Chapter 189 - Wolfsbane
The courtyard arranged by Yang Yi was expansive, styled after Jiangnan.
Upon entering, one would encounter artificial mountains, ponds, and pavilions. The interplay of shade from the trees created a delightful ambiance.
“Since we're uncertain about the boss's preferred style, we've fashioned it according to local tastes. If there's anything unsatisfactory, we'll promptly make adjustments.”
“No, it's perfect.” Along the way, it became apparent to Lu Zheng that Zuo Shaoqing favored such meticulous gardens. Even the Qing Lu Garden at Wu Steel Manor was tailored to his liking.
Lu Zheng voiced no objections. He paid little heed to the surroundings, reminiscing about his days in the Northern Frontier, where caves served as his dwelling.
Holding Zuo Xiaolang's hand, Zuo Shaoqing chuckled in agreement, “Judging by the grandeur of this garden, even some officials might envy it. Brother Yang, your consideration is truly remarkable.”
Zuo Shaoqing drew closer to them, sensing the need to cultivate a rapport with this affluent group.
Yang Yi scratched his head, sporting an innocent smile. “As long as you're both satisfied. Head Steward Zuo returned home, leaving a pile of accounts for me to tackle. Could you two take a look at them?”
“Have someone deliver them tomorrow!” With that, Lu Zheng motioned for Yang Yi to leave before ushering Zuo Shaoqing into the room.
The room's layout closely resembled that of Duke Zhen's abode: predominantly a study, with the bedroom connected to a bathroom. Though modest in size, the bathroom lacked a large tub but featured two buckets of hot water separated by a muslin screen.
Perhaps at Lu Zheng's behest, there were no more than ten servants in the entire garden, and not a single maid was present in the room, which brought some contentment to Zuo Shaoqing.
Truth be told, he feared a repeat of the previous encounter, where they were bombarded with propositions for attractive companions by the staff.
Wu assisted Zuo Xiaolang in undressing, prepared a basin of water for him to wash, then neatly tucked him into bed.
“Lie still and rest. You must be weary from the journey in the carriage.”
Zuo Xiaolang blinked, then obediently shut his eyes under Zuo Shaoqing's watchful gaze. Upon hearing Zuo Shaoqing's departure, he reopened his eyes, gazing at his departing figure until another stern look caught his attention. With that, he turned over, burying his head in the blanket.
Guarding food proved to be an irksome task for Zuo Xiaolang. He interpreted Wu's jealous actions as akin to a wolf pack's possessiveness over their prey.
Stripping off his garments, Zuo Shaoqing eased into the warm water, releasing a contented sigh before querying, “Master Lu, what are your plans for tomorrow?”
Their journey from the capital to Crane City had taken twice the usual duration. Zuo Shaoqing fretted over potentially delaying Lu Zheng's affairs.
“You'll remain here tomorrow. Review the accounts and tally the funds the Cao Sect can contribute. I have confidence in you!”
Opening his eyes, Zuo Shaoqing rested his hands on the tub's rim, peering at Lu Zheng through a sheer veil of gauze. “And what of yourself?”
“The Prefect of Crane City is due to visit tomorrow,” Lu Zheng responded cryptically.
“If he's intentionally provoking conflict, how do you intend to proceed?”
Lu Zheng scooped a handful of water from the bucket, letting clear droplets cascade down his forehead and into the tub. “We've dispatched officials to impede their actions for now, but given Crane City's status as this year's gathering place for elementalists, I must exercise caution in my decisions.”
Zuo Shaoqing's thoughts churned. He realized it wasn't the opportune moment to confront the officials they had dispatched. Any such action might be misconstrued, potentially fueling rumors of their ambition.
While such rumors might not be fatal, they could draw the scrutiny of the court ministers, possibly prompting unified opposition against Duke Zhen Manor.
Duke Zhen Manor's enduring success stemmed not solely from military prowess but also from its political astuteness, refraining from challenging the civil officials' authority.
