Chapter 177 - Request by the Minister
During the evening, Zuo Shaoqing received a call from Minister Lee. The caller, a cautious young man who had been vigilant since his arrival at Liu Steel Manor, approached with care.
Outside rumors often circulated about Duke Zhen's residence being laden with traps. Those bold enough to intrude wouldn't just contend with formidable guards but would find themselves unable to breach the inner court's periphery.
True or not, the young man treaded cautiously, every step measured. He trailed behind an attendant, avoiding even a glance upward.
Upon encountering the renowned Wife of Duke Zhen, also Director Zuo of the Ministry of Works, the young man momentarily stood transfixed before finally detailing his purpose.
He mused inwardly: No wonder Duke Zhen favored this poised young man!
Zuo Shaoqing, clad in a flowing white robe, reclined languidly on a divan. Beyond him sprawled a resplendent hibiscus garden, bathed in the waning sunlight that bestowed upon him a subtle radiance.
“Is Lord Li still at the yamen at this hour?” Zuo Shaoqing glanced at the setting sun in the west, puzzled by the energetic Shang Shu's prolonged presence at the yamen.
Had something occurred at the Ministry of Works?
“Yes, my lord remains there.”
Zuo Shaoqing gestured for refreshments to be brought forth, offering green tea and fruits to the young man, urging him to take a seat. “You may wait here momentarily while I change into my official attire before we head to the yamen.”
The young man dared not speak, nor sit upon the ornate chair crafted from pear blossoms. He accepted the proffered teacup with utmost care.
Once attired, Zuo Shaoqing proceeded to the study to confer with Lu Zheng. Unexpectedly, Lu Zheng rose immediately, insisting, “Allow me to accompany you.”
“There's no need for that, surely?” Zuo Shaoqing felt a twinge of discomfort. Observers might misconstrue Lu Zheng's gesture as excessive charm.
“Very well, let us proceed. You're curious to know why Old Man Li wishes to see you, aren't you?”
As the duo approached the young man together, the teacup trembled in his grasp, nearly slipping from his fingers as he hastened to pay homage to Master Lu.
Arranging for the carriage's preparation, Zuo Shaoqing disregarded Lu Zheng's menacing stare, pulling him close and encircling his waist. “We'll be passing through a bustling city on our way to the Ministry of Works Yamen. Do you really want all eyes on you the entire journey?”
During his initial days back in the capital, every outing drew the attention of street crowds. Fortunately, the distances were considerable, sparing him from being followed all the way from the city gates to the mansion's entrance.
Drawing Zuo Shaoqing into an embrace, Lu Zheng lowered his head, nibbling at the tip of Zuo Shaoqing's nose. “Are you concerned about them being watched?”
Zuo Shaoqing pushed his face away, rubbing his nose and wiping off the saliva, then gave him a sidelong glance. “With such a prominent figure, there are countless individuals in the capital thirsting for our demise. Why invite unnecessary attention?”
Reflecting on their experiences together, Zuo Shaoqing realized that since meeting Lu Zheng, he had narrowly escaped three assassination attempts. Were it not for his adeptness, he might have met his end long ago.
“Simply being in the carriage won't deter our adversaries. Do you believe the insignia on our carriage serves merely decorative purposes?” Tucking a strand of Zuo Shaoqing's hair, Lu Zheng spoke in hushed tones, “If there's a thorn, we must pluck it out promptly. Otherwise, as time passes, complications will surely arise.”
Zuo Shaoqing acknowledged that Lu Zheng harbored secrets he hadn't probed into deeply. He knew of the dungeon in the Wu Steel Manor but remained ignorant of its occupants.
“In truth, adversaries cannot be eradicated. Within such a vast government, any feigned loyalty warrants scrutiny. By impeding others' progress, today's ally may well become tomorrow's foe.”
“Like your Big Brother Cao?” A faint smirk curled Lu Zheng's lips.
“Him? He isn't my adversary.” Zuo Shaoqing had contemplated breaking off his engagement with Zuo Shuhui, but he never regarded Cao Zongguan as an enemy. Rather, he felt a measure of sympathy for the events that transpired thereafter.
“Hmph. You should thank your lucky stars that Prince Ruiqing distrusted him back then. Otherwise, you might have been abducted by others.”
Zuo Shaoqing viewed the incident as a stain on his life, awkwardly burying his face in Lu Zheng's chest. “Regarding this, what became of him under the emperor's judgment? Why can't I find any information?”
“Perhaps it was a clandestine execution, who's to say?” Lu Zheng replied nonchalantly.
Zuo Shaoqing doubted Lu Zheng's feigned ignorance. When he pleaded for mercy in Lu Zheng's presence, he discerned that Cao Zongguan's transgression didn't warrant death.
“Do you still concern yourself with him?” Lu Zheng tightened his hold, pressing for an answer.
