Lin Hongchu heard the noise and came out from the backyard. When he saw Lou Yunchun, he was surprised at first, then greeted him, and then slipped away quickly, using the excuse of going back to boil medicine for Mrs. Lin.
There was no one around, so Xu Jiang didn't hesitate and pulled Lou Yunchun to sit down. Lou Yunchun looked at the cups, dishes and chopsticks on the table and pushed them away.
Xu Jiang smiled, stood up and was about to pick up the things, but was pulled back by him.
"Angry?"
"I'm not mad at you."
Oh, that means I’m angry with Jiang Gu.
"Do you have a past with him?"
“There is resentment.”
Xu Jiang was surprised. How could Lou Yunchun have a grudge against someone?
"What's the grudge?"
"I was involved in two cases in Pingkangfang, but he obstructed me both times."
"What case?"
"One case involved a courtesan who poisoned an imperial official, and another involved a brothel madam who laundered money for an official." He then asked, "He is a dissolute and frivolous person. Did he do anything inappropriate here?"
Xu Jiang couldn't help laughing when she thought about Jiang Gu falling three times today, especially when she remembered that he was pushed out by Lou Yunchun and had to crawl a long way, she laughed so hard that she fell over.
Lou Yunchun was so annoyed by her laughter that he hugged her and patted her back, fearing that she would choke from laughing.
Xu Jiang was in his arms, telling him what had happened today in a fragmented manner. When she talked about Jiang Gu's fall and Doctor Chen coming to see him, she laughed so hard that she almost lost her voice.
Lou Yunchun came over and kissed her lips, which made her cover her mouth and stop laughing.
He stopped smiling, his face turned red, and he didn't speak for a long time.
She didn't say anything, so Lou Yunchun said, "You can't see Feng Miao anymore. Next time you come, try to avoid him."
Xu Jiang nodded.
Lou Yunchun continued, "When I heard you mention him last time, I became suspicious of him. I then sent someone to investigate, and only then did I discover that he wasn't as mediocre and stupid as he appeared to be. He had deep roots."
Xu Jiang removed her hand. "Is it related to the imperial court?"
"Um."
Xu Jiang was silent for a moment, then expressed his long-held suspicion, "Is it related to the imperial examination?"
When she saw a hint of surprise in Lou Yunchun's eyes, she knew that she had guessed right.
No wonder they targeted the Imperial College, or perhaps the Imperial College was just one link, and the real target was the Ministry of Rites, which was in charge of the imperial examinations.
"I can't ask anymore, can I?"
"Yeah." Lou Yunchun admired her sharpness and intelligence, but was even more afraid that she would wade into this muddy water.
This matter involves serious implications. Once it is launched, the officials involved will be in danger of losing their lives, let alone ordinary people.
Seeing her worried look, Lou Yunchun comforted her, "Don't worry, the Saint has already instructed that this matter be handed over to the Dali Temple for a secret investigation. I'm here, and I won't let anything happen to them."
After hearing this, Xu Jiang felt much calmer.
This matter not only involves several professors at the Imperial College, but also Lou Jing. I believe Lou Yunchun will fully investigate. I only hope that these troublemakers can be caught soon, so that peace can be restored to the court and scholars can continue to participate in the imperial examinations fairly and impartially, displaying their talents and benefiting the court and the people.
As for Jiang Gu, this drifting creature, the sooner he gets away from this dangerous place, the better.
Jiang Gu rented a carriage and returned to Pingkangfang. As soon as he stepped into the restaurant where he was staying, he saw Feng Miao waiting in the lobby.
Feng Miao prepared a table of wine and food to apologize to Jiang Gu. He pulled him to the table and poured a glass of wine to apologize: "Xiao Ping, I am sorry for leaving you behind today. I apologize to you and ask for your forgiveness."
"No problem." Jiang Gu wanted to take it, but then he remembered the doctor's advice and refused, "I'm taking medicine and can't drink."
"Take medicine?"
"A cold and a weak spleen and stomach." He was determined not to tell anyone about his dizziness. "It will be fine after a few days of rest."
"Not even one glass?" Feng Miao said in embarrassment, "This is the wine of apology. If you don't drink it, it means you've made up your mind not to forgive me."
Jiang Gu stared at Feng Miao deeply for a few seconds.
As for whether to forgive or not, he and Feng Miao were far from being that close, and it was always Feng Miao who approached him, and he had no feelings for this person.
But thinking of what he had promised Xu Jiang, he still took the glass of wine.
Seeing that he had drunk some wine, Feng Miao served him some more food and then asked, "How did your talk with Madam Xu go? Did she agree to help you publish the collection?"
Jiang Gu was already quite full, so he didn't move his chopsticks. He frowned and replied, "No."
A dark shadow flashed in Feng Miao's eyes, and he soothed her, "That's her loss."
"Actually, I find it strange."
"What's strange about that?"
"I wonder why you want to publish a collection for me."
"Haven't I been trying to find a way to publish your collection?"
"You consider me a friend?"
"That's really hurtful," Feng Miao said regretfully. "Even though you failed time and time again, you never gave up. Isn't that sincere enough?"
"If it doesn't work out, then forget it. You won't have to worry about it in the future." Jiang Gu sighed, "It's all fate."
Feng Miao also sighed: "Yes, it's all fate."
After he finished speaking, he saw Jiang Gu staring at him, smiled again, and whispered: "Xiao Ping, one day, I will help you publish this collection and let you get what you want."
These words seemed to have a deep meaning, and Jiang Gu felt a strange premonition rising in his heart.
Suddenly, he felt his stomach churning, then he suddenly stood up and ran towards the toilet.
He had many acquaintances in the restaurant. Seeing him pinching his throat with a pale face and a strange expression, they all ran over to check on him.
But Feng Miao did not follow him. He hid the wine glass that Jiang Gu had drunk from on the table in his sleeve and took it away quietly.
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