Qi Ying stood up from the main seat and walked toward Lu Zheng. Seeing his superior stand, how could the latter continue sitting? He naturally hurried to stand as well.

Qi Ying waved his hand to indicate he should sit, then personally poured a cup of cool tea and handed it to him. Lu Zheng accepted it with trepidation, watching as Lord Qi sat down in the nearest seat to him and said mildly, “Lord Lu need not worry too much. I asked you here today on short notice merely for a small case.”

Lu Zheng’s anxiety didn’t lessen. He sat still half-bowed in his chair, saying, “Hm? Ah, this… what case might this be? Please instruct me, my lord.”

Qi Ying’s expression relaxed slightly as he poured himself a cup of tea, tapping his finger on the rim of the cup. Seeing this, Lu Zheng felt as if that finger were tapping on his spine, his heart filling with terror as cold sweat broke out continuously. He then heard Lord Qi say, “It’s nothing major, just that I heard the weaving guild has been rather unsettled lately, even resulting in a lawsuit involving loss of life?”

Lord Lu had taken charge of the Court of Judicial Review at such a young age—he was naturally no ordinary person. He had a talent for reading between the lines. Upon hearing Qi Ying’s vague statement, his thoughts quickly began turning.

What kind of person was Lord Qi? Even major matters like wars between nations weren’t enough to concern him—how could he have time to worry about some minor weaving guild? There must be someone who didn’t know their place and had stirred up trouble where they shouldn’t, thus provoking Lord Qi’s anger.

Lu Zheng’s mind worked quickly. Moreover, sitting in his position required him to be well-informed and understand various complex personal relationships. Otherwise, if he blindly touched someone he shouldn’t or decided a case he shouldn’t, his career would come to an end. Thinking carefully, he immediately recalled the rumors about Lord Qi’s deeply hidden little lover, who was said to also be in the weaving business in Jiankang City. Could it be that she had some conflict with the guild?

It must be so! Otherwise, no matter how bold the guild was, how would they dare directly offend Qi Ying!

Once Lu Zheng understood this complexity, his heart immediately settled, thinking this matter at least had nothing to do with him. But just as his tension was halfway released, it shot right back up to his throat: that weaving guild… belonged to the Fu family!

Although the Fu family had declined, they were still one of the three great surnames—definitely not someone an official without backing like him could afford to offend. This… with Lord Qi and the Fu family having their divine battle, how could a mere mortal like him caught in the middle bear it!

Qi Ying observed from the side, seeing Lu Zheng’s expression change several times, and knew he had understood his meaning.

He casually set his teacup on the table with a light clink. Lu Zheng’s whole body shuddered as if greatly startled.

Qi Ying acted as if he hadn’t noticed, continuing directly: “I heard there’s a steward named Yang Dong in the weaving guild who acts quite arrogantly. The trouble he’s caused this time isn’t small either. If I didn’t know about this matter, so be it, but since I do know, I can hardly avoid managing it.”

Lu Zheng sweated even more and didn’t dare say much, only repeatedly agreeing.

Qi Ying glanced at him and continued: “The Court of Judicial Review is under Lord Lu’s jurisdiction. I wouldn’t want to overstep my bounds, so I thought I should ask you first.”

He paused, then said with apparent casualness: “If you find this matter difficult to handle, we can set it aside for now.”

Upon hearing these words, Lu Zheng’s heart cried out even more bitterly.

Having been immersed in officialdom for many years, how could he not understand the implications? Although Lord Qi spoke politely, if he really dared to set this matter aside, the lawsuit would probably transfer from the weaving guild to himself!

Lord Qi was truly angry!

Lu Zheng swallowed, raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his brow, thought for a moment, then tentatively asked: “Such… such outrageous behavior actually exists! This subordinate has been negligent in his duties. If not for your lordship’s guidance, I would have known nothing. Now that I know, I will naturally remedy this promptly and absolutely not neglect it.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Lord Qi give a mild “Mm,” seeming quite satisfied with his stance. Lu Zheng wiped more sweat and, watching Lord Qi’s expression, asked again: “It’s just… it’s just that deciding cases always involves degrees of severity, with proper measures involved. I wonder what your lordship’s intention is…”

He was asking whether Qi Ying wanted a light or heavy sentence.

If it was a light sentence, this matter would still be manageable—it would just mean giving that person a warning, not seriously taking action. If it was a heavy sentence, then…

Lu Zheng held his breath and waited intently, only to hear Lord Qi say: “Handle it according to proper procedure. You need not show favoritism, Lord Lu.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng’s heart went cold again.

Handle according to procedure… wasn’t that meaning a heavy sentence!

This… what exactly had the weaving guild done to offend Lord Qi to such an extent? He’d rather confront the Fu family than let this go!

Lu Zheng was truly panicked, not knowing how to handle this matter. Then he saw Lord Qi give him a meaningful look, saying: “Most of Jiangzuo’s laws and regulations come from the Court of Judicial Review. You need only handle things according to proper procedure. Other trivial matters are not for you to worry about.”

Lu Zheng understood. Lord Qi saying other matters weren’t for him to worry about meant he should boldly decide the case. No matter what happened or whom he offended, Lord Qi would take full responsibility.

Then Lu Zheng was relieved!

What was Lord Qi’s status? There was nothing in all of Jiangzuo he couldn’t handle. With his word, let alone a mere guild—even main members of the Fu family, Lu Zheng would dare arrest and sentence.

