Chapter 137 begins with his selfish motives.
The back wing is Guanwu Courtyard.
The sun was setting in the west, and the ground was covered with scorching sun. Strands of golden light playfully sneaked into the stained glass window, climbed over the window sill, and spread over the bed in the inner room.
When Wen Yu woke from her afternoon nap, she felt a bit hazy. She stared at the curtains overhead, blowing on them idly. The spring sun shone on the swaying curtains, scattering gilded light all over the floor.
Wen Yu stretched out his hands to catch the endless stream of brilliant light, as if diving into a palace in the sky, where the eaves were connected and the air was shrouded in fairy mist, which was visible but untouchable.
She hadn't seen Song Linsheng for several days.
From that day on, Song Linsheng went out early and came back late every day, and no one knew what he was busy with.
It seemed... as if he was deliberately avoiding her. It was so obvious, with almost no hesitation. Even if she was a wooden person, she could see it.
Wen Yu sighed unconsciously and tossed and turned on the couch. Without her by his side, would Song Linsheng be okay?
These days, whenever she wanted to look for Song Linsheng, Xiyan would find various excuses to stop her.
Sometimes it said that the young master went to the government office to handle official business, and sometimes it said that the young master went to visit his neighbors, but there was never a time when it said that the young master returned home.
Why does Xiyan seem to be deliberately trying to stop her with words?
The more Wen Yu thought about it, the more restless she became, and her heart couldn't calm down at all.
She bit the quilt angrily and rolled around on the bed. She used to like this quilt very much, but after lying on it for several days in a row, no matter how much she loved it, she was now a little tired of it.
Wen Yu rolled up from the couch.
No! Even if this room was made of gold, she didn't want to stay here anymore. She had to go find Song Linsheng today.
If Xiyan tried to stop her again, she would find a sack, put Xiyan in it and throw it into the woodshed.
Wen Yu's eyes rolled and she thought it was feasible. In an instant, a gleam of light appeared in her eyes, and even the smile on her lips was tinged with cunning.
That’s what we do!
Wen Yu raised her hand and opened the curtain on the couch, then jumped down. Wearing only her inner garment, she walked forward. The clothes hanging on one side moved without wind and flew towards Wen Yu one by one.
She raised her hand and took a step, effortlessly getting dressed. As she passed the bronze mirror, Wen Yu snapped her fingers, and the Ming Kun sword that Lord Mu had given her earlier flew out and landed steadily in her hair.
Wen Yu turned left and right, looking at herself in the mirror, just to see Ming Kun more clearly.
The base is made of clusters of turquoise, dotted with lush branches and leaves, and the chicken-fat yellow jadeite supported on it is clustered together, forming the shape of a flower.
Exquisite, vivid and colorful, it is really a beautiful yellow flower riding on the green waves.
Ever since she got Mingkun, she wished she could have him around every day. Wen Yu's satisfaction was beyond words. She then put on her shoes and socks and hurried out the door.
In just a moment, Wen Yu emerged from behind the screen embroidered with green and luxuriant trees, already dressed neatly and with a beautiful figure.
It’s just that… the slippers and socks are a bit casual…
Wen Yu didn't care at all, skipped through the inner room, and pushed open the door.
The sky was filled with clouds, and the crimson glow gradually dyed it, casting a warm barrier on the skylights on all four sides of Guanwu Courtyard.
The branches of the green wutong tree in the courtyard are just beginning to sprout and are growing well. The branches spreading out on the tree are tall and majestic like a canopy, and the people standing tall under the tree are graceful and elegant.
At this moment, he was rolling up his sleeves, fiddling with something.
Wen Yu paused, then hung on the threshold. "Song Linsheng?"
She felt depressed, not knowing whether she was surprised, happy, or a mixture of both. Unexpectedly, just as she was about to go out to look for him, Song Linsheng was standing under the green wutong tree in the courtyard.
"Xiao Yu—" Song Linsheng responded and turned around. As he turned around, the moon-white hairband brushed against the tip of his nose. He raised his hand to push it away, revealing half of his white forearm.
"Hmm?" Wen Yu responded sullenly, her almond-shaped eyes, washed by spring water, full of doubts.
Since that day, Song Linsheng has been very busy, but how come today... how come he has some free time.
Song Linsheng had already seen through Wen Yu's little thoughts but never said anything.
Song Linsheng's flawless face was covered in a thin layer of sweat from his busy life. He raised his hand and wiped it away without a care in the world. Then he waved to Wen Yu, "Xiaoyu, come here quickly——"
Before Wen Yu could come to her senses, her feet had already started moving. She could never refuse Song Linsheng's words.
