Chapter 265 – You Can’t Help But Mess Around (Part 3)
“Did Lan Ting scare you just now?”
On the way into the city, Liu Zhi and Cheng Cheng wore gloomy expressions, their auras heavy with suppressed anger, as if they were brewing a storm. Cheng Cheng’s wife in the carriage, aware of the situation, quickly urged Jiang Pengji to stop riding and sit inside for a bit.
After a thorough examination, she confirmed that Jiang Pengji was genuinely unhurt before letting out a long sigh of relief.
“These young rascals are getting more outrageous by the day, completely ignoring the teachings of the sages, relying solely on their ancestors’ protection to run wild. Thankfully, Lan Ting is skilled with arrows and Liu Zhongqing was there to keep watch; otherwise, beneath the Emperor’s feet, we might’ve faced yet another bloodbath.” Cheng Cheng’s wife was quite furious, gripping Jiang Pengji’s hand, her heart aching. “Look at you, your hands are so cold from fright…”
Jiang Pengji offered a “weak” smile, seemingly pretending to be strong, which only made Cheng Cheng’s wife feel even more pity.
As for the audience in the live stream saying her acting was worthy of an Oscar, Jiang Pengji chose to ignore it.
After a while, Jiang Pengji subtly pulled her hand away.
With a well-behaved demeanor, she softly said, “Auntie, I wasn’t scared; it’s just how I naturally am…”
“How you naturally are? You’re at an age when you’re supposed to be full of vitality and warmth, yet your hands are so icy, it shows you’re full of cold energy… Liu Zhongqing is indeed a man, rough around the edges, and couldn’t possibly care for a child properly. How can he be so careless?”
Cheng Cheng’s wife raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit more dissatisfied with Liu Zhi.
Men will always be men, bringing life into the world without nurturing it, and even when they do, they don’t do it with care…
Poor Liu Xi, losing his mother at such a young age, who else but his biological mother would take such meticulous care of him?
Jiang Pengji’s smile faltered slightly, a hint unnoticeable enough that Cheng Cheng’s wife didn’t catch on.
“Did you not invite a physician to the house for health care?” Cheng Cheng’s wife asked, before Jiang Pengji could respond. “Lan Ting cannot just ignore his health because he’s still young. If a man lacks yang energy and has an excess of yin energy, it will hinder future offspring; Liu Zhongqing has only you, his legitimate child. The responsibility of having a full house rests on your shoulders.”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
“Auntie knows a revered physician renowned for health and longevity; they’re currently in the capital. Once things settle down, I’ll take you to see them. You’re still young, there’s no need to be shy about these matters; you should be more open-minded…”
The gentle lecturing had as much power as a tightening spell, and Jiang Pengji found herself without any words to counter it.
All she could do was nod in agreement and occasionally mumble something in response.
After a bit of waiting, the caravan was finally permitted to enter the capital. Passing through the vermilion city gate, the prosperous ancient city revealed itself like a beautiful maiden shyly unveiling her face, showcasing a beauty that could entice anyone with a single glance.
Liu Zhi had already sent a letter to Feng Ren, planning to stay at his place for a while.
Feng Ren, understanding Liu Zhi’s temperament, would never refuse.
As soon as they entered the city, a finely dressed steward approached, asking, “Are you all from Liu Zhongqing’s residence?”
“I am Liu Zhi. I remember you, the young servant from the Xian De residence. Looks like you’ve risen in status!”
Liu Zhi dismounted, maintaining a humble demeanor even when addressing a mere servant.
The steward felt honored, a warm current flowing through him.
He had been sent to wait for Liu Zhi’s carriage because he had seen Liu Zhi before, and surprisingly, Liu Zhi recognized him as well… it had been several years, back when the steward was just a lowly servant serving tea and water.
At that moment, the steward’s face radiated joy, and his attitude towards Liu Zhi became even friendlier.
“The master has instructed the residence to prepare quarters for the governor; please follow me.”
If Hejian County was a sweet and delicate little home, then the bustling capital was a grand lady adorned in luxurious garments and sparkling jewels, full of grace and charm, breathtakingly beautiful, and enchanting enough to leave anyone spellbound.
At first glance, the residential areas were neatly arranged, the streets were orderly, and the townsfolk well-dressed, lacking even a single ragged beggar… it appeared to be the epitome of a prosperous era.
But, that was only an illusion.
Jiang Pengji swept her gaze across the surroundings, her interest waning swiftly, transforming into discontent.
“Let’s go. Your father will inquire about where Mr. Yuanjing is staying. After a bit of rest, we’ll visit him…”
Though reluctant to part with his daughter, Liu Zhi understood some matters needed to be handled alone; she had to forge her own path.
If she took Mr. Yuanjing as her mentor and networked with promising talents, it would certainly build up some capital for her future, ensuring she would at least maintain a clean reputation.
Jiang Pengji nodded, having heard much about Mr. Yuanjing, eager to see the real deal and discover what made this person so special!
Meanwhile, having been treated quite brusquely by Liu Zhi, Changshou Wang’s mood was understandably sour, wearing a frown the whole time.
The troublemaking rascals were even more cautious, their expressions sour like bitter melon, as if they could burst into tears at any second.
Such behavior made Cheng Jing look down on them even more.
A real man should own up to his choices.
If they dared to have fun at the expense of common people, they should be ready to face the consequences.
Gloating over bullying the commoners and then trembling with fear after offending Liu Zhi was a pathetic sight that made him feel disgusted.
Cheng Jing cast a glance at the colorful young men at the Elegant Gathering…
Yes, colorful young men… that term was spot on.
He had only been away from the capital for a few years, yet the trends had turned so absurd; men flaunting flowers in their hair, applying makeup, and tightening their waists, moving as though they were delicate willows swaying in the breeze, each more dainty than the last.
If these men hadn’t heard that the chief assessor Liu Zhi didn’t appreciate too delicate of a man, their outfits would likely be even more eye-watering.
Cheng Jing found it utterly pointless to mingle with them, settling in a corner to sip tea and cool his head.
As for those two fawning young masters in the distance, he was sorry, but even a glance would make him feel his vision might fail.
“You’re just sitting here all alone, not going to mess around with them?”
Just as he was feeling gloomy, a faint scent of mint wafted past as a tall youth in a light green robe sat down next to him. The newcomer had a flawless complexion, unpainted yet more beautiful than any maiden, bright eyes and white teeth, truly a stunning young man.
Cheng Jing couldn’t be bothered to look up, already knowing who it was by the voice. “Mess around? Just looking at them makes my stomach turn; my stomach still hurts…”
“You really should eat on time…” Han Yu grinned, effortlessly snatching a piece of fruit from Cheng Jing’s plate and popping it into his mouth. The slightly sour juice filled his mouth, and he grimaced, “Why are you eating such unripe fruit? No wonder your stomach hurts.”
Cheng Jing twitched his lips, taking another sip of tea.
“Wasn’t Wen Bin saying he wouldn’t come to the Elegant Gathering yesterday? Why’s he here uninvited now?”
