Song Chuzhao felt a little embarrassed by Fan Chongqing’s flattery.
Fighting is fighting, why suddenly praise someone? And praise so sincerely… It makes one want to be friends with him.
Before she could fully savor the moment, someone in the crowd, with malicious intent, shouted, “They all know each other, they’re clearly in cahoots! There must be something fishy going on, don’t trust them!”
The person only shouted from behind, hiding and refusing to come out. It was unclear whether they were simply a naive troublemaker or had ulterior motives.
Fortunately, the people present were not completely irrational. They only watched, not taking any action.
Fourth Son Gu still felt this place was too dangerous. He was afraid someone might play a dirty trick, something they couldn’t guard against. He pulled Song Chuzhao behind him, whispering, “Fifth Brother, why don’t you leave first?”
Song Chuzhao shook her head and said, “If I run now, they’ll chase me. If they chase me, it’ll really start a fight.”
Ji Yutang appeared behind her like a ghost, his voice low, so his words were not entirely clear. “If something really happens, how could you withstand the beating? Fifth Son Gu, I thank you for your help today, but you don’t need to risk yourself for me.”
Song Chuzhao nodded, but didn’t move. Her gaze quickly scanned the crowd, trying to find the mastermind behind this instigation.
She had been practicing martial arts for many years, her eyesight was excellent. In her search, she didn’t find any suspicious figures, but she did see Duke Gu standing across the street, observing.
Beside Duke Gu was an elderly man, neither of them wearing official robes, but their high status was evident.
Their figures were obscured by the surging crowd, and they stood behind a tall pillar. If one wasn’t paying close attention, they wouldn’t have noticed them.
Song Chuzhao was initially surprised. If Duke Gu was here, with his prestige, the crowd should be able to calm down quickly.
In a short while, the government office or the Imperial Insignia Guards should arrive, following the commotion.
She opened her mouth, intending to call out to them. But then she thought, since they chose to stand in the shadows, perhaps they had other plans. Uncertain of Duke Gu’s intentions, she swallowed her words back down.
Duke Gu saw that his son had clearly noticed him, but his expression changed instantly, a pause of hesitation, then he pretended to casually move away, acting as if nothing had happened. This sight pierced his heart.
…Why? by carpreads.pages.dev
Duke Gu recalled a scene from many years ago. It was a wound in his heart that could never heal, usually covered with cloth, pretending to be healed, but once he remembered it, it was a bloody mess.
That year, the weather was very cold, and more than ten counties, including the capital, were suffering from a severe cold disaster. On the Winter Solstice, Fu Donglai demanded that Fifth Son Gu stand on the sacrificial altar to pray for the people, praying for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Gu Fengjian was still young at the time, wearing only a thin Taoist robe that couldn’t protect him from the cold. He stood on the sacrificial altar with another Taoist boy, holding a sword high, guarding the altar.
They stood guard for about half the night. Later, it really started snowing at night, fine snowflakes accumulating on their shoulders, melting on their clothes. When they were carried down, they were almost unconscious.
From then on, Gu Fengjian developed a weakness, particularly sensitive to cold.
At that time, Gu Fengjian looked at him from the high platform, with this kind of gaze. No crying, no fussing, no resentment, no disappointment.
Perhaps he felt that he was not worthy of trust, so he simply stopped talking.
He should have understood long ago. Fifth Son Gu said he wouldn’t blame him anymore, but it was also difficult to trust him again. But how could he regain that trust?
Duke Gu immediately quickened his pace, walking up to the crowd and shouting loudly, “What’s the commotion up ahead? Everyone, make way, the Imperial Censor is here, let him clarify the truth!”
The Censor: “??” I didn’t agree to this.
The onlookers spontaneously cleared a path for them to pass, and at the same time, discussions arose, all expressing their joy at encountering the Imperial Censor here.
They had just reached the opposite side of the street when the government officials arrived in a hurry. The two parties met, without time to speak, they quickly began to clear the scene.
