Chapter 2

What do you think about when you are reciting poetry

Whether it is valuable or not, our family is also very curious. The Chief Minister has always been fond of giving gifts, and this gift is related to Minister Ruan's future

Even the usually gentle and polite Ichirou could not help but mildly scold her... Although Ichirou was not angry at her for being dull, he was frustrated that she did not know how to put on a facade...! ... Yet she was just infuriated with her own foolishness!

I am being reckless? Brother Yilang, when I was six years old, I returned to the Ruan residence with Huaining and saw that there was an additional Feng Yilang in the house. From that day on, you have always been by my side, and in these past two years, you have devoted yourself to me. To me, you have already become like a biological brother. I have wanted to call you "brother" several times, but you always said I was too young and regarded our bond as mere play. Well, I am now eighteen, and you have also said that I am an adult. Now, I want to honor someone I respect as my brother. In ancient times, there was the oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden. Although the three of us may not be as renowned as they were, I sincerely wish to honor you as my brother!

She thought for a moment and said, "I have been thinking about many things. At one moment, I recall past cases, and at another, I think about what I need to do tomorrow. I just can't concentrate. By the way, I also encountered a robber on the street."

Her gaze was piercing, and her delicate little face flushed a fiery red, as if it were about to ignite. He remained unfazed, merely meeting her eyes with a gentle look. After a while, unable to contain her anger any longer, she slammed the table, jumped up, and strode out with the wind at her back

"... ... No, it's nothing." Feng Yilang forced a smile and got up.

"Sir Ruan, your residence is truly difficult to locate," said Lord Huang, covering his nose.

"Deputy Ruan, can you still not recognize my voice? Last night, you saved me and allowed me to keep my life. I have kept you in my thoughts, yet you cannot even recognize my voice. How can someone like Ruan Dongqian seek justice for the people? It would be better for you to return and be your foolish self!"

"That is merely a trick of Dong Fangfei's." Feng Yilang smiled and said, "The money we have on hand is almost enough to buy rice; there is no need for gifts, as what Dong Fangfei wants is not a return gift." He knew that Dong Gufei was quick in her actions, but he did not expect that just a few days after entering the Ministry of Revenue, she was already reviewing the old accounts, which was definitely not a good sign

"You are not foolish," he said gently, his eyes filled with compassion

She looked up at Huaining, who had long surpassed her in height. They were only two years apart, but since the age of fifteen, he seemed to have been blessed by heaven with his height, continuously growing taller, while she, on the other hand, seemed to have stopped growing, resembling a short person.

She saw Huaining waiting for her outside the Daming Gate, smiled as she shook off all her regrets, and walked briskly towards him

"Dong Gu, what are you doing?" Feng Yilang exclaimed in surprise

Huaining didn't even look at her, to put it simply

Where are you going tonight? Have you memorized 'Bring in the Wine'?

Huaining, have you eaten enough

Today, the officials all wore strange expressions, waiting and waiting in the Qianbu Corridor, yet Dongfang Fei simply would not enter the Ministry of Rites. The officials felt a slight unease, especially upon seeing his spirited demeanor, fearing that someone else might be chosen by him.

Then I will tell the story that Yi Lang mentioned, the three visits to the thatched cottage, he will surely be moved by my sincerity... Yi Lang, the bed is yours to sleep in, what are you getting up for? Please don't force her to recite the poem, she is very afraid of it

Indeed, winter is here. Starting today, you will sleep on the bed, and I will share the floor with Huaining.

It's just an ordinary fan, yet she treats it as if it's something extraordinary

She still remembers that at the age of three, she pulled so hard that she dislocated her biological father's arm. It was only then that her father and the steward of the Ruan family realized that her strength was extraordinary, and they had no choice but to send her, a small child, to the mountains to learn how to control her strength

Just now, Lord Cheng said that he did not know how to report the news to the other officials. This indicates that the other officials are closely observing Dong Fangfei's attitude towards you. If Dong Fangfei intends to win you over, then all the officials will certainly rush to curry favor with you; if Dong Fangfei is determined to eliminate you... then, in winter, your future in the court will be very difficult.

