Chapter 34 "This might be an aphrodisiac."...
Ji Chengning waved his hand, and the crowd used the ropes tied to the nets to pull him up.
They still found it unclean, so they used a water jet to rinse it for quite some time, until the oily skin on the surface was peeling and turning white before they were done.
Ji Chengnin squatted down.
Although I know this thing has been cleaned up, the thought of how it was expelled from the human body still makes my stomach churn.
His face was pale. When Cui Yao saw this, he was about to step forward, but Ji Chengning stopped him with his arm and gently shook his head, indicating that he didn't need to.
Since you enjoy the emperor's bounty and hold a high position, if you can't even handle this small matter, you might as well resign and go home as soon as possible.
He drew a dagger and gently stabbed it into the object.
Soft?
Ji Chengning was surprised.
No, it can't be called soft; rather, it has an exceptionally resilient and slightly sticky feel.
He initially thought it was some kind of engraved stone, but now it seems that its long and thin shape was deliberately pressed into shape.
With a sharp flick of the knife tip, a small piece was pulled off from the top.
He carefully turned the dagger and brought it slightly towards his nose.
"Sir, danger!"
Ji Chengning waved his hand, "The Qu family's guards can hide these things in their stomachs without any problems, so this little bit..." Before he could finish speaking, his arm was gripped tightly. "It's fine," he said dryly.
Cui Yao helped him up.
Although Ji Chengnin didn't really want to, the force with which his cousin Cui gripped his shoulder was quite tricky. It wasn't strong, but it was enough to make it difficult for him to break free. With a flick of his wrist, he was horrified to find that he was lifted up like a cat whose neck had been grabbed.
How can Cui Yao have such strength?!
Ji Chengnin was unwilling to lose face in front of his subordinates, so he stood up.
Cui Yao quickly lowered her head and sniffed the dagger through Ji Chengnin's hand.
Ji Chengnin's expression changed, "Watch..."
“It smells good,” Cui Yao said calmly, turning her head. “It has a strong fragrance.”
Ji Chengnin swallowed back all the words he wanted to say, and turned his head away upon hearing this.
The pile of things, which had been covered in filth and washed away by the water, didn't have a strong smell. Now that they had all been scooped out and piled together, a strange, sweet aroma, like that of rotting pomegranates, wafted out.
What on earth is this thing?!
Qu Fengzhi went to so much trouble, could it be that he smuggled a bunch of spices back from the south? But if it were spices, why would he need to smuggle them?
Ji Chengning ordered everyone to put on their face coverings, and then ordered someone to find dozens of ceramic jars in the treasury. He threw the pile of things into the jars, sealed the mouths of the jars with beeswax, counted the number, and then put them into the inner treasury and locked them.
The inner vault had no windows on any side, only a door made of cast iron with a large brass lock. It was so large that even a firearm could not break it open for a while, let alone an ordinary wire saw.
The young marquis was usually lazy and indolent, but when it came to matters, he was methodical and decisive in giving orders.
Cui Yao stood not far away watching him, her eyebrows slightly curved.
It seems he should be in the very center, surrounded by thousands, pledging his loyalty.
Cui Yao stopped smiling.
The small dot on the dagger was placed in a small box.
Ji Chengning summoned the imperial physician to examine him, while he himself went back into the discipline room.
Although the discipline room had been rinsed, the pungent, almost tangible smell that was so strong it stung the eyes still lingered.
Upon seeing Ji Chengnin descend, the crowd knelt down in a huge throng, pleading, "My lord, when will you let us go back?"
For a moment, the small discipline room was filled with the sound of crying, but it wasn't loud crying; it was sobbing and choking back tears, sounding extremely pitiful.
"Young Master..." someone called out weakly.
Ji Chengning looked over.
A middle-aged man, his legs spread apart, leaned against the wall, half-dead, and called out again, "Young Master."
He was Qu Fengzhi's personal attendant, who often brought him and He Pingzhi things. His name seemed to be... Zhao Yin?
