RWNEFE -Chapter 385 Zhou Yunyan Commits Suicide Out of Guilt

Shen Lanxi recounted what she had witnessed Zhou Cheng’an doing at the Ji Mansion.

Che Mingyuan said, “He does know how to repay kindness.”

Back when the old Ji Prince was still alive, Zhou Cheng’an was treated better than ordinary illegitimate sons in the Ji Mansion. Protected by Zhou Yunxue, the two had gotten along like siblings. The current Ji Princess obviously looked after Zhou Cheng’an as well.

“Not long after the old Ji Prince passed away, trouble struck the Ji Mansion. I had someone inquire: back when the old Ji Prince was alive, he protected his daughter-in-law. After his death, the current Ji Princess had no one to guard her, which led to her current situation. It’s likely not just a coincidence.”

Shen Lanxi had her suspicions. It seemed too coincidental, so after pondering, she told Che Mingyuan:

“I’m saying, what if the Ji Mansion colluded with the Princess, causing Zhou Yunxue to fall into the water? On one hand, Zhou Yunxue would be eliminated, and on the other, the Ji Princess would be provoked. Do you think that’s possible?”

Che Mingyuan twitched at the corner of his mouth, thinking their mistress had an incredible imagination.

“If that’s really the case, then the Ji Mansion is truly corrupt to the core.”

Shen Lanxi said, “I’m only speculating. It’s true that the Princess held malice toward Zhou Yunxue. Even by herself, the Princess alone could have dealt with Zhou Yunxue.”

Seeing how invested Shen Lanxi was in the case, Che Mingyuan worried she might get stuck on a tangent, so he tried to reassure her:

“Zhou Yunxue’s misfortune has nothing to do with you. Those in power treat human lives like ants, controlling them arbitrarily to display their authority. Even if it wasn’t you, it could have been someone else.”

At that time, Shen Lanxi was certainly bold and high-profile.

Every time he made inquiries, his understanding of her audacity only grew.

The Empress Dowager had indeed spoiled Shen Lanxi—though she had raised her well, she had also nurtured her exceptional abilities.

Shen Lanxi thought: Zhou Rulin wants to recruit me, but it won’t be so easy.

Che Mingyuan frowned: “Do you really intend to serve the Crown Prince?”

Shen Lanxi sneered coldly: “Does he deserve it?”

Che Mingyuan: “…” He knew it.

“If Zhou Rulin doesn’t show sincerity, I won’t make a move blindly.”

Che Mingyuan twitched at the corner of his mouth—fine, say whatever you want.

…

The next day, Shen Yuanxu arrived early.

Today he was reporting to Bailu Academy, dressed in scholar’s robes, holding a folding fan—a perfect image of a refined young gentleman. If no one knew his past on the battlefield, they would never guess he had killed enemies before.

Shen Lanxi said, “I’ve already informed His Majesty about your studies at the academy, don’t worry.”

Shen Yuanxu breathed a sigh of relief. Although he called her “uncle” repeatedly at the banquet, he knew that this “uncle” was entirely different from the one Shen Lanxi referred to.

He had no jealousy whatsoever—his siblings Shen Yuanjing and Shen Yuanjun were the same as him in this regard. Only Shen Lanxi was different.

“To show your dedication, return home only once every three days,” Shen Lanxi continued.

Shen Yuanxu hesitated for a moment.

“Lanxi, how did Mr. Hua get into Bailu Academy?”

Shen Lanxi: “Naturally, it was recommended by Father. Actually, even without his recommendation, Mr. Hua could attend—he’s friends with the academy’s dean.”

So it was the eldest uncle’s recommendation. Shen Yuanxu had always been at odds with Lanxi; perhaps he had been overthinking.

“I will study diligently,” he promised.

Shen Lanxi said earnestly, “I always wanted our Shen family to flourish everywhere. Unfortunately, very few truly excel; most are just unhelpful, like mud that can’t be molded.”

Shen Yuanxu: It doesn’t have to be so harsh.