In their first match, she suffered a bewildering defeat

"Brother Ichiro, are you still awake?" the young man said with a flattering smile, "You are not really able to stay up late, why don't you go to bed earlier?"

The chopsticks paused in mid-air as she stared at him in disbelief. "Why should I thank that scoundrel?"

"The three of us siblings cannot be born on the same year, month, and day, but may we die on the same year, month, and day..." Before the words were finished, Feng Yilang interrupted eagerly.

I heard the guards at the Daming Gate mention the matter of gift-giving. In previous years, when gifts were sent from the East, a greater return gift was always expected the following day

"That won't do, that won't do. Etiquette must not be neglected. You are the elder brother, of course you should sleep in the bed." She smiled proudly.

In winter, there will come a day when you must learn to bow your head

Brother Ruan is indeed a distant relative of mine, and he is the governor I respect the most. I hope that one day I can become the second Ruan Woqiu, to observe the people's sentiments, empathize with their feelings, and advocate for all the injustices suffered by the people. " With narrowed eyes, I looked directly at him and said clearly: "Eliminate all corruption within the dynasty, and let our dynasty become a true era of peace and prosperity.

It must not be discarded. After you finish work tomorrow, take the invitation to express your gratitude

No, no, my lord, this official has just remembered. Today, a deputy minister from another region is reporting to the Ministry of Revenue..." Before the words were finished, he suddenly noticed that Dongfang Fei's beautiful phoenix eyes were glinting with a sinister light

Your salary has dwindled over the past two years, and upon arriving in the capital, the prices are even higher. We have no choice but to share a room among the three of us. In the past, I used to sleep in a bed, but now that you are eighteen, it is not appropriate to let a young lady sleep on the floor with Huaining, is it

This voice is clear and spirited, indeed the melodious sound of the youth from last night, but this time, it seems to carry a hint of anger. Dongfang Fei secretly rejoiced in his heart and said with a smile, "Are you flattering me, or are you subtly mocking me?"

Whether or not one is a sworn brother is not that important. Huaining, you should persuade her—" Looking at Huaining, it was not surprising at all to see her expression of detachment.

Alright, you are not official officials of the court, so you do not need to report to the Ministry of Revenue tomorrow. I am different, Brother Yilang, let us sleep together

Feng Yilang pretended not to notice how ambiguous her words "sleep together" were, and simply said:

I will not engage in a deadlock with him; do you really expect me to flatter and curry favor with him? Brother Yilang, today I reviewed the Ministry of Revenue's records, and the actual tax revenue for last year was only 1,500,000 taels, clearly falling short by 500,000 taels, yet no one dares to speak up. As we traveled to the capital, passing through Jinjiang, we witnessed firsthand the slow progress of the renovation projects, while the reported expenses were more than doubled; all this money has fallen into the pockets of those corrupt officials in the East. You actually want me to accept his gifts obtained through embezzlement and bow my head in gratitude?" She gritted her teeth and said indignantly, "I cannot lower my head for this matter!"

Huaining extinguished the candle, placed the long sword beside him, and lay down expressionlessly to share a bed with his newly recognized sworn brother

It is said that the Eastern figure is not capricious, and can be described as someone who acts solely based on personal preference. Even if his act of gifting a fan carries no particular meaning, there are many behind him who care deeply about it

Upon hearing this, Feng Yilang's brows furrowed even more tightly

"What does it matter?" She said dismissively. "Brother Ichiro, your health is not better than mine, and the floor is both cold and hard. If you catch a chill because of it, I would feel guilty."

"You make a valid point." After a moment of thought, he smiled without concern. "Brother Ichiro, regardless of what others think, I cannot be bothered by them. This fan is simply distasteful; just take it and throw it away."

I understand, but etiquette must not be neglected. I am the lady's servant, and this fact will not change

After all, I am also a fellow disciple of Huaining, and my skills are not inferior to his. Brother Yilang, you should rest first; let me wait for Huaining.

"Huaining, you have arrived just in time!" With one hand pulling Feng Yilang and the other dragging Huaining, he suddenly buckled his knees and knelt down in the mud.

