The night was like cool water, as black as a millstone.
In a mansion in the capital, a man in a plain white robe sat, holding a teacup. He spoke faintly towards a certain spot, "You're back?"
A figure emerged from the darkness, her alluring form moving with seductive grace.
The man put down his teacup and looked up at the woman. "Did you find anything?"
The woman stepped forward, displeased. "After all the effort I put in, wouldn't the楼主 (Louzhu - Lord of the Manor) ask if I'm tired first?"
The man chuckled softly. "Do you need me to?"
Hearing this, the woman shrugged. "As expected, someone like me doesn't deserve the楼主's concern."
"Sit down and have some tea!" The man poured a cup of tea and handed it over.
The woman smiled and took it. "I was just thirsty, thank you, 楼主." She then drank the tea in one gulp.
"What did you find out?"
"楼主, there is indeed a traitor in the Qian Jin Lou."
"Wen Nuan, are you sure?"
Wen Nuan nodded. "Your subordinate is very sure. He was the one who killed the storyteller as well."
Wen Yuxi stood up upon hearing this, his expression turning somewhat cold. "I never expected Li Si Nian's influence to reach into my Qian Jin Lou without my knowledge."
If Xue Jingyun hadn't reminded him, he would likely still be kept in the dark.
Wen Nuan suddenly knelt on the ground. "It's all my fault for being negligent. I beg the 楼主 for punishment."
"You are not a god. The Qian Jin Lou has already disappeared from the world. Even if you wanted to manage it, you might not be able to."
Wen Nuan said softly, "Why don't we rebuild the Qian Jin Lou?"
"And continue doing business like killing for hire?" Wen Yuxi looked at Wen Nuan calmly.
Wen Nuan gritted her teeth. "That doesn't mean we should let people destroy the Qian Jin Lou."
"Go to my room and get some gold. Buy a mansion in the capital. Those who are willing to continue following me can stay and receive a monthly salary. Those who are not will be given some money and can leave, but they must never tell anyone they were once part of the Qian Jin Lou."
"楼主, I agree with your idea, but I disagree with letting go of those who don't wish to stay. Wouldn't that be like letting a tiger return to the mountains?" Wen Nuan said.
"You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing a cub. Without sacrifice, there is no gain," Wen Yuxi said calmly.
"Alright, your subordinate will go prepare." Wen Nuan left.
Wen Yuxi took a sip of tea and snorted. "Listening at the door for so long without coming out? Aren't you afraid of getting moldy?"
The white figure was particularly conspicuous under the dim candlelight, as if the entire area was illuminated for a moment.
Wen Yuxi snorted again. "Dressed so white, aren't you afraid of being discovered?"
"You are afraid, I am not," a clear, cold voice drifted out.
Wen Yuxi angrily threw the teacup to the ground. "Xue Jingyun, if you don't annoy me, you don't feel comfortable, do you?"
"It seems so," Xue Jingyun replied faintly.
"You really know how to say things that can drive a person to death," Wen Yuxi said, angered. However, his tone shifted, and he sighed. "A traitor in the Qian Jin Lou has caused A Ning to suffer such slander. It is my fault."
Xue Jingyun paused, his hand holding the teacup. "How will you handle the matter of the Qian Jin Lou traitor?"
"I plan to lure the snake out of its hole," Wen Yuxi said.
"Tonight, the Minister of Rites, Lin Feng, the Minister of Works, Sun Zhiyuan, and the Minister of Revenue, Feng Yu, were in a secret meeting in the study of the Minister of Personnel, Li Si Nian, for two hours. To avoid alarming them, I did not have Xue Feng enter to eavesdrop."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yuxi laughed heartily. "Do they really think we don't know what they are plotting?"
"It is said that they might be targeting me," Xue Jingyun suddenly said.
Wen Yuxi trembled slightly. This was perhaps the first time Xue Jingyun had called him Yan Zhi. He lowered his eyes. "What? You can't handle them?"
"I am currently worried that something unexpected might happen on the day A Ning gives birth," Xue Jingyun said.
Wen Yuxi was stunned, his expression becoming serious. "Why do you have such a thought?"
Xue Jingyun shook his head, his gaze dimming. "I don't know. I feel very uneasy."
"You're overthinking it. A Ning will be fine. I asked Qing Yi. An Ning transferred all her strength, along with Han Xi Chen's, to A Ning. This power can sustain A Ning until she gives birth. Don't worry, no matter what happens on that day, you will not leave. I will handle anything that arises," Wen Yuxi said.
Hearing this, Xue Jingyun raised his eyes. "Thank you."
Wen Yuxi waved his hand. "No need for thanks. If you're so inclined, why not let the child recognize me as his godfather..."
"That is impossible," Xue Jingyun refused outright.
His child would be the noblest in this world and would need no such godfathers.
Wen Yuxi pouted. "I gave A Ning to you, can't you give me the child?"
"I did not give A Ning to you. It's just that A Ning doesn't like you. Get the facts straight."
Wen Yuxi slammed the table in anger. "Xue Jingyun, is this how you strike at people? If she doesn't like me, she doesn't like me. Many people she doesn't like, and I'm just one of them. I'm telling you, don't be too happy too soon. Li Yao Qin is not someone to be trifled with. If you betray A Ning, she will definitely not like you again.
At that time, don't blame me, Wen Yuxi. Hua Yun Jin of Hua Country, Han Xi Xia of Han Country, and recently your elder brother Xue Yuan Zhao, and Shen Yun Xuan in the court, are all waiting for you to make a mistake."
"You all delude yourselves. A Ning belongs to me," Xue Jingyun said word by word.
His refined and handsome face, his eyes now as cold as frost.
Wen Yuxi snorted. "So stay away from Li Yao Qin. She will not give up."
"I will not let her get close to me," Xue Jingyun said faintly.
Wen Yuxi sneered. "It better be. Alright, I don't want to offer you tea anymore. Go!"
Xue Jingyun flicked his sleeve and left.
Wen Yuxi let out a cold snort and a laugh, then sighed deeply. "Am I doing a good job as a strategist?"
"The Minister of War doesn't wield weapons, but he's learned strategy. I'm impressed."
"Shen Yun Xuan, that's enough. Xue Jingyun just angered me, and now you're here to do the same?"
Shen Yun Xuan smiled and walked over. "You're mistaken. I'm just here for a cup of tea."
"Not here to inquire about A Ning's matters?" Wen Yuxi asked, raising his eyes.
Shen Yun Xuan was slightly taken aback. "You know about the rumors outside, don't you?"
Wen Yuxi nodded. "I've known for a while. A traitor in the Qian Jin Lou."
"I'm a little worried about the Empress," Shen Yun Xuan said.
"A Ning is fine. She will be alright. Don't you trust Xue Jingyun? With him around, A Ning is completely safe."
Shen Yun Xuan nodded. "I know, but I still feel uneasy."
Wen Yuxi paused. In truth, he also felt a bit uneasy.
"By the way, I have a lead regarding the stolen imperial treasury silver."
"Who is it?" Wen Yuxi asked.
"All evidence points to the Minister of Personnel, Lord Li." Shen Yun Xuan said.