As she walked, she glanced around Song Linsheng.
Beneath the tree stood a square table, on which were placed jade pots, wine cups, and various snacks. Beside it stood another square table, on which was burning a copper stove, with half a basket of silver-bearded charcoal leaning against it.
These objects were things she had seen before, but the two vertical ones hanging down behind Song Linsheng... what were they?
Wen Yu approached hesitantly, her curiosity about new things prompting her to lean over and look behind Song Linsheng.
The moment Song Linsheng saw Wen Yu, he instantly felt the vastness of the world and the loveliness of all things. He pursed his lips and smiled softly, then turned and glanced at Wen Yu.
"Would you like to give it a try?" Song Linsheng leaned forward to be level with Wen Yu, their eyes meeting.
Wen Yu hadn't reacted just now, but when she suddenly looked into Song Linsheng's clear eyes, her heart skipped a beat.
The familiar churning of emotions from that day came flooding back to her mind. In the stillness, there was nothing she could say, but she felt an inexplicable dryness in her mouth.
It must be that she didn’t drink water during her nap, yes, it must be that.
Wen Yu turned her head away from Song Linsheng, stepped around him, and stared at the rope intently. "What is this?"
Seeing Wen Yu walking around him, Song Linsheng slowly stood up. He raised his eyebrows slightly without a trace of impatience, nor did he feel embarrassed because of Wen Yu's dodge.
On the contrary, an inexplicable smile spread across his cheeks. Song Linsheng pursed his lips and turned around to answer Wen Yu's questions. "Swing, want to try it?"
Song Linsheng held the two ropes tied to the branches of the green phoenix tree and motioned Wen Yu to sit down.
Wen Yu frowned slightly, and repeatedly pondered the two words in her mind, swing?
The two ropes running from top to bottom were connected by a red-painted wooden plank, covered with a plush blanket. Wen Yu reached out and touched it; it was soft, thick, and tight.
Under Song Linsheng's expectant eyes, Wen Yu moved over quietly and sat down, looking up at Song Linsheng who was standing behind her.
"Like this?" This is no different from the soft bench in the inner room, except that it is slightly wider, enough to accommodate two people sitting together.
Song Linsheng looked at Wen Yu's raised nose, which was as white as jade with a hint of red. The bun hanging on her side swayed slightly with her movements, which was very playful.
"Wait a moment, Xiaoyu."
He leaned over, gently holding Wen Yu's sleeves with his hands, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world, and guided Wen Yu's hands to the two ends of the rope.
"Hold this."
Wen Yu nodded obediently. The part of the rope close to her side was wrapped with brocade, so even if she grabbed it directly, she would not feel any prickles.
After Wen Yu's hands were in place, Song Linsheng grabbed the top and tugged to make sure the swing was secure. Then he leaned over to Wen Yu's ear and asked softly, "Xiao Yu, are you sitting firmly?"
The breeze mingled with Song Linsheng's voice, and the scorching heat of the air gushed straight into her ears. Wen Yu shrank her neck, and the rising hair brushed against her neck. The familiar feeling of that day flooded back into her heart, and even the scene at that time was vivid.
Wen Yu's eyelashes trembled, and she quickly lowered her head to stare at her knees, not daring to look at Song Linsheng again, "Hmm, hmm..."
Song Linsheng chuckled and straightened up, flipping his wrist and exerting force, causing the swing on which Wen Yu was sitting to sway back and forth.
Wen Yu's body moved with the swing, and the hem of her skirt fluttered and folded.
She was stunned at first, then turned from surprise to joy. She held the rope tightly with both hands and stretched her toes higher and higher.
Every time Song Linsheng pushed her, she swung forward. Wen Yu's eyes lit up. This was more fun than flying in the clouds!
She didn't have to exert any effort or worry, she just had to sit there and relax.
Mortal things are really interesting. When she returns to the East Heaven, she will build a swing in the Spring Temple as well...
Wen Yu thought for a moment and decided to put it on her original body.
"Higher! Song Linsheng, higher!" Wen Yu muttered.
Song Linsheng, who was standing behind her, had a smile on his face. Seeing that she was having a great time, he swung higher and higher with her.
For a moment, all the thoughts in Wen Yu's mind disappeared, leaving only the joy of playing.
Her braids were flying in front of her, and her long hair was scattered behind her, moving in the wind. Every time it swung back, it would climb up Song Linsheng's cheek, bringing out a sense of itch.
The scent of jasmine filled his nose, and Song Linsheng smiled faintly without saying a word.
