Chapter 67: The Yan Family Under Control

Le Qianxue took her seat, and Yu Zhiyang and Yin Susu stepped aside, not wishing to disturb her. Le Qianxue held the red thread, closed her eyes, and after a while, opened them again. “Miss Yan has removed the red thread,” she said.

Yu Zhiyang’s face was somewhat awkward. “That’s just her temper. I’ll go in and have a look.”

When Yu Zhiyang entered, he saw the red thread indeed lying discarded on the floor. Yan Luoyu sat on the bed, her back to him.

She snorted, “I am gravely ill. There’s no need for the Third Prince to send anyone to see me.”

“How can that be?” Yu Zhiyang replied. “Your father wants you to fight for the position of family head. Don’t you care for his wishes?”

Yan Luoyu’s frail figure trembled; she clenched her hands, as if steeling herself. “I have no interest in becoming the family head. The Third Prince need not concern himself—this is an internal matter of the Yan family.”

“How can you ignore it? You should know what your family promised in the past.” Yu Zhiyang’s voice was gentle, reminding Yan Luoyu not to make a misstep.

Her trembling intensified, uncertain what to do. Though Yu Zhiyang appeared gentle as jade, his smile concealed a blade; when he was ruthless, few could match him.

Breathing became difficult for Yan Luoyu. “Leave, and let the ghost doctor girl come in.”

“I will stay,” Yu Zhiyang replied. “I must watch over you.”

Yan Luoyu was nearly frantic, whipping around to reveal a pale face, devoid of color. She was only fifteen, yet frightened so, her whole body shook.

“If the Emperor wishes the Yan family head to obey, he should find someone else, not me!” she exclaimed.

It was true—her father had long served the court, but the elders of the Yan family had serious objections. The Yan family was loyal only to the former dynasty, a tradition passed down through generations. Even as family head, her father could not sway the family's foundations, for the elders watched closely.

Now, the Emperor sought another to serve the court and contribute silver, but Yan Luoyu scorned such a role.

“Luoyu, the Yan family has been merchants for centuries, but I never imagined your tempers would be so fierce and stubborn,” Yu Zhiyang said softly.

The Yan family had stood strong for hundreds of years, involved in countless businesses. With the Yan name, many would show respect—a feat few merchant families could achieve. This was why the Emperor so valued them, wishing to claim them for his own. Yet, since the founding emperor’s days, none had succeeded.

Now, Yan Luoyu and several others remained steadfast, refusing to yield to the court.

“Merchants have their dignity. Without principles, one cannot do business properly,” Yan Luoyu declared.

Yu Zhiyang sat down. “Do you not know that, regardless of how vast the Yan family’s business becomes, it depends on the court? Today you refuse, tomorrow the Yan family will become history.”

“Third Prince, you have always claimed to love traveling and adventure, but in truth, you have been working for the Emperor in secret. Your first target has always been my Yan family. Yet, despite your efforts over the years, you have not succeeded in seizing our trade rights. The Yan family has endured for centuries—it cannot be toppled or controlled so easily,” Yan Luoyu’s voice was cool, her negotiation skills now apparent.

She continued, “Though the Yan family must heed the court’s attitude, the court must also heed ours. Should the Yan family move, the Tianlong Kingdom will tremble.”

Yu Zhiyang stared at her, his gaze sharp. Anger flickered within him; he had ignored Yan Luoyu’s illness until now.

Now it seemed the Yan family head was merely a pawn, and the true mastermind was the prodigy of the business world, Yan Luoyu.

Ill? It was only a diversion.

No wonder the Yan family remained unshaken—no matter his efforts, they were unscathed.

At last, he understood. Yan Chuan could not be used, nor could Yan Luoyu. He laughed. “Yan Luoyu, after knowing you for years, today you have truly opened my eyes.”

“Third Prince, the feeling is mutual.” Yan Luoyu coughed. “That outsider—let her leave. In any case, you must wish I were dead.”

Yu Zhiyang glanced at her, his gaze carrying a hint of cruelty. He turned and left. When he saw Le Qianxue, his eyes softened with a gentle smile.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go,” he said.

Le Qianxue noted how eager Yu Zhiyang had been for her to treat Yan Luoyu, yet now he was ready to leave. She found it odd, but sensed his displeasure—though he smiled, she did not mistake it.

Back at the general’s manor, Yin Susu said, “Xue’er, the person in the western suburb residence isn’t actually from the Yan family.”

“What?” Le Qianxue was startled. “You mean Yan Luoyu is actually under house arrest?”

