When the topic of Zhao Luoning came up, the black - clad man looked a bit hesitant, but still mustered the courage to speak.
"For now, we've only found out that the eldest daughter of the Zhao family married Ji Shisu, the second young master of the Ji family. As for other details, your subordinate really couldn't find out."
Regarding the part he cared about most, he got an answer of "couldn't find out".
How could such a result satisfy Si Ma Yi?
"Could Zhao Luoning have dropped from the sky? Go and investigate again. I want to know every single detail about Zhao Luoning."
Although those black - clad men had a feeling that Zhao Luoning seemed to have appeared out of thin air, they didn't dare to say anything while their master was in a bad mood. They simply took the order, braved the light drizzle, and disappeared into the night sky.
The coachman didn't ask any questions. He whipped up the horses, and the carriage sped away.
Sitting in the swaying carriage, Si Ma Yi recalled the first time he saw her upstairs in the inn.
It was very late at night. He couldn't see her face clearly. From the attic, he only saw a slender back that exuded a strength and wit that ordinary women didn't have.
Under the dim yellow light, she was the only one sitting upright, with an inborn pride that was no less than anyone else's.
In her, he seemed to see himself.
At that moment, he decided that he must find out who she was. He had traveled all over the country, and no other woman had ever made him feel this kind of instant connection.
Although he might not even recognize her if she stood right in front of him now, he believed that their fateful encounter was more than just a fleeting glance.
He never waited for fate. He only created opportunities.
On the other hand, Ji Shisu rushed back to the Ji Mansion.
At the gate, he happened to run into the Chen family's carriage.
Ji Shisu dismounted and handed the horse to Yu Chi, then stepped forward.
"Auntie."
Chen Yuan, Chen Chuliu's mother, lifted the carriage curtain. Seeing Ji Shisu, she showed a gentle smile.
"Shisu."
With Ji Shisu's help, Chen Yuan got out of the carriage.
At this time, Chen Chuliu and Mrs. Ji, who had received the news, also came out to greet them.
Normally, the mother of a concubine shouldn't receive such treatment.
But the Chen family was different.
Master Yu Chi had revived the Chen family, and currently, half of the jade - carving masters in the Zhao family's jade shop had been trained with the help of the Chen family.
So Chen Yuan's arrival was highly regarded by everyone in the mansion.
The group first went to visit the old matriarch. After chatting for a while, Chen Yuan was accompanied by Ji Shisu and Chen Chuliu to the courtyard where Chen Chuliu lived.
Along the way, Chen Yuan observed the two of them.
Chen Chuliu and Ji Shisu walked on either side of her. Chen Chuliu kept stealing glances at Ji Shisu, but Ji Shisu didn't even look at Chen Chuliu once.
Chen Yuan sighed and said to Chen Chuliu,
"Chuliu, go ahead first. I'd like to have a word with the second young master."
"Mom~" Chen Chuliu was very reluctant.
This was a rare chance for the second young master to be with her, and she didn't want to miss it.
"Be obedient." Chen Yuan patted Chen Chuliu's hand. Her eyes no longer showed the kindness from before; instead, there was a hint of pressure.
Chen Chuliu had no choice but to leave reluctantly. She kept looking back as she walked. Her maid had to tug at her several times before she was finally led away.
After Chen Chuliu left, Chen Yuan said to Ji Shisu,
"I'm sorry if my daughter has caused you any trouble, second young master."
Ji Shisu had once tried to learn techniques from Master Yu Chi. Although Master Yu Chi, due to Ji Shisu's status, never officially took him as a disciple, in Ji Shisu's heart, Master Yu Chi was his teacher.
So he showed great respect to Chen Yuan, the daughter of his teacher.
"Auntie, you're being too polite. Chuliu has been doing well in the mansion. I really owe her this time."
Chen Yuan smiled. "Second young master, Chuliu is my own flesh and blood. I know her temper very well. This child has just been spoiled by her grandfather."
Chen Yuan mentioned Master Yu Chi. Ji Shisu, who always respected Master Yu Chi, listened silently.
Chen Yuan continued, "We all know that you're not to blame for what happened back then. It was Chuliu who was being naive. A girl's reputation is of utmost importance. Your Uncle Chen and I had no other choice but to ask you to marry Chuliu. We're sorry for putting you in this situation."
Ji Shisu never expected that Chen Yuan would bring up that incident on her own initiative and even apologize to him.
Back then, when Master Yu Chi was seriously ill, Ji Shisu, out of gratitude for Master Yu Chi's cultivation, stayed by his side and temporarily lived in the Chen Mansion.
On the third day after he moved in, Chen Chuliu held a banquet, saying that she wanted to thank him for taking care of her grandfather. But when Ji Shisu arrived at the appointed place, he found that there were only the two of them. He felt something was off, but Chen Chuliu explained that her parents were delayed and would come later.
During the meal, Chen Chuliu talked about how much her grandfather loved her and how worried she was about his condition, and asked Ji Shisu to drink with her. Unable to decline, Ji Shisu passed out after a few drinks.
When he woke up the next day, he was in Chen Chuliu's boudoir.
At that moment, he realized that he'd been set up.
But everything happened so fast that Ji Shisu didn't even have time to react before the whole world knew about it.
Moreover, Master Yu Chi had entrusted his granddaughter to Ji Shisu on his deathbed. Ji Shisu had no choice but to marry Chen Chuliu.
Because of this incident, Ji Shisu gained a reputation as a playboy in Huangcheng.
Most of his subsequent indulgence was due to this incident.
He had done nothing wrong, but the world labeled him a playboy.
So he decided to act like one in front of everyone!
This incident had always been a knot in Ji Shisu's heart. Now that Chen Yuan had brought it up, his heart ached.
People are like this. They think they're strong, but even a simple word of understanding and comfort can make them lose their composure.
In front of Chen Yuan, Ji Shisu finally broke down.
But he wasn't the impulsive young man he used to be. He managed to maintain his composure.
Chen Yuan didn't say much. She sighed and said, "Alright, second young master. I know you don't want to stay here for long. Go and attend to your business. I'll go and have a talk with Chuliu."
Hearing this, Ji Shisu quickly explained, "Auntie, that's not what I meant. I..."
His words were interrupted by Yu Chi. "Second young master, the second young mistress sent someone to ask when you'll go to the Zhao Mansion."
At the mention of Zhao Luoning, Ji Shisu's eyes immediately lit up.
Chen Yuan saw all this. She hid her scheming eyes and still looked gentle on the surface.
"Go ahead, second young master. I'll take care of Chuliu."
Ji Shisu apologized repeatedly, "There have been a lot of things to deal with these days. Auntie, please stay in the mansion for a few more days. I'll come and accompany you after I'm done with the matters over there."
Chen Yuan nodded with a smile and watched as the master and his servant left.
As soon as they were gone, Chen Yuan's expression turned cold instantly.