Chapter 22: Home-style Tofu (Part 22)
Jing Yi didn’t respond, and Leng Yue didn’t need him to.
By this point, things were already crystal clear.
Leng Yue pulled Jing Yi out from the corner and casually brushed the thin layer of dust from his snow-white robe where it had touched the ground. “Go home and change your clothes.”
Her voice was soft—so soft it carried a gentle warmth, a warmth that made Jing Yi momentarily unable to grasp why she wanted him to change.
“...Huh?”
“What do you mean, ‘huh’? Look at the time—hurry home, quickly change into your official robes, and obediently return to the Dali Temple. Do what you’re supposed to do. If the Dali Temple complains about you to Prince An again, I swear I’ll skin you alive!”
“...”
Jing Yi looked at his wife, whose expression shifted faster than a sneeze, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Just a moment ago, when she was brushing off his robe, her touch had been as gentle as stroking a cat...
Jing Yi sighed inwardly and replied calmly, “My dear, I already went to the Dali Temple this morning after you left. Right now, I’m handling official business for the Dali Temple.”
The Dali Temple was just one street away from the residence where Jing Yi currently lived. By horse or sedan, it took about a quarter of an hour to get there; if he hopped across the neighbors’ rooftops, it was as quick as taking a sip of water.
Jing Yi rarely traveled by horse or sedan, so Leng Yue didn’t doubt that he could make a trip to the Dali Temple and back home in such a short time, change out of his official robes, and then go to Qingxiang Lou to eat tofu pudding while waiting for her. But she didn’t believe that the Dali Temple just happened to have a task that required him to follow her wherever she went.
“The Old Master just told me that if members of the Jing family deceive each other, they have to kneel in the ancestral hall... When you come back after kneeling, remember to bring my sword with you.”
“I really do have official business...” Jing Yi smiled, looking both innocent and helpless, then added, “The kind that offends people.”
Leng Yue froze.
The kind that offends people.
This wasn’t just something Jing Yi had casually said to brush her off. It was a common phrase used by officials serving at the Dali Temple when relatives, friends, or colleagues asked what they were busy with lately.
Behind these words lay an unspoken understanding among court officials—they were currently handling a case involving an official who had broken the law. It couldn’t be discussed, so it was better not to ask.
Although Leng Yue wasn’t exactly a court official, she was still a public servant who received a government salary. Of course, she understood the meaning of those words. But...
If Jing Yi was handling a case about an official breaking the law, why had he started following her step by step after leaving the Dali Temple? She wasn’t an official, nor had she committed any crime...
An official breaking the law...
Suddenly, Leng Yue recalled some things Jing Yi had said earlier. Startled, she blurted out, “Are you investigating the capital—”
Before Jing Yi could cover her mouth, Leng Yue had already clamped her own hand over it.
“I’m sorry...”
Seeing that Leng Yue’s anger had completely dissipated, Jing Yi flashed a harmless smile. “My dear, you were planning to go to Linglong Porcelain Kiln, right?”
Leng Yue was taken aback again.
Yes, she had indeed intended to go to Linglong Porcelain Kiln.
Based on the traces left at the kiln and the clues on Zhang Chong’s body, Zhang Chong had died inside the kiln room. The suspect was a man—taller than Zhang Chong, right-handed, physically robust, and familiar with Zhang Chong.
Whoever this man was, he must be someone unskilled in porcelain-making yet connected to the kiln.Connecting the dots with Zhang Chong's words to Xu Qing before his death, Qin Hehuan's purse inexplicably found in Zhang Chong's bundle, Xiao Yunde's unusual behavior of not returning home for half a year yet visiting twice just yesterday, Qin Hehuan's hatred for Zhang Chong, and that child who reincarnated too soon before even being born...
Leng Yue had already formed a preliminary judgment.
She only needed verification from Xiao Yunde himself before she could cast her net and make the arrest.
But...
Jing Yi's question didn't seem like just casual concern.
It seemed there was more to follow.
"Are you trying to say... you happen to be going too? Shall we go together?"
Jing Yi nodded without hesitation.
Leng Yue had no intention of refusing him. To be honest, she was more than willing.
