Chapter 15 Zhou Yinzhi

Calm down.

Calm down.

Jiang Xuening forced herself not to think too much for the time being. Her gaze, which was still her initial gaze, was just the sprout and beginning of everything.

When a man looks at a woman he likes, his gaze is easy to distinguish.

Because outside of love, there are always more or less desires mixed in.

When a woman looks at a woman she likes, there is no mixed desire. Essentially, the relationship is not much different from looking at a very close and particularly fond friend.

She must have left a deep shadow in her previous life, a bit of a shadow of a bow and a snake.

After her mind turned around, Jiang Xuening became much calmer.

She felt a surge in her heart, but couldn't see it on her face.

Although Shen Zhiyi stood very close to her, she didn't know how many strange and absurd thoughts had been bypassed in her heart in countless twists and turns. She only asked the palace attendants around to take a palm sized diamond shaped mirror that they carried with them and take a look. When they saw the cherry blossom like description, their eyes flickered, and they were already moved a bit.

When she first met Jiang Xuening just now, she was really surprised by her appearance, thinking that Yan Lin liked her only because of such a good color; But with just a few words of effort, this Miss Jiang Er made her see her completely different side from an ordinary young lady.

Which young lady in the capital can say such a thing?

She played with Yan Lin from childhood to adulthood, and then she realized that he was never a lascivious person. It was indeed because Jiang Er had something very likable about her that he liked.

Shen Zhiyi took two more steps closer and even smiled, taking Jiang Xuening's hand. "You speak exceptionally likable, no wonder Yan Lin likes you. Even I can't help but fall in love with you," she said

She didn't say it was okay, but when she said it, Jiang Xuening almost knelt down with weak legs.

She tightly held the string in her head that was about to break, and also resisted the urge to pull her hand back from Shen Zhiyi's hand. She completely restrained her previously free spirited color, appearing sincere and fearful, and said, "My daughter speaks without restraint. She is used to talking nonsense. Please don't blame me, Princess."

Shen Zhiyi saw her suddenly look like this, shrank and lost the charm and grace she had when she pulled her to pick up a pen and painted on her face before. She frowned and was about to say something.

At this moment, a voice interjected beside him, saying, "Your Highness is scaring her."

Shen Zhiyi turned her head to look.

The speaker was a well dressed woman who had been standing next to Shen Zhiyi all along, and her overall aura was only slightly weaker than Shen Zhiyi's. Her clothes were all made of top-quality Sichuan brocade, and even the pearl inlaid on her forehead was valuable, not to mention the sheepskin white jade bracelet on her wrist, which had almost no impurities.

Far mountain eyebrows, red phoenix eyes.

The green silk is like a waterfall, and the fragrant cheeks are like snow.

Although Jiang Xuening may not have a jealous appearance at first glance, she can definitely be considered bright and beautiful in this flower hall, let alone a natural aura of nobility between her eyebrows and eyes. Although she smiles on her lips, it gives people a sense of self-reliance and self-reliance.

At first glance, he is a formidable person.

This is Xiao Shu, the young lady of Chengguo Mansion, and Jiang Xuening also recognizes her.

Or to put it more clearly——

The eldest lady of the Xiao family in the Chengguo Mansion, who was almost slaughtered by Xie Wei in the previous life.

She only watched from the side for a while before coming out to speak.

However, Shen Zhiyi was somewhat dissatisfied after hearing this.

Xiao Shu laughed and spread her fragrant fan in her hand, looking at Jiang Xuening. However, she leaned over to Shen Zhiyi's ear and whispered a few words.

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhiyi's eyes flickered with a hint of brilliance, and the previously unattractive scar under her left eye was also spotted in the shape of a cherry blossom. This complemented each other for a moment, and her entire face lit up.

She smiled and clapped her hands, saying, "That's a good idea."

Then he said to Jiang Xuening, "It's inconvenient to have so many people today. I'll come see you another day to play."

Jiang Xuening didn't hear what Xiao Shu was saying to her, but a hint of unease arose in her heart: you should know that she and Xiao Shu were not very compatible in their last life, and they were basically the same age. She married Shen Jie when she was still the King of Linzi, and after Shen Jie ascended the throne, she was granted the title of Empress; However, Xiao Shu later entered the palace and, relying on the honor of her mother's Chengguo Mansion and being a cousin of Shen Jie, quickly conferred the title of Empress Dowager and allowed her to assist in the six palaces.

Although she came from the Xiao family, her fate was not good in the end.

