Chapter 5

The silhouette of Dong Fangfei was shrouded in the hazy glow of the evening light, merging seamlessly with the opulent night scenery. The life in the palace garden these days is entirely built upon the sweat and toil of the common people. Did Dong Fangfei bring her here to reveal that the so-called era of peace and prosperity is merely an illusion

Feng Yilang calmly watched her leave, and only after she disappeared around the corner did he allow himself to show his displeasure.

The East, having not heard the words, eagerly awaits the continuation.

Jiang Xing, the governor, slightly changed her expression. She took everything in at a glance and candidly said: "I do not like it at all"

Suddenly, her entire body became rigid

Hmm?

The Eastern man noticed her energetic spirit, bright smile, and the return of her dignified demeanor. She no longer appeared discouraged and disheartened like she was in the dungeon. Now, Ruan Donggu, is worth savoring every bit.

Ruan Dong breathed a sigh of relief. Little did he know, Dongfang continued:

Excuse me, Ruan... Huai Zhen," Qing Yi said softly.

I... I have been acquitted of all charges. She smiled. After many years in the officialdom, her face had become so thick that even a knife couldn't cut through it. But I suppose that's a good thing.

This Guanyuan (official garden) was built for over two years during the reign of the former emperor, exclusively for the use of passing officials for business and hospitality purposes. There were a total of thirteen Buzhengsi (provincial administrative offices) in the imperial era, which means there were thirteen Guanyuan (official gardens) throughout the country.

Even though she is still learning about love, she understands the meaning behind this kind of bite

She retreated dozens of steps away, until she couldn't hear Dongfang Fei speaking anymore, then turned around to look at the brightly lit place.

"Brother Qingyi, you should be by Brother Dongfang's side to protect him." She said softly.

This fan was given by an old friend. The fan ribs are made of ordinary wood, the fan surface is plain white, with some ink stains. This fan holds a very important place in my life, without it, I would not be where I am today. It keeps me constantly vigilant, allowing me to bow down, open my hands to receive gifts, but why I receive gifts, why I bow down, I must never forget in this lifetime.

Forget it, she should still recite the book silently. Although she no longer needs to recite the book, when she is upset and restless, she always wants to recite the book to calm her emotions. This has long become her habit.

So, this is what it feels like to have a fiancé. My heart becomes tender as I constantly think of him and consider her in every aspect. She has never experienced this peculiar feeling before and couldn't help but savor it carefully.

East non-stop stared at her, the corners of his mouth gradually curved upwards, not only in a good mood but also with a peculiar and intense gaze. He waved his hand to conceal his hungry expression and said:

Jiangxing Bureau, Jiangxing Bureau...! Ah, she remembered!

Each relative is responsible for different miscellaneous tasks, and she is specifically in charge of purchasing gifts that the master bestows upon other officials, particularly those sent to officials in the capital, which are of even greater importance

On the side is Qingyi, with about ten black-clad warriors in front and behind, and the formation seems a bit grand. He has a big presence, which she is already accustomed to, but this time it's not a luxurious sedan with a white horse, but rather skilled and powerful attendants.

She spent several years working in the Ministry of Revenue in the imperial capital, and before taking up her new position, she was determined not to allow excessive and unnecessary expenses.

Eastern people are already accustomed to her habit of holding Feng Yilang higher than the sky, and she has also developed the ability to turn a deaf ear. He raised his handsome eyebrows and smiled, "In that case, you still have to continue on your own path, right?"

What do you want to say

I am not particularly clever in many aspects, but this one thing, I excel at. Furthermore, I have my brother Ichirō by my side, who can always enlighten me at any moment

She spread herself out in front of the East African, but he didn't even touch her.

That fan was placed at home in the county. Huai Zhen cherished it greatly, thus did not carry it with him.

Jiang Xing, the governor, no longer paid attention to this insignificant person and quickly sent someone to present a jade box as a gesture of goodwill

She laughed heartily, but then fearing that those outside the carriage might hear, she quickly covered her mouth and said softly

I do not experience an accelerated heartbeat for Dongfang, but I, Ruan Dong, have never considered any other man

Wei Jin did not expect her confession; she was first taken aback, and then furrowed her brows deeply, saying

If even you do not like it, how could I possibly find it appealing? Governor, are you insulting me by presenting a fan that even my close attendants disdain?

