Pei Mansion—
Pei Xi Jun was lost in thought, staring at a portrait.
These past few days, she had been pondering what Zheng Qing had said a few days ago. While she hadn't suspected or imagined any ill intentions from Xiao Lang, she had nevertheless followed Zheng Qing's advice to the letter.
She had even secretly instructed her servants to inquire and investigate at various pleasure houses.
But the results they brought back left Pei Xi Jun heartbroken.
“Miss, if I tell you, you mustn't get angry…
I went to Drunk Spring Tower to look for General Xiao, but the madam there said… said that General Xiao had at least a few lovers there, and even promised them that if he returned from his campaign, he would help them redeem their freedom…”
At this, Pei Xi Jun covered her ears, wanting to drive those words out of her mind.
“It can't be true. Xiao Lang is so handsome and charming, he would never do such a thing!”
Pei Xi Jun tightly hugged herself, but she found that her own convictions were easily refuted.
“But… my maids and servants wouldn't lie to me. After all, I sent many people to different places, and multiple families are saying the same thing. Why?”
Xi Jun furrowed her brows, her demeanor a picture of helplessness and sorrow.
“No, that Zheng Qing, he must have some ulterior motive!”
“What motive could I have? I never imagined that in Miss Xi Jun's eyes, I was so unworthy!”
Suddenly, a voice came from behind her.
Xi Jun was startled and stood up. She saw it was Zheng Qing, but instead of relaxing, she became even more nervous.
“You… you've come to my room several times. What do you want? Do you know that if I call for help, my father will surely have you thrown into the Jin Wu Prison!”
Xi Jun couldn't guess Zheng Qing's intentions, so she frowned and spoke in a threatening tone.
Zheng Qing shook his head and chuckled:
“Since I could enter, I can naturally leave unscathed. Rest assured, I have no intention of harming you. How is your investigation going regarding what I mentioned to you the other day?”
When he mentioned Xiao Lang, Pei Xi Jun's expression visibly flickered.
“I… I don't go out often, so naturally I don't know what you mean. But I believe Xiao Lang is innocent.”
Zheng Qing didn't call her out on it.
“Then come with me. I will show you how much you mean to the man in your heart.”
Zheng Qing extended an invitation.
But Pei Xi Jun didn't understand:
“I don't understand what you mean.”
“You are intelligent. I told you that the person you painted is not the General Xiao who is away on campaign and presumed dead, but someone I recently befriended. He knows of your existence, but how he feels about you, if you trust me, you can come with me to see.” Zheng Qing continued.
Xi Jun was clearly hesitant.
Although she had seen this person in her father's mansion before, she wasn't familiar with him. And now it was night. If she went out with him, and someone saw them, it would surely spread and people would criticize her behavior, saying that the daughter of a high-ranking official was improper. And then, it might even implicate her father.
As if reading her mind, Zheng Qing smiled:
“No worries, you can cover your face. And my light skills are decent, so you don't need to worry about revealing your whereabouts.”
Xi Jun put on a veil, walked to the window, and her gaze and expression returned to composure. “Where are we going?”
Zheng Qing held Xi Jun in his arms and leaped out of the window, disappearing into the night like a hawk blending into the shadows, undetected by anyone.
Xi Jun tried to struggle, but the feeling of being suspended in the air and the whistling wind around her made her instinctively clutch Zheng Qing's robe, shrinking into his embrace like a small rabbit.
…
Jin Wu Guard Garrison—
Lu Ling Feng was practicing with his spear, every move exhibiting the skill of a seasoned warrior.
Suddenly, a soldier hurried over:
“General, Imperial Censor Zheng Qing is requesting an audience outside.”
Lu Ling Feng was curious but still put away his spear: “Zheng Qing? Let him in.”
The two met in an open area.
Lu Ling Feng said nonchalantly: “Censor Zheng? You are a rare visitor. Instead of staying in the County Office and solving cases with Su Wu Ming, what brings you here?”
Zheng Qing smiled:
“Just happened to pass by, thought I'd come visit the General.”
Lu Ling Feng remained indifferent:
“I'm doing well, no need for your concern. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way.”
Zheng Qing spoke up at the right time:
“Hold on. I have something I'm very puzzled about, and I hope the General can shed some light on it.”
“What is it?”
Zheng Qing slowly said:
“A few days ago, when I was newly appointed Imperial Censor, I was invited to a banquet by the Minister of Personnel, Pei Shi Lang. During the banquet, Pei Shi Lang's daughter, Miss Xi Jun, came to make a scene.
She claimed to want to marry General Xiao. But I observed Miss Xi Jun's artwork… ”
“Enough!”
Lu Ling Feng roared, his hand gripping the spear trembling slightly:
“Why are you so bored, like Su Wu Ming? Do your minds only think about these things? In recent years, Chang'an has been plagued by many murders. You, as an Imperial Censor, are also seeking power and wealth like Su Wu Ming?”
Zheng Qing guided him again:
“Why are you reacting so strongly, General? I just wanted to ask if there was a misunderstanding, or if you know Miss Xi Jun?”
Lu Ling Feng resolutely said:
“I don't know any Xi Jun, and I've never met her!”
“But everyone says Miss Xi Jun's brushstrokes are exquisite, and her portraiture is outstanding. The portrait must be of you.” Zheng Qing affirmed.
“Then she must have painted it wrong! I see her brushwork as nothing special. If you come to me again because of this trivial matter, don't bother.
Xiao Wu, see the guest out!”
Lu Ling Feng said coldly.
Xiao Wu hurried over and gestured with his hand:
“Censor Zheng, please.”
Zheng Qing didn't linger, for his purpose had been achieved.
He carried Xi Jun back in his arms, and when they reached the room, she was already weeping uncontrollably.
Zheng Qing put her down and politely kept his distance.
“Miss Xi Jun, please don't be so upset.”
Xi Jun cried like a heartbroken girl:
“Wuwuwu, so his name is Lu Ling Feng! That bastard, how dare he…”
Zheng Qing gently poured her a cup of tea and lit an incense stick to calm her nerves.
“Lu Ling Feng rose to fame at a young age, becoming the General of the Jin Wu Guard. He is now trusted by the Crown Prince, and in the future, he might be promoted to the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice. It seems that he doesn't care much for romance.”
Zheng Qing decided to stop there.
Xi Jun was a smart woman, and if he continued to add insult to injury at this moment, she wouldn't appreciate it.
“Thank you. But why would you help me?”
Xi Jun opened her eyes and looked at him curiously.
Zheng Qing didn't hide anything: “To be honest, there are two reasons.”
…
Fourth Chapter Delivered! Please give some flowers and ratings!