The crowd was separated, and the woman who had been sitting on the side crying returned to the view of everyone. The man beside her had already seen a doctor. Because his legs were injured, he couldn’t move and was still lying on the ground.
Both of them had a look of resentment on their faces, watching Ji Yutang and the others, sometimes weeping with grievance, sometimes gnashing their teeth, appearing helpless and pitiful.
Since the officers from the government office have arrived, the Censor need not take charge. He stepped back to the side, observing the reactions of everyone nearby.
To be honest, among these sons of officials, Fifth Son Gu was the calmest.
Ji Yutang was somewhat agitated because the matter involved him. His brothers were even more so. They did not yet know how to control their emotions.
Fourth Son Gu’s personality was naturally more forthright and decisive, but he was also a bit too direct. He only cared about his fifth brother, paying little attention to the others.
Only Fifth Son Gu remained unruffled, able to stabilize the situation and soothe people’s hearts. He maintained his composure throughout.
Unfortunately, these qualities alone were not enough to secure a position in the Censorate. Fifth Son Gu was not adept at interacting with others, and he might struggle to uncover hidden evidence in a case. This requires experience, which he lacked. He also lacked consistency in his actions, making it uncertain if he could sustain his efforts.
As for Fan Chongqing and his group… they were so arrogant before, but now they’re acting strangely. He couldn’t understand them at all.
The Censor followed their gaze and saw that they were all staring at Duke Gu.
What had Duke Gu done to them?
Fan Chongqing and the others were not afraid of Duke Gu themselves, but they were being polite by showing concern for Song Chuzhao.
This usually stoic middle-aged man now wore an expression they had never seen before: cold and severe. His face was gloomy, his eyes bloodshot, a clear sign of impending anger. He stared fixedly at Song Chuzhao, making it hard for anyone to avoid thinking the worst.
Could it be that he was angry at Song Chuzhao for meddling and getting Fourth Son Gu involved?
Fan Chongqing whispered, “Fifth Son, should you go apologize to the Duke?”
Song Chuzhao said, “I did nothing wrong, why should I apologize?”
“Of course, you did nothing wrong…” Fan Chongqing glanced at Fourth Son Gu and said, “But your father is only staring at you, not your fourth brother. Don’t you think there’s something more to it? Why don’t you go explain yourself to him?”
“Ah?” Song Chuzhao shook her head. “We’ll talk about it later.” There wasn’t time for that now. The Duke would understand.
Fan Chongqing and the others cried out in their hearts: This father and son are truly like fire and water!
The leading officer politely addressed the group, “Please, young masters, and this miss, accompany us to the government office.”
Song Chuzhao’s thoughts were interrupted. She quickly said, “Wait, no!”
Ji Yutang and the others were about to leave, but they stopped when they heard her speak.
Among all the young people present, they all looked to her as their leader.
The officer turned to her and clasped his fists, “Is there something else, Young Master Gu?”
Song Chuzhao said, “We’re not going. If we go with you now, things will only become more unclear later.”
The officer said, “Why do you have such doubts, Young Master? The magistrate will handle this fairly and clear your names. Besides, Young Master Gu, you are not involved in this matter, are you?”
Song Chuzhao said, “I am not involved in this matter, but when the people know that I am a Gu, he is a Fan, and all the people involved in this case are sons of officials, and there is a commoner who swears they witnessed the events, this matter becomes complicated.”
The officer touched the sword at his side and pondered in silence.
The Censor perked up at her words and looked at her curiously.
Song Chuzhao said, “If what that Miss said is true, our actions just now will inevitably be seen as shielding Ji Yutang. If it is a fabrication, it will be even more unjust. People might accuse us of being in cahoots and falsely accuse others. Even the magistrate will be implicated in this matter. Moreover, Ji Yutang suspects that someone is trying to frame him, so he should be even more wary of this. Please understand, officer.”
