Chapter 58: The Moon Maiden Betrays Shen Zhifeng

Yuemother also heard the knocking at the main gate. Her expression stiffened, a flicker of unease passing across her face, but she quickly forced a smile and wrapped her arms around Shen Zhifeng’s neck. “My lord, you must have misheard. You haven’t come for so long—I’ve missed you to death.” As she spoke, her delicate hand slid up to stroke the Adam’s apple at his throat, her gaze brimming with seductive allure.

Shen Zhifeng was instantly aroused, his thoughts in disarray. He reassured himself that it must have been his own nerves playing tricks on him, and prepared to continue where they left off.

Bang, bang, bang.

But once again the sound of knocking echoed from the door, and this time Shen Zhifeng was sure he heard it clearly.

Who could it be, knocking at this late hour?

He had heard the rumors swirling after the steward Sun’s wife made a scene; whispers that Yuemother and Sun’s relationship was questionable. But he was confident—now that Yuemother had him, why would she spare a thought for Sun?

Yet the persistent knocking ignited a sudden blaze of anger and suspicion within him.

No longer able to ignore it, Shen Zhifeng straightened his collar and, brushing aside Yuemother’s attempts to hold him back, strode to the door.

Yuemother wanted to stop him, but feared acting too anxious would betray her. Sweat beaded on her brow as she followed silently behind.

At the entrance, Shen Zhifeng saw Ling’er standing there, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. “Ling’er, who is knocking at the door?”

Ling’er’s gaze darted about evasively. “Knocking? What knocking, my lord, you must have imagined it.”

Her reaction only deepened Shen Zhifeng’s displeasure. “Then why are you standing out here so late? Who is it?!”

Without waiting for a response, he pushed the door open with force.

But outside, there was nothing—only darkness, empty and silent, not a soul in sight.

Still uneasy, Shen Zhifeng stepped out and looked around, but found nothing suspicious.

Yuemother gave Ling’er a discreet tug. Ling’er quickly caught on. “My lord, I was just out here to collect the laundry, but a little moth got in my eye, that’s all.” She rubbed her eyes theatrically as she spoke.

Though still unsettled, Shen Zhifeng calmed down under Yuemother’s soothing words. After all, he was a man of high status and charm, and Yuemother was sincerely devoted to him—how could she possibly betray him? He chided himself for overthinking.

The two returned to the room and soon lost themselves in a passionate embrace.

In the darkness, the intimate sounds were especially provocative, making Ling’er blush bright red.

Meanwhile, at the corner of a dark alley, two men crept out furtively.

One spat on the ground. “Tch, that wanton woman—just as I suspected. I was only a little late, and she’s already entertaining someone else.”

The other man sighed, patting him on the shoulder. “My friend, you’re not from around here, are you? Not long ago, this woman was dragged out and beaten by a jealous wife. It really isn’t wise to be so reckless.”

“Indeed! Thank goodness you saved me tonight! May I know your name, my friend? Let me take you out for some wine and company.”

“You flatter me, you flatter me. It was nothing at all. Ma Jin—just call me Xiao Ma. And you?”

“I’m Chen Yan. Thank you for tonight. Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you from now on. And you must come try that woman for yourself—she really is a rare beauty, soft and fragrant, utterly bewitching.”

Laughing, the two walked away arm in arm, their conversation revealing the recent turn of events.

Ever since the steward Sun’s wife had caused a scene, many learned the truth of Yuemother’s status as a kept woman. Now that Sun was in prison, she seemed to have lost her protector.

And so, more than a few men were eyeing her with ill intent.

After all, Yuemother’s beauty was well known along Pipa Street, and she had long stirred the imagination of many.

For this reason, Yuemother kept her doors tightly shut, not daring to go out.

Chen Yan, a seasoned rake, had heard the news from a friend and decided to visit this lonely lady. Skilled at some petty tricks, he crept over the wall one night and, relying on experience, found his way straight to her bedchamber.

Bathed in moonlight, the beauty slept upon her bed.

The thin summer quilt could not hide the curves of her figure; in the soft glow, her alluring face seemed even more enchanting. Emboldened, Chen Yan acted.

He produced a small porcelain vial, carefully dripping its contents onto Yuemother’s slightly parted lips.

At first, Yuemother thought she was dreaming—an embarrassing, heated dream.

But as the movements intensified, she drifted half-awake and realized there was truly a man upon her.

Sensing she was about to cry out, Chen Yan quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, but did not stop.

“Go ahead and scream, if you like. I’ll just say it was you who seduced me. See if anyone will believe you—if they don’t, you’ll be thrown into a pig cage and drowned.”

Fearful and already compromised, Yuemother could only endure, cowed by his threats.

Seeing her submission, Chen Yan softened his tone, whispering sweet nothings, praising her beauty as unrivaled, vowing to buy her the finest jewelry and clothes. Dazed by the drug, Yuemother listened, half-lost in a haze.

In the past, she’d gone to great lengths to serve Shen Zhifeng, but it was rarely so satisfying. Now, under the influence, the experience was intoxicating.

So, as if bewitched, Yuemother let him in every night thereafter.

To his credit, Chen Yan understood women. With flattery and gifts—a hairpin one day, earrings the next—and with his own handsome looks, he both frightened and delighted Yuemother.

Since Shen Zhifeng’s finances had been cut off by Shen Qingyun, he hadn’t bought her a single piece of jewelry in ages.

Ling’er grew anxious. “Madam, what if His Lordship finds out?”

Yuemother, on the verge of tears, replied, “I am but a weak woman, forced into this. What can I do? Once Chen Yan tires of me, His Lordship will never know.”

But fate is cruel—who could have guessed Shen Zhifeng would appear so suddenly, or that Chen Yan would come knocking in the night?

Too dangerous.

Fortunately, Chen Yan was quick-witted.

The cold wind, seeing all had gone as planned, returned to Jianzhu Courtyard to report to Shen Qingyun that Ma Jin had already rescued Chen Yan.

“Excellent. Don’t worry about the money. Let that man take Chen Yan to enjoy himself. I hear the underground gambling dens are the easiest place to get addicted.”

If Chen Yan were caught so soon and merely beaten, Yuemother could still make excuses. What would be the point?

She wanted Shen Zhifeng to taste exactly the same suffering Han Shi endured in her past life.

With a nod, the cold wind melted into the night.