Xu Yan arranged to meet Shen Qingchen in a hutong (alleyway). It was called Yunge, a three-story building, exquisitely and ornately constructed with painted beams and carved pillars. The interior was even more lavishly decorated, with beaded curtains and ornate windows.
When Qingchen arrived on time, Xu Yan was already waiting in the private room. He was wearing a dark brown robe and drinking tea in front of him.
The candlelight flickered gently in the lamp, and some kind of incense burned in the incense burner. No windows were open, and only a thin sliver of light streamed in, casting a slanted glow on the round table.
Facing Xu Yan alone for the first time, Qingchen felt somewhat uneasy. Before coming, she hesitated for a long time, repeatedly thinking about Xu Yan's intentions and how she should deal with him. After all, he was the Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, wielding immense power and rising to the highest position through ruthless means.
But since he had chosen to continue down the path of officialdom, the day he would face Xu Yan was bound to come.
Outside the private room, Qingchen took a deep breath, then pushed the door open and entered, greeting, "This humble official greets Grand Secretary Xu."
Xu Yan raised his head from his teacup and smiled slightly, "Lord Shen has arrived. Please have a seat."
As he spoke, he gestured towards the seat opposite him. "Since you're not in the palace, you don't need to be so reserved. Just relax. I invited you here today simply to have a chat with you. Have some tea first."
Qingchen sat down as instructed, drank the tea, and then asked, "Your Excellency summoned me here today. Is there anything you wish to instruct me for?"
"Lord Shen speaks frankly and seems to be a straightforward person, so I will speak frankly as well. A few days ago, I heard Lord Shen's remarks on 'the future of the Ming Dynasty' in court, and I still remember them vividly. In addition, there are your previous suggestions on dike repair and horse racing. To be honest, Lord Shen, I admire your wisdom very much. Lord Shen is truly a rare talent in our Ming Dynasty."
Xu Yan paused for a moment, then said, "I have been in the court for decades and have met many people, but there are very few like you, Lord Shen. I cherish talent the most, and a pillar of the country like you, Lord Shen, must not be buried and must be properly supported."
At this point in Xu Yan's speech, Qing Chen roughly understood that he wanted to recruit her into Xu's faction.
Just then, a series of muffled sounds of struggling and colliding came from next door, like someone was arguing. However, because of the wall separating them, Qingchen couldn't quite make out what was happening.
This was a restaurant, frequented by all sorts of customers, and Qingchen didn't pay much attention to the noise. Her attention was entirely on Xu Yan.
“Xu Silin was your classmate, so you’re kind of connected with us,” Xu Yan said, taking a sip of tea.
"What you mean, sir..."
"You are only a fourth-rank official now. If you are willing to follow me, I guarantee you a bright future, and even entering the cabinet is just around the corner."
Zhu Yuluo's plan to force the emperor to abdicate was originally flawless; had it not been for Shen Qingchen's emergence, the position of crown prince would likely have already been lost. For Xu Yan, Shen Qingchen was someone he absolutely had to win over. Such a clever person, if not a friend, would certainly be an enemy.
The Grand Secretary's time is precious, and his frankness is not surprising to Qingchen. He simply said, "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Excellency. However, I am not very talented or experienced, and I dare not presume to be a pillar of the Ming Dynasty. In that case, I would like to learn more at the moment, and I am afraid that I may not be able to serve Your Excellency in any way, thus delaying Your Excellency. I appreciate Your Excellency's kindness."
Just then, the sounds of struggling came from next door again. This time, unlike the last time, it was accompanied by panting and rhythmic, lewd sounds, like the sounds of seeking pleasure.
This Cloud Pavilion is both a restaurant and a high-class brothel, a place favored by high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital. Qingchen had heard Gu Shaoheng mention it before.
She frowned slightly. Although it sounded very uncomfortable, she was a man in front of Xu Yan and couldn't show that she cared too much about such things, lest she give herself away.
Xu Yan seemed to have noticed something and asked, "I don't know which young man is making a bit of a racket over there. It's normal for some noise in a place of romance and pleasure. Does Lord Shen mind?"
Qingchen feigned composure, "It's alright."
Just finish speaking quickly and leave.
Hearing Qingchen's refusal, Xu Yan was not angry. He patiently continued, "A wise man knows when to yield. Lord Shen is a smart man and should be able to see clearly who calls the shots in the court now. Don't you want to climb higher and see the glory and wealth in the clouds, bringing honor to your family?"
