With a single word from Yun Xiao, Shen Jin'an, despite his urge to faint, forced his eyes wide open, not daring to show the slightest carelessness as he repeatedly pleaded.
"My lady, spare me, please spare me."
"Answer whatever I ask, and if you utter a single lie, I'll ensure you never see your parents again."
Yun Xiao threatened coldly, flicking her wrist. The scalpel that had been embedded in the wall returned to her hand. Shen Jin'an stared at the knife in her grip, his breath catching with each beat of his heart, yet he dared not faint.
"Is this your Shen family's establishment?"
As Yun Xiao spoke, Shen Jin'an quickly looked up, scrutinizing her for a moment before forcefully shaking his head.
"No, no."
"No?" Yun Xiao exclaimed, thrusting the silver knife into the table with a splash, half of it disappearing into the wood.
Shangguan Yin, seated on the other side of the table, glanced at Yun Xiao. He found her truly fearsome when she set her mind to something, her face radiating a chilling glint and her entire presence exuding an aura of killing intent. It was no wonder Shen Jin'an was terrified; anyone else would likely be equally petrified.
"You could say it belongs to my father, as people often report news from here to him."
"Good, that's good," Yun Xiao nodded, then continued, "On the evening of the fifteenth of the first lunar month, where was your father?"
"Wasn't he at Zheng Qin Gate welcoming the Empress?"
Shen Jin'an retorted. Yun Xiao saw that he didn't seem to be lying, and his statement was accurate. Minister Shen of the Ministry of Personnel had indeed been present then. However, hidden amongst a crowd of officials, who could tell if he was the real Minister Shen or an imposter? Disguises were common.
As long as he remained silent, no one would pay him any mind at such an event. Considering he could operate such a large establishment as the Wanxi Pavilion, he was clearly no ordinary person, and no matter who he was, his origins were likely dubious.
"Who does your father associate with most closely?"
Yun Xiao continued her questioning.
Shen Jin'an was unsure why the Empress was so interested in his father's affairs. He had a faint sense of unease, but his fear of death was paramount.
Upon seeing Yun Xiao brandishing the knife, he knew he had to reveal everything and hide nothing. This woman was ruthless when provoked; he dared not conceal anything.
"Minister Sima, Prince Yun, Minister Song."
However, Shen Jin'an was astute. He named the most influential ministers in the court and even included his own father, which was hardly helpful. It seemed he wouldn't divulge any more unless taught a lesson.
Yun Xiao stood up, the knife in her hand, and swayed it near Shen Jin'an's face, gently brushing him twice before speaking slowly, "What about Lord Wen Jia Nian? Was he close with your father? Perhaps sworn brothers or something similar?"
Shen Jin'an's mind was completely jumbled, thoroughly frightened by the atmosphere and the icy sensation on his cheek. He nodded repeatedly, "My father is sworn brothers with Lord Wen. Since Your Highness knows this, why are you asking me?"
Having obtained the answer she sought, Yun Xiao retracted the knife. Just as Shen Jin'an let out a sigh of relief, she swung her hand and struck him hard on the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. She then ordered Liu Xing and Jing Yun, "You two, take this fellow out and secretly escort him back to the palace, lock him in the secret prison."
"Yes," they responded. One carried Shen Jin'an, while the other opened the window to peer outside. There were few guards in the back courtyard, but Yun Xiao, fearing she might alert those at the front, handed them two packets of sleeping powder, signaling them to be cautious and avoid causing a disturbance.
After they had departed, Yun Xiao turned her attention back to Zi Jun, Zi Yang, and the other two, calmly issuing her next command.
"You three, immediately gather some trusted subordinates and arrest Minister Shen of the Ministry of Personnel. Bring him to the secret prison in Qingxiao Palace within the imperial city. Not a whisper must be leaked."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The three responded, but seeing no one by the Emperor and Empress's side, they couldn't help but express their concern, "But Your Highness?"
"It's alright, we will be careful."
Shangguan Yin, understanding Zi Yang's unspoken worry, waved his hand, ordering the three to hurry about their task. They could only acknowledge the order and leap out of the window.
The room was now empty, leaving only the two of them. However, a strange odor of urine filled the air, and a puddle of water stained the floor. Yun Xiao couldn't help but spit in disgust.
Shangguan Yin reached out with a large hand, scooped her into his arms, and began to walk out. It was not wise to linger here; they needed to leave as soon as possible. If the people in this building or Shen Jin'an's household staff discovered his disappearance, they would likely face dire consequences.
In the main hall on the first floor, on the high stage, the courtesan was currently performing a dance. Crimson silk veils flowed through the air, causing the men below to swallow their saliva.
The hall was silent, save for the lingering notes of silk and bamboo instruments. At this moment, no one noticed Shangguan Yin and Yun Xiao. However, to avoid any suspicion, Shangguan Yin pretended to be captivated by the performance on stage.
This irked Yun Xiao. She turned his face towards her, pouting playfully and grumbling.
"Master, you just had me, and I'm still a pure virgin. Master won't deny it, will he?"
Shangguan Yin seemed reluctant to turn back, glaring at her with annoyance. He replied, "I acknowledge it, I acknowledge it, you little fox."
Even as he spoke, his eyes continued to dart towards the stage, his lustful gaze perfectly embodying the man who would feast with one while coveting another. As they spoke, they walked towards the back of the elevated stage on the first floor.
Shangguan Yin's gaze remained fixed on the stage, unwilling to look away. The woman in his arms, overcome with jealousy, repeatedly voiced her displeasure in a娇嗔 (jiāo chēn - coquetting complaint).
"Master, Master, is she prettier than me? Does she possess my charm?"
Her continuous, gentle chiding caused several people nearby to turn their heads, their expressions clearly conveying disdain.
Their eyes plainly, unambiguously stated:
You, my dear, are not even a match for a corner of her attire. The look was so direct that the woman almost forgot her act, feeling an urge to leap down and slap these lecherous fools.
Fortunately, someone approached from behind just in time, their voice laced with a saccharine sweetness and a hint of perfume – though this was fine powder, carrying a faint scent of peony.
"Oh, dear sister, how should I thank you, sister?"
The madam, her face etched with resentment, wondered why others were so fortunate. This girl was far less attractive than she was in her youth, yet with one move, she had captivated a master, potentially securing a concubine position upon their return.
However, she couldn't be sure how long this position would last. Judging by the master's lascivious gaze, his eyes constantly straying towards the performer on stage, he was indeed a lecher.
But what concern was it of hers? If she could profit, she certainly would.
Yun Xiao heard her words and quickly turned, a smile on her face. "Thank you, sister, thank you."
She then casually tossed a wad of silver, her face contorted in a feigned look of distress. "This is all the money I have, sister."
"It's alright, it's alright. You'll have plenty of wealth in the future, plenty of wealth."
The madam's eyes narrowed into slits as she smiled. Silver was different from other things; other earnings had to be accounted for, but this was her own. How could she not be pleased?