Bring a Good One

Ultimately, Cui Shifan raised the wine cup in his hand.

The composure cultivated over decades of navigating the treacherous seas of officialdom allowed him to maintain his basic dignity.

Pressing the cup to his lips, the amber liquid flowed slowly down his throat. It was spicy and burning, much like his current mood.

It is but mere worldly possessions.

Cui Shifan consoled himself in his heart.

The Cui Manor had deep foundations. Although losing this amount of wealth stung, it was merely a flesh wound.

Furthermore, problems that could be solved with money were never truly major issues.

But despite reasoning with himself, the flesh-cutting agony at the bottom of his heart still spread uncontrollably.

Footing the bill was one thing.

Bleeding so much wealth, and he only drank two cups of wine?

The most crucial point was that the favor for all this fell entirely on that brat, Gu Chengyin?!

These martial artists and officials were grateful to Junior Preceptor Gu for hosting the banquet, and in awe that Junior Preceptor Gu could even invite the Grand Secretary.

Although they ultimately cheered for Elder Cui's generosity, this generosity was clearly forced upon him by Gu Chengyin!

What did that make him, Cui Shifan?

A gullible fool?!

Cui Shifan's fingers tightened slightly around the empty wine cup.

But in the end, he did not lash out.

Seeing Cui Shifan drink the wine, Gu Chengyin knew the matter was settled.

The smile on his face grew even more radiant as he immediately announced loudly:

Elder Cui attends to myriad state affairs daily and is extremely busy. It is already a rare honor that he could take the time to come tonight.

We shall not keep him any longer, lest we delay the Elder in handling national affairs!

He turned to the crowd and declared loudly:

Everyone, eat and drink well! Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!

The people in the venue stood up one after another, cupping their hands in unison:

Respectfully seeing off Elder Cui!

Their voices were uniform, their attitudes respectful.

Gu Chengyin nodded with a smile, extended a hand in an inviting gesture, and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Cui Shifan down the stairs and towards the exit.

The two remained silent along the way, with only the dull thuds of their boots stepping on the wooden stairs.

As they neared the main entrance, Gu Chengyin suddenly spoke in a familiar tone:

Old Cui, rest assured. My little aunt is magnanimous and won't fuss over such trivial matters.

He patted his chest, looking like a man who could be completely trusted:

I guarantee you this much.

Cui Shifan cast a sidelong glance at him, his lips moving slightly, but he ultimately remained silent.

He didn't want to speak.

After all, some things were better left as an unspoken mutual understanding; pointing them out would only lower one's status.

He merely gave a faint hum of acknowledgment as a response.

The two stopped just inside the red sandalwood main doors of the Fan Pavilion.

Outside, the Cui Manor's carriage was still waiting, the wind lanterns hanging from its eaves swaying gently in the night breeze.

Inside, the clamor grew even more fervent, the music and dancing showing no signs of stopping.

Gu Chengyin withdrew his smile and switched to a businesslike tone:

So, what is the plan, Old Cui.

Cui Shifan also adopted a strictly professional expression.

He adjusted his robes, his voice steady and solemn:

This old minister learned that my useless son acted out of line at the training grounds today, offending the prestige of Lord Jingzhe. I am filled with trepidation and dare not be negligent.

I specially entered the palace to beg forgiveness from His Majesty and explain the situation. This old minister will immediately and strictly discipline that unworthy son, imposing a heavy punishment without leniency.

At the same time, to express my apologies, this old minister is willing to dispatch capable guards to escort Lord Jingzhe on her journey, bearing all expenses myself to offer my meager assistance.

I only pray for His Majesty's boundless grace to forgive this old minister's failure in teaching his son.

Speaking to the end, Cui Shifan's gaze finally landed on Gu Chengyin as he said:

Junior Preceptor Gu, His Majesty has already granted permission.

This bureaucratic speech was flawless and high-sounding.

Gu Chengyin blinked, then quickly realized what was happening.

Brilliant!