At present, the presence of Xiao Shu still makes Jiang Xuening unable to resist feeling a bit wary.

She respectfully answered "yes" to Shen Zhiyi, but only gave a faint nod to Xiao Shu——

Never have any connection with Xiao Shi.

In the future, Xie Wei will not blink an eye when it comes to killing people.

Xiao Shu grew up in a prestigious family like the Guogong Mansion from a young age, and what she saw and learned was far beyond comparison to finding a girl. It was only from Jiang Xuening's small act that she easily felt the other party's indifference towards her.

That's a bit interesting.

Xiao Shu didn't show any signs, only gave Jiang Xuening a meaningful glance before pulling Shen Zhiyi away.

As the banquet here at Qingyuan's uncle's residence was coming to an end, the eldest daughter of the state government and the princess of the dynasty came at the same time. You Shuang and You Yue sisters knew how to seize the opportunity, so they invited two people to judge and point out the leader of poetry and painting at today's chrysanthemum feast.

Xiao Shu was excellent in both poetry and painting, so she read them one by one.

Finally, we had a discussion with Shen Zhiyi, who selected You Yue's "Thin Chrysanthemum Painting" as the first painting and Miss Fan's "Sending Thoughts on the Double Ninth Festival" as the first poem.

Miss Fan's poetry and books have been passed down from family to family, which is quite stable;

However, Youyue's years of hard work in painting have finally paid off, and she was commissioned by Princess Leyang. She was overjoyed for a moment and almost shed tears of joy.

Jiang Xuening could neither draw nor write, and watched coldly from beginning to end. Seeing all of this come to an end, she was the first to bid farewell and leave when Shen Zhiyi and Xiao Shu left.

*

When helping her onto the carriage, Tang'er cautiously asked, "Are you going to the Skyscraper?"

===Kunning Section 19===

Jiang Xuening looked at the sky and calculated the time. When the flower hall ended just now, the water pavilion was still bustling, and Yan Lin shouldn't be able to leave for a while. So his eyes flickered and he remembered another thing that was still dragging on.

She said, "Let's go to Xiejie Hutong first."

Zhou Yinzhi lives in Xiejie Hutong.

This alley is not very close to the Forbidden City, so many ministers who need to go to court or frequently enter the palace do not choose to build their mansions here, so most of the people living in this alley are low-level officials.

Zhou Yinzhi rose to fame late and had to use all his money to facilitate connections, so he naturally had no extra financial resources to buy a mansion.

Therefore, when Jiang Xuening arrived at the Dexie Street Hutong, he saw two black painted small doors deep inside, with old copper door rings fastened and a simple "Zhou Mansion" hanging on top.

It Is indeed a bit shabby.

She asked Tang'er to knock on the door.

In no time, a female voice came from inside: "Here we are."

I quickly heard the sound of removing the back door bolt.

With a "squeak" sound, the door opened and a delicate face peeked out from inside. First, she saw Tang'er, and then Jiang Xuening behind her. She felt that although her attire was not glamorous, it didn't seem like she had a simple identity. She hesitated for a moment and said, "Are you?"

Jiang Xuening didn't answer, but asked, "Isn't Mr. Zhou at home?"

The delicate woman said, "Your Excellency went to the guard early this morning, and I don't know when he will be back. If you have any urgent matters to find, why don't you take a seat in the hospital first, and I will pass it on to you. But if you don't return, I really don't know."

Jiang Xuening didn't expect to have to wait.

But now that everyone has come, what's the point of wasting a trip?

She pondered for a moment before nodding.

The woman opened the door two steps away and invited her and her maid to come in. Then she walked to the small courtyard and called out to the little boy who was brushing horses in the courtyard, saying, "Nanzhou, go to the guard's office to find an adult. Just say that there are guests at home and if there is an urgent matter, come to him."

The little boy named Nanzhou put down his broom and was about to go out.

Jiang Xuening frowned for a moment and suddenly stopped him, saying, "No need, just tell your adults that his beloved horse is dying of illness. Please ask him to come back and take a look."

Nanzhou couldn't help but feel lost and looked at the woman.

The woman didn't know Jiang Xuening's identity, but it didn't seem like she was here to seek revenge. She was also afraid of missing out on the adult's business, so although she hesitated, she nodded in the end and said, "That's how we report it."

I just went to Antarctica.

The implementation of the hospital is not significant, and there are only four or five rooms in total. When guests are seen, they will be in the central hall.

The woman called herself "Yaoniang" and was a maid bought by Zhou Yinzhi.

