Chapter 17
Seeing Ning Shiyu's solemn expression, Mu Li dared not delay and accepted the order.
The evening meals were all delivered by people arranged by Wei.
Ning Shiyu had other matters to attend to, so he asked the old woman who delivered the meals to go home first.
Only after he finished what he was doing did I bring out the meal from the food box.
Just as they were setting things out, they heard Fu'er's voice outside.
"Granny, which room is our young master in?"
Before Ning Shiyu could even call for help, the door to the room was pushed open.
Fu'er appeared in front of Ning Shiyu carrying a large food box.
"Young master, your servant has brought you your meal."
Seeing that she was struggling to carry it, Ning Shiyu immediately got up, took a few steps to her, and took the food box from her hands.
Touching her cold fingers, I noticed she was only wearing a padded jacket, her old clothes, without even a cloak.
"Why are you dressed so lightly when you leave the manor?"
"Didn't we give you new clothes?"
Fu'er freed her hands and breathed on them to warm them. "This servant usually can't bear to wear such nice new clothes."
Actually, it was because of what Dongyue said that it wasn't suitable for her.
This made Fu'er feel inferior and she no longer wanted to wear it.
After saying that, she opened the food box she had brought and first took out the soup and medicine to Ning Shiyu.
“Young master, your cold is not yet better. Doctor Wu said that you cannot stop taking the medicine.”
"I know you must have been delayed by important matters, so I brought this to you."
Ning Shiyu smiled slightly, a glint of light in his eyes, and said softly, "I have some pills with me, so it's fine if I don't take the medicine."
"You must be tired too, sit down and rest for a while."
"Have a meal with me."
The food at the Prince's Mansion was not as refined as that at Songtao Garden.
Fu'er laid out the dishes she had brought: braised goose, stewed turtle with mutton fat, donkey stewed with warming flowers, tangerine peel duck, and crystal sashimi.
The last dish was a vegetarian dish called "Mountain Family Three Crisps".
After Ning Shiyu finished drinking the medicine, Fu'er had already prepared the meal.
The two sat facing each other as usual.
Ning Shiyu rarely spoke during meals.
First, a bowl of turtle stewed with mutton fat was served to Fu'er.
He then began to eat in silence.
Fu'er is a lively person. No matter how delicious the food is, she will still say what she needs to say and will never let the conversation fall silent.
"Young master, I brought you some calming incense today. I'll light it for you when you're done with your work."
“This incense wasn’t made by me; Uncle Jiu said it was brought from Chang’an.”
Ning Shiyu picked up a piece of succulent duck meat and placed it in Fu'er's bowl.
Thinking about what happened at the Prince of Qin's mansion, I need to be more vigilant at night and not sleep too soundly.
"There are matters to attend to at the manor today, so there's no need to light incense."
"After you've had your meal, you should go back to Songtao Garden with Ayu."
Songtao Garden is not far from the Prince of Qin's Mansion; it only takes the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to get there.
Ah Yu was a stable boy at Songtao Garden, often taking the maids and servants out on errands.
While munching on the duck leg in her hand, Fu'er replied, "Young master, the person who brought me to the palace today was not A-Yu, but someone I don't know."
“Ah Yu is busy; Uncle Jiu sent him to deliver someone else.”
Ning Shiyu paused for a moment, then remained silent.
After finishing his meal, Ning Shiyu continued with his important tasks.
Fu'er sat at the incense table not far from him, continuing to eat pastries and drink flower tea.
When Zhuang Xing came in to report on official business, he felt jealous once again.
He thought to himself that if he were to disturb his master's official business like this, he would have been kicked out of the study long ago.
He's a blockhead, capable in his work, but unlike Mu Li, he doesn't have the keen insight to see things clearly.
She often secretly competes with Fu'er, feeling that it is unfair.
"Young Master, your subordinates and Mu Li have inquired throughout the Prince's residence, but we still haven't been able to find out about the women Mr. Leng has been in contact with outside the residence."
"Mu Li has gone to the dining hall for his meal. If he has not given any instructions, I will also go down to eat."
Ning Shiyu's hand continued writing with the wolf-hair brush. "Go."
"Tomorrow, Mu Li has other things to do, while you continue to investigate the places Mr. Leng frequents."
"Yes, Master."
As Zhuang Xing turned to leave, he made a point of glancing at Fu'er.
Fu'er was already used to his cold looks, and instead of being angry, she even called out to him.
"Wait, I saved some food for you and Mu Li. Take it and eat."
She and Ning Shiyu couldn't possibly finish all of this.
Fu'er then saved the plate of duck meat and crystal sashimi for the two of them.
Zhuang Xing then smiled slightly, picked up the food box, thanked Ning Shiyu, and strode out of the room.
