Chapter 58: Incitement

  In the dead of night, An Wei informed Fei Wu who was waiting in the study that through checking the county government's household registration and asking the local security guards, they had figured out Xuan Xu's background. Xuan Xu's original surname was Zhu, with a single name Xi, but he disliked the meaning of the character Xi, so he called himself Xuan Xu outside. His origin was very clean, his parents had passed away, leaving behind a substantial inheritance, and he traveled extensively to learn various skills, while the family's fields were managed by old servants.

  Fei Ni carefully examined the copy of the household register that An Wei had secretly brought back and asked some questions in detail. In the end, she didn't find any flaws. "Where is he now?"

  An Wei replied: "The family slave said he went to Changping Prefecture to do business and took the opportunity to pay respects to his master and learn from him."

  Fei Yi glanced at the hourglass and realized that it was already late, so he hurried out to meet Min An. He held a lantern in his hand and led a horse out of the door, and the guards on duty didn't dare to stop him, let alone ask about the purpose of his midnight outing. Fei Yi walked for a moment before seeing Min An stumbling towards him with his left arm supported, and he quickly rushed over to support his shoulder, asking: "Who hurt you?"

  Min An wiped away the sweat on his forehead and smiled bitterly: "It's late at night, I tripped while walking and accidentally hurt my arm, it's nothing serious."

  Fei Yunli listened carefully to the movements around them and frowned, saying: "Where is the Dark Guard who was with you?"

  Min An bit her lip and didn't speak. Fei Yi couldn't help but coldly shout: "Tell the truth!" Min An then deliberately said lightly: "The prince found me to chat for a couple of sentences, asking me to be more careful with my behavior, not to tarnish the reputation of the young master."

  He didn't even change his clothes, and with a clear mind, he deduced that the place where his father was waiting for him was still at the county government office. He walked straight towards the street on the east side. Min An hastily pulled him back, pleading: "If you go to reason with the king again, I'll be the one who suffers next time, please let this matter pass."

  "This matter won't pass, normally he scolds me and I can ignore it, but now he's actually provoking someone by my side, no matter what, I'll have to teach him a lesson."

  Min An used his right hand to tightly grab Fei Yi's clothes, saying that disobeying his father was unfilial, and managed to persuade him. Min An exerted so much force that his left shoulder and forearm hurt severely, causing Fei Yi to want to lift up his robe on the spot to take a look at his injuries.

  Min An shook his head: "Go back to the hospital and I'll put on the medicine myself. Don't come over, I'm not very used to others touching me."

  Fei Yi saw Min An's determined expression, didn't say anything, helped him onto the horse, and led the reins back. The night wind was cool, Fei Yi took off his outer cloak and wrapped it around Min An, turned his head and continued to think about his worries, calculating how to get this account back from his father without letting Min An be implicated again.

  Min An sat crookedly on the horse, smelling the fragrance of clothes from Fei Yi's outer garment, feeling warmth in his heart as well. He glanced at Fei Yi, who was walking steadily with both shoulders even and able to block out a gust of cold wind. Min An finally shifted his attention away from his injured hand and realized that Fei Yi had been quiet the whole way, so he couldn't help but ask: "Are you angry?"

  "What's wrong?"

  Min An wrapped her clothes tightly and said with a gulp: "I just said, don't let outsiders touch, it's not that I'm looking down on you or anything."

  He didn't turn his head and said lightly, "Do you still insist on thinking of yourself as a young master at this point?"

  Min An was at a loss for words and sound. He held his breath for half a day before he thought of asking: "You've said many times that I couldn't tell men from women... when did you realize that I'm actually..." The two words 'young lady' still didn't have the courage to come out.

  Fei Yi had already figured out his own feelings for Min An, so he answered straightforwardly: "That rainy night when you burst into my room and said some nonsense, I started to suspect. Later, I asked Master, and Master told me the truth, also asking me to keep it a secret."

  Min An wiped away the sweat of fright and hastily asked: "Does, does the young master know?"

  Fei Leng Dan said indifferently: "The young master always has one or two strange habits that ordinary people can't understand, I think he probably doesn't know yet, so he keeps driving you to his place."

  Min An secretly let out a sigh of relief, thinking that he should keep a distance from now on. At this time, Fei Yi turned her head and looked at him, saying: "If you don't want to stir up more trouble, you'd better be more careful in the future and stay away from the young master."

  Min Anji nodded in agreement. Fei Yan turned his face, revealing a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, and said lightly: "We two are from the same school, just follow some rules of our school, as for those worldly courtesies and miscellaneous etiquette, if we can avoid them, then let's avoid them, don't force it out to affect our fraternal relationship."

  Min An scratched his head: "What are the conventional courtesy and etiquette that Fei Yi was talking about?"

  "For example, if I were to apply medicine to your wound for you, you would be too embarrassed, and use the excuse that men and women should not have close contact with each other to repeatedly reject me, which would humiliate our relationship as fellow disciples."

