Raising Wolves CHAPTER 32

 

Raising wolves  

 Chapter 32

Translated by : DANMEI HEAVEN

   Chapter 32

Now he’s using my full name and courtesy name?

Lu Qingze was utterly bewildered.

Why does it feel like his anger has escalated? I didn’t even do anything else!

Before he could ponder further, Ning Juan was already in front of him, shooting a cold glare at Lin Xi before dragging Lu Qingze away.

He says, “Come here,” but in reality, he’s the one who came running over.

Amused despite his confusion, Lu Qingze let Ning Juan pull him toward the carriage.

Ning Juan was practically fuming: “Zheng Yao wouldn’t lend you a horse, so you thought of asking that little mute instead?”

And you even gave him your handkerchief!

Where did that deduction come from?

Remembering that he was the one who’d started this mess, Lu Qingze opened his mouth helplessly: “No, really, I didn’t.”

The young man's face remained tightly drawn, his profile exuding a cold, "Don't bother me" sternness.

Lu Qingze hesitated for a moment, watching him seethe with anger, and decided it might be best to let the boy cool off before attempting a conversation.

The two boarded the carriage, but unlike usual, instead of sitting side by side, they sat opposite each other in silence.

Teacher didn’t even sit next to me!

Ning Juan’s displeasure instantly deepened. Yet, stubbornly refusing to be the first to reconcile, he kept his face stern, flipping through the ledger Zheng Yao had retrieved from the jar, deliberately leaving the letter beside him as bait.

Lu Qingze sat idly for a few breaths, then slowly let his gaze drift to the letter beside Ning Juan. After a brief consideration, he leaned over and picked it up, carefully avoiding Ning Juan so as not to accidentally reignite the young emperor’s temper.

Ning Juan watched helplessly as Lu Qingze slipped away like a nimble cat, the faint scent of plum blossoms brushing near and then fading, making him grit his teeth in frustration.

Lu Qingze, you’re doing this on purpose!

Oblivious to Ning Juan’s aggrieved stare, Lu Qingze unfolded the letter and read it from start to finish.

It was Yu Zheng’s personal account.

Yu Zheng was a native of Yu Village in Ji’an Prefecture, Jiangyou. In his youth, he had traveled widely as a security escort. Over a decade ago, he saved up enough to open a martial arts school in Jiangzhe, where his skills were highly regarded.

Last year, due to recurring old injuries, Yu Zheng decided to return to his hometown with his wife, daughter, and adopted son.

Upon arriving in Ji’an, he discovered that the current prefect, Zhao Zhengde, was actually someone he had once saved.

Back then, Zhao Zhengde had been a poor scholar on his way to the capital for the imperial examinations. Now, having risen to prominence, Zhao Zhengde was overjoyed to see his former benefactor. Knowing of Yu Zheng’s martial prowess, he specially invited him to serve as Ji’an’s constable, responsible for patrolling the city and protecting the people.

Yu Zheng happily accepted.

But he never expected that Zhao Zhengde, who outwardly preached benevolence and morality, was no longer the impoverished scholar full of ambition and zeal to serve the people.

One late night, Zhao Zhengde summoned Yu Zheng to his quarters and spoke earnestly, hinting that the government was too poor while the wealthy gentry were too rich. He proposed a scheme: release a fugitive into a wealthy household, then lead a team to "capture" the criminal and extort a hefty sum from the family.

If the family resisted, arrest them all—their relatives would soon deliver the silver obediently.

This method had served him well and never failed.

Yu Zheng refused without hesitation, and Zhao Zhengde’s expression instantly darkened.

Returning home, Yu Zheng tossed and turned, unable to reconcile how the man he had once saved could have become like this.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt he couldn’t stand by. Using his position, he stole Zhao Zhengde’s private ledger. When he saw the names recorded within, a chill ran down his spine.

Realizing his ledger was missing, Zhao Zhengde grew wary and soon zeroed in on Yu Zheng.

Fearing for his family’s safety—since Ji’an was Zhao Zhengde’s domain—Yu Zheng resigned overnight and secretly took his family back to the village to hide.

The incident hung over him like an executioner’s blade, filling his days and nights with dread. Worried he might meet an untimely end, he hid the ledger as insurance.

After finishing the letter, Lu Qingze instinctively asked, “Does the ledger include Pan Jingmin’s name?”

Aside from extorting commoners, loan-sharking and blackmailing wealthy households were standard tactics for corrupt officials like these.

