Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C231 – I Am Very Well

“Your note mentioned the arrival of an important guest today. Has he arrived?” Cao Zongguan, after much hesitation, finally posed the question.

“I’m here, but I expressed a desire to engage in chess with Master Lu. I’ll send someone to inquire; it’s time for lunch.”

“There’s no need…” Anxiously, Cao Zongguan grasped his arm and explained, “Since the other party wishes to play chess, we should not disturb them.”

“How could our presence be disruptive? We’ve concluded,” a deep voice interjected. Cao Zongguan turned to see the person enter with a dignified demeanor.

Their eyes met, evoking a sense of speechlessness—a blend of familiarity and unfamiliarity.

They had met under the shroud of night, lit by candlelight, spending most of their time entwined in bed. While acquainted with each other’s bodies, they remained unfamiliar with their daylight personas.

Zhan Yuanfeng’s face bore an expression of amusement and admiration, while Cao Zongguan’s lips tightened, revealing a hint of internal conflict.

Finally, Zhan Yuanfeng spoke, “Lady Zuo, as the wife of Duke Zhen, how long do you plan to hold hands? Such behavior, lacking in propriety, may lead to misunderstandings.”

Only then did Cao Zongguan realize he still clasped Zuo Shaoqing’s hand, his palm ablaze. Hastily, he released it, responding stiffly, “Those astute will discern. I trust Master Lu harbors no suspicions.”

Simultaneously, they glanced at Lu Zheng, noticing his expression wasn’t as benign as anticipated. His eagle-like gaze swept over Zuo Shaoqing’s hand. “While understandable, it’s advisable to refrain from such actions in the future.”

“Haha…” Zhan Yuanfeng erupted into laughter, relishing Cao Zongguan’s discomfort.

Initially indifferent, Cao Zongguan’s laughter turned embarrassed. He shot a fierce glare at Zhan Yuanfeng before apologizing to Zuo Shaoqing.

Zuo Shaoqing discreetly nudged Lu Zheng’s leg, deeming him overly stringent.

Having laughed his fill, Zhan Yuanfeng took the seat previously occupied by Cao Zongguan. He casually inquired, “Hasn’t Lady Zuo introduced me?”

Zuo Shaoqing wasn’t naïve. Observing their interaction, it was evident they knew each other. However, he couldn’t fathom Cao Zongguan’s connection to the Son of Heaven in the present era.

From Zhan Yuanfeng’s tone, it seemed he had no intention of disclosing his identity. Whether Cao Zongguan knew his true status remained unclear.

“This is my dear friend, Cao Zongguan, a renowned scholar from Jiangnan.”

“Oh? How does he fare compared to Lady Zuo?” Wu Tie inquired in a jesting manner, his gaze fixed on Cao Zongguan’s countenance.

Zuo Shaoqing responded, “Brother Cao is only a few years my senior, hence his expertise is undoubtedly more profound.”

“I beg to differ. If his knowledge were that profound, why was he absent from the previous Assembly Competition?”

“Why inquire when the answer is evident!” Cao Zongguan interjected.

Indeed, thought Zuo Shaoqing. He sensed Zhan Yuanfeng’s behavior becoming increasingly peculiar lately, exuding an aura of feminine resentment.

Despite Zhan Yuanfeng’s persistent provocations, Lu Zheng intervened, saying, “Let’s proceed with the meal.” He gestured for the dishes to be served and settled beside Zuo Shaoqing, disregarding someone’s shameless antics.

Given Zhan Yuanfeng’s private visit, formalities between sovereign and subject were waived, treating him as a gathering of friends.

The table was modest, adorned with five dishes and a soup. While somewhat simple for esteemed guests, Zhan Yuanfeng and Cao Zongguan expressed no complaints.

Moreover, despite the limited selection, each dish boasted exceptional quality, rivaling even imperial cuisine.

The quartet dined in silence. Lu Zheng occasionally offered morsels to Zuo Shaoqing, while Zhan Yuanfeng engaged in intermittent tussles with Cao Zongguan over food. As they ate, Zuo Shaoqing’s suspicion deepened.

Something was amiss. Zuo Shaoqing kept his gaze lowered, observing the expressions and interactions of the two men.

Zhan Yuanfeng would wink at Cao Zongguan for every morsel he managed to snatch, yet Cao Zongguan remained unperturbed, solely focused on consuming his meal.

The obliviousness between the two made Zuo Shaoqing feel superfluous alongside Lu Zheng. The notion unsettled him to the point where he accidentally dropped his chopsticks in alarm.

With no attendants nearby at Zhan Yuanfeng’s behest, Zuo Shaoqing prepared to act independently, retrieving his own utensils.

