Chapter 1

It is absolutely impossible

Spare me, my lord! Spare me!

"Why are you two brothers so alarmed? Did my family's attendants frighten you? Qingyi, hurry and apologize." Dongfang Fei appeared amiable, with a smile on his face.

Qingyi, go rent a better house for us to live in long-term, and let's not look for anyone else.

Given her temperament, for her to fall in love with a man within seven months is as unlikely as the sea drying up and stones rotting away

"She will only return if war breaks out again. Whether it is the border or Jinjiang, they no longer need her, and she will not go back."

Grandfather, why not go to Qinde Garden instead

This is all of your own making

"Sir, do you wish to investigate Weijin's family background?" he inquired attentively

Yes, I will prepare it right away. What would you like to eat, sir? Please order everything at once.

"Sir, this plate of stir-fried tofu with shredded meat, although not a dish from Beijing cuisine, has an excellent texture, ensuring that you will savor its flavor. " The waiter attentively served the dish: "The tofu shop is just at the entrance of the alley ahead; if you have time, you can personally visit to try it out."

No, go and bring them in, I have something to ask.

Yes, my lord

He smirked coldly, temporarily pulling Ruan Dong out of his mind with great force, and called out:

The golden-topped sedan chair, with its body painted in red and intricately carved, was accompanied by a well-groomed attendant in blue. Following behind were about ten warriors, who entered Lezhi County with great swagger.

The figure in blue beside him was taken aback, revealing a murderous intent as he reached for his long sword

Qingyi was momentarily taken aback. "Sir, are you not looking for Ruan..."

Dongfang interrupted him, speaking coldly

"Qingyi?" The voice from inside the carriage carried a hint of nonchalance.

"Qingyi."

Grandfather, Miss Ruan is likely to return to the capital, isn't she

The young master's attendant is very courteous, but... may I ask what important matter brings the young master to seek us out in the late hours?

Last month on the 16th, today is the 2nd of the new month

The two individuals were so frightened that they broke into a cold sweat, their legs went weak, and they involuntarily knelt down on the ground, exclaiming:

No, we are not leaving. You can book a room later; I want to stay here for two days

"It is not that important. It is just that I accidentally overheard the whispers of the two of you..." Seeing their expressions of shock, he continued, "What are you two afraid of? I am an outsider and will leave early tomorrow morning. Even if I accidentally heard something, I would not go and inform that person named Huai Zhen."

In this case, this Huai Zhen is no different from a bully. How long has he been wielding power and influence in Lezhi County?

I never thought that he would also understand the benefactor of the painting

The boy watched the elderly woman leave with a confident smile. It was not until she disappeared around the corner that he sighed and murmured

The East turned to look at him. "Only Jin?"

The first largest city outside the capital, Yongchang, was once her ancestral home, but she is not there; Yingkang is the second largest city within the dynasty and also the residence of the Ruan family, yet she is still not there. So, where could she be?

"The attendant in blue, see off the guests"

"Hmph, she is foolish enough to want to return to the capital, but Feng Yilang will not allow her to take that risk again" he said without turning his head

Where should I go to find her

"Mother-in-law, have you come to the county office for something?" Just as he was about to enter the county office, he was called to a stop at the main entrance.

Mother-in-law, on which day did you submit the application for the public notice?

I am a local, well-acquainted with everything in the county, so please feel free to give any instructions you may have.

"It is also possible to return to the Yanmen Pass..."

The esteemed individual once stood beneath no one and above ten thousand, yet now, despite lacking an official position, still holds a status of privilege, with the common people of the realm paying close attention to this esteemed individual

"A time of peace and prosperity..." Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and walked into the county government office

"Of course there are! The common people... the common people certainly resent him! He only acts when there is money involved, and although he will certainly get things done, corruption and bribery are inherently intolerable by law. I hope that the esteemed one will impose severe punishment on Huai Zhen!"

Given her nature of keeping promises, she would never avoid him without reason. What on earth has happened that has led her to ignore his existence?

"Are you all paying attention to me..." Dongfang Fei squinted his eyes and said meaningfully, "With true intentions of greed and corruption, do you want me to eliminate him?"

