Chapter 30 Cui Yao calmly said, "I didn't go in, it's crooked..."

“However,” Cui Yao added, “I still have one scroll to copy. If Your Highness is not in a hurry, could you give me ten days?”

Ji Chengnin chuckled, “I’m asking my cousin to do something for me, how can my cousin ask me for an extension?” He smiled, “As long as my cousin is willing to come, it doesn’t matter how many days she stays.”

After chatting for a few more minutes, Cui Yao, seeing that it was getting late, got up to take his leave.

The next morning, Ji Chengnin struggled to get out of bed again, muttering sleepily, "When will I resign from my post and return to my hometown, to sleep until the sun is high in the sky..."

He didn't want to study at the Imperial Academy, and he didn't want to go to work after becoming an official.

Ji Chengning yawned and sighed repeatedly.

After washing and changing his clothes, he looked presentable and went to the government office with great poise.

Because Mei Xuewu, Lu Xun, Yu Daorong, Luo Xingzhi and others used to act arrogantly and domineeringly in the government offices, the previous chief official dared not offend them and instead indulged them, even calling them brothers. Therefore, when the news came that these people had all been expelled from Qinglu Guard and that their families were not allowed to send their children into the Imperial Guard for twenty years, the entire Qinglu Guard was shaken.

Not only is the young Marquis Ji Chengning ruthless and cunning, but he also enjoys the Emperor's favor, making his position unshakeable.

This was the consensus reached by all the guards.

The atmosphere has become increasingly regulated.

Li Bi was both surprised and delighted. He was surprised because this young marquis was too decisive and efficient, and he would have to be extremely careful in the future. He was delighted because Ji Chengning had a good impression of him.

It's good to have a big tree to lean on for shade.

Therefore, whenever Young Marquis Ji Chengning went out to patrol the streets, Li Bi would always follow.

Ji Chengnin didn't take it to heart and let him go.

In recent days, thefts have been frequent in Xianyunfang. When Ji Chengning patrols the streets, he simply stops wearing his official robes and wears only casual clothes. He has also bought a lot of trinkets such as glass hairpins and rings, looking exactly like a rich young master.

He casually picked up a thumb ring.

The mountain flowers were in full bloom at dusk, shimmering and glowing in the sunlight, their crimson color like blood. He suddenly remembered that Cui Yao often wore a silver ring, so plain it was almost bland, and asked with a smile, "How much is this?"

He stood half-turned inside the main hall of Baoguang Pavilion, but his gaze kept drifting outwards.

The neighborhood was bustling with people, a lively and festive scene, and there was nothing unusual about it.

Just as Ji Chengning was about to look away, his gaze shifted and landed on a young man, causing him to suddenly stop.

The shopkeeper chuckled, "Young master, this ring costs two..."

Ji Chengnin turned his head and quickly said, "Wrap it up for me, I'll come and pick it up later."

After speaking, he quickly stepped out of Baoguang Pavilion.

The crowd was jostling each other. Ji Chengnin looked up and carefully discerned the young man again.

He was engrossed in his newly bought book as he walked, completely oblivious to the fact that an ordinary-looking middle-aged man was quietly reaching out to him from behind.

Ji Chengnin strode forward.

With a deft flick of his fingers, he untied the purse, and the boy continued walking forward, oblivious to everything around him.

The thief weighed the purse in his hand, grinned with satisfaction, and suddenly felt a heaviness on his shoulder as something was draped over it.

Yes, a human hand.

The thief suddenly turned around and threw a punch.

Unexpectedly, his opponent moved faster, ducked to dodge, and swept his leg out, kicking him hard in the knee.

"thump!"

The thief cried out in pain, and before he could react, he was sprawled on the ground, seeing stars.

Hearing the sound, the boy turned his head blankly. He saw the man groaning and looking confused. His gaze swept over Ji Chengnin's face and immediately lit up with joy. "Chengnin!"

This young man was none other than Qu Pingzhi.

Ji Chengnin was untying the rope when he heard the sound. He looked up and smiled, "Scholar Qu is so diligent, you didn't even know your purse was stolen."

