A deep, unspoken meaning lingered in his eyes. He looked away, turning and leaving. The faint strains of a flute drifted into his ears, a long, mournful lament, like the weeping of a broken heart.
The music arose from his heart; was this person truly cold and ruthless? Was it all for Qing Yuan, for someone already dead? Although the agreement was for two years, perhaps no one could guarantee that the One Leaf Alliance could truly stand firm against the simultaneous oppression from both the righteous and the wicked. Once he offended the underworld and refused to tolerate the righteous, as the alliance leader, unless he overturned the entire world, he would undoubtedly be condemned by everyone. This was a gamble where death could occur at any moment…
Shen Jian left Shengxiao Valley and hurried back to the forest. When he saw Zhuang Su's figure in the distance, his expression darkened.
Regardless, he was determined to reclaim everything that was rightfully his; it was all owed to him by the State of Chu. Even if he couldn't take it all back, at the very least, he needed to possess the ability to protect this woman…
Chapter 26 The Prime Minister's Residence Flows Eastward (Part 1)
When Shen Jian brought Zhuang Su to the Prime Minister's residence, the place was already packed with people, both inside and out. A vast and imposing army of soldiers stood ready, creating a rather grand spectacle from afar. Shen Jian dismounted first, and when Zhuang Su looked up, she saw the solemn plaque of the Prime Minister's residence, shining brightly overhead. At that moment, a hand appeared in her field of vision. She smiled, and then, taking Shen Jian's hand, dismounted.
Zhuang Su could feel the gazes gathering around her, but she didn't care. Shen Jian seemed oblivious to the frequent stares from those around them and calmly led Zhuang Su inside.
The Prime Minister's residence was not a place ordinary people could visit at will, but Zhuang Su was not interested. To her, wherever she was, she was simply looking for a place to settle down. However, upon arriving here, Zhuang Su couldn't help but think of someone. She looked around as she walked, a hint of hope in her eyes.
Shen Jian walked beside her, noticing her expression and vaguely understanding her thoughts. He lowered his voice and asked, "Do you want to see your second senior brother?"
Zhuang Su was surprised that Shen Jian knew about this, but considering his current status, he understood and nodded silently.
“I’ll arrange for you to meet. You can stay in my room for now; I’ll speak to the Prime Minister later.” Shen Jian said this, and the two had already arrived at the house. Zhuang Su, upon hearing this, looked embarrassed and slightly taken aback: “We…stay together?”
Shen Jian gave her a deep look and said, "This is the safest way. Otherwise, what right would I have to keep you by my side?"
Zhuang Su was speechless. After thinking about it carefully, she realized there was indeed no better title to assign her. "The Flying Cavalry General's woman" was probably the most appropriate title. She felt embarrassed, but outwardly she simply agreed.
"Stay put." Shen Jian patted her head and then turned to find Liu Kun.
Zhuang Su felt a slight warmth from his gentle touch on her head, and she was slightly lost in thought. Subconsciously, she reached out and touched her own hand. Sure enough, the man's hand was much larger than hers... Zhuang Su thought to herself in a daze, standing at the doorway, feeling an emptiness in her heart, and couldn't help but sigh softly.
Just then, the faint sound of music drifted into her ears. Zhuang Su's long, slender expression suddenly cleared, and she subconsciously looked around to find the direction from which the music was coming. She naturally remembered this melody; it was a tune that Xiao Qiao had composed using the words she had given him when they were still in the One Leaf Alliance. However, this piece of music had not been circulated among the public, so only a few people knew about it.
Before long, a gentle and melodious voice could be faintly heard singing softly.
It's a very pleasant voice, gentle yet with a hint of melancholy.
Zhuang Su quickened his pace, searching along the way. He encountered servants and maids occasionally, but no one stopped him. Shen Jian had already gone to find Liu Kun, and since she had been personally brought into the mansion by this Flying Cavalry General, naturally no one dared to show her any disrespect in this strictly regulated Prime Minister's residence. Only then did Zhuang Su understand Shen Jian's good intentions. While searching for the source of the singing, he hurried along and unknowingly entered a garden.
