Broken Jade - Chapter 112

Chapter 112

Dizzy and unsteady on his feet, Sheng Zhaoyan was dragged back.

The front hall was still bustling.

Sheng Zhaoning might not enjoy socializing, but this was the Sheng Family residence. Given the circumstances, she had no choice but to return and exchange pleasantries with the officials and guests.

The banquet ended with both hosts and guests in high spirits.

By the time it was over, it was nearly a quarter to two in the afternoon.

The heavy snowfall on New Year’s Eve had been an auspicious sign. Light snow had fallen sporadically over the past two days, but today was a rare bright and sunny day.

After seeing the guests off in the front hall, Sheng Zhaoning was immediately pulled aside by Old Madam Sheng for a chat. She stayed for an hour before finally managing to extricate herself, only to be summoned by Lady Lu next.

Ever since the Sheng Family arrived in the capital, Sheng Zhaoning had been constantly busy. It was rare for the family to have a chance to spend time together.

Sheng Yuanzhong carefully asked about everything that had happened since Sheng Zhaoning came to the capital. Now that he, too, was serving at court, he had naturally heard about her close relationship with the Crown Prince.

When he learned how much care the Crown Prince had shown her, he felt greatly reassured.

However, hearing that she and the Crown Prince had repeatedly found themselves in life-or-death situations still left him shaken.

“Protecting the Heir Apparent is a subject’s duty, but you must remember not to put yourself in danger unless there is absolutely no other choice.”

Sheng Zhaoning had never told them how she had jumped into the river to protect the Crown Prince during the disaster relief mission, fearing they would worry.

But the story had already spread throughout Capital City.

Risking one’s life to save the Heir Apparent was naturally a heroic tale worthy of praise.

Yet as parents, all they wanted was for their child to be safe.

Sheng Zhaoning understood his concern. Warmth filled her heart, and she nodded gently.

The father and son continued talking for a long time. Before they realized it, night had fallen.

Lady Lu personally prepared a table full of dishes, most of them Sheng Zhaoning’s favorites.

Naturally, she did not refuse.

The three of them sat around the table, and the small plate in front of Sheng Zhaoning never once remained empty.

As they chatted, however, Sheng Yuanzhong somehow steered the conversation toward her marriage.

“Ever since I arrived in the capital, quite a few people have approached me, openly or discreetly, to inquire about your marriage prospects. Ning’er isn’t getting any younger. I think it’s time we gave the matter serious consideration.”

Sheng Yuanzhong had complete confidence in his son.

His scholarly achievements aside, with looks like his, what sort of young lady could he not find?

He could probably even marry a princess.

Lady Lu’s expression changed when she heard this, and she hurriedly tried to brush the matter aside. “Ning’er is still young. There’s no need to rush this. Let’s eat first.”

Sheng Yuanzhong failed to notice her nervous expression and continued, “Even those Ning’er’s age who have not yet married usually already have bedchamber maids. Ning’er may be busy with official affairs, but marriage and children cannot be neglected. We ought to make arrangements as soon as possible.”

“Ning’er, is there someone you fancy?” Sheng Yuanzhong asked.

She had been in the capital for so long and must have met plenty of young ladies from distinguished families.

Sheng Yuanzhong was intensely curious.

Sheng Zhaoning’s hand paused, chopsticks still between her fingers.

Someone she fancied…

There was.

But she feared that even if she dared to tell him, he would not dare hear it.

“There is no need to rush, Father. Matters of fate cannot be forced.”

Sheng Yuanzhong froze for a moment at her reply.

Lady Lu also looked up.

The couple exchanged glances, each seeing the same surprise and confusion in the other’s eyes.

Her answer did not sound like a refusal. If anything, it sounded as though there was more to the story.

Complicated emotions flickered through Lady Lu’s eyes.

As Ning’er’s mother, she would naturally be happy if Ning’er had found someone she truly loved.