Ruan Dong, not one to react slowly, took a step back, bowed his head respectfully and said

What would you like to ask

The once powerful Prime Minister is clearly intent on tarnishing the reputation of this young concubine by showering her with such favor... She cannot think ill of him; since their marital status has already been established, it is evident that he would not deliberately harm her.

The heartbeat of Brother Dongfang seems to have quickened a bit. He still has not changed this bad habit of his, often measuring his heartbeat when he is moved, and moreover, biting her like this

You can speak your mind, and I will not hold it against you

Yes. It is somewhat gritting one's teeth

Qingyi pondered for a moment and said softly: "My master rarely attends such banquets when in the capital. The young lady should know that my master has always acted according to his own wishes; what he desires is neither silks and satins nor a multitude of beautiful women"

She has always been straightforward and does not reject his touch, saying:

She has a lot on her mind. I wonder if there is any outcome regarding the major case of Cheng. What is the ultimate goal of the skilled individuals from the inner court? ... And then there is that uncomfortable Jiang Xingzheng, the second-rank governor.

Ruan Dong was secretly startled and discreetly scanned the expressions of the surrounding attendants. Qingyi, as usual, had no expression on his face, while the strong warriors around him couldn't hide their unusual gaze.

She immediately exclaimed in a low voice, "Brother Dongfang!"

If Dongfang had known that her feelings for him were so shallow, he would not have regarded it as his greatest challenge. However, constantly hearing such words would also make him feel impatient internally

So, these skilled individuals from the inner court are indeed sent by the Emperor to monitor Dongfang Fei, rather than to protect him

It is not that Huai Zhen does not like it, but rather that Huai Zhen is not in the habit of using a fan. Moreover, Huai Zhen already has a fan.

"Sausage?" Dongfang Feiwei was not surprised. He had never opened the lavish gifts sent by officials and had them directly delivered by Qingyi. Three millennium ginsengs were to be presented to the palace by a century-old pharmacy in the capital. He was able to purchase one by threatening and tempting the seller before leaving the capital. He mixed it with the gifts and gave it to her, but she only savored the worthless sausage repeatedly.

"Huaizhen, is this really a good fan?"

Within the Jiangxing Provincial Administration, there are all favored disciples and close relatives of the late Grand Minister, who are particularly difficult to deal with. Even in the Criminal Justice and the Military Command Offices, remnants of the late Grand Minister's followers still remain. The new emperor will likely have to exert considerable effort to subdue them

While enjoying the graceful dance moves of the Oriental beauty, she laughed without looking back and said:

"It doesn't matter. If Brother Dongfang doesn't mind, then I won't either. As a man, having a few close female friends is not surprising; you should just let people throw themselves at you as much as possible." As she finished speaking and was about to rise, Dongfang Fei angrily grabbed her arm.

Ruan Dong was drenched in cold sweat from his blatant, hungry gaze. Just as she was about to speak, he forcefully averted his eyes and waved his sleeve, preparing to exit the carriage

The East does not merely laugh heartily, nor does it justify itself; instead, it states:

"It's bacon, what else could it be?" She laughed, "Brother Dongfang, are you always touching my face because there's something dirty on it?"

Huaizhen, I heard that you have been sick these past few days. This nobleman feels a bit guilty for asking you to come and accompany me for some fun. With a mischievous chuckle, the voice came from inside the sedan.

Her profile was slightly turned, perfectly aligning with his infatuated gaze. He wore a long purple-black robe made of fine material, his black hair cascading like silk behind him, blending seamlessly with the color of his attire; his expression was one of greed, yet it was evident that he held no affection for the officialdom... Which means that this chilling and unsettling greed he harbored... was directed at her. Suddenly, she felt a bit uneasy.

Jiang Xing, the Governor of Buzheng, I, as a nobleman, do not hold any official position. However, I have been favored by the Emperor and granted a title against the norm. I have not even spoken a word, yet you are seizing the right to punish me. Why? Do you have a grudge against me?" Dongfang Fei lazily said. His tone was gentle, without any trace of anger, making it difficult to discern his intentions.