Yu Zheng likely stole the ledger intending to expose Zhao Zhengde in Hongdu Prefecture, only to discover that the most powerful figure in Jiangyou was also implicated.

After a long silence with no response from Ning Juan, Lu Qingze glanced up in realization.

Ning Juan was intently studying the ledger, seemingly deaf to his question.

...Oh right, he’s still angry.

Seeing the boy’s sulky expression, Lu Qingze felt an odd urge to laugh. “Your Majesty, earlier, I—”

Before he could finish, the carriage suddenly jolted violently!

Having grown accustomed to the smooth ride, Lu Qingze had let his guard down. Caught off guard, he nearly flew forward. Afraid of crashing into Ning Juan, he instinctively tried to dodge, but a firm arm suddenly wrapped around his waist.

As if he had eyes on the top of his head, Ning Juan—who had seemed wholly absorbed in the ledger—yanked him back.

Apologies clamored from outside.

Lu Qingze tumbled into a clean, warm embrace.

Even though a human body was far softer than a carriage, Lu Qingze still felt dizzy. It took him a while to recover. Gritting his teeth, he braced himself against Ning Juan’s knees and looked up. “Your Majesty? Did I hurt you?”

The warm scent of plum blossoms wafted past his nose.

Still calling me ‘Your Majesty’?

And he still hasn’t explained the horseback ride or the handkerchief!

Ning Juan’s inner self curled into a ball of grievance. He let out a cold snort.

Lu Qingze found the position awkward and tried to straighten up, but as soon as he lifted his waist, the carriage jolted again.

He fell right back.

Baffled, Lu Qingze turned to look outside. “Is the road really this bad? It was smooth on the way here.”

The corner of Ning Juan’s mouth twitched imperceptibly before he quickly suppressed it, maintaining his icy facade.

Still angry.

Now wasn’t the time to dwell on this. Lu Qingze turned back, softening his voice. “Earlier was my fault. I shouldn’t have disregarded your feelings and made such a thoughtless joke. I promise I won’t do it again. Guoguo, don’t be mad at Teacher, alright?”

Hearing Lu Qingze coax him in that gentle tone, Ning Juan’s fingers curled slightly. He barely held back the “Okay” that nearly slipped out and kept his face stern. “Why did you want to ride a horse earlier?”

“I thought Your Majesty might be sick of the sight of me,” Lu Qingze replied, lips curving. “Don’t people usually say ‘out of sight, out of mind’ when angry?”

Ning Juan frowned and retorted, “I’m not sick of you.”

He could never get enough of looking at Lu Qingze—how could he ever grow tired?

After a pause, his expression darkened again as he pressed on, “You gave your handkerchief to that little mute?”

Something as personal as a handkerchief—how could you just hand it to someone else?!

Lu Qingze blinked, genuinely puzzled this time. “His face was dirty, so I lent it to him to wipe it off. What’s the issue?”

Just lent it?

Ning Juan’s stifled anger eased slightly. Lowering his lashes, he thought, Then I can demand it back.

Lu Qingze waited, but Ning Juan didn’t respond. However, his expression had softened—his anger had likely dissipated. Lu Qingze repeated his earlier question: “Does the ledger include Pan Jingmin’s name?”

Pan Jingmin was practically a local emperor in Jiangyou, with a swarm of followers outside Lingshan Temple. No wonder Yu Zheng had lost all will to resist.

Ning Juan didn’t answer. Instead, he reached out and removed Lu Qingze’s mask.

The peerlessly beautiful face beneath was revealed. A single glance was enough to dissolve any lingering anger.

Lu Qingze looked up at him, his chin delicately pointed, his lips slightly parted from the angle, their shape exquisite.

Ning Juan’s throat felt dry. After a silent moment, he licked his lips. “Teacher, you still haven’t answered my earlier question.”

That “Teacher” seemed to carry a subtle reminder—of what, exactly?

Lu Qingze tried to extricate himself from Ning Juan’s hold but found the strength disparity too great. He couldn’t budge at all.

The little brat has grown up. He’s not the scrawny kid I could lift with one hand anymore.

Resigned, he asked, “What question?”

“You’ll stay with me, right?” Ning Juan stared into his eyes unblinkingly, his gaze stubborn.

Lu Qingze was silent for a long moment before nodding.

Of course he would stay with Ning Juan—until the day the boy truly ruled the world.