The officer actually had the same concerns. The government office dreaded handling cases involving officials, as they could not please either side. Seeing Song Chuzhao take the initiative, he guessed she had a plan and asked, “What do you suggest, Fifth Son Gu?”
Song Chuzhao said, “It’s just a matter of a few words. Why don’t we clarify things here? Since Duke Gu and the Imperial Censor are present, they can act as witnesses for the magistrate. Once everything is sorted out here, we can go to the government office to record it.”
The constable doubted, “Are you sure it’s just a matter of a few words?” If it were that simple, why would these people be stuck here with no way out?
Song Chuzhao smiled and said, “It’s not a complicated matter. With the Duke’s and the Censor’s experience, it should be resolved quickly.”
The Censor stroked his beard and thought to himself, “He’s considered everything, he seems like a capable person.”
…No, being capable, that’s not what he thought before.
The constable asked, “May I ask if the two gentlemen have time now?”
Duke Gu nodded first, “Yes.”
The Censor also agreed.
It was no longer possible to do business in this situation. Seeing the commotion, the tavern owner simply cleared the shop, making space for them to sit down.
The Censor and Duke Gu sat in the middle of the main hall. Ji Yutang and the others stood near the entrance. The onlookers were all kept outside by the constables. It was a bit like a public trial in a government office.
The Censor looked at his colleague, Duke Gu raised his hand and waved, indicating that he would avoid involvement and listen from the sidelines.
The Censor tucked his sleeves to his knees and said, “You all, first recount the events of the case.”
Ji Yutang stepped forward, bowed, and said first, “Please, Imperial Censor, be just! This miss says we harassed her, it’s clearly a slander. She says that man is her husband, and she begged us to help…”
Before he finished, the woman on the other side cried, “You scoundrel, you dare to slander my innocence!”
Ji Yutang was furious, “I’m the one presenting my case!”
The man on the ground propped himself up, ready to fight him, “Then you shouldn’t make up such ridiculous lies!”
Song Chuzhao stepped forward helplessly to stop them, saying, “Let me recount the events, otherwise, you’ll keep arguing and never finish.”
Ji Yutang had no objections, he took a deep breath and retreated in frustration.
Song Chuzhao bowed to everyone.
“I’ve already inquired about this matter. There are two testimonies.” Song Chuzhao pointed to the woman on her right, “This Miss says that she was walking with her father on the street when they encountered Ji Yutang and his companions, who were slightly drunk. The brother in the blue clothes… yes, him, the one who doesn’t look very upright. He harassed this Miss. The Miss struggled fiercely, which angered Ji Yutang and his companions. Her father, protective of his daughter, rushed forward to argue with them. Ji Yutang and his companions, taking advantage of their numbers, kicked her father, injuring him. Then, passersby heard the commotion and came to help, and she was saved.”
After Song Chuzhao finished, she turned to the woman and confirmed, “Is that correct?”
The woman nodded and sobbed again.
Ji Yutang hesitated to speak.
Since it wasn’t him who harassed her, could Song Chuzhao stop mentioning only his name? It made him feel like he was the mastermind.
Song Chuzhao continued, “According to Ji Yutang and his companions, they encountered these two people not far from the tavern. At that time, the two were pulling and tugging at each other, seemingly at odds. The Miss cried out for help, saying that her husband was a gambling addict and had beaten her in a fit of rage. Ji Yutang and his companions couldn’t bear to watch, so they wanted to help drive the man away. The young man in the blue clothes pushed him, not very hard, and the man fell and broke his leg. Then, people heard the commotion and came running, and you were surrounded and couldn’t leave.”
The young man who didn’t look very upright couldn’t help but say, “Fifth Son Gu, don’t you recognize me?”
Song Chuzhao ignored him and simply asked, “Is that correct?”
Ji Yutang replied, “Yes.”
The constable crossed his arms and asked, “A casual push, and you broke someone’s left leg?”
