Chapter 141 Pride Abounds (Part 3) He immediately began undressing upon entering the house, knowing…
Zhi Rou was stunned for a moment.
"What did you call me?" The sword tip slowly rose, and the woman's chin lifted an inch in response.
Above the sword light, hung a beautiful yet aloof face.
She raised her eyelashes to look at Zhirou, her eyes showing no hostility, but rather a hint of barely suppressed inner turmoil. She quickly lowered her eyes to hide it, and still raised her hand to Zhirou with the salute of a soldier, saying, "Young Mistress."
She addressed her as "Master" again, and Zhi Rou immediately raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing her for a moment.
“You Wanyuan Merchant Guild people, you’re really full of tricks.” Jianfeng pressed down on her shoulder. “Get up.”
The commotion outside grew closer; it was the sound of a door being broken down.
Chu Lan and the others who were lying in ambush next door rushed in. Upon seeing the situation inside the room, they felt somewhat relieved and then knew that they had captured the intruder with their soft swords.
Just as they were taking the woman away, Zhi Rou suddenly said, "Wait."
She sheathed her sword and examined the woman closely for a while. Something seemed to have touched her, but a certain feeling lingered in her heart that something was amiss.
She turned her head and asked, "Is anyone else here?"
Chu Lan shook her head: "Only her."
Zhi Rou was even more confused.
After some hesitation, he simply ordered everyone to leave and remain on guard, leaving only the woman with the strange speech inside.
There were no lights inside, only a dim glow coming in from the doors and windows, which shone on her.
Even with his hands bound, his posture remained resolute. Zhi Rou recognized this aura; it resembled that of a soldier.
Zhi Rou recalled the men she fought that night, and they were all different from her.
As she observed her, her eyes secretly followed Zhi Rou.
After a short while, Zhi Rou stood still, her hands gripping the sheath, her eyes exceptionally sharp, without speaking first.
The woman couldn't tell whether she felt more disappointed or relieved to see such a similar figure standing before her, yet not the one who had once belonged to her.
She paused for a moment, her hands, calloused and thin, tightly knitted together, before finally breaking the silence with her words: "This subordinate had no intention of disturbing the young master."
Before Zhi Rou could react, she continued, "We heard that you are seriously ill, and everyone was worried. So we asked you to come and try. If you don't believe me, that's understandable. However... we are by no means enemies with you."
If they intended to harm her, why did only one person come? Having traveled alone to this place, and then willingly being bound, Zhi Rou also found it strange.
She remained wary and said coldly, "I am not your master."
The woman paused for a moment, looked at Zhi Rou's face, a fleeting glint of tears in her eyes, and quickly lowered her head.
"...Our former master was Ling Xi, the eleventh young master of the Ling family."
Zhi Rou's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a fierce glint flashed in her deep eyes. She asked herself inwardly, "Where did I give myself away? How did this person know my background?"
She had lived with her mother since childhood and later went to the grasslands. She had a natural wariness of people, but whenever it came to anything related to her mother, she always had an irresistible curiosity in her heart.
The look in his eyes as he stared at the woman gradually changed, revealing a hint of curiosity.
Then a woman's voice rang out, hesitantly: "That day we heard that the Ling family had left behind a young lady from the capital. We never expected that it would be you... From a distance, it seemed as if... our lord had returned."
Ling Xi was rebellious by nature and often used the names of her brothers in the clan to travel outside when she was young. When Ling Shu first heard about this, he was furious, firstly because she was causing trouble outside, and secondly because she had taken the name of "Eleventh Young Master" without permission.
The Ling family had many children, but some of them were weak and frail.
The eleventh young master was one of them.
He was born with weak constitution and would feel breathless and weak after walking a few steps. He rarely appeared in public after he grew up.
Ling Xi used this identity to make many good friends. As time went on, Ling Shu was unable to keep up with the situation. Not only did Ling Shiyi's mother not blame her, but she also asked Ling Shu to allow her to use this identity until the eighth year of Shuo De, when the Eleventh Prince passed away.
