The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 508 The End of a Dream
On New Year's Day of the first year of the Hongwu reign, the city of Bianjing still carried the festive atmosphere of the holiday after the smoke of war had cleared. The snow in the streets and alleys had been swept to the sides, and the melted snow water meandered dark lines on the bluestone slabs. Children, dressed in new coats, chased and played, and occasionally the sound of firecrackers would rise sporadically from some courtyards.

Deep within a small, unassuming courtyard in Yongning Lane in the south of the city, a warm atmosphere lingers, yet a touch of chill remains. The high courtyard walls isolate the bustling outside world, creating a sense of isolation.

Zhang Zhenniang leaned against the chaise lounge by the window, gazing absently at the old plum tree covered in snow in the courtyard. She wore a light blue brocade jacket with a circle of soft fur trim around the collar and cuffs. Although she was nearly thirty, she still retained a charming elegance in her eyes and brows due to her good maintenance.

The fire in the stove was burning brightly, and the finest silver-boned charcoal was silently releasing heat. A faint sandalwood fragrance filled the air, mingling with the steam from the warm ginseng soup in her hand.

It's been almost two years.

Since that night of the upheaval at Anle Pavilion, she has been used as a key by that young man who rose like a comet to pry open the cage that imprisoned her and also confined the last vestiges of the Great Liang Dynasty. Nearly two years have passed since then.

Back then, although she was the lawfully wedded wife of the Underworld Emperor Zhu Yougui, she was offered as a tribute to the licentious Zhu Wen by her husband, becoming both a monitor and a plaything.

During that period, despite the immense favor and wealth she enjoyed, she also experienced constant fear and humiliation. She could only try to be as arrogant and extravagant as possible to fill the void in her heart that she might die a violent death one day.

Until the young man named Xiao Yan appeared. He brought her many novel and strange trinkets to cheer her up, and with a few seemingly casual words of concern, he made her infatuated with him. Like a ray of light, faint yet real, he shone into her dark life, improving her mood and making her crave to possess him, to have him all to herself, to be obsessed with him.

Therefore, he took advantage of her desire for so-called love and used her to lure Zhu Wen out of the deep palace.

After that night, Zhu Wen abdicated, Zhu Yougui died, and Zhu Youzhen was put on the throne. However, real power fell into the hands of Xiao Yan, who was then just a Marquis of Champion.

A mere youth, barely twenty, became unstoppable. He pacified the imperial guards, eliminated regional warlords, conquered Sichuan and Chongqing, quelled rebellions in Qi and Long, drove out the northern deserts, and captured Taiyuan… Millions bowed before him, and everyone sang his praises. He became the ruler of the world, the Heavenly Khan, the emperor and Son of Heaven to whom all barbarians paid tribute. He remained young, still as blazing and dazzling as the rising sun.

What about her?

After she had served her purpose, she was quietly placed in this secluded courtyard.

No one ever questioned her status as a concubine of the Zhu imperial family, nor did she receive any extra favors. She was simply given a peaceful place and a few maids she was used to. She had no shortage of necessities and was well-fed and clothed, yet she seemed to have been forgotten by the whole world.

Should she hate him?
Zhang Zhenniang asked herself these questions, but could not find an answer.

He used her, but he also freed her completely from the perverse clutches of Zhu Wen and his son. Compared to the days of constant fear, humiliation from both sides, and uncertainty, her current peace and solitude are a blessing.

But this favor was far too cold. So much so that the cloak he draped over her that night in Anle Pavilion became the only warm color she had been repeatedly savoring for the past year, one she could not forget.

The faint sounds of women laughing and talking outside the courtyard gate interrupted Zhang Zhenniang's thoughts.

She frowned slightly. Yongning Lane was mostly inhabited by small families, and she rarely went out, seldom interacting with her neighbors. But ever since she was spotted by several enthusiastic women when she went out with her maid to buy needles and thread before the Lunar New Year, her doorstep seemed to have become easier to cross. Especially during the New Year holidays, this was the third group of visits ostensibly to offer New Year's greetings.

“Madam,” the maid Yun’er said, lifting the cotton curtain as she entered, her face showing some embarrassment, “Aunt Wang and Sister Li from the alley entrance, as well as Mrs. Zhao from across the street, have come again. They say they’ve come to wish you a belated New Year.”

Zhang Zhenniang put down her teacup and sighed softly, "Please come in, sit in the front hall."

