Chарtеr 360: Тhе Bronze Sраrrow of Сhang'an Sings 14
Ву thе timе thеir dutiеs ended, dusk wаs already apрrоaсhing. Aftеr сhаnging intо their bаnquеt аttirе, Shеn Du and Zhu Yаn boarded thе сarriаge togethеr, heading tоward the Lаi rеsidеnсе.
Тhе carriаgе remаinеd silеnt throughоut the jоurnеy, both lоst in hеavу thoughts. Upon аrriving at the Lai rеsidеnсe, Shеn Du wordlessly tооk Zhu Yаn’s hand аs thеу аlightеd, stаnding side bу sidе befоre thе grand entrаncе.
Тhе Lai rеsidеnсе had changеd since their last visit. Thе qilin beasts that оnce flаnked thе еntranсe had been replaced with taotie—greedy, insatiable creatures—matching the motif on Lai Luozhi’s court robes.
The taotie, the fifth son of the dragon, was known for its boundless greed.
Typically, lions, qilin, or jiaotu (the sixth son of the dragon) guarded such gates. When had taotie ever been used? What could Lai Luozhi possibly mean by such an eccentric choice?
Passing beneath two lanterns as tall as half a person hanging from the entrance beam, they stepped into the imposing Lai estate. The air was filled with the seductive melodies of song and dance, accompanied by the enthusiastic applause of the guests.
Zhu Yan frowned, displeased by the atmosphere. Seeing Shen Du pause to wait for her, she hurried to his side and took his hand.
Noticing her cold palm, Shen Du leaned down and whispered, “Do not worry. Nothing can separate us.”
Squeezing his hand in return, Zhu Yan softly acknowledged him, doing her best to set aside the turmoil in her heart for the moment.
Entering the banquet hall, they found it bustling with officials and their families. On a stage overlooking the water, dancers swayed gracefully to the soothing melodies of strings and flutes.
It appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary feast.
Spotting the pair, Lai Luozhi clapped his hands. Instantly, all sounds ceased, the dancers retreated, and every eye turned toward them.
“Grand Commander Shen arrives fashionably late. Shouldn’t you punish yourself with a drink?” Leaning against the armrest of his seat, he raised an eyebrow, watching the two.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Shen Du led Zhu Yan to the empty seat beside Lai Luozhi and settled her comfortably. Only then did he pour himself a cup of wine. When Zhu Yan tugged his sleeve in concern, he shook his head reassuringly, raised the cup toward Lai Luozhi in a toast, drained it in one go, and turned it upside down for all to see.
“Well done!” Lai Luozhi led the applause, and the guests echoed in unison.
“This commander shall punish himself with three cups.”
Shen Du drank three cups in succession. As the music resumed, he turned his face away, his handsome features shadowed with displeasure.
Worried that he was drinking on an empty stomach, Zhu Yan saw the flicker of irritation in his eyes. Leaning close, she whispered, “Was the invitation deliberately sent with the wrong time?”
Shen Du nodded slightly, signaling that he was fine.
Just then, a family member questioned why Lai Luofu was absent from the gathering. As Lai Luozhi’s elder sister and a first-rank titled lady, she would typically make an appearance at such family banquets.
Lai Luozhi did not answer immediately. Instead, his gaze drifted toward Shen Du and his wife, eyes filled with danger. He called out softly to Zhu Yan, “Has Madam Shen not always been concerned about my sister? She is currently in seclusion, cultivating a secret technique, and is unable to receive guests.”
The guests were puzzled—why would Zhu Yan care about Lai Luofu?
But Shen Du responded with a scornful smile. “This commander happens to know a thing or two. I’ve heard that Lord Lai has been working tirelessly, personally training a group of exceptionally talented individuals to serve the Judicial Affairs Bureau. I wonder if it’s the same technique your sister is cultivating?”
This cryptic remark left the other guests bewildered, but Lai Luozhi understood perfectly.
“Commander Shen jests. My sister is cultivating a health-enhancing secret technique on behalf of His Majesty. I believe she will complete it soon.”
As if on cue, Lai Luofu emerged from a side door, drawing back the curtain and offering apologies.Zhu Yan warily glanced in that direction—it was indeed Lai Luofu, but likely one of the identical Lai Luofus Daisy had mentioned seeing.
One of the hundreds of doubles selected by Lai Luozhi.
