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Chapter 23 - Xiao Nong: May I ask, Lord Marquis, who gave you this jade stone?
Zhong Yansheng carefully touched the fluffy tail that he had been coveting for a long time, and seeing that Taxue was still lying beside him with no sign of disgust, the tension and fear in his heart was immediately relieved a lot. He mustered up his courage and tentatively touched Taxue's head again.
The Artemisia Leopard squinted its eyes comfortably, and his tail swung back and forth.
He's not scary at all.
Realizing that the Artemisia Leopard had no intention of hurting him, Zhong Yansheng slowly relaxed. This big cat had been very well-behaved in the cage just now, and he would not have been angry if someone had not knocked on the cage to provoke him.
His knee was still hurting. Zhong Yansheng was satisfied with the touch and unscrewed the medicine bottle to apply the medicine. However, Taxue was not very happy and arched his head towards him, as if he wanted him to touch him again.
Such a ferocious beast was like a little kitten. Zhong Yansheng felt soft-hearted and couldn't help but touch its head again.
Taxue was still not satisfied, as soon as Zhong Yansheng's hand left his head, he moved forward again.
He was arched in the wrong position, with his head squeezed between Zhong Yansheng's legs, and he even stuck out his tongue to try to lick him.
The scorching breath of the beast was so close that Zhong Yansheng's face turned red. He hurriedly pushed its head: "Don't, don't do this..."
But Zhong Yansheng couldn't push the big cat away with its strength. Sensing his resistance, Taxue became even more excited and insisted on pushing towards his lower body.
Xiao Wenlan was stunned, and the fan in his hand almost fell to the ground. He wanted to come over to help but didn't dare to: "My dear lord, Taxue, what are you doing...Brother! Brother!"
The last two shouts were terrified, helpless and heartbreaking.
Zhong Yansheng was much more helpless than him. His face turned red as he tried desperately to hide, and he almost rolled off the stone bench.
The next moment, Xiao Nong's voice came from the gate of the courtyard, cold and murderous, "Taxue."
The Artemisia leopard, which was still happily pushing against Zhong Yansheng, suddenly froze, let out a low hiss from its throat, and retreated unwillingly.
Zhong Yansheng closed his legs in shock, not daring to look in the direction of the courtyard gate. He quickly applied some ointment and smeared it on his knees.
Familiar footsteps approached slowly, and Xiao Nong's voice fell into his ears, with a hint of unquestionable coldness: "Get into the cage yourself, otherwise today's rabbit meat will be cancelled."
Taxue's eyes, which had been narrowed into a line, suddenly widened. After hesitating for a while, intimidated by Xiao Nong's threat, it obediently held its tail in its mouth and crawled into the iron cage under the shade of the tree.
Zhong Yansheng was startled and quickly lowered his hem to cover his calves tightly.
Xiao Nong glanced at Zhong Yansheng with dark eyes.
The latter's back revealed a sense of panic.
Including the glimpse in the carriage, this was the third time we met.
This former young master of the Huai'an Marquisate seemed completely different from his little bird, from his voice to his body shape and appearance.
But as he looked at Zhong Yansheng, that subtle sense of weirdness became stronger and stronger.
In the past, Xiao Nong would probably have detained the person and interrogated him.
But Yuan Yuan is a little different.
The runaway little bird is really a cause for concern. He is too timid and fragile. He is not a criminal to be hunted down, nor is he one of his enemies. If he were those people, it would be easier to deal with him... Yuan Yuan needs to be treated very carefully. If he is frightened, it will be a waste of time and effort.
Especially since the kid seemed very afraid of him.
Let's get things straight first.
Seeing that Zhong Yansheng had his back to him and was reluctant to turn around, Xiao Nong said in a flat voice, with no emotion in his voice: "Does it still hurt?"
As soon as he opened his mouth, the person with his back to him froze for a moment, then turned back reluctantly, lowered his head, and looked very obedient: "It doesn't hurt anymore, thank you, Your Highness."