The sixteen of them were martial maids who had followed Ling Xi since they were young. Their fathers had all died on the battlefield, and they were taken in by the Ling family and grew up in the mansion.
Zhi Rou carefully considered the events leading up to and following. The sudden silence of the merchant group might have been due to a hidden hand smoothing things over for her.
His gaze lingered on the woman once more: "What year were you born?"
The woman paused for a moment, then replied, "In the first year of Jingping... I am forty-two years old."
A hint of suspicion flashed in Zhi Rou's eyes as she slowly walked to the bedside and lit a lamp.
In the flickering candlelight, debris was scattered throughout the room, as if it had just been through a downpour.
She remained silent, and the woman stood there, with what appeared to be tear stains on her cheeks... Zhi Rou suddenly tasted a bitter flavor.
His stern brows softened slightly, and after a moment's hesitation, he personally untied the person.
"You just said 'we are waiting,' but besides you, how many others are there?" Zhi Rou returned to the bedside, the sword she had just put down beside her.
The woman replied, "My lord, there are sixteen of us, including myself."
"Where are the other fifteen people now?"
"Fearing that the young master might encounter danger on the road, the rest of us will secretly follow him from ten miles away..."
Before she could finish speaking, Zhi Rou quickly asked, "If you are so loyal, why are you in Qinyang?"
Her words were sharp, like a curved knife piercing the heart, and the woman's face suddenly darkened.
After Ling Xi got married, in order to conceal his identity as the "Eleventh Young Master," only four of the sixteen women remained by his side as maids.
On the day of the attack at Woyun Temple, Ling Xi was separated from the others. After the fighting ended, there was no sign of Ling Xi and her daughter in the temple. Upon returning to the capital, they witnessed the tragic state of the Chang family and saw officials from the Ministry of Justice searching everywhere for Ling Xi and her young daughter.
The tenth year of Shuode, the twelfth month.
It has been three years since the Chang Yu case.
At this time, they found Ling Xi in Luozhou.
In her youth, she often disguised herself as a man for convenience, and her subordinates, to avoid revealing her identity, simply called her "Master." However, she grew tired of being forced to hide behind men's clothing, and even after becoming a wife, she felt somewhat uncomfortable hearing people call her "Young Madam."
Upon arriving in Luozhou, she named herself "Lin He".
Once living a life of luxury and surrounded by servants, Miss Ling now doesn't even have a single servant. Perhaps due to a lack of trust, she has taken on the responsibility of caring for the young girl all by herself.
It rained that night, the raindrops falling softly and densely on the eaves, making a pattering sound.
Lin He coaxed her daughter to sleep, then quietly walked to the corner of the wall and took down the bow that she hadn't touched in a long time.
A few days ago, she sensed someone following her. She had already left the capital; who would relentlessly pursue and kill her?
Lin He picked up her quiver, and before leaving, she walked back to the bedside, gently stroking her daughter's cheek, and said in a soft voice, "Mother will be back soon."
The delicate, exquisitely sculpted face stirred, and she turned over, it was unclear whether she was dreaming or awake.
Thunder rumbled, and in a short while, the rain intensified, and a white curtain of water obscured half of the view.
Lin He stood under the eaves, listening intently to the surrounding sounds. Apart from the sound of rain, it seemed too quiet. She held the bow and arrow in her hand; her jade-like figure did not appear weak or lonely.
Shortly after, she heard footsteps.
Suddenly, the bowstring was drawn taut, and the arrow flew through the shadowy curtain with a "whoosh".
She was skilled in riding and archery, and after the age of fifteen, she never missed a shot.
Immediately, a black feathered arrow shot in from outside the courtyard, embedding itself three feet in front of her boot, its tail feathers still trembling slightly. Beneath the arrowhead lay a blood-stained waist token.
Lin He glanced down, her gaze suddenly freezing, and she murmured, "...Zhou Ling?"