"Indeed, I asked the wrong person." These three siblings are extremely poor and simply cannot afford to dine at such a restaurant

"Eliminating him, will Lezhixian have a future?"

The Eastern figure raised his eyebrows lightly, smiling nonchalantly

The Eastern figure, not returning to a state of contemplation, nor angered by the interruption of thoughts, simply said:

Indeed! It can only be said that he is the sole virtuous figure in the county office, but unfortunately, he is suppressed by petty individuals. I still hope that the great ones will eliminate the harm for the people

He unfurled the scroll that he kept close at hand. Within the painting, the two of them were whispering sweet nothings at the Jinjiang Night Market, their demeanor exceedingly intimate. Her features were bright and upright, captivating the gaze of anyone who looked.

Let us talk about the famous dishes of the capital as you mentioned. Speaking of which, it has been two months since I left the capital, and I really miss the cuisine there

Dongfang Fei chuckled twice, walked towards them, and inquired

The Golden Splendor Dynasty, Year 2 of Shengkang, midsummer

I have said it many times, do not call me sir anymore. Stop the carriage

"You truly have an eye for talent, choosing our restaurant for your meal. Letian Restaurant has secured second place in Lezhi County, and no one dares to claim the first. Are you coming to the capital? Our capital's famous dishes are renowned far and wide, and will surely leave you with endless aftertastes"

Dongfang has never been one to explain himself to others when it comes to work, but now he is in quite a good mood and said with a smile

Dongfang Fei chuckled twice, distractedly opening the folding fan, his fingertips lightly brushing over the pure white surface of the fan, and said

I am aware that you are working beside the esteemed lord and require money for arrangements, but I truly cannot gather much money...

Is she intentionally trying to rid herself of his family?

The East scoffed disdainfully and said impatiently

I remember that the most famous place in Lezhi County is the 'Letian Restaurant', isn't it

As the dishes from the capital were brought to the table one after another, he had no desire to eat

Although His Majesty has permitted you to resign from your official position, your influence extends far and wide, not to mention that His Majesty has specifically...

"A mere follower of the county magistrate, and yet you seek to curry favor?" he asked casually

"Yes, yes, Mother-in-law, is there anything I can assist you with?" There were many attendants around the master, each performing their respective duties. Although their power was limited, they were determined to help in any way they could.

The East does not speak lightly of laughter

He was stunned. "Grandma, what are you doing?"

The decor of the restaurant cannot be compared to that of the capital, but it is already considered the limit for such a small county, with a meal starting at a price of at least three taels of silver

The man in the carriage let out a chuckle

"No, no, I don't want it!" I hurriedly pushed the money back. "Your son still needs to see a doctor, so please keep it, Grandma."

"Little Second Brother, how long have you been in Lezhi County?" Dongfang Fei suddenly asked

The petty person does not understand

The old woman looked confused. "Are you saying that the money is insufficient, young man? This is all the cash we have left, just me and my son!"

The adult speaks true. The petty person will investigate Huai Zhen's family background overnight

The young and handsome boy turned around and quickly stepped forward to support the elderly woman

The young man truly does not understand why Miss Ruan left Yingkang City without leaving a single word behind. After his master resigned from his official position, he was overjoyed and hurried day and night to the Ruan residence in Yingkang, only to discover that Miss Ruan had been at home for over a month and then mysteriously vanished.

"What trouble do I need to find with such a person? He is not even worthy to hold my shoes. The one I need to deal with is that corrupt and unjust Huai Zhen."

The sound of footsteps approached, and he remained calm, letting out a hum as he rolled up the scroll that had been by his side for many years

"Your Excellency, please speak."

Isn't grandfather going to deal with that Wei Jin? Wei Jin is law-abiding and should be of the same kind as Miss Ruan.

In winter, even if I am deeply obsessed with you, it does not mean that I must be the one who relentlessly pursues you

"Alright, I will see how authentic the famous dishes of the capital are in this small tavern." With that, he entered the tavern

The East did not squint, and then smiled.