Qu Ping was taken aback. He raised his hand to touch his waist, but found it empty.

While the two were talking, the thief's eyes suddenly turned fierce. With a flick of his sleeve, seeing that Ji Chengning was about to tie him up, he swung his sleeve fiercely at Ji Chengning's face.

The fiery smoke spread instantly!

Caught off guard, Ji Chengnin choked so hard his eyes were almost watering, but his actions were swift. He kicked the struggling thief to the ground again, stomped on his back, and snapped, "Behave yourself!"

Only then did everyone realize that there was a thief.

Exclamations of surprise could be heard from the crowd.

"Oops, my purse is gone!"

"My jade pendant!"

Ji Chengning felt a stinging pain in his eyes, tears streaming down his face. He picked up a rope and deftly tied the thief up like a Mid-Autumn Festival crab. He brought his handsome face close and sneered, "How dare you attack an official of the imperial court! Your crime is doubled."

The thief then realized that Ji Chengnin was not someone to be trifled with, and pleaded repeatedly, "Sir, this is my first offense, I will never dare to do it again!"

Before he could even wipe his face, he shouted, "Qinglu Guard enforces the law. Anyone who loses property must go to the Qinglu Guard office in Dengwenfang to retrieve it."

Given the recent significant change in the morale of the Qing Lü Guards, who have finally been elevated from bandits to a regular army in the eyes of the people, there is no objection. On the contrary, they are praised for their skill and for eliminating harm for the people.

One of the onlookers recognized the tearful but seemingly unapproachable man as Qing Lüwei's superior officer and hurriedly fetched water. "Young master, would you like to wash your face?"

Ji Chengnin handed the prisoner over to Li Bi, nodding with red eyes, "Thank you."

After splashing cold water on his face, Ji Chengning felt the stinging pain on his face subside considerably.

A handkerchief was handed to him, and Ji Chengning took it and wiped his face.

He laughed and said, "You're really careless."

Qu Pingzhi's ears turned red, and he said shyly, "I was thinking about the imperial examination just now." Seeing that Ji Chengning's eyes were still red, he looked worried and said, "Chengning, how are your eyes? I'll take you to see a doctor."

Ji Chengning waved his hand, "There are physicians in the government office."

The two hadn't seen each other for months, and for a moment they were both speechless.

Although they had met before, Ji Chengning was busy with work, Zhou Mufang had already joined the Longxiao Camp and had to train every day, and Qu Pingzhi was preparing for the imperial examination. They used to be inseparable, but in recent times they had only seen each other a few times.

Qu Pingzhi looked ashamed, but Ji Chengning smiled and changed the subject, "The imperial examination is approaching, Pingzhi, you're going to have to try your luck."

Upon hearing the mention of the imperial examinations, Qu Pingzhi's attention was indeed diverted considerably, and he said, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness."

Suddenly remembering something, he hurriedly untied a purse and said, "For the young master."

Ji Chengnin accepted it.

Looking down, it was an extremely exquisite piece, embroidered with fiery red mimosa flowers.

“I’ve heard that the Crown Prince has been overworked with official documents lately. He’s a man of great ambitions, and the court is rife with intrigue; I can’t help him,” Qu Pingzhi’s voice trailed off, his ears growing redder. “I can only pray for divine protection. I even went to get a talisman for peace. Although Confucius said not to speak of strange phenomena, supernatural powers, or spirits, however…”

Her voice grew increasingly flustered, as if she feared Ji Chengnin would find her distasteful.

Ji Chengning smiled and said, "Thank you, Pingzhi. I will definitely carry it with me every day."

Before he could finish speaking, a colleague called out from not far away, "Sir!"

Qu Pingzhi looked somewhat reluctant, but still said, "Your Highness is busy with official duties, I'll go first."

Ji Chengnin nodded, "After you finish your exam, Mu Fang and I will treat you to drinks."

Qu Pingzhi smiled and said, "Alright, it's a deal."

The two walked away in opposite directions.

Ji Chengning opened the purse, and sure enough, there was a peace charm inside, with the words "May you be worry-free for a hundred generations" written in cinnabar on the front.