Who is he guarding against?

It's not that I don't look at the fan in the east, but rather I look at her, interestingly saying:

If Lord Dongfang were to pass away?

I don't find anything inconvenient, what are you complaining about? Are you just a small attendant who looks down on me?

Ruan Dong gently scratched his head and said with a light laugh

She laughed softly and frankly, saying, "Brother Dongfang, I don't mean anything else. I just want to say that ever since we made a lifelong commitment, you have always been in my heart, but our heartbeats are not the same. Thank you for letting Qingyi come to visit me under the guise of giving gifts. You don't have to feel too guilty. As long as you think of innocent people like me who have loved ones worrying about them, you will understand how grateful I am for your help."

Without thinking too much, she still managed to climb out of the sedan. At this moment, the person in the green robe let down the sedan curtain, blocking her movement, and then the voice of Dongfang Fei resounded.

As she passed by the tofu shop, she saw Brother Yi just escorting a customer out of the alley

She had no choice but to get stuck.

Huaizhen did not do it on purpose

He glanced at her once more before walking back to Dongfang Fei's side

These expenses such as gifts and entertainment are all covered by the county's household department, falsely reported in other account books. New officials must treat them as non-existent, as this is a common practice in the officialdom.

I am currently a personal attendant, so I must act according to orders. Brother Yilang, you also know that the county magistrate is about to step down. If he is dissatisfied and dismisses me from this position, I would be quite unwilling to accept it

Her thoughts were in disarray, and she attempted to untangle them, but her eyes caught a glimpse of Dongfang Fei outside the carriage.

This thought flashed through her mind and then vanished, and she saw the person in blue step forward to remind her

Looking out through the thin veil of the window, I could see him surrounded by local officials. After resigning from his official position, Dongfang Fei continued to enjoy various favors from the Emperor, and the officials believed that he would eventually return to the court, so they naturally sought to curry favor with him

The character "官" consists of two "口" characters; the upper "口" represents flattery, while the lower "口" signifies taking money. This is what officials are like; do you still not see through it?

Interesting. Do you also have possessions that you can't bear to part with?

She remained composed and took the fan. The ribs of the fan were indeed made from high-quality jade, feeling exceptionally cool to the touch in summer. ... Official, huh ...? ... What a prestigious position this official holds, how much of the common people's money was spent on this fan?

Brother Dong, come to my house for a meal another day. There is still half a fish at home. It tastes so delicious when paired with rice. It was so delicious that Brother Yilang gave her the last bowl of rice, but she still wanted more.

According to her speculation, it was not that the officials in the East were afraid of having seen Ruan Dongqian, but rather that he was overly cautious. On that day, Lang confirmed that the officials in the Jiangxing area had never had any contact with Ruan Dongqian, which allowed her to return to male attire.

"Brother Qingyi!" She suddenly called out to him, "You are the trusted confidant of Lord Dongfang. Have you ever considered betraying him?"

The samurai who was closer to her glanced at her several times, but she was completely unaware, as she was contemplating many matters. In the end, all these questions transformed into one primary concern.

Only upon hearing these words did I let out a cold laugh

"Winter has come, yet you remain as unromantic as ever, making me feel both delighted and irritated." Seeing her expression of confusion, he took her small hand and placed it over his heart

It is uncertain whether to praise her intelligence or to laugh at her slight foolishness

Brother Ichiro implied that she should strictly observe the hierarchy of ranks while disguised as a man, in order to prevent those with ulterior motives from seeing through everything This principle was clear to her

"Brother Dongfang, allowing a young attendant to share a carriage with you will tarnish your reputation if it gets out"

"Huai Zhen, what are you doing here?" Suddenly, an impolite voice emerged.

It is still good

"Is it because of winter?" His tone was both enticing and captivating

You think that being in public office, he can use it for personal gain, he murmured

She took a shortcut, and after just turning a corner, she saw the sedan chair already stopped in front of the Eastern Mansion

She stared at his back for a while before mustering up the courage to walk to his side and kneel down.