The garden's name can be seen in the distance above the palace gate, but due to its long history, everything has been weathered and bears some traces of wear. It seems the garden has been untouched for a long time, hence the weeds and the desolate, overgrown feel. But in another part of the garden stands a large mansion, its structure quite unique. Although covered in dust, it's easy to see the former grandeur of its owner.
However, this garden was located in a corner of the Prime Minister's residence and was not conspicuous. It seemed as if someone had intentionally hidden it away, so there were hardly any people around. The cold and desolate atmosphere added a touch of gloom to the decaying flowers and trees.
As she stepped on the stake, she could faintly hear the sound of wooden branches crushing under her feet. Then, as she walked a little further in, she saw a figure, and her pace quickened.
The person inside was dressed in a simple, loosely flowing long robe. Wisps of incense lingered on the table before them, their smoke hazy and indistinct. Liusu, her back to the door, played the zither, facing the main hall. On the table opposite her lay a memorial tablet, a rough, simple wooden plaque, yet it bore no name.
When Liusu's gaze fell upon him, it was as faint as falling into an empty lake. The strings danced wildly under his fingers, the melody flowing long and lingering, floating in the air as if attached to the smoky atmosphere of the room. He sang softly, his expression somewhat languid, lost in thought for a moment, and thus did not notice the scene around him.
He had actually sensed the commotion outside, but it was entirely irrelevant to him. He didn't care about many things in the Prime Minister's residence.
His voice trembled slightly as a gentle, melodious song emerged from his throat—pure, serene, and seemingly filled with deep longing.
"Second Senior Brother."
As Liusu's song ended with those three short words, his hand trembled, and the sudden force caused a string to snap. His fingertips cut a long, narrow wound, but he didn't care; he just hurriedly turned around. In that instant, he saw a figure standing in the doorway. Because she was backlit, the dim light in the room couldn't illuminate her face; only the sunlight shone around her, revealing a deep and heavy silhouette.
Because it was so dreamlike, it seemed somewhat unreal.
Ah, was he dreaming again? Liu Su smiled, a hint of self-mockery in his expression, and unconsciously turned back to look into the room. The memorial tablet gleamed faintly in the sliver of light. This was his mother's memorial tablet. Liu Su parted his lips slightly, letting out a soft sigh.
"Second Senior Brother, don't you recognize me?" Zhuang Su didn't expect that Liu Su would see her clearly but not be moved at all. She subconsciously looked at herself and didn't feel anything was wrong. Finally, she couldn't help but ask this question.
Liu Su's body finally trembled. When he turned back, the haze in his eyes had turned into disbelief. After a long silence, he opened his mouth blankly and asked, "Su...Su?" His tone carried a hint of probing, which evoked a complex mix of emotions in Zhuang Su's eyes.
"Second Senior Brother, you've lost weight." Zhuang Su's first words were not a question about his identity, but a soft sigh.
Liu Su looked at him silently. Her initial surprise and astonishment had subsided, and she stood there with her usual gentle demeanor. She suppressed her joy at the long-awaited reunion, but her brows furrowed slightly as she asked, "Su Su, didn't you go back to the One Leaf Alliance?"
"Yes." Zhuang Su lowered her eyelashes and replied, "I came with Shen Jian." Since Shen Jian knew of Liu Su's existence, his identity was not a secret. Zhuang Su did not hide it, but forced a smile and said, "Second Senior Brother, it's been a long time. I've missed you." As she spoke, she noticed the fleeting emotion in Liu Su's eyes and knew that she had been abrupt. She couldn't help but feel a little shy.
"Shen Jian personally brought you in?" Liu Su had vaguely guessed the source of the commotion outside earlier, and smiled gently. "It seems you are now a distinguished guest of the manor." Suddenly remembering something, he gave Su a deep look and said, "Su Su, if anyone asks, you'd better not use your real name anymore."
Zhuang Su was speechless upon hearing this: "Second Senior Brother, do you still think of me as that clueless girl I used to be?"
