Chapter 30: Chance Encounter

Chapter 30: A Chance Encounter

◎The corner was rather narrow, allowing at most two people to walk side by side. Coincidentally, two figures stood not far ahead of Lu Sheng.◎

Compared to the reception Chen Ting had received when he visited the Earl of Guangcheng's residence as a "Nanjing Office of Transmission Counselor," Li Ci's demeanor today was far more welcoming.

He even felt a touch of "flattery," but quickly composed himself, saying, "Then I shall not decline your kindness."

Whenever Chen Ting walked alongside a beauty, he felt as if bathed in a spring breeze—especially with a stunning woman like Li Ci. He could barely suppress the smile on his face.

Feigning unfamiliarity, he inquired, "May I ask for the young lady’s name?"

"My surname is Li," Li Ci replied gracefully. "The Earl of Guangcheng is my maternal grandfather, and I am currently residing at his estate. May I ask how I should address you, young master?"

"My humble surname is Chen," Chen Ting said with a smile. "Miss Li, I've heard that the Earl of Guangcheng’s residence has prepared a painting by Cang Yunzi for this Literary Gathering. Do you know which one it is?"

Li Ci, considering herself half a hostess, diligently explained, "It’s Cang Yunzi’s 'Guanyin Portrait.'"

She tried hard to recall the explanation Xie the Second had taught her: "In his middle age, Cang Yunzi’s brushwork was bold and unrestrained... He excelled at using the 'vegetable-fiber' brushstroke technique, and the textures of the clothing he painted were as vivid and natural as vegetable leaves."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ting couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Having spent much time among beauties, he had always believed that a woman’s beauty was directly proportional to her arrogance. Yet, he never expected to encounter someone as delightful as Li Ci in this world—possessing breathtaking beauty, yet utterly devoid of pretense, and remarkably charming.

Seeing him laugh, Li Ci grew somewhat uneasy. "Did I say something wrong?"

The first part of her explanation, with its scholarly tone, clearly originated from Xie the Second.

Chen Ting pressed his lips together and smiled. "No, you explained it very well. Water Shield is, after all, a type of vegetable leaf."

Reminded by his words, Li Ci finally remembered and nodded in agreement. "Great minds think alike."

Chen Ting’s smile widened even further.

As the two passed through the ornamental gate and approached Huamao Garden, they encountered someone at the corner of the covered corridor.

Recognizing Lu Sheng of the Fanyang Lu family, Chen Ting inwardly groaned. These scions of noble families were often the most rigid and uninteresting, and worse yet, this one recognized him. If his identity were exposed, it would spoil the moment.

The Earl of Guangcheng’s garden was not vast, but it was designed with such ingenuity that every step revealed a new scene. For this reason, Lu Sheng was in no hurry to view the paintings at the Literary Gathering, preferring to stroll through the garden first.

The artificial rockery in the courtyard was particularly exquisite, with finely textured stones stacked to form steep, peculiar peaks resembling layered mountain ranges. As he wandered across bridges and through caves, he lost track of his original direction. After meandering for some time, he finally satisfied his curiosity and continued along the covered corridor.

This corner was rather narrow, allowing at most two people to walk side by side. Coincidentally, two figures stood not far ahead of Lu Sheng. One of them he recognized—Chen Ting, the Nanjing Office of Transmission Counselor—but the stunningly beautiful woman beside him was unfamiliar.

He had heard a few things about Lord Chen. Originally serving in the capital’s Censorate, Chen Ting had fallen out of favor with the emperor due to a remonstration. It was only through the intervention of Zhuoying Department Commander Lord Xie that he avoided punishment, though he was effectively demoted to Nanjing.

Thus, despite Chen Ting’s notorious reputation as a ladies' man, Lu Sheng still held him in high regard. Being without an official rank himself, Lu Sheng slowly bowed and said, "Lord Ch—"

Chen Ting quickly stepped forward, clasping his shoulder warmly. "Brother!"

"Since fate has brought us together," he said, lifting Lu Sheng up before Li Ci could react, "I am only a few years older than you. Just call me 'brother.' There’s no need for formalities."

Lu Sheng’s face was full of confusion, but he complied. "Brother Chen."

Chen Ting nodded and introduced the two. "This is the Earl of Guangcheng’s cousin, Miss Li."

He emphasized, "This is the eldest son of the Fanyang Lu family, Young Master Lu."

Li Ci performed a slight bow, common for women of the time. "Young Master Lu."

Lu Sheng returned the greeting somewhat awkwardly. His eyesight was not the best; from a distance, he could only tell that Li Ci was beautiful. Up close, he was struck by her radiant charm and ethereal grace—one glance was not enough.

He stammered, "Miss Li."

Hearing the words "Fanyang Lu family," Li Ci lost interest and merely smiled without saying more.

Chen Ting was quite pleased and initiated small talk with Lu Sheng. "Young Master Lu, are you also here to admire the paintings at the Literary Gathering?"

Lu Sheng nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on the brick path. "Cang Yunzi’s paintings are renowned throughout the world. I have long admired them, and I am grateful for the Earl of Guangcheng’s generosity in allowing us to appreciate them today. So I came gladly."

Just as Chen Ting was about to reply, he caught sight of a hurried figure in the distance—it seemed to be Bei Ming.

To avoid drawing attention, Bei Ming seldom moved around the Earl of Guangcheng’s residence during the day. His haste suggested something urgent had occurred.

Chen Ting glanced at Lu Sheng, who was adorned with gold and jade, and felt reassured. "It seems an old acquaintance of mine just passed by. I should go check. The two of you may proceed to the Literary Gathering; there’s no need to wait for me."

