Mess

"Marquis Gu! Since we parted last night, this old man has been feeling as if our conversation was left unfinished. I didn't expect to see your elegant demeanor again so early this morning."

"Truly, a day apart feels like three autumns! This old man's heart is filled with joy that the Marquis could grace us with his presence once more!"

Gu Chengyin, equally beaming with smiles, firmly returned the handshake, his tone sincere:

"Pavilion Elder Cui flatters this junior too much. Last night, I was treated so well that I felt right at home."

"After returning to the palace, my heart could not calm down for a long time. I just felt that I had a very pleasant conversation with the Pavilion Elder, so I took the liberty of coming to disturb you today. I hope the Pavilion Elder won't take offense."

The two held hands, beaming with smiles, speaking intimately. Anyone seeing them would think they were a pair of close friends despite the difference in their ages.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cui Shifan turned his gaze to the artificial lake in the courtyard outside the reception hall.

The nine-bend bridge in the middle of the lake gleamed with a warm wooden luster under the morning sun. The morning mist had not yet dispersed, lingering around it, creating a unique and tranquil artistic conception.

He smiled and said, "Marquis Gu, the morning scenery is just right, and the air on the lake is fresh. Why don't you take a walk with this old man, stretch our muscles, and perhaps have a private chat?"

Gu Chengyin readily agreed, "Since the Pavilion Elder is in such an elegant mood, this junior will naturally accompany you."

Cui Shifan waved his hand at the butler Cui Fu, who was standing by: "You don't need to follow us. Marquis Gu and I will just take a casual walk."

"Yes, Master." Cui Fu bowed and replied, remaining where he was.

The two walked out of the reception hall side by side and stepped onto the stone path leading to the bridge in the middle of the lake.

The morning courtyard of the Cui Manor lacked the brilliant lights of the night but had a bit more natural tranquility.

Birds chirped, flowers and trees held dew, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and plants.

Stepping onto the nine-bend bridge, the wooden deck made slight sounds.

The lake water under the bridge was clear, and koi could be seen swimming leisurely.

The morning mist was like a thin veil, lightly covering the lake and the bridge, making the distant pavilions and towers looming, like a fairyland.

After walking about a dozen steps, they were already some distance away from the shore. There was no one else around except the sound of water and wind.

The warm smile on Cui Shifan's face gradually faded, and his pace slowed down.

Just then, Gu Chengyin spoke first, breaking the silence.

He didn't look at Cui Shifan; his gaze fell on a plump red koi under the bridge:

"Release Auntie Zhang's family."

No pleasantries, no build-up, straightforward and to the point.

A sharp glint, like a knife, flashed in Cui Shifan's eyes instantly.

But on his face was confusion and bewilderment, his tone very puzzled:

"What does Marquis Gu mean by this? Who is Auntie Zhang? What family? This old man doesn't understand."

Gu Chengyin then slowly turned his head and looked at Cui Shifan.

"Pavilion Elder Cui, even a kitchen hand is a registered servant of the Crown Prince's Palace."

"As long as they are servants of the Crown Prince's Palace, they are all under His Highness's protection."

"Don't let a few commoners cause unnecessary misunderstandings."

"That would not be worth the loss."

The confusion on Cui Shifan's face slowly disappeared.

He stopped in his tracks and stared deeply at Gu Chengyin.

The lake breeze blew their robes, fluttering slightly in the morning mist.

After a long while, Cui Shifan sighed. He neither admitted nor denied it, just raised his hand and waved towards the shore.

Butler Cui Fu, who had been watching from afar, immediately hurried along the bridge upon seeing this, bowing to receive orders.

Cui Shifan turned his head and whispered a few words.

Cui Fu respectfully nodded repeatedly and whispered, "Yes, Master."

Then, Cui Fu quickly retreated and hurried away, obviously off to execute the order.

Watching Cui Fu leave, Cui Shifan turned his gaze back to Gu Chengyin.

At this moment, the previous enthusiasm on his face was gone, replaced by a chilling intent.

His voice also lowered, carrying the majesty and coldness of someone who has long held a high position:

"Marquis Gu, since you know about this, His Highness must also know."

"In that case, aren't you being too arrogant by daring to come here all alone?"

As his words fell, it was as if an invisible signal was sent out.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

Around the lake, behind rockeries, deep in the bamboo forest, and in the shadows of pavilions.

Several sharp auras suddenly erupted, like unsheathed sharp swords, locking onto Gu Chengyin without any concealment.

