Chapter 112: Treating a Guest

Chapter 112: Treating a Guest

Facing Deputy Commander Han's questioning, He Qingxiao's expression was indifferent. "Deputy Commander Han, do you truly intend to make things difficult for Qingsong Bookstore?"

Deputy Commander Han's face changed slightly, his tone carrying a warning. "Is Lord He reaching too far?"

"Reaching too far?" He Qingxiao murmured, extending his hand.

It was a very young hand, slender and pale, with distinct knuckles, yet there was a callus at the base of his palm from long-term sword handling.

He Qingxiao looked at Deputy Commander Han and smiled, his voice lowering. "Deputy Commander Han doesn't understand or has forgotten? Jinlin Guard has always had a long reach."

"You—" Deputy Commander Han suddenly drew in a cold breath, grimacing in pain, sweat breaking out on his forehead.

Deputy Commander Han's embarrassment made He Qingxiao appear even more composed. "Everyone heard what was said just now. 'The Painted Skin' is not an evil book; your Military Commandery has no reason to confiscate it. If Deputy Commander Han doesn't want to be known as someone who bullies the common folk, it's best not to waste time here and go back to treat your foot injury."

With that, He Qingxiao glanced at Deputy Commander Han's injured foot. "Deputy Commander Han, your injury is serious. If delayed, it could lead to a disability."

Deputy Commander Han clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth. "Let's go!"

The subordinate supporting him hurriedly adjusted his grip, only to be yelled at. "Idiot, don't you know to carry me?"

The scolded subordinate dared not speak, bowing down to carry Deputy Commander Han, but took two steps toward the Military Commandery before being scolded again.

"Idiot, head to the clinic first!"

Amidst Deputy Commander Han's curses, the group of officials headed to the clinic, leaving behind the culprit who knelt on the ground, looking lost until everyone's gaze fell upon him, prompting him to quickly get up and run away.

The onlookers felt inexplicably relieved watching this scene.

Heh, these officials who usually strut around them had never been seen in such a sorry state.

He Qingxiao instructed his subordinates, "Move the printing blocks back to the Printing House, carefully so they don't get damaged."

Hu the shopkeeper hurriedly said, "That won't do, that won't do, we can handle it ourselves."

Zhao the steward shouted, "What are you all standing around for? Move our printing blocks back!"

Thus, the craftsmen and Jinlin Guard carefully gathered the fallen printing blocks.

"Lord He, come in for a cup of tea," Xin You invited.

He Qingxiao followed Xin You into the bookstore and entered the guest room.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the person sitting opposite her returned to her familiar demeanor.

"Thank you, Lord He, for today."

Being able to save the printing blocks of 'The Painted Skin' was an unexpected joy.

Thinking about it, Lord He had helped her many times, and she had yet to repay him.

"Lord He, are you busy today?"

He Qingxiao's eyes showed inquiry.

"If you have time, I'd like to treat you to a meal at Fengwei Restaurant."

Fengwei Restaurant was one of the top restaurants in the capital, renowned for its exquisite cuisine, though it was also quite expensive.

He Qingxiao had never been there.

"There's no need for Miss Kou to be so polite."

"Lord He, you must let me show my gratitude, or I'll feel uneasy."

He Qingxiao hesitated, somewhat worried that dining together might be inappropriate for Miss Kou, but those sincere and open eyes made him nod. "Then I cannot refuse."

Seeing He Qingxiao agree, Xin You smiled and asked about Deputy Commander Han. "Do you know anything about Deputy Commander Han's background?"

Thanks to his position as the Chief of Jinlin Guard, while a Deputy Commander of the Military Commandery might seem insignificant among officials and nobles, He Qingxiao knew clearly. "Deputy Commander Han's name is Han Dongming. He comes from an ordinary background, but his wife is a cousin of Count Gu Chang."

Count Gu Chang—Xin You repeated the name in her mind, recalling the image of a court lady in rage.

A cousin of Count Gu Chang would naturally be a cousin of Consort Shu. Today's trouble at Qingsong Bookstore likely stemmed from Consort Shu.

"Deputy Commander Han's aggressive arrival today wasn't really about maintaining order, was it?"

Regarding Consort Shu's anger, He Qingxiao had no information, but his guess aligned closely with Xin You's deduction. "Han Dongming wouldn't cause trouble for Qingsong Bookstore without reason. Considering his connection to the Count Gu Chang household, perhaps the rumors about 'The Painted Skin' recently displeased the Empress in the palace."

"Are you referring to Consort Shu?" Xin You's eyes held admiration.

Unlike her ability to see certain scenes, Jinlin Guard couldn't interfere in palace matters, showing Lord He's keen insight.

Her gaze made the young man's face slightly warm. "I'm just guessing, Miss Kou should take it with a grain of salt."

"What about the person who died at the Imperial Academy gate? Could that also be related to the Empress?" Xin You, seizing the opportunity, quickly asked about the murder case that had the entire city talking.

He Qingxiao was slightly taken aback, then smiled. "It's probably unrelated. There has been some progress in the case, and I believe it will be solved soon."

"If there's any further information regarding this case, if convenient, please inform me."

"Of course." He Qingxiao readily agreed.

On their way to Fengwei Restaurant, He Qingxiao silently glanced at the old shopkeeper following Xin You, finding his earlier hesitation amusing.

Hu the shopkeeper appeared respectfully, but he was somewhat worried inside.

Could it be true, as Liu Zhou suggested, that the owner intended to be with Lord He?

This woman, if she were to get married, would have children, and having children means raising them. A few years later, she'd have more children, and then raise them again.

What about the bookstore? They can't do without the owner!

No, today he must keep a close watch, and later find a chance to advise the owner. She's still young; there's no need to rush!

Thus, throughout the entire meal, Lord He didn't exchange many words with Xin You. Every time he tried to start a conversation, he was interrupted by Old Hu offering a toast.

Thinking of the important matters in the afternoon, He Qingxiao could only talk less and eat more.

Xin You looked at He Qingxiao, who was eating silently, and her eyes showed a hint of sympathy.

It seems Lord He is truly poor.

"Waiter, bring two baskets of crab roe buns."

He Qingxiao's hand holding the chopsticks paused.

This meal took longer than expected.

Old Hu's hand holding the wine glass also paused.

Why are we adding more dishes?!

Unlike the peculiar atmosphere in the private room, in the Yaxin Bookstore, Old Gu sat in his chair with half-closed eyes, humming an out-of-tune little tune.

Although it was a bit disappointing not to see the excitement of the smashed book plates from "Painted Skin," his mood was still quite good.

So what if the book plates were saved? There's still no business.

Yaxin Bookstore? Although Yaxin Bookstore has no business either, as long as the competitor fails, there will always be a chance for improvement in the future.

Old Gu thought happily, when suddenly he heard the trembling voice of a clerk: "Owner—"

"What?" Old Gu lifted his eyelids and, upon seeing the two young men standing before him, widened his eyes. Then he saw one of them raise a waist plaque.

The three characters "Jinlin Guard" made his pupils constrict, and he stood up abruptly.