Remembering how Daisy’s tragic, short life had been ruined by Lai Luozhi’s deception, Zhu Yan couldn’t help but feel disgust toward this Lai Luofu wearing the same face.
Lai Luofu’s first act was to toast Shen Du, smiling brightly. From any angle, she was indistinguishable from the Lai Luofu they had killed.
Lai Luozhi had secretly cultivated countless identical Lai Luofus. Regardless of the reason, the mere thought sent a chill down one’s spine.
Shen Du did not raise his cup, merely narrowing his eyes as he watched her in silence.
The double Lai Luofu showed no annoyance. "Great Pavilion Commander, please do not take offense. This humble one was also delayed by tasks for the Empress Dowager. I beg the Pavilion Commander not to blame me."
Her words were gentle and soft, making it difficult to refuse.
Shen Du pulled Zhu Yan closer and said coldly, "How dare I refuse the wine of a titled lady? However, my wife is jealous and cannot bear to see me drink wine poured by another woman. For the sake of domestic harmony, let us forgo the wine today. I naturally will not blame Lady Lai."
Lai Luofu’s expression twisted slightly. She blinked and looked toward Lai Luozhi, seemingly unsure how to react.
Lai Luozhi’s eyes darkened, appearing dissatisfied with this Lai Luofu. He stood up, pulled Lai Luofu to sit down, and said irritably, "Pavilion Commander Shen and the Hall Leader’s Wife are deeply affectionate. If not for the rumors circulating, one might think Pavilion Commander Shen deliberately refused to drink, fearing my wine was poisoned."
"Lord Lai overestimates the matter," Shen Du offered no further explanation, sitting properly with Zhu Yan and not touching the food.
Lai Luozhi signaled the musicians to pause the music and shot a glance at Lai Luofu, who immediately understood.
She stood up and walked to the center. The musicians resumed playing, and Lai Luofu unfurled her water sleeves, beginning to dance.
Several times, her gaze fell on Zhu Yan, making Zhu Yan deeply uncomfortable. Eventually, she lowered her head, tightly gripping Shen Du’s sleeve, and avoided paying attention to Lai Luofu.
After the dance ended, Lai Luofu stepped forward.
"I have heard that the Hall Leader’s Wife is exceptionally talented in both arts and skills. Why not perform a dance to liven the atmosphere?"
Lai Luozhi also clapped. "That is indeed true. Since the two of you arrived late today, punishing only Pavilion Commander Shen would be dull. The Hall Leader’s Wife should also face a penalty. Isn’t that right, everyone?"
In the capital, it was customary for those who arrived late to a banquet to face a penalty—usually performing a talent to entertain the guests. Lai Luozhi’s suggestion was not entirely out of line.
The other officials joined in the clamor, and their family members took turns urging Zhu Yan to showcase a skill as well.
Everyone knew Zhu Yan came from humble origins and engaged in lowly tasks like examining corpses. Though they dared not show contempt openly due to Shen Du, they were all waiting to see Zhu Yan make a fool of herself.
Just as Shen Du was about to refuse, Lai Luozhi subtly mocked him. Seeing Shen Du on the verge of erupting in anger, Zhu Yan stood up and walked to the center of the stage.
But she was troubled. Though clever and sharp-witted since childhood, she had never applied herself to studies or feminine arts. Despite her brilliant mind, she disliked reading and learning women’s crafts, preferring horseback riding and detective work.
Performing a talent was a trivial matter for any woman present except her, but for Zhu Yan, it was utterly impossible.
Seeing Zhu Yan standing alone on the stage, Shen Du grew cold all over and abruptly rose to his feet.
All the officials fell silent, intimidated by Shen Du’s barely restrained fury, each holding their breath in fear.Before Shen Du could react, the leader of the music troupe suddenly raised his head and waved to Zhu Yan. Only then did Zhu Yan see clearly that it was Jin Cang, the musician, the cousin of her mother, Concubine Jin, who had been invited to perform at the Lai family banquet today.
Jin Cang was the foremost musician in the imperial music academy and the head of the academy, overseeing all the musicians in the palace. He excelled at playing the guqin and konghou, possessed exceptional musical skills, and was dedicated to his craft, earning him great admiration from many.
Lai Luozhi had invited Jin Cang and other imperial musicians to demonstrate his closeness to the royal family and to showcase his influence and capabilities.
OpenNovel