Ji Yutang said, “I know this explanation sounds absurd, but it’s the truth! I have no need to fabricate such lies to deceive you.”
The woman raised her head and said, “He is truly my father, just go to the government office and find someone to verify it! This matter cannot be faked!”
The Imperial Censor said, “Very well, let us set this matter aside for now. I will send someone to investigate later. Fifth Son Gu, is there anything else?”
Song Chuzhao said, “I was there when Ji Yutang and his men left the tavern. Not long after they left, I heard a woman’s scream. I was curious, so I ran down from the second floor and caught up with them on the back street. We were among the first to arrive, and there were about seven or eight other people there. Three of them claimed to have witnessed the incident, and they were the ones who were shouting in the crowd just now.”
The Imperial Censor was about to summon the witnesses, but Song Chuzhao raised her hand and said, “There’s no need to call them up now.”
The Imperial Censor said with interest, “Then what else do you want to say?”
Song Chuzhao said, “According to the two witnesses, one said he was pushed, and the other said he was kicked. Since he was able to kick someone to the ground and injure their foot, it must have been a strong kick, and there should be a mark on this young master’s body. Please unbutton your clothes and see if there are any marks on your chest.”
The man shifted his position while muttering, “He did kick me. But it was cold, and I was wearing thick clothes, so I don’t know if there are any marks. Even if there aren’t, it doesn’t mean anything.”
The constable stepped forward, blocking the crowd’s view, and then pulled open the man’s collar to examine his injuries.
On the left side of his ribs, there was indeed a bluish, irregular mark. The constable pressed on it, and the man gasped in pain.
The Imperial Censor and Duke Gu moved over to examine the mark. After a glance, they sat back down.
The woman, overcome with joy and grief, knelt down and kowtowed, saying, “Father… this is the evidence! Please, Imperial Censor, be just!”
The Imperial Censor did not speak immediately, but simply looked intently at Song Chuzhao.
Song Chuzhao squatted down and asked the man again, “Are you sure he kicked you here?”
The man nodded, “Yes!”
Song Chuzhao said, “It’s not an old injury from tripping?”
The man said angrily, “Of course not! What do you mean? Are you trying to shirk responsibility?”
Song Chuzhao nodded, patted his shoulder, and smiled, “Okay. I’m always fair in my dealings, and I hate it when people lie. Don’t worry.”
Ji Yutang was sweating profusely and said anxiously, “It’s impossible! We really didn’t kick him. This is all their plan!”
The Imperial Censor smiled gently and said, “Fifth Son Gu, what do you think about this?”
“Reporting to the Imperial Censor,” Song Chuzhao said, “It seems that it wasn’t Ji Yutang’s men who did this.”
Ji Yutang was stunned, and the woman screamed, “My father’s chest wound is still there! How dare you twist the truth? My father has a wound! He has a wound! Everyone can come in and see!”
The people outside the door began to stir again, but they were held back by the constables with their swords drawn.
“It’s precisely because there’s a wound that it’s wrong,” Song Chuzhao said. “When someone is first injured, the mark doesn’t appear so quickly. From the time your father was beaten to now, when we’re examining the injury, even if I give you a little extra time, it’s still less than half an hour. I believe there would be redness and slight bruising, but it’s impossible for such a severe bruise to appear. This injury is fresh, but it’s still not right.”
Fan Chongqing had a lot of experience with this, and when she reminded him, he quickly agreed, “That’s right. When I fight with people, it’s always the next day that my body is covered in bruises. Even if the injury is serious, it takes at least half a day for the color to appear like his.”
Fourth Son Gu chuckled, “So it’s a good thing that it hasn’t been long. If we had gone to the government office with them and then argued back and forth, wasting some time, it might have been difficult to tell what really happened.”
The two people were caught red-handed, and their expressions were slightly flustered, but they quickly recovered.