“It's not about caring; I simply don't wish for his demise.” He was one of the few individuals who had treated him kindly in his previous life. Zuo Shaoqing preferred not to be indebted to him.
“Then I can assure you he's still among the living. You needn't concern yourself with him any longer.”
Adjusting into a more comfortable position, Zuo Shaoqing rested his head on Lu Zheng's lap. He trailed his fingers over Lu Zheng's hand, eliciting a confident smile.
A tingling sensation coursed from his fingertips to his core. Lu Zheng slid his fingers into Zuo Shaoqing's mouth, their tongues intertwining, sharing the warmth within.
Zuo Shaoqing arched his eyebrows, parting his lips slightly. He took the initiative to lick his own fingertips, his pink tongue darting out faintly.
Withdrawing his finger, Lu Zheng cradled the back of Zuo Shaoqing's head in his palm and kissed it tenderly.
Sucking, intertwining, the mingling of breaths, the caress of softness against softness, inducing an instinctive breathlessness.
As one of Lu Zheng's hands instinctively grasped onto Zuo Shaoqing's belt, a stern voice interrupted from outside the carriage, “Master, we've arrived.”
“Ugh…” Zuo Shaoqing heard the voice and promptly halted Lu Zheng's advances. He observed the displeased expression on Lu Zheng's face.
Certainly, he was no less affected than Lu Zheng. His lower body throbbed with a slight ache, the feverish heat tinting his skin a rosy hue.
Moistening his swollen lips, he murmured softly, “Let's not disembark just yet.” While swollen lips might be passable, the sight of him and Lu Zheng in this state might lead to misconceptions about their activities inside the carriage.
In truth, their interaction had merely amounted to a fleeting kiss.
Lu Zheng wiped the moisture from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and planted a gentle kiss on his lips. “Shall we head back?”
Zuo Shaoqing hastily pushed him away, sitting upright to straighten his disheveled attire. Taking a few deep breaths to quell his desires, he remarked, “We're already here. How do you plan to explain this to Minister Lee if you return now?”
Leaning against the carriage wall, arms crossed, Lu Zheng gazed at Zuo Shaoqing's still flushed cheeks. “Do I need to explain to him my intentions?”
“Indeed, Duke Zhen, your command holds sway. I, a mere insignificant individual, am but a product of minor scholastic endeavors. Naturally, I defer to your directives.”
Zuo Shaoqing smoothed his countenance and conducted a thorough self-inspection before disembarking from the carriage.
“Ahem, ahem…” “Engrossed in official matters last night, sleep eluded me. Unexpectedly, I found myself dozing off during the carriage ride. Hehe…”
“Haha…” All present averted their gazes, feigning ignorance of Director Zuo's amused countenance.
Sensing the inadequacy of his explanation, Zuo Shaoqing grinned sheepishly, leading the way into the Ministry of Works yamen. “Shall we proceed? Lord Li must be eagerly awaiting our arrival.”
The young man trailed behind, bowing his head in contemplation: I wonder who indulged in idle lingering within the carriage for so long.
Upon sighting Minister Lee, Zuo Shaoqing had resumed his customary composure. After offering his respects, he inquired, “Might I inquire as to the reason for your summons, sir?”
Pretending to overlook Ke Cheng, who stood behind Minister Lee, adopting an innocent guise of attentive listening.
“Director Zuo…” Minister Lee's gravelly voice reached Zuo Shaoqing's ears, “You've been within the Ministry of Works for some time now. How do you find your tenure thus far?”
Zuo Shaoqing raised his head slightly, betraying a perplexed expression. Uncertain whether this inquiry signaled auspicious or ominous intent.
Regardless, Zuo Shaoqing responded: “Your Excellency, as a novice in governmental affairs, my understanding remains limited. However, I've gleaned much from my recent experiences within the Ministry of Works. It is evident that this department, under your esteemed guidance, flourishes through the contributions of various skilled artisans. I am honored to serve under your leadership.”
“Haha…” Director Zuo exhibits eloquence indeed. ” Wu Tie's guffaws revealed a row of uneven teeth, “Your achievements speak for themselves. It's astonishing to see someone of your youth outshine seasoned officials who've dedicated decades to this ministry.”
“You flatter me, Your Excellency. I dare not disregard your esteemed words.” Zuo Shaoqing muttered inwardly: “What ulterior motive does this elder harbor by lavishing such praise?” Could it be that he summoned me for commendation?
“Enough with the modesty. I have already reviewed the imperial decree you drafted for the emperor. You demonstrate prudence and restraint, eschewing hasty acclaim. Admirable!”
“I am grateful for your commendation, Your Excellency!” Zuo Shaoqing saluted once more, thinking: Let's cut to the chase. I still have a meal waiting for me.
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