"It was my pet that hurt you." Xiao Nong paused deliberately, staring at Zhong Yansheng's reaction, "I should apologize and come to visit you."
Hearing the second half of the sentence, Zhong Yansheng's hair stood on end: "Your Highness Prince Ding, you are too kind! We came here without permission, how can we ask you to come and apologize..."
Are you so afraid of me?
Xiao Nong was unhappy and raised his eyebrows, as if he had realized something: "Really? Then according to what the young master meant, you should come to my mansion and apologize to me?"
Zhong Yansheng paused as he slowly sensed something wrong in Xiao Nong's words.
Xiao Nong nodded calmly: "I agree."
Xiao Wenlan was stunned.
What is his brother doing?
Zhong Yansheng was also speechless.
No, that's not right. How come the conversation ended up like this, and he had to go to Prince Ding’s Mansion to apologize?
Xiao Nong made the final decision, and his tone did not allow for rebuttal. After he finished speaking, he turned and headed out of the courtyard, leaving only two words: "Follow me."
He said it himself. Zhong Yansheng could not find any reason to refuse to come. His face under the veil was as sad as a bitter gourd. He felt guilty and scared. He followed Xiao Wenlan, who had also made a mistake and dared not say a word, and walked silently behind Xiao Nong.
His knee injury was indeed not serious. He was just caught off guard and knocked to the ground by Taxue, causing a slight scrape and a small bruise. The medicine Xiao prescribed was as effective as always, and the pain was less severe after applying it.
But he had no tolerance for pain and walked very slowly.
Xiao Wenlan was a leisurely person, and he staggered every three steps. In the past, when he followed Xiao Nong, he could never keep up with the pace of his tall, long-legged and decisive cousin.
But today he was surprised to find that his brother's pace had slowed down a lot, as if he was taking care of the person who was walking slowly behind him.
Moreover, he brought people here without permission. In the past, his cousin would definitely not give him face and would have beaten him up in public and kicked everyone else out. But today, he didn't even scold him!
Could it be that my cousin has a change of heart and finally realizes to love his own cousin?
Xiao Wenlan was stunned for a moment. He was not used to it. He was deeply moved and called out expectantly like a fledgling: "Brother..."
Xiao Nong turned around and glanced at him coldly. His deep blue eyes were like the cold night before dawn, revealing a few big words: "I'll deal with you later."
Xiao Wenlan choked for a moment and was no longer moved.
When Xiao Wenlan led everyone here, they took a long detour. Now that Xiao Nong was leading the way, Zhong Yansheng realized that Taxue's courtyard was actually very close to Xiao Nong's study, just a few steps away.
The familiar environment gradually came into view.
Zhong Yansheng is very familiar with Xiao Nong's study.
The closer he got to this place, the more his toes dug into the ground and his whole body felt unwell. If he hadn't been afraid that Xiao Nong would discover his flaws, he would have wanted to run away.
He had thought that he would never set foot here again in his life.
How come I am back again!
Zhong Yansheng thought sullenly.
Sooner or later, I will twist Xiao Wenlan's head off and kick it like a ball.
A dozen people who arrived first were standing on the corridor, not daring to enter the study or even glance around. They were a group of rich young men who usually did nothing but cockfighting and running errands. They had never stood so straight and upright in their lives.
The secret guard was standing by, guarding them with his arms folded, as if they were a criminal. When he saw Xiao Nong coming, he bowed deeply and retreated silently to the corridor.
Compared to the others who were nervous and uneasy, Xiao Nong seemed particularly relaxed. With two tails behind him, he walked into the study at a leisurely pace without even looking at those people.
Zhong Yansheng stopped at the door of the study, hesitant.
I didn't dare to go in.
Then he became aware of that familiar, powerful gaze cast upon him, with a hint of inquiry.
Zhong Yansheng felt numb all over when he was stared at. He didn't dare to delay any longer and stepped into the study room with gritted teeth.
The study was still the same familiar scene as when he last left.
Even the exclusive little stool that was placed opposite Xiao Nong's desk and next to the bookshelf was still there.
