Chapter 102: Clearing the Clouds to Reveal the Truth (Part One)

Yun Qi was dead, and Zhuo Yan had gone mad? The two pieces of news came in quick succession, leaving Chu Xiu unsure whether to feel sorrow or relief. If sorrow, then the culprit who caused Yun Ci’s death had justly met their fate; if relief, she did not feel any satisfaction. Instead, there was a strange… palpitation in her heart.

Chu Xiu steadied her emotions, feeling a dull haze clouding her mind. Shen Yu noticed her staggering and tightened his grasp on her delicate arm.

Seeing Shen Yu’s concern, Chu Xiu looked at him and said, “I’m fine.” She took a deep breath and then asked Zhuying, “Does Madam Taifu know about this now?”

Zhuying nodded. “Qian Yun has been sent to inform her.”

Chu Xiu lowered her gaze in thought. “Even if Yun Qi is dead, he is still the Second Master of the Yun family; even if Zhuo Yan is mad, she carries the child of the Second House. Give strict orders to take good care of her—no mistakes allowed.”

“Do you think Zhuo Yan might be feigning madness? Is it a trick to escape?” Shen Yu’s doubts lingered; he couldn’t believe Zhuo Yan had gone mad without reason.

“Perhaps she did too many wicked deeds and now is haunted by her own ghosts,” Chu Xiu said calmly, expressionless.

Shen Yu still worried, “I’ll go to Jinlu Hall to see for myself. I need to know whether Zhuo Yan’s madness is genuine or false, so she doesn’t cause you more trouble.”

Chu Xiu felt uneasy. As Shen Yu started to leave, she quickly tugged at his sleeve. “Young Marquis, be careful.”

His gaze fell on her soft hand; he gently clasped it, brushing away the sleeve of his own garment. “What are you worried about?” His eyes and voice were like a gentle spring.

Chu Xiu was momentarily speechless. Seeing he still held her hand, she withdrew hers swiftly without a word.

Shen Yu smiled. “I am a physician and skilled in martial arts; do you think Zhuo Yan could harm me?” He did not press her further, only spoke softly to soothe her before turning toward the arched flower gate, intent on investigating Jinlu Hall.

Suddenly, a sense of unease gripped Chu Xiu, leaving her rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do. Dan Xin noticed a scattering of white and green powder on the ground—night-glow pollen, worth a fortune—and quickly summoned the maids to clean it up.

Since Yun Ci’s death, Chu Xiu had worn only white garments—simple and plain, though some were made of fine material—but all white nonetheless. The night-glow pollen was also pale, and when Chu Xiu had accidentally dropped some, it splattered onto her skirt. Dan Xin hadn’t noticed with her odd demeanor today, and Chu Xiu had no mind to change clothes.

After more than an hour, Shen Yu hurried back to Zhiyan Pavilion, declaring confidently, “Zhuo Yan’s madness does not seem feigned. Could it be she’s deeply grieved by Yun Qi’s death and thus lost her mind?”

This time, Chu Xiu was skeptical. “Do you think she truly cared for Yun Qi?”

“Well, not as much as I care for you,” Shen Yu replied half in jest.

Chu Xiu had no heart left for jokes, sighing, “Something feels off, but I can’t put my finger on it. Regardless of her character, she wouldn’t lose her mind simply over a man’s death.”

She thought for a moment, then said with certainty, “Their union seemed more like two people using each other for their own ends, not true love.”

“Now that you say it, it does seem strange,” Shen Yu frowned. “Could she have played the part so well she even fooled me?”

Chu Xiu’s worry deepened. “The key now is not whether she’s truly mad or pretending, but what her intentions are. If she just wants to escape the Yun estate, that’s one thing; but I fear she might be using madness as a pretext to cause more trouble.”

Shen Yu nodded repeatedly. “You’re right. Hanchu, the more capable you become, the more like the Lady of the Marquis you seem.” His dark eyes dimmed suddenly, adding, “And the more I feel unworthy of you.”

“It’s not the time for idle words,” Chu Xiu snapped irritably. Her tone was sharp. “I’m going to visit Madam Taifu at Rongjin Hall. These days, it’s best if you don’t come around. Cheng’er’s studies are demanding, and I want to focus on my duties.”

---

Just a few messages from the Second House were enough to shatter the tender warmth just moments ago. To say she wasn’t sad would be a lie; Shen Yu felt a chill in his heart, but he understood Chu Xiu’s restless state. “With Yun Qi’s death, you must publicly manage his funeral and privately handle Zhuo Yan’s situation, all while overseeing the household—it must be exhausting…”

He had promised not to pressure her, but whenever he saw her, he couldn’t help but express his feelings, fearing that too much silence would make her forget him and his love. He tried to be patient. “I won’t go out these days. If you need anything, come to me.”

They lived only a street or two apart; if she wished to see him, she would send someone. Shen Yu stood, his expression darkening slightly, then left briskly without a word.

Chu Xiu watched his retreating figure and sighed helplessly. Since gentle refusals did not work, she had to steel her heart and speak harshly, hoping he might understand.

“Come on, let’s go to Rongjin Hall,” Chu Xiu said to Dan Xin.

Zhuying stood nearby, intending to follow, but Chu Xiu stopped her. “Stay and protect the heir.” Zhuying and Zhuyang took turns guarding; Zhuyang was absent today, and Chu Xiu feared Zhuo Yan’s madness might harm Yun Cheng.

