Ming Shu usually rose late, so the kitchen would also deliver her breakfast later.
Yan Wei raised an eyebrow slightly, likely not expecting this to be the reason. He waved his hand: “Prepare more lavish meals for the West Courtyard.”
With such a frail, wind-blown physique, wouldn’t it make people think the Yan family couldn’t afford to support a cousin if she went out?
The head kitchen steward finally understood—the general had called him over not because there was an issue, but because he thought the servants were mistreating the cousin.
Ming Shu also caught the implied meaning in Yan Wei’s words and felt so awkward she couldn’t sit still.
“General, the meals for the cousin’s courtyard are all top-notch. Yesterday’s evening meal of plain congee was also personally requested by the cousin’s maid from the main kitchen.”
So, they in the main kitchen wouldn’t take the blame for this.
“Understood. You may leave.”
Ming Shu lowered her head, leaving only her raven-black hair for Yan Wei to see.
Yan Wei understood perfectly: “You may return as well. A young lady shouldn’t ruin her health for the sake of beauty.”
Ming Shu’s red lips parted slightly, her peach-blossom eyes widening.
No, she wasn’t, she hadn’t.
But seeing Yan Wei’s knowing expression, the words of rebuttal stuck in her throat, neither coming out nor staying down.
After a long moment, she gritted her teeth lightly and uttered one word: “Yes.”
As soon as she stepped out, Tang Li approached and said, “Miss, the person you wanted to inquire about has been found.”
To think there was news so quickly.
“Did he say where he is?”
“The servant said that person will leave by the end of the hour of the Goat today. If you wish to meet him, he can pass on the message.”
The timing was just a bit tight.
Ming Shu’s willow-like brows furrowed slightly: “Tell him to take the person to Huai’an Restaurant on West Street. We’ll go back to change clothes and then head over.”
Duan Cang, seeing the master and servant walk away, entered the room and presented a letter: “General, a letter from Elder Feng has arrived.”
Meanwhile, Ming Shu borrowed two sets of clothes from a young maid in the courtyard, put on a veil hat to cover her face, and took a carriage with Tang Li to Huai’an Restaurant on West Street.
Perhaps they arrived too early; Tang Li looked around but didn’t see anyone.
“Miss, let’s sit for a while.”
West Street wasn’t considered affluent in Linghe Prefecture—East Street was the bustling area.
Tang Li pulled out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the stool clean before Ming Shu slowly took a seat.
The waiter enthusiastically brought a pot of tea, but Ming Shu sniffed it and set it aside.
Tang Li muttered, “Even Steward Tang wouldn’t drink such stale tea.”
Steward Tang was in charge of cleaning in the West Courtyard and loved to eat, never refusing anything. Now, she was twice as large as Tang Li, yet everyone in the mansion said she was blessed.
Ming Shu smiled without comment.
After waiting for about half a cup of tea’s time, Tang Li spotted the servant and the person following him and waved them over.
As the person approached, Ming Shu frowned. Just by his appearance, this man was no good sort.
But since she had come, she might as well ask a few questions.
The burly man had thick eyebrows, slanted eyes, a full beard, and a gleam of cunning in his eyes.
How dare the servant bring such a person before the young lady?
Tang Li glared fiercely at the servant.
Ming Shu asked, “When did you, sir, come to Linghe Prefecture from Yunjing?”
The burly man had sharp ears, and judging by Ming Shu’s figure, she clearly didn’t do manual labor. Her clear, melodious voice made one want to lift her veil.
Though he thought this, he still replied honestly, “I arrived just two days ago, merely passing through.”
So it was true. Ming Shu gently patted Tang Li’s hand.
Tang Li took out a silver ingot and placed it before the burly man.
The man’s eyes flickered, and he laughed heartily, “What does the young lady wish to know?”
“Has something happened in the capital?”
“There’s plenty. Which matter are you referring to?”
Ming Shu pondered, “What about the court affairs?”
The man smacked his lips. He had guessed correctly—the young lady before him was likely a noble daughter from some prominent family.
The glimpse of her fair, delicate hand had stirred some thoughts in him. He cautiously glanced around but saw no guards in sight.
Observing his movements, Ming Shu instinctively tightened her sleeves. A sense of unease washed over her. “You…”
“Don’t worry, young lady,” the man said. “Court matters aren’t something to be spoken of lightly. If someone were to report it, it could cost me my life.”
This explained his caution.
Yet Ming Shu distinctly sensed a glint of mischief in the man’s eyes before she was drawn back to his words.
“The Emperor is growing old, and beneath the calm surface of the court, undercurrents are stirring. That’s why I’m planning to head south… But as for urgent matters—could it be the recent frequent summons of regional generals to the capital that you’re asking about?”
Ming Shu listened intently.
Just then, the man reached out to grab Ming Shu. Tang Li was startled and let out a sharp scream.
The sound nearly pierced Ming Shu’s eardrums. Before she could react, Tang Li grabbed her hand and tried to flee.
The servant boy saw the man stride forward to give chase. Without thinking, he lunged at the man.
If anything happened to the young lady here, he wouldn’t survive either.
The man swung his hand back in a swift slap. The servant boy was no match and was knocked unconscious instantly.
In that brief moment, Tang Li pulled Ming Shu into the crowd, disappearing around a corner.
The man spat viciously.
He dared not pursue further—the opportunity had already slipped away. Moreover, if he had succeeded, he might have been able to threaten them. Now, he feared Ming Shu would retaliate once she returned home. So, he packed his things and set off.
But how could Ming Shu have ventured out with only a maid? As soon as the chief steward learned of her departure, he had arranged for guards to follow her discreetly.
The man hadn’t taken more than a few steps before he was blocked by armed guards.
Tang Li dragged Ming Shu along, running as if their lives depended on it. Ming Shu could run no further. When she glanced back, there was no sign of anyone following.
“Tang… Tang… Tang Li, stop.”
Tang Li didn’t hear her.
Ming Shu tightened her grip and tugged at her.
Hmm—she didn’t budge.
“No… no one’s chasing us.”
This time, Tang Li heard her. She came to an abrupt halt, shielding Ming Shu behind her and scanning the surroundings warily.
Indeed, no one was there.
Only then did Tang Li realize her palms were drenched in sweat. A breeze swept by, sending a chill down her back.
Ming Shu leaned weakly against the wall, her legs trembling from the frantic run.
She freed her wrist from Tang Li’s grasp.
It hurt!
Tang Li was naturally stronger than most, and in her panic, she hadn’t held back. Ming Shu’s wrist was now flushed red.
Fortunately, they were safe.
Tang Li looked remorseful. “Young lady, it’s all my fault.”
Ming Shu sighed. “It’s not your fault.”
She had been too careless.
Gently rubbing her wrist, Ming Shu brushed aside the damp strands of hair clinging to her cheeks. Her veil hat had been lost at some point during the chaos.
Ming Shu and Tang Li stood at the entrance of a shop, not wanting to disturb the business.
Just as they were about to leave, a familiar voice called out, “Ming Meimei?”
The newcomer was handsome and refined, with the appearance of a scholarly gentleman.
Ming Shu’s eyes widened slightly. “Brother Cui Zhen.”
Under Ming Shu’s gaze, Cui Zhen’s fair complexion flushed a light pink.
“Why are you here?” Cui Zhen glanced at the medical clinic behind Ming Shu and asked urgently, “Is Sister Ming ill?”