However, the Zeng Family's downfall had made civil servants more wary, fearing they might be Duke Zhen's next targets.
In times of external threat, the imperial government valued Lu Zheng's defense of the realm. Yet, in peacetime, admiration could morph into apprehension as Duke Zhen Manor showcased its might.
Many were civil servants, adept at turning minor incidents into major controversies, sowing discord and chaos.
“Then remove him from our path, or else his presence will only hinder us,” Zuo Shaoqing acknowledged the significance of maintaining Wu Steel Manor's water mastery, unwilling to tolerate any clandestine disruptions.
With a subdued chuckle, Lu Zheng remarked, “Indeed. It's regrettable that such talent remains untapped in the capital.”
Hearing this rare tone from Lu Zheng, Zuo Shaoqing responded, “True, perhaps we're being too lenient on him.”
“No matter. Once we're within the capital's confines, what need have we to fear any significant disruptions from him?” The capital resembled a deep pond. For a prefect returning to the capital, it was akin to dropping a pebble into it.
Rather than allowing Crane City to dominate unchallenged, it would be preferable to facilitate his contented return to serve as an official in the capital.
Exiting the bath barrel, Zuo Shaoqing dried himself and donned his attire. Stepping around the screen, he stood before Lu Zheng, accepting the cloth from him to wipe his back.
“Are you prepared?”
Lu Zheng reclined comfortably, closing his eyes, and shifted to the bath barrel's edge, baring his sturdy back. “Absolutely.”
“There's no risk of detection from above, correct?” Zuo Shaoqing doubted that Zhan Yuanfeng would permit Lu Zheng to meddle in the affairs of officials nationwide.
“Now that there's a path to advancement ahead, Prefect Lin will undoubtedly exert himself. It's no concern of mine.”
Zuo Shaoqing planted a soft kiss on his back with a smirk. As he began, Lu Zheng playfully pulled him into the tub, soaking not only their clothes but also the floor.
“Ugh… Xiaolang is still next door…”
“You provoked me first…” Lu Zheng silenced him with a fervent kiss, releasing all the pent-up frustration accumulated within him.
“Ouch… Pain, I think you're the wolf! Ah…”
“Then allow me to show you the true nature of a wolf!”
“Hiss…” Zuo Shaoqing winced as his chest was firmly nipped. However, he soon felt an electric current spreading from his chest to his limbs, heating up his entire body.
“Observe…” “It's evident you have a strong fondness for this…”
“Be silent!” Zuo Shaoqing snapped, enfolding Lu Zheng's neck closely with his embrace.
Merely a scant amount of hot water remained in the bucket. Lu Zheng should have periodically reheated it to prevent it from cooling completely. However, the confined space couldn't endure the tumult of the two men.
Zuo Xiaolang lay in bed, awaiting his father. He heard his father's stifled sobs and tossed about uncertainly, unsure whether to rush over to assist.
He hesitated, sensing this wasn't the first occurrence. It seemed reminiscent of past dreams, which didn't strike him as unpleasant.
When Lu Zheng brought back Zuo Shaoqing, the latter was clad only in an oversized coat, his cheeks flushed as he nestled tightly against Lu Zheng's chest.
“Considering the abundance of rooms, shouldn't we allow Lil Thing to sleep separately?” Lu Zheng glanced at the lump on the bed, inquiring.
“After a few days, once he's acclimated here, then he can sleep alone. Assigning a night attendant will suffice.” Zuo Shaoqing had no intention to spoil Zuo Xiaolang; he simply worried the boy might struggle to adjust and sleep soundly in this new environment.
Lu Zheng received the response. Although not what he desired, he glimpsed hope and didn't protest.
The trio rested briefly until a knock sounded at the door, signaling that dinner awaited.
Exhausted from being tossed around by Lu Zheng, Zuo Shaoqing had no desire to move; he merely waved his hand, cocooned himself in the blanket, and returned to slumber.
As a representative of the Cao Sect, Lu Zheng felt obliged to make an appearance. Thus, he dressed Zuo Xiaolang, who was nestled in Zuo Shaoqing's arms, and prepared to attend the banquet.