The following is: Exterminate evil and disperse.

Ji Chengning felt a warmth in his heart, smiled, and put the amulet into his sleeve pocket.

Upon returning to the government office, his eyes still ached and itched. Ji Chengning couldn't help but rub them a couple of times, and the skin under his fingers was burning hot and slightly swollen.

Seeing things so vaguely, he mistook the figure standing outside the government office for his cousin—his younger cousin?!

“Cousin…” Ji Chengnin quickly bit his tongue. It wasn’t a hallucination. “Cousin, what brings you here?”

Cui Yao said softly, "I'll come and see the young master once I've finished copying the book."

The young marquis's eyes were red-rimmed, his eyelids were swollen, and tears welled up in his eyes, yet he seemed completely unconcerned. Upon seeing this, Cui Yao quickly stepped forward and asked, "What's wrong?"

Her cool and beautiful face suddenly magnified.

A touch of bitter fragrance wafts across the face.

Ji Chengnin's breath hitched, and he quickly turned his head away, "Let's go inside and talk."

As he spoke, he took Cui Yao's sleeve and led her into the government office.

The physician immediately examined Ji Chengning and found nothing serious. He simply wiped away the tears and residual medicine powder around her eyes with cold water before applying the medicine.

Cui Yao immediately got to work.

Ji Chengning was forced to lie on the couch and watch him busy himself.

Just as Cousin Cui finished preparing the ice cloth and was about to wipe Ji Chengning's face, she heard someone outside say, "My lord."

Ji Chengnin propped himself up halfway. "Come in."

The visitor was Jiang Linzhou.

Her appearance is acceptable.

Cui Yao frowned.

Jiang Linzhou lowered his head and said, "I was worried when I heard that your eyes were injured, so I came to see you. I hope you won't think I'm being nosy."

Ji Chengning laughed, "You care about me, how could I blame you, hiss..." The cold, damp cloth brushed against his eyelashes, and he shivered from the cold. He tried to dodge, but his cousin grabbed the back of his neck with one hand.

Don't let him escape.

Cold, stiff fingers.

More than a living person's limbs, it resembles a collar supported by ice jade.

Ji Chengnin's body stiffened.

"Don't move," Cui Yao said.

A cool, damp scent mingled with wisps of bitter fragrance lingered around the tip of the nose.

Ji Chengning held his breath.

Jiang Linzhou was taken aback when he heard the man's firm tone. He had assumed it was a servant attending to Ji Chengning and administering medicine.

He quietly raised his eyes.

Young Master Ji was forced to tilt his head back, his long, slender neck bulging with tension as his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. The person opposite him looked down at him, one hand supporting the back of his neck to prevent him from escaping, the other wiping away tears with a handkerchief.

The movements were forceful, yet they also revealed a strange gentleness.

An undeniable and irresistible tenderness.

The strands, sticky and continuous, wrapped around him like a spider web.

But Ji Chengnin showed no sign of resistance. Jiang Linzhou couldn't describe the feeling in his heart, and stammered, "Since the young marquis is alright, I will take my leave."

"Hmm." Ji Chengnin grunted. "Jiang Langjun, please do as you please."

Just as he was about to step out of the study, Jiang Linzhou turned his head, wanting to take one last look.

In just a moment, the young man who was intently applying medicine to Ji Chengnin suddenly looked up.

Jiang Linzhou was caught off guard when he met the other's gaze, and was so startled by the cold, murderous aura in the other's eyes that he felt a chill run down his spine.

My back was instantly soaked with cold sweat.

Jiang Linzhou was having trouble breathing when he saw the young man lower his head again, and the hand that was supporting Ji Chengnin's neck quietly moved inward.

It's a very possessive attitude.

Jiang Linzhou felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave and turned to leave.

"Jiang Langjun?" Cui Yao suddenly spoke up.

After spending several months together, Ji Chengning had gradually figured out his cousin's indirect, even awkward, personality.

But the young marquis is currently deeply in love with his cousin, finding her strange and eccentric, yet also endearing and pitiful.

