Chapter 143: Exquisite Dice Embedded with Red Beans (Part I)

The next day, when Chuxiu woke up from her hangover, she felt a splitting headache. Remembering that Yun Xian and Luanqing had tied the knot, and that Shen Yu’s official career was now secured by the guarantee of Prince Cheng, her heart could not help but lighten.

Just as she finished washing up, the head of the dark guards from Jingzhou arrived in disguise, passing a secret letter through the bamboo shadows. Chuxiu recognized the cipher on the letter as originating from Beixuan. She immediately perked up, unsealed the letter to read it closely, and after a hasty scan, was overwhelmed with great joy—Emperor Chen Xuan of Shengrui was gravely ill, on the verge of death!

For the Yun family, this news was a blessing of the highest order! Naturally, Chuxiu rejoiced, grateful that she had chosen Nanxi and also chosen Prince Mu, Nie Peihan.

Chen Xuan and Nie Peihan, these two dragons among men, were not only of similar age but also matched evenly in ability. If a battle were truly fought to determine a victor between them, neither principal would likely be confident in defeating the other. Chuxiu had long been anxious over this, dreading the day when a northern and southern conflict would break out, and these two rulers of a turbulent era would fight to the death. She had already chosen to support Nie Peihan; if Chen Xuan were to emerge victorious in the end, the Yun family would be in peril!

Yet now, Chen Xuan was critically ill and on the brink of death, leaving Beixuan without a successor! Once Chen Xuan died, who else in this world could contend with Prince Mu? He would surely be unstoppable in unifying the north and the south!

And as the pillar clan that supported Prince Mu’s ascension, the Yun family had always upheld the principle of "never serving as officials," avoiding conflicts of interest with Prince Mu in the imperial court. When Prince Mu unified the north and the south, he would become the founding emperor of a new dynasty. With the Yun family providing financial and logistical backing from behind the scenes, they would become founding heroes of the generation!

Glory and ruin were shared together—Prince Mu understood this logic well. As long as the Yun family acted with caution, decades of future glory were within easy reach!

Furthermore, setting aside the glory of the Yun family, this was wonderful news even for Shen Yu’s sake. In Chuxiu’s view, since she had now asked Nie Peixia to recommend Shen Yu for an official post, given Shen Yu's ability, entering the military to command troops was inevitable. She had always worried that Prince Mu might dispatch Shen Yu to attack Beixuan, especially to serve as vanguard...

Although she was confident in Shen Yu's abilities, Chen Xuan was simply too formidable! Someone who could successfully stage a rebellion and ascend the Beixuan throne was a force not to be underestimated!

If Shen Yu's enemy on the battlefield were Chen Xuan, Chuxiu truly could not predict what his fate might be; perhaps, in a moment of carelessness, Shen Yu would become a tool for Prince Mu to eliminate him. But as long as Chen Xuan died... even if Shen Yu went to attack Beixuan, he would likely win more battles than he lost.

Chuxiu believed that as long as he applied himself and pulled himself together, the road ahead could only improve...

The benefits brought by Chen Xuan's death were simply too numerous; the Yun family's prestige and Shen Yu's future were both guaranteed! Coupled with Yun Xian holding down the fort in Jingzhou, every single one of these matters had fulfilled Chuxiu's deepest wishes!

Such an exhilarating moment had only been experienced by Chuxiu twice since Yun Ci's death: once upon Wen Xian's death, and now this time. And the exhilaration brought by this occasion far surpassed the previous ones!

Seeing that it was already late December, Chuxiu decided to proceed with her original plan to spend the New Year in Jingzhou, taking the opportunity to visit aristocratic families and officially represent the Yun family in socializing with the nobility under the name of "Madam Chuxiu." In any case, the Dowager was presiding over the overall situation back in Yanlan City; her presence or absence there made no difference.

Having made up her mind, Chuxiu began instructing Liuyun Manor to prepare New Year goods. This estate had been left idle for a long time, and the servants had grown accustomed to slackness, but now that the mistress had given orders to spend the New Year here, everyone became exceptionally busy. In an instant, the entire Liuyun Manor became lively indeed.