Suddenly, Wen Yu thought of something.
She lowered her feet, stopped the swing, stood up and moved to the side, making half a space.
Wen Yu patted the cushion with her hand, then gestured to Song Linsheng, "This is fun! Song Linsheng, do you want to try it too?"
When Song Linsheng saw Wen Yu stop, he thought she was feeling unwell and that she was not happy. Now he was leaning forward and staring at Wen Yu intently.
But he never thought that Xiaoyu wanted to invite him to play together.
Song Linsheng had a smile on his face, which he could hardly hide.
When Xiaoyu comes across something new and interesting, she will smile and ask him to go with her.
This feeling is really indescribable.
Of course he knew swings were fun, otherwise he wouldn't have built one for Xiaoyu in the yard. When he was little, his brother often took him to play on the swings and slingshots, fearing that he would only study and become bored.
But when faced with Xiaoyu's invitation, Song Linsheng completely forgot about it, as if he was seeing a swing for the first time.
He lifted his robe and moved to sit beside Wen Yu.
The swing is very spacious, and it doesn't look cramped even for him and Xiaoyu to sit on it.
Song Linsheng gently swung his legs, causing the swing to swing back and forth. The swing wasn't as large as before, but swayed gently, giving it a sense of leisure.
"Xiaoyu, you took a nap today. Did you sleep well?" Song Linsheng asked, turning sideways and looking at Wenyu with his head down.
He heard from Xiyan that Xiaoyu hadn't been enjoying her meals or sleeping well these past few days. Even when Xiyan came to give Xiaoyu a book as promised, she turned her away.
Only Ah Zhu shook his head and said that he would tell Xi Yan what his wife said.
Reading, reading, who has the heart to read?
When he returned from washing the inkstone, he shrugged and said helplessly, "It's you, sir, whom I want to read, not those old books."
"You keep asking me to stop Madam Wen. If this continues, I won't even be allowed to step foot inside Guanwu Courtyard, let alone deliver gifts."
Thinking of this, Song Linsheng couldn't help but shake his head.
Wen Yu rubbed her eyes, only then did she feel the pain in her waist and back. She had rarely gone out these days, staying indoors every day. Although she looked like she was resting, how could she sleep?
Even so, Wen Yu was unwilling to tell the truth. She stiffened her neck and replied in a relaxed manner, "Okay, of course, very good."
Song Linsheng's eyes flickered and he chuckled. Xiaoyu's thoughts were clearly written on her face, so how could she hide them from him?
But he naturally wouldn't be stupid enough to expose it.
Wen Yu glanced at Song Linsheng from the corner of her eye, not knowing what he was laughing at. She reached out and touched the tip of her nose. For some reason, she felt like she had been met with disappointment.
"Ahem." Wen Yu cleared her throat. She swung on the swing and looked away, not even glancing at Song Linsheng.
"What about you? What have you been busy with these days?"
She rolled up the fabric of the sleeves and played with it between her fingertips, pretending to open it casually.
No one answered.
Wen Yu lowered her eyelids, her eyes flickering. Why didn't he reply? She waited again and again, but still couldn't get a response from Song Linsheng.
After struggling for a moment, Wen Yu looked up at Song Linsheng lying on his side.
Song Linsheng had a smile on his face, and no one knew what he was thinking.
Wen Yu couldn't help but raise her hand and poke him on the arm.
Song Linsheng let Xiaoyu poke him without dodging. He was not absent-minded, but just thinking about something. It was true that he had been busy with work these days, and it was also true that he didn't know how to face Xiaoyu.
But as soon as he figured it out, he hurried to find Xiaoyu, and... he could even hear Xiaoyu asking about his whereabouts.
Is this... also a lack of tacit understanding?
Just when Wen Yu thought that Song Linsheng was going to remain silent, his soft yet clear voice rang in her ears.
"The government office has been very busy these days. Cheng Lianye has been executed, and Lord Jia's case is almost over. All the confessions and evidence are available, and the court's approval has also come down." Song Linsheng explained his actions in detail without hiding anything.
Wen Yu lowered his eyes and thought for a moment, then raised his head again and asked, "How will we deal with Master Jia?"
This matter of Lord Jia spanned more than ten years and involved a wide range of people. Moreover, he had made great contributions in the past, so I don’t know what the outcome will be.
Song Linsheng stopped smiling, a trace of worry etched across his brows. "My merits and demerits will be offset, and I will be exiled back home."
It was because Lord Jia's case was related to a bandit case many years ago that he petitioned the court for a review. However, the court's reply omitted his previously drafted plan and replaced it with these eight words.