A woman bent on revenge had no reason to listen to reason.

Zhuying agreed silently, thinking it safe enough for Chu Xiu to go to Rongjin Hall openly, and remained at Zhiyan Pavilion to guard Yun Cheng.

*****

Chu Xiu and Dan Xin set out along a main road they had traveled many times without error. But perhaps walking too fast, her mind burdened with worries, Chu Xiu took a wrong turn.

Dan Xin, trailing behind, was distracted and failed to notice the detour.

By the time they realized something was wrong, they had strayed far off course. Chu Xiu stopped abruptly, and Dan Xin bumped into her back, apologizing immediately.

Chu Xiu saw her troubled expression but didn’t press. She smiled gently. “The Yun estate is vast; it’s easy to stray. No matter, let’s turn back.”

“Madam…” Dan Xin hesitated, then, seeing no one around, said softly, “I have something to tell you.”

“Why? You seem distracted today,” Chu Xiu asked with concern.

Dan Xin faltered, then said, “Madam… I think Third Master and the Fourth Concubine are acting strangely. A few days ago, when I was on duty, you sent me to deliver the monthly tribute to the Third House. I saw the Fourth Concubine and Third Master whispering secretly…”

“Secretly?” Chu Xiu’s brow furrowed.

Dan Xin nodded. “Third Master said that during the interrogation in the punishment hall, he saw the Fourth Concubine coming out of Second Master’s garden and suspected she was involved with poisonous matters.” Her voice lowered further. “He warned her to behave and not get any ideas.”

Luan Qing coming out of Yun Qi’s garden? Chu Xiu was greatly surprised and quickly asked, “Did they say anything else?”

“Not much. But when news of the Second Master’s death arrived today, Third Master immediately went to the Fourth Concubine’s Cold Wave Garden with a grave, worried look.”

Chu Xiu pondered deeply. What had Yun Xian discovered? Was there an affair or old grudge between Luan Qing and Yun Qi? Why did he go to Cold Wave Garden? Was he worried Luan Qing would be heartbroken, or did he suspect her involvement in Yun Qi’s death?

The more Chu Xiu thought, the stranger it seemed. She trusted Dan Xin’s honesty and began to consider things quietly.

Just then, her eyes caught a furtive figure of a woman cloaked in a loose cloak, identity obscured at a glance.

Misled by Dan Xin’s tale, Chu Xiu’s first thought was that the woman was Fourth Concubine Luan Qing. She quickly pulled Dan Xin behind a corridor pillar to watch her direction.

“Is this the way to the Quiet Garden?” Chu Xiu asked Dan Xin.

“Cold Wave Garden is in that direction too,” Dan Xin answered.

They exchanged a glance, an idea forming. Chu Xiu decided, “I’ll follow her quietly. You run back to Zhiyan Pavilion and tell Zhuying to bring people, saying they’re looking for me. If I uncover anything, have him follow my orders and arrest whoever is involved.”

Dan Xin was nervous. “Madam…”

“Don’t worry. If I’m discovered, I’ll say I lost my way and know nothing. I doubt she’d dare act rashly,” Chu Xiu reassured her, then glanced once more at the receding edge of the cloak and hurried after her.

Dan Xin hurried back to fetch reinforcements.

Chu Xiu followed the woman, who veered increasingly toward Quiet Garden, sharpening Chu Xiu’s attention. Approaching closer, the woman suddenly stopped and, without turning, spoke softly behind her, “You’ve come?”

That voice… was not Luan Qing!

Chu Xiu remained silent. The woman continued, “I summoned you here today to confront you face to face! I have already told the Second Concubine that if I don’t return by dusk, she should go to Rongjin Hall and complain, questioning you two!”

“‘You two’?” Who did she mean? Yun Xian and Luan Qing?

Chu Xiu could no longer hold back, knowing this woman would soon discover her presence. She called out, “Zhuo Yan, you really are pretending to be mad.”

Dressed in a loose cloak, deliberately hiding her pregnancy, Zhuo Yan turned and was startled to see Chu Xiu in her pure white robe. “Miss…”

Zhuo Yan had mistaken her for Xia Yanran. Chu Xiu gave a cold smile. “Look again.”

Zhuo Yan blinked sharply, then recognized her and relaxed. “So it’s you.”

“Who are you waiting for?” Chu Xiu asked cautiously.

Zhuo Yan smiled oddly. “Want to know? Aren’t you afraid I’ll attack you?”

Chu Xiu did not hide her reply. “I’ve sent someone back to fetch Zhuying. If you try anything, you won’t get away either.” She glanced threateningly at Zhuo Yan’s belly. “You’re pregnant; are you sure you have the upper hand if you attack me?”

This seemed to strike a nerve. Zhuo Yan bit her lip. “You’re ruthless! Since you came today, fate has brought you here. I’ll put on a show for you.”

Another show? Before Chu Xiu could react, Zhuo Yan said, “Hide!”

Hide? Where? Surrounded by lotus ponds and green shade, dressed in white, hiding would only draw attention.

Just as Chu Xiu pondered, a sudden force pushed her from behind. She staggered forward two steps, then before she could steady herself, was shoved hard. As she fell into the lotus pond, she heard Zhuo Yan’s voice behind her: “Grab the rope at the edge, don’t show your head.”