The woman grabbed her father’s hand and buried her face in his chest, complaining, “Father, why did you lie? It’s so unfair! My father was confused for a moment, but the other things, they really did them!”
The man half-knelt and kowtowed to the crowd, his face full of misery. “My lords, I did lie just now. The wound on my chest is from bumping into something last night. I was worried that there would be no evidence and they would find an excuse to quibble, so when I saw the injury, I thought I’d go along with it. Imperial Censor, please give me another chance! I didn’t mean to deceive you!”
The man in the blue clothes was furious, “You… you’re clearly just making excuses!”
The Imperial Censor clasped his hands together, hidden beneath his long sleeves. He thought for a moment and nodded, “What you said makes sense. Fifth Son Gu, what do you think?”
Ji Yutang and his men couldn’t accept it, “How can this be!”
Song Chuzhao remained calm, even managing a smile. She said, “I agree. This isn’t concrete evidence. Please don’t misunderstand, Miss. I’m not trying to exonerate Ji Yutang and the others. I’m simply curious about the truth. I’m not even friends with him.”
Ji Yutang felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.
Song Chuzhao walked over to the woman and said softly, “Miss, I’ve noticed you’ve been holding your left wrist. Are you injured?”
The woman had no intention of answering her, but Gu Fengjian’s appearance was exceptionally handsome, and Song Chuzhao was being so gentle. She finally said, “He grabbed me so hard it hurt.”
Song Chuzhao asked, “How did he grab you? Could you demonstrate for me?”
The Imperial Censor nodded in agreement, and the woman stood up and walked closer to them. Pointing at the man in blue, she said, “The back alley is narrow. They were walking side by side, taking up the whole street. My father and I wanted to ask them to move, but this man, as he passed, reached out and grabbed me, and then he… he assaulted me.”
“I didn’t!”
Song Chuzhao nodded. “So, you were standing on their right side, pressed against the wall, waiting for them to pass. And this man, as he passed, grabbed your left hand with his right hand, correct?”
The woman nodded. “Yes.”
Song Chuzhao asked, “What about your right hand?”
The woman said, “I raised my hand to hit him, and he grabbed it.”
Song Chuzhao asked, “And then?”
“Then…” Tears welled up in the woman’s eyes, and she couldn’t continue. “Are you humiliating me?”
Song Chuzhao innocently spread her hands. “I’m defending you against him. If he bullies you like that, he should be the one ashamed. Everyone will only feel sorry for you, not laugh at you. Then what happened?”
The woman exclaimed, “Then he used his right hand to restrain me! My father rushed forward, and someone kicked him. Is that enough?”
Song Chuzhao said, “It could be, but he’s left-handed, right? His left hand should be stronger than his right. If he were to restrain you with one hand, it should be with his left. Didn’t you notice his fan is always tucked into his left waist?”
Everyone turned to look at the man in blue’s waist.
The woman paused for a moment, then said, “Maybe it was his left hand. I was so angry, I can’t remember clearly.”
“If you’re so angry about this, how can you not remember such a crucial detail?” Song Chuzhao extended both arms in the air to illustrate. “If he restrained you with his right hand, you would have been pressed against the wall on the right side. If he restrained you with his left hand, your perspective would have been completely different when you struggled. You should remember it very clearly.”
The woman pressed her hand to her chest and said, “Let me think about it again.”
Song Chuzhao said, “Think carefully. Your testimony is crucial. Calm down and think.”
Under everyone’s gaze, the woman took a couple of steps back, then turned and said, “Yes, it was his left hand. You asked about left and right, and I was nervous, so I didn’t distinguish clearly.”
Song Chuzhao said, “Are you sure you didn’t distinguish clearly? Think carefully before you answer. If you keep changing your testimony, your words won’t be credible.”
The woman hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.
Song Chuzhao smiled. “Actually, I didn’t distinguish clearly either. I don’t even know if he’s left-handed.”