Upon seeing this, Huaining could only follow slowly. The two of them spoke in unison:

Haining, you need not come to pick me up, it is merely a short distance, you should protect Yilang.

"In your eyes, do you consider me a tumor in the court?" He chuckled, "You can't even hide your emotions a little; who would believe the lies you speak? By the way, have you memorized your 'Song of the Wine' yet?"

Thinking of this, looking at the youth's jade-like face resembling a lotus, he could hardly conceal his quickening heartbeat and asked with a smile

Feng Yilang subtly sighed, noticing that her actions, expressions, and even the tone of her speech resembled that of a spirited young boy, and he couldn't help but feel concerned

You do not allow it, then it is simple; I will kneel here and not rise, after all, I am accustomed to suffering; moreover, although I, Ruan Donggu, am a woman...

"Deputy Minister Ruan, Young Master Feng, please open it quickly."

Having served as an official for many years, he has encountered numerous individuals of this kind. Typically, within less than a year, they become nothing more than a foul vessel for harboring filth and corruption. He is eager to refine this Ruan family's minister.

As she reached the door, she turned back with resentment and asked in a muffled voice:

I, Feng Yilang (Huaining), aged twenty-three (23), at this moment and at this place today, hereby establish a brotherhood with Ruan Dong, pledging to share both fortune and misfortune from this day forth

She immediately picked up the small rice bucket with leftover food and walked out without looking back

The former governor of the inspection department, Ruan Woqiu, is said to be your distant relative. It is not surprising that you resemble each other, but I wonder if your ambitions are aligned.

"It is not allowed! There is no reason for siblings to die on the same day, month, and year!" Seeing her stare at him intently, he took a deep breath and said softly, "After all, I am several years older than you and Huaining. Even without any accidents, I would still die before you. There is no principle of living and dying together among siblings."

He shook his head and threw his head back in laughter, his laughter causing the officials to exchange glances, unsure of how to respond

Ruan Dong was once again taken aback.

The young man possesses a strikingly handsome appearance, with eyebrows resembling the crescent moon yet exuding a sense of vigor, eyes like bright stars, lips tinged with the soft hue of peach, and skin that is both healthy and fair. At first glance, although this youth may appear somewhat juvenile, he carries an air of elegance and clarity that is quite endearing.

She glared at him for a long time before finally saying, "For trivial matters, you decide; for important matters, I decide! But I do not consider this a trivial matter!"

The Minister of Revenue was momentarily taken aback, staring blankly at him

Old Huang, considering that he had just stepped in to ease the situation, spoke in a kind and gentle manner

He is not suitable

"Who is that?" Dongfang Fei asked excitedly. Without needing to verify his identity, it was clear that the young official standing in front of the Ministry of Revenue was indeed the "savior" from last night.

"Rituals cannot be discarded, but since I am your elder brother, do you dare to disobey my command?" Feng Yilang said calmly, "I have just become your elder brother. If you do not obey, what use is there in my title as an elder brother?"

I am merely the adopted son of the steward of the Ruan family, and at the same time, a servant of the Ruan family. You are the young lady, and it is only right for me to sleep on the floor

"Naturally, that is flattery; I have never been one to understand indirect sarcasm," she said stubbornly

Due to the winter, I fear that you are alone outside and in case of any unforeseen circumstances, there would be no one to look after you, so I have asked Huaining to find you

Heaven above, Earth below, I, Ruan Dong, at this moment, at this time and place, form a brotherhood with Feng Yilang and my junior brother Huaining...

"Rituals must not be neglected?" She gazed at him for a long time, and suddenly smiled slyly, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, rituals must not be neglected!" Grabbing Feng Yilang's arm, she forcibly pulled him out the door

Feng Yilang knew that this father-in-law was completely unaware, so he could only escort him out to the carriage. After returning to the house, he saw her and Huaining already eating heartily, the jade box carelessly discarded to the side.

