Chapter 96: Junior Sister! You look so beautiful when you blush!
Two carriages entered the capital, their wheels rolling over the wide, smooth bluestone road with a dull thud.
Zhuque Avenue is the most bustling area in the capital.
Shops lined both sides of the street, flags fluttering in the breeze, and crowds thronged the area. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares, carriages, and traditional music mingled together, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.
However, beneath this prosperous facade, an unusual tension is subtly present.
The number of Imperial Guards patrolling the area has increased significantly. They are dressed in black armor and carry long swords at their waists. Their steps are neat and their eyes are sharp as they scan the crowd.
On the bulletin board at the street corner, several new reward notices were posted, with blurry human figures drawn on them and the text below mentioning "evil spirits causing trouble," attracting many passersby to stop and watch, whispering among themselves.
The carriage turned onto a wider, quieter street.
The mansions here are noticeably grander and more imposing, with their vermilion gates tightly closed and stone lions standing tall, exuding an air of unassailable officialdom.
Finally, the carriage came to a slow stop in front of a mansion.
The gate is painted black, with a plaque reading "Weiyuan Marquis's Residence" hanging high above it.
The two white marble lions in front of the gate are exquisitely carved and lifelike. In particular, their eyes seem to contain the power of thunder, coldly staring at the visitors, making people feel awe.
The guards, dressed in light armor and with swords at their waists, stood on either side, their eyes fixed straight ahead, their auras calm and collected, clearly seasoned veterans.
"We've arrived," Xie Chen's voice came.
Everyone got out of the car. Shen Yunzhou stepped forward first and whispered something to a guard who seemed to be the leader. The guard's expression tightened, and he immediately bowed and went inside to announce their arrival.
As soon as Fang Li got out of the car, she was startled by the chilling atmosphere that enveloped her.
She instinctively shrank her neck. "Holy crap! Is this stone lion alive? Its eyes can kill! Seriously, my legs are weak! It feels like facing a drill sergeant in military training!"
The system's voice also carried a hint of tension: [“Host! Hang in there! Smile! Just think of it as… meeting the parents! Host, look at Bing Tuozi's ears, they're practically bleeding red! It's hilarious, he's even more panicked than you!”]
A moment later, the heavy, black lacquered door was slowly pushed open. A middle-aged man, dressed in a dark brocade robe and with a tall, upright figure, strode out, surrounded by a group of attendants.
It was none other than Marquis Weiyuan, Shen Qingyue.
His face was cold and stern, his gaze sharp as lightning, and when he looked over, it seemed as if he could pierce through people's hearts.
His gaze first fell on Shen Yunzhou, he nodded slightly with a hint of approval, and then sharply swept over the rest of the crowd.
When his gaze fell on Fang Li, who seemed both curious and somewhat reserved, it lingered for a moment longer, carrying a scrutinizing and probing quality, sharp enough to see right through her.
Shen Yunzhou keenly sensed his father's gaze, and almost instinctively, he subtly shifted his feet and turned to the side, trying to shield Fang Li behind him.
The movement was subtle and swift, yet it was clearly seen by everyone present. His expression remained cold and stern, but the unnatural blush at the base of his ears betrayed the turmoil within him.
Xie Chen seemed oblivious to Shen Yunzhou's subtle movements. He calmly stepped forward, a gentle and polite smile on his face, and bowed to Shen Qingyue, saying, "Junior Xie Chen greets Marquis Weiyuan. I have long admired the majesty of the Marquis's residence, and seeing it today, I can confirm that it lives up to its reputation." His clear voice and elegant demeanor subtly broke the tense atmosphere.
Ji Qianqiu felt his blood boil at the chilling atmosphere of the mansion. He straightened his chest, took a step to Fang Li's other side, and whispered to her, "Junior Sister, don't be afraid! I'm here! No one can bully you!"
Mo Yun's gaze calmly swept over the high walls, flying eaves and brackets of the mansion, as well as the faintly visible rune marks on both sides of the gate.
His gaze was focused, as if he were assessing the protective runes that might exist within the mansion.
Ling Shuang's cool gaze casually swept over the high walls, tree shadows, and adjacent rooftops surrounding the mansion. Her divine sense subtly extended outwards, like invisible tentacles, keenly sensing the presence of hidden sentries lurking in the shadows.
