Zheng Qing didn't care at all, but instead stepped forward:
"Don't worry, Pei Shi Lang. Have you ever thought about why the red tea has been so rampant for so long? Even the outside world is spreading rumors that it's because the princess is drinking it, but the princess's residence has never taken any measures.
Even many high-ranking officials are eager to get their hands on it, but there hasn't been any action from the East Palace either?"
Pei Jian fell into deep thought.
He was a smart man after all, and he had been immersed in officialdom for many years, how could he not understand the implications?
After a long while, he finally looked up:
"Tell me your purpose."
Zheng Qing was blunt: "I want to see the Emperor."
Pei Jian fell silent.
It would be impossible for an ordinary person to see the Emperor. In fact, many people in the court knew that he, Pei Jian, was close to the Emperor.
But this Zheng Qing was completely unknown.
And now he was dropping such weighty news so casually, making Pei Jian have to think about the relationship between them.
After a moment of contemplation, Pei Jian replied:
"I will report everything you said to the Emperor, but I cannot guarantee whether the Emperor will be willing to meet you."
Zheng Qing's lips curved into a smile as he bowed:
"Then I'd like to thank Pei Shi Lang in advance."
Pei Jian invited him to sit down and casually brewed tea, handing him a cup:
"Please."
"Thank you, Pei Shi Lang."
"As for what you said before, what is the matter regarding Pei?"
In fact, this was the question that Pei Jian was most concerned about.
If he hadn't taken this person to heart when Wen Chao reported him, he wouldn't have seen him at all. He only saw him because of the Chang'an red tea that the other party had sent.
Who would have thought that the person he casually summoned would have such a big background!
Pei Jian was very much looking forward to what Zheng Qing would say next.
"I heard that your daughter has been refusing to eat these days?"
Pei Jian's hand trembled involuntarily, and even the expression on his face became somewhat stiff.
Zheng Qing quickly said:
"Don't misunderstand, Pei Shi Lang. I came here today specifically to solve your worries."
Pei Jian finished the red tea in his cup and then said bitterly:
"You don't know. Ever since Xi Jun saw that young man named Xiao a few months ago, she's been unable to eat or sleep.
But who would have thought he would die in battle! And Xi Jun swore to go find him! They're separated by heaven and earth, what am I supposed to do?!"
Zheng Qing wanted to laugh. "You don't know?" That sentence should be circled and marked for examination!
"I heard that Miss Xi Jun is a skilled painter, able to paint even someone she has only met once. Is that true?"
A strange feeling arose in Pei Jian's heart, he thought to himself, this kid...
He's only met you once, how come you know so much about my daughter?
But naturally, he wouldn't say these words aloud. He remained calm and replied:
"Xi Jun has loved to draw since she was a child. The situation is roughly as you described, but what does this have to do with my current worries?"
Zheng Qing smiled:
"Then has Pei Shi Lang not thought about one thing? Your daughter is so outstanding, but I heard that General Xiao's private conduct is often criticized.
Hasn't Pei Shi Lang ever considered that there might be some kind of misunderstanding?"
Pei Jian was startled but not quite understanding.
"What do you mean?"
Zheng Qing stood up: "Please believe me, Pei Shi Lang. Within a few days, your daughter will definitely open her heart. Heaven's secrets cannot be revealed."
Pei Jian watched Zheng Qing leave and couldn't recover for a long time.
He looked at the Chang'an red tea on the tea table and made up his mind. He had to bring these words to the Emperor!
...
On the other side, Zheng Qing walked out the door and said to Wen Chao:
"Thank you for bringing my words to Pei, Wen Can Jun. Zheng Qing is eternally grateful."
Wen Chao quickly said:
"My Lord, where are you talking about? It's just that if you see the Emperor, please speak a good word for me in front of him."
His tone was extremely flattering, his demeanor respectful, and his etiquette impeccable.
"Of course."
【From Wen Chao's goodwill, reputation + 300.】
【From Pei Jian's goodwill, reputation + 500.】
Zheng Qing was surprised. He really didn't come here in vain this time! And this reputation point, is it increasing with his official position?
Thinking about this, he was filled with anticipation for the Emperor Li Dan whom he was about to see!
That night, he went back to Chang'an Ghost Market.
The same location, the same few beggars. Ten copper coins were scattered out, and immediately a series of reputation gain notifications came up:
【From beggar Chen Liu's goodwill, reputation + 200
From beggar Su San's goodwill, reputation + 200
From beggar Xiao Er Gou's goodwill, reputation + 200...】
Not long after, Chen Liu returned to find Zheng Qing.
"Sir, we found that old beggar. As you instructed, we didn't persuade him."
Zheng Qing nodded.
This time, with the help of several beggars, Zheng Qing cornered Fei Ji Shi.
His hair was disheveled, and when he saw Zheng Qing, he immediately showed a bitter expression:
"Hey, what exactly are you trying to do? I really don't know anything!"
Zheng Qing smiled and stepped forward, handing Fei Ji Shi two chickens and a jug of wine.
"I'm a person who loves to make friends with martial arts heroes. I heard that you, Fei Ji Shi, are a disciple of the Divine Physician, so I came to make your acquaintance. Besides, everyone in the world is bound to face danger at some point.
If you happen to know the Divine Physician, wouldn't it be helpful to have him as a connection?"
Fei Ji Shi's bulbous nose twitched.
"Hey, so you really think I'm a disciple of the Divine Physician?
"Of course! I even brought some good wine and roast chicken. Would you like to drink together?"
"Let's go!"