She invited Jiang Xuening to sit down and brewed tea to serve. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen such a glamorous figure, feeling a bit confused and ashamed. She only said, "It's the new tea of this year, but it's not very good. I hope you can forgive me."

Jiang Xuening had heard of Yao Niang in her previous life.

She is one of the few concubines around Zhou Yinzhi who can be favored for a long time.

Some people also say that it is his favorite.

It turns out that I followed so early, and it can be considered that I met at Weishi. No wonder in the future, even if my beloved concubine and beautiful concubines were in groups, they never underestimated such an ordinary looking concubine.

Jiang Xuening said, "It's okay, I'll just sit for a while. If your family doesn't come back for a long time, I'll leave soon."

She picked up the tea and took a sip.

Frozen top oolong, however, it does have a raw and slightly bitter taste in the mouth.

She had been nurtured in the palace for a long time and had high demands for her appetite. Therefore, at this moment, she did not force herself and only took a sip before putting down her tea.

After waiting for about two or three quarters, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the alley.

Yao Niang quickly welcomed her and opened the door.

Zhou Yinzhi entered wearing a black brocade robe with embroidered cloud patterns. The courtyard was small and unobstructed, and as soon as he looked up at the entrance, he saw Jiang Xuening sitting in the hall, his eyes flashing.

He walked towards the house.

Yao Niang followed him.

He turned around and said, "You go down."

Yaoniang was momentarily stunned and glanced at Jiang Xuening, but dared not say anything. She only said, "That adult has something to call a slave to."

Zhou Yinzhi walked in without hesitation and bowed to Jiang Xuening, saying, "Last time, Miss Er was invited. Zhou had something unexpected and left without saying goodbye, which was impolite. Today, I was so tired that I came personally. I hope you will forgive me."

This person is quite tall, and even standing in the hall feels like this house is short.

Jiang Xuening looked up at him and said, "You came back so fast."

"There happened to be nothing wrong with the security center, and Ben was also preparing to come back."

In fact, the opposite is true. There is always an endless amount of work to do in the bathroom. When Nanzhou came to find him, he was listening to the disagreement between Zhou Qianhu and Zhang Zhe, a member of the Criminal Investigation Department. As soon as he heard Nanzhou say that his horse was not good, the first thought in his heart was that something was wrong.

When he arrived at the guard in the morning, he had just personally fed the horse and there was nothing wrong with it.

So I knew there was something else.

He immediately expressed his concern and told the officer in the security office before rushing back.

On the way, when asked about Nanzhou, it was indeed Jiang Xuening who came to find it.

Zhou Yinzhi was born in vain, with ambition in his heart. He faced Jiang Xuening, a weak and effeminate woman, and his expression did not show any arrogance. Instead, he lowered his posture and said, "But maybe Miss will wait for two days. Even if you don't come to find Zhou, Zhou will also come to find you."

Jiang Xuening guessed, but pretended to be surprised and said, "Oh?"

Zhou Yinzhi's note: "Recently, when Zhou Qianhu took the thief from the Jinyi Guard, he did not seek approval from the Criminal Investigation Department. Therefore, he was impeached by Zhang Zhe, who was in charge of the matter, and claimed that he should be punished strictly according to the law. Although Zhou Qianhu has some connections in the court, things are not easy to handle, and Zhang Zhe's position is still unknown. At least Zhou Qianhu's position is difficult to secure. This will result in a shortage of one thousand households.". But Mr. Zhou spoke lightly and had no financial connections or connections, so he had the audacity to ask for the help of Miss Er

It turned out that the vacancy he was planning on had some connection with Zhang Zhe, despite his twists and turns.

She didn't know much about Zhang Zhe's early years, nor did she know how he spent this time.

Jiang Xuening narrowed her eyes.

She had a complete plan to come here, but she didn't expect Zhou Yinzhi to be so straightforward and spoke up first. But it's also good, so she won't have to spend any more time talking.

Thinking about it, she said, "Are you asking me to recommend you to Yan Lin?"

Zhou Yinzhi sat under her head, and the eagle and falcon's sharp eyes flashed a faint light, saying, "The Marquis's Mansion of Courage and Perseverance is on par with the Xiao family, and can speak well in court. Moreover, the young lady has a good relationship with the Crown Prince, who is about to reach the crown. If I can win the Crown Prince's favor, I will also be able to serve the young lady in the future."

This clearly means that she will marry into the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion in the future.

In the previous life, Zhou Yinzhi made such a request because she first had to personally investigate Shen Jie's identity, and indeed thought that Zhou Yinzhi could be of use to her, so she helped her.

