CHAPTER 42: CHAPTER 41: SUMMONING THE IMPERIAL GUARD

Since Lu Qing had spoken, naturally Zhu Yu had no objections. She didn’t stand on ceremony with the governmental officials outside; she made herself at home, took some paper and pen from the table, wrote a list, and handed it to the governmental officials, asking them to purchase items for her.

The items bought back, in addition to pastries, included some small toys like the Lu Ban Lock and Nine Linked Rings, even a throwing jar with bamboo arrows, and several books.

After sending away the governmental officials, Zhu Yu began to move the items to her room, when she suddenly remembered that out of courtesy, she should perhaps offer some to Lu Qing. Halfway through moving, she went to ask if he wanted any.

Of course, Lu Qing declined, but he was somewhat curious, so he went over to take a look and found that the items she had the governmental officials purchase were actually books on cultivating the mind and preserving health.

"The Chief Historian truly cherishes life," Lu Qing remarked cautiously to Zhu Yu at Li Wencai’s residence.

Zhu Yu couldn’t discern the expression behind this masked person’s words; whether it was mocking or teasing.

"Naturally, life is a precious thing, a blessing to have. Of course, it should be well maintained to not squander the heavens’ painstaking arrangements," she replied, half earnestly, half jokingly.

That night, Fu Lu arranged for the cook at Li’s residence to prepare two portions of the meal intended for Li Wencai’s nourishment. He randomly took one portion to the side yard and then hurried back to keep watch over Li Wencai.

Zhu Yu, after a hearty meal, rested early, and the next morning Lu Qing summoned her to "visit" Li Wencai together.

Fu Lu was thoroughly diligent. It seemed he did not leave the door to Li Wencai’s bedroom except for necessary functions.

Early that morning, he was already standing there like a gate god.

"Has Mr. Li risen?" Lu Qing asked him.

"Sir, County Magistrate Li has been up for a while," Fu Lu replied, stepping aside to help Lu Qing unlock the bronze lock on the door and pushed it open with a clatter.

As soon as they entered, they saw a person stumbling out of bed, collapsing to the ground, kneeling, and kowtowing without a word.

"Master! You have come! This subordinate admits his mistakes. As the parent official of Qingshui County, I ought to work tirelessly for the people and serve Your Majesty with loyalty and duty. I have not done well in the past and wish to atone for my errors.

But... but I beg you not to let that guard ’care for’ me daily any longer. My humble status is unworthy of such!"

His voice, thick with tears, helped Zhu Yu recognize him as County Magistrate Li Wencai of Qingshui County.

Though she should not be surprised, considering only Li Wencai should be kept in this room, Zhu Yu couldn’t help but be startled at how much a person’s appearance could change in just a few days.

The last time she saw him at the government office, Li Wencai was plump and fair as a white bun. Now, in just a few short days, this "bun" had shrunk remarkably, his previously bulging belly had noticeably diminished, and his once round, plump face now sagged in drooping cheeks.

Ah, indeed, he has been "well cared for" by Fu Lu!

Lu Qing ignored him and sat down by the redwood table to the side, his long, distinct fingers lightly tapping, creating a "tok tok" sound.

The sound wasn’t loud, yet each knock seemed to echo in Li Wencai’s heart, causing his body to tremble accordingly.

After a long pause, Lu Qing finally spoke: "After a few days of not seeing you, Mr. Li looks haggard. Is it that my guard wasn’t taking care of you properly?"

Li Wencai shivered again. The Golden-faced Imperial Censor’s tone left him unable to discern his mood, but with years of bureaucratic savvy, he realized he had misspoken.

The stern presence by the door every day was the guard of the esteemed Imperial Censor. Just now, he inadvertently criticized, and if the Imperial Censor had a protective nature, he certainly offended him.

Thinking this through, he immediately rephrased, "No, no, no, sir, your guard has taken meticulous care of me these past few days, leaving me greatly favored.

It’s just... just that I feel ashamed, the more I am cared for, the more embarrassed I become, losing my appetite..."

"Where does Mr. Li feel he hasn’t performed well?"

With this question, Li Wencai’s plea caught in his throat, and he lowered his eyes, unable to respond, his heart pounding with unease.

If this Imperial Censor had a fiery temper, charging into the government office to whip him with a riding crop, revealing what wrongs he had committed, though painful, at least he would understand and know how to respond.

But this person’s approach left him utterly baffled. Meeting him the first time, he was left under the sun to scorch, afterward confined in his bedroom under the guise of recuperation, not allowed to step out, and yet not a word on what charges he faced.

Li Wencai’s heart trembled with anxiety; he couldn’t not speak, yet feared saying the wrong thing.

If they had caught him on one point, but he admitted to another, would he not be creating more trouble for himself!

After brief hesitation, he decided to be vague, hoping the Imperial Censor would eventually reveal where exactly he had erred.

"Sir, as an esteemed Imperial Censor, you possess the wisdom to reach the heavens and understand the people’s needs. Should you say I erred, then I must indeed have places I need to improve.

Alas, my incompetence leads me to not immediately realize, I plead for your punishment!

Since assuming the role of County Magistrate in Qingshui County, I’ve hoped to achieve something meaningful, but due to my ineptitude, my actions inevitably fall short. I humbly request your guidance, so I might swiftly amend my ways to better serve the court and Your Majesty!"

"Mr. Li’s words are dignified," Lu Qing chastised coldly, "I intended to give you a chance, yet even now you persist in feigning ignorance to muddle through.

Very well. Since you are dull, I shall grant you more time to think thoroughly here!"

With that, he ignored Li Wencai’s continued pleas and strode out briskly.

After Lu Qing and Zhu exited, Fu Lu nimbly shut the door behind them, locking it with a click.

Lu Qing surveyed the surroundings, noticing several Li Family servants, though they dared not approach the bedroom door, they stood at a distance, half out of fear and half out of curiosity, peering in.

He drew his sword from his waist, summoning inner strength, and swung it towards a strangely shaped rock nearby.

The stone, seemingly made of tofu, had its peaked top cleanly sliced off by him.

"If any member of Li Wencai’s household dares to approach without my permission, once Li Wencai is held accountable, they shall be collectively punished," he declared loud enough for the servants to hear.

Frightened, the servants that had been peeking from afar quickly withdrew.

Lu Qing called Fu Lu over, removed the token from his waist and handed it to him: "Take my token, ride swiftly to the Runzhou Prefecture, find Magistrate Zhao Xin, and request him to lend you some competent governmental officials. Then proceed to the Ruzhou Forbidden Army Camp, use the token to mobilize a hundred imperial guards to await orders."

Fu Lu acknowledged, took the token, and hurriedly left.