Chapter 11

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Frost Fluff's original surname was He. Her eldest brother, He Liang, was Shen Ming’an’s personal servant. The second brother, He Rong, usually ran errands for the outer courtyard steward. He had a lively personality and a wide network of acquaintances in the streets.

Ever since He Rong took on the third young lady's task from his sister, he was determined to make a good impression. He spent money to entertain his comrades but still couldn’t catch Han Zhihuan in any wrongdoing.

Now that there was finally new information, he hurried back to report.

Shen Lingyue quietly left the mansion by carriage, with He Rong sitting on the carriage shaft guiding the way. They soon arrived near Peach Blossom Lane.

She got off the carriage and walked into the alley with He Rong.

At the entrance stood an ancient peach tree, its trunk thick enough to require several people to wrap their arms around it, estimated to be over a hundred years old. Peach Blossom Lane was named after this tree.

Located in the eastern part of the city, the area mostly consisted of small two-yard courtyards. Those who could afford homes here were relatively well-off commoners. The overall environment was quite serene.

He Rong stopped and pointed to the second-to-last house’s door in the alley. “This is the one.”

Qing Chan rolled up her sleeves, itching to act. “Miss, let’s just storm in and tear that fox spirit apart!”

The young mistress was so kind; how dare her eldest brother-in-law keep a woman outside? Shameless!

Shen Lingyue laughed and stopped her. “Catch the thief with the stolen goods, catch the adulterer with both parties. If we barge in now, will they admit it?”

She thought for a moment and asked He Rong, “When was the last time Han Zhihuan came here?”

He Rong recalled, “Three days ago.”

“That means, barring any accidents, he should be coming this afternoon.”

There was still plenty of time. Shen Lingyue pretended to stroll around the alley, getting a sense of the layout, then stopped in front of an old, somewhat dilapidated door nearby. “Is nobody living next door?”

He Rong, who had already inquired about the area, immediately replied, “Miss, that house is a famous haunted house around here. Three years ago, a fire broke out, and a family of seven was burned alive. Locals often see dark figures roaming there at midnight. It’s scary, so the house has been abandoned, and no one dares to buy it.”

Looking closely, the walls bore scorch marks.

"No wonder it's so quiet here," Shen Lingyue squinted.

Han Zhihuan was quite cunning, placing his outer residence next to a haunted house. No one would dare approach casually, making it more concealed.

Shen Lingyue wasn’t afraid. She looked up at a tall tree towering inside the yard and hatched a plan.

She asked He Rong, “Can you find a way to get me inside?”

He Rong picked up a stone and smashed the rusty lock on the door a few times before pushing it open a crack.

Shen Lingyue slipped inside swiftly, and Qing Chan, unable to stop her, followed nervously.

The courtyard was overgrown with weeds nearly waist-high. The wind rustled through, and who knew how many snakes, insects, and rats had made it home here.

The main hall, which ought to have been the formal sitting room, was reduced to charred rubble, battered by wind and rain, growing more dilapidated.

Shen Lingyue reached the big tree and estimated its height, rubbing her hands together before swiftly climbing up with nimble movements.

In her past life, her parents died in an accident when she was very young. Relatives on both sides treated her like a hot potato, refusing to raise her. Eventually, she was sent to an orphanage, where she stayed for five or six years.

Back then, Shen Lingyue was the leader among the children at the orphanage — climbing trees to raid bird nests, wading in rivers to catch fish and shrimp — quite a handful.

Neither Qing Chan nor Frost Fluff had noticed; Shen Lingyue had already climbed five or six meters high, sitting astride the thickest branch.

The two maids were stunned, anxiously spreading their arms below. “Miss, don’t be reckless, come down quickly!”

Shen Lingyue sat firmly and explained, “The view here is good.”

She could see everything happening in the neighboring yard clearly.

The adjacent layout was similar: a courtyard inside the gate, with some flowers and trees. Bamboo poles under the eaves served as clothes racks, with several exquisitely patterned women's dresses hanging.

A young maid sat by the well, her head down washing clothes in a large wooden basin.

Soon, the creak of a door opening was heard, and a slender, graceful figure emerged, humming a tune, every corner of her eyes and brows filled with seductive charm.

