58: conspiracy

The carved sandalwood bed curtains hung low like mist, and the gold-threaded twin lotuses flickered in the swaying candlelight, breaking the warm light into golden specks that scattered over the brocade bedding.

Nangong Xue's disheveled black hair, like ink-colored silk, spread across the brocade quilt embroidered with lotus patterns. Her crimson cheeks still bore the remnants of shyness, resembling the lingering sunset glow in the sky. She leaned quietly against the headboard, holding an ancient book, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of the pages. A lazy smile curled the corners of her lips, and her eyes shimmered as if hiding a thousand stars.

Xu Lian curled up on the other side, wearing a moon-white gauze outer robe that half-covered her exquisite cloud-patterned skirt. The jade hairpin in her hair swayed gently with her movements. She toyed with a round fan, the redness at the corners of her eyes yet to fade, her expression still carrying a bit of naive charm, like a lazy cat quietly enjoying her rest.

However.

Amidst this serene atmosphere, a series of cold System notification tones suddenly rang out, like a plucked string breaking the silence of the room.

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host's Dual Cultivation Dao Companion Nangong Xue for her Cultivation advancing to the First Layer of Foundation Establishment. Rewarding the Host with one piece of rare Artifact Refining Materials, 'Blood Sun Iron'.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host's Dual Cultivation Dao Companion Xu Lian for her Cultivation advancing to the First Layer of Foundation Establishment. Rewarding the Host with 2 'mysterious yin vermilion fruits'. Note: Consumption can unconditionally help a person obtain a type of Spiritual Vein or Physique.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host's Dual Cultivation Dao Companion Nangong Xue's favorability increasing to 80. Rewarding the Host with 3 Intermediate lucky draws.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host's Dual Cultivation Dao Companion Xu Lian's favorability increasing to 95. Rewarding the Host with 1 Advanced lucky draw.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host's Dual Cultivation Dao Companion Xu Lian's rating increasing to 93. Rewarding the Host with 1000 heavenly luck value.]

Listening to these continuous prompts, Situ Jun's eyes flickered slightly, and fine light shimmered in his ink-colored pupils.

Beyond the surprise, he felt even more joy for the advancement in his two Dao Companions' Cultivation.

He gently covered them with the slipped brocade quilt, his movements so light as if he feared waking them from a fragile dream.

Getting up and putting on his outer robe, Situ Jun looked out the window at the darkening sky.

The night fell like a giant black net. A cold glint flashed in his eyes—he knew that a crisis was quietly approaching in the shadows, like a venomous snake lurking in the dark, ready to strike a fatal blow at any moment.

Meanwhile, in Zhu Changpo's study, the candlelight flickered unsteadily, and the dim yellow glow cast his shadow onto the wall, wavering like a ghost.

Zhu Changpo wore a black robe, its gold-threaded patterns shimmering in the candlelight. He leaned lazily against the carved chair back, toying with the personnel list of those guarding the spirit stone vein. A sinister smile curled his lips, like a cunning fox.

"Situ Jun, let's see how you escape my grasp this time. Once you leave the City Lord's Mansion, won't you be at my mercy? To think you dared to obstruct my plans within the mansion and ruin my business, hmph!"

He murmured softly, his eyes full of calculation, his gaze as if he had already placed Situ Jun on the chopping block.

Then, he summoned a confidant and whispered instructions into his ear, his voice low and sinister:

"Closely monitor Situ Jun's every move, especially who he interacts with.

Additionally, prepare to replace all the stewards and deacons of the West Courtyard and North Courtyard with our own people once he leaves for the spirit stone vein."

The confidant left to carry out the orders. In the darkness, a larger conspiracy spread quietly like a tide, and the claws in the shadows were already beginning to stir.

The next morning, within the Meeting Hall of the City Lord's Mansion, a solemn and dignified atmosphere filled the air.

Zhu Changpo sat in the main seat, his luxurious robes further accentuating his majestic Aura, the gold-trimmed edges showcasing his status.

He sipped his tea slowly, the aroma filling the room but unable to hide the malice in his eyes.

Catching a glimpse of Situ Jun entering the hall, a flash of calculation crossed Zhu Changpo's eyes, and he smiled meaningfully:

"Steward Situ looks well. I presume you've received the notice to guard the Spirit Stone Mine Tunnel?"

"The Grand Commander has been most thoughtful."

Situ Jun's expression was as usual. He cupped his hands in greeting, his posture respectful yet hiding a sharp edge as he asked, "However, as the Grand Steward of the mansion, must I also take a rotation to guard the mining area?"

"Naturally!"

