Chaрtеr 363: The Вronze Sраrrоw оf Сhаng'an Sings 17
Bеfore the winter solsticе, thе Emрress summоnеd hеr sеverаl mоrе timеs, аll for сasual chаts, аsking abоut the scenеry and сulture outsidе thе раlасе. Zhu Yan did her bеst tо piсk оut trеndy аnd interеsting tоpics tо shаre, sоmetimes evеn buying fashionаblе itеms in advаnce to bring intо thе рalасе аs gifts fоr thе Emрrеss.
Thе Emрress would аlso bеstоw uрon Zhu Yаn sоmе itеms not found outsidе the palacе. Following Shen Du’s instruсtions, Zhu Yan аcсеptеd only those that were harmless and inconsequential. The Empress must have noticed but merely smiled faintly without exposing her.
The Empress also asked several times, hinting subtly that Zhu Yan should not fear Shen Du’s power or pretend to be affectionate with him. Zhu Yan firmly denied all such insinuations.
As the year-end approached, Shen Du was so busy he barely had time to set foot on the ground. When he asked Zhu Yan about the Empress’s summons, she answered honestly. Shen Du analyzed that it was likely because Zhu Yan came from humble origins and was not aligned with any major factions, which earned her the Empress’s appreciation.
Zhu Yan was unconvinced: “Isn’t it because I’m exceptionally capable, clever, and adorable?”
Shen Du patted the top of her head, smiling without a word.
On the day of the winter solstice, the two returned to the Zhu family home once. They had just set down their gifts and exchanged only a few pleasantries when Jing Lin hurried over to find Shen Du. Shortly after Shen Du bid farewell and left, the Ministry of Justice also sent someone to fetch Zhu Yan, saying there had been a murder case and the coroner couldn’t handle it, requesting Zhu Yan’s assistance. Zhu Yan had no choice but to take her leave as well.
Arriving at the crime scene, Lu Chuichui was waiting for her with a box and cloth bag. After examining the body and inspecting the scene, it was determined to be a case of neighborly conflict and revenge killing. The evidence of harm on the corpse was also obvious, and the examination was quickly completed.
During the winter solstice season, Zhu Yan worked until she was drenched in sweat. After writing and submitting the autopsy report, she rode back to the Shen residence, hoping to share a meal of dumplings with Shen Du. However, at the entrance of the Shen residence, she was intercepted by a servant from the Zhu family, who relayed her father’s message insisting she return home.
Thinking it was because she had left in a hurry at noon and had displeased her father, and since Shen Du had not yet returned home, Zhu Yan followed the servant back to the Zhu family home.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered, she saw Zhang Xingwei sitting in the main hall.
Zhu Yan’s eyelids twitched. It had been a long time since she had seen Prime Minister Zhang Xingwei, and she had no desire to see him at all.
Zhu Kuo came forward to greet her: “Sixth Daughter, is the Ministry of Justice matter settled?”
“Yes,” Zhu Yan replied calmly, “it’s settled.”
Zhu Kuo nodded, craning his neck to look behind Zhu Yan: “Why didn’t the Great Pavilion Commander return with you?”
“…” Zhu Yan saw through the situation at a glance. “He’s occupied with official duties and hasn’t returned home yet.”
“Oh, oh, being busy is good, being busy is good,” Zhu Kuo chuckled a few times. “Prime Minister Zhang wants to ask you about some matters. Have a detailed chat. I’ll guard the courtyard for you.”
Zhu Yan nearly laughed out loud. Guarding—wasn’t this to prevent Shen Du from coming over?
She was well aware of her father’s fence-sitting nature. At any rate, he couldn’t stir up major trouble; his position was low, and he had no great ambitions, so no one paid him much mind.
Removing the red plum and silver fox cloak she was wearing, she shook off the snowflakes clinging to it and set it aside before bowing to Prime Minister Zhang.
“No need for that. You are now the Hall Leader’s Wife and a great contributor to the Yingzhou mission. There’s no need for such formalities.” Prime Minister Zhang stroked his sparse beard, squinting as he examined her.
Zhu Yan poured tea for Prime Minister Zhang and then stood to the side.
Lifting the lid of the teacup, steam curled upward, and a fragrant aroma wafted out. However, the tea was pale yellow, with leaves floating on the surface instead of sinking—hardly the finest tea.