Without her sword by her side, she needed something else that could give her the same sense of security—and Jing Yi happened to be just that thing.
As the price, Leng Yue had to listen to Jing Yi's elaborate narration of "One Hundred Possibilities Regarding the Martial Relationship Between Qin Hehuan and Xiao Yunde" all the way.
By the time they reached the entrance of Linglong Porcelain Kiln, Leng Yue had only one thought left in her mind.
Hurry up and drag Xiao Yunde out, grab him by the neck, and make him explain to Jing Yi word by word what the hell was really going on between him and his wife!
The gatekeeper had them wait in the parlor. After waiting for nearly half an hour, during which Leng Yue endured Jing Yi's vivid descriptions of seven or eight other possibilities, they finally saw someone approaching.
It wasn't Xiao Yunde, but a middle-aged man with a round face and a large belly, slightly hunched, with a thin layer of sweat on his face and a standard merchant's smile. He politely cupped his hands and said, "Officer Jing, Madam, I am Zhao He, the manager of the porcelain kiln. There have been many trivial matters at the kiln today, my apologies for keeping you waiting."
Jing Yi also stood up and politely cupped his hands in return, smiling amiably. "Do you have water?"
Zhao He's hands remained cupped in mid-air as he stared blankly. "...Water?"
Jing Yi became even more amiable. "Yes, water. That colorless, transparent, flowing stuff you can drink. I've talked too much and my throat is dry."
Looking at Zhao He's expression, Leng Yue somewhat regretted coming with Jing Yi.
"...Yes, yes, yes! The servants don't know their manners, neglecting you both. Please forgive us..." Zhao He finally collected himself and shouted toward the hallway outside, "Someone, serve tea!"
Before Zhao He finished speaking, Jing Yi said cheerfully, "I'd like Mingqian Longjing tea brewed with twice-boiled water."
"...Serve Mingqian Longjing, brewed with twice-boiled water! Don't get it wrong!"
Jing Yi's smile widened. "And bring a plate of thousand-layer cake too."
"...Someone, bring thousand-layer cake!"
"I want the osmanthus flavor."
"...Osmanthus flavor!"
"There's no one outside."
"Out..." Zhao He barely started shouting before choking on his words, his face turning pale as he stared at Jing Yi's still gentle smile. "N-no one?"
Jing Yi smiled innocently. "Yes, I was whispering with my wife earlier, so I sent them as far away as possible. Manager Xiao truly runs a tight ship—everyone recognizes Prince An's token and obeys orders perfectly. They deserve rewards."
Zhao He stared blankly at Leng Yue, only to find her looking at him with sympathy.
"You two... what exactly brings you to the porcelain kiln?"Leng Yue knew Jing Yi was displeased that the steward had left them waiting for nearly half an hour and was deliberately giving him a hard time. Worried that the already pale-faced steward might be driven to illness by Jing Yi’s antics, Leng Yue spoke before Jing Yi could respond, “We’re here to discuss a major deal. Let your boss, Xiao Yunde, come out and speak with us.”
Zhao He clearly preferred addressing Leng Yue and hurriedly clasped his hands in a deferential gesture. “My apologies, Madam… My master is not here. Business matters can be discussed with me.”
Leng Yue’s brow furrowed slightly.
Of all times for him to be absent, why now…?
“Where did he go?”
“Well…” Zhao He offered an awkward, ingratiating smile. “The master left in a hurry and didn’t mention anything. I’m not entirely sure.”
Before Leng Yue could say another word, Jing Yi chimed in cheerfully, “He’s lying.”
Zhao He choked, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.
“…Lord Jing, businessmen value honesty above all. I haven’t spoken a single false word.”
Jing Yi’s smile didn’t waver. “He’s lying again.”
“…”
Zhao He’s round face turned as green as a turtle’s shell.
Leng Yue felt a twinge of sympathy for him and patiently asked again, politely, “Steward Zhao, let me ask you once more: Where exactly did Boss Xiao go?”
“I…”
Zhao He hesitated, glancing at Jing Yi, who was still watching him with a grin. Jing Yi’s expression reminded him of a wolfhound released by mountain folk to hunt pheasants or rabbits—poised to pounce at the slightest foolish move, ready to knock its prey unconscious and carry it back to its master for praise.
