Qiguan Rang, on the other hand, was looking at Jiang Pengji closely for clues of her conclusions, but he was surprised. Jiang Pengji was different from peers her age, who would carelessly show hints of their thoughts however hard they tried to hide them. Qiguan Rang could spot no peculiarity in her reaction, but was further affirmed that she was full of secrets.
As a result, he was astonished and intrigued.
There were two legendary figures in Dongqing now: Master Yuanjing from Langye, who recovered three cities in the northern border; and Liu She from Hejian, who developed the dying county Xu into a booming area, demonstrating his competence which surpassed the greatest officials in the former Xia Dynasty.
Liu Xi was Liu She's son, and he had obviously inherited his father's qualities. One could hardly explore the depth of their abilities.
"Lanting, have you got something?" Qiguan Rang faked an unnatural smile. It must have been a long time since he last smiled, for the curve was stiff and odd.
"Certainly. Master, I hope this compensates for our wrong today." As soon as she said it, Jiang Pengji stood up and walked into the crowd. Her eyes turned to no one but a woman about thirty with brown complexion. Her forehead wrinkles and crow's feet in the corners of her eyes made her appear older than she really was. With her shoulders bent slightly inwards, the woman stood there like any honest servant would.
Her red fingertips indicated that she had been busy washing clothes with well water before she came to the corridor.
The only thing special about her was her amiableness despite her ordinary features. Since that was not uncommon among people, however, it could not be Jiang Pengji's evidence.
Qiguan Rang examined the woman, wondering why Jiang Pengji was approaching her.
But… hold on.
A thought flashed in his mind, widening his eyes with shock.
How could that be?
And he immediately ordered, "Catch her!"
When the woman first noticed Jiang Pengji walking towards her, she kept her head low, pretending to be a common servant who washed garments. Still, Jiang Pengji's treads seemed to be stepping on her nerves, and she was most alarmed when Jiang Pengji came within her reach. Qiguan Rang's command was like a firecracker exploding at her ears… or, his ears, and he knew he could disguise no more.
"Don't let her escape!"
The man lost his directions and pushed a girl to Jiang Pengji to block her way. The others were stunned by the sudden change.
It was nothing for Jiang Pengji, however, whose one hand held the waist of the screaming attendant as she turned with her and stood steadily on the ground, and her other hand flung her fan at the target.
"Ow!" cried the man.
Chapter end
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