Chapter Forty-Six: The Death of Liu Yi

Feeling the beauty in his arms gradually calm, her trembling body first softened, then began to tense up again. At some point, the hands clutching his nightclothes loosened, and, like a gentle kitten, she braced herself against Li Yu’s chest with both hands, creating a barrier between them as if trying to rise from his embrace.

Madam Hu, after all, was a rather traditional and reserved woman. At this moment, she lay in Li Yu’s arms only because she’d lost control of her emotions; as her feelings slowly steadied, reason returned, and she was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

“Sister-in-law, things will be better in the future,” Li Yu pretended not to notice her discomfort, only holding Madam Hu’s waist tighter, his tone filled with concern.

“Mmm.” Madam Hu answered softly. Then, her hands, still pressed defensively between them, pushed lightly against Li Yu with a touch of frailty and nervousness. In a small, barely audible voice, she asked, “Could you let me go?”

She tilted her head, not daring to look up at Li Yu, as if afraid he’d see her current, disheveled state. Fragility mingled with a hint of stubbornness.

“Sister-in-law, are you all right?” Hearing her, Li Yu loosened his grip a little, but didn’t forget to ask with concern.

“I’m fine.” Madam Hu wiped her cheek and slowly looked up, gratitude flickering in her eyes as she softly spoke. Her slightly reddened eyes made her appear all the more delicate and pitiable.

“Don’t be afraid. Once tonight is over, everything will end—it’s just a nightmare,” Li Yu gently brushed her cheek, tenderly wiping away the tears at her eyes.

“What… what are you going to do?” Madam Hu was taken aback. Forgetting her embarrassment at being touched, she looked at Li Yu with gentle, worried eyes and hastily asked.

Li Yu smiled reassuringly, giving her a look to soothe her fear. “Don’t worry about it, sister-in-law. Go back and rest. I’ll handle matters here. The assassin and my brother are still inside—what happened is uncertain. Once it’s settled, I’ll come to you.”

Madam Hu wanted to say more, but Li Yu gently covered her soft lips with his hand, then stepped forward and embraced her once more. Looking at the graceful beauty in his arms, he shook his head and whispered, “Don’t worry. Leave everything to me.”

Nervously, Madam Hu gazed at Li Yu. “What exactly are you planning? He… he’s still my husband.”

Such loyalty, even now, still concerned with this matter. Shouldn’t she, knowing the truth, be thinking of revenge? But truly, her temperament was both endearing and moving.

Li Yu sighed inwardly, but his expression was serious as he replied firmly, “Naturally, I will ensure my brother’s safety. Don’t worry; I know what I’m doing.”

Know what he’s doing? Madam Hu looked at Li Yu with complicated eyes. Her hands, pressed tightly to her chest, betrayed her nervous state.

“Unless, sister-in-law, you wish for my brother to die? The assassin could be locked in combat with him right now! If you stay here, you’ll only delay my rescue.” Li Yu spoke sternly.

“I… I…” When it came to words, Madam Hu was clearly no match for Li Yu. For a moment, she didn’t know what she wanted.

“Go back to your room. Take a bath. When it’s over, I’ll come to you.” Li Yu took her by the shoulders, gently steering her toward the courtyard. Leaning close, he whispered in her ear, then gently pushed her away.

It was clear Madam Hu could not make her own decisions; Li Yu had to force her hand. She was the kind of gentle soul who, while graceful and yielding, possessed a trace of resilience. Had she been otherwise, she wouldn’t have endured Liu Yi’s bullying for so many years without protest. Even upon learning the truth, she didn’t seek revenge, but only fell into despair and heartbreak.

With lips pressed tightly together, Madam Hu looked back at Li Yu every few steps, but in the end, she left—because she truly didn’t know what else to do.

What would staying accomplish? To witness Liu Yi’s death, or hope for his survival? She knew she could do nothing, so she left, obediently waiting for the outcome.