  "Oh."

  "Besides, if I advise you to shirk the errand in front of the young master and hurry to Changping Prefecture to find your teacher, let your teacher take a look at your injury, then you can't refuse me, and don't ignore my concern for you."

  "Oh."

  Min Anyi answered and felt inappropriate, so he hurriedly said: "The second item is not feasible. I have to go to the world's son today to listen to the training."

  "Why?"

  Min An thought back to what Li Peinan said to him in the carriage on his way back to the inn, and didn't think it was a big deal, so he told Fei Yi out of a sense of camaraderie, and also mentioned that he was still tense about it, asking Fei Yi for advice.

  Fei Yi thought to herself, Fortunately, she had come to pick him up and used her master's name to add some intimacy, otherwise, with his personality of loving to leave half a sentence unsaid, it would be really hard to get him to reveal what he was thinking.

  Fei Yi still remembered that in Min An's mouth, he couldn't get an example of the origin of Xuan Xu, and he wasn't anxious to cut off Xuan Xu at this moment. He felt that the current urgency was to deal with Li Peinan's affairs first.

  "Are you aware of how ruthless the young master is when punishing his subordinates?"

  Min An nodded without hesitation. Fei Yi never turned his head, controlling the rhythm of his voice as if he were detached from the situation and judging it objectively, which also made Min An feel a sense of trust.

  "The young master has never been particular about the law, but he is strict in teaching his subordinates and servants, so that they dare not make trouble outside, and the reputation of the young master's mansion is preserved." Fei Yi said, " Outsiders all say that the young master's mansion is more strictly managed than the palace. Normally, you must not enter the young master's mansion to work as a servant."

  Min An nodded again. Fei continued, "The young master doesn't like to talk much, but he's particular about people being afraid of him, especially those who answer questions with their heads down, which is considered extremely disrespectful. So no matter what he says during the day, you should agree with him, even if you don't understand, just remain calm."

  "Didn't understand but agreed?"

  Fei's face fell slightly as he smiled faintly: "Yes. Don't worry that he will punish you from behind, because he only disciplines disobedient subordinates and doesn't have the heart to deal with smooth-talking followers like you. If you try this a few times, the young master will lose patience with you and stop pushing you to do things, and you'll also be able to gain some convenience."

  Min An sat on his horse for half a day, his body slowly tilting to one side, still unaware. "Is this all right?"

  "Think about it, have I ever deceived you before?"

  "No."

  "That's it, with this method, you can't go wrong."

  Min An lightly sighed: "Actually, after seeing the young master, I was worried that he would ask me to do something and whether I would make a mistake. Where did he go thinking, what does his words really mean?"

  During the days when Min An stayed in the Hanguan, whenever he lowered his head and didn't speak, Li Peinan would inevitably glare at him with disdain, as if releasing a leopard to intimidate him. So, as soon as someone came up with an idea that should be responded to, Min An would nod along, but in his heart, he couldn't agree anymore.

  The horse's hooves were light and gentle, and neither of them spoke. Fei Yi supported Min An's body, protecting him as they arrived at the outer wall of the rear courtyard. Following his wishes, she let him climb over the wall while she led the horse in through the front gate. Min An returned to the bamboo house, washed himself with hot water, and was just about to cut open his sleeve to apply medicine when Fei Yi visited again, carrying a lantern.

  Fei Yi knew that Min An's one-handed movements were inconvenient, and insisted on helping him apply the medicine. Min An reluctantly agreed. Fei Yi maintained a gentlemanly demeanor, closing his eyes and carefully feeling his way through with both hands, gently applying the medicine to Min An and bandaging him up. Min An looked at Fei Yi's calm expression and managed to avoid feeling embarrassed. He thought to himself that it would be better to go to Master's side sooner rather than later, and have Master treat his injuries, which would be more reassuring.

  After finishing, Fei Yi smiled slightly at Min An: "If you're not used to it, remember to go to Changping Fu to find Master earlier."

  Min An couldn't help but say: "Fei Yi has simply drilled into my belly, knowing everything I think."

  Fei Yi smiled and left, knowing that she had thoroughly convinced Min An. She didn't go to Min An's side to keep watch during the day.

  Min An fell asleep and had a good dream. Before he woke up, the voice of Zhang Fang, the captain of the guards, came from outside the door: "Young master, come out quickly to help!"

  Min An rubbed his eyes and got up, opening the door to ask what was going on. Zhang Fang said that the young master had been searching the inn since early morning for King Wang's informant, leaking all sorts of big and small news, and soon found one of King Wang's personally planted soldiers, dragging him to the second floor. As usual, the young master would beat him until he was half dead.

  Min An and the guards had gambled together before, so they were familiar with each other. Hearing Zhang Fang's urgent tone, Min An's face turned pale. "Big Brother Zhang wants me to persuade Young Master, but I don't have any say in front of him."

