Chapter 65 He wanted to say, "Cousin, you're too close to me..."
Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly erupted behind him.
Zhou Yan arrived surrounded by a host of officials, and Zhang Wenzhi, the prefect of Yan County, hurriedly stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness's presence is an honor to my humble abode." He bowed and invited Zhou Yan and Ji Chengnin to take their seats.
A sudden sense of unease flashed through his mind.
His Highness Prince Rui's expression was alright, but General Ji's face, though smiling, somehow inexplicably made him... terrified. Only after seeing Cui Yao appear did General Ji's expression soften slightly.
Everyone took their seats.
Zhou Yan had endured hardship on the road for more than half a month, and seeing that the officials in this place were knowledgeable and sensible in setting up the secret passage today, he couldn't help but feel more satisfied with the governor of Yan County.
Local officials showered him with flattery. Some said that His Highness Prince Rui was wise and mighty, possessing the air of an emperor. Only His Highness Prince Rui had won His Majesty's trust, which was why His Majesty entrusted him with such an important task. He was the most outstanding among all the princes. Others said that Young Marquis Ji was favored by the Emperor. Some even imagined that the Heavenly Army would surely come and the rebel leader would surrender. Laughter and chatter filled the air.
At the banquet, glasses clinked and toasts were exchanged.
The shimmering water reflected on the terrace, creating a dazzling display of light that was almost overwhelming.
Ji Chengning accepted the wine poured by the beautiful waiter.
The wine has a mellow aroma, a sweet but not spicy taste, and only the most intense fruity fragrance.
Perhaps the fruit was too ripe; after the exquisite aroma spread across his tongue, Ji Chengning inexplicably tasted a fishy-sweet flavor.
Like, putrid blood.
His throat spasmed slightly.
Prefect Chen Chong of Luanyang kept a close eye on Ji Chengnin's reaction. Seeing that he seemed uninterested, he quickly whispered a few words to his maid.
The maid whispered in the ear of the governor of Yan Commandery, who smiled and nodded.
Immediately, a clear, melodious bell sound echoed through the waterside pavilion, "Clang—"
The laughter and conversation suddenly stopped.
Zhou Yan looked straight ahead with a puzzled expression.
Dozens of dancers gracefully approached, their delicate veils trailing to the ground, half-concealing and half-touching the jade bells adorning their ankles.
The ringing was initially very faint, almost imperceptible, yet it stirred a tremor in one's heart.
Then, the sound of bells rose sharply along with the dance moves.
The jade is warm and smooth, yet the sound of it striking the ground is clear and melodious, like shattered ice.
There were no other musical instruments accompanying the dance; only the increasingly loud and rapid clanging of bells accompanied the swaying of the dancers.
Most of the people present put down their wine cups. Among the officials who came with them, some of the more flamboyant ones laughed so hard that the wrinkles at the corners of their eyes popped out. They held silver chopsticks in one hand and excitedly tapped them along with the sound of bells.
The dozen or so dancers were all beauties with fair skin and delicate features, their faces subtly enhanced by makeup. Their jade hairpins swayed, reflecting the brilliance of their earrings, which shone like the bright moon, making their faces appear even more radiant and beautiful.
Even Zhou Yan, a nobleman accustomed to seeing stunning beauties, couldn't help but smile.
The aroma, warmed by body heat, wafted towards you.
The room was filled with beauties, and everyone was somewhat bewildered. They didn't know what Zhang Wenzhi and Zhou Yan had said, but His Highness Prince Rui laughed heartily and even patted the shoulder of Zhang Wen, who had come to offer a toast.
Even His Highness Prince Rui made no attempt to conceal it, and the officials present were even more unrestrained, their eyes constantly darting to the dancer's bare arms and her fair, shapely legs, which were partially hidden by a light veil.
Light songs and graceful dances filled the air, with beautiful women as delicate as jade. Priceless whalebone incense was casually poured into the Boshan incense burner. The ice screen melted very slowly, and the cool air blended with the incense smoke to form a light, fragrant mist. Everyone present felt as if they were in a fairyland.
