Hidden Shadow – CH 075

Chapter Seventy-Five: A Fight (1)

An Jiu put down her teacup. “You said I took your jade pendant? When and where?”

“The mass grave,” Hua Rongjian said.

So easily admitted it?

“I…” An Jiu paused, a cold smile playing on her lips. Trying to trick me? Not so easy. “What would I be doing at the mass grave in the middle of the night? You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

Hua Rongjian smiled. “Since I recognized your identity, I am certain that the person I met that night was not someone else.”

“Your rogue tactics are too low-level,” An Jiu commented casually.

Hua Rongjian raised an eyebrow, stood up, and took a step forward, but Yao-Ye blocked his way.

“The maids of the Mei family are different from those elsewhere.” Hua Rongjian took a few steps back, cupping his hands in salute. “I am sorry to have bothered you. Farewell.”

Yao-Ye’s face paled slightly. In her haste, she had used all her power.

“Wait,” An Jiu said.

Hua Rongjian’s lips curled into a smile as he turned and asked, “Is there anything else, Young Lady Mei?”

“How would the Emperor feel if he knew that Young Master Hua had gone to such lengths to inquire about the Konghe family?” An Jiu asked.

After speaking, she suddenly realized that she seemed to have fallen into a trap. If Hua Rongjian was absolutely certain that Young Lady Mei was from the Konghe family, he would not have gone to the trouble of testing her today.

Even so, An Jiu did not care much. She did not understand politics and was too lazy to care. Her current mindset was the same as Mo Sigui’s—acting according to her mood and whims.

“Young Lady Mei has a straightforward personality, which I like,” Hua Rongjian said with a smile. “Would you be interested in hearing a story?”

“Go ahead,” An Jiu said.

“Bring a pot of tea.” Hua Rongjian casually sat back down.

Yao-Ye was terrified. These two were talking about such a momentous matter as if it were a joke. She wanted to stop them, but hesitated, wanting to know what Hua Rongjian wanted to say.

Hua Rongjian accepted the tea Yao-Ye brought. “Emperor Taizong, waking from his drunken stupor, donned a yellow robe at Chenqiao, and his army marched back to the capital. Emperor Gong of Zhou abdicated, changing the dynasty name to ‘Song’ and the era name to ‘Jianlong.’ The entire affair lasted only four days.”

This was the “Chenqiao Mutiny.”

An Jiu had heard a rough account from Mei Yanran and knew that this coup was not as simple as it appeared; in reality, the Konghe Army had secretly eliminated many opponents.

“No coup d’état is ever completely bloodless.” Hua Rongjian spoke with his usual nonchalant air, yet his words were not the words of any spoiled brat. “If it were not for the achievements of the Konghe Army, would changing dynasties be so easy?”

“Since ancient times, the rabbit has been killed after the hunt,” Hua Rongjian said. “The Konghe Army is too powerful now. Families occupying key positions within it will inevitably be attacked and may even face annihilation.”

If the person listening to him today were the real Young Lady Mei, or someone who valued their life, it would certainly have an effect. However, Hua Rongjian did not know that the person he was facing now not only did not care about Young Lady Mei, but also did not care about her own life.

“And then?” An Jiu genuinely listened as if it were a story.

Hua Rongjian was secretly shocked by her reaction. Such composure at such a young age. He did not know if it was carefree or just too calm. He thought of the fleeting glimpse of her in the mass grave, and then of the reason he had decided to risk coming here today, and he calmed himself down.

“Do you know what the commandments of the Konghe Army are?” Hua Rongjian asked.

An Jiu replied, “No.”

Hua Rongjian took a sip of tea, clearing his throat. “It’s loyalty and righteousness.”

These two seemingly simple words caused An Jiu to pause, momentarily realizing the fundamental difference between her past and present lives. Although both involved killing, she had been a wanted criminal before, but now she served her country. At least she did not have to live a life hunted by the entire world.

“Why are you telling me this?” An Jiu scoffed. “You want me to obey?”

“Not at all. The reason I mention this is to tell you that the current Emperor is not worthy of such devotion from you.” Hua Rongjian’s words were firm and resolute.

Yao-Ye gasped, immediately interjecting, “Young Master Hua, watch your words! Do not frighten my young lady! The Hua family has deep roots; they dare to say anything and talk about anyone. We are a humble family, no match for you. Please leave!” If it were not for the threat of exterminating nine generations of one’s family, Yao-Ye would never have spoken so rudely to the eldest son of the Hua family.

In the Song Dynasty, there was a degree of freedom of speech, but regardless of the dynasty, such threats to imperial authority were forbidden. The crimes were clearly stated in the Song Code.

“I’d heard Second Young Master Hua was a good-for-nothing philanderer, but that’s a misunderstanding.” An Jiu leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on her legs. “Turns out he’s a madman.”

Yao-Ye sighed inwardly. Hua Rongjian’s words and actions were unrestrained and arrogant to the point of being lawless. He certainly seemed crazy, but he posed no real danger. Even if he said such things in front of the Mei family head, it would not matter. The Mei family was suspected by the Emperor; without concrete evidence, exposing Hua Rongjian would bring no benefit.

“Given all this… you should think it over carefully. Do not join the Konghe Army. How about marrying me?” Hua Rongjian went around in circles before finally getting to the point. “Follow me, and I guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and honor.”

Yao-Ye could not believe it. To utter such rebellious words for this was something no ordinary philanderer would do!

It really was that guy. An Jiu had initially thought that even this guy she’d only met twice had changed his ways after she’d completed her trial!

“Young Master Hua! Marriage is a major life event, a matter of parental consent and a matchmaker’s word!” Yao-Ye said coldly. “Will you leave on your own, or will I have someone invite you out?”

Yao-Ye was flustered and worried, completely manipulated by his words. Even the most patient person would lose their temper, let alone Yao-Ye, who was known for her temper.

Hua Rongjian glanced at her unhappily, then said earnestly to An Jiu, “If the young lady agrees, even such an ugly and irritable maidservant is tolerable to me.”

With An Jiu’s sharp eyesight, she could clearly see through the crystal curtain that Hua Rongjian was quite handsome.

Thinking of Mei Yanran’s wish, An Jiu said, “Alright, I will wait for you to come and propose.”

Yao-Ye stared in disbelief. Things were starting to go downhill!

“Since that’s the case, may I have a look at your face, my young lady?” Hua Rongjian explained. “Rumor has it that every woman in the Mei family is stunningly beautiful, but before I propose marriage, I must confirm it.”

Yao-Ye was almost in despair. Her young lady would not listen to anything she said today, but out of a sense of responsibility, she still had to speak up and stop her. “My Young Lady! No!”

“Why did you not state your demands before saying all this?” An Jiu said listlessly. “You only think about being picky after we’ve already agreed on the conditions? Too late, you fool! Let me tell you, since you are wasting my time, you have to find a way to marry me.”

“Fool?!” Hua Rongjian’s forehead veins throbbed, and he raised his leg to rush inside.

Yao-Ye’s mind was a mess, but she reacted quickly, grabbing him.

However, Hua Rongjian’s strength was unexpected; he actually dragged Yao-Ye into the inner room along with him! The crystal curtains rattled loudly.