Zhan Rong, who had placed the small stool for him at the time, said that it was made by Uncle Wang himself.
When Zhong Yansheng saw his little stool, he couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly.
Didn't His Royal Highness Prince Ding throw away his little stool?
When the others saw Xiao Wenlan and Zhong Yansheng go in, they also followed hesitantly into the study. Fortunately, His Royal Highness Prince Ding's study was spacious enough to accommodate so many people.
As soon as everyone came in, they naturally noticed the small stool under the bookshelf, which was out of tune with the atmosphere of the entire study, and they were all puzzled.
The stool used by His Royal Highness Prince Ding is quite unique, huh... ?
Although everyone was puzzled, no one dared to say anything.
The atmosphere was dead silent. No one dared to speak, and even dared not breathe too hard, for fear of being noticed by Xiao Nong.
In the dead silence, Xiao Nong suddenly said**: "I recently got a painting, but unfortunately no one has ever appreciated it. Today is a coincidence, so I will appreciate it with you all."**
Everyone was confused after hearing this.
Appreciating paintings?
When entering Changliu Villa before, the person who had said "Who doesn't have a few masterpieces at home? It's so boring to appreciate paintings" huddled together and dared not speak.
Zhong Yansheng also blinked in confusion.
Then, a sense of inappropriate expectation arose in his heart.
This is a collection of paintings by His Royal Highness Prince Ding. It must be a masterpiece by a famous artist or a scroll handed down from generation to generation. Ordinary people will not have the opportunity to see it.
He observed carefully and secretly learned from the masters, maybe he could make a breakthrough in his painting skills!
Xiao Nong glanced at everyone's reactions, said nothing, and clapped his hands.
A secret guard appeared out of nowhere, holding a scroll carefully, and walked to Xiao Nong.
Seeing how carefully the people around Xiao Nong treated the painting, Zhong Yansheng's heart began to beat fast, and he became more and more expectant.
Xiao Nong's gaze paused on Zhong Yansheng for a few moments, and he leisurely ordered, "Open it."
The secret guard responded and slowly unfolded the scroll.
A beautiful painting of birds perching on winter plum blossoms slowly unfolds before your eyes.
The moment he saw the content clearly, Zhong Yansheng felt like he was struck by lightning and his eyes went dark.
Isn't this his painting?
A painting from his pen, one that he is so familiar with!
The night before he went to see Meng Qiping, Zhong Yansheng had framed the painting. He had planned to come to Changliu Villa after meeting Meng Qiping, give the painting to his brother in person, and say something from his heart...
As a result, an accident happened. He was exhausted and hurriedly abandoned the carriage and fled. Only afterward did he remember that the painting was still in the carriage, but he did not dare to come back to look for it.
Actually, actually it was brought back by His Highness Prince Ding?
Others did not expect that Xiao Nong really meant to appreciate the painting. After looking at each other for a while, they swallowed their saliva and boldly flattered him: "It is really a masterpiece!"
"It is worthy of being the collection of His Royal Highness Prince Ding. I have never seen such beautiful brushstrokes. It must be the work of a master."
"I have a room at home that is dedicated to collecting calligraphy and paintings, but I have never seen such stunning paintings. Today is really an eye-opener and a feast for the eyes!"
"Miracle, miracle!"
Zhong Yansheng: “…………”
Every bit of flattery came from His Royal Highness Prince Ding and landed on Zhong Yansheng.
Almost in an instant, Zhong Yansheng's face turned red from his neck to his face. His fingers were tangled together under his wide sleeves. He was so ashamed that he wanted to crawl into the ground immediately. He was filled with grief and anger.
Stop, stop bragging.
Can these people please stop bragging?
Zhong Yansheng loved painting since he was a child, but he always did things slowly, especially painting. He was slow and didn't paint much. Except for the two paintings that were sold, he painted the rest for his own entertainment. He would be very happy if his teachers and family members praised him with a few words.
I've never been boasted like that in person by anyone.
