C231 – I Am Very Properly

“Your observe talked about the arrival of an essential visitor right now. Has he arrived?” Cao Zongguan, after a lot hesitation, lastly posed the query.

“I’m right here, however I expressed a need to interact in chess with Grasp Lu. I’ll ship somebody to inquire; it’s time for lunch.”

“There’s no want…” Anxiously, Cao Zongguan grasped his arm and defined, “Because the different social gathering needs to play chess, we should always not disturb them.”

“How might our presence be disruptive? We’ve concluded,” a deep voice interjected. Cao Zongguan turned to see the particular person enter with a dignified demeanor.

Their eyes met, evoking a way of speechlessness—a mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity.

They’d met below the shroud of night time, lit by candlelight, spending most of their time entwined in mattress. Whereas acquainted with one another’s our bodies, they remained unfamiliar with their daylight personas.

Zhan Yuanfeng’s face bore an expression of amusement and admiration, whereas Cao Zongguan’s lips tightened, revealing a touch of inner battle.

Lastly, Zhan Yuanfeng spoke, “Girl Zuo, because the spouse of Duke Zhen, how lengthy do you propose to carry fingers? Such conduct, missing in propriety, could result in misunderstandings.”

Solely then did Cao Zongguan understand he nonetheless clasped Zuo Shaoqing’s hand, his palm ablaze. Rapidly, he launched it, responding stiffly, “These astute will discern. I belief Grasp Lu harbors no suspicions.”

Concurrently, they glanced at Lu Zheng, noticing his expression wasn’t as benign as anticipated. His eagle-like gaze swept over Zuo Shaoqing’s hand. “Whereas comprehensible, it’s advisable to chorus from such actions sooner or later.”

“Haha…” Zhan Yuanfeng erupted into laughter, relishing Cao Zongguan’s discomfort.

Initially detached, Cao Zongguan’s laughter turned embarrassed. He shot a fierce glare at Zhan Yuanfeng earlier than apologizing to Zuo Shaoqing.

Zuo Shaoqing discreetly nudged Lu Zheng’s leg, deeming him overly stringent.

Having laughed his fill, Zhan Yuanfeng took the seat beforehand occupied by Cao Zongguan. He casually inquired, “Hasn’t Girl Zuo launched me?”

Zuo Shaoqing wasn’t naïve. Observing their interplay, it was evident they knew one another. Nevertheless, he couldn’t fathom Cao Zongguan’s connection to the Son of Heaven within the current period.

From Zhan Yuanfeng’s tone, it appeared he had no intention of revealing his id. Whether or not Cao Zongguan knew his true standing remained unclear.

“That is my pricey pal, Cao Zongguan, a famend scholar from Jiangnan.”

“Oh? How does he fare in comparison with Girl Zuo?” Wu Tie inquired in a jesting method, his gaze fastened on Cao Zongguan’s countenance.

Zuo Shaoqing responded, “Brother Cao is just a few years my senior, therefore his experience is undoubtedly extra profound.”

“I encourage to vary. If his information have been that profound, why was he absent from the earlier Meeting Competitors?”New novel chapters are printed on

“Why inquire when the reply is clear!” Cao Zongguan interjected.

Zuo Shaoqing raised his eyebrows, shocked. “Was anybody harmed? Is every little thing alright?”

Luo Xiaoliu shook his head. “The night time watchman seen the commotion; everybody was roused by the sound of speeding water. However because of the depth of the blaze, greater than half the property succumbed to the flames.”

“Properly, so long as you’re unhurt.” In truth, he felt a way of reduction: he had harbored a distaste for that mansion for a while.

Luo Xiaoliu additionally snapped again to actuality, all of the sudden realizing one thing. Why hadn’t anybody knowledgeable him of such a major occasion? If he hadn’t ventured out, he might need remained oblivious.

He hesitated… Glancing at Zuo Shaoqing with probing eyes, he practically inquired if San Ye was concerned.

Zuo Shaoqing grinned, remarking, “It appears I gained’t have the ability to entertain the 2 of you. Please, really feel at liberty to deal with issues as you see match. Should you require something, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Zhan Yuanfeng was about to interject, however Cao Zongguan beat him to it. “Since Liu Tie is occupied, let’s convene one other time. I’ve some pressing issues to handle.”

Zhan Yuanfeng’s expression darkened. He pivoted, recognizing Cao Zongguan with blood-drenched ears, showing on the verge of flight. Unusually, a wave of compassion washed over him.

“In that case, maybe I ought to… go alongside as effectively. How about we proceed collectively?” Zhan Yuanfeng proposed with a smile. Escaping the palace wasn’t a easy job; he couldn’t enable them to flee so simply.

Cao Zongguan remained silent, forging forward. His feelings churned, detached as to if Zhan Yuanfeng tagged alongside. At this second, he merely wished to keep away from these conscious of their scenario.

Their affair had at all times been clandestine. Whereas he contemplated the potential fallout if their secret was uncovered, he hadn’t steeled himself for such an eventuality.

It was merely a transaction between them, in contrast to the love shared between Zuo Shaoqing and Lu Zheng. He lacked the braveness to acknowledge it overtly.

“Cease!” Zhan Yuanfeng growled, seizing Cao Zongguan’s wrist.

Regardless of Cao Zongguan’s makes an attempt, he couldn’t break away. Anxious, he inquired, “What’s it?”

Zhan Yuanfeng supplied no response, as a substitute guiding him towards a palanquin and commanding, “Take us to your residence.”

“What?” Cao Zongguan exclaimed in disbelief.

Zhan Yuanfeng fastened him with a smile that held a touch of menace, whispering close to his ear, “Didn’t you categorical a need to keep away from prying eyes? Then let’s retire to your abode!”

“Your Majesty, do you dare to let this be recognized?” Cao Zongguan questioned.

“I as soon as feared it, however…” Zhan Yuanfeng trailed off, leaving his ideas unfinished.

Cao Zongguan felt completely overwhelmed, resignedly remarking, “Even when this have been to turn out to be public information, the emperor may solely jest with you. As for me, I might don’t have any standing in any respect.”

Zhan Yuanfeng acknowledged the reality in his phrases. No matter their bond, within the eyes of society, Cao Zongguan can be branded as deceitful, regardless of their easy association.

Had it not been for Zuo Shaoqing’s public plea for marriage earlier than the court docket, aided by Lu Zheng, his circumstances won’t have been so favorable that day.