There was a hint of dissatisfaction in her words, which Liu Su noticed. He simply smiled gently and said, "Su Su, it's so good to see you again." He seemed not to notice Su Su's unnatural averted gaze, and just smiled, with a hint of satisfaction in his expression.
It's so good to see you again... really.
He gazed intently at Zhuang Su, slowly reaching out his hand, but ultimately letting it fall silently. His hand clenched into a fist beneath his clothes, a hint of lingering affection hidden beneath a deep sense of helplessness on his still handsome face. He shifted his gaze away from her. In truth, ever since seeing Zhuang Su in Peizhuang that day, he had thought his lifelong wish had been fulfilled. He had once thought she was dead, once thought he would never see her again, but that day finally made his long-held belief a reality. He believed Zhuang Su was not dead, though it was only a subconscious hope, a belief he had always held. He suddenly felt that, as long as she was alright, everything was alright.
Five years ago, he initially didn't want to cooperate with his father's trap. He knew that if the scheme succeeded and the wine envoy actually brought Zhuang Su back, it would endanger her. However, in the end, he chose to compromise. This compromise haunted him for five years, a full five years…
The promise that he wouldn't harm them ended up with only news of their deaths. Recalling the moment he first heard the news, he could still feel the chill run through his body.
Liu Su was slightly lost in thought when he suddenly saw Zhuang Su also take out an incense stick, light it, and offer it lightly on the memorial tablet. When he looked at him, he saw Zhuang Su smile faintly at him and say, "This must be someone Second Senior Brother values highly..."
A hint of tenderness finally appeared on Liusu's lips as she replied, "It is my mother's memorial tablet."
Zhuang Su was surprised to learn that Liu Su's mother had passed away, and felt guilty, saying, "I'm sorry, please accept my condolences."
"It's alright, I don't know Mother very well." Liu Su smiled gently, her gaze drifting as she looked at the memorial tablet. "I was young when Mother died, and not long after, I was sent to the One Leaf Alliance."
Zhuang Su had been avoiding the topic, but Liu Su brought it up herself, leaving her momentarily stunned and unsure how to respond.
Chapter 26 The Prime Minister's Residence, Water Flows Eastward (Part 2)
For some reason, Zhuang Su felt a strange sense of calm. "I don't hate," she said slowly, her tone lingering, yet without much hesitation. Liu Su's gaze lingered on her for a moment, then she smiled sweetly at him and said, "Second Senior Brother should have his own decision. Everyone has their own path; why should I hate others..."
Perhaps Zhuang Su didn't know that no matter how lightly she smiled, there was always a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Liu Su couldn't bear it and could only look away. He knew that Zhuang Su was often just pretending to be strong, not that she didn't care, but that she didn't want others to think she did. So, at this moment, he felt he didn't know what to say.
"Second Young Master, are you there?" A person came from outside, rushing into the garden. He was looking for Liu Su, but when he glanced at him, he saw Zhuang Su standing next to him and was taken aback.
"Nagon," Liu Su called out, noticing his expression, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Nayan's gaze swept over Zhuang Su for a moment, then he asked, "Could this be Miss Zhuang?"
"Miss Zhuang'er?" Liu Su asked in surprise. Such a person had never appeared in the Prime Minister's residence before… He turned his gaze and met Zhuang Su's. They exchanged a smile. Zhuang Su, Zhuang Su, wasn't that Zhuang'er?
Zhuang Su met the gaze of the Grand Councilor without flinching, and smiled slightly, "It is I, young master. May I ask what has happened?"
Upon hearing this, Nayan looked at Fusu with considerable concern, but it was inconvenient to say it outright. He could only state in an official manner, "Just now, the Flying Cavalry General went to find the Prime Minister, but when he returned, he couldn't find Miss Zhuang'er. Now the Prime Minister is ordering everyone to search for her."
Liu Su frowned slightly upon hearing this, about to say something, when he heard the sound of footsteps outside. He looked up abruptly and saw Liu Kun walking in from outside the garden, accompanied by Shen Jian. Na Yan's face paled slightly, but Liu Su unconsciously took a step forward and bowed to the two approaching figures.
