Chapter 31 of 100
Chapter 31
11 min read2,847 words
On a quiet night, Qiaohua and Wenqing came to visit. Shiniang, perhaps in a good mood after receiving some gold, surprisingly changed her usual stinginess and laid out a grand feast.
During the banquet, Wenqing, who was usually cold, drank and chatted with Baihu, and the two good friends, with their arms around each other, talked happily. Afterwards, Baihu said he had never seen Qinglong laugh so purely, without any reservations. The name Qinglong was a symbol of prestige and responsibility, but it was also a burden!
The next noon, the imperial 'Justice' plaque arrived at the Justice Escort Agency, and the loud firecrackers made the whole street lively. The line of people sending gifts could stretch all the way to the palace gates, from innkeepers to gamblers, couriers to cosmetics sellers, even prostitutes came! It was quite a sight to see the two top courtesans standing at the door!
"Commander has arrived!" The shrill cry made Lingxiao's mouth twitch. Who brought the eunuch here! A row of tall horses with the brocade-clad guards stopped in front of the escort agency, their splendid attire and imposing presence were impressive. Baihu had really tried his best; he had never dressed so neatly before. Not only Baihu, but also the Grand Tutor, Zhao Shenyan, came to support Wenqing. His release from prison was also due to Lingxiao and Wenqing.
Although the old escort chief was not good at management, he had accumulated some connections over the years of traveling. Normally, these people might avoid you, but now, with the plaque, those who came to build relationships were numerous!
Seeing the endless stream of people, Lingxiao shook his head, "If something really happens, none of these people will be of any help!"
"You have so many requirements! In this world, everything depends on yourself, just like your master. As long as you improve your skills, when the opportunity comes, you will be like a fish in water," Linglingfa said proudly.
"Didn't you seem so confident back then!" Lingxiao grumbled in his heart. Suddenly, he felt someone tugging at his sleeve, "Hey? What are you doing here?"
Li Yingqiong, wearing a purple blouse, looked cheerful, "I came to join the fun! Whose escort agency is this?"
"A friend's. Where's your dad? Still doing plastic surgery?"
"Yeah! He's so busy all day, he doesn't even play with me!" The little girl's voice was full of resentment.
"Wow! This little girl pouting is just too cute!" Lingxiao exclaimed in his heart, "So you came out to play with me? We're very busy!"
"Didn't notice! Besides setting off firecrackers, what have you done that benefits the nation and the people?" The little girl's tone reminded Lingxiao of the old scholar who taught moral education in his primary school.
Seeing Lingxiao fall silent, the little girl thought she had embarrassed him and was about to continue when she noticed Lingxiao looking up at the sky with a silly smile.
"What are you looking at?" The little girl's resentment was about to burst, but Lingxiao's attention was completely drawn to the pigeons flying around in the sky.
The poor pigeons were frightened by the firecrackers and flew around aimlessly. Lingxiao, unable to bear seeing them fly around aimlessly, left the crowd and walked towards the clinic. The pigeon, as if granted amnesty, dove into Lingxiao's arms, but was stopped by a large hand.
"What is this? You were smiling so silly just for this? Is it cuter than me?"
Faced with the little girl's question and the pitiful pigeon, Lingxiao was a bit at a loss. Which one should he choose, the little girl or the pigeon?
"Of course, you're the cutest! By the way, where did you learn the word 'cute'?"
The little girl huffed and released the bird, "My master said this word is specifically used to describe how cute I am."
"Oh! I see!" Lingxiao's eyebrows twitched. If he remembered correctly, he only used this word to describe the big yellow dog at Cai's house.
Taking the pigeon and opening the message tube, he read, "A solitary figure stands amidst the falling petals, a light rain falls. The moon was bright then, illuminating the returning clouds."
"What is this? A poem to make friends?" The little girl leaned in to look at the note.
"Nothing, just a lonely shut-in complaining about his fate to his pigeon friend," Lingxiao waved the note dismissively.
"How will you reply?"
"After you leave."
"Hmph! Annoying, as if I care! I hate pigeon friends!" The little girl turned and ran away, apparently to torment Linglingfa.
...
The quiet room was filled with scrolls, the ancient and elegant furnishings were tasteful but lacked a human touch. A wheelchair slowly rolled out of the room, and the girl, listening to the distant sound of firecrackers, felt a hint of melancholy, though it didn't show on her face.
Flap, flap, flap
The pigeon flew with more determination than when it sought Lingxiao!
"Xiaofei, has he returned?" The girl's lips curled into a rare smile as she looked at the dirty message tube on the pigeon's leg, a result of Li Yingqiong's revenge.
Opening the tube and pulling out the note, she read, "The beauty of knowledge lies in making one confused; the beauty of poetry lies in stirring the passions of men and women; the beauty of women lies in their unwavering foolishness; the beauty of men lies in their ability to lie convincingly! Unable to control my longing, unable to manage my pain, unable to choose my fate, unable to grant myself happiness. While others have two choices, to live or to die, you may have a third choice, to wait for death!"
