164: Night Talk at Yuxiu Garden

Meanwhile, the Rain Embroidery Courtyard villa presented a different scene.

Embroiderer sat before the dressing table, served by a maid as she changed out of her dress, which was stained with a bit of dust.

The tear stains on her face had been wiped dry, but her eyes remained red. Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes as her mind repeatedly replayed the scenes from the Heavenly Fragrance Tower—Shopkeeper Chen's sinister smile, the sudden murderous intent of the hidden Guards, and Situ Jun’s figure protecting her like a demon god descending to earth.

Her heart was still trembling slightly, but more than that, she felt an unprecedented sense of peace.

She had never seen Situ Jun look so terrifying; his cold gaze seemed capable of freezing the Soul, and with a wave of his hand, he could make life and death a difficult choice for others.

But when he turned toward her, that ice seal gaze melted instantly, becoming so tender it could drip like water.

“Madam, please have some calming tea,”

the maid said softly, bringing a cup of hot tea.

Embroiderer took the teacup. Only when her fingertips touched the warm surface did she feel she had somewhat regained her senses.

She nodded and took small sips, but her eyes involuntarily drifted toward the window. Situ Jun had gone to the study, saying he had matters to attend to, but she felt an emptiness in her heart, wishing to be by his side to feel at ease.

Just as she was thinking this, footsteps came from outside the door, and Situ Jun pushed it open and entered.

He had already changed into a moon-white brocade robe, having shed his earlier ferocity. He looked as gentle as jade, though a trace of lingering frost still remained between his brows.

“Why haven't you rested yet?”

Situ Jun walked to her side, took the teacup from her hand, and tested the temperature:

“The tea is cold. I'll have someone replace it.”

“No need, I'm not thirsty.”

Embroiderer shook her head and reached out to pull his sleeve, her voice still a bit raspy:

“Husband, will you blame me... for causing trouble for you?”

Situ Jun held her hand, his fingertips gently stroking her slightly cool skin, a flash of heartache in his eyes:

“Silly girl, how could I blame you? It's my fault for not protecting you well and letting you suffer.”

He knew Embroiderer had a gentle nature; she wouldn't even step on an ant normally. Having experienced such danger today, she must have been terrified.

If he hadn't happened to arrive in East Lin City and happened to be dining at the Heavenly Fragrance Tower, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

At that thought, his gaze turned a few degrees colder before softening again:

“In the future, remember to tell me if anything happens. Don't carry it alone.”

Embroiderer shook her head, her eyes turning red again:

“The city has always been peaceful. It was supposed to be a small matter, but I didn't expect... such a calamity. I'm sorry, husband, I...”

“It has nothing to do with you.”

Situ Jun interrupted her, pulling her into his arms, his voice deep and powerful:

“Something happened on the Southern Border side, and it affected East Lin City. From now on, you are not allowed to go out alone; you must have a Guard with you.”

Embroiderer nodded, burying her face in the crook of his neck. Smelling the crisp Dragons Saliva Incense on him, the unease in her heart gradually dissipated.

She knew that as long as this man was there, no matter how great the storm, someone would shield her from it.

A moment later, she remembered something and frowned slightly in worry:

“Husband, will Tu Xiong be in danger in the Southern Border?”

After Tu Xiong established a foothold in East Lin, he went to the Southern Border at Situ Jun's command to build up influence and incidentally purchase fabrics for the Yuxiu Pavilion. Because the materials were delayed this time and he couldn't be reached, she had gone to find Shopkeeper Chen, not expecting this to happen.

Unexpectedly, the materials were delayed and Tu Xiong could not be contacted, which was why Embroiderer went to see Shopkeeper Chen.

Situ Jun pondered for a moment, his fingertips brushing through her hair:

“I just came from Consort Yu and Xuan'er. They already sent Cao Guang to the Southern Border yesterday to investigate. Additionally, I've sent word to my subordinates to have a Late Golden Core Stage Cultivator lead a team to the Southern Border. It will be a few days before we know the status of Tu Xiong and the Southern Border.”

At that moment, Bai Yu's voice came from outside:

“Master, Wang Cheng requests an audience.”

“Let him wait outside,” Situ Jun said flatly, clearly not wanting to be disturbed.

Embroiderer gently pushed him:

“Husband, you should see him. He is the City Lord of Donglin, after all.”

Situ Jun glanced at her. Seeing the conciliatory look in her eyes, he nodded:

“Let him in.”

When Wang Cheng entered, he was carrying ledgers and secret letters, followed by a woman of exquisite beauty and a voluptuous figure.

Walking forward, Wang Cheng knelt on the ground trembling:

“This subordinate greets the Lord and the Madam.”

The woman's face was like peach blossoms and plums, with willow-leaf brows and almond eyes. A golden belt was tied around her slender waist, perfectly outlining her proud figure. Her gown of misty clouds further highlighted her fair skin, which was as smooth as jade.

Seeing Wang Cheng kneel, she hesitated for a moment before also bowing:

“This humble one, Shen Xingwan, greets... greets the Senior.”

