Chapter 448: The Side Courtyard

One stick of incense later, at the entrance of the small alley behind Zhu Peng's residence, a small green-canopied sedan chair suddenly appeared.

In the pitch-black night, four sedan carriers bore the chair, while a Personal Attendant held a lantern to lead the way in front.

As they reached a street corner, a patrol of soldiers walked toward them.

By this time, it was already the deep of night, the Hour of the Bo; by standard custom, when encountering a sedan chair, those soldiers were required to interrogate it.

The leader of that patrol of soldiers raised a hand to stop the sedan chair and asked in a voice quite full of respect: "May I ask who is in the sedan?"

That man stood beside the Personal Attendant, his eyes aiming at the slightly swaying curtain of the green-canopied sedan chair behind the Personal Attendant.

The Personal Attendant held up the lantern and shouted: "My master is Lord Zhu of the Privy Council, out on official business."

The man stood there, his gaze flickering. The Privy Council was a confidential Ya Men, and since this person was also surnamed Zhu, he had already guessed who it was.

At this moment, the curtain of the small sedan chair was seen to have been lifted at one corner, and Zhu Peng poked his head out, his face clearly somewhat displeased, and said coldly: "What is it?"

That man often patrolled this area, so he naturally recognized Zhu Peng; he immediately bent at the waist, his face full of smiles, and said: "Lord Zhu, it is your humble servant Wang Gui, patrolling under orders. I have disturbed you, my Lord."

Zhu Peng said: "So it is Wang Gui! You lad truly have no ambition. Two or three years later and you are still a patrol leader. Come, take this silver to buy tea for your brothers."

As Zhu Peng spoke, he had already reached out and flicked out a silver note.

Wang Gui immediately stepped forward to receive it, and upon seeing the denomination of the silver note by the residual light of the lantern, his heart suddenly leaped; he called out respectfully: "Thank you, my Lord!"

At this time, Zhu Peng had already lowered the curtain, and the Personal Attendant beckoned, causing the four sedan carriers to lift the chair and head forward.

Wang Gui stood there, watching the sedan pole that had been pressed into a curve, and his brows furrowed slightly.

With the sedan pole pressed into such a curve, besides Zhu Peng, there was clearly something else in the sedan; it was either a valuable item, or there was another person...

However, Wang Gui did not intend to look into this matter deeply; as a mere patrol leader, how could he manage the affairs of these lords?

Wang Gui tucked the silver note into his sleeve, led his squad of soldiers, exited the street corner, and went to patrol the other side.

In the desolate night, inside that swaying green-canopied sedan chair, Zhu Peng hunched his body, sitting on the lap of a man with a full beard; both of their figures were not small, and they almost completely filled the space inside the small sedan.

Following the jolting of the sedan, Zhu Peng's body could not help but rise and fall in unison; that posture was truly somewhat soul-stirring...

Zhu Zhengfu's residence was also on this Changle Street, not far from Zhu Peng's place; in less than half a stick of incense, the sedan had already entered the back alley of Zhu Zhengfu's residence, and the chair stopped at a secluded side gate.

Zhu Peng lifted the curtain to exit, walked to the side gate, and knocked three times lightly.

The side gate opened a crack, and a face illuminated by a lantern stretched out; it was the face of a middle-aged man of forty, with deep forehead wrinkles, whom Zhu Peng naturally recognized as Zhu Zhengfu's steward, Zhu Yu.

Upon seeing Zhu Peng, Zhu Yu called out in a hoarse voice: "Seventh Master!"

Among their generation, Zhu Peng was ranked seventh, and since Zhu Zhengfu was his uncle, Zhu Yu calling him this way was according to the family order, appearing all the more intimate.

Zhu Peng whispered: "The person has arrived!"

Zhu Yu understood and immediately opened the side gate.

Zhu Peng stood there and coughed once. Then, the curtain of the green-canopied sedan chair swayed, and a figure was already standing behind Zhu Yu.

Zhu Yu felt a chill behind his neck, as if a faint breeze had brushed past; he turned his head and saw a figure standing behind him like a ghost.

Although Zhu Yu felt his scalp tingle, he was, after all, the steward of a Grand Master of Palace Revenues' mansion and had seen quite a bit of the world; he had even seen Zhu He twice.