Li Yu watched her go. Only when she was out of sight did he allow a faint smile to curl his lips. He pulled down his mask, covering his face, and turned to see what the secret room would reveal. He only hoped the outcome wouldn’t disappoint him too much.

Turning into the study, Li Yu retraced the mechanism from memory and opened the secret chamber’s door once more.

As the bookshelf slowly swung aside, a sharp sword shot out from the darkness, cold and glinting, aimed at his throat like a venomous serpent baring its fangs.

A killing blow straightaway.

“Now!” Li Yu retreated swiftly, leaving space.

A rare look of delight lit his face—it was not Sima Liu Yi who emerged, but the assassin. That meant he was spared the fate of “becoming a cuckold.”

The Vulture, ready to strike again, saw that six figures in black now stood outside the secret room—one of whom he recognized as the one who’d tried to ambush him at the Zilan Pavilion.

“Who are you people?” the Vulture demanded out of instinct. He was already exhausted and would rather avoid a fight.

Li Yu wasted no words, stepping back. The other five in black advanced, drawing their blades—tonight’s mission was almost too simple for trained assassins.

With a metallic clang, sharp swords collided, sending sparks flying as blades locked.

In an instant, the Vulture felt a crushing sense of threat. He tensed, barely able to defend himself as a flurry of sword strikes rained down like a storm. After only moments, he was pierced through—no suspense in the outcome.

Li Yu had never liked violence, practicing martial arts only for self-defense and health. Seeing the last of the Three Wolves fall in a pool of blood, he didn’t bother to say a single word and left the scene, leaving the cleanup to the organization—he trusted their professionalism.

As for treasures? Li Yu had no interest; he never aspired to be some Pirate King. Most importantly, Liu Yi’s five hundred thousand in gold was already deposited in the Bank of the World. He doubted Liu Yi had any more hidden treasure at home.

He’d only known this “elder brother” a few days, and his revenge was complete. On the road to the underworld, at least the brothers would have company.

As for the widow, he’d leave her in the care of his brothers. That five hundred thousand could serve as her dowry.

And as for whether Liu Yi was truly dead—so long as Li Yu didn’t strike the blow himself, it would never be attributed to him. Whether it was the organization or the Vulture, what did it matter?

Quietly, Li Yu slipped into the widow’s courtyard. He knew she would not sleep easily tonight.

Li Yu was always a gentle man—he had to go and comfort her properly.

…

Just as Li Yu expected, Madam Hu tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

A single oil lamp by the bed cast a dim, golden glow. Fresh from her bath, she had no intention of resting. Dressed in a light blue robe, she sat at the bedside, her black hair cascading over her left shoulder, exuding a dangerous allure.

Her delicate face was more fragile than ever, sorrow clouded her brow, and her lips were pressed in a tight line. Her hands rested on her lap, clutching a beautiful Fire Rain Agate.

When Li Yu slipped quietly through the window, he caught sight of her and was instantly spellbound by her poise.

Madam Hu’s figure was truly exquisite, with the alluring curves of a mature woman. Her feet were delicate, her legs beautifully shaped, her hips full as ripe peaches, her waist slender, and above that, her undergarments strained to contain her charms…

She was the embodiment of mature allure.

Sister-in-law, I only asked you to bathe, not to dress so alluringly. Are you trying to tempt me? Could I, Li Yu, be that kind of man?

Tiptoeing across the floor, he moved in a swift motion. Just as Madam Hu was about to cry out, he seized her slender waist, pulling her onto the bed and covering her mouth with his hand. He looked into her startled eyes, and, seeing his handsome, familiar face, he gestured for silence, then slowly released her.

Seeing that it was Li Yu, Madam Hu relaxed a little, but soon tensed again.

“You… you need to get up,” she whispered, her face flushing visibly as she lay beneath him on the soft couch. Her eyes were filled with nervousness and alarm, yet she still carried the dignity and grace of a lady of good family, her voice low and pleading.

