Chapter 134 The Prefect Apologizes, Passing Through Luchuan...
After lunch, the group began packing their belongings, buying what needed to be bought and packing what needed to be packed.
Just as preparations were almost complete, Prefect He arrived in a panic with all his servants. Seeing their state, he thought they were taking Zhang Ting to another place to find a miracle doctor, and was greatly startled.
"This, this..." Prefect He pointed at them tremblingly, his mind blank. In a daze, he saw his career ruined and him imprisoned. He was so shocked that he couldn't stand up straight. His face turned pale and he was about to fall down, but fortunately, the servants behind him supported him.
She abruptly pushed the servant away, rushed towards Liu Da, grabbed her shoulders, and asked in a trembling voice, "Where...where is your Lord Zhang? Is he too sick to walk?" In just a few moments, a bead of cold sweat appeared on her forehead.
Liu Da didn't recognize this person and always only listened to the eldest brother and Zhang Ting. Hearing her curse the master as being too sick to walk, he angrily shoved her away, yelling, "You blind fool, who are you cursing! I bet your ancestors..."
Before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted by a stern voice: "Liu Da, you mustn't be rude. This is the Prefect." Zhang Ting walked down the stairs with his hands behind his back.
"It's one thing for you to be outspoken all the time, but how dare you spout such nonsense in front of Lord He today? Apologize at once."
Liu Da didn't take the woman with the fierce face in front of him seriously. Apart from his boss, all these officials were wicked. But she was completely obedient to Zhang Ting's words, and slowly bowed to Prefect He, "Please don't be offended, Prefect He. I am just being blunt and outspoken. I apologize." Her tone revealed a casual reluctance.
Normally, Prefect He would have given her a good scolding, but today he was preoccupied with his own thoughts and couldn't spare the time. He stared intently at Zhang Ting, determined to take in every single hair on her head.
Zhang Ting approached with a smile as warm as a spring breeze, just as always, but ultimately stopped three zhang away from Prefect He, bowing and offering greetings.
That old hag is so lewd; I almost fell for her tricks yesterday. I'll have to be extra careful today.
Seeing that Zhang Ting's expression was normal, Prefect He breathed a sigh of relief, as long as the Zhang family line wouldn't end. He eagerly approached her, saying as he went, "It's so good to see you, Lord Zhang. Did you sleep well last night?"
Alarm bells rang in Zhang Ting's mind; for every step the other woman took forward, she took a step back. What did Granny He mean by that? Was she implying something to her? The moment this thought crossed her mind, a chill ran down her spine.
Prefect He noticed her resistance and wariness, stopped in his tracks, and realized that what he had done yesterday was extremely inappropriate. How could he use such a festive item at a welcoming banquet?
She awkwardly tried to save face, explaining, "To be honest, I didn't know anything about the wine either, haha, the servants got it mixed up." She then pursed her lips and closed her eyes helplessly; even she herself didn't believe her own words!
It was even less believable to Zhang Ting, who increasingly felt that Prefect He was treacherous and harbored ulterior motives.
But if this matter were investigated, it would not look good for either of them. Moreover, Prefect He was her direct superior, and if she offended him rashly, she didn't know how he would treat her.
Zhang Ting lowered his eyelids and vehemently denied her words: "What wine? This humble official and Lord He did not drink a single drop of wine at the banquet. Are you mistaken?"
Prefect He was slightly taken aback, then quickly realized what he meant and echoed, "Yes, yes, I misremembered. I did drink with others last night. Ah, I'm getting old, my memory is getting worse and worse." Why was Zhang Ting refusing to admit to drinking yesterday? Could it be that she really got into trouble? She was too proud to admit it!
Prefect He was terrified. Had she truly become the sinner who would cause the Zhang family line to end? Could adopting a daughter atone for her mistake? She didn't want to be besieged by the Fifth Princess's faction!
She rushed over, her legs trembling, and grabbed Zhang Ting's hand, clinging to a last glimmer of hope. With a pained expression, she choked out, "Lord Zhang, please have mercy and spare my life. I have many daughters, you can choose any one you like, even... even Ying'er, I'd be willing." Her eyes were filled with expectation.
He likes her daughter? He actually wants to make a move on both her and her daughter? Zhang Ting felt a surge of disgust. He forced back his nausea, pushed her hand away, and forced a smile. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord He, but I am not worthy of it. I have to go to my post, and I will miss the appointed time if I stay any longer."
Prefect He stood there stunned. But Zhang Ting was willing to have no descendants, even if they were stepchildren?
Seeing that the other party's reaction didn't seem like he hated her so much he wanted to tear her to pieces, she cautiously probed, "Lord Zhang, have you been sending letters to the capital lately?" For example, accusing her of bad things to the Fifth Princess.
For the first time, Zhang Ting didn't even bother to pretend anymore. He said coldly and firmly, "Is it to write to my mentor? Does Lord He even need to concern himself with my family affairs?"
"No, no, no." Prefect He quickly shook his head. Faced with her coldness and rudeness, he was not angry at all. Instead, he felt a surge of joy. As long as she didn't complain.
Zhang Ting turned his back to her and said, "Then this humble official will set off now. Goodbye, Lord He!" Sooner or later, he would knock this pervert off his position as prefect and make her pay for all the humiliation she suffered today.
