Chapter 98: Seduction, Agreement

Chapter 98: The Honey Trap

"The Honey Trap." Zhao Weihai repeated the phrase under his breath, letting it sink in.

After work, Zhao Weihai stopped Bing Wengu and Chu Hongyu as they were about to leave.

"Magistrate Bing, Captain Chu, please wait!"

Bing Wengu turned around. "What is it?"

"Magistrate, you've been in Ji County for several months now, always busy with official matters. We’ve never had the chance to gather privately. Why not join me for drinks today?" Zhao Weihai suggested.

Bing Wengu stared at Zhao Weihai, clearly detecting the calculation in his eyes. He remained silent, neither agreeing nor refusing.

Zhao Weihai felt a nervous sweat break out across his back. Just as he thought Bing Wengu had seen through his plan, the magistrate unexpectedly nodded in agreement.

"Ah, excellent! Thank you for joining us, Magistrate," Zhao Weihai said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Let’s go." Bing Wengu tossed his sleeves and strode ahead.

Zhao Weihai exchanged a glance with Chu Hongyu before quietly following like attendants.

Bing Wengu chose a restaurant he favored and led them inside.

"Magistrate, I’ve reserved a table at the best restaurant in Ji County. This place is unworthy of your position," Zhao Weihai hurriedly said.

"I prefer the dishes here," Bing Wengu replied coldly. "Assistant Magistrate Zhao, are you trying to dictate my preferences?"

"No, I wouldn’t dare," Zhao Weihai said, having no choice but to follow them in.

"I am the Assistant Magistrate of Ji County. This is our esteemed Magistrate Bing, and this is Captain Chu," Zhao Weihai announced their identities as soon as they entered.

"The three of us are here for a meal after work and wish not to be disturbed. Clear out the restaurant temporarily. Also, get us a private room upstairs."

"At once, sir," the manager bowed, knowing full well that no one outranked the county magistrate, regardless of his own connections.

Bing Wengu suddenly sneered. "What gall, Assistant Magistrate Zhao! Even I wouldn’t dare to drive out fellow diners when I visit a restaurant, yet you demand we clear it out. Truly eye-opening!"

Zhao Weihai’s face burned as if he had been slapped.

Captain Chu quickly signaled the manager. "Take us upstairs."

The manager bowed and guided them to a private room. Inside, he personally wiped their seats with a clean towel before inviting them to sit.

The finest tea was served, but before the manager could pour, Captain Chu took the teapot. He served tea first to the magistrate, then to Zhao Weihai, and finally to himself.

Instead of sitting immediately, Captain Chu held up his cup. "Magistrate Bing, please calm your anger. Assistant Magistrate Zhao meant no offense—he merely feared commoners might be disruptive in your presence. Isn’t that right, Assistant Magistrate Zhao?"

"My mistake," Zhao Weihai forced a smile. "Please forgive me, sir."

Bing Wengu neither acknowledged nor dismissed the apology. His gaze shifted between them before he suddenly asked, "Why hasn’t Sheriff Du arrived yet?"

Zhao Weihai and Captain Chu exchanged uneasy glances. Captain Chu replied stiffly, "We left in a hurry and forgot to inform Sheriff Du."

Bing Wengu called over a waiter and instructed him to have Du Yongxun summoned from his residence. As the sheriff of Ji County, Du Yongxun’s home was well-known among the locals.

When Du Yongxun returned home after work, Lady Chu greeted him. "You're home early—Is everything alright?"

"Assistant Magistrate Zhao is treating Magistrate Bing and Clerk Chu to drinks," Du Yongxun said while washing his hands, his tone even, betraying nothing.

Wu Shi sighed. She was a gentle woman, and though she felt indignant on her husband’s behalf, she had no harsh words to utter—only quietly aching for him.

"I thought that with the arrival of the new Magistrate Bing, my husband would no longer be sidelined. Yet even with a change in leadership, his situation remains the same," Wu Shi said with a sigh. "I cannot understand why Assistant Magistrate Zhao and the others insist on excluding someone as good as you."

Du Yongxun smiled affectionately and patted her head. "Only you think so highly of me. Others find me slow-witted."

"You are not slow-witted. You understand everything perfectly—you simply choose not to engage in schemes and calculations," Wu Shi protested urgently, more distressed by the misunderstanding than if it had been directed at herself.

"Birds of a feather flock together."

"My lord, my lord! Magistrate Bing has sent someone to invite you to join them for drinks!" A servant rushed in from outside, tripping in his rush as he reached them.

Du Yongxun quickly stepped forward to help him up.

Wu Shi frowned. "Husband, Assistant Magistrate Zhao and Clerk Chu have always excluded you from their gatherings. Why would they suddenly invite you to a banquet where Magistrate Bing is present? Is this some kind of trap?"

Du Yongxun changed into his everyday clothes. "I’ll be careful. Don’t worry, my dear."

"When something’s off, there’s usually trouble," Wu Shi insisted. "Take a servant with you. If anything happens, at least there will be someone to assist you."

"Very well."

Du Yongxun left with the servant, boarding a carriage and hurrying to the tavern.

When he arrived, Bing Wengu had just finished ordering. "County Lieutenant Du, what would you like? Order a few dishes. Assistant Magistrate Zhao’s footing the bill today."

Without hesitation, Du Yongxun immediately named two dishes.

Zhao Weihai shot him a disdainful glance, but Du Yongxun chuckled awkwardly. "I’ve long admired the dishes here, but it was too rich for my blood. Thanks to Assistant Magistrate Zhao’s generosity, I finally get to try them."

Bing Wengu said, "County Lieutenant Du, eat to your heart’s content. Order whatever you like. If you can’t finish, take the leftovers home. Our Assistant Magistrate Zhao can spare the silver."