During this period, Prince Cheng, Nie Peixia, seemed to have quieted down. It was rumored that Prince Mu had also rushed from his fief in Fangzhou to Yingyuan Palace to keep the Emperor company for the New Year.

Before she knew it, it was the last day of the twelfth lunar month. Early in the morning, Yun Xian and his wife came to Liuyun Manor, intending to stay up to welcome the New Year together with Chuxiu. Chuxiu thought over and over again, but still called Zhuyang forward and instructed her: "Go to Zhuihong Courtyard and privately ask the Eldest Miss's intentions, to see if she is willing to come and ring in the New Year with us."

After all, they were a family of shared blood, and now Zhuihong Courtyard was in such a miserable state. By propriety, they ought to ring in the New Year together, not to mention this was a traditional custom. But the premise was that Yun Xiangrong did not mind...

Chuxiu considered herself, as the eldest sister-in-law, to be open and clear of conscience in bringing this up, yet she respected Yun Xiangrong's wishes all the more and would not force the matter excessively.

"Remember, go privately to ask the Eldest Miss's intent, and do not let the brother-in-law hear... If the Eldest Miss refuses, say nothing more and just come back," Chuxiu instructed Zhuyang repeatedly.

Zhuyang took the order and departed, returning in little more than two hours with a message: "The Eldest Miss refused to come, saying she was feeling somewhat unwell and feared passing her illness to you during the New Year. The Eldest Miss also said she is deeply grateful for your remembering them as a couple, and both she and the master of the house are endlessly thankful."

Upon hearing this, Chuxiu remained silent for a long while before saying, "You may withdraw." From then on, she did not find much joy in her midday meal.

To her surprise, that afternoon, Danxin was teaching Luanqing how to wrap dumplings when the housekeeper suddenly rushed in to report that the Eldest Miss and her husband had arrived. Chuxiu immediately ordered someone to notify Luanqing to come to the main hall, seizing this opportunity to formally meet Yun Xiangrong in her capacity as the "third sister-in-law."

Just as Luanqing stepped into the hall, Yun Xiangrong and Shen Yu walked in right behind her: "Xiangrong greets sister-in-law."

Simultaneously, Shen Yu also said, "Greetings, Madam." He did not call Chuxiu "sister-in-law," a detail Yun Xiangrong clearly noticed, causing her face to pale slightly before instantly returning to normal.

Chuxiu deliberately forced herself not to look at Shen Yu, smiling instead as she looked over Yun Xiangrong: "Didn't you say you were feeling unwell? Why have you come after all?"

Yun Xiangrong had already prepared her excuse upon coming, lowering her head with a trace of bashfulness: "I was indeed somewhat unwell at noon, thinking that with the New Year upon us, I shouldn't pass my sickness to you... But later I felt a bit better, so I came over."

With a pitiful air, Yun Xiangrong sighed softly: "Zhuihong Courtyard is desolate, unlike the liveliness here with sister-in-law. That you could think of us makes this younger sister deeply apprehensive."

Her words were mournful and touching, causing Chuxiu's eyes to grow warm as well: "It is all in the past; as long as you are here, that is enough." With that, she gestured toward Yun Xian and Luanqing beside her, informing Yun Xiangrong of their marriage.

Upon learning the ins and outs of the matter, Yun Xiangrong was slightly startled at first, but quickly composed herself, offering a polite, "Congratulations, Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law."

Shen Yu remained aloof, echoing coldly, "Congratulations, Third Master, Third Madam."

Chuxiu was surprised by Yun Xiangrong's understanding nature, and Yun Xian was also quite pleased. After the family chatted for a while longer, Danxin suddenly barged in, both hands covered in white flour rather ungracefully. First, she paid her respects to the masters one by one, then asked Luanqing with a smile: "Third Madam, are you still going to learn how to wrap dumplings?"

Luanqing, who had previously been accustomed to detachment, was now newly a wife and eager to master these ordinary domestic skills, so she nodded repeatedly: "I will! Of course I am! I'll come right over with you!"

Danxin giggled, then looked at Yun Xiangrong: "Will the Eldest Miss join us?"

Yun Xiangrong put on a troubled expression and was about to refuse when Luanqing urged from the side, "Come along, it's quite interesting."