Not long after, the steward came over and asked, "Miss Fu'er, the coachman who brought you here has been waiting for you for a long time. He's asking when you're going back?"
Fu'er stood up and wiped her hands, replying, "Thank you, Steward, I'll be going now."
Unexpectedly, Ning Shiyu, who was behind the desk, said, "You can stay here tonight; you don't need to go back."
Fu'er was stunned for a moment, wondering if Yun You wasn't there and he wanted to sleep with her.
Even if he doesn't return to Chang'an for the past two years and sleeps with her, he will still give her a house.
Besides, it would also stop her own mother from arranging marriages for her.
Fu'er was overjoyed and couldn't contain her excitement. She readily replied, "This servant understands."
She remembered her cousin Cui Cui's reminder that men all like women with a fragrant body.
That way, even after he falls asleep, he still wants to sleep.
The reason I failed to climb into bed last time was very likely because I didn't shower that night.
Fu'er took a few steps into the inner bathroom.
Ning Shiyu loves cleanliness and takes a bath every day, even in winter.
When Fu'er arrived at the bathhouse, hot water had already been prepared and incense charcoal had been lit.
Without saying a word, she took off her clothes and jumped into the bathtub.
Meanwhile, Ning Shiyu, who was in the outer chamber, finished his business, took the crane cloak from the dragon gate rack, put it on, and prepared to go back to the scene of the fire.
His gaze swept across the incense table, and he saw that Fu'er was not there.
He went into the inner room to look for her, and from behind the screen he heard the rustling sound of someone getting dressed.
Ning Shiyu called out, "Fu'er, what are you doing?"
The person who answered Ning Shiyu was a figure as fast as the wind, who had already darted to his side.
Just like last time, Fu'er was only wearing a small top.
It hung loosely on her body, because she was soaking wet.
It sticks to your body, and it's no different from not wearing anything at all.
Ning Shiyu's breathing quickened instantly, his mind unable to process anything else, his Adam's apple bobbing violently.
The primal desires dormant within him were instantly awakened, and a surge of heat rose from his lower abdomen, coursing through his entire body.
Fu'er stretched out her arms and hugged Ning Shiyu.
When her soft body pressed against Ning Shiyu, he knew he should push her away, but he honestly embraced her.
Suddenly, Fu'er's sneeze calmed Ning Shiyu down considerably.
He immediately tore off his crane cloak and draped it over Fu'er, half helpless and half reproachful, "You're being silly again, it hasn't been that long."
"Quickly go inside and put on your clothes, what if you catch a cold?"
"I have other things to do, so you can sleep on the couch in the outer room tonight."
After saying that, he took a step and left, not daring to linger.
Seeing that Ning Shiyu had rejected her again, Fu'er felt wronged. "It was Young Master who asked me to stay. Isn't it because he wants me?"
Why do you never like servants?
"Is it because you think my waist isn't as slender as Consort Yun's?"
"Then how about I eat less tomorrow?"
Hearing the disappointment in her voice, Ning Shiyu's heart softened, and he immediately turned around.
He pulled her closer to him, adjusted her crane cloak, and sighed, "It has nothing to do with anyone else. I... don't want you to regret it."
"And your mother wouldn't agree either."
That's true. Her mother always told Fu'er that Ning Shiyu was of noble status and was a master.
Their social statuses are too different; she can't be his concubine.
As for Ning Shiyu's true identity, Fu'er had no idea.
All that is known is that he was from Chang'an, and that he was not only wealthy but also a staff member of the King of Qin.
Even with this status, Fu'er could never achieve it.
Therefore, she wasn't ambitious. As long as she was a woman Ning Shiyu wouldn't bring back to his mansion, she could get his residence.
Fu'er didn't want to miss this rare opportunity tonight, so she hugged Ning Shiyu's waist tightly again.
"If you take me, will you not tell my mother?"
Fu'er's two full breasts pressed tightly against Ning Shiyu's chest.
His body was also throbbing violently, and his reaction was obvious; if he hadn't been wearing thick clothes, it wouldn't have been able to cover him up at all.
But a sliver of clarity remained in his mind.
Ning Shiyu's expression showed a mix of struggle and hesitation, but he ultimately managed to break free from Kai Fu'er's embrace.
"Fu'er, I can't do this."
Unexpectedly, Fu'er hugged him tightly again, choking back tears, and said, "Why don't you sleep with me first?"
"This servant will definitely learn from Aunt Yun how gentle, dignified, and well-dressed she is."
"And since the young master likes a slim waist, this servant will eat less."
Hearing her describe herself as so humble, Ning Shiyu felt very uncomfortable.
