Ji Yunshu was rather uncomfortable with how abnormally enthusiastic and welcoming Marquis Kang was. Furthermore, from his words, she detected a little something, so she decided to ask him upfront, “Marquis Kang, please feel free to be direct if you have something to say.”
Hehe! My little ploy had been seen through! Marquis Kang wiped away that ingratiating smile off his face, giving her a much more natural grin instead. “True enough, I can’t hide anything from Teacher Ji.”
“Marquis, please speak.”
“There’s no hurry. We can speak of this tomorrow.”
Pfft. Ji Yunshu wanted to vomit blood. Bro, you can’t just leave things hanging in suspense like this!
Meanwhile, Jing Rong and his group had followed Marquis Kang’s people into Jingzhou city. There was practically no one other than them on the broad, spacious streets. Suddenly, they heard someone striking the gong to call out the hour.
Tang Si quickly stuck her head out from the carriage and saw an old man pass by them. For some bizarre reason, she suddenly shouted a question at the night watchman, “Old Mister, why is there nobody around your Jingzhou city at night? In other places, there would still be plenty of people around late at night. Your city here is really too quiet.”
Dumbfounded, the watchman glanced at her and simply answered, “Young miss, it’s late at night. Of course there isn’t anyone around.”
“Oh.” Tang Si drummed her fingers against her cheek.
The watchman rubbed his eyes and took a good look at the Marquis’s men on horseback. His lantern almost dropped to the ground as he took off immediately at top speed.
Tang Si was puzzled, scratching her head. Was she that scary?
Mo Ruo reached out and dragged her back into the carriage. “Can’t you be quieter? You don’t even give it a rest late at night. Why did you try to talk to the night watchman? He was just doing his job.”
“I was just asking, why are you so worked up?”
“We had just had a bloody clash with people; can’t you just sit down properly?”
“Fine, I’ll shut up.” And she refused to talk further.
In contrast, Jing Rong was sitting upright properly with his eyes closed. His clothes still had bloodstains on them, marring the originally pristine robes, and appearing exceptionally unsightly.
Just then, Tang Si started making noise again. She tugged on her own blood-soaked robes, saying, “When we reach that Marquis’ estate or something, I must have a good bath. Look, my clothes are covered in blood.” However, nobody answered her.
Mo Ruo asked Jing Rong gravely, “What does this Marquis Kang have up his sleeve?”
Jing Rong opened his eyes and shook his head. “No idea!”
Fine then! When they reached the estate, everyone got off the carriages and horses. Just like Ji Yunshu, Jing Rong and his group were startled by the sumptuous decor of the estate. This place was undeniably impressive. Marquis Kang, oh Marquis Kang. Aren’t you enjoying life a little too much?
Tang Si dashed inside immediately, as excited as an explorer that had just discovered a new continent. However, Jing Rong and Mo Ruo noticed the handprint on the signboard of the estate. It was too obvious! The two of them exchanged looks but didn’t say anything.
The same steward as before came out to receive them. “Greetings Your Highness. The Marquis has been waiting inside for some time already.” Extremely respectful!
Jing Rong nodded and headed inside.
The steward led the way into the great hall. The first thing they saw when they entered was Ji Yunshu’s frowning face. She had just been frustrated by the half-finished words of the Marquis, so much so that she wanted to vomit blood.
When the Marquis saw them, he immediately stepped down from the main seat and hurried forward in welcome. However, he wasn’t as enthusiastic as when he greeted Ji Yunshu. The hundred over pounds of flesh on his body shook as he cupped his hands in greeting towards Jing Rong without bowing. “I’ve finally met Your Highness after so long.”
As one of the younger generation, Jing Rong normally should bow in greeting. He tilted his body slightly as he greeted Marquis Kang. Immediately after that, he turned his focus towards Ji Yunshu.
She had gotten up and walked towards him. Jing Rong asked, “How are you?”
She shook her head and replied, “I’m fine.”
That’s good. He was finally relieved.
Marquis Kang looked at the bloodstains on Jing Rong’s group and said, “Let me have someone immediately prepare the rooms so that Your Highness and your friends can wash up and have a rest. Tomorrow, I will arrange a feast to welcome you.”
Jing Rong still didn’t understand and asked, “I wonder how Marquis Kang knew that this prince was on the way back to the capital?”
“We’ll talk tomorrow, we’ll talk tomorrow.”
This again! Hey, you even learned how to keep people in suspense now? You deserve a beating!
Tang Si wandered around the hall looking at everything, grabbing a banana along the way and eating it. “I say, Marquis. Your place here is pretty big. Are you very rich?”
Marquis Kang glanced at her. “And this young lady is…?”
“My name is Tang Si, from Houliao.”
“The young lady’s dress certainly isn’t from the Central Plains.” He smiled and turned his gaze towards Mo Ruo, remarking delightedly, “I believe this must be the divine doctor of Yuhua Pavillion, Young Master Mo Ruo, then!”
Mo Ruo immediately cupped his hands in greeting. “You overpraise.”
“You’ve become a divine doctor at such a young age; it’s really commendable. Who knows, this marquis may have to ask for your help in the future.”
Heh. Mo Ruo smiled in response.
“Your Highness, rest at ease tonight. Don’t worry about your guards either; I will arrange for their accommodations.”
“Many thanks.” Thus, they were led away to rest.
After Jing Rong had a bath and change of clothes, Marquis Kang invited him for tea alone. In the hall, the two of them started talking about the incident where Jing Rong had previously borrowed troops to besiege the Gaoshan Gang. Jing Rong thanked him, “Many thanks to Marquis Kang for lending your troops then.”
“Your Highness must be joking. This marquis isn’t a miserly person and I also have a duty in helping the imperial court deal with bandits. Besides, Your Highness promised to give me the golden woven armor in return. You wanted the troops and I wanted the armor; both of us got what we wanted. I just never expected that the golden woven armor that I had longed for so many years and failed to obtain while I worked in the imperial court, would finally be mine after I returned to Jingzhou, thanks to Your Highness.” [1]
“This is merely what the Marquis deserved.”
Marquis Kang chuckled.
However, Jing Rong asked again, “Marquis, how did you know that this prince was returning to the capital?”
“Let’s not talk about this for now. We can talk about it tomorrow.” He changed the topic.
Tomorrow, tomorrow again! This person is strange indeed. Jing Rong could only leave it be. However, he pondered the issue over again in his head. What is this old fellow planning?
Suddenly, Marquis Kang asked him, “Right, do you want to take a look at my treasure?”
“Isn’t the marquis very protective of your treasure? Why would you suddenly ask this?”
“Collected treasures naturally must be admired along with other people! How meaningless it would be to look at it alone!”
Jing Rong smiled. “If Marquis Kang is willing, this prince would also like to broaden my horizons. I heard that the marquis has an extensive collection of treasures.”
Truly, who knows how much treasure Marquis Kang has collected? Many people wouldn’t even have a chance to take a look even if they wished. Thus, there was no reason to reject it since he had offered.
Marquis Kang was sincere about it as well. “Come, I’ll bring you to take a look.”
Thus, the two of them went to look at the treasures.
[1] This was in around Ch330-380.
