As the cock crowed and the morning light broke, Ji Linxi arrived at the Risheng Courtyard, full of joy. He had expected to smoothly behold the “Beauty’s” lotus-like face, but to his surprise, he learned that the Beauty had already taken his men to the Prefect’s office the night before, leaving Ji Linxi behind with instructions to be sent over once he woke up.

The smile on his face instantly collapsed.

“Young Master Xi, would you like to go now or a bit later?” asked the guard Chu Yu had left to watch over him.

“Let’s go now.”

Ji Linxi, who quickly regained his spirit, followed the guard to the Prefect’s office. It was his first time riding in a carriage. As they passed through the market, his head was turned by the fragrant scent of steamed buns, and he couldn’t help but call for a stop. He rummaged through his lapels, clawing out his last few copper coins.

This was the last bit of money he had on him. If he had known this would happen, he should have kept a few pieces of jewelry on his person last night.

Full of regret, he bought a few meat buns. Once they were in his hands, he began to feast, not caring if they were hot—filling his stomach was the priority. Like a famished tiger descending the mountain, he finished one in two bites, with absolutely no table manners, extremely crude.

He devoured five in a flash and was about to scarf down the last two when he suddenly paused.

What if the Beauty hasn’t eaten either?

Better save them.

Thinking this, he re-wrapped the remaining two buns in oil paper, tucked them carefully into his robes, patted them, and nodded with satisfaction. This way, they wouldn’t get cold by the time he reached the Prefect’s office.

[At the Prefect’s office, the Beauty personally greeted him, lifting the carriage curtain. A pair of peach-blossom eyes looked at him with tender affection, “Young Master Xi—”]

[He reached into his robes and pulled out the still-steaming meat buns, offering them eagerly, “Young Master, this is breakfast I brought for you. You were busy all night last night; you haven’t eaten yet, right?”]

[The Beauty was stunned, a look of being moved crossing his face. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear, bent his waist, and parted his lips. Within those two ruby-red lips, one could see the soft, pink mouth, a delicate, tender tongue resting against snow-white teeth—alive with sensual charm…]

Ji Linxi, who was sleeping soundly in the swaying carriage with his legs spread and his mouth wide open, dreaming a beautiful dream, suddenly heard a crisp, sharp voice in his ear: “Young Master Xi, we’ve arrived at the office. You should get out of the carriage.”

He snapped awake from his dream, kicked his legs in the carriage, and groggily opened his phoenix eyes, only to realize that what had just happened was merely a dream.

How could one describe this feeling other than by gritting one’s teeth? It was so close, so close… so close that the Beauty could have bent down to eat his bun and perhaps accidentally held his finger.

In frustration, he punched the carriage, then straightened his posture, wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, brushed off his sleeves, and stepped out of the carriage.

Ji Linxi was led to the guest hall of the office. The guard said, “Please wait a moment, Young Master Xi; our master will be here shortly.”

He sat in a chair, waiting. After patiently drinking two cups of tea, he heard footsteps outside. Thinking the Beauty had arrived, he put on a smile and stood up to welcome him, only to realize it was Chang Xi and Zhao Yun. Since he was already standing, he couldn’t sit back down, so he greeted them with an air of familiarity: “Brother Chang, Miss Zhao.”

Chang Xi already had an idea of Ji Linxi’s true nature. If it weren’t for the fact that he needed to cooperate with this person to avenge Jin’er, he would never have had anything to do with such a man. He just nodded and didn’t engage further.

Zhao Yun, however, was unaware of his poor character and was full of gratitude toward him. Seeing the excited expression on his face, she said, “Young Master Chu, you’re here too.”

“Yes.”

“When did you arrive?”

“Just now.”

During their conversation, Ji Linxi kept silent about the fact that he had stayed behind yesterday. He took a glance at Zhao Yun; the girl who had been in rags and disheveled yesterday was now wearing simple, clean clothes, making her look even more pure and beautiful. But it was just a glance born of habit, and he quickly looked away.

Zhao Yun said that as soon as she left the Wang family yesterday, she had returned home under the cover of night. As she said this, her face was filled with a happy smile. Her parents had been waiting for her. When they saw her return, her mother washed her hair and dressed her up, and her father cooked for her. Both of them had many more white hairs, but they only cried and said, “It’s good that you’re back,” without asking what she had endured, as if she had just gone on a long journey and finally come home.

“My parents brought me here today. They’re waiting outside.”

Ji Linxi, having no parents, didn’t understand this feeling, but that didn’t stop him from pretending to be moved.

After drinking another cup of tea, the Beauty he had been pining for finally arrived, followed by the young Prince Yan and the old servant.

“Young Master,” Ji Linxi immediately hurried forward, sycophantic.

Today, the Beauty had shed his previous sickly air; he stood tall and slender, breathtakingly beautiful, simply noble beyond words. It made Ji Linxi’s heart itch; he felt that every inch of the Beauty before him was made exactly to his liking.

