her question. Instead, he smiled and shifted his gaze elsewhere. "You are like a child who has learned to walk but never stumbled. Without letting you fall and bleed once, you will never understand the pain of a fall. Have you remembered today's lesson?"
Zhu Yan quietly watched Shen Du, his distinct features carrying an air of authority. Her thoughts then drifted to Shen Du's childhood experiences.
If he hadn't been convicted and sent to the inner palace as a child, would he have become the cautious and restrained person he is today?
Thinking of this, Zhu Yan clenched her fists, a flicker of pity or heartache igniting within her.
She nodded like an obedient child. "I will listen from now on."
Seeing Zhu Yan speak to him so calmly and gently, Shen Du was momentarily stunned. How had she become so docile?
It was only after a long while, when the carriage jolted, that Shen Du snapped back to reality. He cleared his throat lightly to mask his awkwardness and casually remarked, "We've found the market for the counterfeit paintings and calligraphy. Those involved are traveling merchants, and there are quite a few of them. It's truly impossible to trace them all—it's like hitting a dead end."
"What?" Zhu Yan was taken aback. She clearly hadn't expected this lead to end in such a way.
Could it be that her direction was wrong?
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