Chapter Forty-One: Zhu Yuzheng

When Chu Youcai finally returned home, it was nearly the fourth watch of the night. Princess Lotus, curious about what kind of person Yun Cuixian might be, first caught sight of a breathtakingly beautiful woman reclining on a stone bench in the courtyard, feigning sleep.

Moonlight danced across her brows and lashes, illuminating her dignified and graceful features. Such noble poise—Princess Lotus had seen it only in her own mother before. Yun Cuixian, hearing footsteps, opened her eyes to see Chu Youcai and Hongyu approaching. She smiled gently, rose, and said, “You’ve returned, my lord. Let me warm some food for you.” She asked nothing of why he was so late.

Chu Youcai shook his head. “There’s no need for that. It’s late—just bring us some flatbread. I imagine Hongyu must be famished.”

“I’m not hungry…” Hongyu murmured, but her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.

Yun Cuixian handed some flatbread to Chu Youcai and Hongyu. Hongyu, truly ravenous after the exhausting ritual she had performed in the underworld, took a huge bite, nearly finishing it in one go.

Only then did she notice both Chu Youcai and Yun Cuixian watching her with bemused curiosity. Her face reddened further. “I’ll go back to my room,” she said, and hurried off with her bread to the chamber she shared with Ju Xue.

At this, Yun Cuixian and Chu Youcai exchanged a warm, knowing smile.

Yun Cuixian then helped Chu Youcai out of his coat and straightened his clothes. “You’ve had a long day, my lord. You should get some rest.”

He nodded, and together they lay down to sleep. Yet, each kept to their own bedclothes, a small space separating their bodies, and soon drifted off.

From within Chu Youcai’s inner sleeve, Princess Lotus quietly poked out her head, her face awash with astonishment. Yun Cuixian’s beauty was indeed on par with her own. And such gentle virtue—surely the favorite of all men. She hadn’t even questioned Chu Youcai about his late return or his time with Hongyu, but cared for him all the same.

Yet, something about their relationship seemed odd. Warmth and courtesy were there, but also an inexplicable distance, completely unlike what she’d imagined. Was this the woman Chu Youcai loved with unwavering devotion? Could this manner of interaction between them really be right?

The night passed. At dawn, Yun Cuixian woke early. Seeing Ju Xue preparing breakfast, she joined in to help, and before long, the sky began to lighten.

Chu Youcai and Hongyu soon woke as well, and together they ate porridge and flatbread. Meanwhile, Princess Lotus remained hidden in Chu Youcai’s sleeve, sustained by spiritual energy and the aura of the Dragon Pearl, untouched by hunger.

After breakfast, Yun Cuixian addressed Chu Youcai earnestly. “My lord, yesterday I made some inquiries. In Yanzhou City, thirteen taverns had storytellers recounting this incident, all starting overnight. The leader among them is Zhu Yuzheng, son of the orthodox Daoist master Zhu Huiweng. He is known to be frivolous and talentless—there must be another hand behind this.”

Chu Youcai was startled. In just half a night, Yun Cuixian had learned so much. How had she managed it?

Yun Cuixian continued, “Zhu Yuzheng is expected at the tavern around noon. It’s said he’ll perform regularly from today onward. There’s still half a day left—enough time for me to investigate further.” Her eyes shone with determination.

Chu Youcai hesitated. “Should I help you?”

“My lord, you’ve been busy until late last night. Judging by your exhausted aura, you must have faced grave danger. You should rest this morning. Let me handle these trivial matters,” Yun Cuixian replied gently, but with resolute firmness.

Seeing her so decisive, Chu Youcai relented. “Then be careful.”

“I will.” Yun Cuixian and Ju Xue pushed open the door, preparing to leave.

Just then, they encountered a woman in red—Shangguan Wanru.

“Are you heading out to investigate Zhu Yuzheng?” she asked softly.

“Indeed,” Yun Cuixian replied.

“You’ve helped me so much recently. Let me accompany you today,” Shangguan Wanru said with a faint smile.

Yun Cuixian was surprised by this sudden change in Shangguan Wanru’s demeanor—from icy to gentle—but also delighted. “Thank you, Sister Shangguan.”

As Shangguan Wanru followed Yun Cuixian, her gaze lingered on Chu Youcai in the courtyard—a glance that held both annoyance and something more elusive.

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At that moment, Chu Youcai was too deep in thought to notice Shangguan Wanru’s expression.

The name of the orthodox Daoist Zhu Huiweng was renowned far and wide; he believed the heart was the most spiritual part of man, revered justice, and his fame was widespread. Though rooted in Daoist tradition, he had little interest in Daoist arts—otherwise, his virtue might have been celebrated for generations.

His son, Zhu Yuzheng, was of lofty birth. How had he become a storyteller, launching an attack against Chu Youcai? And was Zhu Huiweng himself complicit?

Yun Cuixian had described Zhu Yuzheng as talentless and frivolous, but the Zhu family’s influence was immense and not easily shaken. Her cautiousness was well-founded.

Chu Youcai felt a growing sense of urgency. Yun Cuixian had only half a day to uncover the truth behind Zhu Huiweng and the storytellers—time was short.

Whatever happened, these rumors could not be allowed to spread further. If left unchecked, slander would become truth in the eyes of the masses, and disaster would be irreversible.

But what kind of man was Zhu Yuzheng, truly?

Just then, Hongyu spoke up. “I’ve seen Zhu Yuzheng before…”

“You have?” Chu Youcai asked, surprised.

“Yes, at the Lei household. Lei Yinyang drank with him. He was surrounded by heavily painted women,” Hongyu replied with a look of disgust. “He’s a slick talker—quite obnoxious. I only caught sight of him from afar.”

“So Zhu Yuzheng and Lei Yinyang are close…” Chu Youcai mused.

Hongyu, indignant, said, “If Zhu Yuzheng slanders you so and can gather so many storytellers, he must be up to no good. His father is probably a villain, too.”

Chu Youcai shook his head. “Master Zhu is a man of great virtue. If he knew his son consorted with the likes of Lei Yinyang, he’d probably be furious. But that’s a distant concern. Zhu Yuzheng orchestrating public slander like this, so brazenly—he must have further schemes in play.”

He lapsed into thoughtful silence.

Meanwhile, Princess Lotus’s heart stirred with an idea.