As Zhou Ling recalled the past, a lump formed in her throat.
She paused for a moment and said, "Our lord ordered us to return to Qinyang and wait for the right opportunity. Fifteen years... and finally, our young lord has come here."
Are Zhou Ling and the other sixteen people the ones Mother wants to see?
In the firelight, two deep eyes pressed heavily on Zhou Ling. Zhi Rou remained silent for a long time, probably half believing her story, and gradually stood up, adopting a humble demeanor.
“If you are truly a former subordinate of my mother, then to me… you are an elder.”
Zhou Ling held her breath and froze.
After a moment, Zhi Rou lowered her eyelashes and looked away from her: "You may call me Miss Song."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling's fingertips trembled slightly. She quickly composed herself and nodded to her, "Miss Song."
Wei Yuanzhan and his entourage returned to the capital at breakneck speed, arriving at the end of April.
When Xu Yueqing heard that he was delayed in returning to the capital due to serious injuries, she was so worried at home that she could not sleep all night. She had people ask him several times about his subordinates who had returned with memorials to report, and only after confirming that he was not seriously injured did she feel a little relieved.
When the man returned, she immediately led her servants to personally greet him in the front yard.
Wei Yuanzhan dismounted, and the servant took the riding whip from his hand. Seeing that he took something from the side of the saddle, the servant was about to hold it for him, but he said no need and strode into the door.
Perhaps out of some concern, he hurriedly pulled off the loosely wrapped gauze from his palm and stuffed it into his pocket.
When Xu Yueqing saw him, her gaze swept over his face, shoulders, and arms, taking a quick look before asking him why he always caused her so much trouble. He insisted on taking on the arduous tasks that no one else wanted, and ended up with a body full of injuries.
Wei Yuanzhan bowed to her first and told her that it was just a minor injury, that all four limbs were intact, and that she didn't need to worry.
She didn't believe his nonsense. Seeing what he was carrying, she asked, "What's this?"
"For my sister." Wei Yuanzhan smiled slightly, then glanced around, "Father hasn't returned yet?"
He was travel-worn, his handsome face hidden, suggesting a difficult journey, yet he still had the thought to bring a few things for his sister.
Xu Yueqing didn't know whether she should laugh at his thoughtfulness or resent his lack of self-discipline.
Rouche's eyes lingered on him for a moment, then she brushed the back of her hand against the corner of her eye and sat down on the chair by her skirt: "Your uncle came to seek a better future for his nephew, while the Marquis is out socializing. Everyone else wants to settle down in the capital, but you're always heading out every few days."
At this point, the intense longing he had felt moments before was instantly swallowed by anger, and he straightened his expression.
With his chin slightly tilted, he addressed Chang Huai and Lan Ye: "You two, keep a close eye on your young master. Don't be afraid of offending him. If he makes a mistake because of your negligence, not only will the Marquis blame you, but I will also not forgive him."
The words "Why does Mother have to make things difficult for them?" had barely touched his tongue when Wei Yuanzhan swallowed them back down, pursing his lips helplessly: "I still have to report to the Emperor; I cannot delay."
He bowed to her and said, "After I have met His Majesty, I will return to cultivate my character and mind. Mother, please forgive me."
He also brought out His Majesty, but then a soft voice followed. Xu Yueqing was stunned for a moment, then her heart softened. She sighed and said, "Alright. Change your clothes before you leave. Let me see you..."
Regarding the case of Princess Rongqing's residence, the memorial has already been submitted to His Majesty, and the ringleader was detained and brought to the capital a few days ago; the case is closed. Today, I am here to report on the matter of Yongning Lane in Qinyang.
When the emperor summoned Wei Yuanzhan, palace maids were setting out chopsticks in the warm pavilion.
The Empress was also present. Upon seeing this, Wei Yuanzhan paused for a moment, greeted the Emperor and Empress, and then stood there without saying another word.
The emperor smiled and said, "Minister Wei, please sit down. You must be tired from your journey back from the north. If you have anything you wish to say to me, do not hesitate."
