Zhong Li looked at the man opposite her with sudden understanding and said, "You are Ah Qi's..."
"Ah Qi is called Ah Qi because he is the seventh child in the family, and I am his elder brother," Ah Wu replied.
Zhong Li now understood why Ah Wu looked so familiar.
"At that time, my brother was caught up in the case of the Heir of Prince Xian's estate. He feared he would be implicated and planned to seek refuge with me. However, he was captured by the Heir midway. I thought Ah Qi would have to take the blame for some influential figures. Our family had already started preparing for his funeral. Who knew that it was Prefect Zhong who solved the case, and Ah Qi was able to continue his post in Prince Xian's estate." As Ah Wu spoke, his gaze towards Zhong Li was filled with gratitude.
Zhong Li shook her head. "I only seek the truth. You don't need to thank me."
"No!" Ah Wu interrupted Zhong Li's modesty. "I live in the Jinzhou naval camp and have seen too many instances of people bullying others. I am truly grateful to Prefect Zhong that Ah Qi was able to clear his name."
Zhong Li curled her lips, not refusing this time.
In her opinion, solving cases was simply her duty. However, for this man, who had grown up enslaved in a feudal society, having fairness and justice was the most precious thing. Their views were different, and it was impossible to convince him otherwise.
"Now Ah Qi has become a small steward in the Heir's courtyard, and his monthly salary has increased considerably. Therefore, Prefect Zhong is our family's benefactor." Seeing that she had accepted his words gracefully, Ah Wu continued with his thanks.
"Is that so? That's wonderful. Your lives will get better and better," Zhong Li said.
Ah Wu nodded and stood up, walking towards the lookout.
After a moment, his eyes lit up, and he said to Zhong Li, "My lord, there seem to be ships ahead. They look like our people."
Zhong Li had been feeling rather drowsy. After all, these past few days, from combat to salvaging the bodies of rebel soldiers, she had been working day and night. Catching even a short nap was a luxury. Hearing Ah Wu's shout, she instantly perked up, quickly stood, and rushed towards the lookout.
Indeed, about three nautical miles away, a樓船 (lóuchuán - a multi-story ship) was slowly approaching.
She narrowed her eyes, trying hard to make out the characters written on the樓船's sail. When she saw the character '陆' (Lu), her heart tightened. Could it be... Lu Wuxie?
Three nautical miles, which seemed far, was mere moments away.
Zhong Li stood on the deck, watching the man slowly approaching from the樓船 opposite.
Clad in a black tight-fitting outfit, his golden outer cloak rippled gently in the sea breeze. His slightly messy dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, reminding her of a modern poem: He walked as if from a sea of clouds, like the wind, like the waves, bringing hope and shimmering light amidst the vast misty expanse.
"Li'er." Zhong Li's thoughts were interrupted by a deep call.
She looked up, and before she could react, she felt her waist tighten. A wave of warmth, accompanied by the rich scent of dragon's saliva, entered her mouth. In the entanglement and lingering intimacy, unspoken longing and worry were conveyed.
"Mmm..." Zhong Li felt a little short of breath. She wanted to resist but could only endure the dizziness and the overwhelming, lava-like heat lingering on her lips and teeth.
Her hands pressed against his chest, wanting to resist yet feeling a hint of reluctance and surrender.
With every breath, accompanied by a tremor in his voice, she could only close her eyes and endure it all.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhong Li became sensitive enough to hear the hushed whispers and laughter of the surrounding soldiers. Only then did she realize what was happening and pushed the man away with all her might.
"Lu Wuxie, you..." she said, her face red as she covered her mouth, complaining playfully. But as her gaze met the man's eyes, all her words were swallowed.
Lu Wuxie's eyes held no lust, but rather suppressed emotion, worry, and pain.
Zhong Li froze, bit her lip, unsure of what to say. The next moment, she felt herself being pulled closer again, her body enclosed in his embrace.
"Li'er, thank goodness you're alright." Lu Wuxie's voice was hoarse and anxious.
Zhong Li's hands, hanging at her sides, trembled slightly. Slowly, she raised them to embrace him back. "I'm sorry, I should have informed..."
"Shhh." Lu Wuxie shook his head, burying his face in her neck, pleading, "Let me hold you like this, just for a moment, really! Just for a moment."
Zhong Li pursed her lips and remained silent, ignoring the curious gazes of those around her, allowing him to hold her like this.
After an unknown period, she felt her shoulders growing heavier. When she came to her senses, the man in her arms had fallen asleep on her, his forehead feeling a bit warm.
"Prefect Zhong." Lin Jin, who had been following Lu Wuxie, approached her and said, "The Heir just returned from Xiaoyudao. He sustained a minor injury and hadn't had time to seek medical attention. He heard you were missing and came to find you without closing his eyes. He must be tired now."
Zhong Li lowered her gaze to Lu Wuxie's small abdomen, hidden beneath his outer cloak, which was injured and crusted with dried blood. She said to Lin Jin, "It will still take some time to return to Jinzhou. Please help carry him into the cabin."
"Yes!" Lin Jin quickly cupped his hands in acknowledgment and help. At the same time, Ah Wu and the others reacted, starting to bustle about – some to fetch hot water, others to prepare bandages and wound medicine.
Zhong Li, supporting Lu Wuxie, walked along, gazing at the sea horizon bathed in the setting sun. A smile unconsciously curved her lips.
-------------------------------------
The next morning.
Zhong Li arrived at the Jinzhou port at the Mao hour (around 5-7 AM).
After tidying up her affairs, she dressed and prepared to disembark.
"Li'er!"
Just as her foot stepped out of the cabin, a voice called out from outside.
Zhong Li looked up. Lan Heng stood outside, looking at her. There were dark circles under his eyes; he must not have slept all night.
"Lord Lan..."
"Let me speak!" Lan Heng interrupted before Zhong Li could finish her sentence.
Zhong Li closed her lips and remained silent.
Lan Heng's Adam's apple bobbed. His thin lips parted after a long pause. "Last night, I was interrogating Zuo Teng. Earlier, I heard that you led a group of elites to stop the Marquis Deputy General's secret guards. I was just preparing a ship to look for you when I heard the news of your return. I'm sorry... I'm late."
Zhong Li shook her head. "It's alright, I..."
"Li'er!" Zhong Li's words were interrupted again. Lan Heng's expression tightened slightly, and after swallowing several times, he said, "I haven't finished speaking."
Zhong Li pursed her lips, indicating for him to continue.
"Before, regarding you, I admit I had good feelings. Earlier, when I heard you might be in danger, I realized my feelings clearly. In my heart..."
"What about Lord Lan's heart?" This time it was Lan Heng who was interrupted.
Lan Heng heard a male voice that he least wanted to hear at that moment. His expression turned stiff as he looked towards the source of the voice.
He saw Lu Wuxie sitting shirtless on a nearby bed, looking intently at him. The provocation in his eyes was something only men could understand.
Lan Heng narrowed his eyes and shifted his gaze to Zhong Li.
Zhong Li bit her lip and thought for a moment. "The Heir was ill and injured when he came to find me, so I let him sleep in the temporary room I was using."
"So..." Lan Heng raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to finish.
Zhong Li looked directly at Lan Heng and said, "Lord Lan, what you were about to say, I understand."
She pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and said, "But my heart is already taken, and I have no feelings for Lord Lan. I suggest you stop investing your efforts in me."