He held the lantern, bowed slightly toward the figure behind him, and called him "my Lord."

Zhu Peng stood there, beckoned to the Personal Attendant and the sedan carriers, then walked inside and turned back to close the side gate.

On this side, the steward Zhu Yu held the lantern, leading Duan Rong and Zhu Peng along a somewhat secluded path, saying as he walked: "The patrol guards along this route have all been sent away by me."

After walking along the path for a while, they bypassed a pond and entered a veranda; after walking a distance along the veranda, Zhu Yu led Duan Rong and Zhu Peng to stop in front of a room door, where dim yellow light could be seen faintly permeating through the gauze pasted on the carved lattice.

Zhu Yu stood there, bowed slightly to Duan Rong, then reached out and struck the door three times—dong, dong, dong—and without waiting for a response from inside, he pushed the door open directly.

Zhu Yu stood at the door, gestured with his hand, and said: "My Lord, please enter; my master has been waiting for a long time!"

Duan Rong and Zhu Peng, one after the other, stepped into the room.

Zhu Yu closed the door behind them, held the lantern, and kept watch outside.

As soon as Duan Rong stepped into the room, he saw two figures immediately prostrate themselves on the ground before him, calling out: "Your subordinates pay respects to you, my Lord!"

Those kneeling were, one, the Grand Master of Palace Revenues Zhu Zhengfu, and the other, the Dali Temple Temple Rectifier Zhu Cheng.

Zhu Cheng was one thing.

Zhu Zhengfu, however, was a Grand Master of Palace Revenues, one of the Four Ministers of the One Command Four Ministers, in charge of the money, grain, and taxes of the entire Qingzhou; he could be considered one of the most powerful people in the secular world.

At this moment, he was also prostrate on the ground before Duan Rong.

In fact, what Zhu Zhengfu and the others were performing was the proper etiquette.

Duan Rong was a personal disciple of Zhu He; by seniority, he was only one generation lower than Zhu He. And Zhu He was the Ancestor of their Zhu family.

By official rank, Duan Rong was a personal disciple of a Sect Elder.

The Prefecture Master and the One Command Four Ministers could be considered the power hub of the entire Qingzhou; they were still required to perform etiquette when meeting an Inner Sect Disciple, let alone a personal disciple like Duan Rong.

Zhu Peng stood at Duan Rong's side, watching Zhu Zhengfu and Zhu Cheng kneeling before Duan Rong, and was slightly stunned. Only then did he realize that he had been putting his arms around Duan Rong's shoulders and calling him brother; it was truly contrary to etiquette!

Zhu Peng immediately slid to his knees and also called out: "Pay respects to you, my Lord!"

Duan Rong looked at the comical sight of Zhu Peng sliding a long way on his knees, smiled slightly, and said: "This is not our first meeting; you all need not stand on ceremony."

As Duan Rong spoke, he personally went to help Zhu Zhengfu up. How would Zhu Zhengfu dare to let Duan Rong help him? He immediately stood up.

Seeing Zhu Zhengfu stand up, Zhu Cheng and Zhu Peng also followed suit and stood up.

Zhu Zhengfu said: "My Lord, please take the seat of honor!"

Duan Rong did not stand on ceremony either, sitting directly in the chair on the right of the two grand chairs at the head of the room in front of the screen. After he sat down, the others each took their seats.

Once Duan Rong sat down, he looked at Zhu Zhengfu and said with a faint smile: "Lord Zhu, you should already know why I have come this time, right?"

Zhu Zhengfu nodded cautiously and said: "In reply to you, my Lord, the Ancestor sent a letter, which was received five days ago."

Zhu Peng sat there, feeling completely confused; he still did not know why Duan Rong had come this time. He did not even know that the Ancestor had sent a letter, and he believed that if Duan Rong had not sought him out the moment he arrived, Zhu Zhengfu would never have called him to this meeting today.

Duan Rong looked at Zhu Zhengfu, nodded, and said straight to the point: "I now need detailed information on Li Shensi, the more detailed the better."

Upon hearing the name Li Shensi, Zhu Peng's heart stirred; he naturally knew of this Secretariat Director who had just taken office two months ago. Duan Rong had come for this Li Shensi, could it be...? Zhu Peng's thoughts churned, and he looked at Duan Rong with a startled expression.

