"Lift the Dragon Steamer?"
Li An was stunned, utterly confused. But hearing Qi Rong say that he would assign this task to him, he felt an uneasiness welling up inside, sensing that it was no good deed. Immediately, he refused, saying,
"No way. I can't do this."
What if he messed it up? Wouldn't it be his responsibility then?
Right now, he couldn't even submit the memorial to the emperor. Qi Rong would surely have more reason to take revenge on him. He mustn't fall into this trap!
But who was Qi Rong? He simply wouldn't give Li An a chance to refuse.
"This matter is settled. Otherwise, get out right now!"
"By then, I'll tell the emperor that you, Li An, taking advantage of his trust, are reluctant to contribute at all and unfit for the important task of building dams and bridges!"
Li An had risen to his position through currying favor, yet he was eager to make great progress in his official career. This project of building dams and bridges, which would benefit the country and the people, was a perfect opportunity for him to showcase his abilities. With actual achievements, he wouldn't have to worry about others' criticism anymore, and his position in the court would be more secure!
If Qi Rong sent him back to the capital now, all his plans would go up in smoke!
He even suspected that Qi Rong was deliberately trying to squeeze him out of the project.
Li An was cornered by Qi Rong and had no words to refute. He gritted his teeth, wavered for a moment, and finally compromised, saying,
"To fulfill the emperor's order, I'm willing to lift the Dragon Steamer. But your highness must also personally tell me the precautions for this task so that I can make full preparations."
He had to be careful to avoid being tricked by Qi Rong later. So he must make Qi Rong publicly tell him the details.
Otherwise, once he made a mistake, it would all be his own responsibility!
Didn't Qi Rong know what was on Li An's mind? He narrowed his cold eyes slightly and curled his thin lips, saying,
"Fine. I can tell you personally."
"You just need to take a bath and abstain from meat for the next three days. As for the rest, I'll have the sacrificial official teach you personally."
Saying this, Qi Rong gave a disdainful look to his guard and said indifferently,
"Escort Lord Li back. Make sure he cleanses himself and abstains from inappropriate food for these three days. We mustn't incur the dragon god's displeasure and ruin our great undertaking."
"Yes, your highness!"
Hearing this, the guard immediately stepped forward, grabbed Li An, and dragged him away regardless of his struggles.
The other officials who had been forced to come by Li An saw this and quickly took their leave, eager to get away from this trouble spot to avoid being implicated.
Watching Qi Rong solve the problem in his usual overbearing yet seemingly risk - free way, Yun Xi couldn't help but sigh.
"It's better not to offend a villain than a gentleman. You've offended him so badly. It won't do you any good in the future."
It's easier to dodge an open spear than a hidden arrow. Although it was her first time meeting Li An, she could tell that he was a complete villain. Such people loved to stab others in the back!
Qi Rong was making too many enemies for himself, which would only put him in a more dangerous situation in the future...
"Him? He's not worth fearing!"
Qi Rong suddenly smiled and found that he quite liked being worried about by Yun Xi.
But for someone like Li An, he simply didn't take him seriously. If he wanted to, he could make Li An disappear forever with a little trick.
However, as a somewhat useful pawn, Li An hadn't completed his task yet. So for now, Qi Rong would spare his life.
"Sometimes I really don't know what's going on in your mind."
Watching Qi Rong remain so calm in a seemingly urgent situation, Yun Xi couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and jealousy.
If she could face all things as mysteriously and calmly as Qi Rong.
Would she be less hesitant and more decisive when dealing with problems?
Hearing Yun Xi's words, Qi Rong lovingly scraped the tip of her nose with his finger, pressed his thin lips against her ear, and said ambiguously,
"Wanna know what I'm thinking now? I'll tell you right away: I want to kiss you like I did in the carriage that night. I can't wait to marry you and finish what we didn't do that night..."
"I forbid you to say such improper things!"
Yun Xi felt her cheeks burning. She quickly covered Qi Rong's mouth with both hands to prevent him from saying anything more embarrassing. She glared at him with a blushing face.
Before she met this libertine, she was a pure and innocent young girl.
But since she got involved with him, she found that she was increasingly deviating from the constraints of female virtues. Not only had he taken advantage of her, but he had also stirred up her heart, making her feel so unsettled.
If this went on, she would really be in too deep to get out!
Facing Yun Xi's shyness, Qi Rong smiled wickedly and licked her palm gently. Sensing the wetness, Yun Xi quickly withdrew her hand as if she had been burned.
"You were the one who wanted to know what I was thinking. I was being perfectly serious. Why don't you want to listen anymore?"
There was a hint of playfulness in Qi Rong's eyes. He enjoyed Yun Xi's embarrassed expression and laughed smugly.
Yun Xi stammered three "you"s in a row, her face turning bright red, but she couldn't utter a single coherent word.
Because this fellow was as thick - skinned as a city wall. No matter how much she said, it was just like tickling him.
Just as Yun Xi was glaring at Qi Rong with gritted teeth, a surprised voice suddenly came, making Yun Xi jump.
"Miss! You're finally back safely. I thought Nightingale was lying to me!"
Under Nightingale's persuasion, Hongluo had come to Lingchuan two days earlier. But she had been feeling extremely anxious. She was afraid that Yun Xi had encountered some misfortune while she was here enjoying herself and not being able to help at all.
She had tried several times to sneak back to look for Yun Xi, but Nightingale had always stopped her. So she could only wait anxiously for news of Yun Xi.
Seeing Hongluo safe and sound, Yun Xi was first stunned, then her eyes turned red. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Nightingale behind Hongluo. Suddenly realizing something, her face stiffened. She quickly broke free from Qi Rong's embrace.
"You're injured. Be careful."
Qi Rong frowned and carefully supported Yun Xi's shoulders, but she instinctively dodged and walked quickly towards the two of them.
She held Hongluo's hand, but her eyes were on Nightingale. With a sincere look on her face but a hint of apology in her heart, she said,
"Nightingale, thank you for taking care of Hongluo. I'm sorry to have troubled you during this time."
How could she forget? Nightingale was one of the women around Qi Rong.
Maybe she hadn't felt guilty before, but after getting in touch with Nightingale, she found that Nightingale was different from Wushuang. Although she didn't talk much, she was a very sincere person.
She had done her best to help Yun Xi and even fought to protect her when she was ambushed!
How could she bear to let down such a kind and wonderful woman? How could she be lovey - dovey with Qi Rong in front of her? She couldn't!
Thinking of how she had been in Qi Rong's arms just a moment ago, Yun Xi felt extremely ashamed and almost didn't dare to look into Nightingale's eyes.
"Hongluo, let's find a place to talk. I want to know how you managed to avoid that danger."
Yun Xi's eyes were full of sourness, but she forced a smile and pulled Hongluo.
Saying this, she quickly grabbed Hongluo and walked out as if escaping, leaving the space for Qi Rong and Nightingale.