If he wasn't afraid of being caught by Xiao Nong, he would have wanted to jump up, snatch the painting and run away.
Xiao Nong leaned against the bookshelf with his arms folded, listening to the others' exaggerations, looking quite pleased. Seeing Zhong Yansheng's lack of reaction, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Young Master Zhong, why don't you say anything? What do you think of this painting of mine?"
Zhong Yansheng's skin was as thin as a piece of paper and would break with a slight poke. How could he brag about his own paintings like others did?
He definitely can't brag about himself.
He choked for a while, and said in a dry tone: "Your Highness, I feel that this painting, compared with the works of the masters, still has many shortcomings..."
"Oh?" Xiao Nong raised his voice slightly, "Tell me, what's missing?"
Zhong Yansheng thought hard and answered seriously: "It's still a little immature, not as mature, full, rounded and calm as the works of the masters."
"Really?" Xiao Nong raised a vague smile with a deep meaning, "From what I see, I like it very much."
Zhong Yansheng was speechless for a moment, not knowing whether to be happy or scared.
His Royal Highness Prince Ding actually likes his paintings?
Seeing Zhong Yansheng's voice getting smaller and smaller, Xiao Wenlan felt pitiful and his sympathy for the naive boy started to overflow again. He couldn't help but speak up for him: "Brother, who gave you this painting? How come I've never seen it before? There's not even a seal on it."
Xiao Nong looked at him coldly and said slowly, "Some time ago, a little bird flew into my yard."
Everyone immediately fell silent and listened to Xiao Nong quietly.
"It was a beautiful but timid little bird. I kept it for a few days, but it suddenly flew away."
Zhong Yansheng was a little confused after hearing the first sentence, but only realized what Xiao Nong meant by "little bird" after hearing the second sentence. His earlobes turned red and almost bled.
But the others didn't understand.
Xiao Wenlan asked on behalf of everyone in daze: "So, cousin, what is the relationship between this painting and the bird that came to your yard?"
Xiao Nong's eyes turned to the painting of birds perched on plum trees next to him. His fingertips fell on the painting, and his slender fingers slowly stroked the chubby bird in the middle for a few times. He said in a neutral tone, "Before the heartless little bird flew away, it brought this painting with it."
The little bird felt as if its non-existent wings were suddenly pinched, and it dared not make a sound.
After hearing this bizarre experience, everyone didn't know how to respond for a moment. However, a young man in blue who had been silent before suddenly muttered to himself in confusion: "This painting..."
As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone, including Xiao Nong, looked at him.
Zhong Yansheng looked at him and felt that he looked familiar. It took him a while to recognize that this was the man Xiao Wenlan had been so nervous about poking with his fan when they met Xiao Nong on the street before. Later, when they went to Jiuxiang Tower, this man helped him out of trouble with Meng Qiping.
"Uh..." Suddenly being stared at by Xiao Nong's eyes that were different from those of ordinary people, the young man in blue froze and spoke uncertainly, "Your Highness, I see that the brushstrokes and style of this painting seem to be painted by 'Mr. Chunsong'."
Zhong Yansheng: “…”
How come anyone has seen his paintings!!!
Xiao Nong said softly, "Mr. Chunsong?"
"Yes, last year when I went to Nanjing with my mother to visit my aunt, I accompanied my uncle to meet an old friend and saw the paintings of Mr. Chunsong collected by that family. Because the style and brushwork are very distinctive, I remember it clearly."
The young man in green said this bravely, and suddenly seemed to remember something, looking at Zhong Yansheng who was wearing a veil and hiding behind the crowd: "It is said that Mr. Chunsong was born in Gusu. I remember that Young Master Zhong came from there, so he should have heard of it, right?"
Zhong Yansheng never thought that this could happen to him. He was stunned for a few moments and said with difficulty: "I've heard of it."
Xiao Nong raised the corner of his mouth: "I didn't know that this painting was made by Mr. Chunsong."
Zhong Yansheng closed his eyes in despair.
"Since we are all from Gusu."
