Chapter 20: The Midnight Gathering
After recognizing the visitor’s face, Song Xirui’s expression turned slightly cold. “General, do you so enjoy sneaking into a lady’s chamber in the dead of night?”
“Madam Su, you jest. I entered quite openly,” Xiao Yunci replied, unfazed by her sarcasm.
Song Xirui frowned. “Coming at night—may I ask what business the general has?”
Ever since he had stabbed that blade, she had no reason to be cordial.
Fortunately, Xiao Yunci, aware of his own fault, said, “News of the Su family’s affairs has spread throughout the capital. I came to ask Madam Su if you can still manage. If there are difficulties, I am willing to help.”
“Does the general truly mean such kindness?” A trace of sarcasm flashed in Song Xirui’s eyes as she lifted her gaze to meet his. “I fear it’s feigned concern, a mere test to see if I am capable. The general worries my skills are mediocre, delaying your grand plans?”
If a woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, then Xiao Yunci’s heart is far deeper than the ocean.
Seeing this, Xiao Yunci paused briefly, then shook his head with a smile. “Madam Su is indeed clever. It seems you have only been foolish over Su Yun.”
He sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. “I sent men to investigate. A few days before the wedding, you told others you would marry no one but Su Yun. It is said women love deeply, and he has betrayed you. Your current fury and threats are indeed unusual.”
Song Xirui was momentarily stunned. Xiao Yunci perceived the matter with such clarity.
She sneered coldly. “Lord Xiao, if the person you trust most were to betray you, would you kill him?”
Xiao Yunci frowned. “A trusted aide and a husband cannot be compared.”
“Why not?” Song Xirui snapped angrily. “My devotion to Su Yun surpasses that of any ordinary confidant. How could I not hate him with all my heart? You must know, the deeper the love, the sharper the hatred!”
“How could a man like you understand a woman’s heart?” Xiao Yunci studied her expression but said no more.
“I only asked a question; Madam Su need not be angry.”
Song Xirui exhaled slowly, impatience creeping between her brows. “General, what is your true purpose in coming here?”
“To win over court officials,” Xiao Yunci shifted the topic smoothly. “As you said, the Crown Prince eyes everything greedily. I must plan for my own safety.”
“Then use Li Cunyi,” Song Xirui suggested, frowning slightly before relaxing. “Though he is a cunning old fox, he is adept at court intrigues and, being the Crown Prince’s man, is easiest to deceive the world with. The Crown Prince watches you closely; if you act personally, it would be inconvenient.”
Her star-like eyes fixed on Xiao Yunci. “This is but my humble advice. Please decide as you see fit.”
Xiao Yunci lowered his gaze to ponder, then nodded gently. “Madam Su is truly wise. I shall take my leave.”
Without another word, he climbed out the window.
Song Xirui glanced at the cup and snorted lightly. “This great general is indeed decisive.”
---
The next day.
---
Xiao Yunci’s study.
“What? The general wants to use Li Cunyi?” Deputy Commander Qu’s tiger-like eyes widened, waving his hand vigorously. “Impossible! That Li Cunyi is a treacherous scoundrel. How could he work earnestly for the general?”
Others among Xiao Yunci’s advisors also voiced objections.
“General, Li Cunyi is untrustworthy. You must consider other options.”
“That’s right; we should find someone else. Li Cunyi is definitely unsuitable.”
“General, do not easily trust that woman!”
The room buzzed with voices until Xiao Yunci interrupted. “There is no need to argue. It will be Li Cunyi.”
He was a man who never changed his mind once made up, and the others fell silent.
---
Elsewhere.
Song Xirui arranged to meet Li Cunyi.
“Lord Li, do these terms satisfy you?” She handed over a document.
Li Cunyi glanced at it, startled. “Madam is willing to give me thirty percent of the profits?”
He was no ascetic; gaining benefits from others was always welcome. Yet he hadn’t expected Song Xirui to be so generous.
Looking up at her, his eyes held a trace of complexity.
Song Xirui had survived, but a guard’s corpse had been found in the estate. Even the Crown Prince dared not act rashly now.
She smiled faintly. “To succeed, one must pay a price. From now on, we are all in the same boat. I hope you will wholeheartedly assist the general. I promise to keep my word.”
“Very well!” Li Cunyi clenched the paper tightly.
A man who doesn’t seize an advantage is a fool!
After all these years with the Crown Prince, he had gained little for himself.
---
The following day.
Li Cunyi secretly met with Xiao Yunci.
“General, this is but a small token of my loyalty. Please accept it with a smile.” Li Cunyi presented a box.
Xiao Yunci raised an eyebrow at the gleaming gold within. “Lord Li, you serve me faithfully, yet I have not rewarded you. How can I accept your gold?”
Hmph. Offering gold to test him.
---
But it was understandable; Li Cunyi had been badly used by the Crown Prince and was likely greedy.
Hearing this, Li Cunyi still did not believe it. “General, you are truly incorruptible. I am deeply grateful for your favor. Please, accept this gift.”
“Lord Li,” Xiao Yunci frowned, “What do you take me for? The general’s household does not lack your gold. There is no need for this.”
Li Cunyi’s heart leapt with joy, though his face remained composed.
Xiao Yunci’s expression grew cold. “Are you trying to annoy me?”
“No, no!” Li Cunyi hurriedly waved his hands. “General, you are indeed a man of integrity. I was presumptuous.”
He then closed the box.
Now, he was completely at ease.
This General Xiao cared little for wealth!
Thinking of how the Crown Prince often sent him to pillage the treasury, Li Cunyi gritted his teeth.
To cover such matters secretly was nearly impossible.
Had the Crown Prince ever been cautious?
This was indeed much easier!
In the following month, Song Xirui kept her word, giving Li Cunyi thirty percent of the medicinal herb business’s profits.
Combined with Xiao Yunci’s leniency, Li Cunyi gradually sided with Xiao Yunci.
Whenever he compared present days with the past, he felt he had chosen the wrong man.
---
Capital city, teahouse.
“Hey! Gather around! Today’s story is from a tale book. Once, there was a top scholar, a man of exquisite bearing and handsome looks! Though born poor, he studied tirelessly and finally became the number one scholar! After his success, he did not forget his roots and took his cousin into his home, caring for her devotedly.”
As the storyteller spoke, the crowd began shouting, “Hey! Taking relatives in is nothing special in these tales!”
“That may be true, but this cousin is no ordinary cousin!” the storyteller replied.
Someone in the crowd chimed in, “What do you mean? Is she the goddess Chang’e descending to earth?”