Chapter 32. An abnormal sense of excitement was felt. ...
Ji Chengnin's tone suddenly turned serious, startling Qu Fengzhi. "This is...this is a red clam pearl, what's wrong?"
Ji Chengning picked up a drop of blood.
Under the dazzling sunlight, the blood droplets shimmered, revealing a touch of ominous beauty.
"This is a prohibited item. Its sale in the capital was banned last month," Ji Chengnin said in a deep voice. "Brother Qu, are you unaware of this?"
Qu Fengzhi exclaimed in astonishment, "A prohibited item? I really didn't know that." He looked flustered. "Chengning, look, it's clearly written in the document. I've been in Wanzhou for the past two months, more than a thousand miles from the capital, and I didn't know about this new prohibition."
Qu Fengzhi's words made sense, but just as Ji Chengning was about to speak, Cui Yao suddenly retorted coldly: "If Young Master Qu didn't know, why bother to hide the blood droplets in the brocade?"
Qu Fengzhi's expression changed slightly, and a flash of resentment crossed his eyes.
He turned to Ji Chengnin and said in a low voice, "Chengnin, I did hear some rumors before, but your sister-in-law really liked this jewelry, so I took a chance." His voice was very low, with a pleading tone that was hard to bear, and he bowed as if to kneel down, "Please, Your Excellency, see the truth."
Ji Chengning helped Qu Fengzhi up and comforted him, saying, "No laws have been promulgated for the world yet, Brother Qu, don't worry, it's nothing serious."
Just as Qu Fengzhi was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he heard Ji Chengnin continue, "We will take the goods with us and make a decision after reporting to higher authorities."
Qu Fengzhi hurriedly said, "Of course, of course, Chengning, please do as you please." He patted his chest with lingering fear, "Even without the law, I would not dare to keep these anymore."
The Imperial Guard squad leader, who had witnessed everything, immediately perked up.
What a young marquis! He had just thought that the young marquis had solved some monumental case, but it turned out that he was just after money!
The Imperial Guards were very familiar with this tactic. During their patrols, they would claim that merchants entering the city were selling contraband goods, confiscate the items, and demand that the merchants redeem them.
If they redeem the property, they will receive a fine for nothing; if they don't, they can sell the property and still make a considerable profit.
The Imperial Guard squad leader, fearing Ji Chengnin might not be able to eat such a fine piece of meat, hurriedly stepped forward and said righteously, "Young Marquis, searching passersby is the duty of the Imperial Guard. It's not appropriate for you to overstep your bounds and do this."
He spoke in a grand and dignified manner, but his face was full of drooling, as if he wanted to stick his eyes to the bloodstains. Qu Fengzhi glanced at him with disgust and thought bitterly that he was like a tiger fallen into the plains, even a lowly official like him dared to try and get a share of the pie.
"Thank you for reminding me," Ji Chengnin said with an apologetic smile, "It was my oversight."
The squad leader, seeing how easy to talk to him, was both incredulous and overjoyed, as if he had been showered with unexpected riches. Just as he was about to laugh, he suddenly remembered his status, cleared his throat, and forced a smile. "Very well, very well. I'm relieved that the young marquis is so understanding. Guards..."
"Someone, count the amount of blood beads and brocade on the spot," Ji Chengnin interrupted, and immediately a guard stepped forward to "register them."
The squad leader was dumbfounded. "Young Master Marquis?"
Qu Fengzhi was, after all, the son of an official. They wouldn't dare to openly ask for money, but they still had the guts to steal a bead or two.
If they registered everything, how could they have cheated?
Ji Chengnin half-lifted his eyelids. "Oh, right, there's one more thing. Since Captain Feng said that searching people coming and going is essentially the business of the Imperial Guards, then please go back and tell Commander Zhou to report it truthfully."
Not only is there no profit to be made, but you also have to make a trip to your boss. Anyone with a brain wouldn't do something so stupid.
The squad leader gritted his teeth, thinking to himself, "You've got some tricks up your sleeve," and forced a smile, saying, "Since it was Young Master Marquis who discovered it, how dare we interfere? Young Master Marquis, please do as you please."