The man in blue was already laughing out loud. “I’ve always used my right hand! I tuck my fan into my left waist because… it’s cold, and I don’t need it! Many people can vouch for me. Hey, I can even write a letter of proof right now! Shopkeeper, bring me pen and ink!”
Ji Yutang tugged at him, signaling him to stop being so smug.
The woman’s face gradually lost its color.
Song Chuzhao stopped her from continuing to argue, saying, “Don’t change your story now. There’s no need.”
The Imperial Censor adjusted his posture and let out a long sigh from his nostrils. He no longer looked as calm as he had initially, and his heart was filled with shock.
Fifth Son Gu… truly is resourceful and adaptable, skilled in navigating power dynamics. He doesn’t reveal his sharp edges, remaining calm and composed. His demeanor and affability quickly put people at ease, while his meticulous logic and clear questions subtly draw them into his trap.
… A true talent!
Our Censorate is in dire need of such talent!
The Censorate official discreetly glanced at Duke Gu, noticing the latter still wore his usual impassive, emotionless mask, unable to discern any hint of joy or anger. He couldn’t help but scoff.
Unlike the Gu family, who possessed such unwavering composure, the emotions of Ji Yutang and his companions were practically plastered on their faces.
The onlookers had also shifted their stance, now leaning eight parts towards Ji Yutang’s side. Their voices had softened, as if ashamed of their previous accusations.
At this moment, Song Chuzhao smiled and said, “Actually, there’s one more detail, the very first thing that made me suspicious of you.”
There’s more?
The Censor twisted his neck, hearing the bones crack deep within his body.
“I said earlier that we heard your cries and rushed over from the tavern. There were other patrons in the establishment at the time, who can corroborate our story. You shouted, ‘Ah—Father!’” Song Chuzhao paused for emphasis, " ‘You must let me go!’ Right? Did anyone hear that?"
The innkeeper on the side raised his hand and said, “That’s correct, I did hear it. I was in the back room, closer to the back alley, and I heard it clearly.”
“That’s right, I heard it too.”
Song Chuzhao nodded, “Then something doesn’t add up.”
Fan Chongqing looked at her with admiration, his face plastered with flattery as he asked, “What doesn’t add up?”
Song Chuzhao said, “The order of events is wrong. According to her account, she should have shouted, ‘You must let me go!’ and then, ‘Ah—Father!’ That’s the logical sequence. I can’t understand why she would shout them in reverse. After her father fell, she didn’t mention anyone holding her back.”
Fan Chongqing took a deep breath, feeling enlightened, “That makes sense!”
The two individuals’ lips moved, their faces slick with sweat as they pondered how to cover up their lies. But as they looked up and met Song Chuzhao’s penetrating gaze, they dared not speak.
Her calm composure, her effortless control, as if she could see through any excuse they might offer, left them feeling exposed.
Song Chuzhao said, “Furthermore, there are numerous suspicious points. While Ji Yutang and his companions have the scent of alcohol on them, they were not drunk. This tavern only sells small pots of rice wine, not enough to get anyone drunk. Their motive doesn’t make sense, and the reason for attacking someone in broad daylight is even more illogical.”
The innkeeper nodded and assured everyone, “The court forbids excessive drinking among the common folk. Our rice wine is merely for a taste of alcohol. No one has ever gotten drunk in my tavern.”
Song Chuzhao said, “If it were just one or two coincidences, it could be argued away. But this matter is riddled with inconsistencies. I suspect someone is deliberately framing you. This kind of accusation is difficult to prove, relying solely on the woman’s testimony. If the investigation isn’t thorough, and they believe the testimony of those witnesses, once the evidence disappears, Ji Yutang and his companions will be left with no way to defend themselves.”
Song Chuzhao turned to Ji Yutang and said, “This matter isn’t major, but it’s not insignificant either. It seems someone harbors a deep hatred for you. Think carefully, have you offended anyone recently?”