With that, he pulled Lu Sheng aside and whispered, "Don’t say a word about me to Miss Li. Not a single word."

Lu Sheng was not one to gossip and quickly assured him, "Brother Chen, rest assured. I will escort Miss Li safely to the gathering."

-

The Earl of Guangcheng’s residence was bustling with activity today, and even the area outside Fangze Court was lively. Nan Xuan waited at the entrance, having already directed several lost guests. His expression was one of impatience. When he saw Bei Ming, he quickly opened the door to let him in. "Why are you using the main entrance?"

"With so many people around today, climbing the wall would attract more attention," Bei Ming said hurriedly. "Is the Commander at the Literary Gathering?"

"Something delayed him," Nan Xuan shook his head and pointed. "Over there, feeding the squirrel under the tree."

In the time it took for this exchange, Chen Ting also arrived in the courtyard. Thus, the two witnessed an unusual scene together.

The weather was fine today, and with no official duties to attend to, Xie Zhenchuan was in no hurry to join the Literary Gathering despite the delay. He had even brought the squirrel out for some fresh air.

Dressed in a plain silk robe the color of jade, with subtle cloud patterns, he stood tall and elegant, exuding a gentle refinement. There was no trace of the ruthless Zhuoying Department Commander about him, especially not while he was leisurely feeding a squirrel.

The squirrel, having spent much time around humans, had somehow taught itself to "bow." It sat obediently on the stone table, its short paws clasped together in front of its chest, nodding its head repeatedly while emitting soft chirps—as if performing a respectful greeting.

Amused by this display, Xie Zhenchuan conjured a peanut out of thin air and generously handed it to the squirrel.

The squirrel nibbled away at the peanut, then bowed again, and nibbled some more...

Chen Ting turned to Nan Xuan and whispered, "Did you teach it that?"

Nan Xuan shook his head repeatedly. "No, no one taught it."

Such was the aura of the Zhuoying Department Commander, it seemed.

Chen Ting and Bei Ming exchanged a meaningful glance, both reflecting on the hardships of life—even a squirrel had to work hard to get by.

After feeding the squirrel one last peanut, Xie Zhenchuan withdrew his hand and glanced at them. Addressing only Bei Ming, he asked, "Has he talked?"

Bei Ming shook his head. "We interrogated him all night, but he didn’t say a word. His constitution is weak, and I didn’t dare resort to torture without your permission, so I came to seek instructions."

"Use it if you must," Xie Zhenchuan said indifferently, taking the handkerchief Nan Xuan handed him to wipe his hands. "Any movement from Jixian Bookstore?"

Bei Ming nodded. This was another reason for his hurried visit. "After we arrested Xu Yuxuan last night, officials showed up at the bookstore this morning. They tried to arrest Shopkeeper Xu on charges of privately selling banned books. I sent men to reveal our Zhuoying Department identities, and we’re currently stalling them. But the other side is being very stubborn. If this continues, it may not end well."

After all, a powerful dragon was no match for a local serpent. Considering the Commander’s current position, Bei Ming was unsure how far to push.

Chen Ting understood immediately. "Our opponents have committed a serious crime. Capturing Shopkeeper Xu is the only way to ensure Xu Yuxuan remains silent. They’d rather destroy everything than let us succeed."

Xie Zhenchuan had anticipated this and remained calm. "It's of no consequence."

"Go in my name this time, say..." He paused, splashing dirty water on himself, "Say these peasants can't recognize Mount Tai and have offended me. You are merely following orders to detain them, as I intend to interrogate them personally."

Xie Zhenchuan untied a pitch-black jade token from his waist. The little squirrel, seeing his movement, thought it was about to receive another treat and promptly bowed again. However, that dark, unappealing cake was not handed to it but to a dark-skinned person standing nearby.

He handed the Commander's jade token to Bei Ming and said unhurriedly, "With this token, anyone who dares to defy you can be executed first and reported later."

"Yes!"

Finally, no more restraints!

Bei Ming felt a surge of excitement as he accepted the order and departed.

Only then did Xie Zhenchuan glance sideways at Chen Ting. "Why are you here too?"

"The Literary Gathering at the Earl of Guangcheng's estate is such an elegant affair of poetry and wine—of course, I had to come," Chen Ting couldn't resist teasing him. "But you, Brother Xie Zheng, have finally stopped pretending."

Xie Zhenchuan turned his head away in disgust and snorted, "Did you expect me to live under someone else's identity forever?"

Chen Ting thought to himself, "As if you'd have it so easy," but outwardly replied, "I heard Lord Xie has contributed that Guanyin Portrait he's been keeping at the bottom of his chest for today’s gathering. I’ve begged you countless times to let me see it, but you never even spared me a glance."

Xie Zhenchuan ignored him, but Chen Ting continued, "Never mind, I won’t hold a grudge. I just need you to do me a small favor."

"I have bad teeth—I prefer eating soft rice. Luckily, Miss Li doesn’t remember meeting me before. At the gathering later, please back me up and make sure no one exposes me."

Xie Zhenchuan gave a noncommittal "Hmm" with a faint smile and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll accompany you later. I won’t let you slip up."

Just then, the door in the southwest corner of Fangze Courtyard opened, accompanied by muffled crying and shouting. Nan Xuan came to report, "Young Master, the clothes you requested have been finished."

Chen Ting faintly heard something like "...illegally made... this has nothing to do with me... I was forced by you..."

He suddenly had a bad feeling.

[Author's Note]

Here’s the first update... I might not be able to post the second one tonight, but I’ll definitely have it ready by noon tomorrow! [Runs away with a pot lid on my head!]