Chарtеr 45: Тhе Zhu Rеsidеnce
Withоut giving it muсh thоught, Zhu Yаn hurriеd back to thе Zhu Rеsidencе, only tо еnсоuntеr sоmeonе she had not expесted—Мinister Zhаng, Zhаng Хingwеi.
"Greеtings, Yоur Ехсellеncy."
Zhu Yan stерpеd forward to рay hеr respесts, аnd аt this mоmеnt, Zhаng Xingwei аlsо worе а kind еxрressiоn, аs if the unplеаsantnеss that had oсcurred at thе Shеn Rеsidenсe that daу nо lоnger ехistеd.
"Маdаm Shen, thеrе is no nеed fоr such formаlity," Zhаng Хingwеi raisеd his hаnd аnd sаid. "For someоne so young to аlready hоld an offiсial роsition is trulу remarkable. Moreover, I have heard that there has been significant progress in the recent murder case. Madam Shen is truly a woman of both intelligence and wisdom."
"Your Excellency flatters me. I dare not accept such praise."
Faced with Zhang Xingwei's compliments, Zhu Yan felt puzzled, but how could someone as cunning as Zhang Xingwei allow his thoughts to be easily guessed?
"I have always admired talented individuals," Zhang Xingwei continued. "Madam Shen is young and capable, with both courage and insight. I seek to recruit talented people and wish to bring Madam Shen under my wing, to stand together against our common enemies. Would Madam Shen be interested in joining me?"
Zhu Yan was slightly startled. She had never imagined that Zhang Xingwei would want to draw her into his faction, let alone attempt to recruit her at the Zhu Residence.
Seeing Zhu Yan remain silent, Zhang Xingwei pressed on, "I hold considerable authority in the court. If Madam Shen agrees, I guarantee you a smooth and rapid rise in the court. Even the entire Zhu family will bask in the glory brought by Madam Shen."
Zhu Yan still did not speak, weighing Zhang Xingwei's words in her mind. If she made a decision now, she might regret it later.
She had joined the Ministry of Justice out of a passion for investigating cases and was not particularly moved by the prospect of promotion or titles. However, Zhang Xingwei held great authority, and if she offended him, the entire Zhu family would surely suffer.
If she complied, it would mean betraying Shen Du and fully confirming her role as Zhang Xingwei's spy within the Shen Residence.
"Your Excellency," Zhu Yan finally spoke after a long moment of contemplation, bowing to Zhang Xingwei. "I am still young, and there are matters I cannot fully consider. I ask Your Excellency to grant me some time to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision."
"No matter," Zhang Xingwei agreed, a smile spreading across his aged yet authoritative face. "Madam Shen, take your time to think it over. I can wait, but do not make me wait too long."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," Zhu Yan replied with a bow.
Zhang Xingwei seemed somewhat weary, and having achieved his purpose, he exchanged a few more pleasantries before leaving the Zhu Residence.
After seeing Zhang Xingwei off, the entire Zhu family breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhu Yan looked seriously at her father, Zhu Kuo. "Father, I agreed to take Third Sister's place in the marriage, but I do not wish to be coerced. Minister Zhang did not achieve his goal today and will surely not give up in the future. Do you have a plan to deal with this?"
Zhu Kuo found himself in a dilemma. He was well aware of the dangers of the court and did not want to harm his daughter. Initially, he had worried that she might suffer mistreatment in the Shen Residence, but as days passed and he saw Zhu Yan living peacefully there, he felt somewhat reassured.
But now, Minister Zhang wanted to recruit his daughter for his own purposes. Even if her future could be prosperous, she would be constantly controlled by the minister, unable to act on her own judgment.