"Thank you for your kind offer, Your Excellency. I am afraid I cannot accept your recommendation and promotion."
"Really unwilling?" Xu Yan smiled. "Do you know that sometimes people change, not because they want to, but because they are forced to. Lord Shen, I will wait and see your change."
As he said this, the noise from next door gradually subsided.
Qingchen didn't quite understand what he meant, but she knew very well that she hated corrupt officials like him the most in this life, and would never associate with him. Since that was the case, there was no point in saying more.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Excellency. If there is nothing else, I would like to take my leave now."
“Okay.” Xu Yan nodded readily. “But before I leave, I want you to meet someone.”
He clapped his hands after saying that. At that moment, the display shelves in the room moved aside, revealing a hidden door that connected the room to the next one. No wonder she had heard those sounds earlier.
Qingchen glanced into the room; there was only a bed inside, nothing else. A tall, burly man stood beside the bed, tidying his disheveled clothes. After finishing, he walked up to Xu Yan and said, "Master, it's done."
Xu Yan nodded and said to Qing Chen, "You know the person in bed, go and take a look."
Qingchen frowned, stood up, and walked into the room.
A woman lay on the bed inside the room, her clothes stripped off, with only an outer garment partially covering her body. Her mouth was gagged with strips of cloth, her limbs were bound to the four corners of the bed with hemp rope, and her legs were spread open.
She had clearly just been humiliated; like a plucked quail, her whole body trembled involuntarily, and tears of humiliation were falling from her face.
The bed sheet was in disarray, with a patch of bright red blood.
This woman was none other than Ming Xiang!
Qingchen's heart instantly went blank.
"I heard that this girl is Lord Shen's neighbor and also the one he loves," Xu Yan immediately chimed in. "She's really beautiful, and I've heard she has a good temperament too. She's a perfect match for Lord Shen."
Qingchen couldn't say a word, but strode to the bedside and covered Mingxiang's body with the blanket on the bed.
Xu Yan added, "My men only said that you wanted her to come here, and she obediently came. Lord Shen, it seems she is also deeply in love with you."
"Does Lord Shen know that she was still a virgin before you refused me? My men only started making their move the moment you said the first 'no.' The sound you just heard was from this young lady."
Qingchen stood with his back to Xu Yan, looking at Mingxiang lying on the bed. Mingxiang's tears flowed silently, and her eyes were filled with utter despair.
"How did it feel to hear her lose her virginity with your own ears?" Xu Yan continued, "I've said it before, everyone changes. This is something you need to remember: I don't like hearing rejection. Saying no to me will come at a price."
Son of a bitch!
Qingchen was shocked and furious, and his shoulders, which were turned away from Xu Yan, began to tremble.
Xu Yan stood up from his seat, took his cloak from the coat rack in the corner, tied it behind his back, and said with a smile, "Lord Shen must still have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. Don't forget what I said, Lord Shen."
After Xu Yan left, Qingchen suppressed her grief and indignation and went forward to help Mingxiang untie the ropes binding her limbs.
Mingxiang seemed to have exhausted all her strength. Her long, slender, snow-white legs wanted to come together because of the humiliation, but she seemed unable to lift them.
Tears blurred her face and dampened her disheveled hair at her temples.
Qingchen looked at her and could only say, "I'm sorry, Mingxiang, it's my fault..."
Mingxiang forced a smile that wasn't genuine. "Brother Qingchen, I don't blame you. I heard everything you said. This is the Brother Qingchen I know... It's just that I'm not a complete person anymore..."
As soon as she finished speaking, tears welled up again in her already red eyes, but she still didn't cry out, like a machine that could only shed tears.
Hearing this, Qingchen felt an increasing pang of sorrow in her heart, as if countless needles were pricking it. Even now, Mingxiang was still so understanding. At this moment, she desperately wished she were a man; if she were, she could marry her.
Unfortunately, fate played a cruel trick on us.
Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open with a bang.
Qingchen turned around and saw a person rushing in nervously. He was wearing a royal blue robe, and when he stopped in his black boots, his face was full of surprise and seriousness.
"Qingchen..."
It is Xu Silin.
She glared at him hatefully, her resentment towards Xu Yan naturally transferring to him, since they shared the same blood. "What are you doing here? Get out!"
Xu Silin walked towards them anyway, glanced at Ming Xiang on the bed, and frowned. "I heard that Father asked you to meet, but I didn't know he would treat you like this... I'm sorry, I'm late."