It truly was a prosperous and peaceful world.
Amidst the enchanting ringtone, Cui Yao's eyes slowly turned towards Ji Chengnin.
Like the other officials, he stared intently at the dancers.
Zhang Wenzhi and Chen Chong exchanged glances, both seeing satisfaction in each other's eyes.
This supposedly decisive General Ji is nothing special; his good reputation is probably just something that officials in the capital flattered because of his family background and the emperor's favor.
After more than ten days of anxiety, Chen Chong finally felt relieved and drank a glass of wine with gusto. The sweet and fragrant wine instantly exploded in his mouth.
Cui Yao stared intently at Ji Chengning.
Look at him, his hand pressing on his leg is tightening silently.
Is it anger, or disappointment?
Cui Yao looked at Ji Chengning. The beautiful sound of bells echoed, and graceful figures swayed in the distance. Officials were drinking and drooling in an ugly manner, but he could only see Ji Chengning.
Two dim lights flickered in his eyes, like rapidly burning flames.
After the dance ended, the governor of Yanzhou laughed and said, "These women are ugly and incompetent, they have made a fool of themselves." He glanced at the singers and said, "Hurry up and pour wine for the officials."
The dancers approached with seductive smiles.
Ji Chengning straightened his back.
Just as Zhang Wenzhi and Chen Chong thought Ji Chengning was about to embrace the nearby dancer, he waved his hand and said, "We can talk about pleasure after the army wins. Lord Zhang, the enemy is close at hand. Neither His Highness Prince Rui nor I are in the mood for entertainment." He looked at Chen Chong and said, "Let's talk about official business first."
Prince Rui's smile froze for a moment. He quickly lowered his hand, put on a stern face, and reprimanded, "With a formidable enemy at hand, you dare to act like this. How unrestrained must you be in normal times!"
After speaking, he glanced at Ji Chengnin with disdain.
Everyone knows about your dissolute life in the capital, young Master Ji. What are you pretending to be so high and mighty for now!
The local officials were caught off guard by Ji Chengning's sudden outburst and were at a loss for what to do. They instinctively looked at the two prefects.
Chen Chong steeled his resolve, looked up again, and the smile on his face had vanished completely. He stood up, first bowing deeply to Prince Rui, then to Ji Chengnin, and said in a hoarse voice, "Today's events were all arranged by me. I was afraid of being punished by the court, so I tried to curry favor. I was truly foolish. But please, gentlemen, allow me to explain, considering that I have at least worked hard, if not made any great contribution."
Zhou Yan spoke first, his voice deep and serious: "You speak."
Chen Chongdao said: "Since I came to Luanyang to serve as an official, my performance evaluation has been excellent for the past seven years. I have encouraged the people to live in peace and led them to work hard in agriculture and sericulture. I have never dared to delay paying taxes in the past year, and have paid them all to the national treasury in full. Although I am not exactly hardworking, I dare not fail the emperor's grace. I have always been cautious and careful, and I love the people like my own children. My colleagues here can all testify to this, and the Ministry of Personnel has records that can be verified. I never expected that I would suffer such a misfortune."
After all, the newcomers claimed to be former subordinates of the former crown prince, and their occupation of the city to oppose the court was indeed a "disaster from the blue" for Chen Chong.
If he is truly as innocent as he claims.
Ji Chengning thought of the mass grave he had seen on the road.
If things are already like this before the uprising even begins, what a miserable sight Luanyang must be in! Moreover, the murderous intent in the young marquis's eyes is growing stronger. From what he sees now, these officials have absolutely nothing to do with being cautious, careful, or dutiful.
However, when he spoke, his tone was almost gentle: "Go on."
Chen Chongdao said, "Those thieves initially claimed to be merchants from out of town, doing business in Luanyang, so I didn't pay them any attention. Who would have thought..." Before he could finish speaking, he choked up and couldn't utter a complete sentence, tears streaming down his face.
“Brother Chen,” Zhang Wenzhi’s eyes also reddened, “Don’t cry, His Highness and General Ji are watching.”