She straightened her clothes, trying to appear more natural. After all, they were neighbors; it wasn't good to always keep them at arm's length. Besides… in this stagnant life, the occasional sounds from the outside world, even just trivial chatter, could temporarily dispel the endless loneliness.

Soon, three women carrying some simple snacks were led in.

The leader, Aunt Wang, was around forty years old, with a round, smiling face and a loud voice; Sister Li was thinner and didn't talk much, but she was the most fond of echoing others; the youngest was Mrs. Zhao, not yet thirty, wearing a brand-new cotton-padded jacket and a silver hairpin in her hair. In terms of appearance, she was indeed a pretty girl from a modest family, but there was always a hint of scrutiny and a subtle sense of superiority in her eyes.

"Oh dear, Lady Zhen, I hope I haven't disturbed your peace and quiet during the New Year holiday?"

As soon as Aunt Wang entered, she spoke warmly, but her eyes quickly scanned the front hall, glancing at the burning charcoal brazier, the small sandalwood table, and Zhang Zhenniang's obviously expensive brocade jacket. Her smile grew even warmer: "Zhenniang, you look so radiant today. The material of this jacket really suits you."

Aunt Li chimed in, "Indeed, Zhenniang's demeanor is quite different from ours."

"Please sit down, sisters-in-law. Yun'er, bring some tea." Zhang Zhenniang forced a smile and gestured for them to sit down.

She knew why these neighbors always liked to come to her place. After all, she was a woman living alone, yet she had a good standard of living. Her husband never showed up, and she had no relatives visiting. She could also occasionally take advantage of them here, so she naturally became the focus of their attention.

After everyone sat down, Yun'er served hot tea. Aunt Li warmed her hands with the teacup and clicked her tongue, saying, "It's so warm here, Zhenniangzi. The charcoal burns without a trace of smoke; it must be expensive, right?"

"It's alright, it's usable enough," Zhang Zhenniang replied vaguely.

Madam Zhao took a sip of tea, her gaze falling on Zhang Zhenniang's slender, jade-like fingers. She smiled and said, "Zhenniang, you can tell you come from a good family. Your face and figure are so different from us rough folks. It's just that it's the New Year, and it's a bit quiet at home with only you here. Your brother-in-law... is still away on duty and hasn't come back yet?"

As she spoke, she shook her head again: "Being an official sent to a remote area is too hard; you can't even reunite with your family during holidays."

Here we go again. Zhang Zhenniang felt a pang of sadness, but her expression remained calm: "My husband is busy with official duties and the journey is long, so he won't be back for a while. There's nothing I can do about it."

"Oh, it must be really tough," Aunt Wang chimed in, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "If you ask me, Zhenniangzi, you're so young, it's not sustainable for you to be managing this whole courtyard all by yourself. Your husband... which prefecture or county is he working in? I heard you mention him last time, but with my terrible memory... it's been a year, and I haven't heard a word from him. Could it be..."

The rest of the sentence was left unsaid, but Zhang Zhenniang could understand the implied meaning: he clearly suspected that she had been abandoned, or that he thought she was a mistress who couldn't be brought into the light of day.

Among the neighbors, such speculation about someone like her was perfectly normal. Especially since Zhang Zhenniang was so charming, even a fleeting glimpse of her in public would cause the men in the neighborhood to be anxious and worried, naturally making these women even more preoccupied with her.

Zhang Zhenniang gently blew on her tea, her tone as calm as possible: "Aunt Wang, you're too kind. My husband is doing well. He's in a small prefecture in Hebei, a place you might not even know. Besides, his duties are special, so it's not convenient to disclose them."

Mrs. Zhao put down her teacup and raised her voice slightly: "Oh, what kind of job is so mysterious? You can't even tell your wife? My husband works in Kaifeng Prefecture. Although he is just an official in charge of the cabinet and his job is not very important, he is still a proper official in the capital. He is usually very disciplined, but he has never said that he doesn't want his family to know where he is."

The woman said this, but her words clearly carried a hint of boasting.

The so-called "Guan Gou Jia Ge Guan" was an official in charge of the archives and storage of government offices. His rank was only the ninth grade, but since he worked in Kaifeng Prefecture, it was indeed a very respectable position for ordinary people in Bianjing City.

Zhang Zhenniang didn't want to dwell on the topic, so she lowered her eyes and said, "Everyone has their own rules."