Alas, this banquet must not be a feast of Hongmen; Liu Bang was wise and had Zhang Liang's assistance to escape, while Dongfang Fei has only her immensely strong companion, Ruan Dong, by her side!

"A stroll in the garden?" She was taken aback.

My lord, is this perhaps not very convenient? He's trying to bully her!

Upon hearing the words, Ruan Dong immediately raised her head to look at the governor. The Jiangxing Provincial Government oversees thirteen prefectures and seventy-two counties, including Lezhi County. The man before her appeared to be in his early forties, with a rather dull exterior; however, having been taught by her elder brother, she discerned a profound cunning in his eyes.

She was completely bewildered and said

Are you bringing it to accompany the meal

"In winter, I truly love the way you look at me." Dongfang Fei spoke, his tone carrying a hint of alluring ambiguity that could easily stir one's emotions.

"You receive your salary and benefits from the people, who are the source of your wealth; the common people are easily oppressed, while it is difficult to deceive Heaven." She memorized this at the age of ten and now deeply understands its meaning

It was just dusk, and rows of hanging lanterns had already been lit around, among which were even silk lanterns from the palace

The Eastern figure, with narrowed eyes and a cold smile, remarked, "Even your affectionate gestures towards your two sworn brothers can be overlooked by me, so how could I possibly care about such trivial matters?" The tone carried a hint of anger and a touch of bitterness

The East did not pay any attention to the non-related matters, focusing solely on the matter of Ruan Dong. He curled his lips and snorted

She clasped her fists and smiled, saying: "Only Brother Jin, good morning"

He caressed her delicate cheeks with his palms, how he missed her, how he missed her! He missed her so much that he could not sleep at night

She is a close attendant, her status akin to that of a supporting role. For the past three days, he has been reveling in merriment, while she and the supporting role have been stationed behind him, ready to serve him at any moment—such as drinking on his behalf or providing him with wet wipes to clean his face, among other tasks

I am doing well now; I was just a bit tired a couple of days ago and momentarily felt overwhelmed. Now, I am completely fine and there is nothing to worry about

"This will not do. If you were to collapse midway, would it not dampen my lord's spirits? How about this, I will make an exception today and allow you to share a carriage with me."

When have you ever seen me care about such things?" His gaze swept over her slender waist, and he chuckled, "But you, look at you, so thin. Hasn't your idolized elder brother taken good care of you?

"Who dares to disobey the command of the Eastern Lord? It is better for Huai Zhen to comply than to show respect." With that, she climbed into the sedan chair. After all, she was merely a small figure; no matter how unpleasant the rumors might be, they could not compare to his status as a great lord.

No, I dare not, Your Excellency

He raised an eyebrow and said, "Didn’t I send you down early yesterday? Didn’t you go to the kitchen to eat with the servants?"

She shook her head and sighed

She smiled and nodded, waving goodbye to him

Never

If one wishes for others not to know, one must not act oneself, winter is thus

"Wait a moment, Huai Zhen." He called out to her, lowering his voice to remind her: "Remember, outside, he is Lord Dongfang, not anyone else"

She was quick-witted and swift in action, immediately waving it away with such force that it knocked over the fine wine on the table. She was momentarily taken aback, unsure of why she had acted in such a manner, and hurriedly exclaimed, "Brother Dongfang, are you alright"

What is wrong with you? Do you know Jiang Xing, the governor?

The journey of the Great Way is one where the world is shared by all. Therefore, one does not only favor their own relatives, nor solely their own children. This ensures that the elderly have their proper end, and the young have their rightful use.

Qingyi glared at her

This smile is clearly directed at her

No, the character for "official" consists of two mouths, which is meant to serve as a voice for more common people. She thought this in her heart but had no intention of arguing with him, for he understood these principles; he simply enjoyed doing things as he pleased

At this moment, I really wish Ichiro was by my side. Alas, relying on Ichiro for everything makes me, Ruan Donggu, seem too lacking in ambition; I am also capable of thinking for myself

I forgot

"No, no, Brother Qingyi, please do not bring food." She hurriedly stopped him and said in a low voice, "Brother Dongfang, I really cannot eat. In the past, when I was in the capital, I once attended a night banquet hosted by Prince Kang, and that was the only time; since then, I have not gone again"

The singing and dancing are still being performed, and the drums are also being played, yet she feels that the officials are closely watching this side.

