As Fu Laiqing left, he could distinctly sense a change in how people talked about Song Jinxiu. Although they still acted disdainful, unwilling to associate with him, their expressions softened. Even Sir He and the others, who had earlier been riled up against Song Jinxiu, no longer brought up the accusation that he had "acted superior and reprimanded them."
Fu Laiqing felt like he had shot himself in the foot. After work, he ran into Cao Dejiang and vented his frustration.
Cao Dejiang wasn’t amused by his sulky demeanor. “What happened this time?”
In a hushed tone, Fu Laiqing recounted the events of the day. By the time he finished, he received only one word in response: “Idiot.”
Seeing Fu Laiqing’s indignant glare, Cao Dejiang huffed, “What else can you call it but stupidity? Everyone knows Song Jinxiu betrayed his old friends, sold out the Lu family, and even abandoned his own father to get reinstated. Do you think anyone needs you to remind them?”
“Those working with Song Jinxiu in the Secretariat are all shrewd enough to keep their distance. They’ll isolate him, exclude him from duties, and avoid getting too close. If Song Jinxiu tried to explain himself, no one would bother listening; they’d only think him more hypocritical.”
“But you? You handed him a stage to defend himself, and he made full use of it.”
Fu Laiqing retorted, “So what if he explained himself? No one will believe him anyway…”
“You don’t get it!” Cao Dejiang smacked Fu Laiqing on the back of the head, forcing him to lower his neck. “He doesn’t need anyone to believe him. He can’t deny what he’s done. But there’s a world of difference between being coerced and acting willingly. He presented himself as a victim of circumstance. The Song family implicated him, and Lu Zhizhong betrayed him first.”
“By appealing to sympathy for his plight, he paints himself as ruthless toward the Lu family but protective of someone like Xie Yin, someone who once shared camaraderie with him. Even if only a few people are moved by his words, thinking he might not be entirely heartless, or wondering how they’d fare in his position, it’s only a matter of time before he regains acceptance.”
Cao Dejiang glared at Fu Laiqing.
“You in the Ministry of Personnel rarely get along with the Secretariat. You barely step into their side of the palace every ten days, so what drew you there today? And how is it you overheard Song Jinxiu’s remarks so perfectly? Use that pig brain of yours to think it through.”
Fu Laiqing froze. He had gone to the Secretariat after hearing rumors that Song Jinxiu had been involved in an argument, hoping to catch the spectacle. Now, recalling the events, Fu Laiqing cursed, “That bastard! He played me?!”
Cao Dejiang shot him a look. “Song Jinxiu went through prison and came out unscathed. He’s not the man he used to be. Escaping that ordeal intact proves he’s capable.”
“I know you’ve hated him since childhood and that you’re especially agitated because of the County Mistress. But court politics is no place for personal vendettas. If you keep being so impulsive, you’ll end up as someone’s pawn.”
Fu Laiqing’s jaw dropped. “Granduncle, how did you know—”
“Your little schemes are obvious. Even your grandmother could see through you, let alone me.” Cao Dejiang scoffed. “You want to impress the girl? Fine. Do something worthwhile. Stop this petty backstabbing. You think stomping on Song Jinxiu will make the County Mistress look favorably upon you?”
“Let me tell you something: that County Mistress isn’t some narrow-minded little girl. If she saw you trying to win her over by stepping on Song Jinxiu, she’d probably think you’re just a petty opportunist. Think about it—what respectable man spends his energy hounding someone already down on their luck?”
“Would you be impressed by someone who acts like a vindictive bully?”
Fu Laiqing paled at Cao Dejiang’s words. He had indeed been trying to impress Song Tangning by targeting Song Jinxiu, assuming she would resent him. But now, Cao Dejiang’s sharp words struck like a lightning bolt, jolting him awake.
Seeing Fu Laiqing hang his head, deflated, Cao Dejiang pulled him along. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Fu Laiqing blinked. “Go where?”
“To Jiyun Lane, of course.”
Fu Laiqing looked up in surprise.
“I agreed with the County Mistress to visit her estate to discuss some matters. You’re coming with me.”
Fu Laiqing’s mood did a complete turnaround. He threw his arms around Cao Dejiang, shouting, “Thank you, Granduncle! You’re the best!”
“Get off me!” Cao Dejiang barked, swatting him away.
Fu Laiqing hadn’t seen Song Tangning in days. The gifts he had asked Lady Fu to deliver were all politely returned. With no valid excuse to visit her, he had been left to stew in disappointment. Now, with the chance to accompany Cao Dejiang on an official visit, he was practically skipping with excitement.
When they arrived at Tangning Manor, Fu Laiqing smoothed his hair and dusted off his robes, fidgeting nervously as they walked through the courtyard. But as soon as he spotted Song Tangning sitting beside none other than Xiao Yan, clad in dark blue court robes, he turned pale.
“Lord Cao, Young Master Fu,” Song Tangning rose and greeted them warmly. “What brings you here at this hour?”
“I came to discuss the vice principal position at the academy you asked about. Someone fitting is arriving in the capital soon, and I thought you’d want to know. And after hearing about the commotion at Cheng Wang’s estate last night, this boy insisted on tagging along, worried about your safety.”
Cao Dejiang, ever candid, didn’t bother hiding Fu Laiqing’s motives. He then turned to Xiao Yan and asked, “But what brings the Chief Supervisor here?”
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow coolly. “Is it strange for me to be here?”
Cao Dejiang chuckled. “Not at all. But with the Cheng Wang case unfolding and so many officials imprisoned, I assumed you’d be busy.”
“The Criminal Tribunal is handling the case. Those imprisoned have their own processes. If everything required my attention, what use would the tribunal serve?” Xiao Yan replied, his voice sharp and cold. “I’ve been working tirelessly, and only now managed to rest a little. It’s just my luck that Lord Cao arrived.”
And brought along this annoying puppy.
Cao Dejiang blinked. “Why does that sound like sarcasm?”
He studied Xiao Yan but saw only the usual impassive demeanor. They had worked together before and had no personal grievances. Why did it feel like Xiao Yan was mocking him?
Dismissing his thoughts, Cao Dejiang smiled. “My apologies. If I’d known you were here, I would have come another time.”
“Shall I have someone escort you both out?” Xiao Yan replied flatly.
Cao Dejiang: “???”
Song Tangning: “???”
Xiao Yan’s expression remained neutral, though his sharp glance at Fu Laiqing betrayed his irritation. Meeting Song Tangning’s confused gaze, he softened his tone. “Just a joke.”
Fu Laiqing’s back stiffened. That was no joke. He wants to kill me!
===============
You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
🤣🤣 overflowing vinegar jar!
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