Qian Shipeng's identity as a foreign spy, if exposed, would surely lead him to seek revenge on the implicated Prefect Pang. However, with Prefect Pang currently imprisoned and no opportunity to act, Qian Shipeng's misplaced anger towards Madam Pang was understandable.
The most vicious revenge a man could inflict upon another was to cuckold him. Once Qian Shipeng escaped, even if Prefect Pang were not beheaded for Prefect Zhang's death, the humiliation of his wife would likely drive him to spit out a mouthful of blood in rage.
The next day, after finishing her morning studies, Zhan Feiyu glanced out the window. "A Nuan, is Lord Yao available?"
"A minor official just reported that Lord Yao is resting in his study," He Nuan replied, taking out the tea from the cabinet. It was the first flush of new tea before the Qingming Festival, sent by Seventh Master a few days prior, and a token of gratitude for Lord Yao.
In the study, Xiao Zimo was also brewing tea, muttering softly, "My lord, Miss Zhan is quite particular. The broth for her noodles was made from seven or eight kinds of ingredients, all for a single bowl of noodles. She might not appreciate my tea."
Lord Yao, who was reading, glanced at the disgruntled Xiao Zimo. "She is merely a guest; why fuss over such matters?"
"Tea counteracts the medicinal properties," Xiao Zimo recalled his wife's instructions before he left. Ginseng should not be taken with tea.
Previously, even when Lord Zheng and others were present, his lord had consumed ginseng tea. However, due to his regard for Zhan Feiyu, Lord Yao had instructed Xiao Zimo to brew black tea for guests.
Upon hearing the report from the minor official outside, Lord Yao rose and asked Xiao Zimo to greet the guest at the door. After all, he was a second-rank official of the court, and rising was already a sign of his respect and courtesy towards Zhan Feiyu.
"Lord Yao, student Zhan Feiyu presumes to disturb you," Zhan Feiyu bowed respectfully to Lord Yao.
Although his expression remained as stern as ever, Lord Yao's eyes held a hint of gentleness. "Miss Zhan, please do not be so formal. Have a seat."
Bypassing pleasantries and greetings, Zhan Feiyu's first purpose in coming was to thank Lord Yao for his assistance. Otherwise, He Nuan would still be languishing in prison, especially since Qian Shipeng's case was not yet concluded.
"Lord Yao, forgive my presumption, but what is Prefect Pang's statement regarding Qian Shipeng's death?" This was Zhan Feiyu's second objective for the visit.
Xiao Zimo, who was waiting nearby, was taken aback. He frowned and glanced at Zhan Feiyu. It was said that this young girl was a prodigy with a talent for studies, but now she seemed to be an impetuous child, openly inquiring about a case.
Lord Yao was also surprised, but his expression remained unreadable. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Both Prefect Zhang's case and Qian Shipeng's death are still under investigation."
Lord Yao showed Zhan Feiyu a measure of respect for two reasons: firstly, he truly valued talent. Lord Yao himself came from a humble background and had a consistent preference for impoverished scholars who pursued their studies diligently. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu, at such a young age, had already achieved the "Little Triple Crown," and Xiao Zibai had also provided a report.
Qian Shipeng's identity as a foreign spy, if exposed, would surely lead him to seek revenge on the implicated Prefect Pang. However, with Prefect Pang currently imprisoned and no opportunity to act, Qian Shipeng's misplaced anger towards Madam Pang was understandable.
The most vicious revenge a man could inflict upon another was to cuckold him. Once Qian Shipeng escaped, even if Prefect Pang were not beheaded for Prefect Zhang's death, the humiliation of his wife would likely drive him to spit out a mouthful of blood in rage.
The next day, after finishing her morning studies, Zhan Feiyu glanced out the window. "A Nuan, is Lord Yao available?"
"A minor official just reported that Lord Yao is resting in his study," He Nuan replied, taking out the tea from the cabinet. It was the first flush of new tea before the Qingming Festival, sent by Seventh Master a few days prior, and a token of gratitude for Lord Yao.
In the study, Xiao Zimo was also brewing tea, muttering softly, "My lord, Miss Zhan is quite particular. The broth for her noodles was made from seven or eight kinds of ingredients, all for a single bowl of noodles. She might not appreciate my tea."
Lord Yao, who was reading, glanced at the disgruntled Xiao Zimo. "She is merely a guest; why fuss over such matters?"
"Tea counteracts the medicinal properties," Xiao Zimo recalled his wife's instructions before he left. Ginseng should not be taken with tea.
Previously, even when Lord Zheng and others were present, his lord had consumed ginseng tea. However, due to his regard for Zhan Feiyu, Lord Yao had instructed Xiao Zimo to brew black tea for guests.
Upon hearing the report from the minor official outside, Lord Yao rose and asked Xiao Zimo to greet the guest at the door. After all, he was a second-rank official of the court, and rising was already a sign of his respect and courtesy towards Zhan Feiyu.
"Lord Yao, student Zhan Feiyu presumes to disturb you," Zhan Feiyu bowed respectfully to Lord Yao.
Although his expression remained as stern as ever, Lord Yao's eyes held a hint of gentleness. "Miss Zhan, please do not be so formal. Have a seat."
Bypassing pleasantries and greetings, Zhan Feiyu's first purpose in coming was to thank Lord Yao for his assistance. Otherwise, He Nuan would still be languishing in prison, especially since Qian Shipeng's case was not yet concluded.
"Lord Yao, forgive my presumption, but what is Prefect Pang's statement regarding Qian Shipeng's death?" This was Zhan Feiyu's second objective for the visit.
Xiao Zimo, who was waiting nearby, was taken aback. He frowned and glanced at Zhan Feiyu. It was said that this young girl was a prodigy with a talent for studies, but now she seemed to be an impetuous child, openly inquiring about a case.
Lord Yao was also surprised, but his expression remained unreadable. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Both Prefect Zhang's case and Qian Shipeng's death are still under investigation."
Lord Yao showed Zhan Feiyu a measure of respect for two reasons: firstly, he truly valued talent. Lord Yao himself came from a humble background and had a consistent preference for impoverished scholars who pursued their studies diligently. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu, at such a young age, had already achieved the "Little Triple Crown," and Xiao Zibai had also provided a report.
Xiao Zimo, who was waiting nearby, was taken aback. He frowned and glanced at Zhan Feiyu. It was said that this young girl was a prodigy with a talent for studies, but now she seemed to be an impetuous child, openly inquiring about a case.
Lord Yao was also surprised, but his expression remained unreadable. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Both Prefect Zhang's case and Qian Shipeng's death are still under investigation."
Lord Yao showed Zhan Feiyu a measure of respect for two reasons: firstly, he truly valued talent. Lord Yao himself came from a humble background and had a consistent preference for impoverished scholars who pursued their studies diligently. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu, at such a young age, had already achieved the "Little Triple Crown," and Xiao Zibai had also provided a report.