Ning Juan’s expression relaxed into a smile. Releasing Lu Qingze, he reverted to his usual self in an instant. “The ledger does include Pan Jingmin’s name—Teacher, you’d better keep your promise.”

Since their relationship had warmed, Ning Juan had rarely been genuinely angry with Lu Qingze. On the few occasions he had, it was either out of concern for Lu Qingze’s health—putting on a stern act to scare him—or deliberately sulking to coax a few soothing words out of him.

Seeing the young emperor’s cold facade finally melt away, Lu Qingze relaxed slightly and turned his attention back to the matter at hand, preparing to return to his seat.

But the moment he took a step, Ning Juan’s arm barred his waist and pulled him back.

The young emperor’s expression was calm, his tone earnest. “The carriage is too bumpy. Teacher should stay beside me to avoid falling again.”

Lu Qingze really didn’t want to take another tumble. His bones and skin were fragile—even a light bump would leave bruises. A few more falls, and he might just fall apart. So he obediently sat back down and seriously suggested, “Guoguo, perhaps we should promote the use of seat belts in carriages.”

Ning Juan’s face blanked. “What’s that?”

“A strap fastened to the carriage that can be secured diagonally across the body after sitting down,” Lu Qingze gestured vaguely, learning from the experience. “That way, no matter how bumpy the ride, no one will go flying.”

The more he explained, the more necessary it seemed.

This could benefit all of humanity.

“...” Ning Juan fell silent for a moment before handing the ledger over with a pleasant smile. “Would Teacher like to take a look?”

Lu Qingze nodded cheerfully, accepting the ledger and promptly forgetting about seat belts.

Ning Juan leaned against the window, lifting the curtain slightly to shoot a discreet glance outside.

The rest of the journey passed surprisingly smoothly—no more jolts.

Upon returning to the official residence, Zheng Yao, who had been riding ahead, sneakily glanced back just in time to see the young emperor step down first and personally help Lu Qingze out of the carriage.

As expected—teacher and student quarrel, but by the bed’s head... or foot...

Realizing just how treasonous his mental analogy was, Zheng Yao shuddered violently.

Thank goodness I didn’t say that out loud.

He resolved to go home and read more books.

Once Ning Juan had helped Lu Qingze down, he turned to Zheng Yao and handed over the ledger. “Take this and interrogate Zhao Zhengde.”

Lu Qingze had skimmed the private ledger on the way back.

Zhao Zhengde kept meticulous records. Based on his entries, one could trace his official career, revealing him as nothing more than a small fry. The highest-ranking name in the ledger was Pan Jingmin’s.

Previously, Zhao Zhengde had been overshadowed by Pan Jingmin. With so many arrests, he hadn’t even made it to the interrogation queue yet.

Pan Jingmin, still clinging to the hope that Wei Herong would intervene and rescue him, refused to talk.

But with Zhao Zhengde as a breakthrough, progress should come much easier.

Zheng Yao, already uneasy, stiffened at being addressed.

Hearing the order, his face lit up with delight. Accepting the ledger, he cracked his knuckles and went to haul Zhao Zhengde in for questioning.

Pan Jingmin, that damn fatso, is stubborn as hell. After several days with no progress, he’s bound to be held accountable soon. Luckily, we’ve finally found a breakthrough.

Lin Xi, worried about her foster mother’s condition and eager to update Yu Liuyue, hurried into the government office ahead of the others.

The imperial guards waiting outside promptly reported: "Your Majesty, Chief Eunuch Changshun has sent word that they will arrive in Ji’an City within half an hour."

Changshun and Chen Xiaodao weren’t just coming alone—they were bringing a massive shipment of grain.

With the Emperor himself demanding provisions, no matter how reluctant the officials of Jiangsu and Zhejiang were, they had no choice but to comply.

Fifty thousand dan of grain were being transported in batches to the disaster-stricken regions. The heavy carts left deep ruts in the roads as they rolled into the city, passing by the sprawling relief camps that had sprung up outside the walls in just a few days.

The camps were well-organized, divided into sections with soldiers maintaining order, providing the displaced victims with a temporary place to rest and recover.

Though Ning Juan had promised they wouldn’t starve again, the refugees, having suffered under Pan Jingmin’s rule, had little trust in the court. They couldn’t help but doubt the young Emperor—after all, even an Emperor couldn’t conjure food out of thin air.

But as they watched the dozens of grain-laden carts enter the city, a spark of hope flickered to life in their hearts.

