Chapter Twelve: The Heart of Murder
Meng Zhenyue glanced toward Marquis Chengwu. Seeing the expression on his face, moved by Zhao Xianzhi’s words, she knew he had accepted Zhao’s explanation.
She had not expected to completely discredit Zhao Xianzhi today, but the difference between the many who knew his true identity and those who did not was vast.
Marquis Chengwu’s trust in Zhao Xianzhi was his own choice—and one that would bring its own consequences.
What Meng Zhenyue needed to do was to reclaim the wrongs Zhao Xianzhi had inflicted upon her and those she cared for in their past lives.
Only by weakening his influence could she pursue her own goals with peace of mind.
At this moment, Marquis Chengwu had intended to immediately help Zhao Xianzhi up and apologize for having misunderstood him, but Meng Zhenyue stood firm, her expression still wounded.
He dared not show too much favoritism; that would undermine his authority.
So, taking advantage of the arrival of visitors, he suggested that the mother and daughter go freshen up and casually had someone help his son to his feet.
Fifteen minutes later.
A servant led a tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in a dark robe embroidered with pear blossoms into the flower hall.
He walked steadily, eyes straight ahead, bowing to each person in turn.
Meng Huaichuan was about to look for his sister with his gaze and then ask Marquis Chengwu why he had been summoned when a loud clang startled him.
Turning his head, he saw Zhao Xianzhi, clad in a bamboo-patterned garment, kneeling before him.
“Brother, in truth, I am the true son of the Meng family. I kept silent for the sake of the marquisate’s situation. Please do not blame me. Deep down, I have also cared for our parents and siblings.”
Meng Huaichuan stared at Zhao Xianzhi in astonishment for a moment before saying, “No wonder you secretly gave me a thousand taels of silver and tried to arrange for me to join the White Tiger Martial Academy in the capital.”
He had more to say, but Marquis Chengwu let out a low chuckle and said, “Is that so? It seems I have wronged Xianzhi.”
He stopped himself from adding his usual, “Just take good care of your sister; everything else is unnecessary.”
Hearing this, Meng Huaichuan thought for a moment and realized that the marquisate’s people must have misunderstood Zhao Xianzhi’s supposed disdain for the countryside and refusal to acknowledge kinship.
In truth, this man of no status was treated as an honored guest at the Jade Courtyard, without any neglect or awkwardness.
That afternoon, when he sparred with Zhao Xianzhi, the marquisate even showed concern for his attire.
During their discussion of current popular topics, Zhao Xianzhi had gifted him a large number of books he found impressive—probably enough to fill an entire cart.
Meng Huaichuan had wondered if this was all because of his sister, and now he understood.
With a smile but a tone that brooked no refusal, Marquis Chengwu said to Meng Huaichuan, “The Meng family has you as the eldest son, but the Chengwu Marquisate cannot be without Xianzhi. I propose we keep the previously stated public story. Privately, I will provide monthly support to your parents for Xianzhi’s upkeep. What do you think?”
At these words, Lady Marquis and Zhao Zhizhi looked anxiously and expectantly at Meng Huaichuan.
He ignored their gazes, glanced at his sister, who nodded slightly in agreement, but after hesitating for a while, he replied, “Then, Marquis, I will do my best to persuade our parents.”
Both she and her sister knew that due to their mother’s situation, the Meng family could not afford to be conspicuous, nor allow a child who had grown up in the marquisate to appear openly.
Lady Marquis and Zhao Zhizhi breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Marquis Chengwu then warned the servants inside and outside the hall, “Let today’s matter end here. If anyone spreads idle gossip, I have my ways to deal with it!”
During the marquis’s reprimand, Zhao Xianzhi found a chance to glance at Meng Zhenyue, his eyes gleaming with the pride of a victorious cock.
Meng Zhenyue naturally noticed Zhao Xianzhi’s gaze.
In her previous life, her brother had never mentioned Zhao Xianzhi giving silver.
Presumably, her brother had been told only to treat his two younger sisters well, so he never brought it up.
This was likely Zhao Xianzhi’s tactic to win over her brother, using this moment to smooth over the story.
One could not deny Zhao Xianzhi’s quick wit.
She thought for a moment and said, “So that’s how it is. If my eldest brother has difficulties, he can share them with his sister. Would his sister not stand by the marquisate?”
She muttered softly, not too loud, “It would spare her from suffering these grievances.”
Upon hearing this, people finally remembered Meng Zhenyue’s position as the victim.
To harm the marquisate’s own blood for its sake was strange no matter how one looked at it.
Though Meng Zhenyue had grown up outside the marquisate, now that she was acknowledged as kin, their fortunes were shared—whether prosperous or afflicted.
Zhao Zhizhi, moved by the image of her eldest brother bearing such burdens, suddenly paused.
Indeed, if he could speak openly, there would be no conflict between her and her sister.
She thought, how could Lizhu and Chun Zhu betray her... they are dead.
The thought brought tears to Zhao Zhizhi’s eyes.
Out of the deep bond they had grown up with, Zhao Zhizhi quickly found herself excusing Zhao Xianzhi.
Her eldest brother surely did not wish to hurt her. The pain in his heart must be no less than hers.
Marquis Chengwu also recalled the note about secretly contacting the Zhao family troops.
Such ruthless methods—could the matter truly be as his son claimed?
Lady Marquis, though pleased, grew increasingly dissatisfied with Meng Zhenyue’s relentless demeanor.
Peace within the family was paramount—why could they not be more tolerant of one another?
It seemed necessary to find more governesses to teach the rules of noble households properly.
Just as she was about to offer Meng Zhenyue some compensation on behalf of her son, Zhao Xianzhi spoke first, adopting a repentant tone.
“Thank you, Father, Marquis, for your kindness. Indeed, my sister has suffered because of me. I request to retreat to the Buddhist hall to close the door and cultivate myself.”
He looked at Meng Zhenyue with utmost sincerity.
“My eldest brother has no particular talents. Most things in the Jade Courtyard were carefully arranged by the Marquis and Lady Marquis. I offer these gifts as a humble tribute, hoping my sister may find peace and these fine objects will not be tarnished.”
Yet beneath this, a murderous intent stirred.
He could feel the suspicious, doubtful, and mocking gazes cast upon him!
Though he spoke tirelessly, Meng Zhenyue’s single remark had undone everything!
How could he not hate it?
He could only strike first; otherwise, it would be an endless cycle of attacks. Moreover, with Meng Huaichuan present, he could not afford to reveal his worst self.
Lady Marquis, hearing her son’s words, was about to interject again.
No set time, and handing over all the courtyard’s possessions—was he determined to live a life of strict abstinence and meditation?
How could she not be anxious?
But Marquis Chengwu stopped her with a sharp glance.
In a deep voice, he said, “Since you have acknowledged him as kin, you need not speak so formally. Today’s matter was indeed your fault. Recognizing your mistake and correcting it is the greatest virtue. Let it be as you say.”
He added, “The martial examination will be your chance to atone by merit.”
He intended to teach his son a lesson, but a marquis must also maintain his dignity. He could not allow Meng Huaichuan, a country bumpkin, to see the marquisate as a joke.
“At this hour, the food has grown cold. I have official duties to attend to. You may each return to your quarters to eat.” With that, he rose and, accompanied by the respectful farewells of those present, departed.
Lady Marquis, feeling wronged, was about to speak seriously with her son when out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Meng Huaichuan standing there as still as a statue.