Chapter 34: Killing with a Borrowed Blade (Part One)

An Ran’s face darkened, a chill radiating from her whole body that made Qin Fu break out in a cold sweat despite the height of summer. His eyes darted nervously, not daring to meet her gaze.

Of all things in this life, An Ran hated most when others called her two little foxes beasts. She had seen people more vile than beasts, people so low that even the word ‘beast’ was too noble for them. And yet, why should anyone point their fingers at her foxes? To her, they were treasures.

Although Qin Fu had been frightened earlier, thinking the fox had bitten him, it turned out to be a false alarm—the little fox had merely given him a warning. When he saw An Ran’s expression shift, he realized that his recent words had crossed a line, but he couldn’t help himself; the words had slipped out.

Qin Fu glanced at An Ran, coughed a few times in feigned casualness, composed himself, and tried to speak as if nothing had happened. “I’ve heard village women say foxes are poisonous, a bite could leave a person paralyzed or dead. Just now, when the little fox licked me, I grew fearful. It was cowardly of me, and I made a fool of myself before you, miss. Please, come inside.”

Being called a village woman by Qin Fu didn’t anger An Ran. She shot him a cold glance as she stroked Snowball’s glossy fur and replied slowly, “My foxes are quite picky—they don’t bite just anyone.”

Qin Fu flushed with embarrassment at her retort, his heart pounding, but he still led An Ran inside. As he turned, a flash of calculation shone in Qin Fu’s eyes, quickly suppressed. It was but a fleeting moment, yet An Ran caught it clearly—this steward would not be easy to handle.

Qin Fu guided An Ran into the inner residence. The Qin family, newly risen to nobility, had bought up both neighboring estates, expanding their mansion. Each courtyard had its own distinct style; though not tempered by a century’s legacy like the great clans, the place had its own unique charm.

With the imperial consort’s favor, the entire Qin household was lavishly adorned. Even in the blazing summer, the gardens were bright with clusters of blooming flowers. In the distance, a winding pond was filled with water lilies, now in peak bloom, their fragrance lingering in the air. Round leaves floated on the water, dew glistening on their surface, sparkling in the sunlight.

Suddenly, Qin Fu stopped and said to An Ran, “Miss, please wait here a moment while I go announce your arrival to Consort Zhen. I’ll return shortly to escort you for the consultation.”

His words were reasonable enough; An Ran couldn’t fault him, yet she sensed an impending unease. Outwardly calm, she nodded in response.

Qin Fu departed at a normal pace, leaving An Ran alone in the vast garden. The entire estate was unnaturally quiet. With so many children, maids, and servants in the Qin family, it was odd that after the time it took for half a cup of tea, she hadn’t seen a single soul.

About the time it took to finish a cup of tea, a maid finally approached, carrying a tray with a cup of tea. Upon seeing An Ran, she suddenly collapsed to the ground with a terrifying scream. Her face turned black, foam gushed from her mouth, and she died right there.

“Help! Murder!” Qin Fu hurried over, shouting loudly.

An Ran glanced at the lifeless maid, looked up at Qin Fu, and clenched her fists. She heard footsteps gathering from all directions. Soon, a dozen guards appeared around her, bows drawn, the arrowheads gleaming with a blue sheen—clearly poisoned.

The timing was unmistakable. The instant the maid collapsed, Qin Fu appeared, and with a single shout, the archers were in place. What did this mean? It was clear they had planned this trap well in advance, waiting just for her.

An Ran scoffed, her tone still cool. “How much has the prime minister’s lady paid you for this?”