Hidden Shadow – CH 046

Chapter Forty-Six: Hua Rongjian

Yao-Ye was slightly startled, then quickly avoided Mei Jiu’s gaze, adjusting her expression. “Why did you not put on a coat before coming out, my young lady?”

“Yao-Ye, what business did my mother go on? When will she return? Why did she not tell me?” Mei Jiu anxiously bombarded her with questions.

“The matters that need to be handled in our mansion are naturally nothing more than fighting and killing, but do not worry, my young lady, Lady Yan is highly skilled in martial arts. She did not tell you only because she did not want you to worry.” Yao-Ye’s words were all true.

Mei Jiu’s unease did not subside. She pressed on, “When will she return?”

Yao-Ye looked up.

The withered pine tree on the cliff was now empty.

Mei Jiu followed her gaze to the cliff but heard her say, “My young lady, you should not hope for Lady Yan’s return.”

“Why?” Mei Jiu’s heart leaped into her throat. She knew very well that she would hear bad news, yet she clung to a sliver of hope.

“Lady Yan has joined the Konghe Army.” This could not be kept secret any longer, so Yao-Ye simply stated it directly. “The Konghe Army has already asked the family head twice for Lady Yan, so she does not need to study at the Konghe Academy; she will be directly incorporated into the regular army. In the Konghe Army, the living are only allowed in, not out.”

Those who came out were just a handful of ashes, unrecognizable.

Grand Madam Mei was an exception. How many people in the world were as ruthless as her? Yet, despite her meticulous planning and daring to survive, after returning alive to Mei Mansion, she was destined to live forever in darkness.

Yao-Ye said, “Lady Yan is the only daughter of the Mei family with the ‘Yan’ name left. Originally, she did not have to join the Konghe Army…”

Mei Jiu swayed, and Yao-Ye quickly supported her, urging, “My young lady, Lady Yan is doing this for you. You must show your strength; you cannot wallow in sorrow!”

“I must show my strength, I must show my strength…” Mei Jiu slumped into her arms, repeating this phrase over and over.

This time, Mei Jiu did not weep bitterly, but her eyes were blank and empty, as if she had lost her soul.

“Ladies,” said a strange male voice.

Yao-Ye turned around and stared coldly at the newcomer. “Who goes there?”

“I am Hua Zimiao, courtesy name Rongjian.” Hua Rongjian wore a dark blue brocade robe with a black cloak over it, his handsome face illuminated like jade by the snow. “I’ve gotten lost. Could you please show me the way back to Mei Garden?”

Yao-Ye remained vigilant; her martial arts skills were considerable. She had not heard a single footstep. “As far as I know, all three gates leading to Mei Garden are guarded. How did you get lost, My Lord?”

Hua Rongjian’s gaze remained fixed on Mei Jiu, but unfortunately, half of her face was buried in Yao-Ye’s arms, so he could not see her completely.

Yao-Ye slightly turned aside, completely blocking his view of Mei Jiu. “This servant has other matters to attend to and cannot escort Master Hua back. Please continue this path for about twenty paces, and you will see a gate. There are old women guarding it; just state your identity, and someone will escort you home.”

Seeing Yao-Ye staring at him warily, Hua Rongjian adjusted his cloak and chuckled, “You, young lady, have you taken a liking to me? If not, such direct staring is truly rude.”

Yao-Ye was annoyed. He looked respectable, yet his heart was so frivolous. However, staring directly at a strange man was indeed impolite.

An Jiu had already recognized Hua Rongjian’s voice. She was in a bad mood and urged Yao-Ye, “If you see dog poop on the road, avoid it. Let’s go.”

Yao-Ye hesitated, almost laughing out loud. “Yes.” Because Mei Jiu had been holding back tears, An Jiu’s voice had a thick nasal tone, unlike her usual self, which Hua Rongjian had not recognized.

“Ah, young lady, you have such sharp teeth.” Hua Rongjian, far from being angry at her words, said with great interest, “I admire women with strong personalities the most.”

“Carry me on your back,” An Jiu whispered to Yao-Ye.

Yao-Ye turned her back, hoisted An Jiu onto her back, and quickly disappeared into the woods, avoiding Hua Rongjian.

Hua Rongjian was about to give chase when footsteps sounded behind him. A young man rushed over, pleading with a mournful face, “My Lord, let’s go back! The Mei family are imperial merchants, after all. What if we offend their women?”

“We already have,” Hua Rongjian said happily. “I’ve heard that every woman in the Mei family is as beautiful as a fairy, which is why they all die young. Tsk tsk, just what I want!”

The young servant looked around nervously and only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw no one was around. “What’s so good about dying young?”

Hua Rongjian said, “I will marry one first, and after she passes away, I will take another wife from the Mei family. From now on, I will change wives every five years, all beautiful but short-lived, so I will not get tired of them!”

The servant said helplessly. “Young master, let’s go back quickly. Do not even think about it. We have three legitimate sons; it’s not good for two of them to marry Mei’s daughters.”

Hua Rongjian looked at him like he was an idiot. “That’s why I rushed here to cause trouble! If Mei comes after me, I will marry her in my elder brother’s place. Anyway, my elder brother does not want to remarry; is that not a win-win situation?”

The servant was speechless. What was all this about?

“Please, let’s go!” The servant was so anxious that he almost knelt and kowtowed.

“Go, go.” Hua Rongjian looked back every few steps, reluctantly leaving with the servant.

Yao-Ye carried An Jiu back to Yuwei Residence.

An Jiu sat by the fireplace, warming herself calmly.