Seeing that she was being so vague again, the women exchanged glances, and Zhao's wife couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Aunt Wang smoothed things over, saying, "Alright, alright, let's not talk about this. Zhenniangzi has it tough all by herself, and we're all neighbors, so it's only right that we help each other out."

She smiled, then returned the conversation to Madam Zhao, "Speaking of which, shouldn't the Zhao brothers have received a promotion after all these years in Kaifeng Prefecture?"

Mrs. Zhao immediately frowned, as if her worries had been exposed: "Who says otherwise! My husband is an honest man who only knows how to work hard and doesn't understand those ways of scheming. Many of his peers have been promoted, but he's still stuck in the same place. I've worried about this a lot."

Aunt Li chimed in, "That's right. It's tough working in the capital without anyone to promote you."

Zhao's wife suddenly looked at Zhang Zhenniang, her face beaming with a smile: "Zhenniang, since your husband is an official in another place, and in Hebei at that, he must be quite a figure. I wonder... if my brother-in-law could have some free time in the future to give my husband some pointers? Even just a simple meal would be good, to hear how officials handle things. We will definitely remember this kindness."

As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on Zhang Zhenniang, as if she wanted to see right through her.

Zhang Zhenniang's heart tightened suddenly. How could she possibly invite "her husband" to meet a mere ninth-rank official in Kaifeng Prefecture?
Her face paled slightly, and she twisted her cuffs with her fingers, her voice lowering slightly: "This... I'm afraid it's difficult for me to bring this up. My husband... his return date is uncertain, and as a woman, I never concern myself with official matters... He's never liked these things either."

Seeing her decline again, Zhao's wife's smile faded, her lips curled, and her tone turned cold: "Oh, then forget it. I thought that since we're neighbors, it would be reasonable to help each other out. It seems I was presumptuous; I'm not worthy of your family's status."

These words already carried a hint of sarcasm, and Aunt Wang and Sister Li felt somewhat embarrassed, making the atmosphere in the room instantly awkward.

Zhang Zhenniang bit her lip, feeling embarrassed and powerless. She knew what these women were thinking; they simply assumed she was of unknown identity, not valued, and perhaps even just a plaything kept in captivity.

These women's curiosity was clearly mixed with pity and a degree of jealousy, as well as a strange sense of superiority. After all, even if Zhang Zhenniang had no worries about food and clothing, she was still just a mistress, without any official status. Otherwise, why would no one pay attention to her during the holidays?

But just as the atmosphere became awkward, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.

The maid Yun'er rushed in again, her face filled with disbelief, panic, and a hint of suppressed excitement. Her voice trembled slightly as she cried out, "Madam! Madam! My lord...my lord is back! His carriage is at the alley entrance!"

"What?" Zhang Zhenniang suddenly stood up, bumping into the small table beside her. The teacup sloshed, spilling some tea that left dark stains on her skirt. She thought she had misheard and was momentarily speechless.

The three women were stunned, exchanging bewildered glances. He's really back? What a coincidence!
Aunt Wang was the first to react, and her face immediately lit up with a curious smile: "Oh my! What a coincidence! Zhenniangzi, quick, go and greet him! Let us see what kind of person your brother-in-law is!"

Zhao's wife also stood up, her face filled with surprise and uncertainty. She tugged at the corner of her mouth and said, "Yes, it's a good opportunity for us to see what kind of busy official business could keep my brother-in-law from coming home for the holidays."

Zhang Zhenniang was in a state of utter confusion, as if waking from a dream. She straightened her clothes, ignoring their tone, and, supported by Yun'er, walked out almost unsteadily. The women immediately surrounded her, rushing eagerly towards the courtyard gate.

At the courtyard gate, a man dressed in a light blue robe stood with his hands behind his back, facing away from the gate. He was very tall with a straight back and shoulders. His robe was made of fine Shu brocade, but it had no complicated patterns. Only silver thread outlined cloud patterns on the collar and cuffs, simple yet noble.

When he heard the noise and turned around, he saw that the man had a handsome face and an indescribable air about him. Just by standing there casually, he naturally became the center of attention, making him impossible to ignore.

Behind him followed a pageboy with two small red eyebrows, carrying several brocade boxes. He was also handsome, but his expression was cold and aloof, and he never looked to the side.

A plain-looking horse-drawn carriage was parked at the entrance of the alley.