Seeing that he had no objection, Ji Chengning chuckled and ordered his men to move the caravan aside so as not to delay the people behind him from entering the city. Then he counted the goods and recorded the amount.
Since it wasn't a big deal, Qu Pingzhi looked down on Lü Wei and his men for carrying out the orders so swiftly, while chatting casually with Ji Chengning.
“When I was in Wanzhou, Pingzhi wrote to me and mentioned the young marquis, saying that the young marquis was decisive and accomplished. At first, I was worried that the young marquis, being from a prominent family, would not be able to control these old foxes. But now it seems,” he laughed, “that he is indeed incredibly brave and has the legacy of the old marquis.”
Cui Yao frowned.
Ji Chengnin touched his nose. "Brother Qu, are you implying something insinuation when you say that?"
A hint of embarrassment flashed in Qu Fengzhi's eyes, and he laughed loudly, "You're overthinking it." He changed the subject, "Speaking of which, the imperial examination is approaching. Pingzhi's teacher said that he is extremely hardworking and has decent talent, and has a very good chance of passing the exam. Unlike me," Qu Fengzhi smiled bitterly, "I have mediocre scholarship. Not only have I failed to set a good example for my younger brothers, but I have also brought shame to the whole family."
“It’s a minor matter,” Ji Chengning comforted gently. “Even if it is a violation of the law, at most these blood beads will be confiscated and put into the treasury. There will be no other punishment.”
Qu Fengzhi breathed a sigh of relief. "I feel much more at ease now that Cheng Ning has said that."
He turned his gaze to Cui Yao, who remained silent.
Half unintentionally, half intentionally, their eyes met, and he was startled.
This person exuded a cold and aloof aura, like a shadow or a ghost, clinging to Ji Chengning's side, inseparable from him.
He instinctively took a half step back.
Why would Ji Chengning choose such a person to accompany him closely? Isn't he afraid of having nightmares?
"Cheng Ning, you are a decisive guard," Qu Fengzhi said with a smile. "You have keen insight and will surely achieve great things in the future."
This statement, though ostensibly a compliment, could actually be interpreted as a provocation. To a narrow-minded and intolerant superior, it would certainly be extremely offensive.
Ji Chengning was indeed narrow-minded and loved to be superior to others. Upon hearing this, he gently tugged at Cui Yao's sleeve and said with a smile, "Thank you for your kind words, Brother Qu."
His smile was completely devoid of any gloom.
Qu Fengzhi could only respond with a smile.
Despite it being a bright, clear day, he felt incredibly cold, as if he were being watched by some ghost.
Qing Lüwei acted swiftly and efficiently; in no time, someone stepped forward to report the tallied figures to Ji Chengning.
Ji Chengning divided the booklet into two copies, affixing his official seal to both. He kept one copy for his records and gave the other to Qu Fengzhi.
Qu Fengzhi took it, his face ashen. "Young Marquis, may I leave now?"
He felt deeply humiliated because the guards had thoroughly inspected his carriage inside and out. Although he did not stop them, he felt deeply insulted.
Ji Chengnin nodded. "Of course."
Qu Fengzhi laughed, but it sounded more like a cold laugh than a hearty laugh. "Thank you."
After speaking, he flicked his sleeves and strode into the car.
The rest of the carriages and horses were confiscated, and the accompanying guards and servants, numbering over thirty, had to follow on foot.
Ji Chengnin suddenly said, "Wait!"
Qu Fengzhi turned his head abruptly, took a deep breath, and asked, "...What is it now?"
Ji Chengning gave a harmless smile. "Since they are escorting contraband, these servants should be detained and interrogated. If there is nothing wrong, they should be sent back to Brother Qu."
Qu Fengzhi felt that Ji Chengning was taking advantage of his easy-going nature and said angrily, "Young Marquis, isn't this going too far?"
"I'll act according to the law, so please don't make things difficult for me, Brother Qu."
Who is really making things difficult for whom?!
