High-Ding must have major events occurring!

What events?

Li Wenshu had no way to investigate deeply.

After all, she had already left High-Ding to pursue her studies two years ago.

Setting these matters aside, Li Wenshu didn’t forget to instruct Li Cheng, “When we arrive home in a moment, no matter what Father says to you, you must obediently listen and are not permitted to talk back, understand?”

Throughout this journey, Li Cheng had heard these words countless times.

His ears were nearly calloused from hearing them!

“I know, I definitely won’t interrupt.”

Impatient.

Li Wenshu still looked at him with a face full of worry.

She was too lazy to say anything more.

Soon, the carriage arrived outside the Pingyang Marquis Manor.

The manor’s steward had long been waiting outside.

Seeing the carriage arrive, he was extremely excited.

He hurriedly went forward to greet them, shouting toward the people inside the carriage, “Young Master, Miss, you’ve finally returned.”

Unable to conceal his joy.

Li Cheng and Li Wenshu successively descended from the carriage.

“Steward Kang.” Li Wenshu called out to the steward.

Gentle and refined.

Steward Kang was all smiles, “Miss, you’ve been gone for two whole years. The Marquis often speaks of you. This time we’ve finally looked forward to your return.”

“How is Father’s health?”

“Miss, rest assured, the Marquis’s health is excellent.”

“That’s good!” Li Wenshu felt relieved.

But as she looked at her family’s main gate, her expression became somewhat complicated.

Because she understood very clearly what this return meant!

Just as Li Cheng had said earlier, her father had already arranged a match for her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have urgently summoned her to return home immediately after her studies concluded.

When Li Cheng saw the plaque reading “Pingyang Marquis Manor,” his face immediately showed rejection.

As if arriving at a crematorium.

This time returning, he had an extremely strong premonition that his father definitely wouldn’t let him leave this place again.

He would certainly tie him down firmly!

After the two entered, they went into the main hall.

Li Wenshi had been sitting in the seat of honor waiting for them early on.

He glared at Li Cheng with stern, hooded eyes.

But when looking at Li Wenshu, he was very gentle.

Li Wenshu saw that her father was in good spirits, appearing even more dignified than he had two years ago. After entering, she performed a courtesy, “Father.”

Li Wenshi smiled, stood up and walked over, supporting her hand, asking gently, “How have these two years away been?”

“Your daughter has been quite well, and has learned many things.”

“I see you’ve become much thinner. You must have endured considerable hardship.”

“Father need not worry, your daughter has truly been well.”

“From now on, remain at home and don’t go out again. When a daughter returns home, she must ultimately stay by her parents’ side in their old age.” Li Wenshi’s words were filled with affection for this daughter.

Li Wenshu lowered her eyes and said, “Yes!”

In Li Wenshi’s eyes, this daughter of his had always been a sensible person—obedient and compliant, never going back on her word. Whatever he required, Li Wenshu never refused, and moreover, this daughter was learned and talented.

This made Li Wenshi extremely proud!

Then, Li Wenshi turned his gaze toward Li Cheng, his gentle expression instantly becoming extremely severe, disappointed in him.

He first said to Li Wenshu, “You must be exhausted from the arduous journey. Go rest first. We’ll discuss other matters later.”

“Yes.”

Li Wenshu performed another courtesy, glanced at Li Cheng with a trace of sympathy, then left.

Li Cheng meanwhile stood lazily to one side.

He knew the storm was about to arrive.

And it would be considerable in magnitude.

Sure enough!

Li Wenshi sat back in the seat of honor, his face bearing anger as he shouted, “Kneel down!”

His voice was very loud.

Li Cheng wasn’t frightened, because this was completely within his expectations.

Even though at this moment, his heart was filled with unwillingness.

But—

He still pathetically knelt down.

Head lowered.

Playing with the fan in his hand.

Li Wenshi was utterly exasperated. He glared angrily and said, “I asked you to go fetch your elder sister home, yet you deliberately delayed so much time along the way. Matters you should interfere with, matters you shouldn’t interfere with—you had to meddle in everything. You’re neither an official nor a county magistrate. What business of yours was the Yiwu murder case?”

Li Cheng quickly said, “But Father, that case truly had loopholes. If your son hadn’t intervened, it would have become a miscarriage of justice right then. Your son was doing a good deed. How can you say it was meddling?”

He had completely forgotten all the warnings Li Wenshu had given him throughout the journey.

“You dare to talk back.”

“I’m only speaking the truth.”

“If something had happened on the road and your elder sister had been injured, I would have broken your legs.”

“But nothing happened, did it?”

“You still dare to speak!” Li Wenshi slapped the table.

“Bang!”

The sound was so loud it nearly ruptured eardrums.

Li Cheng instantly became like an obedient little cat, lowering his head and saying, “Yes, your son knows he was wrong.”

“You certainly acknowledge your mistakes quickly!”

“If Father wishes to punish your son, then punish me.”

This attitude was actually quite good!

Acknowledging it so quickly!

Li Wenshi sighed. He really wouldn’t punish him, only verbally admonishing, “Listen here, starting today, you’re not permitted to go anywhere. Stay right here in High-Ding.”

Ugh!

Li Cheng looked unhappy, “Father…”

“Lord Jiang of the City Department recently retired to his hometown. That position is vacant and now needs someone to fill it. So, I’ve already made arrangements with them to have you take his position.”

What?

Li Cheng’s eyeballs nearly fell out.

Become an official?

He, an idle good-for-nothing, how could he have the fate of being an official?

Moreover—

That Lord Jiang of the City Department was a city patrol official.

Plainly speaking, he spent all day leading people walking east and west through the city, checking if anyone was causing trouble or such.

Similar to the modern “urban management.”

However, the official position Lord Jiang previously held was like a “chief of urban management.”

He was the head.

Li Cheng’s mouth opened and closed, not knowing what to say.

His heart had already been struck as if charred on the outside and tender on the inside.

Li Wenshi said, “This official position didn’t come easily. In any case, you must do it well and not cause any trouble.”

“Father, your son…”

“Don’t be in a hurry to refuse. The position is already settled. Tomorrow or the day after, you’ll report to the City Department.”

“Father, I… really cannot do this.”

“What do you mean you cannot do it? Is my son Li Wenshi inferior to others?”

“Your son doesn’t mean that.”

“Then stop talking nonsense. It’s decided.”

Alas!

Speechless.

The thoughts in Li Cheng’s heart—his father, being his father, simply didn’t understand them at all.

Li Wenshi didn’t care about any of this. His commands never tolerated others’ objections.

He continued, “Also, you’re not young anymore. It’s time to quickly settle down, establish a family and career.”

“I…” He was embarrassed.

Li Wenshi said, “Your elder sister’s marriage has already been arranged, so you must also hurry up.”

Hearing this, Li Cheng asked curiously, “Elder sister is truly betrothed to someone? Who is it?”

“Gong Shilin of Left Chancellor Gong’s household.”

Holy crap!

Li Cheng abruptly rose from the ground, his eyes wide, utterly shocked. “How could it be him?”