41: Crimson Moonlight

The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight was like gauze. The Nine-Bend Corridor of the North Courtyard wound like a sleeping giant python under the hazy moonlight.

Situ Jun stepped onto the bluestone path, his sleeves fluttering gently in the night wind. His spiritual sense, at the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment, spread out quietly like a spider web, perceiving every movement in the surroundings.

Just as he turned the corner of the Nine-Bend Corridor, his spiritual sense suddenly alerted him. In the shadows of a nearby rockery, a faint aura was quietly hiding, carrying the specific fluctuations of a Seventh Layer of Qi Refining Cultivator.

Although these spiritual energy fluctuations were deliberately restrained, under Situ Jun's keen perception, they were still like a firefly in the dark night, unable to escape his notice.

Situ Jun immediately became vigilant. Someone with such a Cultivation lurking here surreptitiously must certainly be up to some shady business.

He calmly ducked into the shadows of the eaves, a layer of spiritual energy quietly condensing on the soles of his boots. His steps were as light as a cat as he cautiously approached. As the North Courtyard Manager, he would never allow anyone to act recklessly on his territory. He wanted to see who this person was and what they intended to do, daring to cause trouble right under his nose.

At this moment, the person in the shadows was craning their neck, looking in the direction where Situ Jun had departed, their figure casting a distorted black shadow under the moonlight. The person's frame was slightly hunched, casting a twisted shadow that added a touch of eeriness.

A moment later, just as the person was about to move away, Situ Jun closed in like a ghost, his hand like an iron pincer accurately gripping the other's throat. A chilling killing intent emanated from his palm, instantly suppressing the other's resistance.

The "Eye of Detection" was released in an instant, and the information that appeared before him caused killing intent to surge in his eyes.

[Name: Li Iron Bull]

[Age: 40]

[Cultivation: Seventh Layer of Qi Refining]

[Identity: North Courtyard Patrol Deacon]

[Favourability: -30]

[Today's Evaluation: Drugged Situ Jun and monitored his actions. Once he is found staying overnight in the North Courtyard, immediately report to the First Commander.]

“Zhu Changpo?”

Situ Jun sneered, a cold light flickering in his eyes. Without hesitation, he took out a “servitude pill” and pressed his thumb heavily against the Acupoints on the other's neck. As Li Iron Bull let out a suppressed whimper, the servitude pill turned into a streak of light and entered his mouth.

Under the influence of the ‘servitude pill’, Li Iron Bull spilled everything like beans from a bamboo tube, revealing the entire conspiracy.

It turned out this fellow was sent to the North Courtyard by Zhu Changpo to monitor Situ Jun's every move. Zhu Changpo had meticulously devised a scheme using an aphrodisiac to frame Situ Jun for the crime of raping a woman in the North Courtyard. He then intended to bring the Manor Soldiers to capture Situ Jun, hand him over to the Manor Soldiers Command to be thrown into the Heavenly Prison, and execute him for the crime of rape.

Coincidentally, Lin Suwan had invited Situ Jun to a banquet today. After Li Iron Bull learned of this, he sneakily went to the kitchen and, while no one was looking, mixed a special aphrodisiac into the food and wine.

Situ Jun stroked his chin, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

At this point, everything that happened tonight was explained. He secretly felt lucky that his Cultivation was high enough that his mind wasn't completely controlled by the aphrodisiac. Otherwise, if this guy had brought people to cause a scene in the middle of the night, he would have been unable to defend himself.

“Wang Decai and Cao Guang were actually kept in the dark... Zhu Changpo bypassed them directly and sent someone else to this North Courtyard. It seems Zhu Changpo doesn't trust the two of them much anymore. It looks like I need to recruit a few more servants.”

Situ Jun muttered to himself, already having a new plan in mind.

“Fine, give me the antidote for the aphrodisiac and get lost.”

Situ Jun said irritably. At this moment, he felt a burning discomfort deep inside, all thanks to the fellow in front of him.

“Master, this... this ‘Drunken Spring Powder’ is refined using the essence blood of nine types of Lustful Beasts. There is no specific antidote. The only... the only way is through the Harmonizing of Yin and Yang...”

Li Iron Bull knelt on the ground, his face full of embarrassment.

Upon hearing this, Situ Jun felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He looked at the night sky and cursed silently, his heart filled with helplessness and irritation. Just then, Lin Suwan's flushed cheeks suddenly flashed through his mind.

That woman, who had frequently poured wine for him at the banquet, had eyes full of affection and a gentle demeanor. At this moment, she must be suffering through the same ordeal.

“Get out.” After Li Iron Bull left, Situ Jun turned and walked toward the West Courtyard. But after a few steps, he stopped, Lin Suwan's figure constantly appearing in his mind. “Sister Lin is also poisoned, and she doesn't seem to dislike me. Why don't I...”

Thinking this, he looked around vigilantly. After confirming no one was there, he slipped into the shadows.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, feeling that nothing was amiss, he carefully avoided the light of the lanterns and quietly walked toward Lin Suwan's courtyard.

In a dark spot, he flipped into the courtyard. His movements were agile, yet he still startled a Night Owl perched on a bamboo tip. The Night Owl let out a shrill cry, piercing the silent night sky. Only after the maid Hong Mei walked out of Lin Suwan's master bedroom and entered the servants' quarters on the east side did Situ Jun emerge from the shadow of some Cui Zhu.

He took a deep breath to calm his emotions, then opened the door to the main living room and slipped inside. The unextinguished candlelight in the room cast flickering shadows in the air, making the entire room look hazy and suggestive.

Situ Jun bypassed the lotus screen and walked to the door of Lin Suwan's bedroom. He placed his hand on the door handle, hesitated for a moment, and then gently pushed the door open. A faint, ethereal fragrance wafted over him, instantly enveloping his senses.

The candlelight cast mottled shadows on the screen. Lin Suwan lay sideways on the bed, her expression looking somewhat dazed. Seeing Situ Jun, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes, which then returned to a languid state: “Why are you here?”

Situ Jun walked slowly to the bedside and sat down, his gaze full of concern: “I was worried about you, Madam, so I came to see if you are well.”

Lin Suwan chuckled softly, propping herself up and leaning slightly toward him: “Are you truly worried about me, or do you have another purpose?” Her voice was slightly hoarse, yet exceptionally gentle.

Situ Jun looked at the person before him, the emotions in his heart no longer suppressible: “Madam, from the first moment I saw you, I...” Before he could finish, Lin Suwan had already leaned gently into his arms.

Outside the window, the moonlight gently spilled onto the window frame, enveloping the intertwined figures inside in a soft halo of light. The two looked at each other and smiled, a thousand words turning into this moment of deep embrace.

The night was deep. This accident, born of a conspiracy, had instead brought two hearts closely together. Outside the North Courtyard, Zhu Changpo's conspiracy was only just beginning to surface. Situ Jun knew a greater storm was coming, but at this moment, he only wanted to hold the beauty in his arms tightly and enjoy this moment of peace and tenderness.

(Most of it was deleted...)