It was just that, given Sheng Zhaoning’s current identity, there was one thing Lady Lu could not be certain of…

Did she like men or women?

Silence settled over the table for a moment.

Sheng Yuanzhong did not dare press for details. With an awkward laugh, he said, “Yes, yes, of course…”

Sheng Yuanzhong took two bites of rice. Perhaps sensing the awkwardness in the air, he said, “Do you remember the maid named Biyun who used to work in our household?”

Sheng Zhaoning was already mostly full, so she set down her chopsticks.

“I remember.”

Biyun had served in her courtyard back in Xuzhou.

She was the one Sheng Zhaoyan had nearly violated behind the rockery.

But why would Sheng Yuanzhong suddenly bring her up?

“After you left for the capital, that girl begged and cried to come with you. She even took her plea to your grandmother. Your grandmother saw what she had in mind and, worried that she would distract you from preparing for the Spring Imperial Examination, sent her away to a country estate.

“Now that you’ve entered the imperial court and hold an official post, and since the girl is so devoted to you… if you feel the same way, perhaps you could have her transferred back to Capital City and make her your bedchamber maid.”

Sheng Yuanzhong had only brought it up to ease the awkward mood, but as soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere grew even more strained.

Sheng Zhaoning remained silent.

Lady Lu turned and shot him a vicious glare.

“Why are you in such a hurry to push women at Ning’er? Don’t tell me you’re the one thinking of taking a concubine!”

“If that’s what you want, then just do it! Why drag Ning’er into this?”

Sheng Yuanzhong panicked and hurried to placate her.

“We were talking about Ning’er. How did this suddenly become about me?”

“What’s there to discuss? I’ll take care of Ning’er’s affairs. You just worry about yourself!”

With that, Lady Lu turned away in feigned anger. Once her face was hidden from Sheng Yuanzhong, however, she secretly winked at Sheng Zhaoning.

Understanding immediately, Sheng Zhaoning gave Lady Lu a subtle nod. She then rose without drawing attention, crept quietly to the door, and slipped out.

Sheng Yuanzhong was so preoccupied with coaxing his wife out of her anger that he failed to notice Sheng Zhaoning had already left the courtyard.

Night had long since fallen.

After leaving Sheng Mansion, Sheng Zhaoning headed back to her own residence.

She still lived in the residence bestowed upon her by the emperor. Although it was not as large as the estate where the Sheng Family now lived, it was elegant and peaceful, and she had grown accustomed to it.

When the carriage entered a dark alley, the surroundings became noticeably quieter.

Her residence lay just beyond the alley.

The carriage proceeded as usual, only to come to an abrupt halt halfway through.

“Whoa!”

The coachman pulled hard on the reins. At the sight of the black-clad figure standing in the alley, panic seized him.

“Who are you?”

A pebble shot through the air and struck the back of his neck. Before the coachman could react, pain flared through his nape. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed unconscious.

Hearing the commotion from inside the carriage, Sheng Zhaoning’s gaze instantly darkened.

She lifted the curtain. Although she had already guessed who it might be, her fists still clenched when the man slowly turned and revealed his face.

“Han Xu,” Sheng Zhaoning said coldly.

The carriage resumed its journey, soon leaving the alley behind and heading toward the outskirts of Capital City.

The farther they traveled from the bustling Mingxi Street, the more desolate their surroundings became.

Only after entering a dense forest at the foot of a mountain did the carriage finally roll to a slow stop.

They were far from any lights. The surroundings were dim and silent, illuminated only by the ghastly silver glow of the full moon overhead.

“What is it?” Sheng Zhaoning asked from inside the carriage, her voice edged with coldness.

She did not know why Han Xu had brought her here, but it was undoubtedly connected to Zhenbei Prince’s Mansion.

Sure enough, as soon as she spoke, the carriage curtain was yanked open.

Han Xu sat outside, his emotionless gaze sweeping over Sheng Zhaoning.

In the cold night, his words rang clearly in her ears.

“His Highness wants you to kill someone.”