"No, no, I have absolutely no such intention." He flatteringly opened the jade box. "It is said that you never part with your fan, so I searched everywhere and found a fine fan. This fan is made with a jade stone frame, weighing a thousand gold, and there is no second one like it in the world"

"Huaizhen, my master said not to wait for him any longer. If you are tired, you may rest first," said the young woman in blue.

His statement is tantamount to an admission, and she could not help but frown and say

"Your temperament has truly caused you a lot of trouble, hasn't it? Go on, go down and have your meal." After a moment's thought, she suddenly beckoned her to come closer and whispered with a low laugh, "Dong Gu, if you leave, this seat of yours will be empty, and soon a woman will occupy it, throwing herself at me. Wouldn't that make you feel uncomfortable?"

"Back then, Brother Yichang said that it was rare to return to Beijing, and it would be best to cultivate relationships with the officials there. I did not seek help from the officials, only hoping they would not obstruct the water control project. Therefore, I went there with a heavy heart, and the delicacies... I truly felt very uncomfortable eating them." After returning home, she could not eat for three days, always feeling that she had consumed the blood and tears of the common people.

"Not guilty? Is it not the merit of the former chief minister that one can be acquitted under conclusive evidence?"

She frowned. "I am merely a subordinate, how can I stand on equal footing with the noble lord?"

Speaking so bluntly, it is clear that she is deliberately forgetting. She has never truly been angry with him, so she could only wave her hand and helplessly say: "I have been ordered to accompany Dongfang Fei to the garden, Yi Lang, you may continue with your work."

Yesterday, when Qingyi brought the gift, there should have been a message for Brother Yilang, right? Why hasn't Brother Yilang even mentioned it? The gazes of the crowd were filled with envy and jealousy, but she couldn't care much at the moment and hurriedly asked which street the Dongfang residence was on, rushing over swiftly.

What does it matter to have a vow? What does it matter to have a defined status? The East remains unchanged, and so do I. Is he truly considering her? He is simply bored and is deliberately using this to ruin her reputation

But now, Dongfang Fei has arrived. What does he seek? She pondered, but for a moment, she had no clue.

“My body is useless, affected by the dampness in the cell,” the young lady said with a smile. In the cramped space, she expressed her gratitude with a bow and said, “Thank you, Brother Dongfang, for your gift. Ichiro used it to help me recover this morning.”

"No... come to my place another day to eat preserved meat, there's no need to rush." Seeing him staring at her, she could only continue, "I haven't finished speaking just now. You have your heart pounding like a drum, and I have my own way. Brother Dongfang, since you left Beijing, have you been accompanied by those warriors?"

He looked at her meaningfully from the East, flicked off the water and wine on his body, and his eyes and eyebrows were filled with satisfaction and joy. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard someone shouting loudly:

He would never lose control and grab her to devour her; he wanted her to crawl to his mouth on her own, allowing him to enjoy her to his heart's content. Thump thump, with his muscles taut, he struggled to control his wolf-like beastly desires.

She has resigned herself to her fate. After all, he simply enjoys teasing her.

He gazed at her for a long time and said in a tone that was neither warm nor cold

Where is Master Liu? Is there any place where I can be of use today? If not, I will go to the household department in the county government for help.

She remembers that the Minister of Revenue once said that the forces of the old national uncle were spread throughout the local grassroots in various places, and every time the Ministry of Revenue collected taxes and grain from different regions, it was always a headache. Fortunately for Dongfang Fei, if he encountered a good mood, he could casually issue an order, and the local forces would not dare to act recklessly, but the forces of the old national uncle were troublesome

She shook her head and replied, "I am but a humble person and do not recognize it."

The sedan chair came to a stop at this moment. The attendant in blue called out softly by the window of the chair, "Sir, we have arrived at the official garden."

