Helian Duo returned, wrapped in a chill and a strong smell of blood.
He did it so brazenly.
In the deep night, the two of them locked eyes. Although they couldn't see each other's true faces clearly, their hearts were already in tune.
Helian Duo immediately took off his outer robe and threw it aside. He couldn't help but pull Cheng Xiran into his arms, resting his chin on her head, and said with a smile, "Have you been waiting for me until now?"
Cheng Xiran still refused to admit it: "Well... I only waited for you for a while. Later, I just couldn't fall asleep."
Contrary to his cold body was his gentle tone: "If there were no worries in your heart, how could you not be able to sleep? Don't worry. I'm back safe and sound, aren't I?"
"You must be very tired. Go and rest quickly..."
Cheng Xiran said softly. She gently pushed him away, then picked up the blood - stained outer robe on the ground and took it aside to tidy it up. It wouldn't be good if someone saw it later.
Helian Duo almost fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
As for Cheng Xiran, now that she was relieved, she wanted to take a few more looks at him, but she was so sleepy that she finally fell asleep lying on his chest.
When they woke up, they were still hugging each other.
It was then that Cheng Xiran noticed a thin scratch on his face. It was a very shallow cut.
Helian Duo noticed her gaze and patiently explained, "Last night, we were caught off guard. There were more than four hundred of those guys. Later, when I was tired from fighting, I didn't notice for a moment. But this is just a minor injury. It's not worth mentioning."
"You guys are really brave and good at fighting," Cheng Xiran said sincerely.
Later, from what Helian Duo told her, Cheng Xiran learned that last night Helian Duo had captured the leader of the mountain bandits. After repeated interrogations, they found out that Steward Wu had never signed any agreement with them. Although they knew that the 100,000 taels of silver was in Fenzhou and had once wanted to make a move, they were always afraid because it was official property.
Now it was clear that Steward Wu had been wrongly accused, and this person was very likely the real spy that Lord Qian had mentioned.
Their next task was to find an excuse to go to the Li Mansion and investigate in person.
But they had attacked Young Master Li first. Now the only person who had a connection with the Li Mansion was Lady Qian.
"But now, there's no other way but to go to the Li Mansion under the pretext of apologizing to Young Master Li."
The Li Mansion was heavily guarded. It was difficult to sneak in. After much thought, Cheng Xiran's idea was indeed the most reliable one.
They planned to act before dinner to gain more time.
They didn't see Lady Qian and Lord Qian all day. According to the maid, they had gone to the temple to pray. Helian Duo temporarily put aside their strange behaviors recently and began to plan for tonight.
Cheng Xiran was in charge of luring, Helian Duo would go deep into the mansion, and Zuo Yan would be on standby outside.
They decided to act immediately.
Before dinner, Cheng Xiran led a few people, including the disguised Zuo Yan, along with some tonics, to the Li Mansion.
After stating their purpose, they saw a servant go in to report. Soon the servant came out and led Cheng Xiran and Helian Duo in.
Young Master Li was already standing in the courtyard, dragging his sick body, waiting for Cheng Xiran.
But when he saw Helian Duo beside her, the smile on his lips immediately froze. He quickly turned his head to the servant beside him and shouted, "Why did you let him in too! Do you think I want to see him!"
Helian Duo pretended to be very respectful and said, "I'm really sorry about that day. After that, I've always wanted to find an excuse to come and apologize in person. Fortunately, I've got the chance today."
Young Master Li snorted, "Then kneel down and kowtow three times right now. I'll forgive you. Otherwise, get out of here and don't spoil my fun with this young lady!"
For every word he said, Cheng Xiran got goosebumps all over.
She really felt disgusted but had to play along.
Just when the situation was getting sticky, a strong voice came from afar: "You good - for - nothing! Don't be so rude. If I were Young Master He, I would have beaten you to a pulp!"
When Young Master Li saw the person coming, he was as timid as a mouse seeing a cat. He obediently saluted and said, "Father."
This solemn - looking man was Lord Li.
Helian Duo gave Cheng Xiran a look. Then the two of them stepped forward together and saluted, "Greetings to Lord Li."
Although Lord Li invited them to rise, there was still a bit of contempt on his face. To be honest, Young Master Li's current behavior was due to his indulgence. And because his son had been beaten by Helian Duo, he naturally didn't give them a good look.
Anyway, Helian Duo didn't care at all.
"It's really strange. Why did Young Master He and his wife suddenly come to apologize?"
This did seem to be a problem.
Just when Cheng Xiran was wondering how to reply, she saw Helian Duo say seriously, "Your son molested a good - woman in the street. That was wrong. But He Shu used private punishment, which led to your son not fully recovering yet. Naturally, we should come to apologize."
Lord Li's face darkened.
Helian Duo then brought up the Regent and added, "A few days ago, when I set off from the capital, I was told by the Regent to cause less trouble when I came here. So I hope Lord Li will forgive me. I'd like to apologize to Young Master Li again."
It had to be said that the Regent's status was somewhat intimidating. Presumably, Lord Li also understood the stakes, otherwise his expression wouldn't have softened a bit.
"I've long heard from Lord Qian that you two are honored guests from the capital. In that case, please take your seats."
Young Master Li's eyes hardly left Cheng Xiran.
And Helian Duo was talking to Lord Li about the disaster - relief funds and didn't have time to take care of her.
After talking for a while, Lord Li just politely invited them to dinner, but Helian Duo readily agreed.
"Although Lord Li has been in Fenzhou for many years and has never been to the capital, the Regent and the Emperor have always been concerned about Lord Li. They also said that if there's a chance in the future, they'll transfer Lord Li back to the capital."
Helian Duo tried to make his words sound as nice as possible.
Obviously, Lord Li was very pleased, so his attitude became a bit better than before.
During dinner, the whole family was there. Anyway, when Cheng Xiran looked around, she thought they were all a bunch of villains. She only thought Lady Qian looked a bit more pleasant.