As he bent down, he noticed an intriguing sight beneath the table. Zhan Yuanfeng’s leg was pressed against Cao Zongguan’s, receiving affectionate caresses.

Zuo Shaoqing blinked and suppressed a smirk. He calmly straightened up, requesting new chopsticks from his servants, and resumed his meal composedly.

Post-meal, he deliberated earnestly on the situation. Although unsure of when the two had become entangled, given the rumors and their behavior today, genuine affection seemed improbable.

Observing Lu Zheng’s impassive countenance, it seemed likely he was already privy to this development.

“Cough, cough…” “If you gentlemen have matters to attend to, why not prioritize them? I’m well acquainted with Wu Steel Manor, and I won’t let it slip away,” Zhan Yuanfeng said to Lu Zheng Fu with a grin.

Zuo Shaoqing’s mouth opened and closed, sighing once more at his master’s audacity. Unwittingly, he found himself taken advantage of.

He responded earnestly, “You jest. We hold the title of Lord while you’re our esteemed guest. It wouldn’t be fitting for us to neglect our guest etiquette.”

Zhan Yuanfeng maintained his smile, speaking generously, “As guests, it wouldn’t be appropriate if you brought trouble upon the master. Considering your recent return to the capital, you must have pressing matters to attend to.”

Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t find a rebuttal. It would be improper to claim he had nothing but free time, wouldn’t it?

Coincidentally, Luo Xiaoliu rushed over, offering a casual bow as he exclaimed, “Master San, there’s trouble…”

“I, Lord Third, am perfectly fine!”

“No…” Earlier, while I was outside, I overheard chatter about Zuo’s Mansion catching fire last night, with more than half of it burnt down.”

Zuo Shaoqing raised his eyebrows, surprised. “Was anyone harmed? Is everything alright?”

Luo Xiaoliu shook his head. “The night watchman noticed the commotion; everyone was roused by the sound of rushing water. But due to the intensity of the blaze, more than half the estate succumbed to the flames.”

“Well, as long as you’re unharmed.” Truthfully, he felt a sense of relief: he had harbored a distaste for that mansion for some time.

Luo Xiaoliu also snapped back to reality, suddenly realizing something. Why hadn’t anyone informed him of such a significant event? If he hadn’t ventured out, he might have remained oblivious.

He hesitated… Glancing at Zuo Shaoqing with probing eyes, he nearly inquired if San Ye was involved.

Zuo Shaoqing grinned, remarking, “It seems I won’t be able to entertain the two of you. Please, feel at liberty to handle matters as you see fit. If you require anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

Zhan Yuanfeng was about to interject, but Cao Zongguan beat him to it. “Since Liu Tie is occupied, let’s convene another time. I have some urgent matters to address.”

Zhan Yuanfeng’s expression darkened. He pivoted, spotting Cao Zongguan with blood-drenched ears, appearing on the verge of flight. Strangely, a wave of compassion washed over him.

“In that case, perhaps I should… go along as well. How about we proceed together?” Zhan Yuanfeng proposed with a smile. Escaping the palace wasn’t a simple task; he couldn’t allow them to flee so easily.

Cao Zongguan remained silent, forging ahead. His emotions churned, indifferent to whether Zhan Yuanfeng tagged along. At this moment, he simply wished to avoid those aware of their situation.

Their affair had always been clandestine. While he pondered the potential fallout if their secret was exposed, he hadn’t steeled himself for such an eventuality.

It was merely a transaction between them, unlike the love shared between Zuo Shaoqing and Lu Zheng. He lacked the courage to acknowledge it openly.

“Stop!” Zhan Yuanfeng growled, seizing Cao Zongguan’s wrist.

Despite Cao Zongguan’s attempts, he couldn’t break free. Anxious, he inquired, “What is it?”

Zhan Yuanfeng offered no response, instead guiding him toward a palanquin and commanding, “Take us to your residence.”

“What?” Cao Zongguan exclaimed in disbelief.

Zhan Yuanfeng fixed him with a smile that held a hint of menace, whispering near his ear, “Didn’t you express a desire to avoid prying eyes? Then let’s retire to your abode!”

“Your Majesty, do you dare to let this be known?” Cao Zongguan questioned.

“I once feared it, but…” Zhan Yuanfeng trailed off, leaving his thoughts unfinished.

Cao Zongguan felt utterly overwhelmed, resignedly remarking, “Even if this were to become public knowledge, the emperor might only jest with you. As for me, I would have no standing whatsoever.”

Zhan Yuanfeng acknowledged the truth in his words. Regardless of their bond, in the eyes of society, Cao Zongguan would be branded as deceitful, despite their simple arrangement.

Had it not been for Zuo Shaoqing’s public plea for marriage before the court, aided by Lu Zheng, his circumstances might not have been so favorable that day.

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