Cui Jing was born with a cold face that exuded a stubborn air, and because of his status and military achievements, he always gave people a sense of intimidation, which saved him from many unnecessary social troubles.
Therefore, when faced with Yao Tingwei's outrageous enthusiasm, he really lacked experience in dealing with it and did not have a clear plan in his mind.
But due to her stubborn instinct, it was impossible for her to be led by the nose by others.
This caused Yao Tingwei to pull it, but failed to move it.
Yao Tingwei pulled it again, but it still didn't move.
“…”
Yao Tingwei silently looked at the lower body of the motionless young man. Is the young man's chassis so solid? But Yao Tingwei was unwilling to give up. The smile on his face faded, and he leaned closer to Cui Jing and said in a slightly lower voice: "I am investigating a headless murder case recently..."
Cui Jing looked at him: "?"
Seeing a hint of inquiry in his slightly confused expression, Yao Yi felt certain in his heart - the young man really did have unique preferences.
"This case is extremely strange and the progress of the case has been blocked. I tried to find some clues from his life. The deceased was a soldier and held a military position, which is a little special. Therefore, I would like to ask Commander Cui some details..."
Then he made a gesture of invitation: "How about we talk while walking?"
“…”
"Yao is late and has kept you waiting for a long time!" Yao Yi bowed and said with a smile in shame as soon as he saw Qiao Yang.
Qiao Jijiu was startled for a moment, then smiled and waved his hands: "No, no..."
After all, he wasn't waiting at all.
Qiao Jijiu was a little puzzled.
He just said to the officials after the game, "If you don't mind, why don't you come to my humble abode for a meal in the evening?" This was clearly a polite remark! These people came to his Imperial College to watch the game, and he had done his utmost to order the Imperial College to provide them with lunch at noon. How could he also provide them with dinner?
What's more, he came to his private residence and had to pay for the meals out of his own pocket - I guess anyone with some shamelessness wouldn't do such a thing, right? But Minister Wei actually came!
Young people are born with extraordinary talents, but their career path in the officialdom has been too smooth. They have not been polished, so they are lacking in social skills. This is understandable...
But how come Yao Tingwei is here at his age? Seeing someone else come in, Qiao Jijiu was surprised: "Grand Commander Cui?!"
What hurricane brought this guy here! Seeing Qiao Yang's expression, Yao Yi smiled without saying anything - accident? He was attracted by the murder case.
Hearing the noise, Wei Shuyi, who was talking to the Chang brothers and sisters in the corridor, turned his head and said with a smile: "So Cui Lingan also likes to eat fish."
Chang Suining also looked over, and happened to see Cui Jing coming over due to his reputation.
Two lanterns depicting bamboo orchids were hung under the corridor, casting a soft warm light on the girl, making her moon-blue skirt look like clouds in the sky, and her fair face was also reflected especially clearly.
The lights and the night competed and merged, and the two people's eyes met for a moment.
The guests were already in sight, and Qiao Jijiu could only invite them into the hall with a smile, and put his hands behind his back to secretly signal the servants to go to the kitchen and ask his wife to add a few more dishes to save the day.
Wang, who is a good cook, likes to cook, especially for her own children. Tonight, as Chang Sui'an was there, she happily went to the kitchen and was busy until now.
Now, when she heard that another official was coming, she felt that her husband was just wasting time, and became impatient so she threw the rest of the work to the cook - she had practiced her cooking skills for the children, not for entertaining his colleagues.
Wang gave up the task and simply sat down early.
Two more dining tables were added to the dining hall, and Chang Suining and Qiao Yumian sat on one of them.
Before Qiao Yubai came over, Yao Yi asked with concern: "I saw your son was injured today, and I was really worried, so I thought of coming to take a look... I wonder how your son is doing now?"
Although Qiao Jijiu didn't believe his nonsense at all, he smiled and replied, "It's nothing serious, but the doctor told me to rest for a while, so I can't come to see you. Please forgive me for being rude."
Yao Yi hurriedly said: "Of course, healing is more important!"
Anyway, he didn't really come to see Mr. Qiao.
Everyone ate at their own table. As the host, Qiao Yang did not care about the big or small details. And because Wei Shuyi was present, the atmosphere at the table was particularly casual.
While Yao Yi and his friends were drinking and chatting, Qiao Yumian asked Chang Suining, "Ningning, do you want to drink some wine?"
In the past, Ningning would be surprised if she was asked to drink alcohol, but now, even if Ningning took a large bowl and poured strong liquor into it, she would think it was reasonable.
She asked this out of consideration, but it made many people in the hall suddenly tense.
Chang Suining himself is one of them.
