On their way from the capital yamen to Yuhua Pavilion, Ji Yunshu stopped to buy a jug of wine which Wei Yi carried back. However, contrary to its usual liveliness, the place was covered in gloom and appeared deserted. No, it wasnât the normal kind of cold and cheerless. In fact, there were no patients at all, and even the usually busy apprentices were currently idly huddling around a stove chatting and gossiping.
Once Wei Yi entered, he hurriedly squeezed himself into their circle with wine in hand. He innocently blinked while sweeping a look at them, squatting like the rest.
Then, he asked them, âWhat are you talking about? I want to hear it too.â His expression was full of curiosity.
Due to Wei Yiâs sudden arrival, everyone had to make some space for him.
One of them asked him. âLittle Wei Yi, where did you go yesterday?â
He grinned. âI went to find Shuâer.â
During the time he lived in Yuhua Pavilion, every single day he kept saying Shuâer this and Shuâer that, and at present, everyone knew Shuâer was Teacher Ji. So, when they heard Wei Yi, no one find it surprising. Contrariwise, someone commented, âLook at how proud you are, no one is going to fight with you.â
Wei Yi beamed a smile. Next, he poked the apprentice next to him with his elbow and returned to the main topic. âWhat were you saying earlier? Quick, tell me. I want to knowâ¦â He looked like a little child thirsty for knowledge.
Several apprentices started to grin with deep meaning. Then, they pointed upstairs. âDo you know who came?â
âWho?â
âPrince Rong. Thatâs why master has no energy to do anything today, saying something like he was resentful.â
Wei Yi was greatly enlightened. âOh! He was a punching bag!â
The modern term âpunching bagâ eluded the apprentices. They looked at each other before shrugging. Shortly after, another apprentice continued, âOur master has had a good relationship with Prince Rong since they grew up together. Maybe they both areâ¦â He chuckled evilly.
The rest followed suit with chuckles and groans, but innocent Wei Yiâs brain had no idea about the hidden meaning behind those words.
However, Ji Yunshu, who was nearby, didnât miss the subtle allusions to the âgoodâ relations between both men. She didnât expected that those ancient people were actually quite open. It made her feel she was lagging behind term in term of open-mindness.
She lightly sighed and raised her head toward the attic, then went to Wei Yi. She took the jug of wine he was holding and without a word, she climbed upstairs.
Within the attic.
Jing Rong and Mo Ruo sat opposite of each other. Mo Ruo was shockingly making tea. He threw a piece of charcoal in the stove and placed a teapot filled with water on it. Next, he fanned the stove to make the temperature rise.
The air was suddenly filled with the faint fragrance of tea. A very refreshing scent that soothed the mind.
Jing Rong watched him with amusement and glee before inquiring, âDonât you like drinking tea?â
âNo!â
âWhy make a tea that you wonât drink?â
âIsnât because of you?!â
Jing Rong was rendered speechless.
Mo Ruo raised his eyes and saw his grumpy expression which made him burst into a laugh. âIt not like people canât kill a pig if they donât like eating pork.â
Big Bro, how funny can you be? Jing Rongâs mouth curled up, but he didnât retort.
At that moment, Ji Yunshu had almost reached the attic and heard their conversation. She almost couldnât restrain her laughter. Fortunately, she didnât let out a sound. When she arrived, she placed the jug of wine on the table and spoke to Mo Ruo, âHey! This is the wine you wanted.â
Jing Rong and Mo Ruo looked in her direction. They saw her white and slender fingers slowly rise and touch her clean and neat face. There was no surprise in their expression.
âSit!â Mo Ruo grabbed the wine and pointed with his chin at a bamboo chair next to them, indicating her to sit down.
Jing Rongâs heated gaze, akin to the scorching flame in February, was stuck to her every move.
Ji Yunshu stated, âThere is no need. I donât plan to disturb you two.â
âSit down!â Jing Rong uttered.
Mo Ruo acted like a bystander and continued to make tea. Ji Yunshu obediently sat down, a rare moment for her to listen to him like this.
âDid you arrive from the capital yamen?â
âHow did you know?â she asked.
The corner of Jing Rongâs mouth rose into an arrogant expression. âLang Po followed you, so I have an idea of what is going on around you.â He hurriedly added, âThatâs right! That person was really not murdered by your eldest sister?â
He obviously didnât believe the final verdict.
âI didnât see anything, nor did all those present. In addition, there was nothing peculiar about Miss Liangâs corpse.â
âHer luck is truly good!â Jing Rong remarked.
Ji Yunshu was a bit speechless by his remark.
At that moment, Mo Ruo brought the teapot over and poured a cup which he placed in front of Ji Yunshu while asking her, âMiss Ji, can you guess what we were talking about earlier?â
âAh?â
âThis shouldnât be difficult for you, right?â
Heck, this is hard to guess! God knows what you two big men were gossiping about before I came? However, she pondered a moment and thought of something. âCould it be you were talking about the Emperorâs birthday?â
âToo smart!â Mo Ruo exclaimed with a laugh.
Jing Rong expression darkened as he looked at her. âSo, what do you propose?â
âYour Highness is asking for my opinion?â
âHmmm.â
âBut what you intend to give the Emperor has nothing do with me.â
âWe are currently in the same boat, so of course, this is related to you.â
âYou are you; I am me.â Ji Yunshu retorted in a light tone.
While they were bickering, Mo Ruo was enjoying the wine, that Ji Yunshu had given him, leisurely in a corner.
When Jing Rong heard Ji Yunshu making a clear cut between them, he was far from angry, instead, he found her retort funny. He took the teacup in front of Ji Yunshu and sipped a bit before declaring, âFrom now on until you leave the capital, there is no need to make everything so clear between us.â
She turned away her eyes and closed herself in silence.
He side glanced at Ji Yunshu and asked her, âTell me what do you think of my black bamboo writing brush?â Once again, they returned to the main topic.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Ji Yunshu sank into contemplation before seriously giving her opinion. âYour Highness doesnât plan to expose your tail?â
âHmm. I like being low-key.â
âThen, present him those valuables.â
Valuables? Jing Rong frowned in incomprehension. âDidnât This Prince tell you I want to be inconspicuous?â
âYour Highness, donât you already know how suspicious the Emperor is? Your low-key gifts will stand out from the rest. In the Emperorâs eyes, he will think you are being deliberate. You might as well just send him pompous and precious gifts. Do as everyone does and you will be able to hide your tail and stay inconspicuous.â
Her words had enlightened him. His smile became more radiant as he lowered his eyes. This woman is frighteningly intelligent!
âGood. Iâll do as you say.â
How obedient!
Ji Yunshu took a deep breath before getting up. âIâll go back to Bamboo Creek Garden first. I donât want to delay the investigation of Lin Capital case further.â
She turned around and descended from the attic without waiting for Jing Rong to respond.
As soon as she left, Mo Ruo tapped the corner of the table and asked him, âNot going after her?â
Jing Rong creased his brows, but the next moment, he abruptly rose from his chair. âOf course, I am going after her!â Without delay, he ran after her.