Sunny and cottony clouds dotted the sky. After traveling for several miles, they entered the city of Bianliang. Amidst the bustling pre-festival atmosphere, Zhou Pei rode in the Wangfu (Prince's Mansion) carriage at the front, while Ning Yi, Yao Zunian, and Cheng Zhouhai sat in the carriage driven by Dong Zhu, chatting casually. All the way, Ning Yi had been clasping his hands, his left thumb seemingly unintentionally pressing on the tiger's mouth of his right hand. As they passed a restaurant, he finally released his grip and smiled, "It's just lunchtime. If you two are free, why not join me for lunch and a cup of tea? I'll be the host, what do you say?"

The pain in his tiger's mouth, caused by that previous clash with Lu Qian, had only just completely subsided.

Many precious swords and sabers of this era were, in fact, not necessarily better than the later generations' renowned high-quality steel machetes. They might be sharp, but the claim of "cutting iron like mud" was certainly an exaggeration. Ning Yi and Lu Qian's exchange of blows had broken the bodyguards' plain saber. Both used considerable force. In terms of martial arts, Ning Yi was naturally inferior to Lu Qian. During the exchange, he also took the opportunity to release the lime powder. After the saber broke, his tiger's mouth was slightly strained. The injury was minor, but it had taken this long to fully recover.

This second, abrupt, and fleeting collision with Gao Munen was not anticipated by Ning Yi. He had been thinking about it along the way, but he didn't show it in front of Yao Zunian and Cheng Zhouhai.

Subsequently, they called a stop to the Little Princess's carriage, and the group of four went to the nearby restaurant for lunch. Only when Zhou Pei was present did Yao Zunian recount in detail what had happened later at the villa.

"...Speaking of which, this matter should have been agreed upon by Li Heng, but the opportunity was too good. The old man and Prime Minister Qin also discussed it. Li Heng's poems should not be gathering dust in his room; he should take the fame he deserves. After this matter, I believe these poems will spread, and few will dare to question Li Heng's talent again, which will also reduce many unnecessary troubles. I hope Li Heng won't blame the old man."

Among the staff members of Qin's mansion, Cheng Zhouhai was in his thirties, and could be considered Ning Yi's peer. Yao Zunian, in his fifties, was already considered an old man in this era. He claimed to be on equal footing with Ning Yi in terms of scholarship, and didn't put on airs, but in reality, Ning Yi still had to maintain respect. In this era, elders like Yao Zunian and Qin Si Yuan genuinely and sincerely cultivated, promoted, and helped young people they recognized. Ning Yi was not some angsty teenager, and of course, he could see that clearly. He cupped his fist in thanks.

"This reduces many troubles. If it weren't for Lord Yao's intervention, they probably wouldn't have believed it even if I said so."

"Haha, a small matter. With Li Heng's talent, the old man is merely adding flowers to the brocade. It's a pity that after Li Heng left, I didn't get to hear Miss Shishi sing the 'Looking at the Sea Tide'..."

Seeing that he had Ning Yi's approval, Yao Zunian changed the topic and jokingly spoke about Li Shishi's singing skills. Ning Yi listened, but in reality, he could also understand another layer of meaning.

The idea of publishing these poems had definitely been discussed between Yao Zunian and Qin Si Yuan. They were upright literati, and while they certainly didn't want a young talent's name to be buried, another reason was the Badao Ying (霸刀营, Tyrant Saber Camp).

Ning Yi had originally written these poems for Liu Xigua, who wanted to show off. He hadn't intended to take them back. However, after the fall of Hangzhou and the transfer of the Tyrant Saber Camp, Ning Yi was involved. Wen Ren'er knew about it, and Qin Si Yuan certainly knew about it as well. Fang La had been defeated, and tens of thousands of people had scattered. They might not really care about a mountain stronghold being let go. But knowing and tacitly approving didn't mean supporting. Publishing these poems was, first, to define them, and second, to draw a line. It was both protection and a reminder.

Even if someone were to investigate later, the authorities would know about Ning Yi's connection with that mountain stronghold. And the slight reminder and delineation meant: Your things should not be given to them.

Everyone could understand these things to some extent. Once the goodwill was confirmed, it didn't matter. Later, Yao Zunian spoke of the astonishment of the people present at the gathering, which Ning Yi and the others found amusing. Perhaps by tomorrow, the matter would spread throughout Bianliang, and perhaps someone would even visit Wenhui Tower to pay their respects. Ning Yi felt a bit of a headache at the thought.

Among the group, Yao Zunian was originally known for his composure, and Cheng Zhouhai was slightly more hot-blooded, but this time, Yao Zunian seemed particularly happy, while Cheng Zhouhai simply smiled and occasionally echoed, without knowing what he was thinking. There were many things in the Secret Intelligence Division that couldn't be said, so no one was surprised.

Zhou Pei's expression wasn't so sad anymore. She wanted to say something to Ning Yi, but with Yao and Cheng present, she didn't know what to say. However, she was ultimately interested in the fact that Ning Yi was about to become famous again, and asked Yao Zunian about this and that. Soon after, Ning Yi smiled and asked about the affairs of Princess Qing and the others. She then recounted in detail what had happened in the Wangfu these days...