"Offsetting merits and demerits, will he be exiled back home?" Wen Yu was also full of doubts. She couldn't help but repeat Song Linsheng's words, pondering them secretly in her heart.
Doesn’t this correspond exactly to the official document in which Lord Jia resigned and returned home, fulfilling his wish?
"It's true that Lord Jia has made contributions to the court, but it's also true that he concealed the truth and allowed others to harm his colleagues!" Wen Yu's eyebrows were raised, and his eyes were full of surprise.
"How can it be exile returning home?" Although Wen Yu did not understand the laws of the world, he still felt that returning home was too easy.
Song Linsheng shook his head helplessly. He had not yet figured this out.
After all, although there were no casualties at the Houtu Temple, Cheng Lian went to Jiangyang to cause chaos because of Lord Jia, and later held Xiaoyu hostage in order to confront Lord Jia face to face.
What's worse is that Chen Mian was involved in this disaster for no reason. If this case is concluded tomorrow, he really doesn't know how to explain to Chen Mian.
Could it be that the reason why Lord Jia was willing to confess everything was because he had a backup plan in the court, so he was given a lighter sentence?
But as soon as this thought came to mind, Song Linsheng quickly shook his head, nipping it in the bud.
The Da Zheng government governs the country according to law and has strict laws and regulations. How could there be people who abuse their power for personal gain and bend the law? Even if there were, they would not be so rampant as to cause chaos under the feet of the emperor.
"The court may have its own considerations..." Song Linsheng pondered, but he didn't know what the reason was.
Wen Yu pursed her lips and said nothing. She always felt that something was confusing.
If this matter ends with Lord Jia resigning and returning home, then how should we account for the pain of separation between life and death suffered by Chen Mian and... He Zhibai?
"When will this case be closed?" Wen Yu asked indignantly.
Song Linsheng raised his hand to free the sleeves that were balled up between Wen Yu's fingers, and smoothed them out for her one by one.
"Master Mu and I have finished sorting out the case files these past few days. We will officially close the case tomorrow and send Master Jia and Jia Ren out of the city and have them escorted back home."
Originally, I should have gone to the mansion with Xiaoyu these days. After all, Xiaoyu has been investigating this matter for a long time, and it is her turn to close the case.
But since that day... since that day, he has not yet sorted out his thoughts and dared not come to see Xiaoyu.
What's more, Xiaoyu has not had a good rest in the past few days. She was kidnapped and fell into the Yuan River. Xiaoyu has been through a lot. It would be better for her to recuperate and recover her strength at home.
"Xiaoyu, would you like to go out of the city with me tomorrow?" Song Linsheng asked softly.
This way, there is a conclusion.
Wen Yu frowned and looked at Song Linsheng, then nodded reluctantly in agreement.
The human world has its own rules, just like the heaven has its own rules.
Although she was not very satisfied, she could not interfere. Since Song Linsheng did not say anything, it seemed reasonable for her to deal with it this way.
Wen Yu hung his head in frustration. "Alas, it seems there's nothing good about the human world. Mortals may have short lives, but they have many worries."
When dealing with things, we also have to consider many consequences.
If this happened between these spirits, the winner would naturally be determined by the level of their cultivation and the strength of their skills.
The strong need not speak much, and the weak have nothing to say.
No, if you put it that way, Chen Mian is a weak person, but there must be someone to uphold justice for him.
Wen Yu shook her head, her chaotic thoughts mixed up in a mess that she couldn't sort out. She was speechless for a moment, and even the energy of swinging on the swing weakened.
Seeing that she looked listless, Song Linsheng was afraid that she would feel bored, so he took the initiative to talk about what had happened in the past few days.
"I also went with Uncle Song to order some fabric and have a few sets of clothes made for the little girl from Chen Mian's family. They'll be ready to wear when the baby is one month old."
Song Linsheng seems to like children very much. He did so with Ayuan and Azhu before, and now he does so with Chen Mian's child.
"That child is chubby and cute. I heard her name is Zhizhi. Is that Chen Zhizhi?"
Song Linsheng recalled that the name seemed simple, but the meaning behind it was very profound, making it difficult to forget once you heard it.
But Song Linsheng didn't know that his ordinary words sounded like a spring thunder to Wen Yu's ears, which frightened her greatly.
"You went to Chen Mian's house?" Wen Yu suddenly turned sideways. Her movement was too big, and she unconsciously lifted the braid in front of her body and stuck it to the front of Song Linsheng's clothes.
Wouldn't Song Linsheng find out that Zhibai was not at home? If he asked her about it, how would she explain it?