Ah... the smile froze. She did not expect that Ichirou would turn the tables on her; she admitted defeat. What she feared the most was Ichirou and all the wise people in the world. "I really hope that one day, I can be as smart as Ichirou..." she mumbled as she climbed into bed

She is merely a minor Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, responsible for managing the Grand Treasury within the ministry. Currently, she has no prospects to speak of; one could say she lacks both support and sufficient funds to maintain appearances, embodying the standard of having nothing but empty sleeves. What good could come from the officials in the court? Exchanging a glance with Feng Yilang, he gently shook his head, indicating that she should adapt to the situation.

Ruan Dong gazed up at the night sky and said aloud without any hesitation

I serve in an official capacity not to bow and scrape, nor to lower my head to those corrupt officials who undermine the integrity of the government

Brother Yichiro would never ally himself with such a scoundrel! Ruan Dong secretly gritted his teeth, desperately suppressing his anger, and said:

Do you remember what I said to you when you took over as the junior clerk for Ruan Dongqian back in the day

Ruan Dong frowned upon hearing this, and his displeasure was evident.

Ruan Dong took a deep look at him once more, her gaze shifting to his hair, which was silver with a hint of yellow, and she nodded lightly as she spoke

As soon as the nearly broken door was kicked open, a young man with a dark complexion and handsome features, carrying a long sword, was seen standing at the entrance.

She laughed heartily: "Who says I have to get married? Even if no one wants me, I wouldn't mind marrying Yi Lang or Huai Ning..." Suddenly, she noticed Huai Ning, who had been pretending to sleep, kneeling and rushing three steps away. Turning her head again, she saw Feng Yi Lang feigning nonchalance, looking around aimlessly, as if they were avoiding her like a venomous snake or scorpion. She was puzzled and asked: "Yi Lang, what are you two up to?"

The official's gift... Upon seeing the horrified expression of Lord Huang, she quickly changed her words: "The Prime Minister has sent a gift, I cannot accept it, please return it to the Lord in its original form."

Brother Ichiro, we have returned

Do we still have extra money to buy gifts back?" Huaining suddenly asked

"Yes, yes, yes, I am not foolish, but I cannot memorize a poem."

"Robber?" Upon hearing this, he quickly scanned her entire body. "Are you alright?"

Ruan Dong snorted softly and said in a clear voice

Brother Ichiro, I am so hungry that my front is sticking to my back, let me eat first! There are only two or three dishes, yet she is eating with great enjoyment, bowl after bowl.

Brother Ichiro, I encountered someone on the street who is as intelligent as you. He spoke just a few words to those robbers and was able to assert with certainty that they were residents of the capital. If he were to serve the dynasty, it would be a blessing for the dynasty. I really should have sent him home just now, so that I could visit him next time and ask him to work for me

Ruan Dong, upon hearing this, nodded and said

Whenever she thinks of that day, she cannot help but bang her head against the wall. Although several days have passed, she still feels an immense sense of regret, regretting why her intelligence did not shine through even a little. Why was the outcome so clear-cut in their first encounter?

Ruan Dong was delighted, beaming with joy, and responded:

"Deputy Minister Ruan, no matter how I look at you, I find you quite familiar. In fact, the moment I saw you just now, I felt that your appearance resembles that of an old friend of mine."

In previous years, when he was away, he could slow her down at any time. Now that she is working in the Ministry of Revenue in the imperial city, he holds no official position and cannot enter the Ming Gate, making it impossible for him to assist her whenever needed. The threat of hidden dangers is hard to guard against

Whenever a new official takes office in the court, apart from the former governor of the capital, Ruan Woqiu, who was unappreciative over a decade ago, most other officials are now in high positions after receiving gifts from the Grand Chancellor. Elder, please accept this on behalf of your master, and open it here so that we may see what it is

"We did not come here to be entertained by you..." Eunuch Huang presented a jade box that had been warmed in his embrace. "Minister Ruan, you have just taken office in the Ministry of Revenue for a few days, and the Prime Minister has instructed me to deliver a small gift to you, as a congratulation on your promotion, hoping that you will dedicate yourself to the country and its people."

