Chapter 131 Master Pei is a romantic

One of the important reasons why Nian Xi was envied by many noble ladies in the capital in her previous life was that Pei Jian had always been calm and composed.

At that time, there were countless women who wanted to get close to Prime Minister Pei. Qing Rong was just a prostitute, but she actually wanted to arouse the sympathy of the man in front of her. She was simply infatuated.

Pei Jian let her kneel at his feet without changing the indifference on his face.

The night was deep, and the rooms were quiet. People had almost finished their drinks, and then everyone went home or slept with their mistresses, each doing his own thing.

Pei Jian had been tired for a few days and was already exhausted. He did not like such occasions. He only felt that the fragrance of perfume was so strong that it gave him a headache. But there were always such occasions at official banquets.

Han Linduo was very shrewd and saw that Qingrong was not interested and Pei Jian was about to leave. He hurried forward and said with a smile, "This musician is so ignorant. Don't ruin the adults' mood."

He turned to Qing Rong and said impatiently, "Why don't you get off quickly?"

Qing Rong was a little crazy at this moment.

She looked up at the man in front of her, only to see his long, thick eyelashes curling slightly. Every time he blinked, the slightly curled eyelashes cast a shadow on his eyelids.

People say that men with long eyelashes are ruthless, but Pei Jian was born with a pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes, which showed deep affection when he looked at people. If you look at him a few more times, you can see a dull coldness in it, which can make people fall into it.

The most taboo thing in the romantic world is to talk about one's true feelings.

Qing Rong no longer cared about anything at this moment. She just wanted to climb onto the man's robe and give him all her tenderness.

But it didn't work in the end.

He separated her hands and used the jade flute on the low table.

Qing Rong's face turned pale.

She finally understood that this Mr. Pei despised her innocence and refused to even let her get close to him.

Han Lin had not expected the courtesan to be so bold, so he quickly grabbed her arm and dragged her away. Fearing that he would offend Pei Jian, he immediately apologized, "This courtesan is not liked by the master, I will find a more sensible one for you another day."

Pei Jian glanced at Qing Rong who was lying on the ground, and said to Han Lin calmly, "No need, I already have someone I love."

He already knew Xu Wanxin's sinister intentions. Perhaps she had used ambiguous words to harm him in her previous life, but he was deaf and blind at that time and didn't know anything about it.

Today, he doesn't want any misunderstanding.

Whether it was him and Xu Wanxin, or any other woman, he didn't want anyone to speculate or take advantage of him.

Han Lin never thought that he would hear such words from this cold-faced official. Judging from his usual ruthless methods, he didn't seem like a sentimental person at all.

But looking at his expression, he seems to be determined to remain a virgin for the one he loves.

Han Lin is a smart guy. Although he is very confused about the fact that "there are romantic people among men", it does not prevent him from supporting it:

"Anyone who can be taken seriously by Lord Pei must be a lady from a noble family."

In the elegant room, the voices of talking and laughing became much quieter. The people who came to accompany him were obviously very interested in Pei Jian's sweetheart and wanted to find out more.

Among all the people present, only Qin Lang knew the inside story.

Qing Rong was also unwilling to leave. She just wanted to hear what an extraordinary woman this was, who could be taken to heart and expressed by such a reserved and introverted man.

"I just hope to be lucky enough to be favored by her," Pei Jian raised his peach blossom eyes slightly, with a gentle look, "Of course I have to cherish myself and reflect on myself, so that I can be worthy of her."

These words were said modestly, but also placed the woman in a very high position.

The youngest and most powerful official in the dynasty, who is also handsome, elegant, and "hopes to be favored"...

That must be a deep-rooted feeling.

But he never revealed who it was.

Qing Rong had already given up everything today, and just wanted to die with a clear conscience. She bowed her head again and said, "Please tell me the name of that lady, my dear."

Everyone in the room was curious about "her" identity, and upon hearing this, they all looked towards Pei Jian.

Pei Jian lowered his head, sat upright and drank tea, his thick and long eyelashes covering his eyes, and the flickering candlelight under the gauze curtain could not reflect the slightest bit of beauty. He said nothing more, and never even glanced at Qing Rong lying on the ground, as if she was like ice and snow on the top of a mountain, unattainable.

In such a lowly occasion, even saying her name would be a blasphemy.

Han Lin didn't dare to give Qing Rong the chance to continue pestering her, and hurriedly asked someone to drag her away.