The women fell silent instantly, their gazes all fixed on the man. They didn't know much about Shu brocade and silk, but they could intuitively feel an indescribable sense of oppression. This handsome young man was completely different from the bloated, wealthy merchant or the sullen, old official they had imagined. His demeanor was gentle yet incredibly intimidating, and when they met his gaze... no, they didn't dare to meet his gaze at all.

Aunt Wang subconsciously suppressed her smile, and Sister Li shrank back. A flash of amazement crossed Zhao's wife's eyes, but then doubt crept in.

This man was excessively young. Although he had an extraordinary bearing, his clothes were not extremely luxurious, and he had only one attendant. His vehicle was ordinary. This kind of pomp and circumstance did not seem to match the image of a high-ranking official they had imagined. Instead, he seemed like a low-ranking scion of a noble family in some prestigious government office who was only there to gain experience.

Zhang Zhenniang simply stood frozen inside the threshold, staring blankly at the man.

Sunlight streamed down his shoulders, blurring her vision with light and shadow, making her heart pound like a drum. It really was him… How could he be here? For over a year, she had never imagined he would actually appear here, not even in her dreams.

Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the crowd, lingering briefly on the curious, scrutinizing, and timid faces of Aunt Wang and the others, before finally landing on Zhang Zhenniang, whose face was pale and eyes were filled with tears. His tone was flat and emotionless, as if he were simply returning home: "Zhenniang, what are these?"

Zhang Zhenniang opened her mouth, but her throat seemed to be blocked by something, and she couldn't make a sound.

Upon seeing this, Yun'er quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and replied in a clear voice, "My lord, they are the aunts and sisters-in-law from the neighborhood. They often come to 'care' for you, and they have come to wish you a Happy New Year today."

The young girl had a few tricks up her sleeve; she deliberately emphasized the word "concern" in her words.

Xiao Yan, being a man of his stature, immediately discerned the implied meaning. His gaze shifted slightly, sweeping over the women with their varied expressions once more. A faint smile seemed to twitch at the corner of his lips as he nodded ambiguously: "I see. It's common for neighbors to visit each other during the New Year festival. Since we're neighbors, there's no need for formalities."

He stepped inside and walked naturally toward the hall, as if he were the true master of the house. "Zhenniang, make the arrangements. Let's have a simple meal here tonight."

The women were intimidated by his natural and imposing presence, and subconsciously made way for him, yet involuntarily followed him inside.

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating figure, Zhao's wife glanced at Zhang Zhenniang, who was following closely behind him, feeling both envious and resentful. She quickened her pace, forcing a smile, and said, "This gentleman looks so promising. May I ask where you hold your position? I was just talking to Sister Zhenniang about how my husband works in Kaifeng Prefecture and has had a long time without promotion. We were hoping that you could find some time..."

Xiao Yan didn't stop walking, as if he hadn't heard the probing in her words, and casually asked, "Oh? Kaifeng Prefecture? Who's on duty today?"

When Zhao's wife saw him respond, she was delighted and replied with a hint of pride, "It should be Judge Liu and Magistrate Wang on duty, right? My husband, Zhou Wang, also serves in the yamen. He's on duty today, so he probably won't be able to come and pay his respects to you, sir."

Xiao Yan could tell that she deliberately mentioned her husband's name and official rank, as well as his busy work, which implied a bit of showing off, but also a test to see if he could really get in touch with the Kaifeng Prefecture.

But he seemed to have just asked casually, and upon hearing the question, he did not stop and continued walking towards the hall.

Seeing his indifferent reaction—neither agreeing nor showing the slightest difficulty or awe—Zhao's wife felt her displeasure and doubt rise again. She thought this young man was probably a minor official from out of town, or simply the son of a merchant, unaware of the power of an official in the capital's government, or perhaps just bluffing.

She couldn't help but take two more steps forward, her tone carrying a hint of competition: "My lord may not know, but Kaifeng Prefecture is a vital area near the capital, with very strict rules. Even a minor official like my husband rarely gets to see his superiors. If you want to invite him over for dinner, you'll probably have to send out invitations and make arrangements several days in advance."

As she spoke, she glanced at Zhang Zhenniang, whose face had turned pale, with a meaningful look.

Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiaokui, who was standing beside Xiao Yan, frowned almost imperceptibly, glanced at Zhao's wife, and remained expressionless.