She took a deep breath and said softly, "Your kindness, I will remember in my heart. Brother Dongfang, on that day when you fell in love with me at first sight, I was quite surprised. But every time you see me, your heart races, and this... is not very good for your health"

Dongfang casually glanced and said, "Huai Zhen, present it."

"Lord Dongfang... Lord Dongfang, in the past when you were in the capital, you must have often found joy in this, right?" Reveling in wine, with day and night indistinguishable

As she passed by the pharmacy, she recalled the ginseng from yesterday. In the past, when the county magistrate sent gifts, she rarely purchased precious medicinal materials, as the pharmacy had to source them externally. This sourcing was laborious and costly, and the transportation was too slow. After all, who could have known that Dongfang Fei would settle here and arranged for ginseng to be brought in advance? With such capability, it seemed odd to only source a few tens of taels of ginseng.

"......Good morning, Huaizhen." A few days ago, the clerks and the legal assistants who testified against her pretended to be unconcerned in their responses

Since it is a fine fan, you may as well accept it if you like it

As soon as she settled beside him, she heard him command:

"My lord, do you want me to remove the fish bones for you?" She raised her eyes and glanced at him. This man, after three days of revelry, still had the same appearance, without even a hint of fatigue or puffiness. Is he too accustomed to this kind of lifestyle, or does he simply know how to take care of himself?"

Even if you walk slowly, he will not lower the charges against you

You truly have courage. This morning, you were sent to accompany Lord Dongfang on a garden tour, and now you still stand here, convinced that he will not punish you

"This little rascal has never ridden in a sedan chair and almost made me, the noble lord, sick all over. Today I am in particularly good spirits, Qingyi, carry the sedan chair into the palace garden and let him wash his face to wake up a bit"

She pondered as she walked towards the kitchen, noticing the bodyguards stationed near Dongfang Fei, clearly indicating that everyone should know he was constantly being protected. Is this really protection

She was taken aback, following his eager gaze towards the captivating geishas around the stage. Then, she slowly turned her attention to the eagerly anticipating Dongfang Fei.

You might as well say it directly. The officials dismissed under my name and the crimes committed, ranging from minor embezzlement to the ascension of a new emperor, provide a perfect opportunity for anyone seeking revenge. If I do not bring along the skilled experts from the palace, I fear I may not survive until the end of the year

It is a lack of courtesy on my part, I beg your pardon, esteemed sir

"Come sit next to me, it's cramped here, why aren't you coming over quickly?"

She tilted her head in contemplation and saw that the man in blue was still standing in place, quickly clasping her fists together and saying, "Thank you, Brother in Blue."

On the other side, it seemed that the Eastern man sensed that his fiancée in the carriage was watching him, and he suddenly broke into an incredibly cunning and wickedly triumphant smile

Is it to protect him, or to monitor him

How? Do you want me to swallow you whole right now

Indeed, Brother Wei is correct. It is entirely thanks to the merits of the Lord that I am able to stand here

According to your reasoning, everyone in the world can receive your affection, which I do not covet. Whenever you regard me as more important than your beloved Yi Lang, come and tell me then.

Dongfang Fei laughed heartily and said

He released her hand, lazily leaning against the other end of the sedan chair, and said in a cold voice

Brother Dongfang, regardless of the circumstances, I will not abandon you; this is my way of expressing my feelings

The Eastern figure said: "Since you are aware of your own identity, if I command you to do something and you refuse, wouldn't that mean you are disregarding my authority? Qingyi, do not go and move it."

Embrace authenticity

She has learned to control her strength for over ten years, so why did she suddenly lose control and throw Dongfang Fei away just now

Brother Qingyi, next time you need not hide outside, just come in directly, and we can have a meal together

This is essentially a land of wine and a pool of meat... Well, it is not quite to that extent, but with the revelry of music and wine at night, rising only at noon, and sleeping only when dawn breaks, while officials neglect their duties to the people, here one can lavishly flatter a noble for three consecutive days. The amount spent in this fortunate official garden is already enough for her to live comfortably until death, with some left over.

