A light rain was falling outside the window, and the water droplets dripping from the eaves of the green tiles made a soft, pattering sound on the stone steps.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating Zhou Yun'an's handsome yet pale face. His slender fingers slowly flipped through the secret report that had just been delivered, his eyebrows rising higher and higher.
The paper was filled with detailed records of Wang Xiuxiu's various deeds before and after entering the mansion.
"Interesting." Zhou Yun'an's lips curled slightly, his fingertips gently stroking the pages, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.
He then threw the secret report into the candlelight, and the flames instantly engulfed the paper, turning it into a wisp of smoke.
Xiao Cheng stood to the side, his brows furrowed: "Why is Master so concerned about a woman? If she's in the way, I'll just..."
"Foolish." Zhou Yun'an glanced at him. "A person capable of influencing the court's decisions is no ordinary woman."
Xiao Cheng lowered his head: "This subordinate is dull-witted and does not see anything amiss. Please enlighten me, Master!"
"He entered the imperial temple to pray for the royal family's blessings, and has been gone for several years without ever showing his face. This timing coincides perfectly with the trade period between the southern and northern borders. Isn't that enough to arouse your suspicion?"
Xiao Cheng was stunned: "You mean...she went out of the capital to trade? How is that possible? She's just a woman..."
Before he could finish speaking, he met Zhou Yun'an's unfathomable eyes and immediately fell silent.
After a long silence, Zhou Yun'an lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, his voice low and resolute: "Prepare a note: I must attend Prince Jing's birthday banquet in three days."
Xiao Cheng hesitated: "But Young Master never participates in such..."
"As you command." Zhou Yun'an's tone left no room for argument, a calculating glint in his eyes. "I want to meet this concubine of the king myself."
---
Spring is in full bloom in the back garden of Prince Jing's Mansion.
Lu Jingze originally did not want to hold a grand celebration, but Lu Nancheng, mindful that he had never held a birthday banquet for his hardworking younger brother due to financial constraints over the years, took on the responsibility and forced Lu Jingze to agree.
As one of only two female masters of the Jingwang Mansion, Wang Xiuxiu wore a light purple gauze dress, with only a white magnolia flower in her hair, exuding elegance and liveliness.
She was enjoying the flowers and chatting with several ladies when she suddenly felt a gaze fall upon her.
She turned her head slightly and saw a young man in brocade robes standing under the corridor. He had a handsome face and exquisite features, and he was looking at her with a half-smile.
"Who is that...?" Wang Xiuxiu asked the Minister's wife in a low voice.
"Oh my, what a rare guest!" the Minister's wife exclaimed with delight. "Vice Minister Zhou Yun'an is a renowned young talent in the court, but he's in poor health and rarely goes out for gatherings. I never expected him to come today."
It was him.
It's been several years since I last saw Liangzhou. He's no longer as thin and bony as he used to be; I hardly recognize him now.
Wang Xiuxiu's eyes flickered slightly, she nodded slightly, and then turned back to continue admiring the flowers, seemingly unconcerned about that gaze.
A short while later, a young maidservant came and curtsied: "Your Highness, Vice Minister Zhou says he needs to speak with you."
Today is the birthday banquet. Wang Xiuxiu is assisting Su Yingxue in welcoming guests. As the hostess, it is understandable that Zhou Shilang would seek her out for something.
She followed her maid to a secluded pavilion, where Zhou Yun'an was already standing with his hands behind his back. Seeing her arrive, he gave a slight bow: "Your Highness, Consort."
"Minister Zhou," she returned the greeting, her tone calm. "Is there anything I've overlooked?"
"No, not at all." Zhou Yun'an smiled. "During the chaos in Liangzhou back then, I never had the chance to thank Your Majesty for your care. Today, I have the opportunity, so I wanted to express my gratitude here."
"Minister Zhou, there's no need for such politeness!" Wang Xiuxiu smiled gently. "It's all at the Prince's request."
"The Prince's great kindness is unforgettable, but the Empress's kindness should also be remembered."
As he spoke, he took out a scroll and handed it to Wang Xiuxiu.
"This is?"
"I acquired this painting by chance and wish to present it to Your Majesty. It is not a particularly valuable item, and I earnestly hope that Your Majesty will not refuse!"
Having said that, it would be impolite to refuse again. Wang Xiuxiu thanked her, gestured to the maid beside her to accept the scroll, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then excused herself, saying that the banquet was too busy.
A few days after the banquet, the maid was packing up her things and didn't know what to do with the painting, so she went to ask Wang Xiuxiu for instructions. Only then did she remember that she had received such a gift from someone.
The scroll slowly unfurled on the stone table and was indeed a fine painting. A trade route was faintly visible among the layered mountains, with a camel caravan winding its way along.
However, upon closer inspection, one would discover that the direction of that trade route was remarkably similar to the new trade route that he had secretly planned!
Wang Xiuxiu paused, her eyes suddenly turning cold.
"It's a fine painting," she said calmly, closing the scroll. "Keep it safely stored away."
After the maid left, she slowly clenched her fingers.
Zhou Yun'an... is he testing her?
Was it unintentional? Or...did he already know something?
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