At the same time, Ning Yi and the others had finished lunch and were chatting over tea at the restaurant. In another restaurant room in Bianliang, someone was throwing plates on the ground after a hearty meal.

"Lu Qian—I can't stand this! That guy... what kind of person is that guy! He threatened me! He actually dares to threaten me! My father is Gao Qiu—you guys are all the same, not a bit useful—"

While eating, Gao Ya Nei (Young Master Gao) cursed and swept the plates off the table, then picked up bowls and chopsticks and threw them at the surrounding bodyguards.

"It's one thing if you can't beat him! It's one thing if you didn't attack! I just remembered, we didn't even say any threatening words! Why didn't you say anything? We didn't even leave a single harsh word when we left! Are you guys still bad guys? You've made me lose all face! Lu Qian, where the hell are you—"

To be honest, the conflict in front of the villa at the time had really frightened him. He wouldn't have felt this way if the other party had been a desperate criminal, but the other party's reaction was simply that of an incomprehensible psychopath. His whole body was covered in goosebumps, and a chill went up his spine. When he was released, he didn't know what to do. Most of the bodyguards had felt the same way. They were waiting for Gao Munen to give a clear order, but when Ya Nei just called for them to leave, the group had no choice but to leave. Now, remembering that they hadn't left any harsh words, they felt extremely annoyed, and these bodyguards were out of luck.

Amidst the cursing, Lu Qian, who had left for a while, now entered. He ran in front of Lu Qian and opened his hand.

"You're finally here! I'm telling you, I've lost all face now, I can't live anymore! Lu Qian, tell me, can you beat that guy?"

Lu Qian lowered his head. "Replying to Ya Nei, it's not that I can't beat him, but that person's methods are strange. When we fought, Ya Nei was also present, and I was afraid that it would be impossible to defend against him..."

"I! Knew! It! I've already died once!" Gao Munen turned and jumped onto a chair. "When he came over like that, hugging me, I got goosebumps all over my body. He kept saying something there... Lu Qian, he's telling me. You're already dead! You're already dead! You're already dead! Lu Qian, don't you understand? He's threatening me like that, it's too much. I just want to get to know his friends—girlfriends! Just be friends with them, I didn't do anything wrong... Lu Qian, tell me, he's not really that hard to deal with, is he!"

Lu Qian was silent for a moment. "I don't know his full background yet. But looking at his way of doing things, honestly, he's very thorny."

"Even you say that." Gao Ya Nei looked at him with a mournful face.

"Your subordinate is speaking the truth."

"Then quickly go and check his background! First, see if we can afford to offend him! Then see if there's any way. If he's just putting on an act, I'm going to kill him. Ah, I'm so annoyed! I want women—"

Recalling his entanglement and timidity at the time, and his disgraceful escape, Gao Munen couldn't help but shout. Lu Qian nodded and turned to leave again.

*****************

They spent the afternoon chatting and drinking tea at the restaurant. After Wei Shi (1-3 PM), the weather turned cool. The four of them went downstairs and said goodbye to each other.

Yao Zunian and Cheng Zhouhai left first, and then Ning Yi saw Zhou Pei onto the carriage. Zhou Pei had mixed feelings about today's events, but didn't have much more to say. "Teacher, will you go see the dragon boat races tomorrow?"

"I should go take a look." There were more and more things to do, and he didn't know when he would be able to finish them, but Xiao Chan, Yun Zhu, and Jin'er were all there. Ning Yi would still take the time to go out with everyone for the Dragon Boat Festival races.

"Then... I'll be on the viewing platform in the front... Teacher, remember to call me..." She smiled shyly. When the carriage arrived, she said goodbye and got into the carriage. Then, because of something, she couldn't help but look back. "Teacher?"

"Hmm?"

"Uh..." Zhou Pei thought for a while, and finally shook her head. "It's nothing, I'm leaving... See you tomorrow, Teacher."

After speaking softly, she entered the carriage and lowered the curtain.

Ning Yi watched the carriage drive away, his gaze gradually becoming deeper.

He didn't mention Gao Munen's matter to Yao and Cheng.

In Bianliang, Xiao Chan, Yun Zhu, and Jin'er could be entrusted to the Prime Minister's Mansion and the Secret Intelligence Division even if he left. Theoretically, their safety was not a problem. He wouldn't worry too much because Gao Munen said those words today. The other party was a bit reckless, but not necessarily a real ruthless person. If both sides revealed their backgrounds, at least Lu Qian would know that he couldn't take action. The family members of the Prime Minister's Mansion staff had a completely different meaning than the family members of a forbidden army instructor without a background.

But even understanding this, now that the conflict had arisen, he would not be without precautions. If he could do something, he would consider doing something. Even though he didn't know exactly where Gao Munen was considering killing him in the city at this time, similar situations would definitely happen. Only after that would they investigate his background. If possible, he would still like to make things a little safer, such as eradicating the source of the problem.