I can hardly bear to let go, Li Yu thought as he savored her softness and fragrance, but he knew now was not the time for mischief.

Besides, with his looks, physique, and talent, he doubted any woman could resist him for long. Especially since they’d already shared a night of passion—though she wanted to forget, solitary nights made that hard, and Li Yu was in no rush.

Haste is no substitute for savoring the moment.

Slowly, Li Yu got up and released Madam Hu, helping her to her feet with a cheerful smile. “Sorry for frightening you, sister-in-law. My fault.”

After rising, Madam Hu pressed a hand to her chest, taking a few deep breaths. She seemed about to ask him something, but as soon as she met his smoldering gaze, her heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she tried to pull her hand from his grasp.

“Sister-in-law, my brother and the assassin perished together,” Li Yu said softly, holding her hand and sitting beside her.

The words left Madam Hu stunned, her beautiful eyes losing focus. She seemed unable to speak for a moment.

Both Liu Yi and the Three Wolves were enemies of the Fire Rain Manor, but at their deaths, Madam Hu felt no joy—only confusion about the future.

She had once been Liu Yi’s wife. Though her days were bleak, she’d grown used to them; the suffering no longer felt so bitter. Now, all of it was gone—her enemies, her home, even her daughter.

Right, her daughter.

A spark of life returned to Madam Hu’s gaze as she gripped the Fire Rain Agate at her waist, a faint color blooming in her face. But soon, a trace of bitterness crept in again. What would finding her daughter change? From birth, she’d never truly been a mother—at sixteen, her home destroyed, her world shattered.

Afterwards, she’d fled to Han, become Liu Yi’s wife, and later her own sister was sent into the palace as a concubine.

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry about the future—you still have me,” Li Yu said gently, placing her hand over his heart so she could feel his warmth.

Madam Hu looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. She was no naïve girl; she knew what his look meant. Instinctively, she tried to pull her hand free.

But Li Yu would not let her set the pace. Instead, he moved closer, wrapping his arm around her slender waist once more. “Let me take care of you for the rest of your life,” he whispered, holding her gently.

Like a timid kitten, Madam Hu pressed her arms against his chest, trying to keep some distance between them. Her beautiful eyes pleaded, “We… we can’t do this.”

She struggled to break free of his embrace, her heart racing with anxiety.

“All right, perhaps I was too forward. I misspoke,” Li Yu said, releasing her with a look of sincerity. “In time, you’ll see—I will take good care of you.” His tone was earnest.

Madam Hu bit her lip, her feelings tangled. She knew she and Li Yu were not suited, and they couldn’t be together that way. Yet his attitude left her in a dilemma.

She no longer resented him—not after that day. Though she tried to forget, the thrill and pleasure she’d felt that night remained vivid, sharper each time she tried to suppress it. So many nights, after suffering her husband’s abuse, she would recall that day again and again…

“Go to sleep, sister-in-law. I’ll stay until you do.” Li Yu’s gaze was gentle as he spoke softly, extinguishing the oil lamp.

Secretly, he sprinkled a little powder into the air—something he’d obtained from Lady Pearl just in case he needed it.

Soon, Madam Hu’s breathing became even, and she slipped into deep slumber.

Just minutes before, she’d lain tense and afraid on the couch, eyes squeezed shut, still shaken by the night’s events. Li Yu would never admit she was afraid of him—after all, he was so handsome, young, and vigorous, with… ample experience.

He covered her with a quilt and, making sure nothing was amiss, quietly left—even though he longed to stay the night. Tonight, however, was not the time. Otherwise, there would be trouble come dawn.

…

The moon hung high. Night blurred the world. When Li Yu returned to his residence, the lamps were still burning.

Entering, he found Jing Ni had not yet gone to bed. He went over to help her. “Why are you still awake at this hour?”

“I smell blood on you—did you fight someone?” Jing Ni asked, concern in her eyes.

“It’s all resolved. Sleep well,” Li Yu replied, undressing and holding her as they drifted into dreams. He was tired tonight.