How could there be such a beautiful person in this world? It’s as if he came from the heavens.

Chu Yu flashed him a faint smile and then said in a gentle tone: “I truly thank the three of you this time.”

“No, it is we who should thank you, Young Master, for upholding justice for us,” Ji Linxi immediately flattered.

Yan Huai, with a sword hanging at his waist, gave him a cold look.

“Young Master Chu is right. We should be the ones thanking both of you young masters for upholding justice,” Chang Xi and Zhao Yun added.

Compared to Ji Linxi’s fake flattery, their gratitude was deeply sincere. If not for these two noble young masters from the capital, the Wang family wouldn’t have faced retribution so quickly, and they would have had to watch their enemies live happily while they burned with agonizing hatred.

Chu Yu smiled but didn’t speak. As soon as he sat down, Ji Linxi took the initiative to pour him tea. As the warm tea flowed into the cup, Ji Linxi bowed his waist, serving the tea with both hands in a thoroughly fawning manner: “Young Master, drink some tea.”

Eunuch Chen frowned.

Chu Yu said thanks and reached out to take the cup. Looking at those fingers—white as snow, flushed with pink, and slender like soft flower branches—Ji Linxi was mesmerized, itching to hold them in his palm and stroke them. But before he could get enough, the Beauty took a sip, set the cup aside, and let his sleeves fall, covering those alluring hands.

“Young Master Xi, please sit.”

Ji Linxi retreated to his seat.

Chu Yu spoke again, his tone calm and gentle: “Old Master Wang, Madam Wang, and Wang He have been detained. They, along with Magistrate He, Prefect Song, and the collected evidence, will be sent to the capital to be investigated by the Court of Judicial Review. As for Miss Zhao Yun…” He paused for a moment, “Wang He has committed countless evils; he cannot escape the death penalty. It shouldn’t be that Miss Zhao Yun and you all have to sacrifice your reputations for him. The events in that courtyard will not be spread. Miss Zhao Yun, would you be willing?”

Hearing this, Zhao Yun was moved to tears. She knelt on the ground immediately, her eyes reddened: “Thank you, Young Master, for your great kindness.”

When she came, she was prepared to have the fact that she had been defiled by Wang He made public. As long as Wang He was punished, she could endure the gossip. But if she could see him punished while preserving her own honor, who wouldn’t want that?

Chu Yu asked if she had any plans for the future. Zhao Yun bit her lip and said, “This woman only wishes to continue selling fish by her parents’ side to fulfill her filial duties.”

Chu Yu pondered for a moment and said, “Since that is the case, Miss Zhao Yun, starting today, for the next ten years, all fresh fish purchased by the various offices in Yong City will be bought from you at 20% above the market price. What do you think?”

The delicate-faced girl opened her eyes wide and stuttered, “Is… is that possible?”

Chu Yu nodded: “As long as you agree, I will arrange this immediately. In a few days, you will receive the official contract from the office.”

“I agree, I agree…” Zhao Yun replied hurriedly. Her family were fish farmers; to sell fish, her parents often had to travel far and wide, exhausted. In good times, they could sell at market price, but most of the time they had to sell below market price to find buyers. If they could sign a procurement contract with the office at 20% above market price, her parents wouldn’t have to work so hard, and their family’s economic situation would improve greatly.

After settling Zhao Yun, Chu Yu looked at Chang Xi. “What are Young Master Chang’s plans for the future?”

Chang Xi didn’t want much. He only wanted to settle his beloved’s parents, then go to the capital to watch Wang He be beheaded in public. After that, he would travel the world and never return to Yong City, this land of sorrow. Chu Yu had someone prepare one thousand taels of silver for him.

With Zhao Yun and Chang Xi’s future settled, only Ji Linxi remained. Chu Yu cast his gaze toward him, and after a subtle pause, spoke gently: “What are Young Master Xi’s plans?”

Ji Linxi knew his opportunity to change his fate and rise like a dragon had come. He was a petty man who would do anything to live better. With such an opportunity before him, he couldn’t possibly let it slip. If he missed this, it might be the last time he ever saw the Beauty, not to mention ever holding him in his arms. He firmly believed the twisted logic that only the strong were worthy of such beauty.

He immediately knelt and bowed, and when he raised his head, he looked righteous: “This lowly one wishes to take the imperial examinations to earn a title, serve the court, and offer a contribution to the prosperity of our Long Dynasty.”

“As the saying goes…” he wracked his brain, finally pulling a usable line from his meager, trashy reservoir of knowledge: “Though my position is humble, I dare not forget to worry for my country; once the matter is settled, I must await the closing of my coffin—”

Excellent! Such literary talent! I am truly something. He thought to himself, smugly convinced he was a genius.

Chu Yu: “…”

__

[Author’s Note]

Ji Linxi: My talent must have made my wife look at me with newfound admiration.

Chu Yu: I already disliked you, and now I dislike you even more. Favorability reduced by 80.