Seeing him looking over, Zhao Yin quickly sat up, forcing a smile on his sallow face, and asked ingratiatingly, "Young Master, when will you let us go back?"
Ji Chengning remained silent for a moment.
"Your Highness."
Cui Yao's calm voice came from above him, "The physician has something to say to you."
Ji Chengnin nodded to Zhao Yin, "If there are no problems, you can go back tonight." As he spoke, he smiled.
It seemed as if a peach tree had blossomed amidst the mud.
Zhao Yin was momentarily dazed.
"Uncle Zhao, you're an old man in the Qu family. Do you really not know anything about what your young master asked you to transport?" Ji Chengnin's voice was gentle.
Zhao Yin's dry lips moved slightly. After a few seconds of silence, she finally shook her head decisively, "We don't know what that is."
His attitude was firm.
Ji Chengnin turned and left.
The physician, seeing him emerge, hurried forward, "Your Excellency, my knowledge is limited, and there may be some ambiguities. Please forgive me..."
Ji Chengnin raised his hand, "Dr. Zhou, please speak frankly."
The physician took a deep breath. “Your Excellency, look, this substance is soft and smooth, yet contains fine particles. I have examined it carefully. The fine particles are powder ground from stones, and the smooth substance is probably a mixture of some kind of fruit jam and perfume powder. When I brought it close with an open flame, I found that the contents could be ignited.” His face was slightly flushed. “I only smelled a tiny bit, and I felt weak and hot all over, and my spirits were high. I think,” he paused, then said awkwardly, “this might be an aphrodisiac.”
Ji Chengnin: "...What?"
He suspected that the physician had made a wrong diagnosis.
The physician's face was flushed, and his eyes were smiling yet somewhat unfocused, just like the symptoms of someone who had taken an aphrodisiac.
Ji Chengnin took a deep breath.
absurd!
Qu Fengzhi was the son of an official, from a scholarly family. Although his knowledge was mediocre, he was still a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) with the title of Tongjinshi. Why would he go to such lengths to bring back aphrodisiacs?!
Ji Chengning felt as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water. On one hand, he felt that everyone's efforts over the past night had been in vain, while on the other hand, he felt both happy and ashamed.
Nothing's wrong, it's best if nothing's wrong.
Otherwise, he wouldn't know what to do—"Moreover, sir, I have discovered that this thing can be taken with wine."
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted.
Ji Chengnin's emotions, which had just calmed down a little, surged up again. He broke down and asked, "How did you find out?"
The physician replied blankly, "It's what the medical books say."
Ji Chengnin gave a dry "Oh," and said, "I see."
Finally, he coughed a few times and said, "Please prescribe some more medicine to stop the diarrhea and vomiting, doctor."
He instructed the kitchen staff to prepare some easily digestible food and send it, along with the medicine, to the Discipline Hall.
The group tossed and turned until midnight, when the rabbit disappeared and the light faded, before finally returning home exhausted.
The first thing Ji Chengning did upon returning to his residence was to wash himself thoroughly, inside and out, several times. It wasn't until the fifth bucket of water that he felt he no longer smelled bad.
He closed his eyes and leaned against the edge of the bathtub.
This is so strange.
If Qu Fengzhi felt that the aphrodisiac from Wanzhou was effective, he brought it back specifically. Although the quantity was a bit large, it did not violate the law, and it was not Ji Chengning's place to interfere.
But this tiny aphrodisiac needs to be disguised with blood droplets and hidden inside the human body, which doesn't seem normal at all.
Moreover, Qu Fengzhi may have forged the examination document.
How could that stuff just be an aphrodisiac?!
Ji Chengnin buried his face in the hot water and exhaled a couple of breaths in frustration.
"Gurgle, gurgle."
Bubbles rose in clusters.
"Swish—"
Ji Chengnin opened his eyes wide in confusion, and it took him a few seconds to realize that it was the sound of fabric rubbing together.
He sighed, "Alo, just put the clothes down."
Through the thin screen, one could vaguely see figures moving about.
It was an exceptionally slender and tall figure.