Xiao Yan had already strolled to the entrance of the hall, but paused slightly upon hearing this. He had only intended to have a simple meal at Zhang Zhenniang's place today, and indeed did not want to argue with this common woman over such pointless disputes, given their vastly different social statuses.

However, in the instant he paused, he caught a glimpse of Zhang Zhenniang standing to the side.

She was biting her lower lip hard, her eyes red-rimmed, trying to maintain her composure, but she couldn't hide her embarrassment and grievance. The maids beside her were also angry but dared not speak out, their faces showing resentment.

He slowly turned around, and for the first time his gaze truly fell on Zhao's wife's face. Although he remained calm and composed, it made Zhao's wife's heart tighten for no reason.

“Xiao Kui,” Xiao Yan said.

“Young Master,” Zhong Xiaokui immediately bowed and replied.

“Go to Kaifeng Prefecture. Ask who’s on duty today, and have him take that guy named…” Xiao Yan paused slightly and looked at Zhao’s wife.

Madam Zhao remained silent, while Yun'er quickly added, "My lord, it's Zhou Wang!" Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Have him bring this Zhou Wang over here. Tell him I'm returning to the capital today and would like to invite them for a simple meal."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

Aunt Wang and Sister Li stared wide-eyed, their mouths agape. The smugness and provocation on Zhao's wife's face froze instantly, turning into astonishment and disbelief.

She thought she must have misheard. Her husband's superior... was bringing her husband over for dinner? And it was said in such a casual tone, like "come over here."

Zhang Zhenniang also suddenly raised her head, her eyes blurry with tears as she looked at Xiao Yan's broad back. A complex and indescribable emotion welled up in her heart, and she hesitated to speak.

Zhong Xiao Kui responded without hesitation, then turned and walked quickly outside, her movements swift and decisive.

"Wait...wait!" Madam Zhao reacted quickly and exclaimed, "My lord, this...this is probably against the rules, isn't it? The officials of Kaifeng Prefecture are on duty; they can't just be summoned like that! You..."

But Zhong Xiao Kui didn't stop walking and ignored her. Her figure quickly disappeared outside the courtyard gate.

Xiao Yan seemed not to hear Zhao's wife's call and walked into the hall, where he sat down at the head of the table. Yun'er cleverly served him hot tea.

Madam Zhao stood rooted to the spot, her face alternating between pale and flushed. She found it absurd and impossible, yet Xiao Yan's completely nonchalant attitude and Zhong Xiao Kui's decisive manner made her uneasy. She forced a dry laugh, "Heh...heh...my husband is truly...truly a straightforward man. But...this is probably..."

Aunt Wang and Sister Li exchanged glances, their faces pale, their hearts pounding. This...it didn't seem like a joke. They exchanged a look and quietly moved back, trying to find an excuse to slip away.

Zhao's wife was caught in a dilemma, unable to leave or stay. In the end, she gritted her teeth and stepped into the hall, finding a stool at the lower end to sit down.

Seeing her like this, Aunt Wang and Sister Li felt embarrassed to immediately abandon their usually close friends from the official family. After all, the man from the Zhao family was an official, and his willingness to associate with them was already a great honor for them. So they had no choice but to bite the bullet and move inside, carefully sitting down on a stool near the door. At the same time, they were also somewhat curious to see what was going on. Could this young woman really have summoned an official from Kaifeng Prefecture?
Zhang Zhenniang nervously instructed several maids to prepare dinner, while she stood helplessly at the entrance of the hall, unsure of what to do if Xiao Yan saw this scene.

Xiao Yan took a sip of tea, glanced at her, and softened his tone: "What are you standing for? Sit down. Prepare some tea and snacks, and I'll sit with some of the neighbors."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhenniang looked up at him and saw that his gaze was gentle and genuine. Feeling somewhat relieved, she stepped forward and carefully sat down on a chair next to him, leaning half of her body towards him. Her posture revealed dependence and joy, and she would occasionally steal glances at him, as if to confirm that this was not a dream.

The atmosphere was rather subtle during the wait.

Xiao Yan chatted casually with Zhang Zhenniang, asking about her daily life, such as food, shelter, and winter heating. With this back-and-forth, Zhang Zhenniang gradually relaxed, her tone revealing genuine joy, as if she had truly found in Xiao Yan the feeling of a husband returning home, even though she knew this feeling was illusory and fragile.

Zhao's wife felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, constantly glancing anxiously outside, then looking at Xiao Yan, who remained calm and composed in the hall. Her confidence gradually eroded, and a sense of panic slowly crept up her spine.