Situ Jun's gaze circled between the two. He noticed the flash of detachment in Shen Xingwan's eyes and saw Wang Cheng's deliberately flattering manner, guessing the situation in his heart.

“Both of you, rise. How is the cleanup of the city proceeding?” Situ Jun's voice was devoid of emotion.

“Reporting to the Lord.”

Wang Cheng hurriedly presented the documents and the secret letter sound transmission talisman:

“Shopkeeper Chen was colluding with Cultivators from the Xuan Yin Sect, intending to harm the Madam under their instructions. This subordinate has raided all Xuan Yin Sect strongholds in East Lin City, capturing seven Cultivators, while the rest are being tracked down.”

Situ Jun picked up the secret letter sound transmission talisman and sent his Divine Sense into it. A moment later, his gaze gradually turned cold.

It turned out that when Embroiderer was young, she was originally a Disciple of the Xuan Yin Sect, but she was expelled from the Sect after her cultivation was crippled. Having been recognized in East Lin City this time, the other party actually intended to commit indecent acts against her. Fortunately, he had appeared in time.

Rage flared in Situ Jun's heart, and he said coldly:

“Leave not a single Xuan Yin Sect stronghold in East Lin City! If anything happens, I will take responsibility!”

“Yes! Lord!” Wang Cheng replied with cupped hands.

Situ Jun suppressed the anger in his heart and nodded slightly:

“A high-level Cultivator's Legacy Immortal Cave is suspected to have appeared in the Southern Border. East Lin City is near the Southern Border's Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, so a large number of Cultivators heading there will surely pass through here soon. Keep a close eye on the city's order. I will also stay in the city for a few days to oversee things for you.”

Hearing this, Wang Cheng's heart jolted, followed by a surge of joy. He quickly responded:

“Thank you, Lord! This subordinate will go and make arrangements immediately!”

Situ Jun waved his hand and said with a cold tone:

“You must tighten the defenses of East Lin City. If anything like today happens again, you will bring me your head.”

“Yes! This subordinate will not hesitate even at the cost of ten thousand deaths!”

Wang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief. The Lord ultimately did not hold him accountable for his negligence today.

Afterward, he stole a glance at Embroiderer, his eyes dodging as his lips pulled into an awkward smile.

Situ Jun frowned and said deeply:

“Is there anything else? If not, you may withdraw!”

Seeing Situ Jun's displeasure, Wang Cheng gritted his teeth and pointed to Shen Xingwan beside him:

“The Lord has traveled a long way to East Lin City. This subordinate was afraid of poor hospitality and specially sent this woman to serve you. I hope the Lord will not spurn her!”

Hearing this, Shen Xingwan looked at Situ Jun with watery eyes and curtsied:

“This humble one is proficient in music and dance, and also knows how to manage daily life. Serving tea and water is within my duties.”

Situ Jun was slightly stunned. He looked at the anxious Wang Cheng, then at Shen Xingwan, who looked melancholy but forced a shallow smile. He frowned and said:

“There is no need for anyone to serve here. You may return.”

Shen Xingwan froze, a flicker of something unusual crossing her beautiful eyes. She took a step forward, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with her jade-like hand, and said calmly:

“The Senior has just arrived, so it is only right for someone to serve. I have come here today with a thick skin; Senior, you...”

Embroiderer smiled slightly. Looking at the charming and curvaceous Shen Xingwan before her, how could she not understand the situation?

Just as Situ Jun was about to refuse, she spoke softly:

“I'll accept on my husband's behalf. Sister Shen, please stay.”

Situ Jun looked toward Embroiderer, his eyes inquiring.

Embroiderer blinked and smiled slightly, sending a sound transmission:

“Don't disappoint City Lord Wang's good intentions, and don't hurt the girl's pride. Since she has already lowered herself, we must give her some face.”

Situ Jun looked at Shen Xingwan again. This woman's appearance was indeed exquisite, with a mature and pitiful temperament. Even without using the 'Eye of Detection,' he knew her score would definitely be above ninety.

He thought for a moment and said to Wang Cheng:

“I appreciate your kindness. Miss Shen shall remain in the manor for now.”

Hearing Situ Jun agree, Wang Cheng looked delighted and quickly cupped his hands:

“Rest assured, Lord, Shen Xingwan has a clean background and is absolutely reliable. This subordinate still has matters to attend to and will take his leave!”

Situ Jun nodded in approval, and Wang Cheng bowed and withdrew.

Embroiderer took Shen Xingwan's hand and sat down, saying softly:

“Sister Shen, don't be restrained here... just treat it as your own home.”

Shen Xingwan's face reddened slightly. She glanced at Situ Jun, and seeing his gentle expression, she felt a bit more relaxed. She held Embroiderer's hand and smiled faintly:

“Thank you, Madam, for speaking up for me. Otherwise, I'm afraid I would have had to sleep on the streets tonight.”

The warm yellow candlelight shone on the two women, outlining their soft silhouettes. Both had tranquil smiles on their faces, looking like sisters who had been apart for a long time.

“You two chat. I'm going to the study.”

Situ Jun stood up and slowly walked out.