  Zhang Fang anxiously pushed Min An's shoulder, causing Min An's injury to relapse. "You go take a look at Zong Cheng, General Li doesn't even dare to go upstairs."

  Min An hastily washed and dressed in a slightly wrinkled long gown, hurrying to the main building with a heart full of thoughts. As soon as he turned out of the side courtyard gate, he saw a slender figure standing beside the stone lion in front of the door, looking up at the second-floor railing, seemingly admiring the carved flower pattern.

  Min An walked closer, and only then did she clearly see that it was Xiang Zhiqiong wearing new clothes. She had gone to the golden silk hair crown, tied her temples on both sides of her hair with a silk ribbon, and combed them into the braid at the back of her head, still revealing her entire face, which was neat and beautiful. The flower-patterned hundred-fold skirt she wore was even more exquisite, with a layer of gauze draped over it, like the white space on a colorful painting, always perfectly attracting attention from others.

  Her attire was extremely elegant, with a subtle color scheme, and on her belt was fastened a pale blue jade pendant that swayed back and forth as she moved, following the curves of her slender waist.

  So elegant and beautiful is Xiao Zhiqing, that Min An can't help but take a second glance. He steps forward, not having said anything yet, when she turns her face and smiles slightly: "I've come specifically to report the case to the young master, may I go up first?"

  Min An replied, "There is still a guard brother on the upper floor, who is said to be punished. If I go in now, I'm afraid of startling Lord Xiao."

  "Don't worry, watch me, I can rescue the guard." Xiao Zhi stepped back, his right hand pressed on his left waist, and gave a slight bow, "Trouble you to wait."

  Min An walked to the back of the lion and waited. Xiao Zhi went upstairs at a moderate pace, asking the guard at the door to announce his arrival first. Li Peinan in the study took over the hot towel, wiped his hands, and threw it on the stone floor, covering the tongue that had been cut off from the punished guard. "Come in."

  Xiao Zhiqing walked into the room, which was very quiet. The guards were kneeling on the ground, pursing their lips tightly, with some blood splattered on their collars. Not far away, a handkerchief covered up the bloody corner, making the overall arrangement still look elegant.

  Xiao Zhiqing bowed with a solemn expression, but his eyes fell on the bloodstained clothes of the guard. Li Peinan stood tall in his usual dark green attire, exuding an air of authority. Seeing Xiao Zhiqing's lips pursed in restraint, he could only wave his hand at the guard and say, "Go and receive your punishment."

  The guard knocked his head to thank him, if it was the usual treatment, he would have escaped death, but today Xiang Zhiqin happened to come and save him, so he turned around and gave Xiang Zhiqin another courtesy.

  Xiao Zhiqiong smiled and said: "The student will thank the prince on his behalf."

  The guard quickly walked down the stairs and told Lei Qun about the disposal. Lei Qun called someone to bring a military whip and severely whipped the guard on the spot. Min An hid behind the lion and heard the whip landing on the flesh with a dull thud, remembering the taste of being flogged, he shrank his shoulders and quietly left the courtyard.

  The punishment of the Crown Prince's mansion was indeed severe. Min An walked and thought for a while, suddenly realizing that Xiao Zhi was not simple, and he could actually persuade the Crown Prince to release people.

  Li Peinan said, "Sit down." after listening to Xiao Zhiqin's report in the study.

  Xiao Zhiqing sat down, and when she received the tea cup brought by the maid, she slightly bowed her head to thank her. Li Peinan looked at Xiao Zhiqing's pale face, saw the bloodstain on her earlobe, which was particularly noticeable compared to her skin tone, and said faintly, "You're a bit more seriously injured."

  Xiao Zhiqiong smiled slightly: "The prince teaches the student martial arts, but unfortunately the student's skills are not refined. If they have to leave with injuries, it is the student's fault."

  Li Peinan sat quietly and didn't say anything.

  Xiao Zhiqing took a sip of tea, gently put down the teacup and said: "Should we let the young master check the students' homework?"

  "I'll call Li Qun to accompany you."

  Xiao Zhiqing smiled and replied, "It's not even a month before the competition, if the prince is at ease, the student will not feel ashamed of losing." She tilted her head and said, "Please let the prince decide."

  Li Peinan hesitated for a moment, then stood up and said, "Follow me."

  Before long, the military drums sounded in the school grounds, and Li Qun led the guards to prepare, turned to Xiao Zhiqing and raised his hand in a salute: "Thank you for your guidance."

  Xiao Zhiqing stood alone on the extremely high wooden stake, surrounded by galloping cavalry kicking up waves of dust that couldn't even stain her skirt. Every time a black ball flew over, she held a long stick to hit it away, with neat and clean movements, just like her turns. The jade pendant jingled softly, jumping lightly with her strength.

  Li Peinan sat on the school platform for a moment and shouted: "Stop!"

  Xiao Zhiqing stood under the autumn sun and smiled: "What does the young master think?"

  Very good.

  I can only change it to "teach" This is still considered yesterday's update, 31st will be updated again:)

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