Tie Pan's burly frame appeared even more cramped in front of the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence. He tried hard to keep up with the crowd, but due to nervousness, he walked with his arms and legs moving in unison and almost tripped on the steps.
Mo Yun, who was standing nearby, reacted quickly and reached out to steady him without making a sound, whispering, "Be careful." Tie Pan scratched his head sheepishly, his face showing awe and restraint.
Shen Qingyue's gaze lingered for a moment on Shen Yunzhou's protective gesture, then swept over Ji Qianqiu's protective posture, before finally settling back on Fang Li.
He didn't say much, but simply nodded slightly and said, "You've all come from afar, you must be tired. Please come in." With that, he turned and entered the mansion first.
The interior of the Marquis's residence was even more solemn than the exterior.
The courtyard is spacious, paved with bluestone, and so clean that there is not a speck of dust.
The corridors wound their way through the buildings, the weapons racks on either side gleaming coldly. Servants moved swiftly, their eyes fixed straight ahead, displaying impeccable discipline. The entire mansion functioned like a massive, precise machine, operating silently and efficiently.
Shen Qingyue led everyone into the front hall. The hall was spacious and furnished in a simple yet grand style.
He sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone again before finally settling on Fang Li.
Fang Li felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze. "Help! Your Highness's eyes... are like an X-ray scanner! Master, I feel like I'm being seen through!" She tried her best to maintain a well-behaved smile, but her palms were slightly sweaty.
Shen Qingyue seemed to have no intention of exchanging pleasantries and went straight to the point: "Zhou'er is in the sect, and I'm grateful for everyone's care." His gaze lingered on Fang Li's face for a moment, "Miss Fang... has an extraordinary temperament." His tone was flat, revealing no hint of praise or criticism.
Fang Li quickly bowed and said, "Your Excellency is too kind. I dare not accept such praise."
Shen Qingyue said no more, then turned to Shen Yunzhou: "You are already aware of the situation in the capital. The mansion is safe, but outside... we need to be extra careful." He paused and then added, "The demons are rampant, and there may be someone pulling the strings behind them. Since you have already been involved, you should use swift and decisive measures to eliminate them completely."
Shen Yunzhou, with a cold expression, clasped his hands and replied, "Yes, Father."
As night deepened, a private courtyard was arranged for everyone to rest in the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence.
The moonlight, as clear as water, spilled into the courtyard.
Fang Li sat alone by the window, gazing at the moonlight outside.
Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door.
Fang Li got up and opened the door, only to see Shen Yunzhou standing outside, holding a round, bulging oil paper package in his hand.
The oil paper package was stuffed into my palm, still warm from being fresh out of the oven.
Fang Li stared blankly at the person in front of her.
Shen Yunzhou maintained his stern face, though his eyes darted around and his ears were burning red.
“A local snack in Beijing. Try it.” He said curtly, then turned and walked away almost simultaneously, his back view revealing an unusual haste.
Fang Li stood there, holding the oil paper package, somewhat bewildered.
"Huh? Iceberg Senior Brother...feeding me?" Her inner voice frantically scratched its head, "This isn't right!"
In the next room, Xie Chen was leaning against the window admiring the moon, gently waving his folding fan. Upon seeing this scene, a knowing smile appeared on his lips.
In the courtyard, Ji Qianqiu had just finished a set of punches, drenched in sweat, when he caught a glimpse of Shen Yunzhou's departing figure and the oil paper package in Fang Li's hand. He scratched his head, looking puzzled: "Senior brother brought food to junior sister? Is junior sister hungry?" He blinked twice, then suddenly realized and slapped his forehead, turning around and rushing towards the kitchen.
Inside the Hall of Forgetfulness, a soft cracking sound rang out, and a warm, smooth jade chess piece turned to dust. The temperature inside the hall plummeted, and a chill filled the air.
Fang Li hadn't recovered from the shock of being fed by the iceberg when a gentle knock sounded at the door again.
"Junior sister, have you rested yet?" Xie Chen's smiling voice came from behind.
Fang Li composed herself and went to open the door: "Senior Brother Xie? Not yet..."