Huaining, if Brother Yilang were to take office, he would certainly make that Eastern dog official suffer a great defeat

It is a trivial matter

After she returned home at the age of six, she spent the first half of the year learning skills in the mountains and the second half studying characters at the Ruan family. This secret was known only to her father and the steward Fengchun. Everyone believed that the young lady of the Ruan family never left the house, and even her most admired elder brother thought she was a little girl who did not like to leave her boudoir

What Ichiro says goes

If you continue like this, how will you get married in the future? Which good man would want to marry a girl with a boyish demeanor as his wife

The Eastern official waved his hand impatiently and said, "Forget it, let it be as if I never asked."

I do not understand

As soon as the worn old door of the inn was pushed open, the young man in white immediately sensed that someone was watching him

"Fan? What does this mean?" Huang Gonggong asked in confusion

I have no close ties with him, and accepting this gift would make me feel guilty, so I will not accept it. " She waved her hand and was about to enter the small room.

That is why Huaining has always been by your side, so you certainly will not encounter any trouble

"Hello, what do you mean by 'old man'? He is my sworn brother, named Feng Yilang, and he is only twenty-three this year. It's just that his hair color is different from others. If you are truly knowledgeable, please do not call him incorrectly next time." She said with evident displeasure.

"Well..." She was not born to be smooth-tongued, nor would she tell lies in front of Brother Yilang. She admitted, "Brother Yilang, you know that I have never liked studying since I was young, and my mind is not that sharp..." Seeing him furrow his brows, she laughed cheerfully. "I know you have always cared for me and won't allow me to belittle myself, but I am speaking the truth. You are the naturally intelligent one; as for me, if it weren't for relying on Brother Yilang, I would never have been able to reach the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, right?"

"Your Excellency, I hope the banquet last night did not displease you. I humbly invite you to visit my residence once more today, and I assure you that this time you will be satisfied—" the Minister of Revenue quickly stepped forward, speaking in a low and submissive tone.

Feng Yilang knew that she was incredibly strong, and consequently, her appetite was also exceptionally good, so he nodded and said: "You should eat more." He picked up the jade box and pondered for a long time.

That is Ruan Dongqian. My lord, he is the one I mentioned, the newly appointed Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue who just took office today

In the court, who does not know the esteemed official? The esteemed official is the first prime minister of the imperial court, concurrently serving as the Minister of Rites, holding an additional third-rank official position, and the first-rank titles of Grand Master and Grand Tutor, along with a specially conferred noble title and residence. His reputation in the East is not just well-known; it is practically thunderous!

You act rashly and speak bluntly, and your understanding of the principles of governance is insufficient; how could you possibly become the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue? It must be that the strategist behind you has exerted great effort to elevate you to this position. If you wish to contend with me, hmph, not only will your strategist be no match for me, but I will also make him align with me, leaving you isolated and defenseless, which would be an effortless task.

These two individuals are her capable right and left hands, but what about her...? Is she really a bit foolish? It seems she is utterly useless.

Ruan Dong touched his nose, pulled a stool over, and sat down in front of the bed, smiling and saying

She was taken aback as she saw a eunuch delicately walking out of her dilapidated house

It is just a fan, nothing to be concerned about. Hmph, that Eastern scoundrel must have pocketed quite a bit of money to be so idle as to send gifts to others. She ate three bowls of plain rice, swallowed hard, and seeing that there was still some left in the small rice bucket, she first served a bowl for the still deep in thought Feng Yilang, and then served herself another bowl to continue her hard work.

Feng Yilang fell silent for a moment and then spoke softly

The fan is made of wood, with a plain fan surface splashed with ink ... ? ... What does it ultimately signify

Upon turning into the East-West Alley and stepping into the dilapidated little house, she took off her official hat, letting her long black hair cascade down her shoulders, and exclaimed energetically in a loud voice

Your ambitions are truly lofty; I have heard these words no less than a hundred times, yet no one has ever accomplished them. Even my old friend Ruan Woqiu has not succeeded. I have high expectations for you. " Seeing Ruan Donggu glaring at him, he slightly leaned down, his handsome face close to Ruan Donggu's ear, and whispered with a smile, "Do you still not recognize me?"