Yao-Ye asked suspiciously, “My young lady, are you alright?”

Mei Jiu was listless, but An Jiu was able to control her body naturally, without expending any effort. “I am fine.”

Her dark eyes reflected the orange firelight. “What kind of person is Hua Rongjian?”

Yao-Ye temporarily set aside her doubts, wanting to quickly divert Mei Jiu’s attention, and began to explain in detail, “Rumor has it that he’s a spoiled brat. In my opinion, he’s a madman. Let me just mention one thing: a year ago, Hua Rongtian’s wife died, and Hua Rongjian made a big fuss, celebrating his older brother’s marriage with great fanfare, saying it meant he could take a new wife, but was soundly beaten by Hua Rongtian. When the late Madam Hua’s family learned of this, they wept bitterly before the Emperor and lodged a complaint against the Hua family, claiming that their daughter had been virtuous and dutiful since marrying into the Hua household, had borne children for the family, and was beyond reproach. To have her reputation so tarnished was a grave injustice! As a result, the Privy Councilor was fined a year’s salary and was forced to personally visit the late Madam Hua’s family with Hua Rongjian to apologize. His reputation was utterly ruined.”

“He really is a piece of shit!”

An Jiu asked, “How is he in terms of scholarship and martial arts?”

“This…” Yao-Ye thought it over carefully. “A noble young master like him is usually accompanied by several highly skilled guards. I can only confirm that he knows martial arts and that he’s quite skilled, but I do not know the specifics.”

“I will rest for a while,” An Jiu said.

Yao-Ye saw that her face was indeed pale. She did not say anything more, not daring to mention Mei Yanran, afraid of upsetting her further. “Yes, I will stay outside. Just let me know if you need anything, my young lady.”

An Jiu nodded.

After Yao-Ye left, An Jiu lay down on the couch and closed her eyes to rest.

“An Jiu, I am so worried about Mother,” Mei Jiu sobbed.

An Jiu slightly opened her eyes. A rare gentleness flickered in her eyes. She thought for a moment, then earnestly comforted Mei Jiu, “Do not worry. Without you as a burden, she will definitely live longer.”

Hearing this, Mei Jiu cried even harder.

The sobs made her head buzz, but An Jiu did not scold her anymore. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Outside, Yao-Ye said in a low voice, “My young lady is not feeling well today. Please go and ask Elder Zhi for leave.”

Mu Qianshan’s voice was deep. “Miss, please go yourself. There are too many people and eyes in the front courtyard lately; it’s inconvenient for me to go.”

Yao-Ye hesitated. “Alright, you protect my young lady.”

“Mm,” Mu Qianshan agreed, but inwardly, he did not understand Yao-Ye’s overly concerned attitude. It was only a short absence; what was there to worry about?

However, not long after Yao-Ye left, the First Old Madam arrived.

The maids at the door could not stop her.

The First Old Madam entered the room. A maid brought an embroidered stool and placed it in front of the soft couch. The First Old Madam sat down, looking at the sleeping girl on the couch with a complex expression.

Back then, her daughter was not much older than Mei Jiu. It seemed like only yesterday she was snuggling up to her, acting spoiled. But now, she did not even know if her daughter was alive or dead. All of this was thanks to Mei Yanran! Mei Yanran had risked everything to escape, and today she willingly joined the Konghe Army! If that was the case, why drag her daughter down with her?!

The First Old Madam raised her hand to touch An Jiu’s cheek.

However, before she could even touch her, her wrist was suddenly gripped tightly. In a flash, a cold, sharp blade was aimed at her throat, its killing intent bursting forth.

The First Old Madam tried to defend herself but realized it was too late. She cried out in shock and anger, “You dare to murder your elder!”

The dagger stopped a hair’s breadth from the First Old Madam’s throat.

The two were less than two feet apart. The First Old Madam could clearly see the icy coldness in An Jiu’s eyes, devoid of joy or sorrow, as if she awaited only a command to take a life in the blink of an eye.

An Jiu sheathed her dagger, lowered her eyes, and called out, “Grandmother.” The First Old Madam slowly suppressed her anger, saying with lingering fear, “You child, why are you so wary?”

An Jiu remained silent. She was inept at interacting with people, especially elders. It seemed that she only relaxed a little in front of Mei Jiu, because Mei Jiu was so much like a harmless little lamb.

“I heard Yanran left, and I was worried about you, so I came to see you,” the First Old Madam said gently, her expression calm.

An Jiu thought for a moment and said, “I am fine.”

The First Old Madam smiled slightly. “Then I am relieved.” She stood up, sighed, and said, “I have not left the island for many years, and nothing has changed outside. It’s truly heartbreaking to see.”

She lowered her eyes, her gaze sweeping lightly over An Jiu. “You should rest well.” The Old Madam, accompanied by several maids, left Yuwei Residence, sat in a sedan chair, and, holding a hand warmer, could not help but chuckle softly.

Although she tried to suppress her laughter, it sounded quite cheerful.

“Ling-Xi, do you think Mei Ruxue is hostile towards me, or is she just naturally wary?” the First Old Madam asked softly.

A middle-aged woman outside said, “No matter what, her terrifying killing intent is undeniable. She’s certainly fit to join the Konghe Army. We should let the higher-ups know about this.”

“Ha!” The First Old Madam leaned back. “Mei Yanran is still as cunning as ever. Knowing she’s been away from home for ten years and her power is no match for mine, she’s gone all in, clinging to Elder Zhi. That old man is not easy to deal with.”