Xie Chen entered with a gentle smile, carrying a small, lustrous white jade pot and two matching cups. "It's a cold night, and I noticed that my junior sister's window was not closed, making her susceptible to the cold." He placed the pot on the table and poured wine as he spoke. "I just happened to warm a pot of warm jade wine and brought it over. This wine is warm in nature and can dispel dampness and cold, and it is also of some benefit to cultivation."
The amber-colored liquor was poured into the glass, releasing a warm and mellow aroma.
Fang Li: "Xie Fox has switched to being a 'warm man'?! System, is this a timely help or a sugar-coated bullet?"
System: [“Host! Wake up! This is Xie Fox's gentle trap! But... Warm Jade Wine is indeed a good thing! It's beneficial to the meridians! Drink it! You might as well drink it!”]
Xie Chen handed a glass of wine to Fang Li, his voice gentle: "The capital is not like the sects. Various forces are deeply intertwined, and undercurrents are surging. Junior Sister, you are new here. If you have any questions or need my help, you can always come to me."
The warm wine went down her throat, and a comforting warmth spread through her, effectively dispelling the chill of the night. Fang Li relaxed a little and took a small sip: "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother."
Shen Yunzhou listened to the sounds of his heart in the room. His fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and a chill spread uncontrollably around him, causing a thin layer of frost to condense on the windowsill.
In the kitchen, Ji Qianqiu was frantically rummaging around, his arms full of freshly cooked dried meat, hot pastries, and a large bowl of sweet soup.
Xie Chen did not linger. After gently instructing Fang Li to "rest early," he considerately left the remaining half pot of warm jade tea before gracefully departing.
Xie Chen's figure had just disappeared around the corner of the courtyard gate, and Fang Li hadn't even had time to catch her breath when she heard a loud bang!
The door was suddenly pushed open with great force!
Ji Qianqiu rushed in, his arms piled high with all sorts of food. The aroma of dried meat, the sweet scent of pastries, and the steam from hot soup mixed with the smell of his sweat wafted over.
"Junior sister! I've brought you some food!" he said in a loud voice.
Fang Li was so startled she almost jumped up: "Senior Brother Ji?! You... why didn't you knock?" Her nerves, which had just been soothed by the warm jade, tensed up again instantly.
Ji Qianqiu strode to the table and carefully piled all the food he was carrying onto it, instantly filling the small tabletop to the brim, with plates and bowls clattering and rattling.
"I was afraid you were hungry! I just got these from the kitchen, they're still warm! Eat up!" His eyes shone with an astonishing light, full of sincere concern, as if he had accomplished something extraordinary.
Fang Li stared at the rickety tabletop, inwardly groaning, "Tongzi! Is this idiot here to do food wholesale? The table's going to collapse!"
System: [“Host! This is Ji Hanhan’s wild feeding! Simple and brutal! Look at that braised beef! It looks really good!”]
Ji Qianqiu ignored Fang Li's thoughts; his gaze suddenly became fixed on Fang Li's face.
The warm, smoky aroma of the sake brought a blush to her cheeks, making her appear exceptionally beautiful under the lamplight.
"Junior Sister..." Ji Qianqiu suddenly scratched her head, her tone puzzled, as if she had discovered something unusual, "Your face is so red..."
Fang Li subconsciously touched her burning cheeks and said, "Ah? Maybe... the wine is a bit warm, plus I was startled by you, Senior Brother..." She turned slightly to avoid his overly direct gaze.
Ji Qianqiu seemed oblivious to her avoidance and instead took a step closer.
He carried the steam rising from the martial arts practice in the courtyard, mixed with the strong aroma of the food on the table, instantly enveloping Fang Li.
He lowered his head, his burning gaze fixed on her moist lips and flushed cheeks, the confusion in his eyes replaced by a burning intensity.
"Junior sister... the way you blush," his voice deepened, "is so beautiful. Like... like the sunset over our Western Wilderness, when the clouds on the horizon are ablaze with color..."
Fang Li's heart suddenly raced, dizzy from his unexpected praise, and she instinctively tried to back away: "Senior brother...you're too close..." Her voice trembled slightly. The intense hormonal aura made her inexplicably flustered.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