Qu Fengzhi was furious, but he was powerless against the enemy, so he had to back down. He softened his voice and said, "My servants are all respectable men who have signed living contracts and have never been to prison. I hope that you, young lord, will be lenient and understand my predicament."
Ji Chengnin remained unmoved. "There are no prisons or tortures in Qinglu Guard. Please rest assured, Brother Qu."
He remained unmoved by reason, so Qu Fengzhi gritted his teeth and said, "Do you really intend to do this?!"
He was compliant just now, but became furious when the topic of escorting servants came up.
Ji Chengning's thoughts raced, and the smile on his lips vanished instantly, replaced by a menacing aura.
"Brother Qu, don't obstruct me from performing my official duties." With that, he shouted, "Take him away!"
"You," Qu Pingzhi trembled with anger, "very well!"
Ji Chengnin lowered his head, "I apologize for not seeing you off further."
Qu Pingzhi turned and left.
The Imperial Guards looked at each other in bewilderment.
Even if he wanted to extort money, wasn't the young master going too far?
Ji Chengnin waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to count the number of people and lead them into the city.
Ji Chengning and Cui Yao then boarded the carriage.
A moment later, a rustling sound was heard, and Ji Chengning immediately turned his head to look at the source of the sound.
I saw a big, silly-looking head.
Cui Yao slowly released her hand.
Ji Chengnin: "...Is something the matter?"
Li Bi's horse was practically glued to the carriage. He chuckled awkwardly, "Yes." He had intended to ask back at the government office, but his curiosity was too strong, and he felt an itch as if a cat had gently scratched his heart. "Sir, how did you know that Qu Fengzhi's convoy was problematic?"
Ji Chengning was quite frank, saying, "The ruts are too deep." It had rained yesterday, and several vehicles in the convoy had veered off the main road and were stuck in the mud, with half of their wheels almost sinking in. "Since this person can use more than a dozen vehicles, why bother piling up all the goods together? Wouldn't it be more troublesome if the vehicles were damaged?"
He wondered if there was something hidden inside, mixed in with the goods.
Unexpectedly, the person who came down was Qu Fengzhi.
Li Bi suddenly realized, "Sir, you are indeed a man of both talent and wisdom."
Ji Chengnin hummed in satisfaction, raising his chin, "You have excellent taste too."
Cui Yao lowered his head and smiled.
Li Bi received the answer and withdrew satisfied.
“By the way,” Ji Chengning suddenly said, “Cousin, A-Yao,” he felt awkward calling Cui Yao, who was dressed as a man, “cousin,” so he changed his address and asked knowingly, “Why did you suddenly make a move?”
Cui Yao stared at Ji Chengning with calm, unwavering eyes. "Because the Crown Prince and I are of one mind."
Ji Chengnin chuckled, "You're just very thoughtful."
If his subordinates were half as meticulous as Cui Yao, then—wouldn't I, Qing Lüwei, be invincible?
Ji Chengning laughed twice at his absurd idea.
“Your Highness, there’s some coarse salt stuck deep inside the wheels,” Cui Yao said. “Most of the more than ten carriages have coarse salt inside their wheels.”
"oh?"
It is unboiled coarse salt, not the fine salt commonly used by ordinary households.
Wanzhou does not produce salt.
The three coastal prefectures do produce salt, and Zhangzhou, located in the far west of the inland, also has salt wells, but the document only mentions Wanzhou.
Qu Fengzhi is lying.
Ji Chengnin closed his eyes in frustration.
Qu Fengzhi's grandfather once served as the Minister of Justice, making him his second uncle's former superior. Although he is now retired, he still has many protégés and former subordinates.
Moreover, Ji Chengning had his purse clenched tightly, and there was also Pingzhi.
Cui Yao did not overlook this small action.
Ji Chengning, with his eyes closed, casually said, "A-Yao, you were quite agile when you used the knife just now."
"Is that so?" Cui Yao asked in return.
"Yes..." Before he could finish speaking, there was a "whoosh" sound as the cold blade was drawn from its sheath.
Ji Chengnin suddenly opened his eyes.