Which samurai are the masters of the inner court

Fengning Tofu Shop has already exhausted all their savings. Brother Yi is responsible for the household finances, prioritizing rice as the main staple, followed by vegetables, and being able to have meat twice a month is already considered a great blessing

You may go down to have your meal. Qingyi, put away the jade box. I have used this fan for a long time, and I have developed a true affection for it

Are you saying that I caused the death of the old national uncle? Chief Minister, the charges you have fabricated are quite serious; I dare not take them lightly

She smiled as she accepted it and said, "Thank you, Brother Qingyi"

She regained her composure, immediately approached the front of the carriage, and bowed respectfully while speaking in a clear voice

Ruan Dong, fully aware that he was playing tricks on her, did not get angry and said

My lord, I am Huai Zhen, who has been ordered to attend to you.

Bold!

Never mind, she simply laid it all out and said

Indeed, the cured meat at the Chang Le Street Chang Le Cured Meat Shop is exceptionally delicious. A plate of scallion stir-fried cured meat from Brother Yi Lang is sufficient to accompany rice without the need for any other dishes. Just thinking about that flavor makes me unconsciously wipe the corners of my mouth, and my mouth waters.

The East is not more interested, asking:

She did not lash out at what happened that day, but instead laughed cheerfully

Qingyi, go bring the long table over. Huaizhen, you must be hungry too, come over and eat together

The house purchased by Dongfang is the former residence of a previous official, located on a secondary street in Lezhi County. Surrounding the house are low buildings, where only residence is permitted and business is not allowed. The street is quiet, situated in an area of the county where land prices are relatively high but the atmosphere is not lively.

She glanced at the one in blue, who immediately averted her gaze in guilt. She smiled generously and said

She regained her composure and saw the figure in blue holding an octagonal glass lamp approaching.

How could you know? That day, when she was a thirteen-year-old child, holding onto her two foster brothers, could he also know?

Her teeth hurt so much

Dongfang cast her a glance that was neither a smile nor a frown, his phoenix eyes revealing a barely perceptible approval

It was her mistake

She wanted to ask in detail, but there were many officials waiting outside the car, so she could only find an opportunity later.

Because she had lived in the capital before, she was very familiar with the gifts exchanged among the officials. She was well aware that other relatives were envious, as this position was equivalent to being able to reap more benefits, yet she was tightly constrained.

She tapped her head, hoping that the heavens would bestow more wisdom upon her

Moreover, the Eastern Non-Playground is likely to be quite complex, and the local officials in the Jiangxing area will surely vie to curry favor. We do not know what may transpire among them, so you must be extremely cautious.

The green-clad attendant may now carry the sedan chair

His heart skipped a beat as he tightened his grip on the fan handle, secretly restraining himself

I can only see that these individuals possess exceptional skills; even with Huaining's efforts, it would be difficult to contend with these warriors simultaneously. Such masters are likely only found within the palace. Have you brought trouble upon yourself

Qingyi, go bring a bowl of rice, there is good wine and fine dishes here that can accompany your meal

Good morning, everyone! The cheerful sound of morning greetings resonates brightly in the Lezhi County government office

He raised his eyes to see her, smiling with an air of composure: "Huai Zhen, good morning."

The governor, accompanied by the Jiangxing Provincial Administration, along with the prefect and the county magistrates of the three counties, paid their respects to the Eastern Lord. Outside the sedan chair, there was a chorus of respectful voices

My master has asked me to hand over the glass lamp to you. It will soon be dark, and although the main roads are lit, it is always safer for you to carry the lamp

If you have other men in your heart, then I would like to see what kind of person he is, to be able to make you, Ruan Donggu, hold him in your heart.

Ah, winter, after officials leave their posts, they require the protection of skilled individuals, not just the magistrate of Lezhi County. Every official within the dynasty is no exception, and of course, this includes myself

Ruan Dong thought for a moment and admitted that he made a valid point, but she still felt something was amiss. It is said that only the Emperor and the Chief Minister, Dongfang Fei, had the authority to dispatch the elite guards from the inner palace. Now that he has resigned from office, he no longer has the power to command these elite guards, so the appearance of these warriors must be due to the Emperor's orders

If this continues, it will only raise suspicions. She was very straightforward and said:

Huaizhen, my master has been waiting for you for a long time

Come here, take this dog slave away!