Zhao Weihai forced a smile. "I’m nowhere near as wealthy as Magistrate Bing. Your household is the truly affluent one."

"Assistant Magistrate Zhao, you are mistaken. My husband’s the one with deep pockets," Bing Wengu declared proudly, as if being supported by his spouse was something to boast about.

Du Yongxun gave a goofy laugh. "In that case, I’ll order a few more dishes."

True to his word, he added three more dishes and even told the waiter, "Add a jug of peach blossom wine as well."

"At once, my lord," the waiter acknowledged before bowing and leaving.

Du Yongxun beamed at Zhao Weihai. "I’ve never tasted peach blossom wine before. A single jug costs ten taels—a month’s wages for me, which must support my wife and children."

Zhao Weihai shot him a dirty look. This was exactly why he despised Du Yongxun—his lack of tact.

"Oh?" Bing Wengu perked up. "Peach blossom wine at ten taels a jug? I’ve never tried it either. Waiter, make it three more jugs—one for each of us."

Only after ordering did Bing Wengu pretend to consult Zhao Weihai. "Assistant Magistrate Zhao, you don’t mind, do you?"

"Not at all," Zhao Weihai hissed through gritted teeth. Four jugs meant forty taels of silver—vanished just like that!

Clutching his chest, Zhao Weihai excused himself. "I need some air."

Once he was out of earshot, he cursed under his breath before waving over a waiter. "Go to Fengyu Tower and find my wife, Wu Shi. Tell her I’m dining here today."

"Yes," the inn attendant received the order and hurried to the Wind-and-Rain Tower. "Assistant Magistrate Zhao is treating the Magistrate to drinks at our place today and sent me to inform you, mistress."

Wu Shi irritably waved her sleeve, dismissing the attendant.

Turning into the private room, she hissed, "Why the change of location? Wasn’t it agreed to dine here?"

Receiving no response, she glanced at Wu Geer sitting by the table, his head lowered, revealing an elegant neck, fair and graceful.

This only fueled Wu Shi’s irritation. She touched her own neck—short and thick—and felt even worse.

Though envious, a smugness still flickered in her heart. So what if she wasn’t beautiful? At least she was a woman. Wu Geer might be stunning, but he was just a dual-gender.

"Wu Geer, don’t pull such a long face as if I, your elder sister, have wronged you," Wu Shi said, pouring herself tea with an air of superiority. "The new Magistrate is young, barely in his twenties. A top imperial graduate, now the magistrate of Ji County—quite the figure. You’d be honored to have him!"

Wu Geer remained silent. Wu Shi scoffed, "Stop pretending innocence. Do you think I don’t know? Your mother was a concubine, and you’re a dual-gender. If not for Magistrate Bing, a creature like you would’ve been given away as a concubine by Father."

Wu Geer bit his lip, stubbornly refusing to speak—fragile yet resilient, like a fragile bloom.

Wu Shi watched him, consumed by jealousy at his pitiable allure.

"Enough. Drop the coquettish act. I’m not a man; it won’t work on me. Save it for Magistrate Bing."

"I haven’t done anything," Wu Geer protested softly, only making himself appear more enchanting.

"Stop pretending to be forced into this. If not for Magistrate Bing’s preference for dual-genders, plenty would jump at the chance to seduce him. You’re hardly the only option." Wu Shi stood. "Come along. We’re changing locations."

Wu Shi led Wu Geer to the banquet hall and instructed him to present the wine.

Wu Geer obediently took the tray, pushed open the door, and stepped into the private room.

"My lords, your wine," he said in his naturally gentle, delicate voice—one that painted the image of a delicate, helpless beauty.

Every man at the table turned to look. Wu Geer raised his gaze just then, instantly drawn to Bing Wengu’s sternly handsome features.

As Wu Geer studied Bing Wengu, the others studied him in return. Chu Hongyu observed Wu Geer’s sheer robes, his fair skin faintly visible with each movement, and sighed inwardly. A shame such beauty is wasted on a dual-gender. If only he were a woman.

The thought of dual-genders reminded Chu Hongyu of Bing Wengu’s own spouse—also a dual-gender, and deeply cherished by the magistrate. Clearly, this lad was Zhao Weihai’s gift to Bing Wengu.

Realizing this, Chu Hongyu shot Zhao Weihai a meaningful glance, lips curling into a knowing smile.

Zhao Weihai beckoned Wu Geer. "Come and pay your respects to Magistrate Bing."

Upon learning the most handsome man present was Bing Wengu, Wu Geer’s reluctance vanished. Swaying gracefully, he curtsied like a maiden.

"My lord, your servant—"

"Stay back! What’s that smell? It’s foul!" Bing Wengu cut him off, covering his nose and waving a hand as if to dispel the stench.

Wu Geer’s fair face flushed crimson, tears welling. "I’ve done no such—I bathed before coming, and my robes were scented. There can’t be any foul odor!"

Zhao Weihai hurriedly interjected, "It must be the incense. Magistrate Bing dislikes it. Apologize at once!"

Wu Geer rose to pour wine, but Bing Wengu declared bluntly, "I don’t dally with whores."

Wu Geer’s hands trembled, the wine cup clattering to the floor. He looked crushed with shame, fragile yet defiant. "My lord, I come from a respectable family. I am no courtesan."

"If not a courtesan, why are you serving wine?"

Wu Geer seemed stunned by such bluntness, nearly losing his pitiable expression.

"Your servant... merely admires you, my lord," he said, gazing at Bing Wengu with fervent admiration. "Grant me a chance. Even laboring like a beast—I’d gladly stay by your side."

His plea was fraught with uncertainty, given Bing Wengu’s earlier harshness.

Just as Zhao Weihai and the others expected rejection, Bing Wengu suddenly said, "So be it."