Chapter 9: The Method

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Yan Xi nodded tearfully in response. Lu Zhi raised his hand, casually adjusting his cloak. His posture straightened, regaining the cold and aloof demeanor from before.

Yan Xi sobbed softly, her chaotic thoughts gradually calming. She slowly shifted her gaze, tentatively asking, “May I see him now?”

To her surprise, the man actually agreed.

********

In the winter month, the air had clearly grown colder, with snowflakes drifting sparsely through the sky.

Yan Xi was panting, supported by Qing Lian as they almost jogged forward. Against the backdrop of the snow-white cloak, she looked even more delicate, like a small white flower blooming amidst the wind and snow.

The two—mistress and servant—led the way, with Lu Zhi following slowly behind, his eyes barely leaving the fragile figure.

After half an incense stick’s time, they arrived at the prison.

This was not the capital prefecture’s prison; the conditions here were horrible—windows and doors loose, damp and dark, and as soon as they stepped inside, a strong musty smell greeted them.

A chilling wind swept through, causing Yan Xi to hesitate, her first instinct being not to enter.

She wrapped her clothes tighter, held a handkerchief over her mouth and nose, trembling in her heart, and slowly stepped inside.

In the dim light, the cells lined both sides like iron cages. Chains clinked intermittently at prisoners’ ankles, accompanied by occasional groans and cries.

The young girl glanced briefly and quickly looked away, clearly more anxious, confused, and deeply worried.

After a long while, she finally found Ah Tai under the dim glow.

The boy sat stripped of his upper garment, head lowered in the cramped cell. The faint light obscured his expression.

“Ah Tai!”

Yan Xi’s heart tightened immediately as she hurried over with Qing Lian.

The boy inside the cell was clearly startled, suddenly raising his eyes. When he saw his mistress, his breath quickened and he rushed forward.

“Miss, why are you here? How could you come to a place like this?”

Yan Xi’s eyes were brimming with tears, her voice trembling.

“Are you alright? What exactly happened?”

Ah Tai sighed: “It’s all my fault! I—I don’t even know how this happened. The goods were bought in batches, and when we stored them, it was me, Fatty, and Skinny who arranged everything personally. There was nothing—no indication there was anything inside…”

His voice grew quieter as he spoke, full of regret, then he sighed again.

He knew well that the vile substance was just powdered medicine, no bigger than half a palm. Without opening and searching carefully, it was impossible to find.

But still, who could be so wicked-hearted as to plant such a deadly thing to harm him?

“Miss, please leave this place, it’s filthy in here…”

“Wait, I will save you…”

Ah Tai’s lips quivered, tears welling up as if he wanted to speak but hesitated, finally lowering his head.

“Miss, please don’t trouble yourself too much on my behalf. This matter being known by the Lu family is already a stain. The Jiang family is well-bred…”

He stopped, then looked up.

“…I didn’t traffic it. At most, it’s harboring a crime. Five years, no more. I can endure. I mustn’t let this ruin your reputation!”

Yan Xi’s eyes blurred with tears, choking out, “Who can live for just five years? Besides…”

Her eyes glanced around the prison.

More so, the environment here, the weather growing colder day by day—it was uncertain if he could survive the winter.

Yan Xi said, “Don’t worry about that. Just take care of yourself…”

“Miss…”

Qing Lian wept as she spoke a few more words to Ah Tai, urging him to take care.

After an incense stick’s time, the two wiped their tears and left the prison.

Outside, the ground was dusted with white snow, flakes drifting gently, enchanting the eyes. Though it was midday, the light gave no hint of the time.

Qing Lian adjusted the young lady’s hat and veil.

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Looking up, Yan Xi saw the man standing not far away.

Lu Zhi stood opposite a subordinate, seemingly engaged in conversation. Occasionally, a faint, distant smile played on his lips and brows.

Yet even such a smile vanished slowly when his sidelong glance fell upon her.

Yan Xi met his gaze briefly before lowering her head to avoid it.

*********

The carriage back to the Lu mansion was arranged by Lu Zhi, and it was afternoon by the time they arrived.

Upon entering the mansion, Yan Xi was informed that Jiang Zhiyan had come looking for her.

Over the past ten days, Jiang Zhiyan had naturally visited the Lu residence frequently.

Saying he came every day was no exaggeration.

Returning to her chambers, Tao Hong recounted the details.

“Master Jiang asked where you went. I said you and Qing Lian went to the market. He seemed quite pleased and left. He probably went to look for you at the market.”

Yan Xi heard but didn’t care much, her heart tangled and unable to focus on anything else.

Qing Lian and Tao Hong described the events.

Tao Hong was shocked: “How could the heir do such a thing…”

Indeed, anyone could see that Lu Zhi was intentionally making things difficult for her.

But while others were surprised, Yan Xi was not.

All afternoon she was absent-minded, turning over four matters in her mind.

First, the whole situation was suspicious.

Second, the dream.

Third, whether to seek help from the Duchess.

Fourth, why Lu Zhi sent her to the capital prefecture’s prison.