Zhu Changpo set down his teacup, his fingertips tapping the table rhythmically, creating a crisp sound that seemed to beat the drum of fate:

"Your strength is remarkable, and you are a steward of the mansion. You will surely find a place to exert your talents in the mining area. Besides, the Spiritual Qi at the spirit stone vein is dense. While guarding the area, you can have more time to Cultivate without distractions and achieve a Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Stage sooner."

He spoke as if he were considering Situ Jun's best interests, but his eyes hid an imperceptible ruthlessness. Beneath that hypocritical mask was a trap he had long planned.

Situ Jun smiled coldly in his heart but remained calm on the surface.

If he hadn't already seen through the plan, he might have been fooled by this hypocritical appearance. This seemingly well-intentioned arrangement was nothing more than a carefully designed conspiracy... Just as Situ Jun returned to his small courtyard, he saw Cui Zhu standing at the door with a beaming smile.

The warm spring sun shone on her, coating her in a soft glow. Her pink skirt fluttered gently in the breeze, like a butterfly dancing in the spring.

"Sister Cui Zhu, is something the matter?"

Situ Jun smiled warmly and stepped forward to ask, his voice as pleasant as a spring breeze.

"Steward Situ, the Madam wants you to come over for a moment,"

Cui Zhu said in a crisp voice, her eyes carrying a bit of playfulness, like a lively little bird.

"Alright, let's head over then,"

Situ Jun replied, following Cui Zhu toward Liu Xuaner's Rose Courtyard.

Outside the walls of the Rose Courtyard, roses climbed upward, in full bloom with a fragrance that attracted bees and butterflies.

Inside the living room of the Rose Courtyard, Liu Xuaner sat with her delicate brows tightly furrowed.

A plain white wide-sleeved immortal skirt perfectly outlined her curvaceous body, like a snowy jade branch on a crabapple tree, perfectly proportioned. She sat on the soft couch, her sleeves trailing down to the floor like spreading cloud patterns.

A golden silk sash was lightly tied around her waist, outlining her elegant figure and drawing attention.

The morning light filtered through the window, coating her skin in a faint soft glow, making her appear even more gentle and moving, like a Fairy stepped out of a painting.

"Madam."

Situ Jun bowed, his voice steady and powerful like a great bell.

"Sit down. Cui Zhu, Chun Hua, you two may go and rest."

Liu Xuaner was not in high spirits, her tone carrying traces of sorrow, like a sky covered by dark clouds.

After Cui Zhu and Chun Hua withdrew, Situ Jun sat down and asked:

"Madam, is something troubling you?"

Liu Xuaner glanced at him and sighed softly, like a wisp of sorrowful wind:

"A couple of days ago, I heard you were appointed by Sister Li as the General Steward of the mansion. I haven't even had the chance to congratulate you yet, but this morning another notice came out saying you've been assigned to guard the spirit stone vein. It was hard enough to arrange for you to inspect the shops for me, but before I could enjoy a few peaceful days, you're being sent elsewhere. I have no way to stop this."

Her words were full of helplessness and reluctance, and a hint of tears welled in her eyes, like morning dew on flower petals.

Situ Jun smiled slightly and said in a firm tone:

"Madam, you don't need to worry. When I return from the mining area, I will still inspect the shops for you. No matter where Your subordinate is, I will always be your confidant and loyal guard."

His gaze was as firm as a rock, as if speaking an eternal vow.

Liu Xuaner's beautiful eyes rippled as she glanced at him, and a gratified smile appeared on her face, like snow beginning to melt:

"Oh? Steward Situ, are you serious about those words?"

Situ Jun smiled calmly, his gaze sincere, as if he could see through one's heart:

"Your subordinate's heart for Madam can be witnessed by heaven and earth, and proven by the sun and moon."

Liu Xuaner gave him a reproachful look. For some reason, a blush suddenly appeared on her fair face, like the evening clouds:

"Sigh, you're the only person in this mansion who is easy to work with. Once you leave, the mansion's affairs and shop accounts will trouble me again. I'm already 38 years old this year, and my Cultivation has been slow to advance. I still have to spend time managing this and that. In a few more years, I'll have withered into an old lady with a face full of wrinkles."

Her voice carried a hint of lament, and her expression became sorrowful, like a wounded young deer.

"Madam, you are so beautiful, and at only 38, you are in your prime. How could you grow old? Besides, Madam, you are at the Foundation Establishment Stage and can live for two or three hundred years. A woman of your age possesses the elegance of time; you are sophisticated and thoughtful, possessing more charm than younger girls. Especially with your wisdom and kindness, you hold great prestige in the mansion and are truly a role model for everyone to admire!"

Situ Jun's gaze was honest and his words were sincere, like clear spring water, pouring out his inner respect and praise without reservation.

(Edited)