The night passed swiftly.

By morning, people were waking throughout the city—yet some would never open their eyes again.

After practicing tai chi and having breakfast, Li Yu changed clothes and boots, aided by Jing Ni. He kissed her as she adjusted his collar, then set out for the Palace of Han.

Today, Sima Mansion was unusually lively. With a court assembly scheduled, Liu Yi would normally rise early to prepare. But today, the sun was high and he still had not appeared.

A strange silence filled the estate. Soon, some attendants noticed traces of blood through the study door, setting off a commotion. Guards began searching the premises, sealing off areas as needed.

Madam Hu was quickly alerted. She’d slept deeply and peacefully the night before—the best rest she’d had in years—unaware of the chaos that unfolded. When she recalled Li Yu keeping watch beside her, her heart grew restless and anxious, especially upon hearing something had happened in Liu Yi’s study.

She hurried there, only to find the room slashed and battered, bloodstains stark and congealed on the floor, a drag mark leading straight to the bookshelf—a clear sign that something lay beyond.

The sight left her pale, her hands twisting together, lips pressed tight in fear.

Most of all, she remembered what Li Yu had told her—Liu Yi was dead.

“My lady, something… something happened to the master,” one of Liu Yi’s trusted guards reported, his face grim. Given what he saw, he could reach only one conclusion. If Liu Yi were unharmed, he would have shown himself by now, especially with the state of the study.

“Search!” Madam Hu forced out the word. If he was alive, she wanted to see him; if dead, she wanted to see his corpse. They were husband and wife, after all.

…

News of Liu Yi’s incident spread quickly. The first to hear was Ji Wuye; when it came to information, no one in Han could rival him.

Ji Wuye was stunned when he heard. Stroking his beard, he asked the messenger, Mo Ya, “Do you know who did it?”

“No. The body in the secret room was burned to a crisp—the cause of death unknown. Besides Liu Yi’s corpse, there was another, also charred and unidentifiable. I suspect a third party was involved; otherwise, the sword marks and signs of battle in the study are inexplicable,” Mo Ya reported calmly.

Ji Wuye pondered a moment, but soon lost interest. Liu Yi had plenty of enemies; who knew what he’d done behind his back? He snorted coldly. “Dead is dead—saves me the trouble of getting rid of him myself.”

He’d long been impatient with Liu Yi. That lucrative position of Left Sima, and the five hundred thousand in gold, still stung. If not for Li Yu persuading him otherwise, he’d have dealt with Liu Yi himself long ago. Now, Liu Yi’s death was almost a stroke of luck.

“Actually, Liu Yi’s sudden death is an opportunity,” Jade Tiger interjected, his eyes glinting with calculation.

“What do you mean?” Ji Wuye asked, puzzled.

“Hasn’t the general always wanted to deal with the Ninth Prince, Han Fei? You could recommend him to the king as the new Sima, giving him full responsibility for investigating the case. It’s an obvious unsolved mystery. Then, the prince will owe you an explanation—after all, Liu Yi was your confidant,” Jade Tiger said with a sly grin, emphasizing the word “confidant.”

Ji Wuye’s eyes flashed as he understood the suggestion. A wickedly amused smile curled his lips. “Old Tiger, you’ve always had a sharp mind.”

“You flatter me, General,” Jade Tiger replied.

“Han Fei, this time let’s see how you handle this!” Ji Wuye sneered.

In the Palace of Han, at Lady Pearl’s residence—

“My dear…” came a languid, sultry voice, oozing with charm. Lady Pearl, with hair like a waterfall and fair skin marked by red traces left by Li Yu’s mischief, lay lazily against him, drawing circles on his chest with slender fingers.

Her breath mingled with her words, each sound a caress.

Unable to resist such provocation, Li Yu rolled her beneath him once more, resuming their passionate union.

As her soft laughter and moans filled the room, the bed began to creak under the strain of their love once again.