At this moment, Zhu Shun, the steward of the outer residence, was holding a box with a deeply troubled expression. Inside the box lay a severed hand that had begun to rot, frozen and discolored, appearing rather repulsive.
Suddenly, a "bang" echoed through the room. The man, once bitten by a snake, reacted like a rabbit with its tail on fire. He snatched the dagger from his bed, leaped up abruptly, and glared around, shouting, "Who's there?"
The surroundings were utterly silent, with no one in sight. Zhu Shun turned his head and noticed a pristine white letter lying quietly on the floor. A string tied to the top of the letter was attached to a stone, and the envelope bore a delicate white pear blossom. The stationery was elegant, emitting a faint, subtle fragrance.
Upon opening it, the man's eyes immediately gleamed with a lewd light. But after a moment's thought, he curled his lips in disdain, sat back down in his chair, and did not venture out.
A short while later, another bundle was tossed through the window. Zhu Shun opened it to find a scarlet undergarment embroidered with an image of a man and woman entwined in a provocative pose, their seductive forms stirring the blood and heating the body.
The man chuckled slyly, leaned in to take a deep sniff, then tucked the garment into his robe, muttering, "Can't even wait until daytime, you little temptress!"
With that, he threw on his outer robe and headed out.
The Zhuge family's main residence was located in the eastern part of Zhenhuang City, backed by Chisong Mountain and bordered by Chishui Lake to the right. Facing south, it covered an extensive area. The estate was structured in three sections, with deep inner courtyards and multiple layers of defense. External watchtowers stood tall, guarded round the clock by sentinels, while four arrow towers and small fire-prevention ditches encircled the perimeter. In times of conflict, it resembled a small fortress.
The bedchambers and courtyards of the Zhuge family's ladies and young misses were situated at the safest foot of Chisong Mountain. Gaining entry into the inner quarters of the ladies' boudoirs was nearly impossible without forcing one's way in from the outside.
It was midday, with ample sunlight and clear visibility. Yet, on the steep cliffs of Chisong Mountain, a dark shadow was swiftly descending. The mountain was blanketed in snow, and the cliffs were coated in ice. Under the blinding glare of the snow, no one noticed that tiny figure.
A soft thud—the child's feet finally touched the ground. Unfastening the ropes, the child glanced around. No one in sight. Safe.
A noise came from the side gate as the guard on duty called out, "Ah, Steward Zhu! What brings you to the inner residence?"
"Ah Si mentioned yesterday that there's a leak in Li Ran Courtyard. Melted snow from the rooftop platform has been seeping into the main hall downstairs. I'm here to check it out."
The guard fawned, "Such a trivial matter shouldn't trouble you, Steward Zhu. Leave it to us lowly ones."
Zhu Shun smiled and shook his head. "I've got nothing else to do anyway. Is the eldest young master in the residence?"
"The eldest young master and the fourth young master have been discussing matters in the study all morning. It seems they won't be out for a while."
"Oh," Zhu Shun nodded. "Alright then, I'll be on my way. No need to inform the masters. It's midday—they're likely resting. Don't disturb them."
"Understood, sir."
The timing was perfect. Hidden among the flowering trees, the child's eyes sparkled, a faint smile curling at the corners of the lips.Seventh Madam Duanmu Huaning of Chunhua Courtyard was preparing for her afternoon nap. She removed her light, cloud-like shawl, revealing shoulders smooth as congealed fat, full breasts and slender waist, plump buttocks and long legs, skin so delicate it seemed it would break at a touch, and fingernails painted crimson with henna. She was truly charming and coquettish, enchantingly beautiful. A maid lifted the silk brocade quilt for her, attending to Seventh Madam who was accustomed to sleeping naked.
Just then, roof tiles quietly shifted without anyone noticing. A small bag was slowly lowered, continuously wriggling as if something alive was inside.
The maids withdrew, and the room fell into deep silence, gradually filled only by Seventh Madam’s soft breathing.
With a faint plop, the bag landed beside Seventh Madam’s pillow. It was pink, with a delicate pear blossom painted on it.
Seventh Madam was sleeping soundly when she suddenly felt something gently licking her fragrant ears and neck. She drowsily brushed it away, feeling something furry, and thinking it was a dream, didn’t open her eyes. Just then, a sharp pain shot across her face. Startled, she rubbed her eyes and, upon seeing what was before her, froze for a moment before letting out a piercing scream that echoed throughout Chunhua Courtyard.
“Madam! Madam!” The maids rushed in from the outer room, but the moment they stepped inside, they were horrified, screaming incessantly. Seventh Madam’s bedchamber was filled with enormous rats, each with glossy black fur, fat and large, unafraid of people. Several were even crouched on Seventh Madam’s bed, tearing at the luxurious brocade quilt.
“Ah! Where did these things come from? Drive them out, drive them all out!”
That afternoon, Chunhua Courtyard witnessed a grand rat-extermination campaign. Seventh Madam Duanmu Huaning drank over ten cups of calming tea but still felt breathless and chilled to the bone.
“Madam, we found this on your bed.” A guard stepped forward, holding a pink cloth bag.
Seventh Madam took the bag and, with just one glance, her eyes widened. She sprang to her feet and said sharply, “That little wretch! I knew it was you! Everyone, come with me to Liran Courtyard. I’ll tear a layer of skin off that little wretch!”
The servants of Chunhua Courtyard followed Seventh Madam in a grand, furious procession toward Liran Courtyard. Unnoticed in a corner, a small cabinet was slowly pushed open, revealing the calm face of a child.
The fire had been lit—let it burn on its own. The deed was done; it was time to withdraw.
Quickly returning to the withered flower bushes, Chu Qiao found the entire inner residence in chaos, with Liran Courtyard particularly noisy. She easily retraced her steps and left the troubled area.
In the study, Zhuge Huai looked grave and said to Zhuge Yue in a low voice, “Fourth Brother, what do you think about this incident?”
The room was utterly silent. Frowning, Zhuge Huai called softly to Zhuge Yue, who seemed lost in thought, “Fourth Brother?”
“Huh?” Zhuge Yue started, looking up with a fleeting expression of embarrassment. He quickly said, “Prince Yan’s manor is doomed. Yan Xun is in grave danger.”"Indeed, I share the same view." Zhuge Huai nodded and said, "Prince Yan's manor is a prominent target that attracts much attention and has long been a thorn in the side of the major noble families. The Batuha Family from the western fief has long coveted the lands of Yanbei. This time, the blame is most likely to be pinned on Prince Yan. Moreover, the master in Shengjin Palace has always been more inclined to trust outsiders than his own brothers."
Just then, a sudden clamor of voices erupted from outside, loud and chaotic. Frowning, Zhuge Huai raised his voice and asked, "Zhu Yong, what's going on out there? Why all the noise?"
"Reporting to the young master, the commotion is coming from the Liran Courtyard. It seems Seventh Madam and the songstress Lixiang have gotten into an argument. Third Madam, Fourth Madam, and several others have already rushed over."
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