Chapter Thirty-Nine: Both Captured

Barbarians broke into the courtyard, nearly injuring members of the royal family, and all laughter ceased abruptly.

After hearing the maid’s report, the Second Madam became afraid of taking responsibility, so the talent performances ended on that note, and she found an excuse for the young ladies to return to their elders.

Suddenly, chaos broke out beside the winding stream, yet Xue Fanzhi still did not see Xue Jiaoyue.

Given Xue Jiaoyue’s temperament, after making such a sensation, she would certainly want to show off to her sisters; it was impossible she wouldn’t appear.

The young ladies from every family banded together, and the girls of the Xue family were no exception. The Sixth Lady asked a maid from the Xie family to find the Second Madam, wanting to inquire about Xue Jiaoyue.

They waited a long time, but there was no reply.

Xue Wunian, who had come with the Third Old Madam, grew impatient and called out, “Isn’t this the business of the main branch? Eighth Sister is here, why should we worry?!”

Sixth Sister frowned and said, “We all share the Xue surname. Aren’t you part of the family? If something really happened to the Seventh Lady, people wouldn’t say it was just her—people would say it was a Xue family daughter!”

This was the trouble with powerful clans: honor and disgrace were shared by all.

“So the Seventh Lady ran off to play; is that my fault?” Fifth Sister protested indignantly.

No one responded.

Fifth Sister turned to Fourth Sister and said, “Fourth Sister, you’re the eldest here. No one else gets to decide. Are you coming with me or not?”

Since Fourth Sister was the eldest, she would bear the brunt if anything happened.

Sixth Sister, anxious, was about to warn Fourth Sister not to agree, when Fourth Sister stared blankly at Fifth Sister and asked, “What are you all talking about?”

Fourth Sister was even more slow-witted than Xue Fanzhi; her reactions were always delayed.

Everyone fell silent.

Noticing the others looking at her, Fourth Sister smiled awkwardly. “I just keep hearing you talk about looking for Seventh Sister. Did something happen to her? Why are we looking for her?”

If anything had happened, it was already too late.

Xue Fanzhi had not wanted to involve herself in Xue Jiaoyue’s affairs, but in the end, they were family. She discussed with Sixth Sister about borrowing two people from the Xie family.

At that moment, a neatly dressed maid approached and asked, “Who is Miss Xue Fanzhi?”

Before Xue Fanzhi could answer, Fifth Sister cut in, “Is there good news?”

The maid smiled. “Our Madam wishes to speak with Miss Xue Fanzhi; Miss Jiaoyue has sent word through her!”

If this concerned Xue Jiaoyue, it could hardly be anything good for Xue Fanzhi.

Losing interest, Fifth Sister pointed to Xue Fanzhi. “That’s her!”

The maid gave Xue Fanzhi a respectful curtsey. “Miss Jiaoyue’s dance was exquisite. Our Madam wishes her to teach Miss Fourteen singing and dancing. Miss Jiaoyue said this must be approved by an elder, and as she cannot leave, our Madam invites Miss Xue Fanzhi to come and speak!”

What business could truly keep Xue Jiaoyue? Xue Fanzhi sensed contradictions in the maid’s words. Yet she recognized the maid as a second-rank servant close to the Second Madam; likely, Xue Jiaoyue wanted someone to boast to but couldn’t find anyone, so she insisted on having her come.

Thinking this through, Xue Fanzhi felt no reason to refuse. Away from home, she preferred not to quarrel with Xue Jiaoyue in case outsiders laughed at them.

She raised her hand. “Lead the way, please.”

The maid curtseyed to the rest of the Xue family and left.

As soon as they departed, Fifth Sister sneered at Xue Fanzhi’s retreating figure. “What’s so special about her? I said we shouldn’t bother with the main branch’s business. When there are benefits, do they ever think of us? Some people are just desperate to curry favor and forget who their real family is!”

It was obvious she was insulting Sixth Sister.

The second and third branches truly shared a closer bloodline; Fifth Sister felt Sixth Sister was not close to her.

Sixth Sister, gentle on the surface but strong inside, naturally ignored such petty words.

Fourth Sister remained bewildered. “Aren’t we all from the same family? We’re relatives, aren’t we?”

Sixth Sister: “…”

Fifth Sister: “…”

Xue Fanzhi had never been to the Xie residence, but as a Taoist, she understood geomancy. It was clear the direction they walked was not toward the master’s quarters.

She stopped in her tracks and asked, “Where exactly are you taking me?”

“To find me, of course!” came a sharp, coquettish voice.

By the light of the lantern, Xue Fanzhi saw the speaker’s face twisted with contempt and triumph, surrounded by attendants—who else but Miss Fourteen?

No wonder she could command the Second Madam’s maid; she was the Second Madam’s favored daughter.

Xue Fanzhi grew wary. “This is the Xie household. I am a guest. If anything happens to me, won’t your family be shamed?”

Miss Fourteen laughed loudly. “Don’t worry. If something happens, the tall ones will take the blame. I’ve nothing to fear!”

With a glance, she signaled her attendants.

Two attendants immediately stepped forward and seized Xue Fanzhi.

Seeing no one else nearby and little hope of rescue, Xue Fanzhi, desperate, deliberately kicked off her embroidered shoe into the grass, hoping someone who knew her might follow that clue.

Then she demanded, “At least let me die knowing why. What do you want with me?”

Miss Fourteen strode up, snatched from Xue Fanzhi’s waist the jade token given by the Dowager, and grinned slyly. “You’re in luck. Someone of importance has taken a liking to you. Seize the opportunity—who knows, your Xue family might soar to new heights!”

Was she to be sold for her beauty? Xue Fanzhi’s heart sank.

Contrary to her fears, Miss Fourteen did not send her to some dark, hidden corner. Instead, she found herself still within the Xie estate, in a grand and resplendent hall, filled with distinguished guests, music, and dancing.

Seated in the place of honor was a portly middle-aged man. Xue Fanzhi did not recognize him, but the dragon embroidery on his robes revealed he was of imperial blood.

Yet, at his age, he could only be akin to the late Crown Prince or Second Prince. The Third Prince was an invalid, the Fourth Prince, whom she had seen, was much younger, and it was impossible for it to be anyone of lower rank. Who was this man?

Her escort did not present her before the man, but instead led her around a supporting pillar and forced her into a lavish sitting room behind the hall.

As soon as she reached the door, she was pushed inside, stumbling as the doors slammed shut.

Within, the room was brightly lit. On the couch sat Xue Jiaoyue, fixing her with a look of bitter resentment.

Xue Fanzhi frowned. “What are you doing here?”

After her performance, Xue Jiaoyue had been summoned by a noble, expecting a reward or perhaps a marriage proposal. Instead, she found herself lured into a trap by the Xie family, offered as a plaything to Prince Shou.

Xue Jiaoyue retorted, “Do you know why you are here?”

She chose her words carefully—why you are here, not why her specifically. The change of order carried a different, more subtle meaning.

Remembering the maid’s message, that it was the Seventh Lady who had sent for her, Xue Fanzhi realized that, though the maid had lied about much, this detail was true.

Xue Jiaoyue, having fallen into trouble herself, had not sought a way out, but had instead dragged her into it.

Understanding this, Xue Fanzhi gave no reply. She strode up to Xue Jiaoyue and, raising her hand, slapped her hard across the face. “Shameless wretch—will you never learn?”