Without explaining, he smiled at Cui Yao and said in a soft voice, "Cui Lang," he tugged at Cui Yao's sleeve.

Ji Chengning deliberately dragged out the tone, making it a hundred times sweeter than when he had called Jiang Linzhou earlier.

Cui Yao felt as if her mouth was stuffed full of maltose, and the sweet syrup kept flowing into her internal organs.

His emotions subtly calmed down, but he said aloud, "What a strange way of addressing someone."

Ji Chengning teased him, "If you don't like me, then don't call me that. Fine, calling someone that is just a polite formality between colleagues."

Cui Yao narrowed her eyes. "With me, it's also just a pretense?"

Ji Chengnin curled his lips and asked in return, "Are you my colleague?"

A warm breath landed on Cui Yao's lips.

It wasn't hot at all, but for some reason it made him feel scalding.

The heat made Cui Yao want to escape, yet she also craved it, so she lowered her head even further.

“It is now.” His voice was a little hoarse.

A drop of medicine rolled into her eye.

Ji Chengning subconsciously closed his eyes.

Although Ji Chengning trusted Cui Yao, he was still filled with anxiety.

After all, no one likes having a foreign object held close to their eyes, especially when that object is dripping liquid.

Ji Chengnin was on tenterhooks, as if waiting for the executioner's blade to fall, his chest pounding.

Cui Yao calmly said, "It didn't go in, it went astray."

Seeing that the other party ignored him, he tightened his fingers slightly and commanded, "Open your eyes."

The young marquis opened his eyes pitifully; because of the medicinal powder, his usually clear and stern gaze was somewhat unfocused.

Medicine and tears slid down her cheeks together.

It is a vibrant red.

Cui Yao's breathing suddenly stopped.

He was a clean freak, and so was the young marquis.

Therefore, this mixture of tears and medicine should be wiped away.

He had already used the handkerchief and couldn't find a new one. His fingers were not clean enough, so only the tip of his tongue was usable, as it was both clean and nimble.

If he did that, what kind of expression would the young marquis have?

They would probably be startled and run away, trying to avoid it at all costs.

If he were told that this was part of the treatment, would Ji Chengning, who currently trusts and relies on him, obediently endure it?

"grown ups!"

Cui Yao abruptly retreated to her original position.

He took a deep breath, his sinister gaze sweeping over Li Bi.

Li Bi rubbed his arms, puzzled.

It's so cold in the adults' study. Are they already using ice basins in April?

"What's up?"

Ji Chengning, who knew nothing about it, smiled gratefully at his cousin who kindly applied the medicine for him.

With such a lack of safeguards, how badly would those with ill intentions be treated?

Cui Yao gripped the ring tightly.

The tighter you fasten it, the more secure it becomes.

The mechanism inside the thumb ring was pressed down hard, producing a slight vibrating sound, like the mournful cry of bones being broken.

When Li Bi saw that Ji Chengnin's eyes were bloodshot, she was shocked. "Director, your eyes are even worse now!"

Ji Chengnin said briefly, "It's just applying medicine. Tell me what's going on first?"

Li Bi glanced at Cui Yao, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.

“This is my cousin, it’s alright, just say it.”

Li Bi quickly glanced around again, as if on guard against something, then lowered his voice, "Sir, something has happened to the Mei family!"

Ji Chengnin was taken aback. "Huh?"

He tried to sit up, but his body was mostly numb in that position. He swayed, but his cousin held him firmly.

Li Bi was so engrossed in recounting the important events that he didn't notice the two men's subtle actions.

He spoke very quickly, “Originally, it was an official from the Imperial Observatory who reported to His Majesty that there was a dragon aura in the northern suburbs of the capital and asked His Majesty to be careful. His Majesty then sent officials to investigate, but unexpectedly, the dragon aura was located in the Princess’s villa.”

Ji Chengnin was somewhat puzzled, "Is this considered an incident?"

The eldest princess is the emperor's own sister, and her villa has the aura of the emperor. She can find a hundred reasons to get away with it. Besides, how could His Majesty punish the eldest princess for such a trivial matter?

