Chapter 367 — Sisters

Suxin said, "Then shall I have Chen Jia take them back first? I will say that since they are to serve in close attendance, the Heir Apparent must give his consent."

Dou Yan nodded. When Song Yan returned, she would speak to him about it.

Song Yan was rather surprised. After pondering a while, he said, "I find those martial artists bring too many entanglements. I was afraid it would cause you trouble, so I meant to find two trustworthy men for you at the escort agency. If those two girls are truly as you say, then they may be of use. Setting everything else aside, at least they will not harbor other designs."

Dou Yan said, "Shall we look into it further?"

"I will mention it to Du Wei. You need not trouble yourself over it." Song Yan's manner was a little indolent.

Dou Yan thought he was tired, and answered with a smile, "All right." She fetched him a set of everyday clothes, called a little maid in to attend him while he washed, and got into bed herself first.

Song Yan came out of the side room. He found a book on the kang table, got into bed, and leaned against the headboard to read.

Dou Yan did not disturb him, but sat to one side doing needlework.

The room was quiet, and seemed very peaceful.

Dou Yan was secretly puzzled.

At this hour on other days, Song Yan would always exchange a few words with her, but today he was silent.

She raised her head. Only then did she notice that Song Yan's eyes were fixed on the book, and that he had not turned a page for a long while. Clearly he was thinking about something. His mind was not on the book at all.

Everyone has times when they need to be alone.

Dou Yan went on with her needlework, glancing at Song Yan now and then.

Outside the window, the night watch sounded.

Song Yan seemed to be startled awake, and came back to himself.

He put down the book, and only then noticed that Dou Yan was doing needlework. Slightly annoyed, he said, "Why are you doing needlework again at night? It ruins your eyes. If you have something to make, just give it to the needlework room. I keep those women to serve people, not to catch mosquitoes. If any of them are not to your hand, just replace them."

Dou Yan felt that Song Yan's mood was somewhat restless.

She could not help taking Song Yan's hand, and looking into his eyes, said, "Do you want to talk to me?"

Dou Zhiwei's gaze was sincere and her expression earnest. Song Yan could feel the worry and concern rising from the bottom of her heart.

He thought for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Today I sent someone to look into the properties Wang Ge holds outside. Apart from a small two-courtyard house in Shayi Temple Lane, he has no fixed property at all. And the money he has demanded these past years would be more than enough to buy a large five-courtyard, three-lane mansion in Yuming Fang. Tell me, where has all his money gone?"

Dou Yan sat up straight at once.

The Prince of Liao!

His money had certainly gone to the Prince of Liao.

It was precisely because he was amassing wealth for the Prince of Liao that he had the audacity to refuse Song Yan.

Song Yan's fifth uncle, Jiang Baisun, was still in exile in Liaodong, under the Prince of Liao's rule.

So he had reckoned that Song Yan would not dare offend the Prince of Liao.

And if he was gathering money for the Prince of Liao, the Empress would naturally back him.

Was it because he was a man who did the dirty work that, when the Prince of Liao ascended the throne, he not only had no use for him but disposed of him along the way?

But how had he come to be the Prince of Liao's running dog?

In the Prince of Liao's treasonous plot, what role had he played?

Something flashed through Dou Yan's mind. She tried to seize it, but it flew off without a trace.

She had no choice but to ask Song Yan: "Yantang, do you think Wang Ge might be nothing but a puppet?"

Song Yan's expression changed slightly. He was silent for a long while, then said in a low voice, "I have thought the same. But whose puppet is he? And who is so short of silver as to contend with the people for profit?"

How many people were there who could make Wang Ge refuse Song Yan?

Or perhaps he too had his suspicions, but did not dare think them through.

Gazing at Song Yan's slightly pale face, Dou Yan guessed.

"Then we shall investigate slowly." She stroked Song Yan's hand gently and said softly, "Once a thing is done, traces are left behind. It is only a matter of when they are found. But you must be careful. Whatever you do, do not let yourself be drawn in."

Song Yan said nothing, but his gaze was exceedingly distant.

Dou Yan said, "Let us sleep. When we wake tomorrow morning, perhaps there will be new discoveries."

Song Yan kissed Dou Zhiwei's face and blew out the lamp.

In the darkness, he turned over faintly a few times.

Dou Yan gathered him into her arms and gently stroked his back, as if to comfort him.

Song Yan murmured the name "Shouyuan."

Dou Zhiwei's movements grew even gentler.

Before long, Song Yan's breathing lengthened and deepened.

*

These days I have lost all track of the seasons. My editor sent a message, and only then did I realize that the thrice-yearly Pink Vote double event has come around again. I beg my brothers and sisters to lend their support and cast your precious votes, so that I may have the chance to keep sitting in first place.

Thank you all!

I will work hard at my writing and at updating, and I ask you all to support me just as hard.

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