Meanwhile, Aunt Wang secretly sized up Xiao Yan. Seeing that he was only twenty-two or twenty-three years old, with a handsome appearance and an extraordinary demeanor, she couldn't help but mutter to herself, vaguely feeling that she and the others might have really misjudged him and caused a big disaster.

"Where does the gentleman work?" Aunt Wang couldn't help but ask again cautiously, her voice much lower than before.

Xiao Yan was picking up his teacup when he heard this and paused: "Serving as an official in the countryside."

"I heard...I heard it's in Hebei?" Aunt Li mustered her courage to interject, trying to ease the tension. "Hebei is a wonderful place, everyone says it's the birthplace of His Majesty..."

Xiao Yan gave a faint "hmm" and didn't reply.

Aunt Li was met with a rebuff, feeling as if there were thorns on the stool, making her shift her body slightly, feeling extremely uncomfortable. She stole a glance outside the door and felt that in this short time, the sun seemed to move exceptionally slowly, each breath stretching out for an eternity.

"Look at my memory," Aunt Wang finally couldn't bear the oppressive atmosphere any longer and didn't want to suffer this inexplicable torment with Mrs. Zhao any longer. She suddenly forced a smile and stood up. "There's still some soup simmering on the stove for the child, and it's probably almost boiled dry. Let me go back and check..."

"No need to rush." ​​Xiao Yan smiled and put down his teacup. "Since the meal has been prepared, you can eat before you leave. If there is any emergency at home, you can send someone back to inform them."

As soon as he spoke, Li Sao, who had intended to slip away with him, froze on the spot, unsure whether to stand or sit. In the end, she could only awkwardly sit down again when Xiao Yan's gaze swept over her, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes tightly, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at anyone.

Seeing Aunt Wang and Sister Li in such a state, Zhao's wife was also afraid, but instead felt a stubbornness that made her give up. She snorted coldly at the two who wanted to abandon her and sat there stubbornly, but her face became more and more unpleasant.

Time ticked by, and the hall was eerily quiet, every breath clearly audible. No one dared to speak easily anymore, only the occasional whispers between Xiao Yan and Zhang Zhenniang remained.

Xiao Yan asked nothing more than whether her daily necessities were enough or if there was any shortage. His tone was gentle, and he even carried a hint of apology for not being able to take her to her post and leaving her alone in her empty room.

Zhang Zhenniang lowered her eyes, staring at the dark stain on her skirt that had been soaked by the tea spilled in her panic. She felt her cheeks burning, her heart filled with a mixture of joy and fear, bitterness and embarrassment.

His concern, even if it was just superficial, was enough to give her a small outlet for the loneliness and grievances she had felt over the past year. Her temperament had long been worn down by the cold treatment and previous hardships, and with Xiao Yan in person, she naturally found it difficult to suppress her true emotions.

However, she could also feel the women's cautious, probing, and speculative gazes. While feeling uneasy, she also vaguely felt a sense of exhilaration that was even greater than when she had been lording it over others in the Prince of Ying's mansion and the imperial palace.

Xiao Yan remained calm, seemingly oblivious to the strange atmosphere in the hall. He even raised his hand to signal Yun'er to refill the water, acting with extreme composure and naturalness, as if this were just one of the most ordinary of countless casual gatherings.

About half an incense stick later, a series of hurried and chaotic footsteps suddenly came from the alley entrance, along with several hushed, clearly panicked conversations and shouts.

Soon, led by a middle-aged man in a green official robe and a turban, four or five officials in official uniforms, looking flustered, rushed into the courtyard, almost staggering, under Zhong Xiaokui's guidance.

It was clear that they hadn't paid any attention to their appearance along the way; the hems of their official robes were even stained with snow and mud.

The leading official immediately spotted Xiao Yan sitting in the hall. Logically speaking, an official of his rank was not qualified to attend court sessions, much less have the honor of seeing the emperor, so naturally he could not possibly recognize Xiao Yan.

But when Xiao Yan returned victorious from the Northern Expedition and ascended the throne after the sacrificial ceremony, he had served as an official under the Kaifeng Prefecture and received the emperor from afar among the officials, maintaining order on behalf of his superior. That fleeting glimpse of the emperor's demeanor was already etched in his memory. In addition, the terrifying waist token shown by that cold-faced "little page" just now... Now, seeing the real person again, even though he was only wearing ordinary clothes, his face and demeanor were absolutely unmistakable.