Wen Yu's heart tightened, and she had completely forgotten about Lord Jia's matter.
Zhibai and Chen Mian seemed to be some kind of unspeakable taboo. Whenever Song Linsheng mentioned it, she would become extremely alert.
Song Linsheng was stunned, as if he had not expected Wen Yu to have such a big reaction. When he came to his senses, he first reached out to remove Wen Yu's braid from the front of her clothes and smoothed it down for her.
"No...it just takes time to decide on the material and make the clothes..." There are still more than ten days before the full moon, which is just enough time for the construction.
Wen Yu heaved a sigh of relief when she heard this. If the clothes hadn't been decided yet, then that meant she hadn't been there yet...
She was paranoid.
Indeed, whether human or demon, one should act with composure and integrity, looking up to heaven and looking down to earth without shame. Because once a secret is held, one will constantly worry about it being exposed to the world, and those who hold secrets will never be at peace.
"I thought, once the clothes are made, you and I can go and deliver them to Chen Mian." Song Linsheng didn't realize it and whispered to Wen Yu, "Because everything was so complicated earlier, I guess Chen Mian and Lady Zhibai haven't had time to prepare yet."
Wen Yu breathed a sigh of relief. Chen Mian still had time to prepare, but Zhi Bai had no chance of preparing...
She couldn't help feeling melancholy, but she couldn't say these words to Song Linsheng yet.
Seeing Wen Yu quiet down, Song Linsheng thought she was tired of talking and stopped talking, so he stopped pursuing her.
The courtyard is filled with bright rays of light and the sky is filled with clouds.
Song Linsheng looked into the distance and it seemed that he had not seen such good weather for a long time.
Maybe I don't have that much free time, or maybe...
Song Linsheng lowered his head and glanced at Wen Yu beside him, or perhaps, there was no one observing the sky with him.
But, whether it’s free time or a shared interest, we have it now, don’t we?
Speaking of Chen Mian, Song Linsheng couldn't help but think of the incident that Chen Mian had told him.
Song Linsheng half-closed his eyes and concentrated on thinking.
These days, he always thinks of what Chen Mian said -
Zhibai is a demon, but she is also my wife.
Zhi Bai Niangzi is a demon... Does Xiaoyu know about this?
But even if Zhi Bai Niangzi is a demon, Chen Mian is not afraid at all. This is because love can withstand all difficulties and true love is not afraid of thousands of dangers.
Song Linsheng smiled slightly and closed his eyes.
If you can get true love, what does it matter whether you are a human or a demon?
Occasionally a breeze would blow, lifting the hair at his temples, but it could not disturb his determination.
At some point, the swing stopped swinging.
Wen Yu on the side lowered her head and stared at her toes. She was just a little tree demon who had just begun to gain intelligence and had practiced for a hundred years. She didn't understand any big principles.
Zhibai, whose cultivation level is a hundred years higher than hers, is still trapped by love. In order to save the one he loves, he is willing to lose all his cultivation level and return to his original form. Is this really worth it?
Master once said that it is easy to get rid of the calamity of life, but it is difficult to get rid of the calamity of love.
If goblins and ghosts want to ascend to heaven in the right way, they cannot avoid the tribulation of love.
Could it be that one day, she will also have her own emotional tribulation to overcome?
But didn’t Master also say that everyone has their own ferry crossing and their own boat home?
The world is vast, the sun and the moon change, why don't you let the demons and ghosts practice on their own, and go to heaven based on their own abilities, without judging the victory or failure based on emotional tribulations?
Is it true that one really has to pin one's ascension on the so-called emotional tribulation? What's the difference between that and pinning one's hopes on others?
She didn't want to argue whether Zhibai was worth it or not, she just felt that the price was too high.
Zhibai cultivated for a thousand years, but in one day, his cultivation was wasted, his power lost, and he was instantly transformed back to his original form. Although he had his master's Three Lights Divine Water, he didn't know when he would be able to bring back a living being again...
Wen Yu sighed in her heart. When she thought of Zhibai's matter, she couldn't help feeling regretful.
Forget it, Wen Yu shook her head gently and stopped worrying about it.
There are thousands of ways in the world, and everyone has his own way.
She has her own righteous way, and Zhibai has her own way of love.
No distinction between high and low, no question of worth.
Just move forward toward where your heart is.
Wen Yu, completely relieved, finally felt relaxed.
She looked up at the sky full of rosy clouds, and looked down to see the ground covered with gold. There were lush green phoenix trees overhead and a swing swinging below her.
At this moment, it's good.