So this was Han Zhihuan’s mistress?

Shen Lingyue stretched her neck forward for a better look.

Qing Chan’s face turned pale as she nervously paced below like a mother hen.

Heavens above, when did Miss learn to climb trees so well?

He Rong kept watch at the gate, then suddenly ran over, calling up, “Miss, it seems someone is coming this way.”

Shen Lingyue glanced at the sun high in the sky, puzzled. “Wasn’t Han Zhihuan supposed to come this afternoon?”

From her vantage point, she saw a carriage entering the alley.

She quickly urged those below, “Go around to the back of the alley, drive our carriage far away so we won’t be discovered.”

If Han Zhihuan recognized Shen family’s carriage, their cover would be blown.

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Qing Chan hesitated. “So, Miss, what will you do?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m just sitting here and won’t fall.”

Shen Lingyue waved her hands repeatedly, telling Frost Fluff to take Qing Chan away first.

Soon, the carriage stopped at the neighboring gate. A strange young man stepped down.

He shook a folding fan, acting suave, and knocked on the door knocker. “Yao Niang, open up, I came to see you.”

The woman inside went to open the door, hooking her arm around the man’s waist and pulling him inside coquettishly. “My dear, why so late? I was starving waiting for you.”

The man hooked her chin, smiling roguishly. “Starving? Wait, I’m here to feed you…”

They clung to each other like sticky sweet molasses, entering the room, soon followed by embarrassing noises.

Shen Lingyue sat wide-eyed in the tree.

Wait a minute, this woman was Han Zhihuan’s mistress, right? Then who was this man?

Could it be that Han Zhihuan’s mistress was cuckolding him?

Shen Lingyue nearly laughed out loud. That’s called “the green-hatted man becomes the green-hatter”! Serves him right!

But if that’s the case, she needed to adjust her plan a bit...

The noises inside the room went on for a while. Shen Lingyue successfully climbed down and left the yard, going around to the back alley to meet Qing Chan and the others.

“He Rong, go check and see if you can find out who that man is.”

Given how familiar he was upon entering, it probably wasn’t his first time here.

He Rong nodded and hurried off, soon returning with news.

“That man is the youngest son of the Minister of Rites, a notorious playboy and regular at the brothels.”

Shen Lingyue whistled softly.

At noon, she had Qing Chan buy some food at a nearby tavern, and the four of them continued their stakeout.

Throughout the afternoon, she saw the son of the imperial merchant Bai family, the nephew of the Marquis of Wuling, the brother-in-law of the commander of the Northern Camp, and even the little uncle of the elder sister-in-law of the Princess Consort Qi’s natal family...

What a master of time management!

This Yao Niang was no mere mistress of Han Zhihuan; Han Zhihuan was just one fish in her pond!

Qing Chan asked hesitantly, “Should we tell the young lady?”

“No rush, let’s see more.”

Shen Lingyue pondered.

She wanted to know if these men knew about each other or if each thought he was Yao Niang’s “only one.”

After all, they came at different times, perfectly spaced out.

Moreover, Shen Lingyue had observed from the tree that the house only had women’s clothing and furnishings. Both Yao Niang and the maid were careful not to leave any trace of men...

He Rong came running in, breathless and excited.

“He’s here! This time it’s the eldest brother-in-law!”

Shen Lingyue perked up, slipping into the haunted house next door and swiftly climbing the tree again.

The view from above was still the clearest!

Soon, Han Zhihuan knocked stealthily on the door and asked the maid, “Where’s Yao Niang?”

The young maid looked innocent. “Miss isn’t feeling well today, she’s resting inside.”

Han Zhihuan grew anxious and hurried inside.

Shen Lingyue curled her lips disdainfully.

Other men would be greeted by Yao Niang, but the eldest brother-in-law, the heir of the Marquis of Pingxi, didn’t even rank in her heart.

No wonder — others came bearing gifts and supplements, but he came empty-handed. Who wouldn’t be disdained?

The Pingxi Marquis’s mansion sounded imposing, but it was just for show. Han Zhihuan probably had little money in hand...

In the bedroom, Yao Niang lay lazily on the bed, listening to Han Zhihuan’s concerned words.

