Chapter 73: This chapter teaches Ji Chengnin what true...

It is night today.

The candles in the prefectural governor's study burned continuously.

Under the candlelight, Zhang Wenzhi's face was gloomy. "When General Ji... said that he wanted me to stabilize prices, otherwise I would be the only one to ask him this question, do you think he was serious or joking?"

Huo Wen had already repeated what he said verbatim, and his throat was dry from talking. Hearing this, he said with a bitter face, "It's true. Even if I were blind, I could see that this is true. My lord, what should we do?"

Zhang Wenzhi frowned deeply, picked up the now-cold tea, and took a sip.

He remained silent, but the others in the study couldn't sit still any longer. They said, "Sir, although the price of grain is high, we went through countless hardships and almost risked our lives to transport it back. How can we lower the price just because of General Ji's words? Our lives and fortunes are tied up in this, and we beg you, sir, to do us justice!"

These words immediately caused the previously oppressive atmosphere in the study to boil over, like cold water or boiling oil, crackling and popping.

The crowd chimed in, saying, "Isn't Ji Chengnin here to quell the rebellion in Luanyang? What does it matter to him if grain prices in Yan County skyrocket? He's just meddling in other people's business!"

Someone scoffed, "Hmph, in my humble opinion, that young General Ji," he emphasized the word "young," "is not doing this for a thorough investigation. The situation in Luanyang is still uncertain, and the army still needs to be stationed in Yan County. How could he dare to cause trouble? He simply thinks our tribute is insufficient and wants more benefits."

Before he could finish speaking, an official immediately agreed, saying, "Just as Lord Sun said, the special envoys from the capital have come countless times over the years. Every time, they've made grand pronouncements about conducting a thorough investigation, but every time, they've all..." He smiled meaningfully, "They crave fame, wealth, and women. Everyone has their desires. If we cater to their desires, why should we worry about them not doing us favors?"

Zhang Wenzhi's expression softened slightly. He remained silent for a few seconds before saying, "However, this General Ji is renowned, yet he is unmoved by wealth and power, and acts without restraint. On the contrary, he is somewhat," he said, his white teeth parting as he uttered two words in a harsh voice, "madness."

Chen Chong shook his head. "If he were truly so unrestrained and reckless, he would never have attended the banquet yesterday. I think it was just Ji Chengning trying to gain fame and raise his price."

Zhang Wenzhi pondered for a few seconds and said to Huo Wen, "I will write a visiting card for General Ji later, and you can give it to Lord Ji."

Huo Wendao: "Yes!"

Zhang Wenzhi leaned against the railing, a stern look flashing across his refined face.

If Ji Chengning is willing to sit down and talk, that would be great. But if he insists on breaking off relations, he is not afraid.

Is Ji Chengning the only one from a noble family? Aren't there others like him in the capital?

Half an hour later, Huo Wen arrived at the Zhongzhou Army's garrison with a respectful visiting card. He explained his purpose but did not see Ji Chengning. Instead, an officer who identified himself as Li said that the general was busy and that he would deliver the card.

Huo Wen was dissatisfied, but he didn't show it on his face and smiled, "Thank you, Lord Li."

He bid farewell and left.

Li Bi then delivered the document to Ji Chengning's desk.

The young marquis was holding a brush in his mouth, his scarlet tongue peeking out between his two rows of white, even teeth. He deftly flicked the brush, causing ink to splatter everywhere.

A drop may have splashed onto the corner of his lips.

It was a tiny dot, which should have gone unnoticed, but Ji Chengning's lips were so red that the dot of ink stood out all the more.

Yet it doesn't look out of place, nor does it resemble dirt; rather, it's like a small mole on the lip.

It tempts one to lick and kiss it, to test with one's lips and tongue whether it is ink stains or part of Ji Chengning's skin.

Li Bi dared not look any longer and quickly lowered his head, "General."

Ji Chengnin didn't even look up, and mumbled, "Just put it there."

Li Bi put down the documents and quickly and quietly left.

Liu Jicheng was sitting at his desk, gnawing on a calligraphy brush and pulling out his hair.

Seeing his subordinate disappear from sight, Ji Chengnin immediately became restless, slumped weakly onto the table, and pressed his chin tightly against the Xuan paper, saying, "I can't write anything."

That first sentence was still somewhat sensible, but the next one made the young marquis react as if his tail had been stepped on. He wanted to roll on the ground, whimpering and wailing, "I can't write it! I really can't write it! If this memorial of mine is sent to the palace, the Minister of Personnel will scold me for three days and three nights!" It wasn't that he was afraid of being scolded, but rather that he wouldn't get paid after being scolded—wouldn't that be a waste of his time being scolded! "A-Yao..."

It's just like a puppy that throws a tantrum when it can't get what it wants.

As Cui Yao organized the documents and put them away in their proper categories, he said softly, "Then we won't submit a memorial. I'll figure out a solution for everything."

