Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 25: Killing by Knives
At this moment, the foreign housekeeper Zhu Shun looks sad, holding a box. Inside is his severed hand, giving off a disgusting stench and appearing frozen, with a greenish hue.
Suddenly, there was a loud "bang." He became paranoid. Like a man who has once been bitten by a snake, he anticipated danger, akin to watching the rabbit's tail burn. Grabbing the dagger from his bed, he jumped up and, wide-eyed, shouted, "Who's there?"
Time passed, and everything seemed quiet. The only person around was himself. Zhu Shun turned his head and saw a white letter lying on the ground, tied with a string. Above it, a stone had been placed, and the envelope was painted with a white pear. The letterhead was elegant, emitting a distant fragrance.
After reading the letter, Zhu Shun's eyes flashed with a filthy, evil light. But after thinking for a moment, he tossed the letter aside and sat back in his chair. He didn't dare go outside.
Meanwhile, through the window came another package, with a handwritten note on it. Zhu Shun opened it to find a scarlet canvas, painted with a pair of sensual men and women, entwined, their passion depicted so vividly that it stirred a burning heat in his body.
He looked like a thief indulging in a guilty pleasure. Smiling, he leaned forward and sniffed the canvas, muttering as he pressed it against his stomach, "Big day can't wait, little Siba!"
With that, he put on his robe and left.
The Zhuge House, located in Huang Cheng Tian, was backed by Chishan Mountain, with Chishui Lake to its right. The estate covered a vast area with its tri-level, trilateral government structure. The deep underground courts had layer upon layer of protection. Outside, towering walls were watched over by Zhuge guards, who monitored the estate 24 hours a day. Four towers stood at each corner, with a trench of fire encircling the middle. If a war were to break out, the estate would resemble a small city under siege.
The Zhuge House was home to many ladies and children who resided safely in the courtyards, surrounded by red pine mountains. To reach Zhuge Huai's bedchambers, one would have to endure many challenges, like navigating through dungeons and traps. Even the masters would struggle to survive a mistake. Escaping was impossible, and breaking into the Zhuge House was even harder.
It was noon and sunny. Amid the cliffs of the red pine mountains, a shadow rapidly slid down. The icy cliffs, covered in snow, reflected the blinding light. The shadow was so small that it would be impossible to spot, even with a telescope.
A faint sound was heard as a child, swinging on a rope, finally landed. Turning cautiously, he checked the ground for safety.
The side door opened, and the gatekeeper of the nursing home greeted him, "Hello, Zhu Shun, what brings you here?"
"The other day, Asi mentioned that the roof of the Li Ranse courtyard was leaking. I came to check it out. Snowmelt is running down the stairs, so I'll take a look."
The courtyard attendants laughed, flattering him, "Why bother the housekeeper with such a small issue? It's nothing to trouble yourself over."
Zhu Shun smiled and shook his head. "I've got nothing else to do. Has the young master gone to the government?"
"The master and the fourth young master have been in the study hall discussing matters all morning. It's been almost half a day, and they're still there."
"I see," Zhu Shun nodded. "Well, I'll be off, and don't bother the masters with this little favor. The old master is still asleep, so don't disturb him."
"We understand."
As Zhu Shun left, a hidden child in the flower trees grinned widely.
Seventh Miss of Chunhua Courtyard had just returned from training and was preparing for a nap. She removed her shawl, letting it carelessly slip from her shoulders, revealing her satin-smooth skin. Her full bosom, slender waist, and round buttocks were a sight to behold. Her long legs added to her allure. Her fingers, tinted with a cardamom red, further enhanced her enchanting beauty. A silk cover was always draped over her naked form as she slept.
At this moment, the tiles on the roof quietly shifted, but no one noticed. A small bag of something was lowered slowly, the contents of the bag moving slightly.
After covering Seventh Miss, the maidservants retreated, and the house became silent, save for her shallow breathing.
With a soft puff, the bag landed on her pillow. The pink bag was painted with a delicate pear.
Seventh Miss slept sweetly, though she felt as though something was tickling her ear, as if in a dream. Still groggy, she didn't open her eyes, but soon she felt a sharp pain on her face. Rubbing her eyes, she screamed in horror, her chest heaving as chaos erupted throughout Chunhua Courtyard.
"Seventh Miss! Seventh Miss!" A group of maidservants rushed into the room, shocked at the sight before them. Huge, dark rats swarmed her body, fat and unafraid of the servants. Some were nibbling on the expensive bed linen.
"This is a nightmare! Get them out! Out! Out!" she cried.
That afternoon, the entire Chunhua Courtyard called for pest control. Seventh Miss downed ten cups of sedative tea, still trembling and struggling to catch her breath.
"Miss, we found this in your bed." A guard presented her with the pink bag.
Seventh Miss stared at it, her eyes widening. Despite her pain and shock, she stood up and snapped, "That little slut! I know who did this! If I find her in the Li Ranse Courtyard, she better not cry!"
As Seventh Miss raged through Chunhua Courtyard, intimidating the Li Ranse Courtyard, a small cabinet in a neglected corner quietly opened, revealing a child's calm face.
"The fire has been lit. Let it burn," she whispered to herself, watching Seventh Miss as the conflict escalated.
Back in the study hall, Zhuge Huai looked serious, facing Zhuge Yue, whose cold demeanor resembled that of a god. Zhuge Huai asked, "Fourth younger brother, what do you make of this?"
The room was silent. Zhuge Huai frowned, raising his brow at Zhuge Yue's strange expression. "Fourth younger brother?"
"Hmm?" Zhuge Yue, lost in thought, looked up, his face briefly showing a flicker of shame. "Yan Wangfu is in trouble. Yan Xun is in danger."
Zhuge Huai nodded. "Yes. Yan Wangfu is a powerful figure, so it's natural he would make big moves. This is a precarious situation. The Batuja family has long coveted the northern territories. The water is muddy, and it could easily cost the crown prince his head. And don't forget the master of Sheng Jin Gong—he's always believed that outsiders aren't really brothers."
Suddenly, a commotion outside drew their attention.
Zhuge Huai frowned and called out, "Zhu Yong, what's going on? Why is it so loud out there?"
Zhu Yong returned and said, "It seems there's trouble in the Chunhua and Li Ranse courtyards. Seventh Miss and the girls from Li Ranse are fighting, and the third and fourth Misses have gone to intervene."