But Cui Yao held the knife in reverse, its cold light falling on her beautiful, expressionless face, making her appear even more menacing.
Ji Chengnin swallowed hard and said dryly, "A fine knife."
He was just about to persuade Cui Yao to put the knife away when the wheel of the car ran over something and lurched violently to the side with a loud "roll".
Caught off guard, Ji Chengnin suddenly leaned towards Cui Yao.
The blade flashed across his cheek.
The cold light illuminated Ji Chengnin's eyes, and his breath hitched.
Cui Yao grabbed his waist.
But he did not sheathe his sword.
The blade was lodged in his throat, inches away.
Ji Chengnin looked up.
The latter looked down at him, a posture that was clearly submissive, yet because of her superior position, it revealed a dangerous arrogance.
Ji Chengning's Adam's apple bobbed.
The cartilage in his throat seemed to be overly agitated, rising and falling as if it were about to hit the tip of a knife.
So Cui Yao considerately pressed the tip of the knife with his finger.
Skin to skin.
Ji Chengning couldn't tell whether Cui Yao or the blade was colder.
The chilling edge of the blade, tempered by human intervention, appeared even more strange and eerie.
It's neither high nor low, leaving people hanging in mid-air.
Ji Chengnin felt his hair stand on end, but he realized with despair that he was abnormally feeling excited on the verge of life and death.
The closer he was to death, the more fear he felt, the more excited he became, causing his blood vessels to dilate.
This is definitely not a good thing for military officers.
Facing death without knowing how to retreat, and becoming more excited the more desperate the situation, he was undoubtedly braver than ten thousand people. If the time, place, and people were all in his favor, he might be able to achieve unparalleled feats. However, this kind of valor would ultimately cost Ji Chengning his life.
This may be one of the reasons why his second uncle was unwilling for him to join the army.
His eyes narrowed, his excitement bordering on euphoria.
Cui Yao noticed, so she lowered her head and asked coldly, "Do you like it?"
What do you like?
The fact that he was so docile only fueled Cui Yao's inner rage.
Excited and annoyed.
Ji Chengnin clearly loved this feeling, rather than having any improper thoughts about the person who gave him this feeling.
Despite seemingly being in control of everything, he was unsettled by Ji Chengnin's reaction, his fingers trembling slightly, almost unable to grip the hilt of the knife. "This knife."
Ji Chengning's gaze swept quickly across Cui Yao's hand, which held the knife, with its distinct knuckles, before he answered honestly, "I like it."
The next second, Cui Yao deftly sheathed his sword, the rhinoceros horn hilt gently pressing against Ji Chengning's lower abdomen. He said softly, "To the Crown Prince."
Ji Chengnin stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed, "Thank you."
After their friendly "exchange," Ji Chengnin's hair was a little damp, but his earlier irritation had mostly subsided.
Upon returning to the government office, Ji Chengning immediately sent everyone for interrogation.
He watched from the side.
These servants all seemed honest and simple, and what they said was exactly the same as what Qu Feng had said.
After questioning for half an hour without any results, the guards, unwilling to use torture, led the thirty-odd men, who huddled in fear like quails, their faces showing reluctance. "My lord, this..."
Ji Chengnin pressed his temples and paced back and forth. "Let me think about it."
The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice just sent him a letter saying that if a good family's son is innocent, he can only be detained for two days at most. He asked the Director to be careful and not to break the law.
Although the words were mild, the content was firm, which made Ji Chengning angry, but he had to admit that it was indeed the law.
The Qu family is putting pressure on him.
This is just the beginning, and a very gentle one at that.
Ji Chengning went out for some fresh air and ran into Lü Zhong rushing over. "Director, there's a young man outside. He says his surname is Qu and he wants to see you."
Is Pingzhi here?
Ji Chengnin was taken aback.
Qu Fengzhi had just said that the imperial examination was approaching and that Pingzhi should focus on preparing for it. He then went back and told Qu Pingzhi to come and plead for him.
Using both soft and hard tactics, Ji Chengning sneered in anger.
