Chapter 174 Attending a Meeting
When Xier heard Zhong Min suddenly mention going to Prime Minister Ning's Mansion, she was stunned for a moment. After a moment, she asked stupidly why.
Xi'er knew a little about Ning Zhiyuan, the Ning Xiang. Although she had only seen him from a distance once before at Prince Mu's residence, she felt that there shouldn't be much connection between him and Zhong Min. Furthermore, she had heard from Zhong Min that Ning Zhiyuan was a popular figure close to the Emperor, specializing in helping the Emperor find ways to punish the Prince. So why would Zhong Min go to Ning Xiang's residence when she was fine?
Seeing this, Zhong Min didn't explain too much. He just briefly talked about his chance encounter with Ning Zhiyuan on the street today, and said that she would know when the time came, so Xier just had to follow him.
When Xier heard this, she nodded as if she understood, and then she didn't ask any more questions. After all, whatever Xier said was what it was, and it would never be wrong.
At this moment, Zhong Min suddenly had an idea: if he could sneak into Ning Zhiyuan's study or something like that and secretly take a look, he might actually find something special. The reason he brought Xi'er with him wasn't because he thought her expertise would be put to good use right away; it was always better to be prepared. As for the opportunity, that depended on luck.
Soon after, Chu'er and Xiang'er returned, saying that everything had been handled as Zhong Min had instructed, and all that remained was to wait for further news. However, Zhong Min knew that Ning Zhiyuan was not an ordinary person, and that uncovering any clues about him would be difficult. Furthermore, she had to be wary of being discovered, so she couldn't rush.
For several days, with only a few days left before the ten-day appointment between Ning Zhiyuan and her, they inexplicably did not receive any valuable intelligence, and the investigation progressed very slowly. However, Muzhou did receive a reply. Xiao Mingzheng attached great importance to the speculation provided by Zhong Min, and also felt that Ning Zhiyuan was most likely the biggest spy planted by the enemy country in the court.
If this is confirmed, the entire situation will change completely. He has ordered all intelligence networks in various places to investigate the matter. Not only that, he repeatedly told Zhong Min in the letter to pay attention to safety. If anything goes wrong, it is better to give up and retreat to Muzhou immediately. Never take any risks.
On the last day of the ten-day appointment, Zhong Min finally arrived at the gates of Ning Xiangfu with Xi'er. This wasn't her first time here; the last time she'd been there was with Xiao Mingzheng, and that was in the evening, for a simple dinner. She hadn't paid much attention to the overall layout of the residence, nor had she even glanced at other parts of the house.
Today, I discovered that Prime Minister Ning's residence wasn't particularly large. From the outside to the inside, there wasn't a hint of luxury, but rather a touch of the elegance and simplicity of a scholar. This decor and layout perfectly matched the gentle elegance of Ning Zhiyuan's appearance.
The servant who led the way was very polite and courteous. He said that his master had instructed them early in the morning that a distinguished guest would be visiting today, and asked them to be on the lookout at all times and not to neglect him.
Zhong Min was still dressed in men's clothing, even wielding a fan for show, while Xi'er, still dressed as a maid, followed behind. Zhong Min had already explained Xi'er's instructions beforehand, but they still had to proceed cautiously and cautiously. If there wasn't a suitable opportunity, they shouldn't act rashly to avoid any unexpected consequences.
However, Zhong Min soon realized that bringing Xier here today might be in vain, because the servant actually took them directly to Ning Zhiyuan's study. She never thought that Ning Zhiyuan would allow a dangerous person like her to enter and exit his study so easily.
For all dignitaries, the study represents an extremely important and secretive place. It is difficult for people who are not very familiar with or trusted to enter and exit at will, because most of their secrets are contained there.
"Sir, the master has said that you should go in on your own. I am not qualified to enter the study, so I will not lead the way for you." The attendant said with a smile, and then turned his gaze to Xi'er beside him. "And this lady, please come with me to rest somewhere else and wait."
Seeing this, Xier quickly glanced at Zhong Min, thinking that in this case, she would have no chance to do what Zhong Min had asked her to do before.
"My maid is very active on weekdays and I'm afraid she can't sit still in one place all the time. If it's convenient, I'll take her around the mansion to broaden her horizons." Zhong Min said casually. If possible, it would be better to let Xier get familiar with the Prime Minister's Mansion first.
When the servant heard this, he naturally said yes repeatedly, bowed to Zhong Min, and then retreated with Xier.
Zhong Min glanced around casually. She didn't see any guards near the study, not even the servants. It seemed peaceful and quiet. She couldn't tell if it was always like this, or just today. Without giving it much thought, she reached the study door and knocked. Soon, she heard Ning Zhiyuan's unusually pleasant voice from inside, saying the door was unlocked and inviting her in.