Xier couldn't help but feel a lingering fear about her daughter getting drunk.
Cui Jing on the opposite side looked over instinctively, and unconsciously tightened the bamboo chopsticks in his hand——
Yuanxiang, who was eager to protect his master, held his breath and looked at Mrs. Chang anxiously.
At the same time, Wei Shuyi and Chang Sui'an's eyes all fell on Chang Suining.
"..." Under the gazes of those who were either wary and nervous, or eager to watch the fun, or with the intention of dissuading them, Chang Suining and Qiao Yumian said, "No need, I don't like drinking."
After these words were spoken, the tense atmosphere around them finally eased.
Yao Yi noticed that the atmosphere among the young people was a little strange, but he had no idea what was going on. He just sighed, "Today's football match was full of twists and turns, and it was very thrilling..."
Wei Shuyi said with a smile: "After what happened today, Madam Chang will surely become famous."
Chang Suining ignored his joke.
But Wei Shuyi's words had already naturally brought the focus of the conversation to her, so Yao Yi was able to casually say, "On the way here... I heard from several students that Madam Chang and Master Qiao were going to hold a banquet to pay respect to their teacher?"
Qiao Jijiu laughed helplessly when he heard this: "They just heard about my accepting a disciple today, and they can't wait to arrange a master-disciple banquet with me? I don't know where these misunderstandings came from..."
Yao Yi suddenly realized - that's what he said, one shouldn't be so ostentatious when doing things, it turned out to be a misunderstanding.
"It's not a misunderstanding. I told them." Chang Suining said.
Yao Yi's expression froze, and Qiao Jijiu was also stunned: "...When did this happen?"
"It was just decided after the game." Chang Suining said, "I haven't had time to discuss it with you yet--"
Qiao Jijiu reacted for a moment after hearing this, and then showed his disapproval: "What do you mean by discussing it or not? Why do we need to hold a teacher-worship banquet for our family? Why do we have to go through all these vulgar ceremonies?"
After a pause, he asked tentatively, "Have you decided? Where do you plan to put it?"
He didn't care whether he became a disciple or not, and he never liked crowds, but in this world, which parent could refuse their children to show their filial piety in front of everyone? Chang Suining: "In three days, we will be in Dengtai Tower."
Qiao Jijiu looked surprised and said, "Climbing Tai Tower? Why would we spend that much money?"
Dengtailou is a first-class restaurant in Beijing. Its dishes are famous for being both delicious and expensive.
Meeting those angry eyes, Chang Suining remained silent.
After a few drinks, Old Joe's performance of wanting to refuse but also to welcome and show off his children's filial piety and generosity became a little exaggerated...
She had no choice but to cooperate and said, "Becoming a disciple is a big deal, and we can't be careless."
"You kid..." Qiao Jijiu sighed, paused, and then asked in a compromising tone: "How many tables do you plan to set up?"
"It has not been decided yet. We have to wait until the invitation list comes out tomorrow—"
Qiao Jijiu warned: "Don't be too extravagant..."
"No problem!" Chang Sui'an said generously, "Ningning, just go and draw up a list. At worst, we can just book Dengtai Tower that day!"
Qiao Yumian reminded him, "But I remember that the celebration banquet for Cui Liulang was also held at Dengtai Tower. It seems to be three days later?"
"It's okay. Dad and the others are familiar with the owner of Dengtai Tower. Just say hello when the time comes!" Chang Sui'an said, and his voice suddenly paused. He slowly realized that Cui Jing was still sitting next to him.
He smiled shyly: "The Dengtai Tower is quite large, with three floors, so I think it should be big enough for everyone."
"The Dragon Boat Festival is three days from now." Wei Shuyi asked Chang Suining with a smile, "I am on holiday that day and have nothing to do at home. I wonder if I can ask Madam Chang for an invitation and have a drink of apprenticeship wine?"
"Even if Minister Wei doesn't tell me, I will definitely send someone to deliver the invitation to your house tomorrow." Chang Suining looked at him and said, "Minister Wei and Madam Duan, please come with me then."
Since she chose Dengtai Tower, it was to attract attention, so she would not let go of anyone who could be pulled over.
As a young and promising Minister of Dongtai, Wei Shuyi was the focus of everyone's attention wherever he went. It was perfect for her to take advantage of such a person by having him attend her apprenticeship banquet - not to mention that Wei Shuyi was willing to go on his own initiative, even if he didn't want to go, she would definitely find a way to trick him into going.
Another candidate who is equally suitable and even better than him is naturally Cui Jing.
Even if it was just out of courtesy to treat acquaintances equally, Chang Suining also invited him at this time: "If General Cui doesn't mind, please come with us when you have time."