He caught a glimpse of the ink mark on Ji Chengnin's face, level with his lip line, and slowed his movements slightly.

“That’s disaster relief grain,” Ji Chengnin said, rubbing his temples and struggling to sit up. “You’re going to pay for it all? Does the Cui family have a mountain of gold?”

Cui Yao's gaze remained fixed on that trace.

As the master spoke, his lips moved, and the ink-black color trembled slightly, as if beckoning someone to reach out and touch it.

Cui Yao lowered her eyes.

"Swish."

The tightly clenched paper made a cracking sound as it vibrated.

"Um."

Ji Chengnin opened his eyes wide, "Hmm what?!"

Cui Yao seemed to snap out of her daze, meeting Ji Chengnin's gaze blankly. "Hmm?"

His usually calm and collected gaze was now somewhat hazy, lacking any intimidating power. Ji Chengning found it both amusing and exasperating, and raised his hand to give him another slap. "What are you thinking about, so engrossed?"

Cui Yao opened his mouth to speak, but Ji Chengning had no intention of asking him to answer. He simply opened the visiting card and quickly scanned the entire text.

The more I look at it, the more my lips curve upwards.

But there was no hint of a smile in his eyes.

After reading it, Ji Chengnin sneered and shoved the flimsy invitation card into Cui Yao's hand, "Here, take a look."

Cui Yao lowered his head.

The visiting card contained a string of rambling, seemingly polite but ultimately empty words, such as "Your Excellency is well" and "I am flattered by your honor." After this incoherent rambling, the card finally got to the point, stating that the officials would do their utmost to fulfill the request, but the matter was complex and could not be clearly explained in a letter. The official requested that if the official was willing, he would like to come to Qiongyuan at noon the next day for a discussion, and that the officials would be waiting for him.

"What do you think?" Ji Chengning leaned back with his arms crossed, the cold smile still lingering on his face.

“I believe,” Cui Yao replied gently, as he picked up a handkerchief, leaned closer, and gently wiped away the ink stains with the handkerchief covering his fingertips, creating a raised area. “The young master will not go.”

Ji Chengning was about to say that Cui Yao was too clingy and was about to turn his head away when his shoulder was pressed down.

Cui Yao's movements were extremely light, even lighter than a flower petal brushing against her cheek, yet they were irresistible.

Her long hair fell loosely, with a few strands brushing against Ji Chengning's shoulder.

Like spider silk, gentle and delicate, slowly and methodically, it tightly enveloped him.

Ji Chengnin wanted to complain, but his cousin naturally steered the conversation to the main topic, so he could only chuckle and say, "I won't go, but I won't completely stay away either."

Zhang Wenzhi set the time and place to take the initiative, but Ji Chengning was not about to let him have his way.

Their eyes met, and Cui Yao could clearly see the emotions in their eyes.

Cui Yao smiled, and Ji Chengning laughed along with her.

The corners of his mouth had just turned up when Ji Chengning suddenly stopped smiling and said seriously, "A-Yao, don't do this casually anymore," he tapped his cheek, "It's not proper for people to see this."

Cui Yao's eyes darkened suddenly, but he spoke softly, "It would be improper for someone to see this." Instead of backing down, he stepped forward, his hair, which had been neatly tied up during the day, now loose and swaying against Ji Chengnin's chest. "Or is it that the young master doesn't want someone to see this? Why?"

Ji Chengnin: "..."

He was just saying that there should be boundaries between adult men and women. He and the Crown Prince, two grown men, didn't touch each other's faces when they were together!

Unfortunately, his cousin stared intently at him with her beautiful, almost unsettling eyes, as if she wanted to glue her eyeballs to him.

Yet her gaze wasn't sharp; she looked at him gently, her long eyelashes trembling softly, which inexplicably made Ji Chengning feel a pang of pity.

Ji Chengnin: "Never mind."

Cui Yao's voice was deep, "What do you mean, 'just'?"

The fingers pressed against the ring, the sharp patterns pressing heavily against the skin.

However, the next second, his movements suddenly stopped.

Because Ji Chengnin brought his face close to his.

Her beautiful, flamboyant eyes held a hint of apology and a smile, her spirit so high and clear, her eyes sparkling with confidence, making one's throat itch with desire.

He smiled and said, "My dear cousin, I misspoke. Please don't be angry with me."

Cui Yao's body was extremely stiff.

Being so close, the warm, sweet fragrance emanating from Ji Chengnin easily brushed past his nose.

His Adam's apple bobbed violently.

How could I not be annoyed?

Cui Yao was now filled with hatred, wishing she could drag Ji Chengning over, pin his neck with her fingers, force him to lower his head, and make him passively endure everything she did, so that Ji Chengning would know what true indecent behavior was!

How dare he get so close to other people so brazenly!

