Chapter 24: Perfect Match

Chapter 24: Perfect Match

Jiang Yunxin initially intended to give Ma Xiuneng a lesson, but she wasn't foolish enough to do it herself. She knew she shouldn't be the one to educate him.

Ma Xiuneng's family held significant political power, not just minor positions; otherwise, Fang Mingyan wouldn't have treated him with such respect.

What could one say about Fang Mingyan?

As the Supervisory Official of the Criminal Court, his role was one that often made enemies. Especially in the capital city, where throwing a brick randomly on the street might hit three government officials.

In such a crowded place, chaos was inevitable, and all sorts of characters emerged. There were those who engaged in brawls and, like Ma Xiuneng, the privileged young masters who acted lawlessly due to their wealth and influence.

Nonetheless, Fang Mingyan thrived in the capital. Half of his success came from his distinguished family background, while the other half was attributed to his exceptional interpersonal skills.

He skillfully balanced being approachable and authoritative. Whenever people mentioned Fang Mingyan of the Criminal Court, they thought of him as righteous, fierce, and formidable, yet fundamentally a decent person.

Thus, when Ma Xiuneng encountered Fang Mingyan, he would show proper respect and courtesy.

Jiang Yunxin believed that if Ma Xiuneng ever got into trouble, Fang Mingyan would not hesitate to take action against him.

Yet, today's matter hasn't unfolded to the point of becoming an issue.

This can be attested by everyone; Ma Xiuneng merely wished to treat Jiang Yunxin and that young lady to a meal.

Inviting someone to dine is not an offense. Even if they refused and were obstructed by Oddballs, the core progression of the situation remained centered around the dinner invitation.

If one were to insist on interpreting it, Ma Xiuneng is simply a warm-hearted person who likes treating others to meals.

Moreover, he hadn't even had the chance to physically pull or push them.

Jiang Yunxin was as clear as a mirror; this incident wouldn't crush him, and Fang Mingyan could do no more than utter a few words of reprimand.

In truth, Jiang Yunxin was indifferent. Now that she was about to move into the Execution Yard, she cared even less. Even if Ma Xiuneng found her displeasing to the eye, did he dare barge in and snatch her away?

It's that young lady; she seems somewhat concerned.

It was uncertain whether they were from the capital or elsewhere. If they were outsiders, they should leave promptly. But if they were from the capital, one could only wonder if Ma Xiuneng would have his eyes on them.

Throughout history, a wife is never as favored as a concubine, a concubine is never as thrilling as a stolen affair, and an affair that remains unattained is always the most tantalizing. Should they cross paths again, it's uncertain whether he would still cause her trouble.

After all, the capital was not that vast, and only a few streets were bustling with activity. It was inevitable to run into someone.

But when Jiang Yunxin lifted her head, she realized that the girl had vanished without a trace. In her haste, she had left behind the scattered fruits and her basket.

The girl must have been terrified.

Jiang Yunxin felt a bit down. Although she was currently facing some difficulties, she was by no means short of a few coins. She had intended to buy the girl's basket of fruit just now, noticing the patches on her sleeves, indicating a financially strained household.

The girl might have been selling the fruit as a last resort, perhaps to save someone's life. Now, she had neither received the money nor retained the fruit, and even lost her basket in the process.

But the girl was long gone. Sigh, there was nothing that could be done.

With the girl's departure, Jiang Yunxin had no intention of further engaging Ma Xiuneng. Likewise, Fang Mingyan seemed disinclined to interact with him. They exchanged a few casual words before parting ways.

Exiting the restaurant, Jiang Yunxin rubbed her stomach in frustration.

They had ordered a feast but barely made a dent in it, yet she still left feeling unsatisfied despite the expense.

Fang Mingyan happened to glance at her and caught sight of her rubbing her belly. He pondered for a moment before asking, "Not full?"

"No," Jiang Yunxin replied gloomily. "I'm just too angry to eat."

Fang Mingyan chuckled. "Today, it was actually Ma Xiuneng who got the short end of the stick, getting splashed with oil soup without being able to retaliate in front of me. If he wasn't holding back, why would you be so angry?"

Jiang Yunxin felt slightly relieved.

From Fang Mingyan's tone and demeanor, it seemed that he wasn't afraid of offending Ma Xiuneng, or the Ma family behind him. Otherwise, he would have surely advised her to avoid trouble outside, as the Criminal Bureau wouldn't take responsibility for cleaning up her mess.

Jiang Yunxin explained, "I just feel frustrated, Sir Fang. Today, with both you and me around, that girl was fortunate enough to escape. If she had encountered Ma Xiuneng alone, imagine what might have happened. Can't anyone do anything about him? Isn't it illegal to harass an innocent woman on the street? Doesn't the imperial court care?"

It was indeed illegal, but Fang Mingyan pondered for a moment. "But to say how serious it is, it's just a few lewd words. It's not that big of a deal. The Criminal Bureau deals with major cases; I can't possibly arrest Ma Xiuneng just for that. It wouldn't make sense, considering his father and I serve in the same administration, so some face must be given."

"I knew it," Jiang Yunxin muttered inwardly.

Then, she thought to herself, Officials protecting each other, they're all the same.

Of course, she dared not voice these thoughts aloud, fearing that Fang Mingyan might beat her on the spot if he heard them.

Seemingly sensing her inner grumbling, Fang Mingyan asked suspiciously, "What were you muttering? Were you cursing me?"

"No," Jiang Yunxin promptly denied. "Lord, you're my benefactor, the one who provides for my food, shelter, and salary. How could I possibly curse at you? I was cursing at Ma Xiuneng."

Although the Jiang family had given her two taels of monthly allowance previously, it was uncertain if they would continue doing so. Ever since Jiang Yunxin rejected the marriage arranged by her stepmother with Ma Xiuneng,

Jiang Yunxin's attitude was impeccable, leaving Fang Mingyan unable to find any fault with her. Despite sensing her ulterior motives, without evidence, he couldn't say anything.

Fang Mingyan could only advise, "Since you know what kind of person Ma Xiuneng is, be more cautious and don't fly off the handle easily. You might suffer immediate consequences."

Grateful for Fang Mingyan's concern, Jiang Yunxin earnestly replied, "Don't worry, Lord. If not for your presence today, I wouldn't have splashed soup on him. Before you appeared, I was even considering submitting to him."

"..." Fang Mingyan paused and gave Jiang Yunxin a deep look.

Jiang Yunxin wiped her mouth. "Is there something wrong? Did I not clean my mouth properly after eating?"

Fang Mingyan shook his head. "No, it's clean. It's just that suddenly, I find myself appreciating you more. You seem quite compatible with the Criminal Justice Bureau."

His words were peculiar, not sounding like a compliment but rather a mockery.

However, using herself to mock others wasn't appropriate either.

Jiang Yunxin, not understanding, inquired, "Your Excellency, what do you mean by that?"

Fang Mingyan had already started walking ahead.

"You'll understand in the future," he replied without turning back.

Deciding not to press the matter, Jiang Yunxin hurriedly caught up with Fang Mingyan's pace.

If Fang Mingyan refused to enlighten her, it wasn't a problem. She could ask Long Qiao or Xue Dongyang. There were also other officers, cooks, maids, and servants – in the short span of ten days, she had befriended everyone in the Punishment Bureau. Her social butterfly skills weren't just empty talk.