After everyone left, Han Lin wiped the sweat off his forehead.

I was really unsure of Pei Jian's thoughts. He was the one who said "sweetheart", but he didn't allow others to ask. Did he want others to know or not?

"Don't blame me, sir. It's my fault for not making good arrangements." At this moment, he could only say a few more dry words to keep the situation in mind.

Pei Jian's lacquered eyes were deep and dark. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord. However, the people in the capital are used to making wild guesses about such things. I have been deeply troubled by them. I have to be more careful."

Han Lin didn't understand what was going on at first, but gradually she came to her senses.

It was probably because the "sweetheart" was jealous and overbearing by nature, and Pei Jian had previously been involved in some affair with other ladies, which had already made her unhappy.

Pei Jian was alone, busy with paperwork all day long, and never spoke a word. How could he have gotten into any romantic debt?

If you think about it more carefully, isn't it true that the only daughter of Minister Xu of the Ministry of War has been infatuated with Pei Jian for several years?

At the beginning of that year, the eldest princess had thought about asking Xu's daughter to marry her eldest son Gao Jie, but Xu's daughter flatly refused.

After figuring out the secret, Han Lin couldn't help but want to make fun of him——

No matter how ruthless Lord Pei is in the court, he is just a man who has never seen a woman, so he is full of yearning and love for only one woman.

Unlike him, if the princess was not too strict, he could let every woman have a home.

"Your Excellency's devotion to one person is truly admirable. Don't worry, Han is here and will never tarnish your reputation!"

He was asking for help, and his eyes rolled around twice. He couldn't help but add, "What Miss Liu, Miss Xu, none of it has anything to do with you, sir."

Pei Jian's expression became gentler, "My Lord, you are much older than me, just call me Shi Zhang."

Qin Lang sat aside and was completely amazed.

If he hadn't known the inside story, he wouldn't have been able to guess Pei Shizhang's vague words. This Marquis Anjing was really good at guessing people's minds.

No wonder he, a noble marquis with no real status and plain looks, could marry the princess. He really has some means.

When the banquet was over, Han Lin sent his colleagues away, then turned around and called out affectionately, "Shi Zhang."

Obviously he has something to say.

Pei Jian followed suit and sent all the attendants away, leaving only Qin Lang behind. The three of them sat back down at the table, "My Lord, please speak."

All of Han Lin's diligence tonight was just for this moment. He turned around and sat down, glanced at Qin Lang, and moved forward again:

"Sir, I wonder how the investigation of the Lianghuai Salt Permit case is going? Normally, it is not my turn to ask about such a confidential matter. But I have a distant nephew who is the salt merchant of Anfeng. I heard that he is also involved in this case. That is why I want to ask about it. It is also for the sake of our relationship."

The salt tax was highly profitable, and this case involved many powerful politicians in Beijing. Han Lin's involvement was only a small one.

This time, the strict investigation and prosecution focused on court officials, and even Prince Jing was not implicated, so Han Lin's worries were unnecessary.

"Your Majesty is furious about the corruption caused by salt. I'm sure you also know the severity of the situation."

Pei Jian's eyes were deep and his expression was reserved. "Now the border is in a critical situation, but corruption involving tens of millions of taels of silver has been exposed in Lianghuai. Your Majesty has ordered a strict investigation and punishment. No one will be tolerated."

Han Lin wiped the sweat off his head and replied hesitantly, his lips moving. When he was about to say something else, Pei Jianji changed the subject, "But since the Marquis has already spoken, there should be some room for leniency."

Han Lin was immediately surprised and thanked him repeatedly.

"It's just the height of the storm, so it's better not to publicize it." Pei Jian stood up and tied the laces on his cloak while speaking, "It's a private matter between you and me."

Since he was able to come today, he naturally knew what Han Lin was doing.

Han Lin is quite well-known among the noble circle, and he did this to send a signal.

Upon hearing this, Han Lin's face immediately lit up with joy. He nodded in agreement and personally waited for the people to get on the carriage. He finally felt at ease when the carriage drove away.

During the autumn hunting grounds, Han Lin could tell that this man was no ordinary person.

It has only been a short time, and with a corruption case in Huaibei and Huainan, Pei Jian has almost grasped the lifeline of all the powerful people. No one has a clean hand, it all depends on whether he is willing to give him this favor.

As far as Han Lin knew, at least Prince Jing had never had the slightest respect in front of him.