"Song Linsheng--" Wen Yu turned sideways. With such a beautiful scene, it was natural to invite Song Linsheng to enjoy it together.
But as soon as she turned around, she stopped talking.
Song Linsheng's eyes were tightly closed, his crow-feather-like eyelashes casting a small shadow underneath. The crimson glow of the sunset illuminated his jade-like face, making his beautiful eyebrows and eyes appear like jade carvings or stone carvings.
Wen Yu didn't dare to move. She was so lost in thought that she didn't even realize when Song Linsheng leaned on her shoulder, and even fell asleep.
She remained silent, not wanting to wake Song Linsheng.
Although Song Linsheng might have really wanted to avoid her a few days ago, she had to admit that there were too many matters in the government office that needed Song Linsheng to handle.
Not to mention the time and effort that Lord Jia put into this matter, even the complicated little things in daily life are too numerous to mention.
Now that the government office is short of staff, Song Linsheng has to review and decide on every matter, no matter how big or small, including a fellow villager who lost his cow today and a field ridge that lacks water tomorrow. It is really too trivial.
Even the gods in heaven have their own areas and are in charge of a certain area, just like her master is in charge of spring, and the god Ruku is in charge of autumn harvest.
Wen Yu stopped and let the swing stop completely.
She looked at Song Linsheng who was soundly asleep and whispered, "Have a good sleep, Song Linsheng."
The next day, outside Jiangyang City.
The carriage from the Song residence slowly drove out of the city. The sound of the wheels rolling over the stone slabs could not break Wen Yu's hazy sleepiness.
Song Linsheng chuckled as he watched, but did not call out to Wen Yu. Instead, he poured a cup of warm tea for Wen Yu to clear her mouth on the small table beside him.
A "whoosh" sound was heard, and Xiyan suddenly pulled the reins, forcing the horse to stop.
The sound of the horse's hooves rising and then landing heavily on the stone road passed through the curtains and immediately woke Wen Yu up.
"Huh? What's going on?" Wen Yu suddenly woke up, her almond-shaped eyes full of confusion, "Washing the inkstone——"
Her dream was filled with the aroma of mutton and sashimi that she and Song Linsheng had cooked in the copper stove in the yard last night. When the horse was startled, the aroma dissipated and the taste was gone!
In addition, she had dinner with Song Linsheng, Xiyan, Azhu, and Abai last night. She ate very happily and ate more than she had eaten in the past few days. Afterwards, she played for a long time and it was late. She didn't get enough sleep in the first place.
Before Xiyan could answer, Wenyu called out again, "Xiyan, what are you doing? How are you driving the carriage?"
Xiyan's voice complained from outside the curtain, "Madam Wen, it's not that I don't know how to drive. Come out and see, the road is full of people on both sides, and the horses dare not move forward."
Wen Yu was speechless when she heard this and muttered softly, "You can't stop so quickly, it might hit your young master, let's see what you can do!"
Xiyan was outside begging for mercy, echoing Wenyu.
He knew that Madam Wen was not really angry, but was just teasing him, so he simply confronted her and neither of them was willing to say a word.
Song Linsheng inside smiled without saying anything, ignoring their argument. He just raised his hand and handed the dried teacup to Wen Yu.
Wen Yu took it over. It was clearly a teacup, but she raised it to Song Linsheng, as if to drink it all, and then drank it all in one gulp.
In an instant, the aroma of tea filled the air between her lips and teeth, and Wen Yu finally regained some consciousness.
There was tea in her mouth, and she looked like a kitten with puffy cheeks. When Song Linsheng saw her, he couldn't help laughing.
It wouldn't be a big deal if I didn't laugh, but once I did, I choked on the cold air and started coughing uncontrollably, "Cough cough—"
Seeing this, Wen Yu quickly swallowed the tea, changed the teacup in her hand, poured a cup of tea for Song Linsheng, and handed it to his lips.
Song Linsheng was stunned, but he still drank the tea obediently from Wen Yu's hand. He finally stopped coughing for a while and no longer coughed as violently as before.
Wen Yu breathed a sigh of relief and said angrily, "Xiyan, I'm telling you, you slept so soundly outside Guanwu Courtyard yesterday. Your young master must have caught a cold."
Xiyan quickly retorted, "No... I was..."
"You didn't mean it carelessly or intentionally—" Wen Yu joked with a long drawl.
Yesterday, at nightfall, Ah Zhu and Ah Bo returned to Guanwu Courtyard to deliver food. They saw Xiyan, wrapped in a cloak and sleeping soundly, leaning against the archway with hanging flowers. They asked him to go into the courtyard to have dinner with them.
