Chapter 3

Two groups filled the front hall with clamor.

One wore the Zhu household’s scarlet brocade; the other, the Gu family’s purple satin.

Two servants held Zhu Jinyu facedown on a bench while he shrieked like a ghost. The steward’s bamboo whip blurred above his back.

“Beat him! Beat him hard! That wretch will be the death of me!”

My father-in-law sat in the central seat, his face livid. After roaring the order, he turned to apologize to the Gu family’s young master in the guest seat.

“I failed to discipline my son and allowed him to offend your esteemed sister. Rest assured, worthy nephew—even if I must break his worthless body today, I will give your family satisfaction.”

Young Master Gu’s handsome face was cold and dark. He said nothing.

We heard Zhu Jinyu’s piglike screams from afar, but when we arrived, the wounds on his back were shallow.

The steward had served the family for years and knew every trick. His whip whistled through the air, yet landed more softly than raindrops.

Zhu Jinyu was plainly acting.

“What is happening?” My mother-in-law cried. Without asking why, she threw herself over her son. “Husband, can’t we discuss this properly? Why all this violence?”

My father-in-law maintained his dignified pose and flicked his gaze toward Zhu Jinyu’s attendant.

The attendant dropped to his knees.

“It was my fault! Mine alone! The young lord went to see the lanterns on the Liu River last night. My wretched eyes mistook Miss Gu for a girl he knew, and that was why he approached and offended her. Master, Madam, beat me instead! I caused everything. The young lord is blameless!”

“There! Listen to him!” Seizing the opening, my mother-in-law shielded the steward from her son. “Anyone who touches my boy again will answer to me!”

Those words were not meant for the steward, of course. They were meant for the Gu family.

Young Master Gu’s face went black as the bottom of a pot. He rose with a sinister chill in his eyes.

“Uncle Zhu, Aunt Zhu, since you insist on protecting him so shamelessly, do not blame the Gu family for showing no consideration in return.”

With that, he stormed away with his people.

The moment he left, Zhu Jinyu sprang from the bench. He pushed his mother aside and let his attendant straighten his robe.

“Father, Mother, is that the end of it? I have a drinking party to attend.”

His powdered face had amorous eyes. Years of carousing with women had left him thin and pallid. Standing there with his careless slouch, he resembled nothing so much as a sickly drake.

“Go on, keep disgracing me!” My father-in-law slammed the table, but made no move to stop him. “Just remember to report to the Eastern Palace on time!”

The Southern court had only recently been established. To placate the local clans, the emperor granted them offices regardless of their ability.

The Zhus had long been a great surname south of the river. Their eldest daughter, Zhu Yuluan, possessed a delicate beauty and had entered the palace as an imperial consort. Overnight, the local landowners became imperial relatives: granted a ducal title and residence, they rose into the second most eminent clan in the region.

After Zhu Yunsheng became Minister of Works, his idle, lecherous son soon gained a post as junior aide to the crown prince. Most days, Zhu Jinyu did nothing but amuse the young heir. If he did not feel like attending, he could show his face before dusk and his superiors would look the other way.

Those capable of working were already run off their feet. No one cared whether pampered young lords reported for duty.

Zhu Jinyu plainly ignored his father’s warning. With a careless grunt of assent, he dusted off his backside and left.

As the sun climbed, my father-in-law ambled off to court.

Unable to get her way with either husband or son, my mother-in-law turned her anger upon me.

“Go make chicken soup at once! Your husband needs something nourishing tonight.”

I obediently agreed.

Chicken soup. Wonderful.

I loved killing chickens.