In an instant, the leading official's legs went weak, his vision blurred, and he nearly collapsed to his knees in terror. Fortunately, his equally pale-faced colleague behind him grabbed his arm and managed to keep his balance. The group exchanged horrified glances, their foreheads instantly covered in cold sweat.

Zhao's wife also stood up abruptly, craning her neck to look at the newcomers. It was none other than Judge Liu and Magistrate Wang, who were on duty that day, as she had mentioned, along with several registrars and military advisors. Her husband, Zhou Wang, however, was deathly pale, looking as if he had seen a ghost. He huddled at the back, trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind, almost collapsing.

"Your Majesty..." Judge Liu's voice trembled, and the title "Your Majesty" almost slipped out, but when he met Xiao Yan's calm yet unfathomable gaze, he swallowed it back and changed his words, "I...I didn't know you summoned me, Your Majesty. I...I am late, Your Majesty, please forgive me! Forgive me!"

As he spoke, he bowed deeply, almost bending his body at a ninety-degree angle, as if he wanted to bury his head in the ground. The people behind him followed suit, bowing in unison, not daring to lift their heads.

The courtyard was completely silent, save for the heavy, tense breathing of the officials.

Mrs. Zhao was struck dumb, staring in disbelief at the scene before her. She looked at those "officials" who, in her eyes, were figures of great importance and whom her husband usually had to fawn over, now bowing and scraping before that young man, as fearful as mice before a cat. She felt a chill run from her feet to the top of her head, and her whole body froze.

Aunt Wang and Sister Li were terrified. The former slumped back onto her stool, her hands and feet ice-cold, her lips trembling. She wished she could disappear into the ground or turn back time to when she had never stepped into this courtyard.

Li Sao's legs went weak, and she almost slid to the ground if she hadn't been leaning against the door frame. She covered her mouth tightly with both hands, afraid that she would scream out of extreme terror. Her face was as pale as the snow outside, and her eyes were filled with horror.

Only now did they truly realize how ridiculous and terrifying their year-long "concern"—their prying, speculation, and even slightly superior attitude—had been, and how they had committed a terrible crime.

Xiao Yan put down his teacup, glanced at everyone in the courtyard, and spoke softly, breaking the silence: "It's good that you've come. It's just a small gathering of neighbors today, no need for formalities. Please come in and have a simple meal together."

"No! No! We, your humble servants..." Judge Liu hurriedly waved his hands, his voice trembling.

"Sit down." Xiao Yan's tone remained calm.

The officials immediately dared not utter another sound, and finally entered the hall tremblingly, almost shuffling along. They carefully sat down on the empty seat at the lower end, their backs ramrod straight, feeling as if they were sitting on pins and needles.

Zhou Wang was pulled by his colleagues and huddled in the most inconspicuous corner. He didn't dare to look at Zhang Zhenniang, whom he usually longed to see, nor did he dare to look at his own wife. He kept his head down, wishing he could hide himself away.

As for the three women from the Zhao family, their faces were pale, and they huddled in a corner of the hall, not daring to leave or go forward to ask for food.

Yun'er and the other maids were delighted and quickly set out the bowls, chopsticks and wine. Soon, the table of dishes was arranged. It looked simple, but it was very exquisite.

Xiao Yan pulled Zhang Zhenniang to sit down, took the first bite of roasted mutton, and asked the maids, including Yun'er, to prepare food for the Zhao family's ladies. He also told the officials not to be shy, as if he were truly the host entertaining the guests.

The officials, however, dared not actually eat. They picked up their chopsticks but only symbolically stirred the food in their bowls, tasting nothing.

During the meal, Xiao Yan didn't even glance at Zhou Wang in the corner, only casually asking about some trivial matters during the New Year holidays in Bianjing.

How are the coal prices in the city lately? Are they still stable?

"Reporting to...Reporting to Your Majesty, thanks to...His Majesty's blessing, coal production has gradually resumed in Hedong, so the price of coal has remained stable this winter, and even shows a downward trend. Many people are now using good coal in their homes." Judge Liu quickly put down his chopsticks and replied respectfully.

"Have the soup kitchens in the southern part of the city been opened on time?"

"It's open! It's open! Two meals a day, without fail!"

"Are there any people in the area who have frozen or starved to death?"

