Chapter 75: Tonight, Continue to Favor Him

This person was important, but had arrived even later, entering the capital together with the Zhao family’s retainers.

Only yesterday evening had she entered the city.

Thus Xie Yao walked unimpeded into the courtyard.

Inside, someone was doing embroidery. Hearing movement, she looked up toward the doorway, her gaze falling on Xie Yao and the whole person froze…

“Young… young lady.” The young woman’s hand shook, the needle pricked her fingertip, and the sting brought her back to her senses. Her knees gave way as she knelt to the ground.

Xie Yao stepped forward slowly and helped her up with her own hands.

“Young Lady, this servant is Tao Yue. I once served in Madam’s quarters.”

As if sensing Xie Yao’s puzzlement, Tao Yue explained, “At that time my family was poor. When I was only ten, my parents were about to sell me. Madam was kindhearted and saved me… That was before you were born.”

“In those days, Master’s temper was terrible, often beating and cursing the servants. But after the young lady was born, Master’s mood… improved greatly.”

“He even personally cared for Madam, seeing to every detail, only…”

“My mother passed away, and I returned home to bury her. When I came back to the Xie family, Madam was already…”

“……”

Xie Yao listened quietly as Tao Yue recounted the past.

At that time, her maternal family must already have sensed something was wrong. But because Xie Cheng had lost his wife and was seen as pitiable, he was soon appointed to office.

The Zhao family, after all, were merchants and often traveled for trade in those years.

Later, Xie Cheng quickly dismissed and dealt with all the old servants. In the capital, some people did not even know he had had a wife before Madam Zhang.

“Thank you.”

Xie Yao’s voice was a little hoarse. “It was no coincidence my aunt met you in Jiangnan, was it?”

Tao Yue fell silent for a moment. “The young lady has sharp eyes.”

“After I left the Xie family, I had nowhere to go and eventually returned home. I was taken in by a physician, the same physician who once secretly treated Madam. After that one visit, he and his whole family were driven out of the capital.”

“Later I secretly inquired about Madam’s condition. The physician told me… based on his diagnosis at the time, Madam should never have had any problems.”

Xie Yao grew anxious. “Where is that physician now?”

“…He is dead.” Tao Yue’s voice carried shame. “When he was driven from the capital, his legs were broken. He had little time left to live. After he died, his family was wiped out in a fire.”

Xie Cheng.

What thorough extermination!

So many years had passed so there would be few old witnesses left alive. To find evidence now would be nearly impossible.

“For now, please stay here. Someday… I may need you.”

Tao Yue knelt once more, posture devout. “Yes.”

Leaving the courtyard, Xie Yao exhaled a heavy breath.

“Your Highness,” Zhuxin supported her, eyes full of worry.

Xie Yao gently shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Because her heart was burdened, she ate little at dinner. Fortunately, the Zhao family was also troubled and did not notice such a detail.

By dusk, a messenger from the Cui residence returned with news.

“Your Highness, Master Qingshan asks that the writer of this policy essay come to the Cui residence tomorrow morning.”

After the messenger was politely sent off, Xie Yao looked at Zhao Hao. “Did you hear that?”

Earlier at noon, Zhao Hao had still been agonizing over being expelled from Lingshan Academy. Now only nervousness remained.

His face flushed red, his hands clutching at his clothes. “Cousin, is it… is it truly that Master Qingshan?”

The great Confucian scholar, the very model for scholars across the realm!

Xie Yao arched her brow. “Do you think there is another Master Qingshan?”

“I, I…” Zhao Hao stammered, tongue-tied with tension.

Xie Yao patted his shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, just be yourself.”

Meeting her eyes, Zhao Hao felt his nerves strangely ease.

Taking a deep breath, he said, “Yes, Cousin.”

The Zhao family had prepared a courtyard for her. Since His Highness was not in the palace, Xie Yao stayed the night at the Zhao estate.

She lay in the soft, comfortable bed, but sleep eluded her.

She wondered how His Highness was now…

—-

Meanwhile, at the Song residence.

Xie Yujiao had been tied up the whole day. Her throat was hoarse from cursing, her tears had run dry. She nearly wept herself into unconsciousness.

She still bore injuries.

Without medicine applied for a day, she could even smell the stench from her back.

Having neither eaten nor drunk, she had at least not disgraced herself further but it was enough to drive her half-mad.

At last.

The door that had stayed shut all day creaked open.

Song Wenbo hobbled in with his crutch. He glanced at Xie Yujiao, his eyes full of disdain. “Have you thought it through?”

Xie Yujiao gnashed her teeth with hate. She lowered her gaze, hiding the malice in her eyes, and in a hoarse voice said, “I… I will do whatever my husband says.”

This impoverished scholar dared humiliate her so let him wait!

Once she was free of the Song family…

If she could not touch Princess He Yi, surely she could deal with a mere Song Wenbo!

“Heh.”

Song Wenbo’s laugh dripped with ridicule. He limped to her side. “Then tonight… you’d better perform well, hm?”

He did not release her, only ordered the servants to clean her up and force some food into her.

Last night’s events… Her Highness had enjoyed them. She had already said she would come again tonight, to continue favoring him.

Song Wenbo would not let Xie Yujiao’s disgrace spoil Her Highness’s mood or his own prospects.

—

The next morning.

After breakfast, Xie Yao personally led Zhao Hao to the Cui residence.

Zhao Hao wore new clothes, his hair neatly combed. He sat in the carriage as stiff as if struck by an immobilizing spell, not moving a muscle.

Xie Yao gave him a glance, but said nothing, so as not to heighten his nerves.

The Crown Prince’s carriage arrived at the Cui residence precisely at the appointed hour.

But as Xie Yao stepped down, she noticed another carriage; it belonged to Princess He Yi’s residence.

And the Xie family’s as well.

Xie Yao raised her brows. What a coincidence.

Then today truly was the right day to come.

“Crown Princess.” A childish yet affectedly solemn voice piped up.

Xie Yao looked up, it was none other than Xu Ping’an.

Compared to before, he had changed greatly. His little face was fair and clean, and his bright black eyes sparkled with intelligence.

“I have come to receive Your Highness and Young Master Zhao.” Xu Ping’an bowed formally, assuming the role of host. “Please.”

Xie Yao nodded slightly. “Thank you, young sir.”

Xu Ping’an’s face flushed red. Somewhat shyly, he said, “Your Highness may just call me Ping’an.”

For the kindness she had shown him, he would never forget.

Xie Yao did not stand on ceremony. “Ping’an.”

He led them inward, lowering his voice as he explained, “Earlier this morning, Princess He Yi and Master Xie also arrived with Young Master Xie.”

“They came seeking an opportunity for Young Master Xie to study.”

Xie Yao had already seen their carriages. Her smile did not waver. “How coincidental indeed.”

Only this time, they would be disappointed yet again.