Chapter 27: Destroying the Heart by Killing the Spirit

Shen He gazed into Shen Yan’s eyes, which were filled with a terror that flickered not just with panic, but with deeply buried secrets.

In her past life, she had harbored suspicions too, but back then, her heart and mind were so consumed by Xiao Jingren that she had lost all reason and judgment. Now, facing Shen Yan’s fear, Shen He took a deep breath, forcing herself to pull away from the whirlpool of memories. After a moment, she slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were clear and resolute. "Alright, I understand. Now, answer me this: when the Shan woman ordered you to harm Suixin, do you know why?"

Learning that Shen He would press no further, Shen Yan exhaled in relief and shook her head. "I don’t know. The medicine, the scissors, and instructions on what to do—they were all relayed to me. I simply followed orders."

"You silly girl, you are far too naive! To be so blindly manipulated without even knowing the truth of the matter? You’ve let yourself be used as a spear for others! If this scheme had succeeded, they would have reaped the rewards without lifting a finger. But if the plot were exposed and things went wrong, you would undoubtedly be their scapegoat!"

Shen Yan hung her head, her voice as thin as a mosquito’s hum, laced with helplessness and despair. "I know... but what else can I do?"

A wave of indescribable sorrow surged in Shen He’s heart. She gripped Shen Yan’s trembling shoulders tightly. "A-Yan, I will help you."

At these words, Shen Yan acted like a drowning person suddenly grasping a piece of driftwood. She jerked her head up to meet Shen He’s steady gaze. In that moment, she felt as if she had seen a beam of light piercing through the darkness.

"Elder Sister?"

"As for today, just report back to the Shan woman as you must. With so many eyes watching, you cannot afford to act suspicious. Whatever they ask you to do next, you must find a way to let me know, and we will figure it out together."

Seeing lingering unease in Shen Yan’s eyes, Shen He continued, "As for your Mother Lin, I will send people to look after her. I will not let the Shan woman bully her, I promise."

At the mention of Mother Lin, Shen Yan dropped to her knees once more. "Elder Sister! Please! I beg you, you must save my mother!"

Shen He quickly pulled her up from the floor. "Get up! You really must break this habit of kneeling to everyone. You are a daughter of the General’s Manor. Even if you are a daughter by a concubine, the glory of the General’s Manor flows through your veins. You have been suppressed by the Shan woman for too long; you ought to be more confident. You deserve better!"

Shen Yan slowly stood, her eyes shifting from unease to softness, gradually beginning to glow with a glimmer of hope.

"Thank you, Elder Sister."

"After today, if the Shan woman seeks you out again, go to the Laundry Bureau and find a maid named Cui Ya; she will relay the message to me. For now, go back and practice your dancing. I am waiting to see you dance your way to fame."

***

The next day, at the Eight Treasures Pavilion, in the Cloud Cliff private room.

"It was you!" Yan Qingyi roared, his voice seemingly echoing throughout the second floor.

Yan Qingyu sat opposite him, calmly sipping tea. He set his cup down and looked up at Yan Qingyi. "Do not be like that; keep your voice down. Besides, I have heard that your heroic rescue of the beauty did not leave Miss Chen with any injuries, and it even gave you an opportunity to grow closer to her."

"Yan Qingyu! Are you even human?" Yan Qingyi stepped forward and grabbed Yan Qingyu by the collar. The veins on his face bulged, his fury seemingly ready to incinerate his brother.

Yan Qingyu merely watched his brother’s rage with a cold, sinister smile, as if the angrier Yan Qingyi became, the more delighted he felt.

Yan Qingyu patted the hand clutching his lapels and pushed it away. "Am I not human? Qingyi, as your elder brother, I have tried my best to protect you. I am merely offering you a piece of advice: there are some things in life where it is better to turn a blind eye. Why make things awkward for everyone?"

Yan Qingyi’s breathing was ragged with rage, his chest heaving. "She is Chen Heran’s only daughter! Are you not afraid?"

"That is why I did not intend to take her life. Qingyi, you are too simple, too stubborn. Your second brother is simply trying to help you understand that within the Imperial Palace, there are countless ways to make one suffer."

Yan Qingyi glared at Yan Qingyu, who spoke of such things with such nonchalance. The long-suppressed fury erupted like a volcano.

Yan Qingyi gritted his teeth, a flash of determination in his eyes. Clenching his fists, he suddenly drew his sword. With a flash of silver light, he pointed the blade directly at Yan Qingyu.

"Do you underestimate me? Yan Qingyu, when it comes to killing, you are not qualified to threaten me!"

The light of the blade danced on Yan Qingyu’s wicked face. He gave a cold laugh and snapped his fingers beside Yan Qingyi’s sword.

A group of armed men appeared from nowhere, surrounding Yan Qingyi instantly.

Yan Qingyi did not spare them a glance. "The lot of you? You aren’t even enough to fill the gaps in my teeth!"

"And what about me?" A low, oppressive voice echoed through the room. The door swung open, and Xiao Jingren stood in the entrance. He wore a robe of deep obsidian, and his profound eyes held a danger even deeper than Yan Qingyu’s, sending an involuntary chill down one’s spine.

"What is the meaning of this? It was I who asked your brother to host the Third Young Master Yan here today; why must you resort to blades? Everyone, withdraw!"

At his command, the men sheathed their weapons, though they did not leave the room, instead standing to either side.

Yan Qingyi’s eyes were like ice, but he remembered his brother’s warning not to be impulsive. After a moment, he lowered his hand. "Third Prince."

Xiao Jingren waved his hand, and the guards at the door pulled it shut. Xiao Jingren smiled. "I know that the Third Young Master is known as the 'Cold-Faced Judge,' so today I came in person to share a drink with you."

As he spoke, he pulled Yan Qingyi to a seat and signaled for Yan Qingyu to pour him a drink.

Yan Qingyi looked on coldly. "Third Prince, there is no need. I am on official business and cannot drink."

Xiao Jingren smiled. "It is a great blessing for our Great Han to have a man as diligent and dutiful as the Third Young Master."

Saying this, he placed a brocade box on the table and pushed the wine cup toward him.

Yan Qingyi looked at Xiao Jingren, puzzled. "Is the Third Prince attempting to bribe me?"

Xiao Jingren couldn’t help but laugh. "How could that be? I know the Cold-Faced Judge is incorruptible and self-disciplined; how could I offer such a small bribe? Open it and see for yourself."

Yan Qingyi took the box and opened it. Inside lay a crystal fan-shaped hairpin—it belonged to Chen Suixin.

Yan Qingyi stood up abruptly and roared, "What is the meaning of this, Third Prince?!"

"Third Young Master, I admire your devotion to Miss Chen. If you cease your interference in the case of the plundered tribute ships, I can petition His Majesty to bestow a marriage between you and Miss Chen, fulfilling your heart's desire." As he spoke, Xiao Jingren took the crystal hairpin and toyed with it in his hand. "But if the Third Young Master remains stubborn and insists on opposing me, then..."

With a sharp *snap*, the crystal hairpin slipped from Xiao Jingren’s fingers and shattered into two pieces.

Yan Qingyi’s hands were clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

For Yan Qingyi, known as the Cold-Faced Judge, his greatest weakness was Chen Suixin.

With bloodshot eyes, he glared at Yan Qingyu. He truly was a master at killing the heart.

"Third Young Master, the choice is yours."