Taking a sip, Prime Minister Zhang showed no sign of disdain. Seeing Zhu Yan standing there quietly and serenely, her delicate face calm and composed, he inwardly praised her.
“Does Madam Shen know why this official sought to see you today?”Zhu Yan shook her head. "I do not know." These high-ranking officials were all so peculiar, each beginning with the same line. How could she possibly know what they were thinking?
"Do you still remember the mission you were given when you married Shen Du?"
This again. Zhu Yan fell silent.
Prime Minister Zhang was in no hurry. "You have followed Shen Du through life-and-death situations and emerged unscathed, entered Lai Manor multiple times and left unharmed, and now you have been summoned by the Empress on numerous occasions. It seems my judgment was not mistaken."
Zhu Yan sighed inwardly. Meeting the Empress so frequently had indeed drawn too much attention. However, "If I recall correctly, the one you originally selected was my third sister. I was taken from a crime scene to replace her in the marriage."
Having her point laid bare so bluntly, Prime Minister Zhang felt deeply embarrassed. Yet, having lived to this age, he cared little for such matters when it came to achieving his goals. He slammed the teacup lid onto the table and angrily declared:
"Since you replaced your third sister, that is your fate. Today is the winter solstice, and I will not waste time with you. Tell me everything about Shen Du, Lai Luozhi, and the Empress's recent activities."
Zhu Yan straightened her back, unmoved. "I do not know."
"You..."
Zhu Yan clasped her hands and bowed. "Behind me stands my entire family. I know nothing, and I must know nothing. I beg for your mercy, Prime Minister."
With that, she knelt, her forehead striking the floor with a resounding thud.
Prime Minister Zhang had not expected Zhu Yan to remain so unyielding—no, even more direct than before, without the slightest hint of tact.
"Do you think Shen Du can protect you like this?"
Zhu Yan shook her head, her forehead still pressed against the floor.
Prime Minister Zhang swept the teacup aside, sending it shattering at Zhu Yan's feet. He roared, "Do you think you can simply refuse to take sides? You never had a choice from the start. If you do not cooperate now, do not blame me if I cannot protect you, much less the Zhu family."
Politicians were often cunning and treacherous. Zhu Yan believed Prime Minister Zhang was capable of such actions, but she had her own principles. She was not a mindless puppet.
Zhu Yan raised her head and met Prime Minister Zhang's gaze directly. "In that case, I can speak, but I also have one request."
"Speak!" Prime Minister Zhang maintained his imposing demeanor.
Zhu Yan said, "I wish to know why Prime Minister Zhang did not intervene when he knew about the Shen family massacre before it happened. Weren't you and Shen Shijie classmates?"
She did not mention that she already suspected Prime Minister Zhang might have been involved. The truth had not yet come to light, and she could not speak recklessly.
Zhang Xingwei had not expected Zhu Yan to bring up the Shen family case from years ago at this moment. His expression instantly turned cold and flustered. "You... what do you know?"
"I know nothing. I only know that I will not take sides. I beg Prime Minister Zhang to spare me."
Once again, Zhu Yan pressed her forehead against the cold floor.
Heavy footsteps echoed from the doorway, followed by a clear, resonant male voice. "If Prime Minister Zhang has any questions, you may ask me directly. At your age, bullying my wife is hardly appropriate, is it?"
Her eyes lit up with surprise as she saw Shen Du's tall figure approaching, enveloping her in his shadow. The next moment, Shen Du scooped her into his arms, his hand brushing against her forehead. His dark eyes narrowed, and he spoke with unmistakable displeasure:
"I recall Prime Minister Zhang was once known for his wisdom and unwavering integrity. Has it come to this—that you now rely on a mere woman to accomplish anything?"
These words struck Zhang Xingwei like a slap across the face. He looked up at Shen Du, whose features bore some resemblance to Shen Shijie's, and trembled slightly, rendered utterly speechless.Ignoring Zhu Kuo's explanations and the pleas of Jin Shi and Ru Shi, Shen Du picked up Zhu Yan, kicked aside Zhu Mojie who came over to greet them, and strode out of the Zhu residence.
Well, after all, they didn't get to speak. What kind of visit to the maternal home was this?
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