Liu Kun ignored him, his gaze sweeping around before settling on Zhuang Su. He smiled and asked, "This must be Miss Zhuang?" Zhuang Su nodded, feeling that even though he was smiling, she couldn't fathom his thoughts. She glanced at Shen Jian, only to see his indifferent expression, equally unfathomable.
"Liusu." Liu Kun's tone suddenly rose, becoming somewhat cold. "You were allowed to leave your room for half a day today, so why is Miss Zhuang here? Do you two know each other?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Su frowned slightly, but respectfully replied, "Father, this is the first time that Miss Zhuang'er and I have met. We did not know each other before."
"Oh?" Liu Kun raised an eyebrow with a half-smile, then turned his gaze to Zhuang Su. Zhuang Su felt a chill run through her body, but forced a smile and said, "Just now, the Second Prince played a piece of music, and I was drawn here by the beautiful singing. I didn't want the Prime Minister to go to such lengths to search for me, so I'm very sorry."
"I see." Liu Kun responded with a smile, then said in a calm voice, "Su'er, your confinement period is not over yet, it's time for you to go back. Since today's mistake was unintentional, I won't pursue it further. Remember to reflect on your actions in seclusion."
"Yes," Liu Su replied, her lips dry, and turned to leave.
"Wait a minute." Zhuang Su noticed the unusual attitude between the father and son, and with some thoughts in mind, she hurriedly stopped Liu Su and said, "Zhuang'er also has some knowledge of music and music, and greatly admires Young Master Liu Su's achievements. I would like to ask him for advice in private. I wonder if the Prime Minister would allow me to?" As she spoke, her gaze fell on Shen Jian.
Liu Kun's concern was solely for Shen Jian. He was unwilling and was pondering how to refuse when he heard Shen Jian respond in a measured tone, saying, "Since Zhuang'er has this intention, I wonder if His Excellency the Prime Minister would grant permission?"
Since it was General Flying Cavalry who spoke, Liu Kun couldn't very well refuse, so he could only reluctantly reply, "Since Miss Zhuang'er has this intention, there's naturally no reason not to agree."
"That's good." Shen Jian chuckled softly, then walked to Zhuang Su's side, draped the shawl over her shoulders, and walked out of the garden with her hands, without looking back.
Liu Kun watched the two leave, his gaze finally settling coldly on Liu Su. He said in a stern voice, "Su'er, I never imagined you were like your mother, both skilled at seduction." His words were utterly ruthless. Liu Su straightened her back slightly but didn't utter a single word of resistance. Liu Kun snorted angrily, saying, "You'd better not ruin my plans again. The last failure already displeased the Emperor. If this operation fails again, do you intend to destroy the Liu family?"
Liu Su lowered her head and replied softly, "Su'er wouldn't dare."
"Dare not?" Liu Kun's eyes narrowed slightly. "Since that girl named Zhuang'er seems to have taken a liking to you, you should spend more time with her lately, and also keep an eye on whether the Flying Cavalry is making any moves. His trip to the One Leaf Alliance has made the King quite uneasy, and that girl was brought back by him from the One Leaf Alliance, so her status is probably not ordinary. Are you sure you haven't seen her before?"
"Yes, I haven't seen it before," Liu Su replied calmly.
Liu Kun scrutinized him closely but found no flaws. He simply waved his hand and said, "In a few days, the King will summon the Flying Cavalry to the palace. This operation cannot afford to fail again. Your elder brother has already begun preparations, so you don't need to do anything. For now, just keep these two 'distinguished guests' company." He paused, looked at the Grand Councilor, and instructed, "As for the Flying Cavalry outside the city, Grand Councilor, I will give you a troop later. Remember to act according to the situation."
The advisor accepted the order and said, "Yes, sir."