“Seems so. I’ve dealt with palace people before—the footsteps of those guards are unmistakably similar,” Yin Susu said. “It’s strange indeed. The Yan family is being controlled, yet if they stir, the empire will be in chaos.”

Le Qianxue smiled, “Indeed, for the economy is paramount. The Yan family’s business spans three kingdoms—should they fall, it would be disastrous.”

She stroked her chin, frowning lightly.

Yin Susu asked, “Should we inform Prince Zhan about this?”

“Why should we?” Le Qianxue was puzzled.

“You need to gain his trust! That means handing over intelligence, or he’ll see you as useless,” Yin Susu said.

Such was the rule in her organization.

Le Qianxue frowned. “But I made an agreement with Yu Zhiyang. He didn’t say so outright, but I know he’s aware of my identity, and my history with Zhan Lianjing. If I divulge this, he’ll treat me the same way.”

Yin Susu sighed, “I understand. You’re being held back, unable to move.”

“It’s not a big deal, really. Whether I say anything or not doesn’t matter,” Le Qianxue replied.

Unbeknownst to her, elsewhere, Zhan Lianjing was meeting with Yan Chuan.

Zhan Lianjing’s gaze was calm, and Yan Chuan showed no fear of the Prince.

Incense drifted in spirals, entwining and dispersing—much like the tangled fates of old, now gathered again.

Yan Chuan spoke, “Your Highness, my elder brother has entrusted this matter to me. Allow me to discuss it in detail with you.”

“Very well,” said Zhan Lianjing.

“But,” Yan Chuan added, “first, we must find my niece. Otherwise, all else is moot.”

Zhan Lianjing said, “I have heard of this. It seems Yan Luoyu has been under house arrest for two years, whereabouts unknown.”

Yan Chuan’s expression darkened; he nodded, confirming the truth.

Zhan Lianjing continued, “I already have clues. You pretended to quarrel with your brother, confusing the Emperor. Now, rescuing Yan Luoyu will not be difficult.”

Because the Emperor was anxious, he would surely seek to cure Yan Luoyu.

As it happened, two people close to the Emperor had made moves: Yu Hanxiang and Yu Zhiyang. Yu Zhiyang had gone horse racing with Le Qianxue, which seemed ordinary enough.

Yan Chuan relaxed. The Yan family opposing the court was a daunting prospect, but with Zhan Lianjing as their backer, everything would be easier.

Their plan set, Yan Chuan departed.

Hao Yue and Zhui Xing were delighted, for Zhan Lianjing, after much effort, could finally win over the Yan family.

But first, they must find Yan Luoyu, or the Yan family would not cooperate.

“Miss Le went out with the Third Prince today,” Hao Yue said. “He rarely involves himself in politics. Your Highness, should we keep an eye on him?”

“Yu Zhiyang,” Zhan Lianjing responded slowly.

“Then why not ask Miss Le directly?” Hao Yue suggested.

“No need,” said Zhan Lianjing. “We shouldn’t approach Qianxue for now, lest we alert the enemy.”

Hao Yue nodded; it seemed Zhan Lianjing wished to keep Le Qianxue as a secret asset, not involve her openly.

Yet with the court so chaotic, everyone had their own schemes—things were far from simple.

She sighed. “Your Highness, I cannot fathom your intentions, but I feel Miss Le is already involved. Now, withdrawing will not be easy. She’s become one of us; we should tell her everything.”

“If she refuses to follow my lead, must I kill her?” Zhan Lianjing asked.

Hao Yue was silent. Killing Le Qianxue would be such a waste.

But for those who are useless or refuse to submit, Zhan Lianjing spares no pity.

Yet today, he hesitated, only because it was Le Qianxue, so he withheld much.

He waved his hand, dismissing Hao Yue.

In the days that followed, Le Qianxue pondered the words of the Empress Dowager.

Le Yongcheng was in the western mountain barracks, always tight-lipped; in all this time, Le Qianxue had never heard him speak much.

Then, Le Qianxue thought of someone.

After Aunt Xu lost favor, her daughter proved disappointing, their days bleak.

When Le Qianxue visited today, Aunt Xu was surprised.

“You… why are you here?” she asked, now somewhat afraid of Le Qianxue.

For in recent times, Le Qianxue had nearly ruined her.

Le Qianxue smiled. “I’ve brought you some fresh fruit.”

Yin Susu, who followed her, closed the door behind them, leaving only the three inside.

Aunt Xu’s legs gave out in fear, and she sat down, staring at Le Qianxue in terror.