Fengyu nodded, wasting no time, and turned to retrieve the arrowhead she had found at Yiling Village from her dressing cabinet. Handing it to Xie Xun, she said, "I was ambushed at Yiling Village. This was left behind by the assassins. Zhang Da said it's military-issued. These people aren't ordinary assassins. I'm frail and rarely socialize. Usually, I just oversee my mother's businesses in the capital and haven't offended anyone. So, I'd like to ask the Princely Heir for assistance in investigating this matter."
Xie Xun didn't take the arrowhead from Fengyu's hand; he merely glanced at it briefly. "This kind of arrowhead is indeed military-grade. Thousands are produced annually. Tracing its origin is like fishing for the moon in water. Why not think about who you might have offended?"
"Aside from Jiang Yang, I've offended no one. But Jiang Yang has no strong foothold in the capital. That group of assassins seemed well-trained; they don't appear to be hired thugs."
"Is that so?" Xie Xun looked at her with a faint, enigmatic smile. "Only Jiang Yang?"
Xie Xun's slender but lithe frame, with sharp, refined features, exuded a devilish charm. His smile seemed to steal away one's soul. Fengyu almost lost herself staring at him. She smiled back, soft and obedient, "Well, I've also offended the Princely Heir. But if you wanted to kill me, it wouldn't require such an elaborate plot."
Xie Xun gave a cold scoff, twirling the arrowhead around his fingers before letting it steady in his palm. Eyeing it thoughtfully, he raised his gaze to Fengyu. "Why should I help you?"
"To be frank, last night, as I clung to life by a thread, I was terrified. The blade, stained with blood, was aimed at my chest. My hand was already clutching the coral bracelet. If I had torn it off, the Princely Heir would have taken my place in death. I would have transformed into the Princely Heir and continued to live quite comfortably."
"Are you threatening me?" A glint of frost flashed through Xie Xun's eyes.
Fengyu sat down and resumed sipping her bird's nest soup. Her lips still carried a smile. "Princely Heir, I'm simply stating a fact. Self-preservation is only natural. We're on the same boat; if it capsizes, neither of us will survive. When I was on the brink of death, I didn't drag the Princely Heir into the abyss. That won't happen this time, but next time, I might not be able to promise."
What a threat!
This black-hearted lotus always manages to cloak the most malicious words in the gentlest demeanor.
Fengyu noticed that Xie Xun didn't grow angry, merely stared at her coldly and indifferently. He seemed unmoved. Placing her spoon down, having finished the bowl of bird's nest soup, Fengyu felt quite pleased with herself. "Princely Heir, if you help me, I'll give you two thousand stones of grain. How about that?"
Xie Xun laughed aloud. "The Third Miss slaps with one hand and offers candy with the other. What a ploy."
"So, will the Princely Heir accept this candy?" Fengyu looked at him with a smile in her eyes, as gentle and harmless as a rabbit. But Xie Xun knew she was a fox.
She was in a disadvantageous position and clearly aware that her bargaining chips were limited, so she played her cards carefully. If their roles were reversed, she wouldn't bother offering any candy after the slap.
This was a black-hearted fox.
After the incident with the Prince Sangnan, Xie Xun had someone thoroughly investigate Fengyu's movements in the capital over the years. No ordinary young lady from a boudoir could possess such cunning and instincts. The investigation revealed that the businesses under Su Yuejiao's name in the capital were actually managed by Fengyu herself. Three years ago, these enterprises were disorganized, rife with deceit and fraudulent accounts. But under Fengyu's management, they had since become a cohesive and well-run empire, earning the respect and loyalty of shopkeepers and stewards alike.
She wielded authority with both kindness and severity. Those under her command were fiercely loyal, willing to risk their lives for her.
With her level of cunning and resourcefulness, if she were ever given absolute power, the world would surely be turned upside down.
"One task for two thousand stones of grain. Third Miss, next time you have instructions, please consider this marquis first." Xie Xun's demeanor shifted entirely, flexible and accommodating. "This marquis could even perform a sword dance for your amusement."
Fengyu: "…"
So, as long as there's grain, you'll play nice?
It was the first time in years that Xie Xun had spoken to her so amicably, though he couldn't resist sneaking in a jab.
Fengyu ignored his jabs and replied with a sweet smile, "Alright then."
After wrapping up their conversation, Xie Xun wasted no time leaving. As he stepped out into the courtyard, Nuanyang was tangling with Qiuxiang and ended up being beaten up. Spotting Xie Xun, Nuanyang immediately released Qiuxiang, who darted back inside the house, while Feiying kept watch on the rooftop.
Xie Xun frowned and asked, "Since when did you grow so close to her maid?"
"Master, it's called knowing your enemy. Who knows when I might end up working at the Feng Mansion, subject to Sister Qiuxiang's whims?"
Xie Xun snorted, "Shut your crow's beak."
On the way back to the Marquis Mansion, Nuanyang relayed everything Qiuxiang had shared with him to Xie Xun. Feiying added, "Master, based on what Qiuxiang said, the only person the Third Miss recently offended is Jiang Yang. Could he really have the gall to send assassins after her out of sheer humiliation? After all, a highly promising scholar sent to manage records at the Imperial College might have a motive to take out his frustration on her."
"That man is sly and cowardly. His proposal was all about weighing interests. Something like murder—he doesn't have it in him." Xie Xun mused, "Investigate her recent activities thoroughly, down to the last detail."
"Understood!"
Whether Fengyu gave him the two thousand stones of grain or not, he would still investigate this. She was right—if she had torn off the bracelet at death's door, she truly could have dragged him to hell with her. Fengyu was more than capable of doing such a thing. The soul-swapping incident was too bizarre. He had even scoured Xiangguo Temple inside and out, and investigated the abbot who once gave Fengyu the bracelet, but found nothing. Now he was at an impasse and reluctantly entangled with Fengyu.
Just who had she offended to the point they wanted her dead?
If someone were to arrange an assassination against Feng Shu, it would be understandable. Fengyu, however, lived under her sister's shadow, her reputation ruined. Who would even notice her?
"Did that maid mention that the villagers of Yiling Village paid their rent with grain?"
"Yes. Even storing two to three years' worth of provisions per household is unusual," Nuanyang said. "This year's grain prices are so high, yet they haven't sold any. Now it's all been confiscated by the Third Miss."
The two thousand stones of grain she promised him couldn't have come entirely from the rent. She must have personal reserves—what a meticulous planner. Xie Xun remarked, "Feiying, investigate Fengyu's recent activities. Nuanyang, go to Yiling Village tomorrow to take a closer look. It's too coincidental that the assassination followed the commotion there."
"Understood!"
Minister Lin's Mansion.
Lin Xiao had been placed under house arrest by Minister Lin. Locked away, Lin Xiao went on a hunger strike. His wounds festered, and by nightfall, a fever had set in. Mrs. Lin, frantic and furious, called for a doctor, who cleaned Lin Xiao's wounds and administered two bowls of medicine. His high fever subsided at last. Mrs. Lin and Minister Lin had a heated argument, and Minister Lin, helpless, was forced to release Lin Xiao from confinement for recuperation.
Lin Cheng, worried about Lin Xiao's recovery, arranged accommodations for the doctor within the mansion. Lin Yu Yan stayed with Mrs. Lin, comforting the heartbroken lady.
Minister Lin had three sons and four daughters. Lin Cheng, Lin Xiao, and Lin Yu Yan were born of the main wife, with Lin Cheng groomed as Minister Lin's heir, while the rebellious Lin Xiao never earned his favor.