"No, no, no, these officials were about to return when they were stopped by a group of ragged people who said that their children had gone missing near the villa and had not been heard from since. After inquiring, the officials learned that there were nearly three hundred missing boys and girls. This was a serious matter, and the leading official dared not conceal it and reported the truth to His Majesty."

Li Bi took a sip of tea and quickly said, "His Majesty was greatly alarmed and sent the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate." His voice was filled with fear. "Unexpectedly, there were over a thousand unregistered slaves in the villa."

Without a registered household, it means that, legally speaking, this person does not exist in the world.

They can be disposed of, sold, or even tortured at will.

"Later, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice discovered dozens of skeletons on the hill not far from the villa. Some of the bones were white, and some had been buried recently with their clothes still intact. When the Embroidered Uniform Guard interrogated the villa's manager, he confessed everything, saying that it was the master, Mei Xuewu, who had instructed him to do it, and that he had no other choice!"

The abduction of innocent young people and the wanton killing have aroused public outrage. Each and every one of these acts is enough to warrant Mei Xuewu's death ten thousand times over!

A deep hatred flashed in Ji Chengnin's eyes.

Their eyes met, and Cui Yao gently lowered her gaze.

Long eyelashes resemble delicate butterfly wings.

Ji Chengning thought he was scared, so he quietly patted the back of his hand as a way of comforting him.

“His Majesty is furious,” Li Bi said with disgust. “We don’t know how this matter will be dealt with.”

Ji Chengnin was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "How do you know so much?"

Li Bi touched his nose and said softly, "I have a relative in the Embroidery Bureau." He smiled ingratiatingly, "Please don't tell anyone, sir."

Ji Chengnin understood Li Bi's intention and pondered for a moment before saying, "I understand. Thank you for telling me."

"You're too kind, sir. You are my superior, and I cannot hide anything from you if I know something." Seeing that Ji Chengnin's eyes were still red, he immediately added, "Sir, I will take my leave now. Please rest well."

Ji Chengnin nodded.

Li Bi left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.

Cui Yao took out a small round box from her sleeve, gently twisted it open, and dipped her finger in it.

Ji Chengning was still deep in thought.

He had just finished attacking Meixuewu when the Mei family ran into trouble. Could it be that His Majesty was intentionally punishing these powerful clans as a warning to others?

A slightly sweet aroma wafts through the air.

Ji Chengnin looked up.

But then he saw a long, slender, fair finger magnified before his eyes.

He forced himself not to move.

The owner of the hand seemed pleased with his obedience and chuckled softly.

This made Ji Chengning's ear tips itch.

Then, the hand gently landed around his swollen eyes, the fingertips lightly pressing, as gentle as brushing away a fallen leaf.

It feels cool and smooth to the touch.

The swollen skin felt much better immediately, like parched land receiving timely rain.

Is it a medicine to reduce swelling and relieve pain?

Ji Chengning thought to himself.

"What are you thinking about?" Cui Yao leaned down and asked softly when she saw him deep in thought.

The two looked at each other.

Ji Chengning remained silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled.

Cui Yao paused in her action of applying the medicine to him.

Ji Chengning tilted his head, and a strand of cool hair slipped into Cui Yao's hand.

It scratched between my fingers and it itched terribly.

The young marquis quipped, "I was thinking, after I finish my makeup, I'll whisper to my husband."

It was just a common joke, but Cui Yao suddenly turned her face away, avoiding Ji Chengning's gaze.

However, the front side is a tall bronze mirror.

It symbolizes a bright mirror hanging in the hall.

The person in the mirror lies on one side, knees bent, swaying gently, in a relaxed and elegant posture.

The other person had his head down, expressionless, but upon closer inspection, one could see that the veins in his eyes were trembling.

The two looked at each other in the mirror.

Cui Yao's Adam's apple bobbed.

Scroll again.

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Author's note: I originally planned to write 4,000 words, but I couldn't stop and ended up writing 5,300 words, so the update is late. I'm sorry, my wife, QAQ.