Upon hearing this, however, Zhu Zhengfu silently glanced at Zhu Cheng.

Zhu Cheng stood up immediately, picked up a thick stack of documents, and placed them on the side table next to Duan Rong, then stepped back and cupped his hands, saying respectfully: "Reporting to you, my lord, this is the detailed information on Li Shensi, as well as various events, large and small, that we have uncovered in the two months since he took office. Your subordinate has already organized them in chronological order, and I ask that you please review them."

Upon hearing this, Duan Rong's gaze flickered slightly. He noted Zhu Cheng's choice of words—"uncovered events, large and small"—which showed that the Zhu family had planted spies around Li Shensi.

Duan Rong glanced at the thick stack of documents, his expression shifting slightly. Such a thick file clearly could not have been compiled in a single day; no wonder he had noticed Zhu Cheng's dark circles the moment he walked in. He must have stayed up for several nights to organize this information.

Duan Rong said: "Also, list all of Li Shensi's possible itineraries for the last half-month; even those with a low probability must be listed. Do not leave anything out."

As he spoke, Duan Rong looked at Zhu Cheng with a cold, sharp gaze.

Clearly, Zhu Zhengfu had already entrusted this matter to Zhu Cheng. However, as a Temple Rectifier of the Dali Temple, handling this was both his area of expertise and convenient for his duties; he was indeed a good choice.

Zhu Cheng cupped his hands and said: "Your subordinate is already working on it; only a small part remains unfinished. I will certainly be able to deliver it to you tomorrow morning."

Duan Rong nodded with satisfaction. He was quite pleased with Zhu Cheng's steadiness and efficiency. He picked up the teacup on the side table, took a light sip, and said: "Is there anything else you gentlemen would like to add?"

Everyone in the hall remained silent.

Duan Rong then smiled and said: "Then let's leave it at that for today. We shall discuss the specifics with you gentlemen after I have finished reading the documents."

At this moment, Zhu Zhengfu smiled broadly and said: "My lord, I have already cleared out a Separate Courtyard within the estate and arranged for reliable people to serve you. Your arrival here is a confidential matter, so it is more discreet to stay within the estate, and it will also be convenient for your subordinate to pay my respects and report to you morning and evening."

Duan Rong said: "That will do. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, my lord."

Zhu Zhengfu said: "This is all within the scope of my duties. How could I dare accept your thanks?"

As he spoke, Zhu Zhengfu picked up the documents from the side table and smiled: "Your subordinate will escort you to the Separate Courtyard to rest."

Duan Rong said: "I have troubled you."

Duan Rong stood up and strode toward the door. Zhu Zhengfu immediately followed, clutching the documents. As he reached the doorway, he seemed to remember something, suddenly turned around, looked at Zhu Cheng and Zhu Peng, and said: "Zhu Cheng, you go back to your work. Zhu Peng, do not leave yet; wait for me here."

Duan Rong walked out of the room, followed by Zhu Zhengfu carrying the documents, while the steward Zhu Yu carried a lantern to lead the way for the two.

That Separate Courtyard was not far from there; the reason Zhu Zhengfu had chosen this place to meet Duan Rong was precisely for the convenience of going to the Separate Courtyard.

After the two left, Zhu Cheng, needing to rush back to organize the recent itinerary of Li Shensi as Duan Rong had requested, also left in a hurry. Thus, in the empty room, only Zhu Peng was left sitting there alone. The door was wide open, and the late-night autumn wind blew through the hall, making Zhu Peng's neck feel slightly chilly.

Zhu Zhengfu talked with Duan Rong as they walked, and before long, they arrived at the Separate Courtyard.

The Separate Courtyard was quite quiet, and inside the room, red candles burned brightly, illuminating the space.

Just then, a figure was visible at the entrance. In the deep autumn night, he was bare-chested, half-lying on a large bluestone at the door. This person was holding a jar of wine and pouring it down his throat; he acted as if he had not seen the arrival of Duan Rong and Zhu Zhengfu, not even lifting his eyelids.

Zhu Zhengfu looked at Duan Rong and smiled: "My lord, please do not take offense! This man is named Chou Luan, and he is a personal Guard of mine. He has some eccentricities in his temperament, but he is loyal and his cultivation is quite good, so I called him over to keep watch for you."