The person who was following Qingchen reported to him that Lord Shen had gone to meet his father today. Upon hearing this, he became somewhat worried and immediately went out. However, before he arrived at this place, he saw Xu Yan's carriage returning to the mansion. He stopped Xu Yan's companion and asked him what had happened.
"I don't want to see you, get out!"
He paused for a moment, looking at her, "I know it's my fault, Father. I'm sorry..."
"Get out." Qingchen looked at him, trembling, and coldly interrupted, "I don't want to hear you talk, get out!"
Xu Silin walked towards her anyway, his eyes lowered, and said firmly, "I'm not leaving. I came here so you can vent your anger."
Snap!
No sooner had he finished speaking than Qingchen couldn't help but slap him across the face.
The slap was sudden, heavy, and vicious, causing Xu Silin to take a step back, seeing stars.
He could feel that she had used up all her strength.
Mingxiang lay in bed, still silently shedding tears.
“I know you hate us.” Xu Silin pursed his lips, took out a dagger from his waist for self-defense, and handed it to her. “Use this. It’s only right that the son should pay for the father’s debts.”
The dagger had an exquisitely crafted scabbard, and the metal of the hilt gleamed with a cold light. Qing Chen Huo drew the dagger, pointing the tip at his chest. "You think I wouldn't dare stab you?"
Once she stabbed him, Xu Yan would know what it felt like to have someone he cared about hurt.
“I know you dare,” he said softly.
As he said this, all the things he had experienced with her were already flashing through his mind.
"You're all crazy! Your father is, and so are you!" Qingchen glared at him, finally throwing away the dagger, her emotions on the verge of collapse. "You're all the same, you're all birds of a feather!"
"Why did you do this? Why are you so ruthless in your pursuit of profit? What did Mingxiang do wrong? She was such a good girl, why did you turn her into this..." As she spoke, Qingchen couldn't help but break down in tears.
Xu Silin looked at her quietly for a while, then stepped forward, lowered his head, and said, "Don't cry."
Seeing her cry like this, his heart ached.
“I know that saying sorry is useless; I can’t clear Mingxiang’s name. I’m here to tell you that I can make it up to her. I can make her my concubine.”
This was the only form of compensation he could think of.
He continued, “I can give her the best life, a life of luxury. I promise you, I will never touch her. I just want to take care of her for the rest of her life, if she wants to.”
Upon returning to the Xu residence, Xu Silin went directly to see his father, Xu Yan.
Xu Yan was drinking tea in his study when he saw his son's cold face. He put down his teacup and said, "You know everything?"
Xu Silin strode forward, swept the covered bowl off the ground with a single palm strike, and demanded, "Why didn't you tell me you were dealing with Shen Qingchen!"
Looking at the spilled tea and the broken teacup, Xu Yan said nonchalantly, "That's someone who can be useful to you. Your father is helping you. Win him over and make him submit to you, and your future will be bright and unobstructed."
"Shen Qingchen is my classmate, and you're the one who asked me to win her over. I have my own ways of dealing with her, and I don't need you to do it for me!" he roared. "You've already ruined one of my classmates, and now you want to ruin another one. Enough!"
Xu Yan looked at him with his cloudy old eyes, "You know about Gu Shaoheng's matter?"
"If you don't want others to know, then don't do it in the first place! What wouldn't you do to achieve your goals! Back then, my mother was pregnant and told you not to do anything against all reason, yet you still sent someone to kill the young official who wanted to impeach you, and then set fire to their house." Xu Silin shouted at him excitedly, "As a result, you almost caused my mother to die in childbirth, and ever since then, she has been weak and unable to give birth. That's why you were over thirty before you had me, your son. All of this is your own doing!"
"You are so ruthless. How could you do nothing to make me marry the Duke of Ying's daughter? So you framed Gu Shaoheng's family and even went so far as to falsely accuse the Crown Prince of forcing the abdication. Now, to force my classmate to submit, you have had a woman's innocence ruined!"
After a long pause, Xu Yan finally said, "My son has grown up. You finally know how your father gradually seized power over the years. I heard that you went to see Lord Zhou and Lord Yuan, using my influence to get them to recommend you for the position of Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. Why this sudden change of heart?"
"For no reason. I just want to be an official," Xu Silin said, frowning.
