Union

Chapter 38 Secret Room
It was pitch black behind her, and it seemed as if gusts of cold wind were sweeping in from the black hole, about to drag her into the bottomless abyss.

Yunying couldn't help but scream and threw herself into Chen Yanzhou's arms.

Chen Yanzhou never imagined that a secret chamber was hidden in this ordinary-looking artificial hill. He was momentarily stunned when Yun Ying pulled him into her arms.

The impact was too great, and Chen Yanzhou was completely unprepared. He was knocked back two steps by Yun Ying and crashed into the artificial hill next to him before stopping with a muffled groan.

Chen Er, who was outside the artificial hill, faintly heard some strange sounds, but before he could investigate them, he heard the sounds of the adulterous couple inside reaching their peak at the same time.

His round body trembled slightly, and then, looking at his still motionless lower body, an uncontrollable hatred appeared in his eyes.

He spoke up again: "Young Master Wang, if we delay any longer, there really won't be enough time..."

"Get lost." A cold rebuke came from the artificial hill. "Don't make me say it a second time."

The coldness in his voice was chilling. Chen Er knew that his repeated foolishness had finally angered this young master Wang. He was afraid that this dissolute young master would teach him a lesson when he came out, so he could only walk away dejectedly.

Inside the artificial hill, Yunying, still shaken, stared at the dark doorway.

The cave was quite small; one could walk back and forth in just five or six steps. And right in the very center of the cave was a downward staircase.

The staircase stretched into the darkness, its destination unknown.

Yun Ying looked at Chen Yanzhou, but Chen Yanzhou looked at the spot where Yun Ying had just stepped, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

With a frown, he embraced Yunying, gently moving her to a safer spot on the other side before walking to the area where she had just been.

"You kicked this stone just now, didn't you?" Chen Yanzhou asked, pointing to an oval stone on the ground.

There was a scratch near the stone, clearly indicating it had been moved from one place to another. Recalling Yunying's actions, he slowly pushed the stone back into its original position.

Sure enough, a slight humming sound rang out again, and then the stone door slowly closed, and everything returned to normal.

Yunying watched this scene in silence, her brows furrowed.

During that time, she thought about many things.

I wonder what might be hidden behind this stone gate.

I wonder if the things in here will be useful to Second Master.

She also wondered if, if it was useful, she could take the opportunity to ask the Second Master for some reward.
A moment later, Yunying boarded the carriage with the Second Master.

Chen Er courteously saw the two out, saying repeatedly, "Young Master Wang, rest assured, I will definitely negotiate the price for you. However, as you know, this house was seized by the government, and the specific price depends on the government's decision. Generally speaking, there shouldn't be much room for negotiation. I'm saying this not for any other reason than to give you a general idea..."

Yunying and Chen Yanzhou boarded the carriage amidst Chen Er's flattery. The carriage slowly drove away until the gates of the Shang residence were no longer visible. Only then did Yunying ask, "Aren't you afraid of being recognized dressed like this?"

"Not many people have actually seen my face. Even if someone thinks I look familiar, they probably wouldn't think that way."

Yunying: ...

That's true.

After all, he couldn't convincingly portray the behavior of a spoiled brat.

I must say, the second master's portrayal of the charming and dissolute young man today was truly captivating.

Chen Yanzhou: "What are you badmouthing me about in your heart now?"

Yunying quickly shook her head: "Second Master, you misunderstand. You are wise and brave, and dashing and charming. You personally went to the tiger's den and wolf's lair to investigate the case. I admire you so much that I would never dare to be disrespectful to you."

Chen Yanzhou chuckled twice, too lazy to even offer a perfunctory reply. But Yun Ying could guess that he had come to investigate the case, and her description of the Shang family's old residence as a den of tigers and wolves made him look at her with new respect. He couldn't help but say, "You're not stupid." Yun Ying replied, "This servant is still stupid, so I would like to ask Second Master for help in clearing up my doubts."

Chen Yanzhou: "What?"

Yunying: "If I'm not mistaken, you're looking for something at the Shang family's old residence. If so, why didn't you come tonight?"

Chen Yanzhou glanced lazily at the overly shrewd maid, "You think I don't want to?"

He said meaningfully, "At night, the Shang family's residence is truly a place where every step is guarded and every inch is difficult to traverse."

It was precisely because the Shang family's defenses were so tight that even his men couldn't detect anything, that he had to settle for second best and come to investigate during the day.

But even during the day, it wasn't easy to enter this mansion. There were five watchtowers alone. Anyone who entered would be monitored. That's why he simply used an insignificant identity and an excuse to come openly, which would also make those people lower their guard.

Thinking of this, Chen Yanzhou took a deep look at the maid beside him.

To his surprise, he had only impulsively decided to use the maid as a cover, but he hadn't expected that she would be so quick-witted and lucky, managing to open such a secure secret room by sheer chance.

Thinking of that secret room, he couldn't help but recall everything that had happened before. He couldn't help but recall the scene where he had witnessed the maidservant acting, her face flushed, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling, and her breath coming in soft gasps.

Thinking of that scene, Chen Yanzhou's eyes darkened, and he took a deep breath to calm his overly agitated emotions.

He said, "Thank you for your help today. I will reward you later for your contributions."

Yunying quickly said, "There's really no need for a reward. It's my duty to serve you, Second Master. However, if you truly wish to reward me, perhaps..."

Chen Yanzhou: "Not as good as what?"

Yunying really wanted to say, "Why don't you let me leave the household registration?" But she knew that was impossible. At least until the matter concerning the Shang family was investigated, the Second Master would never let her leave.

Having figured this out, Yunying said, "How about we forget about yesterday?"

Chen Yanzhou looked at her for a while before chuckling, "You really are stubborn. Fine, since you were quite clever and useful today, I'll let bygones be bygones for yesterday."

Yunying felt a weight lifted from her heart and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

She should have stopped while she was ahead, but seeing how happy and relaxed the Second Master looked, she couldn't help but push her luck a bit further.

Yunying: "Second Master, what about the matter I mentioned before regarding the removal from the register..."

Chen Yanzhou opened his eyes and looked at her.

His eyes were clear and sharp, seemingly able to see right into a person's heart. Yunying was caught off guard and met his gaze, feeling a moment of unease. However, this was a rare opportunity, and she should at least test Second Master's opinion on the matter.

Chen Yanzhou wasn't annoyed. He simply stared intently at Yun Ying with his deep eyes and asked in a low voice, "How much money have you saved up for your ransom?"

Yunying: "..."

He always manages to bring up the very thing that shouldn't be discussed; Second Master really knows how to end a conversation.

On the other hand, does she really have to pay money to redeem herself?

She had thought that, considering their shared hardships today, the Second Master would generously waive her redemption fee.

She was still too naive!
Thinking that she only had ten taels of silver in her pocket, Yunying became depressed.

She only receives a monthly allowance of two taels of silver. At this rate, when will she ever be able to leave the household and be free of her official status?

(End of this chapter)