Before Cui Jing could reply, Yao Tingwei, who was standing beside him, said with a smile, "General Cui's Xuan Ce Mansion is only one street away from Dengtai Tower. It's just a short walk. Besides, Cui Liulang will also be hosting a banquet at Dengtai Tower that day. Since the two events are happening at the same time, General Cui must go there."
Then he looked at Wei Shuyi and said, "Wouldn't it be fun if the three of us went together?"
"?" Yuanxiang and Changji looked at each other for a rare moment.
Although...it seems that Madam Chang did not invite Yao Tingwei? Cui Jing reflected on this for a rare moment.
What had he done wrong to be used repeatedly by Yao Tingwei in just one night? Thinking back to his experience during the day, he felt that he had done nothing in the day at the Imperial College and was just used by others.
If he had looked at the almanac before going out today, he would have seen the warning "easy to be exploited" written on it.
But fate is cruel, and he has to go to Dengtai Tower - Cui Lang's celebration party cannot be without his teammate Xi Zhiyuan, and for this reason alone, it is worth his trip.
Being used seemed to be his inescapable fate.
This sense of fate forced General Cui to nod his head.
Yao Tingwei smiled even more and sat up straighter.
Although he was the Chief Justice of Dali Temple and had no day off during the Dragon Boat Festival as he still had cases to deal with, he could consider taking out half a day to support the child.
But the previous rumors were still there, and it was expected that the kid would be too embarrassed to invite him directly... In that case, he might as well invite himself! Chang Suining saw Yao Yi's reaction and thought more.
"Okay, okay...then let's all go!" Qiao Jijiu raised his glass in a good mood: "Let me toast to you all on behalf of my daughter and apprentice. Thank you very much for your presence!"
After all, as fellow officials, everyone is only so active in supporting him for the sake of his old face, so it is only natural for him to offer a toast.
But I couldn't stop the toast.
The fifth day of holiday makes people happy. Although his son was beaten because of his dishonesty, his daughter was too competitive and helped fight back, which made him feel proud. In a happy mood, Qiao Jijiu drank a few more glasses of wine.
The curfew in the city will be temporarily lifted around the Dragon Boat Festival, so there is no need to worry about when to go home, and the group drinks until late at night.
Qiao Jijiu got drunk first as a sign of respect, and was helped back by Chang Sui'an and Wei Shuyi.
Because Chang Suining had to go back to Chang Mansion today, he did not return to the courtyard with Qiao Yumian, but left the dining hall and waited for Chang Sui'an in the courtyard.
The night breeze brought some coolness to the summer night. Chang Suining walked slowly to a tree planted in the yard and looked up at the snow-white flower spikes on the tree.
"Do you like these flowers that look like dogtail grass?" Xi'er said enthusiastically, "Can I climb up and pick some for you?"
This is a female tree, and the flowers bloom at the top of the branches, which cannot be picked without climbing up.
"No need." Chang Suining shook his head slightly: "I was just thinking that the flowers are blooming so densely, they will surely produce a lot of chestnuts in autumn."
Cui Jing, who was the last one to come out of the dining hall, paused when he heard this and looked at the girl who was looking up at the snow-white chestnut flowers blooming on the branches.
"Girl, do you like eating chestnuts now?" Xier asked.
Chang Suining nodded truthfully: "I like it."
Hearing this sincere "like", Cui Jing's eyebrows moved slightly in the night.
For Chang Suining, there are very few things that she likes and is within her reach. It would be too boring to live her life over again if she had to hide even these few things.
What's more, there are so many people who like to eat chestnuts, so there is nothing to hide.
"When the chestnut season comes, I will peel chestnuts for you every day." Xier said, and then she became curious: "But why is there a chestnut tree here? This is the first time I have seen a chestnut tree planted in the yard."
Could it be that Qiao Jijiu and his family also like to eat chestnuts?
But there are large chestnut forests outside the city. There is no shortage of chestnuts in the capital, but it is rare to plant them in courtyards.
"Perhaps it's because the late Crown Prince liked to eat chestnuts, and Qiao Jijiu planted this tree to remind him of his former master." Cui Jing walked over.
He has always been taciturn and seldom takes the initiative to talk to anyone, but when it comes to matters related to the late Crown Prince, he always says a few more words.
Chang Suining turned his head and looked at him.
"How did Grand Commander Cui know that the late Crown Prince liked to eat chestnuts?"
This person took over her Xuan Ce Army and her Wan Yue bow, but he even knew her little preferences when she was alive so clearly?
Did you eat glutinous rice balls during the Lantern Festival? I ate the big ones and the small ones that looked like cat and dog paws~ I’ll send you a picture to show you, good night~
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