Is this person foolish enough to think that the imperial palace from the capital has the obligation to resolve his unworthy matters? Has he not heard of the deeds of Dongfang Fei?

The shopkeeper, who was responsible for attracting customers, had long noticed the ostentatious young gentleman in this row. He quickly approached and greeted him warmly

You may leave, my master is about to have a meal and does not wish to be disturbed

The East, without looking back, saw through his unspoken conjectures and said with a smile

The East is not focused, and has not listened closely; it only feels that the phrase "the beloved follows the true heart" sounds somewhat familiar

He ignored the scrutiny of the guests on the first floor and did not pay attention to the songs of the singing woman, heading straight to the top-tier private room on the second floor

As the two entered the room, their eyes wandered, their spirits were unsettled, their bodies trembled, and cold sweat beaded on their foreheads, as if they were in the presence of a high official. What? Did you know that the former Chief Minister, Dongfang Fei, resides here before you entered?

Little brother! Little brother!

The shopkeeper, filled with joy, went downstairs, while Dongfang Fei leaned against the railing, casually gazing at the street outside

It does not matter who dies; it would be best if the commotion caused the county magistrate to lose his official hat. If the county office of Lezhixian is destroyed in an instant, attracting the attention of the provincial government, he would not believe that he would not get what he truly desires!

No, I have nothing to do with him. His family is always trying to curry favor since he has become the county magistrate's close aide

Yes! Yes! I still hope for your support, my lord

The shop assistant quickly served the tea while carefully returning the tea canister

The adult once promoted the Jinjiang project, recommended talents to end the border conflicts, and assisted the new emperor in ascending the throne; every action taken was for the benefit of the dynasty

I have resigned from my official position, so where does the title of 'Sir' come from

After tasting a few bites of the dishes, Dongfang put down his chopsticks and said with a smile, "How interesting"

The shop assistant thought carefully and shook his head: "Two men and a young lady, but I have no impression of the younger one"

The Golden Splendor Dynasty, Spring of the Second Year of Shengkang

"Young brother, are you one of the close attendants by the side of the esteemed master?" the old woman asked eagerly

The new moon in July, as if it possesses warmth, enters the night still carrying a hint of slight heat

Qingyi did not dare to speak, which can be taken as an implicit agreement

A handsome and elegant man stepped out of the ornate sedan chair. He held a folding fan and was dressed in exquisite brocade garments, his figure resembling that of a scholar. However, in his glances and demeanor, there was always a hint of an unconventional aura.

Just as I was about to ask my mother-in-law about her surname and the details of the case, this old woman unexpectedly pulled out a bag of money from her bosom and stuffed it into his hands

"Sir, your status is different from ours. We common folks have to curry favor with these officials in order to survive. However, Master Huai is quite decent; although he takes his share, he never deliberately makes things difficult for us"

Until Qingyi returns, planning to turn off the lights, Dongfang Fei faces the window with the crescent moon and speaks

Qingyi saw that her master finally picked up the chopsticks, and she couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief

"Indeed, young master is an outsider; please do not wade into this murky water." Another young man said nervously, "If Huai Zhen learns that the common people are dissatisfied with him, he will surely deal with us ruthlessly!"

"Under heaven, there is only her who dares to ignore my existence. I will not seek her; it is also quite good to find amusement here. You go and arrange it, and report back one by one on the public cases handled by the county office recently."

After several years in the officialdom, she indeed resembled winter snow stained with ink, and his gaze could not leave her.

"There is no need. If I were to investigate his background, wouldn't I have a greater chance of winning beforehand? That would be rather dull. " After pondering for a moment, he sneered, "This matter must create a tremendous uproar!"

The East is not a place for lodging, nor is it the luxurious Hualin Garden where officials stay, but rather it is a choice to reside in the elegant homes of ordinary wealthy merchants

...the whispers of true affection... drifted into the ears with the wind

"She would not want to rid herself of me. There must be some link that has gone awry..." What exactly is this mistake? Feng Yilang would never sway her thoughts, so did she take the initiative to leave the Yingkang Ruan residence?

Hmph, she leaves no trace, yet he is not afraid. The news of the resignation of the Prime Minister will soon spread among the people; as long as she is in the Central Plains, she will eventually seek him out. What is he still worried about?