The girl's expression was strange, then she smiled bitterly, "Xiaofei, I've been scolded again! And this time, he didn't use a poem!"
The pigeon didn't respond, and a tall figure entered the room and came to the girl's side. It was an elegant and handsome old man, with a face weathered by many years but still retaining a childlike rosy complexion. He wore a black robe with white patterns, and most strikingly, he had braided his beard into a braid!
"Uncle! Can you take me today?" The girl said calmly, but her words brought great joy to the old man, "You... you want to go with me?" His voice trembled.
The girl nodded gently, stroking the pigeon's head, "I don't want to wait for death!"
"?"
...
"Why are you so late? Everyone is waiting for you!" Qiaohua scolded when she saw Lingxiao enter the escort agency.
After the opening ceremony and the guests had left, Wenqing set up a table of fine dishes in the hall. The guests were all close friends: Linglingfa, Baihu, and even Zhao Shenyan! This old minister was said to be a loyal supporter of the emperor, but he seemed quite adaptable, at least he didn't reveal that Qinglong was still alive.
"Sorry, everyone! I had to save a lost child on the way, so I was a bit delayed," Lingxiao said with a smile.
"This is Linglingfa's disciple! Indeed, a young hero. This time, I was able to escape prison thanks to you. I have nothing to offer, so I'll drink to you first!" Zhao Shenyan said, finishing his cup in one go.
"Too kind, too kind! It's our duty to help the emperor. As for your unwavering loyalty, it's truly admirable," Lingxiao raised his cup in return.
In any world, relationships are built on mutual respect and support. With Zhao Shenyan present, everyone was a bit more reserved, but the old minister was clearly adept at such situations, discussing ancient and modern topics with ease! He was a true scholar! The more loyal, the more isolated, and this old scholar was clearly starved for company, chatting endlessly with the loyal few. By the time everyone dispersed, it was almost midnight.
"Wow, this old scholar is so enthusiastic, he even drank Baihu and Wenqing under the table! Is he a comedian sent by the emperor?" Linglingfa exclaimed.
"Fortunately, my master took an antidote beforehand, or we would have had to stay the night, and my wife would have been furious," Lingxiao said with a sigh of relief.
"To be honest, I really wanted to stay the night. The night roads in the capital are not safe!" Linglingfa sighed, as if recalling some unpleasant experience.
"Then you're willing to face my wife?"
"Let's go! Your wife is waiting for us."
It was a dark and stormy night, perfect for murder or arson. The capital was still lively, with the sounds of pleasure from the neighboring streets, a testament to the human responsibility of reproduction. The shouts from the nearby tavern, a testament to the talent and heroism of the Ming people. And the black shadows running on the rooftops, expressing...
"What kind of demon is this! Daring to cause trouble in my territory!" Linglingfa roared, taking two steps and jumping, his back clothes bursting open!
Whoosh! Crack! A pair of black wooden wings unfolded, shimmering with a metallic sheen, and with a powerful flap, a strong wind rose, and Linglingfa shot up to the roof, chasing the black shadow.
Linglingfa's outstretched hand was still in the air, staring dumbfounded at the dark sky. The people of the Ming Dynasty were highly cultured and adaptable, quickly recovering from the shock and giving Lingxiao disdainful looks.
After a long while, he closed his mouth, "It seems Linglingfa has truly ascended. More and more strange things! I wonder if he can build a Gundam one day?"
Linglingfa, being so powerful, didn't need Lingxiao's concern. His mind was full of how to explain to his wife. He walked forward in silence, his eyes on a pair of exquisite cloth boots.
"I don't sign autographs, and I don't accept advertisements. Please move!" Lingxiao showed disdain, not even looking up.
"Indeed, an interesting person, better than your master!"
Lingxiao looked up, oh! Another celebrity, with a free-spirited demeanor, a warm and friendly presence, and those iconic four eyebrows!
"Oh! It's you, what's up?" He asked calmly, suppressing his excitement.
"Do you know me?" Lu Xiaofeng was quite surprised.
"Yeah, my master mentioned you, about the illegal gathering on the Golden Hall with some swordsmen!"
"Uh, let's not mention that. I knew there was a reason I didn't like your master," Lu Xiaofeng rubbed his nose, a bit embarrassed.
"I admit the first part, but I won't comment on the second."
Lu Xiaofeng, seeing Lingxiao's unimpressed face, was a bit surprised. Had his charm failed? He gave a flirtatious look to a passerby. "Ah!" The person screamed and fainted.
"Why did that woman faint?" Lingxiao was startled by the fan's reaction.
"Oh! Don't mind it, it happens often. I have an important matter to discuss with you," Lu Xiaofeng said, bowing.
Lingxiao looked at the dark sky, Linglingfa probably wouldn't be back, "Let's find a place to drink." It would also save him the trouble of explaining to his wife.
"You just drank and came back! Drink again?"
"No problem, I have my master's antidote."
"..."
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