Chapter 295 — Chen Jia

"I am fine!" Song Yan's hand was dry and warm, like the warm sunlight of winter, gradually calming Dou Zhiwei's heart. "As for what Chen Jia said, you must think thrice before acting. He did not come to see you early or late, but came only after witnessing your methods—it is clear he harbors some unspeakable aim. You must not let righteousness sway you. Wait a few years. When the Emperor passes away, certain things will still come to light. Sometimes it is simply a matter of seeing who can keep their patience."

"I know," Song Yan said, holding Dou Zhiwei's hand in return, his voice low. "But no matter what purpose he approaches me with, since he has set his sights on me, and this attempt fails, there will likely be a next. Rather than guard against a thief every day, it is better to follow the vine to the melon—who knows, I may even seize the initiative." He smiled. "I have a family and household now, and I will not act as rashly as I did before. I still want to grow old with you, with children and grandchildren around us! So rest easy."

Grow old together, children and grandchildren around them!

Could she have that?

Would there come a day when she woke and found that Song Yan, too, had been but a dream?

Dou Yan's eyes grew moist, and she held Song Yan's hand even tighter.

She had been too stubborn about certain things before.

Whatever Song Yan wanted, she would simply go along with it.

So long as those things made him a little happier, that was enough.

For the first time, she took the initiative to lean her head against Song Yan's shoulder.

Song Yan knew the reason why, yet he could feel Dou Yan's reliance on him.

His heart was as if he had eaten honey, sweetness spreading all the way through him.

And so he let Dou Yan lean on his shoulder as the two of them returned to the Yingzhen Ducal Estate.

Yan Che had already received word. He was waiting with Zi Aifeng, Zhu Yicheng, Xia Lian, and the others at the entrance of Yizhi Hall.

"Let us talk in the study," Song Yan said mildly, and headed for the study.

After a couple of steps, a thoughtful look crossed his face, and he paused. Turning back to Dou Yan, he said, "You come and listen as well—three cobblers make one Zhuge Liang; sometimes an outsider sees more clearly than those within the game." His gaze swept over Yan Che, Xia Lian, and the others as he spoke, as though explaining why he had let Dou Yan into the study.

Having witnessed Dou Yan's conduct during the rescue of Song Yan, the two of them no longer harbored any doubts about Dou Zhiwei's judgment, and so naturally felt no aversion to Song Yan's decision.

It was Zi Aifeng and Zhu Yicheng who could not conceal their astonishment, both staring at Dou Yan in shock.

Once they entered the study, Zhu Yicheng was fine, but Zi Aifeng respectfully invited Dou Yan to sit, personally poured her a cup of tea, and then seated himself below Dou Zhiwei, two armchairs away.

Song Yan asked, "How do matters stand?"

Yan Che said respectfully, "According to Du Wei, that Chen Jia is twenty-four this year, and entered the Imperial Guard by inheriting his uncle's post. Four years ago his wife died of illness, leaving no heirs, and he has not remarried. Four years ago he did indeed go to Fujian on official business, and after returning to the capital he began to associate closely with Chen Zuxun, a thousand-household officer of the Imperial Guard's Northern Surveillance Office who had also gone to Fujian on official business. He even took Chen Zuxun as his adoptive father, and under Chen Zuxun's patronage was promoted to small banner officer of the Imperial Guard. However, two years ago Chen Zuxun offended Wang Yuan and was put to death on a trumped-up charge; after that Chen Jia lost his backing, and life in the Imperial Guard became very hard for him—it is said he was nearly dismissed. The Imperial Guards who attacked the Heir today were not impostors, but several of Chen Jia's sworn brothers, two of whom had, like Chen Jia, been to Fujian..."

Song Yan sipped his tea slowly, and only after a long while said, "What does Master Yan make of this?"

Yan Che weighed his words. "It may be that, seeing your recent conduct, he wishes to ingratiate himself and seek a future. But we cannot entirely rule out that he is acting on someone's orders and taking a desperate risk..."

Song Yan nodded slightly and looked toward Zi Aifeng.

Though Zi Aifeng was inclined to vie with Yan Che, he would not speak carelessly.

He agreed with Yan Che's judgment. "I think Master Yan's words are reasonable."

Song Yan thought for a moment, then asked Dou Yan, "What do you think?"

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What oppressive heat!

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