Xu Yan nodded. "I heard from Lord Zhou that your words that day surprised them all, and they look at you in a new light. You've finally taken this step. I thought you didn't like to get involved in my affairs, but I never expected you to be so proactive."
"I don't want to get involved in your business. I'm just doing what I want to do! Don't lump me in with you." Recalling Qingchen's resentful gaze, Xu Silin said unhappily, "I would never do something as despicable and shameless as you, defiling a young lady's purity!"
Seeing that his son was trying hard to distance himself from him, Xu Yan smiled and said, "What's wrong? Did you get rejected by your classmate, Lord Shen? Did what I did make your classmate resent you?"
Xu Silin stared at him without saying a word.
Xu Yan then said, "Son, listen to your father. As human beings, we all have desires. My desires may not be the same as yours, but we both use means to achieve our goals. Your nature is actually the same as mine."
A shadow of gloom and coldness settled over Xu Silin's face. "I'm not like you. Let me make this clear: you're not allowed to deal with Shen Qingchen anymore, nor are you allowed to touch anyone around her. That person is mine, and I'll handle whatever I want to do!"
Seeing his son's angry expression, Xu Yan suddenly smiled.
He had initially worried that his son wouldn't be able to carry on his legacy well, but now he felt relieved. His son was so angry because he had finally realized that he might one day become like his father. He was now on the edge of right and wrong.
It's perfectly normal to struggle.
"I promise you, I won't touch Shen Qingchen anymore," Xu Yan said. "I'll leave everything to you."
Upon hearing this, Xu Silin abruptly stood up and walked towards the door. When he reached the door, he stopped and said, "Also, the girl who was defiled today, I want to take her as my concubine."
These words startled Xu Yan. "She's already lost her virginity, why should we let her in?"
"It's my business whether I take a concubine or not, it's none of your concern," Xu Silin said coldly. After a pause, he added, "I like that girl."
The last sentence wasn't his true feeling. He said it only to cover up his special feelings for Qingchen and avoid exposing her identity as a woman.
He had promised her.
He had to keep her secret. He didn't want to fail at even such a small thing.
After Lou and Xu Silin parted ways, Qingchen took Mingxiang home.
She hired a carriage and sat with Mingxiang. During the journey, Mingxiang begged her not to tell her parents what had happened that day, fearing that they would be saddened by her loss.
Qingchen nodded.
"Brother Qingchen, my body is dirty, will you be disgusted by me?" Mingxiang asked.
"You've become like this because of me, so how could I possibly dislike you?"
"Oh." Mingxiang nodded, her expression still melancholy.
When Xu Silin mentioned taking her as a concubine, a glimmer of hope flickered in her heart, a hope that Qingchen would say he would marry her. Although she was already disabled and shouldn't have such fantasies, the longing deep within her heart, born from two years of unrequited love, was still irrepressible.
As human beings, we all have desires.
But in the end, she came to terms with reality. Qingchen was never someone she could aspire to be with, and now that she was disabled, she could no longer afford to have any unrealistic fantasies.
...
After sending Mingxiang home, Qingchen didn't go home himself, but instead wandered around the nearby streets.
So much had happened; her mind was in turmoil, and she was deeply depressed. Today's events were too sudden; she never expected Xu Yan to resort to such cruel methods.
She was right next door when Mingxiang was humiliated, completely unaware of the abuse, and heard it all firsthand. That feeling was unbearable to recall.
Qingchen recalled the moment he saw Mingxiang lying on the bed, and his heart felt like it was being clenched tightly. He couldn't help but clutch his chest.
The brutality of the power struggle far exceeded her imagination.
She thought of Song Yue again. It had been three days; she hadn't seen him for three days. In those three days, he had refused to let her in twice.
Embarking on this political career made her neither male nor female, and caused suffering to those around her. Suddenly, she no longer knew the meaning of choosing this path.
She wanted to be a good official, to establish principles for the world, to secure the lives of the people, to continue the lost learning of the sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations. She longed to see a clean and honest government, and a tranquil and prosperous world. She wanted to fight alongside her teacher and her lover.
But now, she hasn't seen anything yet, but she's already about to lose everyone around her.
Standing in the middle of the road, Qingchen looked up, staring blankly at the sky where the sun was about to set.
Just then, a runaway horse galloped towards her. She stared at it blankly, without flinching.
Suddenly, she was pulled and then bumped into someone's arms.
He said coldly, "If you want to die, don't do it in front of me."
She looked up at him.
It is Lu Shenyun.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