Liu Kun gave Liu Su one last, deep look, his tone tinged with disgust: "Su'er, I've raised you all these years, and although I never expected you to achieve anything great, at least don't let my efforts go to waste. Poetry and prose may be elegant pursuits, but they're ultimately just leisurely pursuits. Your mother was a performer; do you really want to follow in her footsteps? As a descendant of the Liu family, I don't expect you to achieve the same success as your elder brother, but at least make my life easier." He turned and left without another glance, only saying, "Since Miss Zhuang'er wants you to go, your confinement for the next few days will be lifted. This is your only chance to redeem yourself, so you'd better take it seriously."
The tone of his voice was full of threat.
Na Yan watched Liu Kun walk away, his brow furrowing slightly. He said to Liu Su with some displeasure, "Second Young Master, today is the anniversary of Madam's death. You should have just paid your respects in peace. Why did you have to provoke that Zhuang'er girl? Do you know how much General Feiqi values this girl? Do you think her situation in the manor isn't difficult enough?"
"Nayan," Liusu interrupted him gently, asking, "Are you already preparing to make your move?"
Na Yan was puzzled as to why he suddenly changed the subject. He had just been discussing the pros and cons with him, but the person involved was completely ungrateful. He was so angry that he said irritably, "The court never intended to welcome the envoy with peace of mind. Wasn't this trap of setting up a treacherous banquet a pre-arranged scheme? Do you still need to ask?"
"Then... has Father sent anyone to investigate that girl Zhuang'er's background?"
“Of course there are.” Nayan frowned, not understanding why Liusu had suddenly become “foolish,” and replied, “The Prime Minister naturally needs to pay more attention to women of unknown origin.”
Liusu looked at him deeply, as if he hesitated for a moment, and finally, a hint of helplessness appeared at the corner of her mouth: "Nayan, if you had to choose, would you choose to be loyal to your father, or—be loyal to me..." Her last words fell into the silence, and the barren grass around her seemed sparse.
Nayan was puzzled by his strange words and actions today. Looking at him again, she saw that Liusu had deep eyes and a clear smile on his lips.
In a daze, he seemed to understand. Perhaps, the kingdoms of Chu and Han, and this chaotic world, were about to undergo a dramatic change...
The day of the Flying Cavalry General's banquet at the palace was just a few days away, and the final, rushed preparations were only left for a few short days.
A gust of wind blew, causing the grass and trees to flutter and dance. Liusu's figure was faintly visible as he looked up into the distance, the entire sky reflected in his eyes, as if to reveal a deep sense of helplessness. Once a decision is made, many things are no longer a matter of whether he wants them or not.
He gently touched the memorial tablet on the table, his eyes somewhat unfocused. Perhaps he could never be as submissive as his mother…
"I choose to pledge allegiance to the Second Young Master." Nayan's words came calmly from behind. When Liusu turned to look, she saw a very relaxed expression on his face, without the slightest hesitation or doubt. Although she already knew that her father was unpopular, seeing Nayan's decisive answer, a gentle smile appeared on Liusu's lips: "Then, Nayan, you shall follow my arrangements..."
His smile was gentle, carrying a hint of insight into the future situation, showing great wisdom.
Na Yan suddenly felt that Liu Su resembled a recluse in the mountains, unassuming and secretive. Recalling Liu Kun's words just now, he couldn't help but smile bitterly. Who said that the Second Young Master was useless? Perhaps he was just too good at hiding his talents... He raised his head, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and replied, "Yes."
A single, simple word carried profound weight, and thus began the orchestration of a plan that would shape future history. A few days later, a scheme was quietly unfolding: a trap.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Feast at Hongmen between Chu and Han (Part 1)
Zhuang Su settled into the Prime Minister's residence, sharing a room with Shen Jian. Although it wasn't her first time, she had always been too young before, and now, alone with him, she felt a little shy. Zhuang Su hugged her pillow, facing the wall, feeling Shen Jian's quiet breathing behind her. Extremely embarrassed, she couldn't fall asleep at all.
Actually, Shen Jian had originally wanted to sleep on the ground, but Zhuang Su stopped him. Now, he felt like he had shot himself in the foot.