Ji Chengnin suddenly sensed something was off, "A Luo?"
The other party remained silent.
She simply lowered her head slightly, whether out of embarrassment or because she was looking at the things he had taken off his body on the low table.
His gaze swept over a talisman.
His eyesight was excellent, so he immediately noticed that the most inconspicuous corner of the talisman, which was almost mixed with the blessing and longevity pattern, was not actually a pattern, but rather, a name—"Respectfully prayed by the faithful man Qu Pingzhi".
A dark glint flashed in his eyes.
Ji Chengnin silently reached for the dagger hanging beside him and asked again, "Who?"
Although his voice contained laughter, those who knew him well could naturally hear the murderous intent hidden beneath the gentle laughter.
“It’s me,” he replied.
Ji Chengning was startled, and the hand that reached for the dagger plunged into the water with a splash.
Water splashed everywhere, and much of it landed on the screen.
It landed right on the figure's lips.
Ji Chengnin was momentarily speechless, unsure whether to cover his chest, face, or anything else. He exclaimed in astonishment, "Cousin...?! What are you doing here? Get out of here!"
The sound of water mingled with the panicked voices of people. Cui Yao didn't look at him, but he could imagine how pitiful the young marquis must look right now.
Both cheeks were covered with a thin blush of embarrassment and annoyance.
"Your Highness hasn't come out for almost two hours, and I was very worried about you, so I came in without warning."
That was really rash!
Ji Chengnin closed his eyes in despair. "Now that you see I'm alright, cousin, you can rest assured. Please go back."
Cui Yao hummed in agreement.
Just as Ji Chengnin was about to feel relieved, he heard a gentle, soothing voice say, "Young Master, would you like me to serve you?"
Ji Chengning felt the bucket of water was icy cold as his body was burning hot. Upon hearing this, Ji Chengning stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
What is that?
Do you need to serve me?
Am I crazy or are you crazy?!
Unable to hear Ji Chengning's voice, Cui Yao took two steps forward.
The pearl-adorned hairpin swayed with his movements, then swayed again, "whoosh—"
"Don't come any closer, there's no need!"
He was practically screaming at the top of his lungs.
Before he could finish speaking, Cui Yao chuckled softly.
The water droplets rolled down the flowing lines, but before they could completely sink, they were evaporated by Ji Chengnin's scalding body temperature.
Ji Chengnin took a deep breath before he realized what was happening.
Cui Yao was teasing him.
It was his retaliation for chasing after Cui Yao at night, demanding things from her.
Ji Chengnin muttered to himself, "He's vengeful."
Upon hearing the sound, Cui Yao slowly stepped forward. "What did the young master say? I didn't hear clearly."
The sound of the swaying hairpin reached his ears, and Ji Chengnin was shocked. He hurriedly said, "I didn't say anything. Don't come any closer, don't come any closer."
Cui Yao asked softly, "What did the Crown Prince say?"
The sound of the pearls swaying and colliding blended together, creating a beautiful yet terrifying melody.
Ji Chengning immediately said, "I said my cousin is the best person in the world. Good cousin, good A-Yao, you go out first, let me change my clothes, and then we can talk, okay?"
She was flustered, but she still tried to soften her voice and ingratiate herself.
Cui Yao then smiled and said, "Okay."
Hearing no further sound outside, Ji Chengning slowly stood up from the water, first poking his head out to check, then quickly dried himself with a towel, changed his clothes, and went outside.
His hair was still dripping wet. The first thing he did after leaving the house was to find Cui Yao and give him a hard knock on the forehead. "Well, you dare to tease me..."
With his fingers outstretched, Cui Yao's forehead was inches away.
His movements froze.
Because Cui Yao not only took a bath and changed her clothes, but she also put on makeup late at night.
Gold foil cut into the shape of a golden lotus was pasted between her eyebrows, with a pearl as the stamen. Paired with Cui Yaoling's clear and beautiful eyebrows and eyes, she looked like a fairy who had ascended to heaven, as if carved from ice and jade.