Zuo Xiaolang was carried from the room by Wu Tie, muttering to himself in the language he had recently learned, “Descend… Go by yourself!”
After closing the door, thereby obscuring his view of the room's interior, Lu Zheng deposited him on the ground and silently departed, hands clasped behind his back.
Zuo Xiaolang trotted to catch up, but his short legs and recent mastery of walking hindered him. Ultimately, he reverted to a quadrupedal gait, reminiscent of a wolf, before finally catching up to Lu Zheng.
Bending his head with a frown, Lu Zheng lifted him once more. However, this time, he didn't handle him roughly; instead, he embraced him gently with one arm, surprising Zuo Xiaolang.
Yet, the surprise lasted only a moment. Zuo Xiaolang remained preoccupied, neither focusing on eating nor preparing for a fight. While he refrained from emulating Zuo Shaoqing, he also didn't exhibit any vigilance.
Contrarily, the official inside remained composed. Most of the officials had dispersed, returning to their residences, leaving only the Prefect seated in the back hall, engaged in discussion with a select few trusted aides.
“Master, should we release the two ships affiliated with the Cao Sect first?”
Lin Zhihao appeared conflicted, his chubby cheeks quivering. He gulped down a mouthful of tea before responding, “No. Even if Master Lu makes inquiries, I'll adhere to protocol. What can he do to me?”
“But…,” the Grand Master hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his brow, “My Lord, we bear no grudge against the Cao Sect. This sudden action may lead Master Lu to suspect ulterior motives.”
“Master Lu's actions caused the demise of my teacher's family. This official… cannot overlook this injustice!” Lin Zhihao clenched his teeth, voicing his determination.
Internally, the Grand Master reflected: The downfall of the Zeng Family wasn't solely orchestrated by Master Lu; sooner or later, his descendants would face similar fates. Yet, he dared not voice such sentiments in Prefect Lin's presence.
Meanwhile, a clerk also interjected, “My Lord, severing ties with Master Lu isn't wise. Rumor has it that he plans to stay in Crane City for a while longer, ensuring our paths will cross again. It's imprudent!”
“Then what course of action do you propose? The die has been cast, and I fear the die has been cast!” Lin Zhihao recognized his impulsiveness. Upon hearing of his teacher's family's misfortune, confusion and anger clouded his judgment.
The clerk rolled his eyes, lowering his voice, “My Lord, as a subordinate, rather than awaiting retribution from Master Lu in Crane City, it would be prudent to prepare for departure from here as swiftly as possible.”
Lin Zhihao wasn't devoid of intelligence. His eyes gleamed as he inquired, “Any news from the capital? If the governor's position there is indeed vacant, I shall exert every effort.”
Following the Zeng Family debacle, the capital's governor faced allegations of neglecting duty, although he managed to retain his position, albeit with imminent demotion.
Despite the capital's intricate politics being less accommodating than those of Crane City, diligent performance promised greater prospects.
The clerk narrowed his eyes, smiling as he responded, “Sir, we mustn't idly await news. Travel from the capital will consume at least ten days. By the time tidings reach us, it may be too late.”
Lin Zhihao promptly rose to his feet. “You're correct. I'm concerned this return might be fraught with complications… Thankfully, I have some connections with Tutor Jiang. I'll dispatch someone to assess the situation at the Jiang Family.”
“And what about Master Lu?”
“Master Lu only just arrived today. He must rest without disturbance. Tomorrow, we'll summon the Crane City Official to escort him safely.”
The chief clerk and Grand Master breathed a collective sigh of relief.
That evening, Lu Zheng received a message from the covert guard, who issued a specific directive, “Merely observe future developments. Refrain from intervening.”
“Understood.” A shadowy figure vanished from the room, prompting Zuo Xiaolang, wide-eyed, to exclaim in surprise.
Lu Zheng's voice lowered sharply, “Quiet!” She cast him a stern glance. “Sleep!”
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