57: Love Confessions in the Dark Night

Inside the council chamber, the flickering candlelight cast the shadows of the crowd onto the mottled walls, twisting and changing with the dancing flames.

Zhu Changpo sat in the main seat, his black brocade robe with gold trim making him appear even more majestic. His gaze swept over the crowd like a hawk, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, while a subtle calculation flickered in his deep eyes. This discussion regarding the rotation of the Spirit Stone Mine Tunnel was, on the surface, to properly arrange the affairs of the residence, but in reality, it was a chess game that Zhu Changpo had carefully planned for a long time. He knew that sending the Deacons and stewards with high Cultivations to guard the Mine Tunnel would not only allow him to control key resources but also provide an opportunity to weaken the power of potential rivals. This move was crucial for stabilizing his position in the residence and for his future development. However, he could not rush; he had to remain behind the scenes, quietly guiding the situation to avoid provoking resentment and targeting from the other madams.

The crowd below argued fiercely, each holding their own opinion, their voices rising and falling. Some advocated for arrangements based on seniority, some suggested using Cultivation to determine rank, and others considered the expertise and experience of the personnel. Zhu Changpo listened quietly, occasionally nodding slightly or frowning gently, using subtle changes in expression to guide the thoughts of the crowd.

When the discussion was nearly finished, Zhu Changpo coughed lightly. Though his voice was not loud, it struck like a heavy hammer in the noisy council chamber. Instantly, all the chatter ceased, and everyone's gaze snapped toward him.

"Since you feel that assigning stewards for rotation is feasible, then devise a specific plan. At the same time, propose which individuals should be sent, and we will discuss whether they are suitable together." His voice was steady and powerful, carrying an innate authority that made people instinctively want to obey.

"Most of the stewards and Deacons in the residence have reached Qi Refining Level 7 or above, with some even reaching Foundation Establishment Level 1. Since it is a rotation, I believe anyone above Qi Refining Level 7 can go, replacing a portion of the personnel at the Spirit Stone Mine Tunnel."

"I think this plan is feasible. Leave the stewards and Deacons with lower Cultivations to fulfill their duties in the residence. Sending those with higher Cultivations to the Spirit Stone Mine Tunnel will ensure the stability of the mine while allowing some of the guards to return and rest." Others chimed in one after another, and the hall was filled with sounds of agreement.

Zhu Changpo listened to the suggestions and nodded with satisfaction, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes. In his heart, Situ Jun's Qi Refining Peak Cultivation was already a "choice morsel" in his eyes. For this rotation at the Spirit Stone Mine Tunnel, Situ Jun was undoubtedly the target he was determined to transfer away. As long as Situ Jun left the core area of the residence, he would be able to control the overall situation more smoothly.

Finally, Zhu Changpo waved his hand, his tone decisive and resolute: "Since the plan is feasible, it is settled. In a moment, finalize the personnel and ensure they are properly informed."

Sure enough, the crowd began to discuss enthusiastically again, listing all the personnel who met the criteria. When Situ Jun's name appeared prominently on the list, Zhu Changpo felt secretly triumphant, though his face remained composed.

"Since the personnel have been decided, the rotation will begin in ten days. Inform the selected individuals. The duration is tentatively set for three months, and their monthly salary, Medicinal Pills, and Spirit Stones will be tripled." As Zhu Changpo's words fell, this seemingly ordinary council meeting finally came to an end.

When everyone left the Military Affairs Office, night had completely fallen. The darkness was like thick ink, shrouding the entire city residence. Only scattered lights flickered in the gloom, like a few lonely stars, adding a faint glimmer to the silent and mysterious night.

Situ Jun avoided everyone's gaze, his movements agile as he slipped into Nangong Xue's courtyard as silently as a ghost. In the courtyard, lanterns emitted a warm yellow glow, their soft light stretching the shadows of the trees, swaying in hazy and beautiful patterns on the ground. A night breeze blew, making the leaves rustle and playing a soft melody in the quiet night, adding a touch of tranquility and peace.

Situ Jun pushed open the side door with practiced ease, and a delicate, captivating fragrance wafted toward him. The scent seemed to be a blend of the flowers blooming in the courtyard and the rouge used by the lady, lingering at the tip of his nose and intoxicating the soul.

Inside the room, Nangong Xue was dressed in a moon-white gauze dress, leaning by the window like a Fairy. The moonlight filtered through the window lattice, gently spilling over her and coating her in a soft, sacred glow, making her look like an exquisite painting. Her hair was outlined in silver by the moonlight, her features were like a painting, and her lips were as red as vermillion; she was breathtakingly beautiful.

"So you finally decided to show up!" Nangong Xue noticed the movement and turned around, her tone clearly reproachful, yet the joy sparkling in her eyes could not be hidden. She gave the Round Fan in her hand a gentle wave, the lifelike flower and bird patterns on the fan appearing and disappearing with her movements, as if they too were expressing her heart full of grievance and longing.

Situ Jun stepped forward quickly and gently took her hand, his voice low and tender, filled with endless affection: "How could I not come? You and Aunt Xu are all I think about. I've been rushing around the residence these days, truly unable to help myself, but in my heart, I never stopped thinking about coming back."

Nangong Xue gave a coquettish struggle but did not truly pull her hand back. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "You are always so busy. Aunt Xu and I feel inevitably lonely at home, always hoping you can come back more often to accompany us."

Situ Jun pulled her into his embrace and comforted her softly, "I want to spend more time with you as well, but the affairs in the residence are busy now, and there are undercurrents everywhere. It wasn't easy for the three of us to come together; I must act carefully and plan for our future. Only by securing a firm foothold can I protect you both."

Just as the two were talking, Xu Lian's voice came from outside the courtyard: "Madam, there are insects tonight. I am adding some Mosquito-repellent Sandalwood Incense."

Nangong Xue's face instantly flushed red. She looked at Situ Jun and said reproachfully, "Let Aunt Xu in. Tonight..." Her eyes held a hint of shyness and helplessness, along with a trace of expectation.

Situ Jun nodded with a smile. Before long, Xu Lian pushed the door open and entered. Seeing Steward Situ in Nangong Xue's room, she was first surprised and then greeted him with a smile: "Steward Situ is here as well. I'll leave as soon as I've replaced the sandalwood incense."

Situ Jun smiled gently and said, "It's been a while. It's the perfect time for us to talk. Aunt Xu, thank you for your hard work taking care of Xiao Xue during this time."

Xu Lian shook her head slightly. "It is what I should do. There are many things to handle in the residence; you must also take care of your health."

The three sat around the table, and Situ Jun explained the situation in the residence and his plans in detail. Nangong Xue and Xu Lian listened intently, offering their own insights from time to time. Inside the room, the voices of the three were soft and warm, accompanied by the chirping of insects outside, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

As the night deepened, Situ Jun stood up to leave. "It's getting late. I must go back and prepare for the upcoming rotation arrangements. Don't worry, I will definitely protect you and find an opportunity to resolve this crisis."

Nangong Xue and Xu Lian saw him to the door and watched his figure disappear into the night. Returning to the room, the two sat opposite each other, continuing to discuss how to coordinate with Situ Jun to protect their peace and happiness in this residence full of undercurrents. Outside, the moonlight remained gentle, spilling over the small courtyard as if silently blessing their future.

(Most of the content has been edited or deleted; my apologies.)