Pushing the door open, the rich, bookish scent of the study immediately filled all my senses. Directly opposite was a floor-high cabinet filled with ancient, thread-bound boxes. On either side hung a large-scale ink painting. The inscriptions on the sides mirrored the scenery, creating a sense of desolation and grandeur. This style was quite different from the temperament Ning Zhiyuan's appearance conveyed.
"What are you standing there for? Come in and sit down!" Seeing Zhong Min stopped at the door and looking at the two paintings, Ning Zhiyuan inside gave a slight reminder.
Hearing this, Zhong Min finally shifted her gaze from the two paintings and turned to walk into the inner room of the study. Just like outside, the walls inside were covered with numerous paintings and calligraphy works, all in similar styles. She guessed they were all from the same person, or perhaps Ning Zhiyuan, she guessed.
Looking around, the simple style combined with various calligraphy and painting works made this study look exactly like the elegant room of a scholar who had no desires or ambitions. In addition, there was a Go board placed on the small table beside the couch, a guqin placed on the music stand not far in front of the chessboard, and the tea-making and tasting area where Ning Zhiyuan was sitting comfortably at the moment, all of which made the owner of this study seem particularly elegant.
"My lord, you are in a good mood. Let's make some tea and drink it. You are enjoying yourself." Zhong Min said as he sat down in front of the small tea stool opposite Ning Zhiyuan. He thought to himself that this man really knows how to enjoy life. If he drinks and sings with his friends, he really doesn't know how long his life will last.
Brewing tea is a very common and popular thing in this world. It is similar to modern Kung Fu tea, but the process is more sophisticated than Kung Fu tea. Although Zhong Min has no interest in drinking tea, he always feels that drinking boiled water is more comfortable. However, occasionally watching this kind of high-quality tea ceremony performance is also a very pleasing thing.
"Min'er is absolutely right. It's a pity that drinking alone is a bit lonely. Fortunately, Min'er kept her promise and came as scheduled. Otherwise, I would have had to raise my glass to the moon and drink with the three of us." Ning Zhiyuan said, looking in a very good mood, and even the look he gave Zhong Min had a hazy and soft feeling.
Zhong Min was not very tactful towards Ning Zhiyuan's initiative to show goodwill. She chuckled and deliberately said, "At a time like this, it would be better for the adults to find a confidant. If you play the lute to a cow, it will definitely ruin the atmosphere."
She couldn't be a confidant of such a person, so she would rather compare herself to a cow. After all, they had no common language, and everything they said was empty and false.
"I know you are not very particular about drinking tea, so today I specially changed to some scented tea made by the servants in the mansion. It is very fragrant and has a unique flavor. Try it and see if you like it." Ning Zhiyuan smiled slightly, but did not care about Zhong Min's attitude. While talking, he brewed tea in an orderly manner, and soon a cup of fragrant scented tea was handed to Zhong Min.
Seeing this, Zhong Min didn't hesitate. She picked up the tea in front of her and sniffed it. The floral fragrance made her wonder what kind of flowers were in it. She took a sip and felt an indescribable sweetness slowly spread across her tongue. The taste was very special.
"It tastes quite unique, much more interesting than tea leaves." Zhong Min didn't dwell on the specific ingredients of this scented tea. After all, she wasn't here to taste or discuss tea today. Just a taste of it would be enough. Pretending to be sophisticated was enough; there was no need to become an expert. "Why are you so free today, sir? I was worried you were too busy when I came here."
"I'm afraid you were hoping that I'd be out for something, so you could confidently tell my servants that you've been here and haven't broken your ten-day promise, right?" Ning Zhiyuan was direct this time, as if he'd seen through Zhong Min's decision to come at the last minute. "So I deliberately cleared today, but I'm sorry to disappoint you."
Hearing this, Zhong Min couldn't help but laugh. Actually, Ning Zhiyuan wasn't that annoying to begin with. If there weren't other complicated interests involved, and they were just ordinary friends, he would have been quite an interesting person.
"Okay, I admit I wasn't particularly willing to come here, but I've never had the thought you mentioned. It's rare that the Master thinks highly of me and would take a whole day to wait for me. So, if you have anything to say or ask, just tell me directly. Zhong Min promises to tell me everything he knows."
Even if someone is being too attentive without any reason, even if he is not a traitor or a thief, he is definitely not without purpose. When dealing with a smart person like Ning Zhiyuan, it is more beneficial to speak directly to him.
"Why does Min'er always think I have ulterior motives?" Ning Zhiyuan refilled Zhong Min's cup of tea and said calmly, "If I say I just want to see you, talk to you, and chat, would you believe me?"
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