It would have been better if he hadn't spoken, because as soon as he did, Chen Chong burst into heart-wrenching sobs, crying, "I'm not crying for the 180 people trapped in Luanyang City, I'm crying for my own incompetence. I failed to see through those thieves' schemes, which allowed them to occupy Luanyang and cause so much suffering to the people!"
He wept bitterly, unable to stand any longer, and knelt on the ground in utter despair, facing Ji Chengnin. He hissed, "We have heard of the illustrious reputation of the young marquis, even from the far reaches of the border. Since the incident in Luanyang, I have been anxious day and night, hoping only that General Ji will arrive with his troops and sweep through the land to save the people from their suffering." As he spoke, he kowtowed deeply to Ji Chengnin, "I would gladly die ten thousand times over!"
Tears soaked the carpet, leaving dark circles on its surface.
Inside the waterside pavilion, everyone held their breath and watched Ji Chengnin intently.
The dancers didn't even dare to breathe loudly, standing quietly in the shadows, as if they were just exquisite decorations to enhance their master's splendor.
Her long, flowing sleeves trailed to the ground, as if she were draped in the full moonlight.
Ji Chengnin stood up and strode forward.
The military boots made no sound as they stepped on the soft carpet.
Chen Chong pressed his forehead to the ground, feeling a tremor that made his heart race as Ji Chengning approached.
What is Ji Chengnin going to do?
The young general raised his hand.
Zhou Yan knew his arrogant nature and was about to stop him when Ji Chengning grabbed Chen Chong's arm. "Don't be afraid," Ji Chengning said gently.
Chen Chong was caught off guard and was stunned for a moment.
Ji Chengning had a face that looked like he couldn't lift anything, but his hands were surprisingly strong. He gripped Ji Chengning's arm tightly and actually lifted him up.
Ji Chengnin and the astonished Chen Chong locked eyes. "I will definitely find the culprit and tear him to pieces," Ji Chengnin said, his moist lips curving upwards.
Chen Chong stared blankly at Ji Chengnin, his face still covered in a mixture of snot and tears.
He couldn't help but shiver.
What did Ji Chengnin mean by that?
Ji Chengning released his hand.
Chen Chong snapped out of his daze and hurriedly said, "I am relieved to hear the general's words."
Zhou Yan laughed and said, "Lord Chen is too cunning. Since the court has already sent me with General Ji, it means His Majesty has already made up his mind." He sighed, "Don't cry. I know you are a good minister of the country. Minister Chen, you have been wronged."
Chen Chong was so moved that tears streamed down his face. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"
Zhou Yan then stood up and stepped forward, patting Ji Chengnin's shoulder affectionately, "Young Marquis, you should do your best."
Although his tone was gentle, it clearly conveyed the attitude of someone in a superior position.
Cui Yao's gaze inadvertently swept over Zhou Yan's hand on Ji Chengning's shoulder.
It's an eyesore.
He lowered his eyes.
Ji Chengning brushed his hand away.
A hint of displeasure flashed in Zhou Yan's eyes.
Ji Chengnin casually replied, "I am busy with official duties and have other important matters to attend to. Please excuse me."
Zhang Wenzhi quickly stood up. "General, why are you in such a hurry? Have I failed to entertain you properly?"
Ji Chengnin smiled and shook his head. "Not at all. Lord Zhang's hospitality is very thorough. However, this matter is of great importance, so I will take my leave now." He looked in Cui Yao's direction, and Cui Yao had already stood up and was walking towards him.
Ji Chengnin felt a little gratified.
Perhaps the events of today had caused him such a great emotional ups and downs that seeing his quiet cousin now brought him a sense of joy.
Ji Chengnin spoke firmly, and the Prefect of Yanzhou could only say, "We respectfully see the General off."
The group respectfully escorted Ji Chengnin and Cui Yao outside. Chen Chong originally intended to take Ji Chengnin to his lodging villa, but General Ji firmly refused.
Zhang Wenzhi couldn't help but glance at Cui Yao a few more times.