Ji Yutang instinctively looked at Fourth Son Gu and Fan Chongqing. The two immediately glared back fiercely. Ji Yutang said, “I didn’t mean to imply anything about you two. I just don’t know. I don’t think I’ve offended anyone.”
Fan Chongqing said, “You should say that you have too many people who dislike you, and you can’t remember them all.”
Ji Yutang said, “How could I be so disliked!”
“You don’t know?” Fan Chongqing said, “If you could be half as straightforward as Fifth Son Gu, you wouldn’t be in this predicament today.”
Ji Yutang said, “I…”
Fourth Son Gu added, “If you could be half as intelligent as my fifth brother, you wouldn’t be pushed to this point. I wonder who it was who said my fifth brother was a pretentious show-off.”
Ji Yutang was speechless, his face flushed with shame.
The Imperial Censor official once again smiled with a benevolent expression, but this time, his smile was genuine, as if he wanted to stretch his wrinkles wide open. He said, “Fifth Son Gu, you truly have a keen eye for detail, even remembering such minute points.”
Song Chuzhao simply replied calmly, “Not at all.”
Unfazed by praise or blame!
The Censor nodded again. The light in his eyes flickered.
Song Chuzhao turned towards the doorway and addressed the gathered crowd, “That’s roughly what happened. If you’re looking for concrete evidence, neither side has any at the moment. Even if we were to send them to the government office, they would be released in the end. I want everyone to understand that if the government office does release them, it’s not because the Magistrate or any of us are covering for them. If anyone brings this up, please help explain it.”
The onlookers all nodded in unison, then began clapping under someone’s lead.
“This young master is truly intelligent! A pillar of our country!”
“Sharp as a hawk! Deserving of commendation!”
“I don’t know which family this young master comes from, but I’m unable to tell. Please leave your name so I can spread the word.”
Even the constables smiled and bowed to Song Chuzhao.
Song Chuzhao raised her hand to quiet the crowd. However, everyone was so excited that they didn’t heed her humility. Feeling out of place, she bid farewell to her elders, “I don’t think I’m needed here anymore. I’ll be heading back.”
“Wait!” The Censor hastily called out, “Hmm… since we’re all here, how about we have a meal together?”
Ji Yutang, regaining his composure from his joy, agreed, “Thank you, Fifth Son Gu, for clearing my name today. I’ll treat you to a meal, as a way of apologizing.”
After saying this, he bowed to Song Chuzhao, “I apologize for the offense today!”
The brothers behind him also bowed deeply, expressing their gratitude to her, “Thank you, Fifth Son Gu!”
Song Chuzhao raised her hand to politely decline, “The matter isn’t over yet. You still have to go to the government office. What are you treating us to?”
Ji Yutang’s smile remained undiminished, “I’ll pay. Whatever you all want to eat, just order it!”
Song Chuzhao glanced at Duke Gu, who was silent, and firmly rejected him, word by word, “I don’t like too much commotion. I’m going back. I have to go back—to read!”
The Censor quickly approached, grasped Song Chuzhao’s wrist, and beamed, “How about just you and I have a meal together? I love collecting books, and I have quite a few in my mansion. What kind of books do you enjoy reading, Fifth Son Gu? I’d love to discuss them with someone. How about we go to my mansion?”
Song Chuzhao’s smile froze.
Duke Gu walked over, ruthlessly pulling the Censor’s hand away. In the blink of an eye, his expression shifted from icy to warm. He smiled, “Fifth Son Gu, if you don’t want to, you can go back with your Fourth Brother. I have something to discuss with the Imperial Censor. Don’t get too engrossed in reading. You must be tired today. Remember to rest well.”
Song Chuzhao, as if granted amnesty, quickly responded, “Yes.”
Fourth Son Gu rushed over, grabbed Song Chuzhao, and ran. Fan Chongqing and the others realized what was happening and chased after them, enthusiastically calling out, “Fifth Son Gu, wait for me! I have something I want to tell you!”