Each aura was steady and condensed, carrying an iron-blooded killing intent; they were all experts above the Foundation Establishment stage.

Although they did not reveal themselves, the invisible edge was almost tangible, cutting through the morning mist and startling the koi under the bridge into scattering.

Killing intent instantly filled the air.

With just one instruction from Cui Shifan, these enshrined experts of the Cui Manor hidden in the dark would pounce and kill without hesitation!

However, Gu Chengyin, who was in the center, seemed completely unaware.

He even took a light breath of the cool morning air and praised, "Mmm, the air is indeed nice."

Then he turned his head, met Cui Shifan's gaze, and easily asked back, "Why wouldn't I dare?"

"Pavilion Elder Cui, according to the rules of the Inner Cabinet, if the Chief Grand Secretary retires for some reason."

"The Second Grand Secretary should immediately take over to stabilize the political situation and reassure the people."

The originally cold and majestic face of Cui Shifan, upon hearing these words, cracked like spring ice!

The coldness in his eyes retreated like a tide, replaced by uncontrollable astonishment and ecstasy.

Cui Shifan raised his finger, pointing weakly at Gu Chengyin, his fingertip trembling slightly with excitement, while shaking his head repeatedly, sighing with emotion:

"You! Gu Chengyin, Gu Chengyin! If only you were a child of my Cui family, how wonderful that would be!"

With this gesture of pointing weakly, it was like another silent command.

The several sharp Foundation Establishment auras around the lake instantly retracted and dissipated, as if they had never appeared.

The frozen air flowed again, and the koi under the bridge resumed their leisurely posture.

The killing intent came without a trace and left without a trace.

The look in Cui Shifan's eyes towards Gu Chengyin had completely changed.

It was filled with appreciation, and even a trace of intimacy.

He suddenly remembered something, cupped his hands to Gu Chengyin, and said ashamedly:

"Speaking of which, regarding Zilu's nonsense and offending Marquis Gu last night, I have already told this old man."

"This girl has been spoiled rotten by her mother since childhood, not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth. She truly lacks discipline!"

"This old man has ordered her to be grounded to reflect properly. Besides, the manor has prepared a small gift to be sent to Marquis Gu's residence later to express our apologies. I hope Marquis Gu won't decline."

Hearing this, Gu Chengyin laughed heartily, waving his hand, "The Pavilion Elder is too serious. This punishment is a bit too severe."

"Your daughter is innocent and straightforward. This junior didn't mind; on the contrary, I feel that such a lively character is quite rare.

"In my opinion, let's skip the grounding. Kids should be more lively."

Cui Shifan nodded and smiled, "Since Marquis Gu says so, we will naturally follow your wishes. If Zilu knows you pleaded for her, she will surely be very happy."

Changing the subject, Cui Shifan returned to the main topic: "I heard that Marquis Gu came this time to stay for a few days?"

Gu Chengyin's expression turned serious, and he nodded: "Exactly. Although the Crown Prince's Palace is good, there are too many rules. It's not as... well, comfortable as the Cui Manor. I hope the Pavilion Elder will grant permission."

Cui Shifan turned around, rested both hands on the bridge railing, and gazed at the sparkling waves on the distant lake stirred by the morning breeze. He spoke with profound meaning:

"Look, Marquis Gu. The water in this lake ripples whenever the wind blows. It is quite a beautiful sight."

"But if the wind blows too fiercely, even an old man like me must retreat indoors, lest I catch a cold."

Gu Chengyin walked up beside Cui Shifan, similarly resting his hands on the railing and gazing into the distance. His tone was relaxed but carried a hidden meaning:

"Then when you return inside, Pavilion Elder, you must order your servants to gather up all these flowers, plants, pots, and jars."

"Otherwise, if the wind ruins them and leaves behind a terrible mess, it will be quite difficult to clean up."

A sharp light flickered in Cui Shifan's eyes. He had clearly understood Gu Chengyin's underlying message.

After a moment of silence, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, he finally made his decision and slowly nodded:

"Since Marquis Gu has put it this way, it would be unreasonable for me to refuse any longer."

A smile appeared on Gu Chengyin's face. He cupped his hands in salute and said, "Many thanks, Pavilion Elder Cui."

"However," Cui Shifan changed the subject, proposing a condition, "I have one request."

"By Marquis Gu's side."

"There must be someone from the Cui Manor accompanying you."