Cui Shifan had gone directly to Emperor Luo to confess his faults.

He framed Cui Zilong's offense today as an affront to Lord Jingzhe, and then, under the guise of making amends, dispatched aristocratic experts to escort Lin Qingyan on her journey.

This way, the aristocratic families sending experts to join the inspection team became an act of making amends by imperial decree, rather than a collaboration with Gu Chengyin.

It achieved the practical goal while severing the Cui clan's ties to the Crown Prince's Palace.

This was equivalent to telling Emperor Luo that he, Cui Shifan, had absolutely no ulterior motives.

No wonder Cui Shifan was able to become the Grand Secretary.

He played these schemes and maneuvers incredibly smoothly.

However, Gu Chengyin didn't mind.

As long as the people came, that was enough.

As for whether these aristocratic experts were nominally escorting Lin Qingyan or doing something else, it didn't matter at all.

As long as the people were useful and could fight, Cui Shifan could frame it however he liked.

Gu Chengyin immediately cupped his hands, a look of admiration appearing on his face:

Elder Cui places righteousness above family loyalty and is strictly impartial. You are truly a role model for our generation! This junior is full of admiration!

He spoke sincerely, or at least he appeared exceptionally sincere on the surface.

Cui Shifan said no more. With a slight nod, he stepped toward the door.

Cui Ziting hurried to keep up from behind.

But just as he passed by Gu Chengyin, Gu Chengyin suddenly reached out and grabbed him.

Ziting, let me ask you something.

Cui Ziting paused, stopped in his tracks, turned around, and said respectfully:

Please ask, Junior Preceptor Gu.

Gu Chengyin asked straightforwardly:

How is Zilu doing now?

Cui Ziting's expression shifted slightly. He looked up at Gu Chengyin, a complex light flashing through his eyes.

After a moment of silence, a gentle smile appeared on his face, and his voice softened:

Zilu is currently at our ancestral home in Qinghe. She reads and cultivates every day without ever slacking off. She works very hard.

The elders in the clan hold her in extremely high regard. She tops the lists in all assessments.

Cui Ziting paused and added:

She is excellent, incredibly excellent.

He spoke plainly, but Gu Chengyin could hear the underlying pride. It was an older brother's acknowledgment and protective love for his sister.

Gu Chengyin nodded slightly: That is good.

He looked at Cui Ziting, a touch more seriousness in his tone:

If possible, please send her my regards.

A hint of a smile flashed in Cui Ziting's eyes, and he immediately gave a solemn nod:

Rest assured, Junior Preceptor Gu, Ziting will certainly pass it on.

I am sure Zilu will be very happy to hear it.

Gu Chengyin smiled and let go of his hand.

Cui Ziting cupped his hands again, turned around, stepped out the main door, and boarded the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Cui Shifan looked at Cui Ziting as he entered and asked: What did Gu Chengyin say to you?

Cui Ziting replied: To answer Father, Junior Preceptor Gu asked about Zilu's situation and asked me to send her his regards.

Cui Shifan was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

After a long while, he finally spoke: Hmm... since he asked you to send regards to Zilu, you should make a trip back.

Pausing, Cui Shifan added: Before you go back, go to the storehouse and take a Luoshan Token to bring to Zilu.

When you return, find an opportunity to give the other token to Gu Chengyin.

.......

Gu Chengyin stood at the entrance of the Fan Pavilion, watching the carriage depart until it completely disappeared from sight, before turning back inside.

He did not go to the noisy main hall but instead followed the stairs up toward the Cloud Viewing Pavilion on the top floor.

When he pushed open the carved wooden door of the Cloud Viewing Pavilion, stepped inside, and casually closed the door behind him.

Two slender, jade-like hands silently emerged from his left and right waist like phantoms.

They then slowly moved upward, slithering like snakes, and finally rested on his chest.

At the same time, a coquettish voice, enchanting to the bone, whispered right next to Gu Chengyin's ear from behind:

Master~