Chapter Thirteen: Upheaval

(The newcomer is fifth; is there a chance to break into the top three this week? Very much looking forward to it...)

The more Wang, the wealthy master, looked at Chen Jianchen, the more satisfied he became. Handsome in appearance, overflowing with talent, and though young, he showed maturity beyond his years—a youth with boundless prospects ahead. Such a son-in-law was rare even if one searched with a lantern; it was his deepest wish that his daughter would marry into the Chen family. As for his own daughter's true character and circumstances, he was thoroughly clear in his heart.

At such a moment, Wang Fu's presence was crucial—how could he be absent?

So he slapped the table and ordered Ashui, "Ashui, run over there again, and if you see the young master, tell him that if he doesn't come back immediately, he can forget about receiving his monthly allowance from now on."

Ashui received the order and hurried off once more.

Chen Jianchen’s expression was uncertain—upon making a formal visit, by all reason and courtesy, Wang Fu should have returned as soon as possible unless there was truly something that detained him.

But what could possibly detain Wang Fu? Frankly speaking, wasn’t he simply lost in the land of tenderness, unwilling to return? Could it be that the influence of that Peach Blossom was at play, that she did not wish to let Wang Fu come back?

If so, then Wang Fu’s situation was exceedingly dangerous...

Chen Jianchen fell into deep thought, though he was not overly anxious—if Wang Fu were to lose his life because of this, he would have only himself to blame for indulging in sensual pleasures. Chen Jianchen had neither the duty nor the need to rush into Jiangzhou to save him; such an act would only disrupt his own plans and place himself in danger, perhaps even at the cost of his own life.

As for the magic bell from Master Qingyun, its power had never been demonstrated before—how could Chen Jianchen know its true effects?

Unfamiliar with both himself and the enemy, he had to act with caution, never recklessly.

...

"Hmph, truly outrageous!"

Wang, the wealthy master, was still fuming, but Chen Jianchen could tell at a glance that his anger was somewhat feigned. In the Wang household, Wang Fu was the apple of his father’s eye; how could the wealthy master ever truly punish him?

Miss Wang had already returned to her chambers. Before leaving, she cast a coquettish glance back at Chen Jianchen, raising goosebumps all over his body and sending a chill through him.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was somewhat subdued. Chen Jianchen nibbled on pastries and sipped tea without tasting them, already calculating in his heart: if Wang Fu did not return soon, he would leave the Wang residence at once, washing his hands of the whole matter.

About half an hour later, voices sounded outside the hall—Wang Fu had finally returned.

Soon, a dispirited Wang Fu entered the hall, first greeting his father, then sitting beside Chen Jianchen. "Liuxian, you’re here."

Only one night had passed, but he appeared visibly thinner, his eyelids swollen and drooping, a faint bluish tinge beneath his eyes. Slouched in the chair, he seemed to have lost all strength, as if his bones had dissolved.

The wealthy master shot his son a glare. He was still unaware of Peach Blossom’s true nature and assumed his son had spent another night carousing at the brothels in Jiangzhou. He was not truly reproachful of this behavior, only concerned for his health, fearing that Wang Fu’s overindulgence might sap his vitality.

However, with Chen Jianchen present, the wealthy master refrained from further reprimand and said, "Fu’er, keep Liuxian company while I go back to instruct the servants to prepare a meal. Liuxian, you must stay for dinner."

Chen Jianchen silently cursed: I mustn’t stay for dinner no matter what...

The wealthy master had barely taken a few steps when he suddenly remembered something and turned to Wang Fu. "Fu’er, didn’t I ask you yesterday to invite Liuxian to write a character for good fortune? Where is it?"

Wang Fu yawned, scratched his head, and racked his brain, but could not recall where the character had been misplaced.

Seeing this, the wealthy master sighed and turned to Chen Jianchen, "Liuxian, I’m afraid I must trouble you to write another."

Chen Jianchen returned the gesture. "It’s no trouble at all."

The wealthy master shook his head, sighed, and left.

Wang Fu yawned again and asked, "Liuxian, did you need something from me?"

