Volume One, Chapter 20: Presenting a Grand Gift to the Prefect

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“Did you come today deliberately to throw yourself into my arms?”

The warm touch at her neck, though fleeting, was deeply etched into Zhou Xunli’s mind. He had always despised affected and pretentious women, for his father’s favored concubine had destroyed his mother, and that concubine was exactly that kind—delicately pitiful, yet skilled at feigning innocence.

Whether outside the Marquis Cheng’en’s mansion or within the imperial study, Xie Shu acted recklessly, brazen and unrestrained. Yet she always feigned frailty and innocence, not only digging a pit for the Ning family but burying herself in it as well.

And now, she had even involved him?

Zhou Xunli’s expression darkened with anger, as if he had long seen through Xie Shu’s little tricks. The grip on her waist tightened slowly, carrying a hint of punishment, gently kneading and stroking.

Even though Xie Shu had lived two lives, this moment still flushed her cheeks with shame.

It was meant to be a playful tease, but how did it turn into such a disaster?

Fearing Zhou Xunli might misunderstand her—given his reputation for being indifferent to women—she worried he might hold a grudge, making future cooperation impossible.

Hurriedly, Xie Shu loosened her arms around Zhou Xunli’s neck. Her left hand pressed down on his twisting fingers at her waist, while her right hand pushed against his chest, her back leaning against the edge of the desk, trying to create space between them.

Then she shook her head repeatedly, protesting, “I’m not—I didn’t—this was purely accidental!”

But the distance between the desk and chairs was too close.

Even if Xie Shu wanted to step back, she would have to stand up first.

Realizing this, she tiptoed, her palm pressing against the man’s chest, attempting to leverage herself upright.

“Don’t move.”

A low, deep voice sounded.

A heavy pressure settled around her waist, holding her firmly, and suddenly she felt something pressed against her...

A flush of mortification surged, coloring her delicate, jade-like cheeks. Though Xie Shu had lived twice, she was no naïve maiden.

Her mind filled with regret.

Damn it—who spread the rumor that Zhou Xunli was indifferent to women?

Frozen, she nervously lifted her eyes, only to meet a pair of deep, fathomless eyes.

Beneath those shimmering pupils lay a surging desire.

His earlobes flushed, like peach blossoms blooming in spring. Though Zhou Xunli fought to suppress the pounding of his heart, his strong, composed expression betrayed none of it, but the subtle movement beneath still revealed his inner turmoil.

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He had never lost control over a woman like this before.

“Step down.” Zhou Xunli pushed away the wooden desk before him, his voice cold.

Without the support behind her, Xie Shu almost toppled backward.

Fortunately, she grabbed Zhou Xunli’s hand.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to,” she shrugged, then muttered softly, “You pulled me just now.”

Besides, wasn’t he the one who just embarrassed himself?

Why pretend to be so reserved?

Muttering quietly to herself, Xie Shu’s mind raced: He’s like this—still telling me to step down... could it be that he’s not up to it?

Straightening her collar and sleeves, Zhou Xunli glanced at the fox fur on the desk. He gestured toward the exit, “Since you've returned the item, the heir’s wife should be going back, right?”

Ah, going back already? She still had important matters to discuss.

But the awkward atmosphere in this small room lingered, hard to dissipate.

Xie Shu first chuckled lightly, then, after calming herself, said, “Actually... I do have something important.”

“Speak.” One word, cold and curt, devoid of warmth.

Yet only Zhou Xunli knew that it had been he who pushed Xie Shu away earlier, but when his arms were suddenly empty, a strange sense of loss welled up inside him. Especially the delicate, boneless touch in his palm—it was hard to forget.

Perhaps he was truly so greedy for a woman’s affection?

“I came this time to deliver a gift to the Prefect,” Xie Shu said, regaining her vigor when speaking of serious matters.

Raising an eyebrow, she added, “The Ning family’s evidence of crimes is incomplete; I’m sure you noticed right away, Lord Zhou.”

“Hm. So?” Zhou Xunli’s expression remained icy.

Uh...

What a bore.

Seeing his businesslike demeanor, Xie Shu pulled a jade token from her sleeve and laid it on the table, speaking softly, “To destroy a noble family’s foundation, one must find the decisive evidence that cuts off the roots.”

Zhou Xunli took the jade token and examined it closely. Inscribed were the characters “Guangling Merchants’ Guild.” He didn’t bother with riddles and asked straightforwardly, “What do you mean?”

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“The Crown Prince has been recruiting soldiers nonstop these past years, but Consort Shu came from a mere palace maid. Where do you think all that money comes from?” Xie Shu explained. In her previous life, managing the Cheng’en Marquis’s household expenses, she had noticed irregularities when reviewing the estate’s shops. The Ning family’s ancestral home was Guangling; though they owned a few silk shops, business was bleak, yet their accounts showed continuous income.

Moreover, the largest transactions were with the Crown Prince.

“The Ning family?” Zhou Xunli finally looked directly at Xie Shu, his tone laden with doubt. “The Cheng’en Marquis’s estate survives only by imperial favor. The Ning family might have several businesses but mostly live off palace resources to maintain appearances. How much could they really earn?”

Zhou Xunli had long investigated the Crown Prince’s finances; despite thorough scrutiny, only minor embezzlement had been found—nothing significant.

Xie Shu pointed to the jade token. “Silk business can’t make much profit, but what about illicit salt?”

“The old Ning patriarch is half-buried in the earth; the gold hidden in his mansion isn’t for his own use,” she hinted. “The Ning family head is vice president of the Guangling Merchants’ Guild. Lord Zhou, perhaps you should send someone to investigate.”

“How do you know this?” Zhou Xunli turned the jade token between his fingers, tapping the table lightly—the crisp sound like a beating heart.

For a woman long confined to the inner chambers, she seemed to know too much.

Unless the General’s Residence of Zhenyuan had long been plotting.

If so, they would have to be wary of the Zhenyuan General’s house in the future.

Meeting Zhou Xunli’s scrutinizing gaze, Xie Shu instantly sensed his suspicion. She curled her lips in a self-mocking smile and said, “You may not believe it, but I have died once already. These matters came to me in a dream from my past life.”

Zhou Xunli never believed in ghosts or gods.

He simply thought Xie Shu was making excuses on the spot.

“Lord Zhou, our goals are the same. You want the Second Prince to win; I want the Ning family destroyed.” Xie Shu extended her hand toward Zhou Xunli. “If we can cooperate, so much the better.”

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Both believed this implicitly.

After a moment’s hesitation, Zhou Xunli, despite his prejudice against Xie Shu, agreed with her.

In courtly struggles, allies were essential.

“Very well.” Zhou Xunli grasped her hand.

Encouraged, Xie Shu shamelessly added, “Also, if the Prefect could help me with a small favor, I would be deeply grateful.”