He immediately hugged Fu'er tightly and sighed again, "My silly Fu'er, it has nothing to do with anyone else."
"Why should you imitate others? I indulged you at the Ning residence because I wanted you to be yourself."
"You are intelligent in your studies, so why are you so slow to understand this matter?"
"I just don't want you to regret it."
At this moment, Fu'er didn't care that Ning Shiyu said she was stupid. Seeing that Ning Shiyu was willing to hug her, she thought that he had agreed.
He grew bolder and, standing on tiptoe, kissed Ning Shiyu's thin lips.
Ning Shiyu's mind went blank, and he instinctively kissed Fu'er back, turning from passive to active.
His movements were gentle and cautious, with one hand around Fu'er's waist and the other hand stroking the back of her neck.
The sweet scent emanating from Fu'er captivated him, driving him from a tentative first taste to an eager desire to force open her teeth and have more.
Until Fu'er's mischievous little hand reached towards his lower abdomen.
Ning Shiyu immediately came to his senses and grabbed Fu'er's little hand.
The lust in his eyes had not yet faded when he abandoned Fu'er and strode out of the inner room.
Fu'er was completely bewildered, thinking to herself that the steps were correct, and she had followed her cousin's instructions exactly.
After Ning Shiyu stepped outside, he became much more sober and was glad that he had come out quickly enough.
He knew in his heart that his resistance to Fu'er was getting weaker and weaker.
I reminded myself that I should keep a certain distance from Fu'er.
He couldn't guarantee that he would be able to leave in time if there were a next time.
As soon as Ning Shiyu arrived at Mr. Leng's residence, Mu Li followed and took the lantern from Ning Shiyu's hand.
Then Ning Shiyu instructed, "Go to the burned room and take another look."
"Yes, Master."
Mu Li had been by Ning Shiyu's side for many years and was meticulous in his work.
Ning Shiyu didn't need to explain it too clearly to understand the meaning.
Ning Shiyu stood still and waited.
A moment later, Mu Li came out holding an earthenware pot.
Burnt black, but after washing it with water, Mu Li was quite certain, "Master, it's a wine jar."
"I found it in a corner."
Ning Shiyu knew a little about this Mr. Leng.
This person is introverted and rarely speaks when discussing serious matters.
Unless the King of Qin asks him directly.
Even at the King of Qin's banquets, they did not drink alcohol.
Why are there wine jars inside the house?
After pondering for a moment, Ning Shiyu said, "Tomorrow, have Zhuang Xing ask if Mr. Leng usually has any dealings with the nearby taverns and shops."
"yes."
The master and servant then left the place.
When Ning Shiyu returned to the side room, Fu'er was already asleep on the couch outside.
Seeing that the bedding on the bed was thin, Ning Shiyu instructed Mu Li to ask the steward for a new bedding.
After covering her with the blanket, he didn't leave but sat by the tatami.
Looking at her bright yet slightly naive face, my heart softened, and a smile spread from my eyebrows to my jawline.
He raised his hand and brushed the stray hairs from her forehead.
She murmured softly, "Silly Lucky One."
His eyes were gentle, and his tone was indulgent.
I had long forgotten my decision to distance myself from her.
The next day, Mu Li sent Fu'er back to Songtao Garden.
Meanwhile, Zhuang Xing finally made some progress.
I learned that although Mr. Leng doesn't usually drink, he is from the same hometown as the owner of the Three Cups Tavern.
I heard that the two of them usually have some contact.
Guided by a servant from the Prince's mansion, Zhuang Xing found a tavern not far from the mansion.
Half a day later, Zhuang Xing brought back useful information.
The shopkeeper's wife was a widow and hadn't returned to the shop for two days and two nights.
I heard that the shopkeeper's wife intends to remarry Mr. Leng, but Mr. Leng disagrees.
Zhuang Xing took out the earrings and asked the shop assistant to identify them. The shop assistant confirmed that they belonged to their shopkeeper's wife.
This would allow us to roughly determine that the person who burned to death was the shopkeeper's wife.
Upon arriving here, it appears to be a crime of passion.
The murderer is undoubtedly Mr. Leng.
But Ning Shiyu was very certain that since the shopkeeper's wife had died in the Prince's villa, it couldn't be that simple.
This was Mr. Leng's scheme to escape.
If he leaves normally, he can simply inform the King of Qin.
He wasn't a confidant of the King of Qin, and he didn't know much, so the King of Qin wouldn't make things difficult for him.
He wanted everyone in the Prince's mansion to believe that he had been burned to death, simply because he was afraid of being punished by the Prince of Qin.
condemn?
Only those who have put the King of Qin in a dangerous situation will fear punishment.
So what exactly did he do at the Prince of Qin's residence?
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