Although this person's official rank is not high, he seems to be very close to Young Master Ji. If one can curry favor with this person, it might be easier to gain the Young Master's favor.
He immediately summoned his trusted subordinates and whispered a few instructions to them.
The subordinate acknowledged the order, saying, "Yes."
...
After returning to the villa, Cui Yao was sent away by Ji Chengning on the pretext that he should go back to Cui Yao's bedroom and that Cui Yao should copy two documents for him.
Ji Chengning stood alone in the wooden corridor, enjoying the breeze.
A cool breeze was blowing.
Ice tanks were placed throughout the courtyard, and servants would change the ice every hour.
A servant had just come and changed the ice, so what Ji Chengning saw was still a whole, crystal-clear piece.
Such a cool breeze should feel very comfortable on your face.
As he took a step, the smell of alcohol rose in his lungs, and Ji Chengning suddenly grabbed a pillar to steady himself. The fan at his waist swayed violently with his movements, tapping his thigh again and again.
With a spasm in his throat, Ji Chengning felt as if a hand was churning inside his stomach. He turned his head and vomited immediately.
He ate nothing; all he vomited was crimson liquid.
The fan swayed.
The liquid burned my throat, and the smell of alcohol mixed with other liquids rose up in waves.
Ji Chengnin awkwardly hunched over, opened his mouth, but this time he only dry heaved.
Be careful...
In a flash, Ji Chengnin suddenly understood what his aunt meant.
The rise and fall of dynasties bring suffering to the people, and the livelihood of the people is difficult. As long as there is even the slightest chance to survive, even if they are starving, even if the court increases taxes year after year, and even if officials exploit them layer by layer, they can endure it.
Unless, of course, even the last glimmer of hope for survival is lost.
Only when pushed to the limit will someone rebel.
Even if the so-called bandit leader was truly a fox spirit reincarnated with the ability to bewitch people, no common people would follow him unless they were driven to desperation.
Therefore, the tears forced out blurred my vision, which is why I had to be extremely cautious.
"clatter."
It was the sound of footsteps.
And it's getting closer.
Ji Chengning thought it was one of the servants and said in a hoarse voice, "I'm fine, don't worry about me."
Before he could finish speaking, he first smelled a cool, refreshing fragrance.
Ji Chengning's lips trembled, and then his vision was filled with a smear of snow white.
The white liquid slid down, wiping his lips perfectly.
Wipe away the filthy, sticky, blood-like liquid.
Ji Chengnin did not turn his head.
Or rather, he couldn't turn his head.
The owner of the handkerchief stood three steps behind him, leaning slightly forward, no more than half a hand's width away.
Judging from the posture, she was almost pulling him into her arms.
"Okay, okay."
A gentle voice reached my ears.
She spoke softly to comfort him, but what contrasted sharply with her voice was the hand that wrapped around his waist.
It reached out from behind, wrapped its arms around his waist, and pulled hard.
Perfectly fitted.
Ji Chengnin made a muffled sound.
He wanted to say to his cousin, "You're too close to me. Men and women shouldn't be so intimate. You shouldn't be like this."
But he was in so much pain.
A burning pain spread from his lips all the way to his internal organs. The pampered young marquis rarely experienced such torment. He had neither the time nor the strength to push Cui Yao away.
Then Cui Yao smiled and smiled.
His movements became increasingly gentle.
It didn't feel like touching a highly skilled general; it felt more like caressing a handful of freshly fallen snow.
Love and cherish.
You already know who the emperor is and how corrupt the bureaucracy is, don't you?
But why do you still bother with all your energy and effort for them, for these damned beasts?
But the hand around his waist tightened more and more, like a shackle tailor-made for Ji Chengnin.
“It’s alright, Cheng Ning,” Cui Yao’s voice was gentle, yet it inexplicably carried a ghostly quality, as if a vengeful ghost with no reincarnation was trying to find a replacement for itself, coaxing her gently, “These things are not worth your sadness.”
A cold breath brushed against the back of Ji Chengnin's neck.
“Cheng Ning”.
Don't be sad.
Just kill them all, and that will solve the problem.
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