In truth, he was a little displeased. That morning, he had been intimately entwined with Peach Blossom in bed when Ashui had broken in and interrupted them, quite ruining the mood. Peach Blossom had grumbled as well; the first time he refused, but unexpectedly the master had sent Ashui a second time to hasten him, so he had no choice but to return.

Chen Jianchen’s face betrayed nothing as he looked at him coldly. "I wish to invite you somewhere, Brother Futai."

Wang Fu, distracted, asked, "Where to?"

Chen Jianchen smiled. "Just come with me and you’ll know."

He rose and strode ahead.

Wang Fu hesitated briefly, but finally stood up, following behind.

Leaving the Wang residence, they walked out of the village gate. At the outskirts, Wang Fu grabbed Chen Jianchen’s sleeve, lowering his voice: "Liuxian, where exactly are you taking me?"

Chen Jianchen gave no answer, continuing on until they reached a remote hollow on the western side of Shuyang Village before stopping.

In this hollow, a sparse copse of trees grew, quiet and secluded.

Seeing the solemn expression on Chen Jianchen’s face, Wang Fu asked suspiciously, "Liuxian, what is this about?"

Chen Jianchen replied, "Brother Futai, if I told you Peach Blossom is not what she seems, would you believe me?"

Wang Fu was taken aback. "Not what she seems? What do you mean?"

Chen Jianchen enunciated slowly, "She is not human!"

"Not human? Then what is she?" Wang Fu asked reflexively.

"Either a ghost or a demon!"

At these words, Wang Fu was first stunned, then burst into laughter. "Liuxian, for someone as well-versed in the classics as you, to utter such wild nonsense—preposterous, the height of absurdity!"

He shook his head, sighing. "The sages do not speak of monsters or spirits. I truly do not know why you spout such nonsense today. To be honest, Peach Blossom has come back with me, but I feared my father’s wrath, so I had her wait in the carriage outside. If you think she’s a demon, I can take you to see her right now."

What?

Chen Jianchen was startled, his first instinct to slap Wang Fu senseless—this man was so blinded by lust he could no longer be reasoned with.

In an instant, his original plan was thrown into chaos and he would have to devise a new one. Chen Jianchen detested such unforeseen complications, a cold smile flickering in his heart. He almost felt like leaving at once, and with a wave of his sleeve spat, "Brother Futai, you’re certainly in high spirits!"

Wang Fu tilted his head and suddenly asked, "Liuxian, could it be you’re jealous that I have won such a beauty, and so you’re trying to drive a wedge between us?"

At this, Chen Jianchen almost burst out laughing.

But the more Wang Fu thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. His face darkened. "Chen Jianchen, this is not the conduct of a gentleman. A friend’s wife is not to be coveted—how could you harbor such sordid thoughts..."

He grew increasingly agitated, veins bulging on his forehead. "I truly have misjudged you. From this day forward, I wish to sever all ties with you."

Chen Jianchen looked at him coldly, saying nothing—the pitiful indeed have only themselves to blame.

"Peach Blossom..."

Wang Fu was in the midst of his tirade, spittle flying, when he suddenly fell silent, for a bewitching figure appeared at the edge of the hollow, swaying with every step as she approached.

"Peach Blossom, why did you leave the carriage?"

Wang Fu hurried forward to meet her.

Without a moment's hesitation, Chen Jianchen reached out, grabbing Wang Fu by the back of the neck and pinning him in place.

Wang Fu, now feeble as could be, was easily caught like a chick by an eagle, unable to break free. His face changed dramatically, and he became convinced his earlier suspicions were true: he had befriended the wrong person and let a wolf into his home. Regret and fury mingled, pushing him nearly to hysteria. "You villainous Chen Jianchen, what are you doing? Let me go!"

As he struggled, he shouted loudly to Peach Blossom, who was now approaching, "Peach Blossom, run!"

Even now, he tried to play the protector.

But Peach Blossom paid him no heed, drawing ever closer. When she was still nine paces away, a shrill and urgent ringing burst from Chen Jianchen’s body.

At the sound, Peach Blossom’s face changed dramatically.