“Yao Niang, things have changed. I’m afraid I can’t take you into the mansion.”

Han Zhihuan looked troubled. “You know my wife is jealous, can’t have sons herself and won’t allow me to take concubines... Her grandfather is the Left Censor of the Censorate. If he reports me, it’ll ruin my career.”

Yao Niang turned her head, hiding a cold smile, then faced him with gentle sorrow.

“It’s alright, Han Lang. As long as you have me in your heart and visit me occasionally, I’m content.”

She raised her hand, pretending to wipe away tears. “I’m but a fragile little woman, how dare I compete with your wife? Just remember, no matter what troubles you face outside, I’ll always be here waiting for you…”

“Yao Niang, I know you’re the one who cares for me most!”

Han Zhihuan was almost moved to tears. Looking around the bare room with no decorations, he reluctantly pulled out several silver notes.

“Take these. Tomorrow buy some jewelry and new clothes. You’re still young and should dress beautifully.”

Yao Niang’s eyes brightened. She threw off the covers and threw herself into his arms, her voice more sincere. “Han Lang, you’re so good. But if you give me all your money, won’t your wife be angry?”

Han Zhihuan laughed boldly, “I spend my money as I please. She’s just a woman—how could she control me?”

With a beauty in his arms, his hands grew restless, wandering over her.

Yao Niang lowered her head, rolling her eyes, turning away. “Han Lang, I’m not feeling well today...”

Han Zhihuan awkwardly stopped, rubbing his nose. “Alright, alright. You rest early. I should go home.”

He stood up, suddenly sniffing. “What’s that smell?”

Yao Niang hurried to explain, “Maybe the medicine I took this morning. The prescription is bitter, and I can’t eat yet.”

Han Zhihuan was fooled, tucked her in, and left reluctantly, glancing back several times.

Shen Lingyue watched the whole scene from the tree, amazed.

She hadn’t expected Han Zhihuan to be so love-struck. Had he never noticed anything wrong?

Now that it was confirmed Han Zhihuan had been here, Shen Lingyue lost interest in eavesdropping further. She stretched, flexed her wrists, and prepared to climb down and return to the mansion.

Just as she was about to move, she suddenly heard two thuds.

Turning around, she saw two men climbing over the wall into the yard!

They took a few steps and stopped right beneath the tree.

Shen Lingyue froze, clutching the tree trunk tightly, holding her breath.

She carefully adjusted her position, using the thick leaves to hide herself while peeking through the gaps.

The man on the left wore a black robe with a hood, covering himself completely, reaching out to the man on the right. “Did you bring the stuff?”

The man on the right handed over some letters, his voice cold. “These are letters exchanged between Gu Yuan and his uncle. It’s basically confirmed—it’s because he disobeyed orders, delayed military plans, and caused Brother Gu’s death.”

Shen Lingyue: !

How did she end up eavesdropping on Gu Yuan’s scandal while spying on an affair?

Was her destiny cursed with the Ling Guogong Mansion?

Wait, were they talking about the death of the heir Gu Lin?

And why did that voice sound so familiar?

Shen Lingyue held her breath, nearly suffocating, but curiosity won out and she strained to listen.

The hooded man pocketed the letters. “Have you thought it through? Gu Lin is dead. If this gets out, the entire Ling Guogong Mansion will be in trouble. Those people are all Gu Lin’s close relatives.”

The other man clenched his fist, pounding the tree trunk fiercely. “Brother Gu raised me since childhood, taught me martial arts. Gu Yuan must pay!”

His punch was so strong the trunk shook, and leaves rustled down.

Shen Lingyue was startled, whispering a low gasp before quickly covering her mouth, cold sweat breaking out on her back.

Don’t notice me, don’t notice me... she prayed silently.

Fortunately, the two men seemed unaware and continued whispering for a while. The hooded man left first.

The other man stood beneath the tree motionless for a long time.

Shen Lingyue’s heart pounded wildly, almost exploding from anxiety.

Big brother’s place is a haunted house—why don’t you leave quickly?

Suddenly, the man looked up sharply, his gaze piercing the treetop.

“Will you come down yourself, or shall I climb up and get you?”