Wei Yuanzhan bowed in response, "Thank you, Your Majesty." He stepped forward, sat down, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke again.
"Your Majesty, I was ordered to apprehend the ringleader of the Rongqing Princess's Mansion case, but I was delayed due to injury and then returned via Dancheng. During this time, I happened to obtain an object that resembles a bone whistle from Beili. I suspect that Beili spies have infiltrated the Central Plains and may cause trouble. I humbly request Your Majesty to issue an order to thoroughly investigate the Dancheng area in preparation for border defense."
He finished speaking slowly in one breath, deliberately removing "Qinyang" and replacing it with "neighboring city." The bone whistle was then handed to a courtier beside him, who in turn presented it to the emperor.
Border affairs had always been a thorn in the emperor's side. Upon hearing this, although his face remained impassive, no one in the chamber could fail to see that the emperor was already furious.
The Empress frowned and shook her head at Wei Yuanzhan, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
Wei Yuanzhan ignored it, clenched his fist under his sleeve, stood up and reported again: "If this matter is not investigated, it may bring disaster to the border. I dare to humbly request Your Majesty to give your instructions."
The candlelight in the pavilion illuminated the surroundings as if it were daytime. A tall, jade-like figure stood before the table, his demeanor as humble as his words, yet inexplicably exuding a sense of arrogance.
The emperor stared at him silently for a long time, his eyes darkening.
April passed in the blink of an eye, and the climate in the capital became increasingly mild. Standing under the sun for a long time, even a thin shirt would be covered in sweat.
After leaving the office, Song Lang returned to his residence and entered his study, where he removed his hat and official hat. A servant fanned him and served him tea. He took a couple of sips, when suddenly his trusted aide reported from outside the door, "Master, there's news."
She turned her head to look, beckoned him in, waved away the remaining items, and straightened her languid posture by about an inch: "Was this sent back from Luozhou?"
"Yes." The man presented the thin paper tube.
Song Lang rubbed his hands together as he finished reading, his thick eyebrows furrowing, his voice filled with doubt: "No difference?"
He placed his hand on his knee and said, "Since Your Highness has ordered me to investigate Song Zhirou's background, her identity must be somewhat suspicious. If I report the words 'no difference' back, I wonder how Your Highness will interpret it?"
The man bowed slightly: "Your subordinate is incompetent. Please allow me to go to Luozhou in person. I will handle this matter properly."
Song Lang pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No need to go."
Given Song Congzhao's prudence, the fact that he managed to settle the person in his residence suggests that all the necessary paperwork and personnel arrangements for the journey must have been properly made, leaving no room for error.
Song Lang initially only had suspicions, but Song Zhirou's past in Luozhou was so clean, and the Sun family was already keeping an eye on her, so he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Just then, a messenger came from outside and said, "Someone has delivered a letter."
Song Lang glanced at him, and the man understood. He opened the door, stepped aside to let the servant in, and then withdrew.
The servant entered with his hands at his sides and handed the letter to Song Lang.
Before the sun had set, the brilliant sunlight streamed down along the window, casting an uneven golden shadow on the floor tiles.
Song Lang sat inside and unfolded the letter.
Despite the sweltering heat, he felt a chill creep into his body.
The letter was short and unsigned, yet the handwriting on it was all too familiar to him, the strokes like a steel knife, each word a sharp cut.
As soon as Zhi Rou and her party arrived in the capital, word of their arrival reached the Song residence. It was the time when the sky was ablaze with the colors of sunset and they were about to have dinner.
Having not seen her for over a month, Song Hanjin was filled with longing. Upon hearing the servants' report, she immediately slipped on her shoes and got out of bed. She ran out the door, then paused, a hint of displeasure appearing on her face.
My fourth sister went to Jiangdong to visit our grandmother and left without saying a word, only communicating with our father. What kind of logic is that?
With these thoughts in mind, he adjusted his clothes and hair, tidied himself up, and slowly strolled to the front yard.