“And your family? Your grandmother is so busy preparing for the princess’s marriage that she’s nearly driven mad.”

Shen Lanxi: “A man’s ambition should extend beyond the household. Don’t keep your eyes fixed on the inner chambers.”

Shen Yuanxu suddenly felt as if their roles were reversed, wondering what Shen Lanxi’s mindset was when she spoke of a man’s ambition.

“That’s all I’ll say. At the academy, focus entirely on your studies.”

Shen Yuanxu understood. This was his chosen path—no matter if it was filled with thorns or mud, he had to walk it.

Hu Jinyu had accompanied Shen Yuanxu and initially wondered why he didn’t visit his grandmother and parents first, instead coming to see Shen Lanxi. Now she understood and felt a renewed respect for Shen Lanxi, realizing she needed to curb her own petty thoughts in the future.

After seeing off Shen Yuanxu, Shen Lanxi went to find the Crown Prince.

Unexpectedly, just outside the mansion, she ran into Zhou Rulin, hurrying to meet her.

“Lanxi, Zhou Yunyan left a confession and repentance note—she’s committed suicide.”

Shen Lanxi understood. He hadn’t had the courage to implicate the Princess.

Zhou Rulin’s sincerity clearly wasn’t enough.

“Let’s go see,” she said, walking ahead.

As they walked, Zhou Rulin said, “The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review personnel are already there. The people from the Ping Mansion should have arrived too.”

Zhou Yunyan was an illegitimate daughter of the Ping Mansion. Even if they went there, she was just a minor character.

By the time they arrived at the Zhu residence, it was crowded—most of the relevant people had already gathered.

Zhou Yunyan’s husband, Zhu Ping, explained to the Ministry and Judicial Review staff while wiping away his fatigue:

“We returned yesterday after a long journey and rested early. I didn’t expect that when I woke up, I found her lying on the floor, already lifeless.”

Shen Lanxi slowed her pace, following Zhou Rulin inside.

“Your Highness!”

Everyone paid their respects.

Zhou Rulin: “The confession and repentance notes—are they in Zhou Yunyan’s own handwriting?”

The Ministry and Judicial Review personnel looked at Zhu Ping, who hurriedly replied, “Yes, in her own handwriting. There’s more of her writing at home for comparison.”

The Ping Mansion’s people, upon confirmation, immediately scolded Zhou Yunyan:

“Zhou Yunyan’s behavior was shameful. Our Ping Mansion has no such daughter!”

“When handling her funeral, don’t even call on our Ping Mansion. Our family cannot bear the disgrace!”

“Zhou Yunyan has no connection to our Ping Mansion. She disobeyed rules from a young age; we officially removed her from the family long ago!”

Shen Lanxi saw that no one from the Ping Mansion defended Zhou Yunyan, and she felt a bitter sense of irony.

At this moment, Zhu Ping also spoke up: “I knew nothing of what Zhou Yunyan did. She was always arrogant and overbearing in our Zhu household. My relationship with her was only formal—we barely coexisted!”

Zhou Rulin interrupted Zhu Ping: “When Princess Yunxue fell into the water, Zhou Yunyan hadn’t married into the Zhu family yet. Therefore, whatever she did has nothing to do with the Zhu household.”

Hearing this, Zhu Ping breathed a sigh of relief and quickly looked at the Ping Mansion.

If it were an ordinary household, he would have already had Zhou Yunyan’s body taken away. But the Ping Mansion was powerful, backed by the imperial family—he dared not act rashly.

Hearing Zhou Rulin, the Ping Mansion people were displeased:

“Your Highness, are you saying that Zhou Yunyan’s misdeeds before her marriage should be blamed entirely on her family?”

Zhou Rulin gave the Ping Mansion a cold glance. They realized their slip and hurriedly bowed in apology:

“Your Highness, I did not mean to defy you. It’s just that we knew nothing of what Zhou Yunyan did. Blaming our mansion is extremely unjust.”