Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 26 : Who is faster than who
Zhuge Huai furrowed his brows and said coldly, "I don't want this discussion interrupted by the noise outside. I'm not one for sweet words. Most of the time, I speak through my sword."
Zhuge Yue, his long eyebrows as fine as jade, laughed and replied, "Big Brother, since when have you ever feared noise? Why not move me out of the inner courtyard? Surely it doesn't trouble your eyes."
Zhuge Huai appeared calm, smiled, and said, "I feel the same, Fourth Brother. You can find a quiet place to hide if you wish, but as the eldest son, with our father absent, I must act in his stead. It's unavoidable."
Zhuge Yue smiled without further comment, picked up his teacup, and took a sip, bowing slightly in silence.
At that moment, a servant arrived, saying, "Young Master, Third Miss is here. I apologize for the disturbance, but you and Fourth Young Master must attend to an urgent matter at Li Ranse Courtyard."
Zhuge Huai, a bit frustrated, remarked, "What now? Fourth Brother, tell them that while my words may be empty, my sword is sharp and ready."
Zhuge Yue set down his tea, stood up, and said, "Big Brother, let's go. It might indeed be urgent."
Zhuge Huai sighed, and the two left the study.
As they approached Li Ranse Courtyard, they heard shouting from a distance. Zhuge Huai chuckled and said to Zhuge Yue, "Is this what you call urgent? This will confuse the master, who doesn't understand the southern customs of these unruly women. Finally, we're seeing it firsthand."
Seventh Miss, Li Xiang—whose name means "Pear Incense"—stood arrogantly in the courtyard, facing the disheveled maids of Li Ranse Courtyard. "I see no reason why Zhuge House should continue to tolerate this disgrace. Despite the master's kindness, you repay him with shamelessness!"
Third Miss, dressed in a fire mink coat, appeared to be in her thirties but well-preserved. With a face full of regret, she said, "Li Xiang, after the master visited your room, how could you make such baseless accusations? This is why we refuse to entertain you today."
"Third Sister, what nonsense are you speaking?" Li Xiang scoffed. "I haven't dirtied my hands or caused any trouble here at Zhuge House."
Third Miss, Li Ranliao—whose name means "Pear Dyed"—turned pale, her hands trembling as she knelt on the ground in only thin clothes. Her eyes were filled with doubt, and her whole body shivered. From time to time, she glanced at a man nearby, shocked to see him shaking as well.
Zhuge Yue and Zhuge Huai arrived just in time to witness the chaotic scene. After listening, they invited Seventh Miss to explain the situation, and Zhuge Huai's brows furrowed as his eyes narrowed.
At that moment, Zhu Shun, recognizing Zhuge Huai's presence, rushed forward, crying out, "She seduced me first! She sent me letters and a painting, telling me to come! When I did, she disrobed and tried to tempt me. But I resisted, thinking of my loyalty to the master and young masters. I would rather die than betray Zhuge House. This woman used me like bait, and I was foolish enough to fall for it!"
"You even borrowed someone else's knife to kill! Have you no shame?" someone shouted.
"Dare you deny it?" Seventh Miss snapped, slapping Third Miss across the face. "A brainless woman is always cheap. You dared use the master's servant to plot against me, but today, your schemes have backfired!"
Zhuge Huai, taken aback, asked Zhuge Yue, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
Zhuge Yue, already turning to leave, replied, "Big Brother, I have something urgent to attend to. Perhaps I'll find you later."
The young master of Zhuge House left Li Ranse Courtyard, heading swiftly toward Castle Hill.
At Castle Peak, the sound of knocking echoed through the courtyard. Several maids, busy tending to the orchids, bowed respectfully as Zhuge Yue entered, ignoring them as he hurried toward the rooms.
"Where is Star Child? Who's looking after her?" Zhuge Yue asked.
"Star Child wasn't feeling well and retired to her room," a small maidservant replied, quickly adding, "She asked us to gather new tea leaves; we've only just returned."
Zhuge Yue's expression darkened, and he strode quickly to Chu Qiao's room. Zhu Qi, walking beside him, whispered, "Star Child has been busy all day. I didn't see her leave."
Zhuge Yue pushed open the door, his formal face filled with suspicion. But there, lying pale on the bed, was the child, clearly unwell.
For a moment, Zhuge Yue was stunned. He hadn't expected her to be there, and yet, seeing her lying peacefully seemed to lift a weight off his heart, bringing him an inexplicable sense of relief.
"Fourth Young Master?" Star Child sat up, startled, holding her quilt. "Is there something wrong, Young Master?"
Zhuge Yue, momentarily embarrassed, shook his head. "No, I heard you were sick and came to check on you."
"Oh," she nodded. "Thank you, Young Master, for your concern."
Zhuge Yue's ears turned red, but he kept his composure. Clearing his throat, he coughed lightly, unsure of what to say.
Zhu Cheng, noticing his master's awkwardness, quickly intervened, "Star Child, the young master has come to see you. Shouldn't you get up and greet him?"
The child hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, but remained still.
Zhuge Yue's gaze grew cold with suspicion. After everything that had happened today, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His eyes narrowed as he moved closer.
"Star Child," he said, stepping forward, "pour me a cup of tea."
The child, clearly frightened, stammered, "Young Master, I—"
"Now," Zhuge Yue interrupted, his tone sharp, "I'll drink it now."
Suddenly, a shriek rang out. Everyone froze as Zhuge Yue's eyes widened in shock. There, huddled on the bed, was the child, her face buried in her arms, her body barely covered by the thin quilt.
Zhuge Yue quickly threw his own quilt over her and, for the first time in a long while, felt truly embarrassed. His face flushed, and he turned away, furious.
"All of you, leave!" he commanded.
His guards, who had already sensed his anger, turned and hurried out of the room without a word.
Zhuge Yue threw the quilt over Chu Qiao and, in a voice that was both calm and impatient, said, "Get dressed quickly!"
Back in the room, Star Child remained quiet, silently weeping. Zhuge Yue's brows furrowed, though he wasn't sure who he was angry with. His voice, sharp with frustration, cut through the silence. "It's a command! Are you deaf? Why are you just lying there?"
She didn't respond, quietly stepping out of the bed. The door shut loudly behind him, leaving her alone. The child looked up, her expression indifferent, her eyes calm—there wasn't a hint of sorrow. Slowly, she pulled off Zhuge Yue's quilt, revealing her thin frame. She retrieved her soil-stained clothes from beneath the mattress and dressed herself without hesitation, discarding the quilt carelessly to the floor, as if it meant nothing.
Zhuge Yue's surveillance was sharp; he had been watching her every move. Even though the time it took her to dress was brief, his eyes remained focused, observing closely.
In her mind, Star Child knew that after today, no one would dare enter her room without caution. The events that had transpired ensured she had more time to prepare for what was next.
With a slight bow of her head, she offered a faint, knowing smile at the image of the young master's stern face. She couldn't quite explain why, but to her, his dark, brooding eyes held an air of godlike presence.
It was time for her to settle her accounts.