He hurried out.
Upon seeing Qu Pingzhi, Ji Chengnin immediately put on a flawless, extremely friendly smile. "Pingzhi," he waved his hand, "here."
Qu Pingzhi looked over upon hearing the sound and saw an exceptionally handsome young man standing at the entrance of the government office. His official robes made him appear imposing and sharp.
Qu Pingzhi took three steps in two, "Cheng Ning!"
He had rehearsed his brother's words hundreds of times before he arrived, but upon seeing Ji Chengnin, he didn't know how to begin. "Chengnin, I..."
Ji Chengnin smiled and said, "I know why you've come."
After speaking, he recounted the whole story to Qu Pingzhi, including the punishment Qu Fengzhi would face if it were indeed a forbidden item.
Qu Pingzhi was taken aback.
This is different from what his older brother said.
He even suspected that Cheng Ning was lying to him, otherwise why would his brother sigh so deeply after returning home, as if the sky had fallen?
Qu Pingzhi was a little uneasy, but he still smiled and said, "I believe in the Crown Prince."
His elder brother was at fault and deserved to be punished, but Cheng Ning's swift and decisive actions, showing no mercy, made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
He certainly didn't want the prince to bend the law for personal gain, but there was no need to go to extremes.
As Qu Pingzhi was pondering this, he suddenly heard Ji Chengning ask him about the imperial examination in a soft and gentle voice.
Qu Pingzhi answered truthfully, but he was still absent-minded.
Seeing the worry on his face, Ji Chengnin comforted him gently and then asked, "I wonder if Pingzhi would be willing to stay at the Imperial Academy for the time being?"
Qu Pingzhi's eyes widened.
He knew that Ji Chengnin meant well.
Firstly, he could ask the teachers at the Imperial Academy anytime he had questions. Secondly, the Imperial Academy had far fewer chores than his home, allowing him to focus on his studies. Thirdly, and most importantly, during the imperial examinations, it was extremely difficult for non-students of the Imperial Academy to reside there. Since Ji Chengning had spoken up, it meant he could make arrangements for him.
What's this?
Is it compensation, or to keep him away from household affairs?
Qu Pingzhi pondered for a few moments, then firmly said, "Thank you, Your Highness, I wish to stay at home."
Ji Chengnin did not force the issue and said, "Okay."
The two had nothing more to say to each other and went their separate ways.
With a heavy heart, Ji Chengnin slowly walked back to the government office.
"Swish, swish—"
The leaves rustled in the courtyard.
Ji Chengnin lowered his eyes, thinking about Qu Pingzhi's matter, when he suddenly felt a coldness by his ear.
Ji Chengning's neck stiffened slightly.
That chilling aura materialized into human form and softly asked, "Is Your Highness happy to see your friend?"
Ji Chengning was startled.
He turned around abruptly and met Cui Yao's gaze.
Why does his cousin walk so quietly?!
Ji Chengnin said dryly, "Happy."
What's there to be happy about? It only adds to your troubles!
He said he was happy, but his brow was actually furrowed.
Cui Yao couldn't stand him worrying about others, and said softly, "Does the young master still think there's something wrong with Qu Fengzhi?"
Ji Chengnin's thoughts were easily drawn away by him. "Yes."
If there's nothing wrong, Qu Fengzhi can just wait for him to finish his inspection; there's no need to make such a fuss.
Of course, it's also possible that the young master was embarrassed and lost face.
However, the possibility is too low.
Their breaths mingled.
Ji Chengning felt a little uncomfortable and turned to talk to Cui Yao.
Don't you want to see him?
A dark light surged in Cui Yao's eyes.
He reached out and gently pressed his fingertips against Ji Chengning's chest.
Cold and hard, just like that knife.
Ji Chengnin's body stiffened. "What are you doing?"
His fingers traced the smooth lines downwards, and Cui Yao almost buried her head in the crook of his neck.
The damp, cold air immediately raised goosebumps under Ji Chengning's ears.
“Let’s use torture,” Cui Yao coaxed patiently, “Your Highness.”
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