"Ye Jiao..." Fu Mingzhu ventured tentatively, uttering only her name before she curtly interrupted him.
"Do not speak my name."
She stood poised atop the snow-swept bluestone path, the crimson fox-fur cloak draped over her slender shoulders. Her delicate chin was slightly lifted, her expression frosty yet impeccably composed, so disciplined that not even the harshest critic could find fault.
Fu Mingzhu sighed silently. The wine had painted his cheeks with a warm blush as he gently tried again:"Miss Ye, I heard you encountered danger on Mount Yangquan. Were you injured?"
His voice was soft as spring mist, as if he hoped to summon back the tender moments from a year ago. But Ye Jiao replied with only two words:
"I wasn't."
When Fu Mingzhu faltered, Ye Jiao turned to leave. He stepped forward, blocking her path.
"Since that incident..." he murmured, "I've already been punished. Can't you stop being angry?"
The punishment he spoke of was his disqualification from the imperial examinations and the prohibition from entering officialdom. Had there been no secret tryst before marriage, had Ye Jiao not exposed his lies with three arrows on Imperial Street, he might still be a promising noble son with a bright future and a household of favored wives and concubines.
Ye Jiao forced a smile."Merely the workings of karma. If you've nothing further to say, I won't keep you company."
"I came to warn you," Fu Mingzhu glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping before lowering his voice,"Those who shine too brightly often attract envy and make enemies. Now that the Duke of Anguo's household is basking in newfound glory, can you be sure there aren't wolves in the dark, waiting to strike?"
His words held an ominous undertone. Ye Jiao's gaze sharpened."Then why not speak plainly, Young Master Fu?"
But Fu Mingzhu only shook his head with heavy significance."This matter is too grave to speak of openly."
To speak in riddles, to dangle secrets without explanation—nothing was more exasperating.
Ye Jiao scoffed."One cannot guard against thieves every day. As long as the Duke of Anguo conducts himself with righteousness, we need not fear slander."
"Is that so?" Fu Mingzhu countered."Have you forgotten how, twelve years ago, the Duke of Anguo's household—upright and just as always—was accused of treason and nearly exterminated?"
He referred to the case of the late Prince Chen, a shadow that still loomed over the family. Because of that scandal, Ye Jiao's father had become a wandering Taoist monk, vanishing for over a decade.
"There won't be a second time," Ye Jiao said stubbornly, her lips trembling.
"Which is why you need me," Fu Mingzhu said, seizing her arm."Every day since our engagement ended, I've regretted it. Now that you and Prince Chu have parted ways—if you're willing—I will divorce my wife and marry you. The Prime Minister's house will stand behind you from now on."
Divorce and remarry? Was this love rekindled, or did her recent appointment as Chief Commander make her a pawn worthy of use?
"Let go!" Ye Jiao tried to shake him off, but he gripped tighter."I am the Prime Minister's son. Even without office, I surpass any other man a hundredfold—"
Disgusted by his arrogance, Ye Jiao reached for the blade at her waist. But just then, a figure lunged from the side. In a flash, a fist crashed into Fu Mingzhu's back.
"Get away from her!"
Yan Congzheng's face was dark with fury, his clenched fist ready to strike again.
Fu Mingzhu coughed violently, the blow sobering him instantly. He steadied himself, wincing, and sneered,"Will the Yan family risk offending the Prime Minister's house?"
Yan Congzheng shielded Ye Jiao behind him, and returned the sneer,"So what if we do?"
He stood tall, fearless, defiant.
Fu Mingzhu's mouth opened and closed. His chest heaved, fists clenched, but under Yan Congzheng's overwhelming presence, he backed down, red-faced with humiliation.
"You act so bold—then why don't you admit you love her?" he spat, trying to strike a nerve.
"I do," Yan Congzheng declared without hesitation, silencing him."I love her. I want to marry her. I am proud of my love. And what of you, son of the Prime Minister? What underhanded tactics will you use this time to bar me from her side?"
Fu Mingzhu stood dumbfounded, his face turning shades of crimson and pale. At last, defeated, he turned and fled.
Once they had been childhood companions. Now, one was the Vice Commander of the Imperial Guards, the other, the Emperor's appointed Chief Commander. And he? Disgraced, stripped of every opportunity.
Without power, one is nothing.
His footsteps were hasty, and as he turned a corner, he nearly collided with someone.
"Watch where you're going!" he snapped.
"Young Master Fu, it's me." Bai Xianyu stepped forward with a golden wound salve in hand."You're bleeding at the corner of your mouth—please take this."
Fu Mingzhu eyed him coldly."Captain Bai, no gambling today? Come to curry favor with your superior instead?"
"You flatter me," Bai Xianyu chuckled."But the greatest superior in the world is none other than the Prime Minister."
The flattery hit the mark. Fu Mingzhu gave a disdainful snort but accepted the gift."We'll meet another day."
"Of course!" Bai Xianyu saw him off, then couldn't help but laugh.
Pitiful. Thank the heavens he didn't fall for Ye Jiao—he'd have been beaten too.
Why did they all fancy women so quick to draw their blades? With such a wife, how could a man assert his dominance? How could he cradle a delicate beauty in his lap, wiping her tears and stealing kisses?
Shaking his head, Bai Xianyu strode into the main hall and addressed a surprised maid.
"Those peach crisps were delicious. Bring me another plate."
His fear of Ye Jiao didn't interfere with sneaking snacks. His mother was fasting, so no dinner awaited him at home. Better to eat now.
Meanwhile, a maid brought over cushions, and Ye Jiao and Yan Congzheng sat on the highest step of the side hall, overlooking the quiet courtyard, listening to the distant laughter of the guests.
The soft red fox-fur trim brushed against Yan Congzheng's hand. His fingers brushed snow, then lingered in the warmth.
"If you'd been a moment later," Ye Jiao said,"I would've cut off his arm."
"Then I saved Fu Mingzhu today," Yan Congzheng replied with a chuckle, as if jesting with an old schoolmate.
"You once dreamed of becoming a civil official," Ye Jiao mused."Now you fight better than I do. That punch you gave Zhong Quanwu last time—cleaner than anything I've ever thrown."
"Years of training," he replied casually, concealing the brutal years when his face was battered daily, avoiding Ye Jiao in the streets for fear she'd see him so wounded.
"Fu Mingzhu said someone in court is targeting my family."
Just a low-ranking Chief Commander, with a brother in minor military office—could such a family in the capital already provoke envy?
Yan Congzheng gathered a handful of snow and frowned."I'll look into it. But I suspect..." He hesitated.
"Not you too," Ye Jiao pressed, "Why won't anyone speak plainly?"
He sighed."This may sound petty... but Prince Chu, while aiding disaster relief, killed Yan Jide on the road. And somehow, your family was implicated. Rumors in the capital are swirling—you're seen as Prince Chu's people now."
"We are not!" Ye Jiao exclaimed, trying to rise.
Yan Congzheng gestured for her to remain calm."The court..."