My lord, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. The kindness of the past will eventually be repaid. The death of the national uncle is due to his failure to recognize the situation and his audacity to oppose my lord

Is he guilty? Is he guilty? No one has died, what is he guilty about? He doesn't take it seriously at all, and then he heard her speak softly:

Ruan Dong was momentarily taken aback, yet she remained composed, allowing the sedan chair to move. Although she did not possess the innate wisdom of her elder brother, over the years, she had subtly developed some skills to cope with situations.

How could I not be afraid? You and I have a grudge against each other. Speaking of which, the old national uncle was your mentor, and he was my sworn enemy during his lifetime, so of course, you look down on me.

Indeed. Liu Shiye interjected: "The former Chief Minister is asking the master to serve him at the 'Xingde Official Garden' located on the outskirts of the county, and to introduce him to the county magistrate. You should have been at the Dongfang Mansion by now; what are you doing here at the county government?"

Upon hearing this, Dongfang did not express any joy; instead, he let out a few cold laughs.

"No wonder you look good today; it turns out I have some credit for that." His voice was smooth yet tinged with a hint of restraint

Thanks to Lord Dongfang, Huai Zhen is now strong and healthy; walking the entire county on foot is no longer a problem

She swallowed hard, pretending not to have heard, and reminded him:

The man in the carriage had long anticipated her response and lazily replied:

"Brother Ichiro, you didn't tell me that Dongfang Fei ordered Huai Zhen to accompany him to the park." She stopped, annoyed

She stared at him and replied softly

As a close attendant, she was ordered to stay by Dongfang Fei's side every day, and she could not help but witness him indulging in the utmost luxury and grandeur, all of which were built upon the hard-earned resources of the common people. She pursed her lips and murmured softly:

The green-clad one wishes to guard my family's lord's grave until the end of life

This ... ... seems to be a bit mixed in emotions, but she did not voice it. She glanced at Qingyi and asked, "If Brother Qingyi were to embrace me, would Brother Dongfang feel uncomfortable?"

However, she understood that the death of the late emperor was mostly due to the covert machinations of Dongfang Fei and the new emperor. Under such circumstances, how could the new emperor allow the scandal to leak to the public with Dongfang Fei's departure

Such an outdoor banquet is equivalent to a prince's birthday celebration. Fine wines and exquisite dishes, renowned singers and dancers, lavish gifts from officials, piled high, astonishing in their extravagance. All this ostentation and waste is solely for a former chief minister who has just resigned!

Dongfang Feiwei looked at her with surprise and asked, "How did you figure it out?"

"If you do not commit any wrongdoing, you need not fear even if ghosts come knocking at your door. Brother Dongfang, you..." She sighed

Yes. With bright eyes and a determined expression, the young face is serious, never looking back

She did not take his capricious moods to heart, but instead spoke with a serious tone:

You seem to be quite easygoing

There is no need to remove the fish bones; such trivial matters are already taken care of in the kitchen. How could it possibly fall to you? You, accustomed to a life of hardship, would not understand the lifestyle of the wealthy. Are you hungry?

Oh? I have never seen it before?" Dongfang Fei smiled. He always had a great interest in her matters.

"Why are you here?" a tall, thin man, roughly the same age as her, asked sternly

She laughed cheerfully

To be honest, I have never experienced such love at first sight, and I truly do not understand this feeling. No matter how many times I have seen you, my heart has never raced. Even after being apart for seven months, I do not find myself thinking of you obsessively

She did not expect that he secretly had control over her whereabouts, leaving her momentarily at a loss for words

"Eastern Brother..." She swallowed hard, sitting there stiffly. He was not only biting her, but also licking her earlobe. At that moment, if she pushed him away, she feared that she might exert too much force and shatter the palanquin, sending her flying three miles away.

"A mere little attendant dares to offend the Eastern Lord?" the official exclaimed angrily

"Do you think my heart is beating a little faster?" he whispered in her ear, noticing her delicate and fair earlobe, unable to resist the urge, he gently took a bite.