Her toughness and coldness were nothing more than a fig leaf of stubbornness in Prefect He's eyes. Prefect He shook his head, a rare sense of guilt rising in his heart. What a powerful and capable woman she was, so young and already failing.
I don't dare tell anyone yet. Sigh!
Prefect He watched her leave with pity in his eyes, and it took him several moments to dispel the guilt in his heart.
She turned around and headed back home. Didn't she still have nine beautiful and alluring women left behind yesterday? Today, she was going to enjoy them one by one!
...
Inside the carriage, Zong Suyi was fiddling with the rattle drum, windmill, and bells she had bought for Xiaoguai when she saw Zhang Ting approach with a gloomy face. Zhang Ting even mocked her, "Oh, who's this big dark-faced guy? It's our gentle and refined Lord Zhang. I wonder which scoundrel has angered you?"
Zhang Ting plopped down next to him, bent her legs and leaned against the car wall. "It's nothing." She glanced at him briefly before looking away.
Zong Suyi moved closer to her, picked up a rattle drum and shook it, and said in a soft, coquettish voice, "Tell me, maybe this servant can share the burden for my wife." His words were sincere and frank, but his eyes were full of mockery.
Zhang Ting twitched the corner of her mouth. This is what you asked to hear. She bent down and placed her hand on his stomach, stroking it gently. She said calmly, "The person who just came was Prefect He. She asked me if I slept well last night."
Unable to feel any movement, she simply buried her face in his stomach to listen. But there was still no sound. Of course, the baby was still small.
Zong Suyi casually placed her hand on her head, her clear eyes filled with doubt.
What's the meaning?
Zhang Ting continued, "Last night, she called nine dancers to serve wine, and that's when I picked up the smell of perfume on my clothes." She paused, "The reason I lost my composure last night was because the drinks she prepared at the banquet were for entertainment."
As for the pervert's true purpose, she would never tell Zong Suyi.
After saying that, Zhang Ting tried to straighten up, but Zong Suyi's hand pressed down on her head, so strong that she couldn't get up.
At this moment, Zong Suyi was already furious. How dare this shameless scoundrel lead his wife astray! A fire was burning in his heart, ready to explode at any moment.
Zhang Ting licked her lips, crawled out from under his palm, and sighed innocently and helplessly, "My lord, last night I... I really had no choice. If I had returned even a step later, perhaps... alas!"
Zong Suyi understood her, rushed over and hugged her tightly, a look of relief on his face. If his wife had returned even a moment later, she would have been devoured alive by those nine little vixens!
He patted Zhang Ting's back to comfort her, "Fortunately, my wife is smart and returned early. There's still... me at home." Her face flushed, and she pouted, "Things and men outside aren't clean. You have to be very careful when you go out to socialize in the future."
Zhang Tingshen agreed, secretly adding: "Women outside might also be perverts."
"If you accidentally fall into a trap, then hurry back." Zong Suyi's originally fair face turned rosy, and she shyly buried herself in her arms. "Although you were a bit fierce last night, I... could still handle it."
Zhang Ting, holding him close, thought to herself, spoiling the mood: She's not a beast; she wouldn't do anything indecent to a pregnant man. In short, this kind of thing will never happen again.
After this conversation, Zong Suyi liked her even more. He didn't blame her for making him feel unwell. He spent his days serving her tea and water, fanning her, and massaging her, taking good care of her.
During this period, Zhang Ting truly felt the enthusiasm of her young husband.
That day, they had traveled halfway through their journey. In the carriage, Zhang Ting rested his head on Zong Suyi's lap, receiving a gentle massage from him. He closed his eyes comfortably and gradually drifted off to sleep.
Half-asleep, she suddenly heard him ask, "My lady, we've arrived in Luchuan County. Why don't you take me to kowtow to my father and mother?"
What father and mother? Weren't Zong Suyi's parents buried in Kyoto? Zhang Ting was momentarily dumbfounded.
After a long silence, she finally realized that he was referring to the original owner's parents.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. I should have taken you to pay your respects long ago. Their spirits in heaven would surely be very happy to see you and our little one,” Zhang Ting said, her eyes still closed and her head resting on his lap.
When Zong Suyi heard that she had this idea for a long time, he was overjoyed. He clapped his hands and said casually, "My wife rarely mentions the two elders. We have been married for many years and I only know that my mother's name is Zhang Qiu. As for anything else, I know nothing."
He nudged Zhang Ting's shoulder and gave her a reproachful look. "You too, ugly husband has to meet his parents sooner or later. You don't talk much about their preferences, and you're stingy with your childhood stories. I had to hastily buy some incense and paper money in the city."
Zhang Ting said calmly, "The two elders didn't have many hobbies, and since they've been gone for so long, I can't remember many things. You've prepared very well; they'll be very happy to see you."
Although her expression and tone were normal, Zong Suyi still felt that Zhang Ting was acting strangely. He thought she was thinking about the sad things that had happened to her relatives. He took her hand and said, "My wife, don't be sad. Although our parents passed away early, they must be very happy to see you achieve success and return home in glory."
Zhang Ting opened her eyes, sat up, and smiled at him, "Why am I sad? It's been so many years."
"They should be happy to have such a virtuous husband like you."
Zong Suyi smiled again, giving her a playful glare, "You're making fun of me again." Her voice was sweet and reproachful.
Zhang Ting lowered her head and smiled, but there was a hint of indifference in her smile.
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