Huaining looked at his already empty bowl and nodded. "... ... That should be enough."

Elder Brother Ichiro became a servant of the household when she returned home, and while he became the adopted son of the steward Fengchun, he also became her companion in study. When she and Huaining were dozing off in class, Elder Brother Ichiro had already learned to draw inferences from one instance to another, discussing the teachings of Confucius and Mencius with the teacher. If anyone knows the intelligence of Elder Brother Ichiro best, it would be none other than her and Huaining.

If she did not respond, it would be unfair to the very attentive Yilang. Therefore, she could only gulp down her food and pretended to answer seriously:

She laughed heartily, patting her chest. "What could possibly happen to me? I alone can withstand ten strong men..." Her expression darkened slightly, and she said irritably, "I just didn't expect that even in the capital there would be robbers. Brother Yi, when will it be like the stories you tell, where the common people can open their doors without fear of thieves invading?"

The East did not laugh heartily. This young man not only had a delicate appearance, but even the body beneath his official robe was rather slender. With such a frail physique and such a jade-like face, he dared to meet his gaze directly, daring to display a demeanor of integrity and positivity in his presence

Old friend

In contrast to her blazing flames, Feng Yilang appeared remarkably calm

Her junior brother and second elder brother, who speaks so little that it is truly pitiful, possesses equal intelligence to hers but has exceptional martial skills. The longest sentence he has ever uttered was to scold her, calling her "reckless, straightforward, impulsive, and heedless of consequences"

"My Lord, the Minister of Rites, can you tell me, whose birthday in this world can be celebrated twice? Moreover, you are already an old bone, what splendid performances can you come up with to please this official?" Seeing the old face of the Minister of Revenue in a state of anxiety, Dongfang Fei did not take it to heart. He scanned the young officials in the Qianbu Corridor, each of whom was smiling obsequiously at him; he had encountered such smiles many times before. Even if he could not remember who was who, he could be certain that there were no officials from outside the region. "My Lord, the Minister of Rites, do you know if there have been any officials from outside the region transferred to the capital recently?" Dongfang Fei did not take it to heart, scanning the young officials in the Qianbu Corridor once more, each of whom was smiling obsequiously at him; he had encountered such smiles many times before. Even if he could not remember who was who, he could be certain that there were no officials from outside the region. "My Lord, the Minister of Rites, do you know if there have been any officials from outside the region transferred to the capital recently?"

She laughed heartily and said without a hint of concern: "Huaining, when will you also comfort me?" Even someone as blunt as her could tell that it was a falsehood.

Brother Ichiro, I have been out at midnight for these years, yet nothing has ever happened to me

It turns out that the Prime Minister's gift carries a deeper meaning. Your Excellency, you have extensive experience in official matters, so please offer more guidance to my master

Yea! It was only then that Ruan Donggu discovered the change in his address, and he asked in surprise: "Yilang Ge, you usually insist on calling me Dongqian, why have you returned to calling me by my real name today?"

Ruan Dong fixed her gaze on his wicked and sinister phoenix eyes, recalling the countless admonitions from Brother Yi Lang, and she reluctantly performed a bow and said

Now this young man is staring at him like a little tiger ready to eat a person, why is that

"Winter is coming, having a falling out with him brings you no benefit at all"

No

"Sir!" Feng Yilang said with mild annoyance, stopping her. To make up for her disrespect, he quickly took the jade box and said with a warm smile, "It is also fine if the elder wishes to see it."

Father-in-law, it is not that my family does not accept it, but rather that they are afraid this gift is too valuable and do not dare to accept it

Huaining responded and walked alongside her in the dimming twilight

Upon hearing this, she was taken aback.

"Sir, Lord Huang has come to visit and has been waiting for you for quite some time." Feng Yilang immediately stepped out of the house to remind.