In an instant, the moonlight intertwined with the candlelight indoors, illuminating the somber expression of the Eastern figure, who was neither joyful nor angry.

"Sir, the person has arrived," said the young woman in blue, as she entered the room to light the lamp

The scholar with the surname Ye quickly waved his hand, steadied his mind, and said

He curled the corners of his lips with a hint of mischief, instantly dispelling his drowsiness. He simply turned over and sat up, filled with annoyance towards her

"If we do not go to Qinde Garden, let us dine in this famous restaurant instead" The Beijing accent carried a hint of nonchalance, and her phoenix eyes instinctively scanned the faces of the common people on the street.

How could one not fathom her feelings at this moment

The East did not raise its eyebrows, smiling and saying

"What else do I need to find her for?" he said with displeasure and sarcasm. "Must I absolutely seek her out? Since she does not take the vow seriously, why should I persist in my pursuit?"

"It is only with utmost caution! My lord, I serve the public and uphold the law, yet I fail to win the favor of the county magistrate. He relies on Huai Zhen, and if this continues, Le Zhi County has no future. I implore you, my lord, to remove Huai Zhen for the sake of the people of Le Zhi County!"

"Cowardly dog slaves!" Dongfang Fei's expression suddenly turned cold, his mood severely affected. "If you want to deceive me, at least find someone who knows how to lie. What are you two? You reveal your true colors after just a couple of threats; what fun is there left for me? Speak, which dog slave has the audacity to instruct you?"

Are you related to the tofu shop owner or are you partners? Aren't you afraid of being scolded by the boss for finding business for him at the restaurant? Taking a sip, the tofu is smooth with a fine texture, not comparable to the tofu in the palace, but the craftsmanship is special, making it quite good

"Ha ha, do you really think they are eliminating harm for the people? No, they merely wish to use my power to get rid of the favored Huai Zhen." His sharp gaze swept over with a sinister light. "This Wei Jin, however, can only rely on others to eliminate the thorn in his side; what joy is there in stepping on him? It would be better to play with someone like Huai Zhen, who still holds some power. Moreover, I do have a bit of interest in Huai Zhen; despite his self-serving ways, he can still get things done for others, indicating he possesses a certain cleverness."

Dongfang Fei laughed and said

"It's quite noisy outside, isn't it?" It only gets louder and clearer.

His fingers clenched tightly, determined to achieve his goal

"If one is corrupt and greedy, can the common people rise against him?"

"Today, I will not concern myself with these petty actions. As for you, what was your name again? If you dare to come a second time, you must have the ability to deceive me. Otherwise, next time, I will not let you off so easily. Qingyi, are you not going to see the guests off?" With that, he no longer paid attention to these lowly commoners, who were on the same level as ants.

You are wondering, why is it that I, who have always loved to provoke upright officials in the court, am now intent on eliminating harm for the people this time?

Upon hearing this, Qingyi nodded in acknowledgment. The master of his household is one who grows tired of the old and seeks the new, relishing challenges. Therefore, it is not surprising that now, having found another worthy opponent to challenge, he would abandon Miss Ruan.

Lezhi County is renowned for its imitation of the capital, lacking its own distinctive features, and is also known as "Imitation County." Travelers and merchants do not linger here for long, as the business opportunities are limited and the resources are not abundant. The only advantage is that Lezhi County is situated on the essential route between the capital and Yingkang City, allowing travelers to pass through and providing a glimmer of hope for the county.

The grandeur of the occasion attracts attention

"Yes! Yes!" The two felt a surge of joy in their hearts. This matter seemed to hold promise.

The petty person immediately went to drive them away

"Adult..."

"Hmph, Huai Zhen is merely the county magistrate's lackey, yet he dares to extort the people's wealth. Brother Ye, it is not only Huai Zhen who is close to him; Wei Jin is also a close aide. He possesses a commendable character and handles official matters impartially. You can approach him to request the magistrate to act justly!"