Hearing the news, Lu Qingze paused and decided not to rush back.

His slender silhouette looked almost fragile against the wind, as if a stronger gust might snap him in two. Ning Juan frowned, stepping slightly in front of him to block the breeze, reluctant: "Teacher, why wait for them? The sun is harsh out here. Come inside with me."

"There’s shade from the walls," Lu Qingze replied casually, gazing toward the city gates. "You go ahead and handle your duties. I’ll wait a bit longer—Changshun and Xiaodao should be here soon."

Ning Juan had no choice but to mentally curse Changshun and Chen Xiaodao before resigning himself to wait with Lu Qingze.

Before long, a neat procession rumbled in from outside the city. Changshun and Chen Xiaodao, looking rather pleased with themselves, rode at the front under the protection of the imperial guards, stopping before the government office.

The two had been whispering to each other earlier, but upon spotting Ning Juan and Lu Qingze, they quickly dismounted and bowed.

Changshun hadn’t expected His Majesty to personally wait for him at the gates. Touched to tears, he exclaimed, "Your Majesty, this servant and Steward Chen have fulfilled our mission!"

Ning Juan couldn’t be bothered to correct the misunderstanding and simply gave a bland "Mm" in response. "Rise."

The grain they’d brought needed to be tallied before being stored in the granary, ready to be distributed as porridge to the refugees.

This task didn’t require Ning Juan or Lu Qingze’s direct involvement—it could be delegated to subordinates.

As soon as Chen Xiaodao stood up, he scurried over to Lu Qingze’s side, asking worriedly, "Young Master, I heard the situation was dangerous when you first arrived in Jiangxi. Were you hurt?"

"No," Lu Qingze replied with a smile, studying him. "But you two must have had a tough time negotiating in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, right?"

Though they’d used a decoy, fooling both Wei Herong’s men and the local officials required careful coordination between Changshun and Chen Xiaodao.

One was sharp-witted, the other skilled in diplomacy—they must have exerted considerable effort to secure the grain.

At this, Chen Xiaodao immediately launched into an animated retelling of their adventures in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, detailing how he’d outsmarted the bureaucrats of Lin’an with great flair.

While Lu Qingze’s side was lively and cheerful, Ning Juan wasn’t so fortunate.

Changshun’s arrival brought not just grain but also news from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, along with the fallout from Zhao Zhengde’s case awaiting his attention.

Noticing Ning Juan’s resentful gaze, Lu Qingze chuckled. "It’s not like you’re doing all the work alone. I’ll join you later to help."

Ning Juan’s expression softened slightly, though he still shot Chen Xiaodao a glare before dragging Changshun off to the study.

As Lu Qingze walked with Chen Xiaodao, listening to his vivid tales of their exploits in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, he subtly glanced around.

Though no one was visibly following them, he knew Ning Juan had assigned shadow guards to protect him.

Adjusting his mask, Lu Qingze looked back briefly, unsure where they were stationed, but it seemed they kept a respectful distance.

Chen Xiaodao, still chatting animatedly, lowered his voice slightly as he glanced around. "Young Master, I met the person you mentioned in Jiangsu."

Lu Qingze’s eyes flickered. "And?"

Before leaving Jiangsu, he’d asked Chen Xiaodao to keep an eye out for someone—Duan Lingguang.

The protagonist of the original story, who had besieged the capital, ultimately worn down the tyrant Ning Juan, overthrown the Great Qi Dynasty, and established a new regime.

"I got friendly with the Duan family’s gatekeeper and asked around. This Second Young Master Duan…" Chen Xiaodao scratched his head. "He spends his days boating, listening to operas, strolling the streets, and bird-watching. When inspiration strikes, he even writes flirtatious poetry that’s quite popular among songstresses. But other than that, he doesn’t seem particularly remarkable. Do you have some history with him, Young Master?"

He recalled that Lu Qingze was also from Lin’an.

Lu Qingze shook his head.

According to the original plot, at this point, Ning Juan should still be biding his time in the capital, waiting to seize power, while the protagonist, under the thumb of his cruel stepmother, pretended to be a carefree playboy, hiding his true capabilities.

Though Lu Qingze had altered Ning Juan’s trajectory, preventing the tyrannical rule of the original story, he couldn’t shake his wariness toward the protagonist.

After all, his little Guo Guo was the definitive villain in the original, inherently at odds with the protagonist.

Who knew if some "original plot force" might realign events?