Duan Rong's gaze shifted slightly, his Divine Sense already piercing through the man's dantian.

True Qi Realm Fourth Layer!

This was already the peak of experts in the secular world.

Because the Qi in the secular world was thin, it was impossible to advance to the Qi Refining Realm.

Zhu Zhengfu was, after all, of Zhu He's bloodline and a Grand Master of Palace Revenues; it was not strange for him to have such a Guard.

Duan Rong only glanced at the man once before striding into the room. The steward Zhu Yu stood at the door with the lantern and did not enter the Separate Courtyard.

Zhu Zhengfu followed Duan Rong inside with the documents. He placed the documents on the side table and smiled: "In the past few days, your subordinate has rearranged this place. If there is anything that is not to your satisfaction, my lord, please feel free to tell me."

Duan Rong noticed at this moment that the side table and chairs seemed to be new, glowing with a smooth luster under the bright red candles.

Duan Rong said: "Lord Zhu, there is no need to worry! Duan Rong has come here with important matters to attend to; such minor things are of no consequence. I truly do not care much about the living arrangements!"

A look of embarrassment appeared on Zhu Zhengfu's face, and he said: "With such an attitude, it is no wonder the Ancestor values you so highly!"

Having walked all the way with Zhu Zhengfu, Duan Rong had already realized that this man's way of speaking was somewhat hollow and overly slick. If he had to spend time with them, he would rather be with Zhu Peng or Zhu Cheng.

Zhu Peng was naive and forthright, while Zhu Cheng was steady and capable; both were people worth associating with.

Duan Rong stood there and deliberately let out a yawn.

Zhu Zhengfu immediately understood and said: "It is getting late, so I will not disturb your rest, my lord."

Duan Rong said: "Lord Zhu, will you not sit for a while?"

Zhu Zhengfu said: "No, your subordinate will pay his respects to you again tomorrow."

As he spoke, Zhu Zhengfu had already exited the Separate Courtyard.

Duan Rong watched Zhu Zhengfu leave, then sat before the side table, preparing to briefly browse the documents Zhu Cheng had organized by the light of the red candles.

The steward carried the lantern and led Zhu Zhengfu back to the room.

In the room, Zhu Peng had already been waiting for a while.

As soon as Zhu Peng saw Zhu Zhengfu enter, he immediately stood up and respectfully called out "Seventh Uncle."

Zhu Zhengfu was indeed his legitimate Seventh Uncle. However, Zhu Zhengfu had always looked down on this nephew of his.

Zhu Zhengfu grunted, sat down on a chair not far from Zhu Peng, and said: "Zhu Peng! I told you to wait for me because I wanted to give you one more instruction: the matter of Lord Duan Rong's arrival today, and every word spoken in this room, must not be spread! Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Peng's expression changed slightly.

He had thought that Zhu Zhengfu had asked him to wait because there was some important matter to entrust to him.

So it was just for this?

Judging by Zhu Zhengfu's tone, he still treated him like a child who had never seen the world!

Zhu Peng felt a lump in his throat and said: "Seventh Uncle, how could your nephew go around talking about such confidential matters? In your heart, do you think I am so incapable of handling things?"

Zhu Zhengfu sighed and said: "Seventh Uncle has watched you grow up since you were small; do I not know you? You are shallow-sighted, high-spirited, and have no depth in your belly. If I don't instruct you, I cannot rest easy."

Zhu Peng felt even more stifled and could not speak for a long time.

Zhu Zhengfu said: "Alright! Go back and rest early. Do not blame your Seventh Uncle for scolding you; you must improve yourself!"

Zhu Peng suppressed the anger in his heart, reluctantly paid his respects to Zhu Zhengfu, and left the room.

He rode his horse back toward the estate, feeling even more frustrated. Moreover, he had originally brought a young enchantress back from Yanyue Pavilion tonight, intending to have a good time, but he had not expected Duan Rong's sudden appearance to ruin it.

The lust he had previously suppressed, mixed with the frustration in his heart, caused waves of heat to rise in his lower abdomen, and the image of his concubine's waist kept flashing through his mind... He hurried back to the estate even more urgently.

(End of chapter)