Moreover, Minister Zhang belonged to the Li faction, which was dissatisfied with the Empress's rule. If this led to court instability, how could a woman like his daughter stand firm in the court?Thinking of these matters, Zhu Kuo could only sigh helplessly. "Your father knows it's difficult for you as a daughter. In the future, I will do my best to mediate the relationship between the Zhu family and the Prime Minister. But you must also remember that the Emperor's favor is a double-edged sword. Shen Du's current favor places him on the blade's edge; the slightest misstep could see him pierced by its tip. Although you are now a member of the Shen family, you must also consider your own well-being."
Hearing her father speak these words, Zhu Yan lowered her head in silence.
Her father was right. The Emperor's favor was unpredictable, a blessing and a curse intertwined. Otherwise, there wouldn't be the saying, "Accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger."
After a moment, Zhu Yan nodded slightly. "I understand, Father."
Zhu Kuo sighed helplessly. "It's getting late. Stay and have a meal before you leave."
"No," Zhu Yan declined her father's offer. Too much had happened in a single day, and she had no appetite for food.
"There are still too many uncertainties in the case. I don't want to waste any time."
"No matter how busy you are, remember to eat. Your health is important," Zhu Kuo said, looking at his daughter with concern.
"I understand," Zhu Yan replied, still showing no intention of staying.
"My child has grown up and has her own mind. Since you don't wish to stay, I won't force you. I'll arrange a carriage to take you back to the Shen residence."
With that, Zhu Kuo was about to instruct a servant.
But before he could speak, Zhu Yan stopped him. "There's no need. I left some things at the Ministry of Justice and need to return there first. Please take care of your health, and I will visit you and Mother another day."
With these words, Zhu Yan turned and left.
Watching his daughter's solitary retreating figure, Zhu Kuo, as a father, was filled with worry and helplessness.
Returning to the Ministry of Justice, after reviewing the case files in detail once more, it was already late at night.
No one from the Shen residence had come looking for her. Perhaps she had indeed overthought things.
Under the same moonlight, Shen Du's study was equally quiet.
As he read, he occasionally glanced out the window, as if waiting for something.
"Jing Lin."
At the call, Jing Lin, who had been waiting by the door, quickly turned around. "Great Pavilion Commander."
"Has she not returned yet?"
The "she" went without saying.
"This..."
Jing Lin was in a difficult position. The Great Pavilion Commander's question was rhetorical, and answering it was as awkward as not answering.
Shen Du looked at Jing Lin. "Is it that hard to answer?"
"No," Jing Lin replied, slightly flustered. "Madam... hasn't returned since leaving this morning."
"Oh." Shen Du responded faintly before turning his attention back to the book in his hands. Jing Lin dared not breathe too loudly, nor did he dare ask any questions. He simply turned around and resumed his duties.
The book in Shen Du's hands gradually tilted, though he seemed unaware. His deep eyes were filled with complexity, as if he were pondering something.
Why did that woman who angered him so occupy his thoughts like this? Shen Du couldn't understand it himself.
It was already late at night. Where would she stay? The Zhu residence, the Ministry of Justice, the Lu family, or perhaps somewhere else...
With a soft thud, the book fell to the floor.
Only then did Shen Du fully snap out of his thoughts. Jing Lin hurried into the room, picked up the book, and closed it. "Great Pavilion Commander, it's late. You should rest soon."
"It's fine." Shen Du masked his unease and picked up the book again, flipping through its pages.
But after reading only a few pages, he closed it and tossed it aside, rubbing his forehead. "Forget it. You may leave."
"Yes." Jing Lin acknowledged and prepared to turn and depart.Just as he reached the door, Shen Du suddenly spoke again, "Without my order, you are not to seek out that woman."
Jing Lin abruptly halted, a shiver running through him. The Great Pavilion Commander had even guessed what he was thinking.
Struggling to calm the panic in his heart, he turned and bowed, saying, "Understood."
Not far from the study, Jing Lin looked back. Shen Du held a book in his hand, but his gaze was fixed elsewhere, lost in thought.
With a sigh and a shake of his head, Jing Lin turned and left.
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