Once things settled in Jiangxi, he’d have to meet this Second Young Master Duan in person to assess whether he posed any threat to Ning Juan.

If necessary…

Lu Qingze lowered his lashes, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

The shade of the courtyard’s locust tree cast a shadow over him, and Chen Xiaodao suddenly felt as though Lu Qingze had changed somehow, holding his breath and widening his eyes.

Just as the silence grew heavy, an enthusiastic voice called out from ahead: "Grand Tutor Lu!"

Lu Qingze’s brow twitched slightly, his usual smile returning as he stepped out of the shadows, bathed once more in radiant light, his demeanor as serene as the moon.

The man calling out to him stood on the veranda, dark circles under his eyes but looking oddly spirited, clutching a stack of papers.

Yu Shurong gazed down at the white-robed, jade-adorned figure in the courtyard, excited. "The last time I saw you, Grand Tutor, I didn’t get a chance to greet you. Then, when you and His Majesty went to inspect the riverways a few days ago, I missed you again… Ah! Finally, I get to meet you in person!"

With that, he hitched up his robes and vaulted over the railing with unscholarly agility, hurrying to Lu Qingze’s side. "I’ve long admired the Imperial Tutor! This humble official is Yu Shurong, Assistant Prefect of Ji’an!"

Lu Qingze couldn’t help but laugh. "There’s no need for such formality, Prefect Yu. His Majesty and I are well aware of your contributions. I, too, hold you in high esteem."

When the entire Jiangxi administration had been corrupt, Yu Shurong had dared to defy his superiors and report the truth for the sake of the people—a courageous act worthy of respect.

Lu Qingze’s voice was warm and sincere, carrying a weight that made the listener feel truly valued.

Though his face was hidden behind a mask—rumored to be hideously disfigured—his smile exuded an air of effortless grace.

Yu Shurong’s ears flushed slightly, momentarily at a loss for words before stammering an acknowledgment.

Since ancient times, court officials had prized both rank and appearance, mocking those who were ugly, disabled, or ill. Lu Qingze embodied two of these, yet no one dared ridicule him.

Unaware of Yu Shurong’s thoughts, Lu Qingze glanced at the stack in his arms. "Are you delivering documents to His Majesty?"

Yu Shurong snapped out of it, looking down at the papers. "Ah, yes, yes. I forgot to include these earlier when I submitted the other documents."

His enthusiasm returned as he added, "This is the flood control plan you wrote. Ah, every word is pure gold, such profound insight! I hadn’t expected you to be so knowledgeable about flood control. I heard you’re from Lin’an—they often suffer floods there too, right? No wonder!"

After gushing for a bit, his expression turned wistful. "His Majesty ordered me to make a copy and return the original. What a shame… I’d hoped to keep it as a treasure."

Lu Qingze maintained his smile until the end, when it froze slightly. "…?"

That day, he’d combed through every available flood-related record, incorporating modern flood control methods to draft this plan.

Though he’d tried to keep it concise, it still amounted to thousands of characters to convey his ideas precisely.

What had this Prefect Yu done to offend Ning Juan, to warrant such a punishment?

That little brat—Yu Shurong was already swamped overseeing the construction of the riverbanks! Couldn’t he be more considerate?

After a brief pause, Lu Qingze reached out with a smile. "I’m on my way to see His Majesty. Why don’t I deliver these for you?"

Yu Shurong still had to return to supervise the flood diversion and embankment work—critical tasks requiring constant oversight.

With insufficient manpower, many civilians had been recruited, paid well and provided food and shelter, drawing even refugees from Lingshan Temple.

But with more people came opportunists and schemers, necessitating a steady hand to keep things in order.

Though disappointed he couldn’t chat longer with Lu Qingze, duty called. Since the documents were Lu Qingze’s work anyway, Yu Shurong handed them over gratefully before hurrying off.

Once he was gone, Chen Xiaodao finally let out a huge yawn.

Though he’d made light of it earlier, he’d been on high alert throughout their time in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and the journey to Jiangxi with the grain shipment had been fraught with tension.

Even with Ning Juan stabilizing Jiangxi’s situation, reports of displaced citizens turning to banditry had kept him and Changshun on edge, unable to rest properly.

Seeing Chen Xiaodao struggling to keep his eyes open, Lu Qingze ruffled his hair. "Go get some sleep. I need to discuss something with His Majesty."

Chen Xiaodao didn’t stand on ceremony, rubbing his eyes as he wandered off to find a place to nap.