If he could really find a good way, he would kill this guy, he thought. Of course, he didn't have much influence to use in the capital at the moment. This matter was also not suitable to go through the Secret Intelligence Division for the time being. Whether it was feasible, he would have to gather intelligence first, and then see if he could find any loopholes. These things... he would probably only be able to look for Li Shishi.

What kind of news he would get, and whether it was possible, would depend on luck, but at the very least, he should plan ahead and prepare more. But in this way, the things piled up in his hands were indeed increasing. Thinking like this, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

However, even he had never imagined at this moment what kind of movement and changes this sudden and brief conflict would bring in the future. The ripples it caused, whether tangible or intangible, the influence it had, the seeds it planted, and the countless lives it directly or indirectly affected, would last for ten or even decades. When he thought of these things many years later, tracing back to its unintentional small origin, he could only sigh softly and smile with emotion.

At this time, cotton clouds were blocking the sun, and the sky was not yet dark. On the other side of the diverted scene, Yao Zunian and Cheng Zhouhai's carriage was passing through the streets, returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion. Cheng Zhouhai sat there thinking, with a smile on his face. At one moment, he lifted the curtain and stopped the carriage.

"I suddenly remembered that I still have some things to do. Lord Yao, please return to the Prime Minister's Mansion first. Your disciple may have to walk around and take care of things before returning."

Yao Zunian nodded. He didn't know what Cheng Zhouhai had been thinking along the way, but of course, it wasn't a sudden thought. However, he wasn't interested in delving into it. He nodded, smiled, and said goodbye to the other party.

As the carriage drove away, Cheng Zhouhai looked at the pedestrians on the street, then chose a direction and leisurely walked forward, passing through the city streets...

****************

The weather was cloudy. Zhou Pei returned to her room in the Wangfu, dismissed the maids, and closed the door. She plopped onto the bed and buried her head in the quilt for a moment, then picked up a round, long pillow and sat up on her knees.

She looked at the pillow with a serious expression, then hugged it with both hands, moved her head, and leaned it against the side of the pillow. If someone saw her at this time, they might think that her expression and eyes were strange.

"You all don't know who I am... Why do you have to do this... Did you know that when I first saw you, I knew we could be friends... You've let me down too much..."

After speaking in a low, slow, and neurotic tone, she raised her chin and looked down coldly. After a moment, she changed her posture and expression slightly, and said harsh words that she had heard or imagined. Holding the pillow, she thought that Teacher was really too amazing.

She collapsed on the bed, then rolled over, opened her mouth, and looked at the ceiling with a sigh. After a long while, she rolled around on the bed.

When the adorable rolling finally stopped, she lay on her back, raised the pillow in her hand, and looked at it, her gaze turning cold for a long time.

"You really deserve to die..." She tilted her head and murmured, then hugged the pillow again and began to recall what she had seen. Until... the maid came to knock on the door.

"Princess."

"What is it?"

"A Mr. Cheng is requesting an audience."

"Ah? Mr. Cheng?"

"He's a scholar in his thirties. He says his name is Cheng Zhouhai, and that the Princess knows him."

"Uh..." Zhou Pei was stunned. They had just separated not long ago. She knew this Cheng Zhouhai before. He hadn't said much along the way. Apart from exchanging a few words on the way to the villa, they hadn't talked much. Why would he come to visit her alone at the Wangfu? She was puzzled, but naturally asked the maid to lead the person in and serve tea and snacks. After exchanging greetings and sitting down, Zhou Pei asked the other party's purpose. Cheng Zhouhai took a sip of tea and then looked at the maids in the room with a smile.

"You may leave first. I have something to discuss with Mr. Cheng." Zhou Pei dismissed the maids. After the door was closed, Cheng Zhouhai put down his teacup and stood up. Knowing his identity as a staff member of the Prime Minister's Mansion, Zhou Pei didn't have any ill feelings towards him. She saw Cheng Zhouhai walk to the door, open it, and look outside again to make sure no one was there before closing it. "I have come this time because I have something important to discuss with the Princess. Of course, if I'm wrong, please pretend that the Princess didn't hear it."

"Mr. Cheng, please speak freely. Zhou Pei knows the importance of things," the fifteen-year-old girl replied with a smile.

Cheng Zhouhai turned his head to look at her, and looked at her for a long time. "Princess, do you want to take action against that Gao Ya Nei?"

"Ah?" Zhou Pei was stunned. After a while, "Mr. Cheng... what do you mean?"

Cheng Zhouhai, who was carefully observing her expression, smiled again. "When the Princess was hiding behind the carriage and saw that incident today, I happened to be behind you and saw the whole process."

Zhou Pei's expression fluctuated, and her face gradually turned red. Fortunately, Cheng Zhouhai didn't look at her at this time, but bowed slightly. "I just want to say that I have been in the Secret Intelligence Division for many years, and I know a lot about the affairs of Bianliang, and the misdeeds of that playboy. If the Princess wants to take action against that playboy, but doesn't know how to start, I can help the Princess to rid Bianliang... of this scourge!"

************

Okay, MT (Mountain) has arrived, so I should be able to farm some of Qidian's normal books.

Well, let's ask for monthly tickets. Let's see if we can get into the top ten first, how about that?

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