Why am I, a cook, always involved in cases?

Tianshu Kingdom,

This country is famous for its prosperous politics and culture, and Tianshu City is its core.

Behind the name of Tianshu Kingdom lies a glorious legend of its founding.

It symbolizes the country's imperial ancestor, the mother of Emperor Gaozu, the honorable Queen Mother.

Like a king's scepter, it demonstrates supreme glory and power.

These made Lin Zhiruo deeply understand why even the wise emperor would have a sense of awe and tolerance towards Xiao Liang.

Under the northern sky, the top blade is quietly calling out to the dignitaries, who are leisurely planning a grand hunting trip.

Although the emperor was not present in person, all the participants were powerful and influential figures.

At this moment, a majestic military officer was telling Lin Zhiruo all this.

The wheels rolled, and Lin Zhiruo rode in the carriage, slowly moving forward.

The carriage moved at a speed of less than five miles per hour, as slow as a snail.

Including the time for changing horses and resting, half a day's journey had already passed.

Lin Zhiruo sighed inwardly. How much she wanted to speak out and change this dull situation.

However, when she saw the soft cushions on the seats and the people around her who were equally exhausted, she chose to remain silent.

She cast her eyes out the window, trying to find a little comfort in the endless scenery.

Her hair was in a different bun than usual, looking extra heavy.

If she had known the journey would be so long and difficult, she might have chosen to tie her hair later.

She sat in the carriage with a depressed look on her face. Although it was Xiao Liang's invitation, traveling all the way from the capital to Beiyuan Prefecture was by no means an easy task.

This is not an easy round trip, after all, Xiao Liang also has his own residence in the capital.

Beiyuan Prefecture has been managed by the Xiao Liang family for generations. Although the family has a long history, its reputation is not perfect.

Military officer Wu Muqi told Lin Zhiruo about these things that she was not interested in, then he crossed his arms and said no more.

His silence made the officials in the same car feel more pressured.

Although Wumuqi was young, he held a high official position and his subordinates did not dare to be negligent in front of him.

Quan Wushuang and Gao Zhongcheng were riding in another carriage. Although Lin Zhiruo was a little sleepy, she still maintained a dignified demeanor.

Seeing this, Wu Muqi couldn't help but smack his lips and muttered to himself: "What on earth is my father thinking? How could he let such a woman..."

(Father...)

Lin Zhiruo finally recognized that the man was Gao Zhongcheng's son.

At first, she was surprised that Gao Zhongcheng, a eunuch, had children, but then she thought that he was not born a eunuch, so it was normal for him to have children.

At this time, the outline of the lake gradually appeared outside the window, and several pavilions surrounded the lake, like a fairyland on earth.

Wumuqi seemed to feel that he had finally reached his destination, so he loosened his arms, and the other officials also felt relieved.

Lin Zhiruo patted her buttocks and looked at the street casually.

The houses are built against the mountain and are colorful, like a gorgeous painting unfolding before your eyes.

Because it is located by the water, it is shaded by green willows and the paved stone trails are even more beautiful.

The houses are reflected on the water, like a scene in a mirror, which is magnificent.

As a summer resort, this place is high and cool. It is said that the former emperor would come here to rest every year.

However, since the late emperor's later years and the current emperor's accession to the throne, few royal family members have come here.

But even so, there are still people who carefully take care of this land.

The neighboring territory here is said to be managed by the "Zi" clan.

Houses can also be seen on the slopes of the mountain.

The hillside is cut into steps, and the houses are arranged in an orderly manner, which neither destroys the landscape nor destroys the scenery, but adds a bit of charm and elegance.

The carriage finally stopped in front of the most magnificent mansion in town.

This mansion is unique in both scale and layout, enough to make the picky people in Beijing admire it.

The house is three stories high, with pillars as bright red as blood; the roof tiles are in the shape of animal faces, majestic and solemn.

The mansion is surrounded by ditches, with koi swimming leisurely in the water.

Clay sculptures in the shape of dragons and tigers can be seen everywhere on the plaster-coated walls, and they appear lifelike and vivid before people's eyes.

These clay sculptures were obviously made by many craftsmen, who carefully applied them with putty spoons. They are rare treasures in the capital.

As Lin Zhiruo was carefully admiring these exquisite clay sculptures, she suddenly felt someone poking her.

She looked up and saw Wu Muqi staring at her.

She shook her head helplessly and had to follow him away obediently.

The group was led into a room and saw Quan Wushuang lying lazily on General Zhimou's bed.

Gao Zhongcheng and Quan Wushuang's rooms were arranged in the same building. It seemed that Gao Zhongcheng was also invited this time.

Lin Zhiruo then realized that Wu Muqi was here to serve as Quan Wushuang's attendant.

There was a warm-colored headscarf on the table. Lin Zhiruo then realized that Quan Wushuang was wearing a mask to avoid attracting other people's attention because he was too handsome.

Indeed, if he just smiled, even the innocent village girls would be attracted and fascinated by him.

The room is a guest room. From the layout of the house, we can see that it is prepared for distinguished guests.

Both daily necessities and furniture are extremely exquisite and refined, enough to demonstrate the owner's noble status and elegant taste.

However, Lin Zhiruo felt that the room was extremely hot and suffocating.

The windows in the room were closed and the lanterns emitted a faint, dim light.

Lin Zhiruo really wanted to loosen her clothes to relieve the stuffy discomfort.

But considering the inconvenience of the occasion, she had to endure the discomfort and continue to maintain a dignified posture.

Her carefully applied makeup gradually fell off in the sweltering heat, revealing her original pure and elegant face.

Quan Wushuang had already opened his shirt, and Lin Zhiruo couldn't help but think of him as funny as a squashed frog.

Perhaps it was because there were only Lin Zhiruo, Gao Zhongcheng and Wu Muqi in the room that he dared to be so relaxed and unscrupulously show his true side.

"What should we call you here?"

Wu Muqi asked Gao Zhongcheng.

Quan Wushuang answered on Gao Zhongcheng's behalf: "Inside the house, we can call each other whatever we like. Outside, you can call me Quan Wushuang."

Lin Zhiruo looked at Gao Zhongcheng in confusion, while Gao Zhongcheng stroked his chin and looked at Quan Wushuang.

Quan Wushuang narrowed his eyes and looked at Lin Zhiruo, with a mysterious smile on his lips.

"What kind of fancy name is this?"

"What is this for...?"

Gao Zhongcheng was about to explain but was interrupted by Quan Wushuang.

"Let me explain this matter, you don't need to say more."

"As ordered!"

Under Quan Wushuang's order, Gao Zhongcheng stepped aside and waited quietly for Quan Wushuang's explanation.