Xiao Nong spoke slowly while taking a step forward and walking towards Zhong Yansheng.
He took a step forward, and the others immediately retreated three feet, leaving Zhong Yansheng alone. His eyes darkened as he was shrouded in a tall shadow. "I guess the young master knows a lot about Mr. Chunsong."
Zhong Yansheng really wanted to twist off the blue-clothed young man's head and kick it like a ball.
"I'm not sure either," Zhong Yansheng suddenly had an idea in his panic, "but I heard that... Mr. Chunsong is an old man."
Xiao Nong paused, then repeated with a half-smile: "Old man?"
Zhong Yansheng gritted his teeth and said firmly: "Old man."
Xiao Nong must not be allowed to know that Mr. Chunsong is Yuan Yuan. Prince Ding is obviously interested in him. If it is confirmed that Yuan Yuan is from Gusu, and he is also from Gusu, it would be too coincidental. Prince Ding might send someone to investigate him.
The Huai'an Marquis family has only recently returned to the capital, so even if Xiao Nong wanted to investigate, he wouldn't be able to find out anything. But if he went to Gusu to investigate, he would be doomed.
It would be better to say that Mr. Chunsong was an old man and that the painting was bought from afar to discourage Xiao Nong.
Sure enough, Xiao Nong just gave a smile with no discernible meaning, withdrew his gaze, and did not ask any more questions.
Zhong Yansheng breathed a sigh of relief and felt deeply that this move he made was absolutely correct.
It's absolutely seamless and perfect!
Just as he felt relieved, he saw Xiao Nong turn around and raise his hand to collect the painting. His loose sleeves slid down, revealing a bright red forehead band wrapped around the black sleeve of his left hand, which was dazzling and eye-catching.
It's his headband.
The red headband was tied to his wrists that night and thrown on the ground the next day, and he dared not even look at it.
The feeling of being tied up on his wrists seemed to come back again, and Zhong Yansheng's head was buzzing.
The teeth mark on the side of his neck were disgraceful enough, so why did His Royal Highness Prince Ding still keep something like this wrapped around his wrist?
Does that mean he is determined to settle the score with him?
Zhong Yansheng couldn't bear it any longer at this moment. He felt that he couldn't stay in Changliu Villa any longer. He said in a panic, "Your Highness, I suddenly remembered that I have something important to do at home. I'm afraid I have to leave first."
Xiao Nong stared at him. His deep blue eyes were expressionless but full of pressure. "Want to go back?"
Zhong Yansheng felt like he was back on the branch that was about to break, trembling, afraid that Xiao Nong would detain him: "... Yeah."
"Okay." Unexpectedly, Xiao Nong relaxed and then asked, "When will you come to apologize?"
Zhong Yansheng almost forgot about this.
He secretly glanced at the dozen or so people around him with different expressions, and thought, since everyone was coming to apologize together, he shouldn't be very conspicuous.
Well, leave it.
Thinking about it, his heart fell back to where it was, and he said hesitantly: "Wait until His Highness is convenient."
Xiao Nong laughed: "It's convenient for me anytime."
When he smiled, everyone felt nervous. Seeing that Zhong Yansheng seemed to be discussing the next date of their meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Ding, they were all full of admiration.
Warrior, when you saw His Royal Highness Prince Ding, you didn't run away, but instead thought of paying him a visit.
Zhong Yansheng didn't notice the strange atmosphere and hesitated for a while: "Then let's wait for another two days."
"Can."
Xiao Nong nodded with satisfaction and clapped his hands.
A rumbling sound was then heard, and the secret guards outside pushed in a very familiar wheelchair.
Zhong Yansheng looked at the wheelchair, and thought of how he had secretly lamented several times that Xiao Nong was disabled but determined, and he felt very embarrassed.
However, His Royal Highness Prince Ding doesn't need a wheelchair now, so what is the point of pushing this over?
Just as he was wondering, Zhong Yansheng heard Xiao Nong say, "Sit down."
It is an unquestionable tone.