Ji Chengning stopped abruptly.
Ji Chengning pulled his fingers back as if burned, complaining, "What are you doing in the middle of the night?"
Cui Yao's eyes curved into crescents.
Although he didn't know why Ji Chengnin liked his face, since he was fortunate enough to be favored by Ji Chengnin, it would be a pity not to make use of it.
"Knowing that the young master is tired, I deliberately tried to make him smile."
Ji Chengnin wanted to sigh and laugh at the same time. His feelings were mixed. Although the worry was still there, it was as if it was lightly covered by something, vague and indistinct.
Cui Yao was right there.
Since Cui Yao started dressing as a man, the distinction between the two of them as men and women has become less clear, and he has always been by her side.
Within three steps, it follows you like a shadow.
Ji Chengning suddenly felt a strong urge to hug Cui Yao.
But no matter how beautiful his cousin looked in men's clothing, she was still a woman. He hesitated for a moment, then gently patted Cui Yao's shoulder and said, "Thank you."
Cui Yao landed on Ji Chengning's hand that was touching her.
Under the moonlight, the young marquis's fingers were so white they almost shone, and his thin bones protruded sharply.
It seemed as if with a slight effort, he could be drawn into one's palm.
"It's getting late, go and get some rest," Ji Chengnin said.
Cui Yao tightened her grip on the ring, then quickly released it, saying calmly, "Yes."
The two went back to their respective rooms.
Despite being physically exhausted, Ji Chengning felt no sleepiness.
He stared wide-eyed at the gauze curtain above his head.
The situation is strange; he cannot make decisions alone.
However, reporting to His Majesty before the matter has been resolved would seem like making a mountain out of a molehill.
Ji Chengning pressed his temples in frustration, when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him.
Since the physician said it was an aphrodisiac, he decided to go to some experienced doctors and brothel madams near the brothel to have them examine it and see what it was all about.
With thoughts running through his mind, Ji Chengning couldn't fall back asleep, so he got up and went to get dressed.
Alo stared at him intently from the corner.
“Good boy,” Ji Chengning reached out to him, “Give me the belt.”
A Luo remained silent, his dark eyes reflecting a peculiar hue in the candlelight, like those of a grumpy cat.
Ji Chengnin covered his face, "Things have come to this, and even you won't help me. Who else can I rely on? Waaah..."
Before he could finish howling, he felt a weight on his waist.
He lowered his hand.
Alo knelt in front of him and helped him tie his belt.
Ji Chengnin gently stroked his soft hair and sighed, "You're the best."
Alo tilted her head back and rubbed her head against his palm.
Although the idea was good, Ji Chengnin was, after all, the son of an official, and had never had any contact with these people.
After thinking for a moment, he decided to go to the Qinglu Guard's office to find Lü Zhong first.
Even a lowly clerk who can survive in the capital's government offices for a long time may not have connections to the highest levels of government, but he has friends from all walks of life and can know everything about the underworld.
He then rode a fast horse and headed straight for the government office.
The minor officials all lived in the government office, which made it convenient for them to work and also saved them the trouble of hiring someone to keep watch at night.
He rode swiftly, and in less than a quarter of an hour, the gate of the Qinglu Guard's office was within reach.
"Whoosh—"
Ji Chengnin quickly reined in his horse.
Instead, dozens of people stood at the gate, which should have been deserted, all dressed in black brocade robes with long swords slung across their waists, exuding a menacing aura.
"Lord Ji, you've finally arrived!" Lü Zhong scrambled forward.
The leader stepped forward. Although he was dressed in black, the hem of his robe was embroidered with a pattern of phoenixes and chrysanthemums with wings that looked as bright as flowing gold. The extreme black contrasted sharply with the extreme gold and red, creating an exceptionally solemn and menacing effect.
"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is ordered to arrest people who have received stolen goods," the man said, raising his token and waving it in front of Ji Chengning. "Anyone who dares to obstruct us will be executed!"
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Author's note: Sorry it's late, honey.
A red envelope is dropping in this chapter, love you!
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