The Dali Temple became busy due to the case of Xie Chongjun.
As it involved a high-ranking official, Meng Changdong's status was insufficient. Situ Yan had to cut his vacation short and dutifully return to work. Although the evidence had been collected long ago, the actual trial still involved a considerable amount of work.
Situ Yan had been busy until deep into the night the day before. Finally returning home, he expected warmth and softness waiting for him in bed, only to find a guest still at their residence at this hour.
Feng Xinyao sat on a lower chair, her head resting on his wife's lap, softly pouring out her heart: "Sister Lu, Xinyao cannot bear to part with you."
"If you can't bear to part, then stay. Ten thousand taels of silver, we can afford that." It wasn't that Lu Nianfu was generous; rather, the thought of Situ Jue, poisoned and nearing his end, brought her immense satisfaction.
The enemies she couldn't deal with herself, Xinyao had helped her avenge. Forget ten thousand taels, even twenty or thirty thousand, she wouldn't bat an eye.
To think he'd always relied on connections to climb up, and then turned his back like this. He deserved to die by a woman's hand.
"Ten thousand taels? What ten thousand taels?" Situ Yan stumbled, his stinginess flaring up again.
Feng Xinyao quickly stood up and respectfully bowed to him, "Your Highness."
Lu Nianfu was much more casual, "You've returned so late from work, you must be hungry. Aunt Cui should have some supper for you."
"I've already eaten. Why has Xinyao come so late at night?"
Feng Xinyao said, "Your Highness, I've come to bid you farewell."
Situ Yan reacted swiftly, "Did your plan succeed?"
"Yes. According to Imperial Physician Ji, within three months, he will surely die from blood failure."
"Then why the ten thousand taels again?"
Feng Xinyao explained, "Today, Situ Jue came to me asking for money, saying he was short. He even promised me the position of a concubine. To coax him into drinking, I agreed. But you know, the hatred for the death of a father is irreconcilable. Even if my money were to feed dogs, I would never let him gain even a shred of benefit. Therefore, I plan to go to my second uncle. If my brother comes looking for me, please inform him that I am waiting for him at my uncle's place."
Situ Yan, who also lived off others, still scoffed at Situ Jue's actions, "Where does he get the confidence that his concubine position is worth ten thousand taels? I think you've done very well. Absolutely do not give him the ten thousand taels."
Lu Nianfu said, "Your Highness, it's better to give it. If Xinyao suddenly disappears, what if it alerts him? The blood-sucking蛊 has already been planted, we should be more cautious."
"What are you afraid of? As long as Mo Sang doesn't intervene, who can cure the蛊 on him?"
"It's better to be safe than sorry. No one expected Mo Sang to appear out of nowhere before, did they?"
Situ Yan looked at Feng Xinyao, his resolve wavering.
This girl had bravely come to the capital alone, even entering the pleasure house to exact revenge. Now that she finally saw a glimmer of hope, if she failed at the last moment, who knew what complications would arise later. Forget it, forget it. He had interacted with Prefect Feng, so it was like looking after his orphaned child.
Besides, for goodness sake, Ji Jin had developed feelings for her.
It was only when he was older that he finally understood, and it wouldn't do to let Feng Xinyao slip away.
With this in mind, he grudgingly said, "Wife, withdraw funds from the account and let Xinyao use it to deal with Situ Jue."
Feng Xinyao quickly said, "Your Highness, if money absolutely must be given, there's no need for you to provide so much. I have some savings myself. This is my Feng family's revenge; Your Highness and Sister Lu have already helped me greatly."
"Keep your money for your dowry later. Your great revenge is accomplished, and do you intend to stay in the Hall of Pleasure forever? And your brother, he's fourteen this year, isn't he? In a couple of years, he'll need to find a wife. It wouldn't do for your second uncle to bear this cost."
Xinyao froze.
She hadn't thought about the future for a long time. After all, her enemy was a prince. In her heart, being able to sacrifice her life to take Situ Jue down with her was the best outcome.
Seeing her dazed, Lu Nianfu took her hand and said, "Xinyao, one cannot live their life solely on hatred. Now that your great revenge is attained, you should think about your future. Go back and consider my words carefully, and then come discuss it with your sister tomorrow."
"Yes, thank you, Sister Lu."
Lu Nianfu arranged a carriage to send her back to the Hall of Pleasure.
Entering the room again, Situ Yan was already in bed. Sensing her presence, he said with his eyes closed, "Wife, you must talk to Xinyao properly tomorrow. Women, after all, end up getting married, don't they? Ah Jin is really quite good, and he's deeply devoted to her. If she misses this chance, she won't get another. Tell her to be quick about it."
Lu Nianfu: ...
"I said, why were you so generous today, giving away ten thousand taels without batting an eye? It turns out it was for Ah Jin."
Situ Yan felt wronged, "Without batting an eye? My heart was aching so much it was numb!"