Chapter 224: Chapter 99 Fiancé_4
He shook his head and smiled briefly, and when he looked up again, his expression had adopted an indifferent facade, and he turned to leave in another direction.
...
Pei Yunmeng returned to the Palace Marshal’s Mansion.
In the small courtyard of the Palace Marshal’s Mansion, Zhizi lay sleeping under a tree, with light shining through the door. As soon as he entered, Xiao Zhufeng stepped out to greet him.
The usually stern and reticent man showed rare signs of anxiety on his face and asked, "How did it go?"
"Caught him," Pei Yunmeng said as he walked further inside, "Let’s talk inside."
A plate of red oranges sat on the table, adding a lively touch to the otherwise somber room.
Xiao Zhufeng turned and closed the door. When he turned back, Pei Yunmeng had already taken a seat and casually tossed an orange from one hand to the other, saying, "You’ve worked hard tonight, your actions were very swift."
The assassin, Wang Shan, who attempted to kill Lu Tong, was the one Xiao Zhufeng had ordered to be investigated. In fact, as soon as Lu Tong had left the Prince’s Mansion today, Meng Xiyang had started to make moves. Xiao Zhufeng had ordered strict surveillance outside the Prince’s Mansion, and before Wang Shan could act, Xiao Zhufeng already had his family background determined.
It was debatable whether or not it was foolish of Meng Xiyang to use a hitman with a family to carry out the murder. After all, people with vulnerabilities tend to be easier to extract information from. Either way, it was for the best, as it would make handling subsequent matters smoother.
Xiao Zhufeng sat down beside the table, also picking up an orange. The red peel emitted a tangy citrus fragrance, sour yet refreshing. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Why insist on using the Military Inspection House?"
The Patrol House did not have many hands, and typically dealt with fires, thefts, and the like. Homicides were somewhat out of their expertise.
"What, send him to the Department of Criminal & Justice instead? The Commandery Prince’s Mansion would hear about it in less than an incense stick’s time. Do you think we could still keep it under wraps?" said Pei Yunmeng with a hint of scorn.
Xiao Zhufeng did not respond. That was indeed true; Shengjing’s officials had their own connections, and in fear of offending someone, they would tip each other off in case of trouble.
Pei Yunmeng said, "Don’t worry, this time it will be cleanly handled." He glanced at Xiao Zhufeng again and tossed him a red orange, then added, "So, you really have no intentions of striving to become my brother-in-law?"
Xiao Zhufeng was silent.
"Coward," he sneered.
Xiao Zhufeng was about to speak when someone knocked on the door. Pei Yunmeng answered, and Duan Xiaoyan came in holding a military roster, which he placed on the shelf.
Pei Yunmeng then continued the previous topic, encouraging, "If you have someone in mind, you should go after her."
Xiao Zhufeng glanced at him, "Do you have someone in mind?"
"Not at the moment."
Duan Xiaoyan leaned over, "Speaking of having someone in mind, the palace maid sisters from Huanhua Court were asking about you today while I was on duty. This plate of oranges was a gift from them." He felt obliged to seek a satisfactory answer due to accepting a favor, "Brother, what kind of girl do you like? Tell us about it."
Xiao Zhufeng also looked his way.
"Why is everyone asking me that today," Pei Yunmeng laughed.
After a moment of thought, he slowly said, "Someone a bit brave."
Xiao Zhufeng asked, "What do you mean by ’brave’?"
Pei Yunmeng leaned back in his chair and spoke leisurely, "In the Imperial Guards, swords and spears don’t have eyes. Should I look for a partner, I’d hope for someone who wouldn’t be scared to see me hurt, but would instead dress my wounds."
"It’d be even better if she were a bit heartless, so she wouldn’t be too saddened if I died one day."
Xiao Zhufeng commented, "I see, you’re looking for a mortician."
Pei Yunmeng looked down and smiled, "Perhaps."
Duan Xiaoyan’s eyes widened, "From what you’re saying, Doctor Lu fits the bill perfectly! Not only could she take care of your body, she could also seek revenge for you!"
Pei Yunmeng shot him a glance, and Duan Xiaoyan coughed lightly, "I didn’t mean it as a curse."
Xiao Zhufeng put down the orange he was holding, went to the desk to fetch paper and pen, and set them before Pei Yunmeng.
Duan Xiaoyan looked puzzled, "What’s this for?"
Pei Yunmeng picked up the pen.
"To write a petition, of course," he said.