Ji Chengning looked at his cousin, whose chest was heaving, with a puzzled expression.

"Be good," Ji Chengning obediently offered his face to the other person's hands, "I'll let you wipe it, okay A-Yao, don't be angry with me."

Young people have few fleshy parts on their bodies, with their cheeks being the only exception. When pressed against the palm of the hand, the skin on their cheeks feels soft and warm to the touch, with an incredibly pleasant feel.

With a slight pressure, the finger dug into the skin, leaving a rounded red mark.

Ji Chengnin hissed softly, but did not move.

He obediently endured everything Cui Yao imposed on him.

Including pain.

Such trust, such complete lack of vigilance.

Ji Chengning was confident that his coaxing trick always worked, but his cousin not only failed to be coaxed, but seemed even angrier.

His eyes were pale, making the blood vessels even more noticeable, like spiderwebs entwined in the translucent depths of his eyes—fierce yet beautiful.

Ji Chengning's heart suddenly trembled.

I couldn't resist taking a few more glances.

Cui Yao took a deep breath, abruptly pulled her hand back, and stormed off.

Or, it would be more accurate to describe it as an escape.

Ji Chengning: "...Cousin," he stared at Cui Yao's disappearing figure and said dryly, "Cousin."

What's wrong?

Was it because he acted too frivolously and scared A-Yao?

Ji Chengning felt this was very likely, so he made up his mind to keep a proper distance from his cousin.

He nodded deeply.

...

The next day.

All the officials gathered at Qiongyuan.

Calling them officials isn't entirely accurate. Although everyone present held official positions, most of them were still primarily merchants. They donated their official titles simply to make it easier to do business with the officials.

Despite the blazing sun, the main hall where everyone was gathered was as cool as early spring.

A half-person-high ice vat was placed in the four corners of the main hall. Maids fanned it lightly with feather fans. The fragrance of cosmetics, the sweet and refreshing scent of fruit, and the cool air mingled together. Although it was summer, there was no discomfort at all.

The officials were initially a little apprehensive, but seeing that they were surrounded by their own people, they soon relaxed, chatting and drinking tea, without mentioning any official business.

They were all patient people, yet the ice in the ice vat gradually melted, until the broken ice floated on the surface of the water, and no servants reported it.

"My lord." Someone looked at Zhang Wenzhi.

"grown ups!"

The servant boy ran in.

Everyone quickly stood up and waited with bated breath, the relaxed atmosphere just moments before instantly vanishing.

Zhang Wenzhi frowned. "General Ji has arrived?"

The attendant said in a panic, "My lord, General Ji has sent word that you gentlemen must go to the Guantian Temple immediately for a discussion!"

The crowd erupted in uproar.

How could this be?

"This Ji Chengning is just too..."

Zhang Wenzhi said coldly, "Shut up."

The entire main hall fell silent instantly.

The coldness on Zhang Wenzhi's face vanished in an instant. He turned his head and smiled at the crowd who were staring at him expectantly. "Since the general has given the order, how dare we neglect it? Let's go."

Although the crowd was unwilling, they dared not disobey and replied, "Yes."

They had no choice but to get into the carriage and quickly head towards the Guantian Temple.

Although the Guantian Temple is named Guantian Temple, it is actually not very large. Because it is located in the inner city, it is even quite small. After entering the main gate, there is an open space that is seven feet long and seven feet wide. There is a tree inside, and there is no awning or shelter. There is only a small building not far away, which serves as the main hall.

The white stone slabs almost steamed under the scorching sun.

Having just emerged from the pleasantly cool Qiongyuan Garden, the group found themselves in such a shabby place that they didn't even know where to put their feet.

Hot sweat rolled down his forehead and slid into his eyes, stinging them painfully.

Having lived a life of luxury for too long, their faces turned bright red and were covered in sweat from the heat after only standing for a short while.

The smell of sweat mingled with the luxurious ambergris, creating a hot, pungent odor, much like that of raw roasted pork.

Zhang Wenzhi whispered to his attendant, "Go and stand guard at the gate. If you see any carriages or horses coming, report to me immediately."

The attendant hurriedly accepted the order and left.

Just then, a series of strange noises were heard—"tap, tap, tap".

The entire temple grounds were instantly so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Yes, the sound of horses' hooves hitting the ground.

It's here!

Everyone was startled and rushed forward, but Zhang Wenzhi coughed lightly. They then seemed to wake from a dream, straightened their clothes, and walked out of the temple gate with dignified composure to greet him.

But then they saw a dark, surging tide spreading out from not far away.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, barely daring to breathe, as what they had mistaken for a tide turned out to be armor made of refined iron.

The armor was jet black, and even under the brightest sunlight, it still looked somber and menacing.

The strong horse's legs slumped to the ground, the sound growing louder as it approached.

One blow after another, as if stepping on everyone's hearts.

Faster and faster, more and more tense!