Xiyan, who was half asleep and half awake, was startled and remembered the young master in the yard. He rushed in, but found that the young master had already woken up.
The cloak on Xiyan was originally given by him to the young master, but...
"You just accidentally slept for half a day holding the cloak that was originally meant for your young master." Wen Yu covered her lips and smiled cunningly.
"That's because I saw that the young master and the lady were having a great conversation and it was inconvenient to disturb them, so I kept guarding outside the door!" Xi Yan argued outside in an unyielding voice, but he just fell asleep accidentally.
Originally, he had thought of not disturbing the conversation between the young master and Madam Wen, but he had never expected that they would have so much to say, and that they had both fallen asleep while waiting...
Now it was Wen Yu's turn to be speechless. She, they were not having a good chat. No, she, Song Linsheng, was indeed having a good chat, but it was inconvenient to interrupt!
Wen Yu choked, her cheeks flushed red, and she mumbled, unable to speak.
Until Song Linsheng coughed lightly and saved her from danger.
"Wash the inkstone—" Song Linsheng didn't tell whether he was happy or angry, but he didn't mean to blame her. "What's going on up ahead?"
Song Linsheng changed the subject and lightly let the matter go.
Now we are outside, even if we are in a carriage, we are still on the long street. If we continue to say this, I am afraid it will ruin Xiaoyu's reputation.
Xiyan stopped joking and said seriously, "Sir, the road ahead is so crowded with people from the neighborhood that it's completely blocked. The carriage can't move forward."
He leaned forward to take a closer look, shielding his forehead with one hand to block the sunlight so that he could see more clearly. "That thing in front seems to be the carriage of Lord Mu."
Xiyan had previously walked around the government office when he had some free time. In addition to Yangsheng, he also got to know many people in the government office, including Lord Mu's coachman.
Therefore, he could recognize at a glance that it was Lord Mu's carriage, but the door curtain was closed and he could not see whether Lord Mu was in the carriage.
Song Linsheng nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he discussed with Wenyu, "Xiaoyu, how about we get off the car and walk a little further?"
Wen Yu patted her cheeks to make herself more sober, then responded and got out of the car first.
When she jumped down and stood still on the road, Song Linsheng's warning was still floating behind her, "Xiaoyu, be careful——"
Wen Yu clapped her hands in disapproval. Getting off the carriage was not a problem for her.
On the contrary, it was Song Linsheng. Wen Yu looked up and saw Song Linsheng lifting the curtain of the car and getting out. Wen Yu didn't know what she was thinking, but she went to help Song Linsheng.
This made Song Linsheng in the car and Xi Yan beside her both stunned.
Xiyan looked at his own master, then at Madam Wen, and finally, his gaze fell on the stool for getting out of the sedan chair that he had just taken from the back.
Is this no longer necessary?
Xiyan shook his head to himself. With Madam Wen around, there was no need for that. He didn't ask anything, but turned around and got off the sedan chair and went around behind the carriage.
Song Linsheng lifted the curtain and walked out, his hair rippling with movement. He was stunned for a moment, but it was quickly covered up by the smile in his eyes.
He held Wen Yu with one hand, but did not really use any strength. He just followed her example and jumped out of the car using her hand.
"Why are you so light-headed?" Wen Yu frowned. She felt nothing on her hands. Looking at Song Linsheng's handsome figure, she scolded him, "I told you to eat more last night—"
"Yes, I will definitely use more at the next meal." Song Linsheng nodded obediently.
The two of them stood facing each other, talking in low voices.
Xiyan, who had just placed the sedan chair and was coming out from the back, was stunned to see this. He shook his head helplessly. How could this be? How could this be?
Where had this elegant, dignified young man gone? How long had he been away from Xanadu? He had already learned to jump out of the carriage.
Until Song Linsheng and Wen Yu in front walked forward side by side, Xi Yan still didn't figure it out. He pouted, raised his foot and stepped back to look at the carriage.
The roads were indeed crowded with people, shoulder to shoulder, making it impossible to see three steps ahead.
Wen Yu followed Song Linsheng closely, fearing that he would be separated by the crowd.
Song Linsheng walked ahead of her, using his body to block the bustling crowd, for fear of accidentally bumping into Xiaoyu.
But the further we go, the harder it becomes to move forward.
Song Linsheng turned around and looked at Xiaoyu's difficult steps. In an instant, he reached out and held Xiaoyu's hand.
Thinking back to the scene where she helped me get out of the car just now, is this Xiaoyu's hand?
Soft and boneless, yet full of strength.
When the two touched, both of them were moved.