Zhong Yansheng hesitated and obediently sat in the wheelchair, still dazed.
Using the same wheelchair, Xiao Nong was calm and composed when sitting on it, even when he looked up at people, it was as if he was looking down on them from a high vantage point.
When Zhong Yansheng sat on it, he looked small, pitiful and cute.
I don't know whether to say this child is well-behaved or not?
Xiao Nong's face was expressionless: "Send Young Master Zhong back."
Zhong Yansheng was pushed away in confusion, and the others quickly followed suit and found excuses to leave.
Xiao Wenlan was afraid that everyone would leave, and Xiao Nong would teach him a lesson, so he mixed in with the crowd and followed them away stealthily.
If the people below hadn't come to urgently report today that Xiao Wenlan had taken people to Taxue's yard to make trouble, Xiao Nong would not have returned to Changliu Villa.
By chance, Xiao Nong met Zhong Yansheng again and decided to let Xiao Wenlan go this time.
He leaned against the door, watching the young man in the veil being pushed away, and gently rubbed the forehead band on his wrist.
The two secret guards nearby noticed something unusual in Xiao Nong's words and actions. After everyone left, they spoke up, "Master, do you suspect that the young master of the Huai'an Marquis' Mansion is Young Master Yuan Yuan?"
Xiao Nong did not comment: "Prepare the carriage."
"Yes! Where are you going, Master?"
"Dali Temple."
The Duke of Pei had been crying to the old emperor for two days in a row. The Duke's wife went to the palace early this morning and cried to Meng Qiping's aunt.
The old emperor was probably tired of the constant crying, and he issued an edict a few hours ago, asking Xiao Nong to go to the Dali Temple and cooperate with the investigation of the Dali Temple officials.
Zhong Yansheng's father, Marquis Huai'an, was transferred back to Beijing and took up the position of Shaoqing of the Dali Temple.
The letter from the Huai'an Marquis's Mansion would not be presented until at least the evening, so Xiao Nong decided to meet the Huai'an Marquis first.
Although His Majesty ordered the Dali Temple to investigate Xiao Nong, the officials of the Dali Temple pondered His Majesty's indifferent tone and guessed that His Majesty probably did not intend to make a decision for the Duke of Pei, and even wanted to protect Xiao Nong. He was just trying to fool the Meng family with a superficial effort.
His Royal Highness Prince Ding was a terrifying existence, so how could they dare to send people to detain Xiao Nong? They were anxious for a whole day about how to apologize in Prince Ding's mansion.
Unexpectedly, around the hour of You, His Royal Highness Prince Ding came in person.
[Hour of You = 5 to 7 pm]
The Dali Temple was in chaos.
Marquis Huai'an was buried in front of his desk, flipping through files. When he heard the news, before he could even look up from his desk, His Royal Highness Prince Ding had already arrived in front of him.
He was wearing a bright red python robe and walking as fast as the wind. When he stopped in front of his desk, his eyes suddenly fell on a corner, his gaze deep and dark.
Marquis Huai'an had never dealt with this famous evil spirit of Dayong. When he saw Xiao Nong coming to the Dali Temple and heading straight for him, his heart sank. He stood up to greet him without showing it, and said, "I don't know why His Royal Highness Prince Ding has come. I'm sorry for not welcoming you. Is His Royal Highness Prince Ding here for... Your Highness?"
Xiao Nong turned a deaf ear to his words, his eyes fixed on the Tian Huang stone seal that Huai'an Marquis had placed aside. He suddenly bent down, picked it up, put it in his hand, squinted his eyes, carefully looked at the material and quality against the light, and slowly stroked it a few times.
It is translucent, smooth to the touch, and almost exactly the same as the one he carries with him.
Seeing that the seal given to him by Zhong Yansheng was picked up by Xiao Nong for no apparent reason, Marquis Huai'an was furious and said solemnly, "Your Highness Prince Ding, this is my personal property. Please return it!"
Xiao Nong raised his eyelids and said in a light voice: "May I ask, Lord Marquis, who gave you this jade stone?"
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