"I hope for your guidance, Master Huang." Feng Yilang carefully observed Master Huang's expression

More than two years ago, she was determined to buy an official position and enter the court. These two childhood friends unhesitatingly became her pillars of support. Brother Yilang devised a clever plan for her, taking on the official position of Ruan Dongqian two years ago, while Huaining safeguarded her life through the storms of these two years

Brother Ichiro, I have always regarded you as an elder brother

Ruan Dong reluctantly opened the jade box. Born into a merchant family, she could tell at a glance that the jade box was of considerable value. She had expected to find gold and jewels inside, but to her surprise, what she saw was an ordinary folding fan made of wood. She took out the fan and with a "snap" opened it; the fan surface was plain white, devoid of any patterns, with just a few drops of ink scattered on it.

Generally speaking, after the morning court session each day, the officials of the six ministries and the officers of the governor's office gather in the Qianbu Corridor, with Dongfang Fei presiding. Once he enters the Ministry of Rites' court chamber, the other officials may disperse.

Feng Yilang, upon hearing this, was unsure whether to be troubled by her lack of attention to detail or to be grateful that she was not as petty as a young girl

Perhaps the other party's ambitions do not lie here He smiled, watching her enthusiastically praise others

"It is winter, so it doesn't matter whether it is east or west. Aren't we all the same?" she said with a grin.

He felt secretly dejected, lit the candle on the table, and the room was immediately illuminated with a faint light, revealing a silver-haired young man sitting on the edge of the bed

"Return it?" Huang Gonggong exclaimed, "Sir Ruan, this is a gift from the Prime Minister!"

"Sooner or later, she will have to understand the true way of being an official," Feng Yilang said thoughtfully

Winter has come, today is your birthday

Today is your eighteenth birthday, and only today will I call you Dong Gu. Tomorrow, you will still be Ruan Dongqian

Old Huang hesitated for a moment, but ultimately could not resist his curiosity and nodded

"It will happen sooner or later." Feng Yilang noticed that she quickly regained her spirits and understood that her strength lay in not being discouraged for too long. It was precisely because of her nature that she deeply attracted him

"Hush, don't speak so loudly. Although there is no one in the inn's backyard, we cannot guarantee that there won't be anyone eavesdropping..." Seeing her expression filled with determination to succeed in her scheme, he sighed and lifted the hem of his garment to kneel down beside her

"It has truly been hard on you, my lord. This is unavoidable, as I do not have enough money on hand, nor is there an official willing to provide me with accommodation. By the way, the tea here is not very good either, which is quite a grievance for you, my lord." Ruan Donggu laughed heartily, but upon noticing the disapproving frown of Brother Yi, she immediately restrained her unruly laughter.

"How could I, a mere official, dare to contend with you, my lord?"

Feng Yilang stepped forward, blocking her path, cleared his throat lightly, and said slowly

Dongfang Fei nodded and smiled, saying

Dongfang Feiwen felt a surge of joy in his heart as he walked up to the hostile young man. With a beaming smile, he said, "Deputy Minister Ruan, I have been waiting for you. Do you know who I am?"

Feng Yilang let out a quiet sigh, lifted the hem of his garment, and sat down at the table. After dividing his meal in half and giving it to Huaining, he then began to eat the leftover food.

Although the young man had hair color reminiscent of an elderly person, his skin was as smooth as white jade, and his eyes resembled the blue sea. His appearance was ordinary, yet his smooth and unwrinkled face was akin to that of someone in their early twenties. He silently gazed at the youth for a while, and only after the youth, feeling guilty, averted his gaze did he softly speak:

She walked out of the Ming Gate alone, without any eunuchs flattering her to hire a sedan chair. In fact, her salary over the past two years had been so meager that even the dilapidated house she lived in the capital was barely found by her brother Yi Lang and Huai Ning after searching everywhere.

"No!" Feng Yilang's usually calm face revealed a rare anger. "Do not act recklessly!"

Old Huang seemed oblivious, murmuring to himself: "This fan is so ordinary, it has no jewels, and it is not a broken fan, it only has a few ink splashes on the surface... Now what, how are we going to report this to the other adults?" Coming back to his senses, he quickly said: "Minister Ruan, the gift has arrived, and it will no longer concern our family, we shall take our leave now"