Jiangnan.
"Father, there's nothing wrong with Jiangnan. I actually find it more comfortable than the capital." Zhong Min looked at the picturesque scenery before him with a languid expression.
When he first arrived in Jiangnan, he and his father were depressed and drank frequently, showing no interest in anything there.
Now, as time goes by, I've become more open-minded and feel that having money and leisurely days is the best thing.
“Yes, His Majesty is merciful. He only allowed me to leave the capital to retire, and he didn’t shortchange us on our money. Now, I only have one wish left.” Zhong Wuyi took a deep breath of fresh air. “When will you get married so that you can give me a grandson and a granddaughter?”
"Father, these things can't be forced."
Zhong Min was quite open-minded, saying, "If one day I find a woman I like, I will definitely ask Father to speak on my behalf."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Wu also burst into laughter. The father and son exchanged a glance, and everything was understood without being said.
Meanwhile, in another teahouse in Jiangnan at the same time.
"Come on, let's congratulate this heroine on finally solving the case of human trafficking in Dayu after so many years."
Everyone in the private room stood up. The woman who had offered her congratulations now had a more chivalrous air about her, and she had completely transformed from before.
“This is indeed something to celebrate.” Zhong Qi’er raised her glass. “However, I have to thank several people for their help in taking down this largest human trafficking gang, especially Uncle Zhu, who really helped me a lot this time.”
"And Brother Chang Ke, Uncle Zhu, remember to write a letter to General Chang Qing and tell him how much merit Brother Chang Ke has made."
Zhu Yao chuckled upon hearing this, "Ahui is right. This time, we should write a proper letter to Chang Ke to ask for credit."
"What about me? What about me?" Zhu Cheng couldn't help but ask. Zhu Yao glanced at Zhu Cheng from the side, and Zhu Cheng immediately deflated like a punctured balloon. "Father, I also contributed to this matter."
Zhu Cheng was practically in tears.
Because his father pleaded for him, he voluntarily resigned from his position as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. The emperor then issued a secret decree ordering the father and son to travel incognito to investigate the wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice within the territory of Dayu.
They even sent Chang Ke, who had just passed the imperial examination, to accompany and protect the father and son.
Now, several years have passed, and hundreds, if not a thousand, of cases have been solved. His past crimes can probably be offset by his good deeds.
"Zhu Cheng, tell me what you did?"
When facing others, Zhong Qi'er is the chivalrous A Hui, but when facing Zhu Cheng, she can't help but become the eldest daughter of the Zhong family in the capital.
"If it weren't for me, would you have been able to successfully infiltrate that group's hideout?"
“Oh—” Zhong Qi’er deliberately drew out her tone, “Indeed, if it weren’t for that female leader taking a fancy to your appearance, and you sacrificing yourself to scout the way for us, we really wouldn’t have been able to enter the lair smoothly. Uncle Zhu, let’s also commend Zhu Cheng.”
Upon hearing Zhong Qi'er's words, Zhu Cheng finally smoothed down the long hair that had stood on end all over his body.
Chang Ke smirked, "Zhu Cheng, that female leader is absolutely stunning. You told me about that night you spent with her..."
"Chang Ke! Don't ruin my reputation!"
Upon hearing Chang Ke's words, Zhu Cheng immediately jumped up from his chair, his eyes darting back and forth towards Zhong Qi'er. Oh no, Qi'er might have misunderstood too.
"How did I ruin your reputation? This is just a reasonable guess."
“I went to her place with her at the time, but we just drank and admired the moon that night. I told her we should find a good day to get married.”
"You two are actually talking about marriage!" Chang Ke's words made Zhu Cheng feel like he was making things worse, so he simply took another big gulp of wine.
"Qi'er, do you believe me?" Zhu Cheng asked, sounding aggrieved.
Zhong Qi'er paused, her hand still touching the wine glass. "Why are you asking me these questions? Whether I believe you or not is not important."
"How could it not be important! Zhong Qi'er, you have to believe me."
The air seemed to freeze instantly. Zhong Qi'er didn't blush, but Zhu Cheng did.
......
After finishing their meal, the group chatted and laughed as they walked down the street. Just then, Zhong Wuyi and his son Zhong Min were also heading back to their residence.
Suddenly, as if he had seen something, Zhong Wuyi grabbed Zhong Min's hand so tightly that Zhong Min winced in pain. "Father, what's wrong?"
“Look…doesn’t that one over there look like Qi’er?” Zhong Wuyi’s voice trembled. “There are a few others too, don’t they look like Zhu Yao, Zhu Cheng, and Chang Ke?”
Upon hearing this, Zhong Min looked over in disbelief and froze on the ground.
"Father, it really does seem to be Qi'er..."
"Qi'er... Qi'er..."
Zhong Wuyi jogged after Zhong Qier and her group. When Zhong Qier heard the familiar voice, she couldn't help but quicken her pace, but Zhong Wuyi still caught up with her.
"Is that you, Qi'er?"
“You’ve mistaken me for someone else. My name is A-Hui.” Zhong Qi’er said expressionlessly, her appearance stinging Zhong Wuyi and Zhong Min.
“How could I admit my mistake?” Zhong Wuyi became emotional. “Lord Zhu, Young Master Zhu, and Young Master Chang, you can all vouch for me. This is Qi’er.”
"My lord, you have mistaken me for someone else."
Zhu Yao stood in front of Zhong Qi'er, "I am not Lord Zhu. This young lady is not the Qi'er you are talking about. Her name is A Hui, and she is a chivalrous woman who is very popular among the people."
"Are you the chivalrous A-Hui?"
Zhong Wuyi couldn't help but take a few steps back. He had heard of this name before; it had rescued many abducted women.
"Yes, my name is Ahui."
Watching the group leave, Zhong Wuyi was so shaken that he could barely stand. Zhong Min quickly helped him up, saying, "Father, that's Qi'er. Qi'er isn't dead."
Qi'er has a mole on her eyebrow, and Ahui had a mole in the same spot just now.
“But she doesn’t want to acknowledge us anymore.” Two lines of tears welled up in Zhong Wuyi’s eyes. “Well, it’s understandable that she doesn’t acknowledge us. Knowing that she’s not dead is already a great blessing.”
“Yes, Dad, let’s go home and have a couple of drinks to celebrate that Qi’er has solved such a big case.”
......
"Are you alright?" Zhu Cheng walked awkwardly to Zhong Qi'er's side and asked softly.
"What could possibly happen to me? I was never Qi'er to begin with."
Zhong Qi'er stretched her limbs calmly, "Besides, with you all by my side, I'm living a very comfortable life now."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Cheng grinned, "That's right, with us by your side, don't worry, you won't be lonely."
"Now that you've solved this case, why don't you join us to solve more cases? With the four of us together, there's definitely no case we can't solve."
Zhong Qi'er pondered for a moment, while Zhu Cheng and the others grew a little nervous.
A few soft laughs rang out, and Zhong Qi'er smiled:
"Okay, let's solve more cases together."
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