Wen Yu lowered her eyes and looked at Song Linsheng's broad palm. A steady stream of heat came from his palm, mixing with Wen Yu's slightly cooler body temperature, balancing out a just right temperature.
Wen Yu paused, then held Song Linsheng's hand.
This is best, so we won’t get lost.
They were both speechless, and Song Linsheng took Wen Yu's hand and walked forward.
He had a feeling that as long as Xiaoyu was by his side, he would not be afraid even if there were thousands of difficulties and dangers ahead and an endless abyss.
Song Linsheng and Wen Yu followed the crowd forward, and in a trance, they seemed to have returned to the day of March 3rd, when the crowd was also so crowded and they were walking side by side.
After they walked a while, the endless crowd finally split into two lines, revealing the situation ahead.
Wen Yu stretched his neck and looked forward——
On a small open space surrounded by a crowd, a man stood with his hands behind his back. He was wearing a bud-yellow robe, and an amber ribbon in his hair fluttered in the wind.
Needless to say, Wen Yu had already guessed about 70% of it.
When he turned around, it was indeed Lord Mu.
"It's Lord Mu." Wen Yutong said to Song Linsheng beside him.
"Yes." Song Linsheng replied, "I have handed over all matters for today to Lord Mu."
Wen Yu, who had been leaning forward to try and get to the bottom of this, suddenly turned back and asked in disbelief, "Why? Aren't you going to handle it yourself?"
Song Linsheng was the prefect of Jiangyang, and this was his first case since taking office. While it wasn't a truly earth-shattering case, it was still more serious than helping his uncle find a cow.
How could he not show up in person on such an occasion?
Wen Yu frowned, looking puzzled, as if she felt sorry for Song Linsheng's missed opportunity.
Song Linsheng shook his head slightly and explained, "This matter has been approved by the court, so it's set in stone. I'm very relieved to leave it to Lord Mu."
What's more... Song Linsheng lowered his eyes and was absent-minded for a moment.
Whatever the truth was, it was a dispute between Lord Jia and Cheng Lian. And for him, Lord Jia had saved Xiaoyu from Cheng Lian after all.
Regardless of Lord Jia's selfish motives, there are laws to deal with it, but he did save Xiaoyu's life.
Song Linsheng glanced at Wen Yu sideways and unconsciously tightened his palms. The warm touch allowed him to truly feel Xiaoyu's presence, which made him feel extremely at ease.
He couldn't imagine if he had been even a moment late, would he and Xiaoyu have been separated by heaven and earth today, unable to find each other again...
As long as one is a human being, he or she will naturally have his or her own selfish desires.
Mr. Jia's selfishness is Yang Sheng, and his selfishness...
Of course it’s Xiaoyu.
Therefore, he handed the matter over to Lord Mu to preside over, which also saved the face between him and Lord Jia.
As to whether personally presiding over this matter would be beneficial for him to establish the prefecture in Jiangyang, or whether it would be convenient for him to intimidate the people, it was never within his consideration.
What's more, what is needed to be in charge of a prefecture's affairs is the truth obtained from investigating a matter from beginning to end, rather than the final conclusion.
The people were never meant to be intimidated. He only hoped that if he could do a few things that would benefit the people's livelihood during his time as Jiangyang's president, he would be satisfied.
Seeing that Song Linsheng stopped talking, Wen Yu did not argue any further.
Wen Yu's shoulders relaxed and he let out a breath of air. "So, are we here to see Master Jia off today?"
Song Linsheng pursed his lips and nodded in response, "Yeah."
"Okay." Wen Yu shook his head.
This is good. Once this matter is settled, Song Linsheng can free up his hands to do other things. After all, the official business in the government office is piling up like a mountain, which is a headache.
Just as the two of them were silently disappearing into the crowd, Mu Tongyi, who had turned around in front, turned around and saw them both.
"Sir - Madam Wen -" Mu Tong pushed through the crowd and walked towards Song Linsheng and Wen Yu.
Lord Mu had been in Jiangyang for some time and was a familiar face among the people. When they heard him speak suddenly, the people who had gathered in a group consciously separated into two sides and made way for him.
Just like that, the originally crowded crowd dispersed. Wen Yu shrugged, and she and Song Linsheng were exposed to everyone's gaze.
Wen Yu blinked and couldn't help but move closer to Song Linsheng. "When you handed this matter over to Lord Mu, didn't you tell him not to call you in front of everyone?"
Song Linsheng's expression remained unchanged, but he leaned slightly to the side, bowed his head, and whispered to Wen Yu, "Not really."
…
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