The more Zhao He looked, the more his face seemed to ache faintly.
“I don’t know much… Yesterday, I went to the city on the master’s behalf to discuss business and only returned around noon. The master was still here then. Later, a worker came to speak with him about something. After their conversation, the master rushed out and hasn’t returned since… However, it’s not unusual for him to stay out overnight. If you insist on seeing him, I can send someone to look for him.”
Zhao He finished cautiously and, seeing that Jing Yi remained silent, quietly let out a sigh of relief.
Leng Yue pondered Zhao He’s words and frowned. “Do you know where to find Boss Xiao?”
“Well…” Zhao He glanced at Jing Yi again, who was still smiling at him, and felt a shiver of unease. “It’s… it’s just those few Rouge Alleys…”
Leng Yue’s eyebrows lifted slightly.
She wasn’t surprised that Xiao Yunde had a habit of frequenting the Rouge Alleys, but it didn’t make sense for him to rush out in a hurry after meeting with a porcelain kiln worker just to visit those places.
“Do you know what the worker discussed with Boss Xiao?”
“They spoke behind closed doors in the master’s study. I was next door managing accounts and didn’t hear anything… Wait, I did! I heard one thing… The master cursed, ‘That wretched woman!’ I don’t know who he was referring to. After that, he slammed the door and left.”
Wretched woman.
That made sense.
Leng Yue’s mind grew clearer.
“Steward Zhao, do you remember who the worker was that came to speak with Boss Xiao?”
“Yes, it was a wood-splitting laborer named Sun Dacheng. He’s burly and easy to recognize.”
“Is he struggling financially?”
Zhao He paused, taken aback. “I… I’m not sure about that.”
Jing Yi declared with satisfaction, “Lies.”Leng Yue narrowed her phoenix eyes, and Zhao He stammered in panic, "H-he has some... bad habits. Probably owes a lot of money to people!"
A satisfied smirk tugged at Leng Yue's lips. "Is that so... I'll go with Lord Jing to check the porcelain kiln in the back. Please summon him and the kiln worker Xu Qing to the firing chamber."
Zhao He stared blankly at these two visitors who sounded less like business negotiators with every word. "Might I ask... what is your true purpose in seeking my master?"
Leng Yue glanced at Jing Yi.
She had to admit that when it came to spinning wild tales, Jing Yi's delivery was always more authentic.
Jing Yi amiably pulled a gleaming golden token from his robe and extended it toward Zhao He's face, speaking gently, "I'm not telling you."
The steward's face paled, his knees buckled, and he fell to the floor with a thud.
Leng Yue nearly dropped to her knees herself.
What he'd produced was an imperial token—not just any imperial token, but a gold plaque personally granted by the reigning emperor.
Not the kind used to authorize executions or similar matters, but rather the type carried by those conveying imperial oral decrees to verify their identity. And those who delivered the emperor's oral decrees were typically his most trusted, his closest confidants...
The chief eunuchs.
Where on earth had Jing Yi—a perfectly normal man—gotten such a token!
Jing Yi continued smiling as he held up the plaque, asking kindly, "Was there anything else you wanted to know?"
Imperial affairs—even Xiao Yunde's father wouldn't dare inquire, let alone a mere steward.
"N-no, nothing..."
"Then we'll trouble Steward Zhao."
"Not at all, not at all... This humble servant will see to it immediately!"
Watching Zhao He practically scramble out the door on hands and knees, Leng Yue shot a sidelong glance at the pleased-looking Jing Yi and the still-gleaming token in his hand.
"Where did you get this thing?"
Jing Yi tucked the token back into his robe while rummaging for something, answering absently, "Won it from His Majesty during dice games around New Year's. Found it works better than Prince An's token, so I've been carrying it around..."
"...Was this during that time people said you left the Emperor with nothing but his underwear?"
"Well... actually, I didn't leave him with anything."
"..."
Jing Yi finally produced three dice from his person, tucked them at his waist, straightened his slightly disheveled collar, and smiled with the dignified air of a proper gentleman.
"Alright, let's go."
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