Apart from the first two, pondering served no purpose now; the third and fourth filled her with fear.

This was the Lu family, where clandestine business was taboo, let alone involving the illicit powder.

She was not close to the Duchess and ultimately still depended on others, unsure how people would judge her.

Most importantly, offending Lu Zhi might cause more harm than good and possibly hurt Ah Tai as well.

Twilight fell quickly.

The snow had mostly ceased, silver dust clinging to the branches. Suddenly, a gust stirred the snow, scattering it in all directions.

Inside the main room of Tao Xiang Residence, candles were lit one by one, casting flickering shadows on the windows.

Occasionally, a slender, curvaceous silhouette with long hair flowing to the waist appeared faintly.

Beyond the moon gate, a plum tree shuddered under snow-laden branches. Behind it, a man hid, his eyes suddenly widening as he fixed his gaze on the fleeting figure in the room. Motionless, his eyes bloodshot, he swallowed repeatedly, his whole body burning with heat.

He placed both hands on the ground. When his sight was blocked, he scrambled out from behind the tree in a panic, eyes still locked on the beauty inside the room, unwilling to look away even after a long while.

Just as he was lost in rapture, a sudden tightening at his neck pulled him up roughly.

The man cried out in terror, his soul shattered, his face turning pale.

“Who? Who is it?”

“Please spare me, sir! Spare me!” he begged incessantly.

But the figure behind him bound his hands silently, forcing him forward.

The man staggered, utterly humiliated, unaware of how far he had walked or where he had arrived, only knowing a door was pushed open by his body.

Then his legs gave way as the person behind kicked his knees, sending him sprawling onto the floor, his hands brushing against a pair of black boots.

In that moment of shock, a firestick was struck, illuminating the room.

He looked up and followed the boots upward, finally seeing the man seated in the grand chair.

His pupils dilated wildly, but before he could utter a plea, he let out a pitiful scream.

The black boots pressed down hard. The man in the chair did not hurry; he crushed what was beneath his foot heavily, his voice cold and sharp.

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“How many times?”

“Ah! My lord, please spare me! Spare me!”

Lu Zhi’s voice was deep and continued, “I ask you, how many times?”

“Ah!”

This man was none other than Wang Qing’an, nephew of the second wife’s family.

Half a month ago, Wang Qing’an had just entered the mansion, prompted by a family advisor to stay for a while under the pretense of visiting relatives. He was to behave well, win the favor of the Duke and the second young master, and secure a minor official post in the capital.

He came from a wealthy and powerful family.

Yet he was idle, irresponsible, indulging in pleasures, especially lustful.

But no matter how much he lusted before, he had never been so bewitched by a girl as to become obsessed, even resorting to spying.

Now it was different. Since first seeing Yan Xi, he was as if under a spell—day and night, his every thought consumed by the enchanting young lady. Several times, unable to resist, he had satisfied himself in the dead of night.

He had indeed been hiding near Tao Xiang Residence every night after dark, spying on her.

Yet in over a dozen attempts, only twice, including today and a few days prior, had he seen anyone.

Unexpectedly, he was caught red-handed twice just now, and by…

“I dare not! I dare not! My lord, spare me! I truly won’t do it again, never again!”

Wang Qing’an’s screams filled the room; his face turned deathly pale, color draining completely.

The pain in his fingers was real.

Just as he thought his fingers might be crushed off, the man finally lifted his foot.

Wang Qing’an quickly withdrew his crushed left hand.

It was soaked with blood.

He cared little for the pain; though his hand was saved, his life was uncertain.

Everyone in the mansion knew the young lady belonged to the main family.

Everyone also knew the second young master was the only son of the main household.

Frightened to the point of madness, Wang Qing’an repeatedly kowtowed, begging for mercy.

“My lord, please spare me! This is the last time. I really won’t do it again, never again…”

He raised his hand and slapped himself several times.

“I was foolish, foolish, foolish!”

After more than a dozen slaps, the owner of the black boots finally raised his foot and stopped his hand.

Wang Qing’an’s heart pounded fiercely. Ignoring the pain and humiliation, he knelt like a lowly insect before him, looking up and grinning obsequiously.

“L-Lord…”

Lu Zhi’s gaze was deep as he lowered his eyes, then after a long moment spoke slowly.

“Do you like her?”

Wang Qing’an dared not nod, but listened as he continued.

“Do you want to sleep with her?”

The man slightly raised an eyebrow, then a faint motion of his lips.

“Is it difficult?”

Wang Qing’an could hardly believe what he heard, especially the last words.

Lu Zhi slowly rose, bent down, and seized Wang Qing’an’s collar with a large hand.

“At noon tomorrow, she will leave the mansion. Use some means to make her obedient.”

When he finished speaking, Wang Qing’an’s mind buzzed. Before he could react, Lu Zhi released his clothes, straightened up, and cast a cold, commanding glance down at him before stepping out.

Wang Qing’an remained kneeling, eyes wide like a tiger’s. After a long while, he did not move.