Lord Lu stopped sweating coldly, only stood and bowed deeply to his superior, then spoke a stirring speech about upholding laws and regulations with righteous fervor. This seemed to earn considerable praise from his superior. After drinking tea together for a while longer, he respectfully took his leave.

After Lu Zheng left, it was nearly the hai hour (9-11 PM). Qi Ying already felt quite exhausted.

But he was still thinking of Shen Xiling.

And… he very much wanted to see her.

Right now, tonight, he wanted to see her.

He felt he was truly absurd—not only had he developed romantic feelings for the little girl he had personally raised, but now he was so impatient. It was really ridiculous. But longing couldn’t be deceived. He even felt that if he couldn’t see her tonight, he would have another sleepless night—even though he was already this tired, he would still be unable to sleep.

Qi Ying sighed, feeling hesitant.

He had told Shen Xiling he wouldn’t return for several days, but he had actually already thought of going back tonight. However, Fenghe Courtyard was quite a distance from the Privy Council offices. Even riding back would take at least half an hour. By the time he arrived, she would probably already be fast asleep and they likely wouldn’t even see each other. Moreover, he had to attend court tomorrow morning—the round trip would be too much trouble…

Lord Qi counted out several reasons why he shouldn’t return to Fenghe Courtyard tonight, but in the end… he still went back.

Such absurd behavior made Lord Qi mock himself, and he thought somewhat helplessly: Longing… was it really such a deadly thing?

By the time Qi Ying entered the gates of Fenghe Courtyard, it was already past the middle of the hai hour.

Qingzhu followed at his side, watching his master’s expression. He wanted to ask if the young master wanted to eat first, but seeing him walk without stopping, heading straight toward Wogyu Courtyard, he knew the young master was thinking intensely of that little girl and probably had no mind for other matters now. He could only awkwardly hold his tongue.

Arriving at the entrance of Wogyu Courtyard, Qingzhu saw the lights in the room had already gone dark, and there was no night guard outside either, which naturally seemed strange.

Without waiting for Qi Ying’s orders, he went to look around the servants’ quarters, pulling the sleeping Zijun up to ask why there was no night guard at Wogyu Courtyard tonight.

Zijun was sleeping drowsily, but upon coming outside and seeing the young master had returned, she was immediately frightened half awake. She quickly curtsied and answered: “Tonight Miss is… sleeping at Huaijin Courtyard. Fengshang is keeping watch over there…”

Qingzhu was startled upon hearing this, then quietly glanced toward his master, seeing he also seemed somewhat stunned, but then his expression immediately became gentle.

Like the clear moonlight of this night.

Outside Huaijin Courtyard, Fengshang was leaning against the door dozing when she vaguely heard footsteps. She drowsily opened her eyes to see the young master had returned, immediately getting the same fright as Zijun and hastily preparing to bow.

But the young master waved his hand and gestured for her not to make noise, apparently not wanting to disturb the person resting inside.

Fengshang understood, keeping her head down and not daring to speak, only bowing as she watched the young master enter the room. Looking up, she saw Qingzhu giving her a look that suggested she wouldn’t need to keep watch tonight.

The lights inside had already been extinguished, with only a candlestick left in the outer room. The inner chamber was dim, and the person inside seemed to be sleeping soundly.

Qi Ying quietly walked into the inner chamber, first catching a faint fragrance belonging to her—different from this room’s usual scent, intoxicatingly sweet.

He walked to the bedside and gently lifted the bed curtain. In the not-very-bright moonlight from the window, he saw her nestled peacefully in the bedding, sleeping as quietly as last night, looking very comfortable, like a little cat curled up with its tail.

The sight made Qi Ying’s heart impossibly soft.

He slowly sat down beside the bed.

He had seen her. Even though she was asleep and they hadn’t exchanged a single word, he still felt quietly happy. His heart, which had been restless all day, suddenly found satisfaction and became peaceful.

The spring night was boundless.

Qi Ying quietly watched her for a while, reached out to tuck in her blanket, then prepared to get up and leave. He had just come from outside and still carried the chill—better not to pass it to her.

But before he could rise, Shen Xiling drowsily awakened. She had probably been sleeping lightly to begin with, so despite all his quiet movements after entering, she still woke up.

She sleepily opened her eyes and saw him, but didn’t react immediately, her expression somewhat dazed, probably thinking she was dreaming.

Qi Ying was amused by her expression and called softly: “Wenwen?”

His voice was very real. Only then did Shen Xiling wake as if from a dream, finally realizing the person before her was truly him.

Her joy knew no bounds. All sleepiness immediately fled as she suddenly sat up and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly and saying: “How did you come back…”

Her joy seemed almost tangible, and her attachment to him was boundless. Feeling her emotions, Qi Ying also held her firmly, his eyes smiling as he asked softly: “Did I wake you?”

Shen Xiling nestled in his arms, shaking her head continuously, holding him without letting go, saying softly: “I thought it would be a long time before I could see you again…”

Her words were so simple, yet carried a hidden lingering meaning. For a moment both felt stirred, their breathing becoming somewhat tight.

Qi Ying held Shen Xiling’s waist, sensing that everywhere within the bed curtains was filled with her fragrance, which seemed particularly alluring at this moment. He asked near her ear: “Why are you sleeping over here?”

Author’s Note: Although private punishment and killing might be satisfying, good and evil are still different—better to handle things officially.

PS: Tomorrow 18:30, you understand what I mean! (Although it definitely won’t violate rules, just mentioning it in advance to be safe)