High-class maid

Chapter 299 Getting Angry

Xiao Tong put down the bowl of medicine in her hand and looked at Song Wenyang with concern.

"Young master, why don't I go and inform His Majesty that you were injured on official business? His Majesty will surely send an imperial physician to treat you."

He really couldn't understand why his master, injured, dared not return to the Song residence, dared not let Miss Shen know, and dared not tell the Emperor to claim credit, but instead stayed alone in this small courtyard to recuperate.

In his view, this was a good opportunity to claim credit and receive rewards.

"No, Xing'er is still waiting for me. If we go back to the manor, Aunt Sun will definitely keep her in bed to recover from her injuries, and then she won't be able to get out. Let's wait until the shop in the east of the city opens."

It turned out that Song Wenyang was afraid that Shen Xing'er would worry. He knew that the Shen family was waiting for him to return to the capital and open his business. It was not easy for someone to care about him, so how could he dare to tell them about his injury?

Xiao Tong sighed. When did his young master become so understanding? How come he didn't know? He still tried to persuade him, unwilling to give up.

"Young master, your injury is serious. You are still young. What if it leaves lasting effects?"

"It's just an arm injury, not a meridian injury. It will be fine after some rest."

"Can!"

"Alright! Go and rest. Tomorrow, come with me to Jinxiufang. Be careful not to give yourself away."

Xiao Tong wanted to say something more, but Song Wenyang interrupted her.

"Yes."

Xiao Tong pouted and reluctantly left.

Song Wenyang closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. Xing'er was always sentimental. If she knew that he was injured on his first mission, she would definitely not be able to wait at home with peace of mind when he went on missions in the future.

The next day, the weather was sunny and cool in the morning, so there were many pedestrians on the street.

After instructing Xiao Tong to carefully bandage his arm, Song Wenyang changed into a dark-colored outfit before leaving the house with peace of mind.

"Place these bolts of fabric together. Their colors are similar, so move the darker fabrics to the back. If anyone takes a liking to them, sell them cheaply. You remember the prices, right?"

Shen Xing'er instructed Jin'er.

"I've made note of this."

"Alright, you guard the shop, I'm going out for a bit."

Shen Xing'er took off the apron from her waist; she still needed to go to the dock to see Song Wenyang.

"Xing'er!"

Song Wenyang called out from outside the shop.

"You're back! Come in quickly!"

Shen Xing'er was overjoyed. She hurriedly grabbed Song Wenyang's arm and pulled him into the shop, but by sheer coincidence, she pulled on his injured arm.

Song Wenyang groaned, his face pale as he followed her.

Xiao Tong, standing behind her, frowned with heartache and opened her mouth to stop her, but remembering her master's instructions, she held back.

"I'm on my way to the dock to pick you up. When did you get back? Where are your bags?"

The group went upstairs. Xiao Tong stood guard outside the door, while Shen Xing'er poured tea for Song Wenyang and asked him questions.

"I arrived in the capital last night, but it was too late, so I went straight back to my residence. However, I missed you so much that I came to find you early this morning."

Song Wenyang said with a smile, his eyes following Shen Xing'er back and forth, not even wanting to blink.

"You are the only one with a poor mouth."

Shen Xing'er picked up her teacup and took a sip, trying to hide the smile on her lips.

"Really, look how much weight I've lost."

Song Wenyang brought his face close to hers, making her look left and right.

Shen Xing'er looked at his unshaven face. Was it just her imagination? He did look a bit thinner.

"Let me make you some good food to nourish you. Is everything alright? You came straight here. When are you going to the palace to report back?"

"Teacher, you can go and report back. Everything went smoothly. When will the shop open?"

Song Wenyang didn't want to talk too much about official matters, so he subtly changed the subject.

“My father consulted a fortune teller and said tomorrow is an auspicious day for opening. I really want you to come too, but you’ve had a long journey and just returned to the capital. You probably have a lot to do, right? If you’re not available, then forget it. I’ll be at ease as long as you’re back.”

Shen Xing'er didn't want to disturb Song Wenyang's work, so she prepared her own words for him before he even spoke.

“Silly girl, what are you thinking? His Majesty will definitely give me a few days off after I finish my business. I rested for just one afternoon. We are family, how could I not be there for the opening tomorrow?”

"Really? You really won't interfere with your work?"

Shen Xing'er asked with some doubt.

"Of course, when have I ever lied to you?"

What Song Wenyang didn't say was that he deliberately didn't go to the palace to report back. He didn't care about seeking credit or rewards; he just wanted the emperor to know that he was angry!

Inside the council chamber of the imperial palace, Yun Changqing, Song Wenyang's teacher, was reporting back.

"You mean, Scholar Song was injured? He was ambushed?"

The emperor asked.

He didn't even realize that his hand was clenched into a fist under his sleeve.

"Your Majesty, that's right. We finally found evidence of corruption by local officials in Suzhou. A few days before returning to the capital, a group of men in black broke into the inn to try to steal the evidence. Fortunately, Wen Yang's martial arts skills were too high, so he managed to save half of the evidence. However, his arm was also slashed by the thugs."

Yun Changqing said, bowing his head.

He didn't know what his student was thinking. It was such a good opportunity to curry favor and ask for rewards, but he just wouldn't step forward. Did he want the emperor to think he was seriously injured? But the emperor wasn't stupid.

In his opinion, it would be better to return to duty while ill than to lie at home pretending to be seriously injured. However, Yun Changqing was wrong. Song Wenyang did not care about the emperor's reward at all; he was just angry!

"Is Scholar Song alright? Has his meridians been damaged?"

The emperor tried his best not to make his voice sound nervous.

"Your Majesty, I parted ways with Wen Yang at the dock and have no idea how his injuries have progressed these past two days."

Yun Changqing didn't know how to answer, so he decided to just tell the truth.

"This is outrageous! You two are investigating this case on my orders. Would anyone be so foolish as to try to silence you? Where is the remaining half of the evidence? Present it here!"

Yun Changqing took out the evidence he couldn't bear to part with from his sleeve and presented it.

The emperor read it quickly, his anger so intense he felt he could burn the paper in his hand.

"Who is this parrot mentioned here?" the Emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, it was an official surnamed Dong from Suzhou. He was packing his bags to flee, but Wen Yang and I blocked him at the city gate. When he realized he couldn't escape, he committed suicide."

Yun Changqing bowed his head and apologized.

"Dong? Which official in the capital does he associate with frequently?"

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Yun Changqing said hesitantly.

"Speak when I tell you to, why are you being so hesitant?" the Emperor said impatiently.

“This man had frequent dealings with His Highness the Crown Prince, but when I and Wen Yang arrived at his residence, it had already turned to ashes.” Yun Changqing finished speaking and lowered his head even further.

The hall remained silent for a long time, until finally the Emperor waved his hand and said...

"You may leave. You have handled this matter very well. I grant you a three-day leave. Before the imperial edict is issued, do not reveal the results of this investigation to anyone."