When Zhi Rou left, she was only accompanied by a group of people on horseback; but when she returned, she had several carriages loaded with precious gifts, which she claimed were provided by Jiangdong.
She entered the hall and bowed to Xu Yueyuan and Song Hanjin respectively. At dinner, she saw Song Congzhao, who gave her a meaningful look, and whenever she asked about her experiences in Jiangdong, he covered for her.
The two sisters sat down together again at the beginning of the Xu hour (7-9 PM).
The daytime heat was just beginning to subside, stars dotted the sky, and the air was filled with the delightful fragrance of gardenias.
Song Hanjin sat by the stone table in the courtyard, fanning herself with a round fan. When she saw Zhirou arrive, Mingye's eyes swept over her: "Why is Fourth Sister here?"
She then dusted off her sleeves, stood under the gardenia tree, and said in a low voice, "Come and apologize to your sister."
Song Hanjin removed the fan and gave a soft snort: "What crime have I committed?"
"I didn't visit my grandmother."
A sentence fell into her ears, and Song Hanjin was stunned for a moment before she came to her senses.
He looked at her again and heard her say, "I met my older brother in Yuanzhou. He's doing well, so don't worry."
Song Hanjin listened in a daze, her long eyelashes trembling slightly. After a moment, she asked, "What else did my brother... say?"
“I can’t talk much with my older brother, but my older sister knows,” Zhi Rou’s voice grew softer. “I’m a little afraid of him.”
She remembered mentioning once that her brother resembled a young father. Song Hanjin chuckled, the grudge about her leaving without saying goodbye vanished, and beckoned her over.
Zhi Rou had just met Ling Xi, and she recounted her experiences in Qinyang in detail, but notably omitted Zhou Ling. She was still somewhat troubled at the moment, trying her best not to let anyone see it, and forced a smile onto her face.
The two chatted under the moonlight, while a lazy cat lay on the eaves.
Zhi Rou sat for a while, her mind unconsciously drifting to Wei Yuanzhan.
She had just returned to the capital and had greeted everyone, but she hadn't seen him. Wasn't that a case of favoritism?
With something on his mind, he could no longer stay. After saying goodbye to Song Hanjin, he went back to his room to change his clothes, then avoided everyone and slipped out over the wall.
A crescent moon hangs high, its light casting slanted shadows of flowers across the courtyard. A breeze rustles through the branches.
Wei Yuanzhan had performed meritorious service in handling the case, but had also sustained injuries. The emperor granted him a ten-day leave of absence as a reward for his hard work. Coincidentally, Sheng Xingyun was hosting a banquet for guests outside, and the two met by chance. They talked at Suiyun Tower until the end of the evening before going home.
Upon entering the courtyard, Wei Yuanzhan told Chang Huai and the others not to serve him and went straight into the house.
Before he could even light the lamp, he first unfastened his sword and threw it on the table, then began to loosen his collar.
Sheng Xingyun loved wine, and when you shared a room with him, your clothes would inevitably smell of alcohol.
The brocade embroidered with landscapes was violently torn open, and the scabbard slammed against the wall with a clang. Zhi Rou instinctively turned to the side and took two quick steps back, revealing a graceful figure beside the screen.
Originally, she only wanted to scare him by "fighting fire with fire," but she didn't expect him to take off his clothes as soon as he entered the room. Zhi Rou was so frightened that she didn't dare to move.
For a long time, the sound didn't stop, enticing Qi Nian to rub against her mind. Zhi Rou tensed up, and her breathing gradually became rapid.
Now, without the screen to obscure his view, his robust body stood in the room, his thin chest and abdomen slightly bulging, half-concealed and half-revealed under his plain white undergarment, exuding a mature and dashing aura.
At first, Wei Yuanzhan's expression was very cold, not knowing it was her. After recognizing Zhi Rou, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes. Then, noticing her gaze, he raised his hand to cover the collar.
"What are you looking at?" he asked as he dressed.
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