Chapter Seventeen: Winning Over Drizzle

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Dawn broke over the imperial capital, within the palace walls.

A few days earlier, after receiving Zhuge Zhengwo’s reply, Zhu Yu was overjoyed. He handed Zhuge Zhengwo a token that granted free passage within the palace and sent him off to identify the suspect. At first, Zhu Yu had been full of anticipation, but as day after day passed with no news, his anxiety mounted. Yet, despite his impatience, Zhu Yu could understand the delay. After all, the palace was vast, and the number of eunuchs—especially those from the Eastern and Western Bureaus—was staggering. Investigations had to be conducted discreetly, which naturally slowed the process. As long as the target didn’t escape, Zhu Yu was willing to wait.

However, before any word came regarding the Wheel King, an unexpected surprise arrived instead: Xiyu had been captured! At the same time, news came about Zhang Renfeng, the orphaned son of Zhang Hairui.

The tidings were so sudden that Zhu Yu had yet to decide how best to use him, so for the moment, he set the matter aside, merely instructing his men to bring Xiyu to him that evening. There was nothing more to it—Zhu Yu already had more than enough concubines. The arrangement was simply to keep prying eyes at bay.

...

Nightfall in the palace.

Lengxue arrived with Xiyu, who was tightly bound and blindfolded. As Lengxue was about to bow, Zhu Yu waved him off with a gesture. “Stand guard at the door,” he ordered.

Lengxue complied and withdrew.

Zhu Yu reached out and removed the cloth from Xiyu’s eyes and the gag from her mouth. He studied her for a moment, nodding to himself in silent approval: she was indeed a beauty.

Xiyu paid no mind to Zhu Yu’s gaze. As soon as her vision returned, she quickly assessed her surroundings. The opulent décor left her in no doubt that the young man before her was of extraordinary status.

With that realization, Xiyu spoke first. “You’ve caught me but haven’t killed me. Clearly, you’re not after Blackstone’s bounty, but rather the remains of Rama, aren’t you? I’ll tell you where they’re hidden.”

Zhu Yu chuckled softly. “You’re correct—Rama’s remains are one of my goals, but not my only one.”

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“I hear you wish to retire from the martial world? You’re so young, and your skills are formidable. It’s a pity for you to leave now. Work for me, and I promise you’ll retire comfortably at the proper age and live out your days in peace.”

Though Zhu Yu’s words were unfamiliar to Xiyu, the meaning was clear enough.

“You want to recruit me? Surely you know Blackstone has issued a death warrant against me. Do you dare provoke Blackstone?” Xiyu could scarcely believe what she was hearing.

“What of Blackstone? Are they really so formidable?” Zhu Yu asked, his expression one of disdain.

Xiyu assumed he was a naïve scion of nobility and sought to frighten him. “Blackstone is the shadowy foundation of imperial power. No official is appointed without Blackstone’s approval; those who defy them are assassinated. Their influence is rooted deep within the court and stretches across the martial world. Their reach is unfathomable.”

Having laid out Blackstone’s might, Xiyu smiled. “So? Do you still dare invite their wrath on my account?”

“Every official must have Blackstone’s approval? Such arrogance!” Zhu Yu’s face darkened in anger.

Xiyu found his reaction odd. Most people would quail at the name of Blackstone; even if they didn’t, anger seemed out of place.

Zhu Yu was no longer in the mood for small talk. He got straight to the point. “You’ve been hunted by Blackstone for days now. It cannot have been pleasant. Swear your loyalty to me, and I will guarantee your safety.”

In Zhu Yu’s mind, this declaration would radiate an aura of kingly dominance, compelling Xiyu to prostrate herself in submission. However, the reality turned out rather differently.

Xiyu arched her slender brows, a look somewhere between mockery and surprise. “Take Rama’s remains if you want them. I have no complaints at falling into your hands. But you want my loyalty? My loyalty is far too valuable—I doubt you can afford the price.”

His attempt at grandstanding having fallen flat, Zhu Yu felt a twinge of embarrassment. Nevertheless, he remained undaunted and unveiled his trump card.

“Very well, I’ll let you go now. But mark my words—you’ll be back before long.” Zhu Yu’s voice was calm, his smile serene.

Xiyu didn’t even bother to reply. She had concluded that the man before her was not right in the head.

Unperturbed by her silence, Zhu Yu personally untied her bonds and gestured to the door. “You are free to leave. So long as you do not return, I will pretend we never met.”

Xiyu was astonished to be set free, and upon hearing Zhu Yu’s words, she was certain an ambush awaited her outside. Even so, she walked out without a backward glance, thinking to herself, If I can’t make it out, I’ll come back and take him hostage.

As Xiyu left, Zhu Yu returned to his seat and leisurely sipped his tea.

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He’d taken only two sips, the cup still poised in his hand, when Xiyu returned from outside.

She burst in, her expression filled with alarm and her heart in turmoil. She had imagined all sorts of deadly traps awaiting her, but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw upon opening the door: the imperial palace itself, with rows of eunuchs and palace maids parading past.

Looking at Zhu Yu seated at the head of the chamber, her feelings were mixed. In the dead of night, a grown man sat calmly and naturally within the palace—his identity was beyond question.

Zhu Yu’s next words confirmed her suspicions.

“Well? Have you reconsidered? Serve me, and you will not be mistreated.”

Given the situation, Xiyu had no room for hesitation. She immediately dropped to one knee, bowed, and declared, “This humble woman… this humble woman…” Being a woman of the martial world, she had never addressed an emperor before and struggled to find the right words. After a moment’s pause, she finally said, “I am willing to serve.”

Satisfied with the answer, Zhu Yu nodded approvingly.

He felt a surge of kingly pride, intoxicated by his own triumph. It was only after some time that he recalled his new subordinate was still waiting for his instructions.

But before he could decide how to begin, Xiyu spoke first.

“Your Majesty, does this mean the court is about to take action against Blackstone?”

“Not exactly. I simply find Blackstone rather interesting,” Zhu Yu replied, his tone now serious.

“But Blackstone has already begun meddling in the appointment of officials across the land. Why does the court do nothing?” Xiyu asked in confusion.

“Now that you mention it, I, too, am curious about Blackstone. Yet whenever I issue an order for appointments, everything proceeds smoothly. Perhaps you exaggerate their power.”