Alone now, Lu Qingze flipped through the well-preserved stack of documents before heading off to confront Ning Juan.

The study wasn’t far, and Lu Qingze didn’t need permission to enter. When he stepped inside, he found Zheng Yao had already returned from interrogating Zhao Zhengde.

Spotting Lu Qingze, Ning Juan’s eyes lit up.

Lu Qingze raised a finger to his lips in a silent "shh," then settled into a seat with the documents, listening as Zheng Yao delivered his report.

Unlike Pan Jingmin, Zhao Zhengde was weak-willed, his defenses crumbling the moment Zheng Yao—with his intimidating presence—hauled him out and tossed the ledger in front of him. Pale-faced, he confessed everything.

After passing the imperial exams, Zhao Zhengde had been assigned to a backwater county, serving as a magistrate for years, barely scraping by with no hope of promotion.

This hopelessness had eroded his initial desire to serve the people. Soon after, he met his "benefactor," who taught him how to levy taxes under false pretenses and mingle with local gentry. Over time, he amassed enough wealth and connections to climb the ranks, eventually becoming Prefect of Ji’an.

That benefactor was Pan Jingmin.

Zhao Zhengde betrayed Pan Jingmin without hesitation, offering a full confession without much pressure.

After skimming the confession, Ning Juan’s expression turned icy. "Have Pan Jingmin’s ledger and signed confession on my desk by tomorrow night."

Zheng Yao bowed and hurried off to interrogate Pan Jingmin.

Once the room was quiet, Lu Qingze asked, "Did Zhao Zhengde reveal anything about Miss Yu’s father?"

Though they were sitting close, Ning Juan leaned in further, resting an arm on the back of Lu Qingze’s chair. His youthful energy radiated warmth, making Lu Qingze feel like he had a sun pressed against his back.

"Yu Zheng was forced off a cliff by Zhao Zhengde’s men. I’ve sent people to search for him."

Ning Juan’s voice was soft as he poured Lu Qingze tea, noticing his lips were dry. "Zhao Zhengde couldn’t find the ledger and planned to target the rest of the Yu family, but Lin Xi’s martial skills proved too formidable. He never got another chance."

Soon after, the floods had swept through, submerging Yu Village.

Zhao Zhengde, assuming the ledger was lost, had relaxed—until Ning Juan’s men unearthed it. The moment he saw it, any thought of denial vanished.

Forced off a cliff, with no news for so long… the odds weren’t good.

Lu Qingze sighed silently.

Ning Juan was inherently cold-hearted and didn't care much about the lives of those unrelated to him. His gaze fell on the item in Lu Qingze's arms, and he curiously lowered his head: "What is that in your hand, Teacher?"

Ah, he had almost forgotten.

Lu Qingze smiled amiably and handed it over: "This is precisely what His Majesty needs to explain. Why did you insist on having Minister Yu transcribe a copy and return the original? How did Minister Yu offend you?"

Ning Juan: "..."

Usually, when he hid Lu Qingze's belongings, he was quite open about it—even maintaining a private treasury in the Qianqing Palace specifically for storing Lu Qingze's writings.

But that didn't mean he could be equally brazen in front of Lu Qingze.

It was as if a secret had been abruptly exposed. Ning Juan's heart raced, his face visibly flustered and at a loss, a far cry from the stern demeanor he had shown Zheng Yao earlier: "I... Teacher..."

Lu Qingze looked at him kindly, a slight hum in his voice: "Hmm?"

Ning Juan's ears burned: "I..."

Lu Qingze watched him leisurely: "Oh?"

Their eyes met. Ning Juan's palms grew sweaty, his heartbeat pounding in his ears, his throat dry, the redness from his ears gradually spreading to his cheeks.

Just as the atmosphere grew subtly tense, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside. Zheng Yao had returned: "Ah, right, Your Majesty, you haven't given me Zhao Zhengde's account books yet... Wow!"

Zheng Yao froze at the doorway, his eyes wide with horror: "My dear Emperor! Are you ill? Your face is so red! This humble servant will fetch the imperial physician at once—"

Before he could finish, Ning Juan angrily snatched the account book from the desk and threw it at him, snarling coldly: "Get out!"

Commander Zheng, innocent and crestfallen, clutched the account book and scurried away.

Author's Note:

Changshun: Smiling through the pain.

Shouting loudly: Teacher and student quarrels—fight at the head of the bed, make up at the foot!

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