"No reports yet...no reports yet. The patrol officers and village heads are paying extra attention..."

Xiao Yan asked casually, but the officials answered with extreme nervousness, each word seemingly carefully considered before daring to reply, sweat beading on their foreheads. Throughout the meal, no one dared to speak loudly, nor dared to look directly at Xiao Yan; the atmosphere was oppressively suffocating. Only Zhang Zhenniang, who was dining with her husband, appeared somewhat calm.

Fifteen minutes later, the bland and tasteless meal finally came to an end.

Xiao Yan put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

The officials, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, immediately rose in unison, bowed, and took their leave.

Xiao Yan had no reason to make things difficult for these officials from Kaifeng Prefecture, so he naturally wouldn't keep them any longer. However, he didn't get up to see them off either, and Zhong Xiao Kui, who had been silently standing in the hall, remained unmoved.

Judge Liu and the other officials felt as if they had been granted a pardon and took their leave one after another. But being in such a position, they were all shrewd and calculating people. Judge Liu was not unaware of some of the subtle clues.

So when he passed by Zhou Wang, whose face was ashen, he actually glared at him fiercely and squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth in a very low voice: "Get out of here now, or I'll settle the score with you later!"

Zhou Wang, as if he had lost his parents, hurriedly left with his wife, Aunt Wang, and Sister Li as if fleeing, not daring to look at the little maid Yun'er at the courtyard gate again.

The courtyard finally fell completely quiet.

Xiao Yan then turned his gaze to Zhang Zhenniang, who had been standing blankly at the door with a complicated expression.

Zhang Zhenniang dismissed all the maids and walked into the hall alone. She knelt down gracefully before Xiao Yan, her voice choked with emotion, "This concubine... thanks Your Majesty for saving us from this predicament."

Xiao Yan reached out and helped her up, and couldn't help but chuckle: "Get up. It was my oversight. I originally wanted you to find a place with more local life where no one would know your identity, so you could live more freely. I forgot about how much people can talk, and instead you've suffered these grievances."

He spoke calmly: "Regarding the Anle Pavilion matter, you have rendered meritorious service to me and to this world. Today, I promise you that I will ensure your lifelong wealth, luxury, and worry-free existence, regardless of gold, silver, or land. Or, if you wish to leave Bianjing and go to Jiangnan, Sichuan, or even further afield to start anew with a different identity, I can make arrangements for you, ensuring that you are not troubled by past events. You may choose for yourself."

Zhang Zhenniang raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at the man before her.

He was the emperor, the supreme ruler of the world. He had used her, saved her, and now gave her a choice. She was overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Her secret feelings, born of dependence and admiration for power, seemed so insignificant and laughable in the face of the enormous gap in their social status.

She took a deep breath, tears streaming down her face, yet carrying a sense of serene relief: "Your Majesty... I am but a withered flower, aware of my lowly status, and have never dared to hope for any title or favor. Back then, after Your Majesty returned to the capital from pacifying Hebei, behind the Jiying Hall... Your Majesty's embrace was, for me, the only glimmer of light I saw in the darkness of my remaining life, enough for me to remember for a lifetime."

She mustered her last bit of courage, her voice trembling slightly: "I have no other request... I only ask that Your Majesty... could you hold me in your arms again, just like that night? Then I would have no regrets in this life."

Xiao Yan silently watched her, seeing the tears in her eyes, the humble pleading, and the hopeless affection. He recalled the scene of their secret rendezvous at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet; back then, she was indeed a useful pawn.

He was always generous in offering some reassurance to useful pieces, but he never expected that such a casual action would make her remember it for so long.

He didn't say much, but walked up to her, reached out, and gently embraced her trembling body.

Zhang Zhenniang tightly gripped the front of his robe, buried her face in the fabric, and sobbed uncontrollably, her tears quickly soaking a small patch.

At this moment, she seemed to have transformed back into the helpless woman in Anle Pavilion, whom Zhu Wen had openly declared he would skin her alive, and he was the only one who could protect her.

After a long while, Xiao Yan released her and wiped away her tears: "Pack your things, I'll take you somewhere."

Zhang Zhenniang nodded obediently without asking any questions.

She just wanted to spend more time with Xiao Yan, even if it might be the last time she saw him.

The snow started falling again without anyone noticing. Fine snowflakes danced in the dimming light, quietly covering everything in the courtyard as if nothing had ever happened.

(End of this chapter)