Before arriving, Shen Ruoyu had fabricated an excuse to send Jiang Peizhi away. He had barely warmed a seat in the Shen residence before being dismissed. Assuming his earlier jesting had offended her, he stammered, "Yuyu, you're not upset about what I said earlier, are you? I, I was only joking. I don't actually like you…"

Shen Ruoyu patted the small dagger hidden within her robes. She knew he was joking. "It's not you. This matter is complicated, and I don't want to involve you."

Despite his reputation as a frivolous playboy, Jiang Peizhi was, in truth, fiercely loyal. Whenever Shen Ruoyu needed assistance, he was the first to offer his help.

Hearing her explanation, he sighed in relief. "So that's it. I didn't realize Yuyu was so considerate of me. But this young master has never been afraid of anything! I'll go with you to find Lu Zhixing."

"No, you can't. Go back. I'll find you after I find my brother." There was no room for negotiation.

Seeing her unwavering resolve, Jiang Peizhi could only depart, dejected. He glanced back repeatedly, hoping she would change her mind, but she offered no such reprieve.

Lu Zhixing was equally troubled by Shen Xinghuai's disappearance, but what truly gnawed at him were the words Shen Xinghuai had spoken to him that morning in the plum garden.

Though brief, Shen Xinghuai's words had been pointed. He had confessed his discomfort with Rong Yan's persistent attention. Rong Yan, betrothed to Shen Ruoyu, seemed to favor Shen Xinghuai, remembering his preferences while forgetting his own fiancée's. He visited the Shen residence more often to see Shen Xinghuai than Shen Ruoyu. 

"My Lord, Rong Yan, as my sister's fiancé, has always shown me excessive care. He never remembers my sister's preferences, only mine. He visits the Shen residence to see me more often than he sees my sister. This makes me uneasy, especially since he is your close friend…"

Lu Zhixing toyed with the thumb ring on his finger, struggling to suppress his fury. He didn't fully believe Shen Xinghuai's words. Rong Yan was his friend; he couldn't simply suspect him without cause. But if it were true… he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't do something drastic. He wouldn't let anyone else touch what belonged to him, especially not his friend. The thought of Rong Yan's deception felt like a betrayal.

"My Lord," the steward's voice interrupted his thoughts, "someone delivered a letter and a jade pendant."

Initially, Lu Zhixing paid little attention to the letter and pendant, merely glancing at them before accepting them. It wasn't until he saw the jade pendant that a sense of foreboding washed over him. He recognized it; it was the one Shen Xinghuai had been wearing that morning. He gripped the steward's arm. "The messenger, did you see his face?"

The steward, feeling his bones about to be crushed, quickly replied, "My Lord, I didn't see his face. I only remember he wore a silver mask."

"Silver mask… silver mask… so it's him…" Lu Zhixing muttered as he tore open the letter. The few words written on the fine paper were enough to chill him to the bone.

[The red plums of Southern Yue are in bloom, a pity the old friend is no more. But Lu Zhixing, I believe we shall meet again soon.]

The elegant script sent shivers down his spine. Why wasn't that person dead? Why?! Nan Yue… that hellish place…he never wanted to set foot there again.

"Also, My Lord," the steward stammered, "Miss Shen is here. She wishes to see you." As the steward of Lu Zhixing's residence, his life was a constant state of anxiety, fearing he might be dragged out and beaten half to death or thrown to the dogs for the slightest misstep.

Lu Zhixing feigned composure. "She arrives at the perfect moment. Let her in. I have something to say to her."

***

Shen Ruoyu had been waiting outside for a long time. Through a small window, she had witnessed the scene unfold within. When had she ever seen Lu Zhixing so afraid of anyone, let alone another man?

She was certain that Lu Zhixing and the man in the silver mask shared a dark, hidden past.

Lu Zhixing slowly tore the threatening letter to shreds. A noise from the courtyard drew his attention. He saw the young woman in green standing there.

"Oh? She was waiting there all along. Let Shen Ruoyu wait. Let her freeze nearly to death before bringing her in. When did this cruel woman start caring so much for her brother?"

He recalled their encounter at the Tianxi Pavilion, her sharp tongue and quick wit. Now, it was time for her to suffer.

Lost in thought, Lu Zhixing suddenly turned to the steward. "Uncle Zhang, look at her foolish appearance, shivering like a quail. Isn't it amusing?"

Lu Zhixing's chilling laughter unnerved the steward, who forced himself to agree. 

"Amusing…"

"Those from humble beginnings are so…common. Look at her clothes, worse than yours. So pathetic." Lu Zhixing picked up a military strategy book from the table and pretended to read, deliberately ignoring her, leaving her to freeze in the icy air.

Even as Shen Ruoyu shivered uncontrollably, her lips turning purple, Lu Zhixing remained silent within. If it weren't for Shen Xinghuai, he wouldn't even let her inside. He felt as if her very presence defiled his residence.

"Oh, and have someone clean the areas Shen Ruoyu has been. I can't bear the thought otherwise."

It wasn't just physical contact with women that disgusted him; the mere sight of Shen Ruoyu now made him nauseous.

A charcoal brazier burned in the room. Outside, Shen Ruoyu's feet were numb with cold, and she paced back and forth. She knew exactly what Lu Zhixing was doing. Good. He deserved to die, and now his crimes were even greater.

In this life, Lu Zhixing would die by her hand.