But in this life, she already knew Shen Jie's identity, so she naturally had nothing to ask for.

Just

Jiang Xuening looked at him and slowly smiled, "My father is a servant of the Ministry of Revenue. Although he does not manage the Ministry of Personnel, he is also among the six ministries. If you only want to seek a vacancy for a thousand households and only ask for your father, but still want to join the Yan Crown Prince from me, I am surprised. Why?"

As Zhou Yinzhi listened to her words, he suddenly felt an indescribable feeling in his heart——

When did Miss Er become so clear about the affairs of the court?

It should be noted that she used to be just a spoiled person, always playing and causing trouble with Prince Yan.

He looked at Jiang Xuening but didn't answer for a moment.

Jiang Xuening said, "It's not impossible for me to recommend you to Yan Lin. But I have a question to ask you first. That's also the purpose of my visit this time."

Zhou Yinzhi remained calm and said, "Miss, may I ask?"

Jiang Xuening then said, "The handling of Zhou Qianhu has not yet come to an end, but you are already in a hurry to ask me to recommend Yan Lin to you. Apart from wanting to secure the position of Qianhu, there may also be the Jin Yi Wei side investigating the old case of the Southern Prince. They want you to sneak to the Yongyi Marquis's Mansion and investigate it thoroughly, right?"

"Squeak!"

A sharp and piercing sound was made by Zhou Yinzhi, whose entire body was covered in sweat and hair stood upright. When he suddenly stood up, he brought the chair under his seat and let the legs of the chair scratch and pull out, making a brief sound.

He tightened his pupils and stared at Jiang Xuening.

I couldn't believe it in my eyes!

You should know that he also heard the news about this two days ago. Today, the chief of the guard just called him in and gave some instructions. It was originally a confidential matter, and he didn't even tell anyone!

But now it has been exposed by Jiang Xuening with just one word!

How did she learn?!

Jiang Xuening saw Zhou Yinzhi's strong reaction, how could she not know that she had guessed correctly?

What surged up for a moment was sadness.

No wonder the previous life of Zhou Yin was miserable. The Yongyi Marquis's Mansion was implicated in the Pingnan King's conspiracy to rebel against the old case, resulting in the theft of his family and exile, which is closely related to him. No wonder later on, Xie Wei wanted to make him die from ten thousand arrows and had to cut off his head to hang at the palace gate

And this venomous snake was actually introduced to Yan Lin by her back then.

Jiang Xuening closed her eyes slightly and said, "Zhou Yinzhi, if you want to live, I'll teach you a good lesson. This case is of great significance, so don't implicate it too deeply. If it's done, it may be a smooth sailing and a moment of glory; but if you wait a little longer, I'm afraid you'll be dead and have no place to bury yourself!"

*

After showcasing with Zhou Yinzhi, Jiang Xuening told him for half a moment before leaving.

It's getting late, she's afraid that Yan Lin will wait for a long time in the sky tower.

After she left, Zhou Yinzhi sat in the hall, his face gloomy, but he didn't move for a long time.

Until Yaoniang came in to find her, she was frightened by his expression and said, "Sir, what's wrong with you?"

Zhou Yinzhi did not answer.

He turned his gaze and looked at the small courtyard.

In the corner of the courtyard is the stable, where a top-quality jujube red horse is burying its head to eat grass.

This is a horse that Zhou Yin bought for himself two years ago when he first recruited a hundred households of the Royal Guards. He must personally feed it once a day and then take it for a run in the suburbs of Beijing.

After looking for a while, he got up and walked over, touching the beautiful and smooth mane of the horse.

The horse recognized its owner and affectionately rubbed against his palm.

Standing under the eaves, Yao Niang could clearly see that Zhou Yinzhi had already pulled out the knife from his waist with the other hand, and she let out a scream of surprise for a moment.

"Puxi –"

When the sharp blade pierced the horse's neck, there was a muffled sound.

The horse immediately lifted its front hooves and kicked down the stable when it felt pain, but was held down by Zhou Yinzhi. A large amount of blood sprayed out, splattering all over Zhou Yinzhi's body.

However, this knife was sharp and precise, and it didn't struggle for a while before falling down.

Zhou Yinzhi felt a bit weak at this moment, half kneeling in the terrifying pool of blood, holding the bloody knife in one hand and gently resting it on the horse's head with the other. He watched it and swallowed his breath before slowly saying, "Remember, no one came to look for me today, it's my horse that's sick."