In broad daylight, the two pushed against each other, and in the end, the old woman could not match his strength, and a string of copper coins returned to her hand. Before leaving, she frequently looked back at him, her eyes filled with confusion and hesitation

Could it be that in just seven short months, a suitor has taken her away, and it was only then that Feng Yilang devised a plan to make him unable to find her

Recently, in your county, are there two men and one woman from outside, who refer to each other as siblings? The woman has a severed finger on her left hand, and one of the men has snow-white hair

"This... this... this..." stammered, unable to articulate a reason.

"No wonder Lezhi County is just an ordinary and dull medium-sized county. How can this imitation dish even be called a famous dish from the capital?"

The Eastern figure responded absentmindedly a few times. Seeing that the master was distracted, the attendant in blue interjected:

"Yes, my lord. I have made the arrangements, and 'Qin De Guo' is right ahead. As soon as you arrive, the meal can be served". Given the noble status of his master, it is only fitting that he dines in the gardens of the high officials and dignitaries.

"The servant is here." The attendant in blue has been guarding the door from the beginning to the end

Sir, your personal guards...

Now, he is in Lezhi County, what comes next

...what should I do? Huai Zhen, relying on the county magistrate's favor, privately accepts bribes and is willing to seek justice for others. I think I should sell my property and ask Huai Zhen to handle it for me

"I have always acted according to my own desires. This trivial matter is merely for the sake of a fool." The moment he thought of her, he was filled with anger, turned back to the edge of the bed, and asked sternly, "Do you all truly believe that this is about being diligent and law-abiding?"

The window was half ajar, and he was dressed in a deep purple robe, his long hair like silk, glossy and smooth, cascading down his back

I am not complaining about the amount of money, truly not. Regarding the case you mentioned, I will definitely look into it later, you do not need to give me any money...

Fearing the authority of the officials in the capital, the man with the surname Ye did not dare to raise his head and prostrated himself on the ground, shouting:

"Mother-in-law, I will go and ask for you." Was it suppressed by someone, or was the petition withdrawn? I will go back and check.

He squinted his eyes and said with a gentle smile

Does she not desire a time of peace and prosperity? Now that such an era has arrived, what more does she want

"Sir... are you truly going to give up on Miss Ruan?" Has the vow of that night ultimately turned to ashes?

He was slightly surprised upon hearing this. According to the regulations, after the county government accepts the petition, there should be a result within at least four days. How could it be delayed until now

He leaned against the couch by the window, dozing lightly. The warm breeze gently brushed against him, causing his dark hair to sway slightly. He appeared to be asleep, yet his heart was filled with anger for being unable to grasp the intentions of Ruan Dong.

"Young Master, may I ask what brings you to us?" The one who spoke was Brother Ye, who intended to sell his family assets. He was also dressed in a long gown, but he appeared like an ordinary scholar, lacking the innate aura that Dongfang Fei possessed.

Please arrange for them to dine like ordinary guests." The blue-clad servant replied on behalf of her master, while taking out a tea canister and handing it to the waiter. "My master is not accustomed to the tea from outside, so I trouble you, young waiter.

"Gentlemen, whether or not to liquidate your assets is your own affair. From the moment you entered, I have had a question, and I hope you can provide me with an answer."

With the new emperor ascending the throne, the situation in the realm has largely stabilized, which she considers a prosperous and peaceful era in her mind. What else does she wish to accomplish?

This is a place where wealthy merchants spend the night. You two are dressed ordinarily; how is it that you are able to enter this place?

"It has been four months... Young Master, perhaps it is best if you refrain from meddling in this matter!" Brother Ye whispered tremulously, "He is not someone you can handle! He only acts for money, and I am preparing to sell off my assets to seek his assistance..."

Please help me. My son had his leg broken by someone, and after submitting the petition to the clerk of the Criminal Department, there has been no news since.

A crescent moon hangs outside the window, shining brightly as it descends. He simply rises, unfolds a folding fan towards the moonlight, and the dark surface of the fan takes on a vague brightness. In the past, he gifted her an ink-stained folding fan, implying that no matter how noble her character, she would eventually succumb to the corrupting influences around her.

It turns out that every move I make cannot escape the attention of those who are observant