Instead, Yun Xian laughed heartily, teasing Chuxiu: "Sister-in-law, Danxin has been utterly spoiled by you. Now she even dares to barge in boldly, not only failing to wash her hands, but daring to teach her masters how to wrap dumplings."

Hearing this, Danxin refused to let it go and made as if to smear the white flour on Yun Xian's face. Luanqing quickly pulled Danxin back: "A good woman doesn't fight with a man. Why are you bickering with the Third Master? I'll just take you as my teacher, won't that do?"

Danxin gave a soft hum and whispered with a low chuckle to Luanqing: "You must put the Third Master in his place and vent my grievances for me."

Luanqing nodded solemnly: "Let's go quickly. If we don't go wrap dumplings now, there won't be enough to eat tonight." With that, she urged Yun Xiangrong once more.

Yun Xiangrong gazed deeply at Shen Yu, and seeing his expressionless indifference, nodded with a smile: "I have never wrapped dumplings either, so I must ask Master Danxin for much guidance." With a parting glance—neither too obvious nor too hidden—toward Chuxiu, she followed Luanqing and Danxin toward the kitchen.

The hall was instantly left with only Chuxiu, Shen Yu, and Yun Xian. Yun Xian tactfully found an excuse to withdraw, leaving the space for the remaining two to be alone. Only then did Chuxiu dare to raise her gaze to look at Shen Yu.

After more than ten days apart, he no longer wore the decadent, drunken appearance of the past; his handsome face was refreshed, his brows clear, his posture as upright and imposing as ever, making him seem once again like the dashing young Marquis Shen. Yet, upon closer inspection, one could notice a faint, unhidden melancholy between Shen Yu's brows, along with... longing.

At the same time, Shen Yu was looking at Chuxiu as well. In truth, from the moment he entered, he had been watching her, also noticing that she deliberately avoided his gaze. After several days apart, her spirit seemed even more vibrant; her eyes were like autumn pools, shimmering with soft light, and with every lively glance, her entire person appeared much brighter.

Seeing that the other was doing well, both of them felt a great deal of comfort in their hearts. Their eyes met in silence, the lingering thoughts and care for one another mirrored in their gazes, understood without words. Yet, when Chuxiu recalled the intimacy she had shared with Shen Yu that night, she still felt a sense of bashfulness, awkwardness, and even... guilt.

Although forced by circumstances and intended to rouse Shen Yu from his despair, she had to admit that that night was a betrayal of Yun Ci. As these thoughts swirled, Chuxiu's gaze inevitably dimmed, and self-reproach and guilt washed over her once more.

In the end, it was Shen Yu who broke the silence, laughing at himself with a bitter smile: "Hanchu, I have broken my word."

"How have you broken your word?" Chuxiu's mind was unsettled, and fearing that Shen Yu might notice, she forced a smile and asked.

Shen Yu gave a dry chuckle, lowering his head to say softly: "That night... I swore I would never see you again until I made something of myself... Yet mere days later, here I am. If this is not breaking my word, what is?"

These words made Chuxiu quite awkward. She wanted to say something to lighten the mood, but before she could speak, Steward Zhang's voice rang out from outside once more: "Madam, someone has come from the palace."

From the palace? How many "palaces" could there be in the imperial capital of Jingzhou? Was it Prince Mu or Prince Cheng? Chuxiu's eyelid twitched, and casting a nervous glance at Shen Yu, she commanded, "Quickly admit them!"

As her words fell, a middle-aged man dressed as a eunuch stepped inside with a beaming smile, pinching his voice to speak in high, delicate tones: "Old slave Wang Quanfu pays his respects to Madam Chuxiu."

Wang Quanfu? He was the chief eunuch of Yingyuan Palace, the emperor's most favored and trusted attendant. Not daring to be negligent, Chuxiu hurriedly returned the bow with a smile: "Please, Eunuch Wang, do not honor me with such formal courtesy. With the New Year upon us, why have you graced us with your presence?"

Without even raising his head, Wang Quanfu bowed deeply with utmost politeness: "Tonight His Majesty is hosting a banquet to welcome the New Year, and this old slave has come specifically to invite you to the palace to attend..."