Chapter 159 (1/2)
Chapter 159 Green Vines: The Viciousness of the Human Heart
”The two of you really have a tacit understanding with each other.” On the way back to the yamen, Lu Buping gritted his teeth as he said to Feng Luodi. Beside Feng Luodi was Situ, silent and stone-faced.
Lu Buping had no choice but to admit that Situ's words explained by Feng Luodi made sense but their Demonic Sect and the Righteous White Paths have acc.u.mulated rancour for a very long time. This time, he was conceited and forgot himself for a moment such that he actually belittled Sect Leader Xiao's vicious motives.
Feng Luodi covered her mouth and laughed lightly, then looked at Situ beside her and did not speak.
When they were one turn away from the yamen, Lu Buping suddenly noticed something and said, ”I still have some matters to deal with. I'll return to the yamen later.”
Before the other two could reply him, he leapt away and disappeared into a small alley.
Only after Lu Buping had left did Situ faintly said, ”What a hindrance.”
”Eh.” Feng Luodi raised her head to look at Situ and discovered that he still had on a moody expression. When she recalled how Situ confidently said that he would let her watch a good show but it was cut short in the end, she reckoned that this man was certainly very gloomy inside but found it hard to express it.
Feng Luodi's lips pointed upwards to form a small arc. She reached out a hand to grasp Situ's hand, then swaggered as she walked into the yamen.
Situ's mood instantly turned from one of overcast weather to one of a clear sky and he also withdrew the cold aura he constantly emanated. The covert guards hiding in the dark clicked their tongues as they watched the rare side of Situ. As expected, everything has its vanquisher. Their mighty and wise General's mood could also be influenced by a young lady. Maybe, in the future, a young lady can even influence his decisions.
The two entered the yamen and did not see Governor Tian around. Even the group of officials were not around and the First Prince had also gone out. He was probably doing his best to charm the commoners in the province, trying to turn the tides.
The couple was delighted that they had the place to themselves. They found a pot of good wine and ran into the courtyard, sitting under the brilliant red plum blossom tree. They sipped cups of wine one after another as plum blossoms drifted down.
Feng Luodi had not drunk wine in a long time. As soon as one cup of wine entered her stomach, her face quickly flushed red, contrasting against the snow white colour of her skin even more. Her eyes when she was tipsy was like the autumn breeze, flirtatious and moving.
Situ had completely tossed whatever conspiracies, whatever great undertakings and whatever stratagems out of his mind. There was only that blue-dressed woman in his eyes. Her every frown and smile tugged on his heartstrings. This had nothing to do with her looks or family background. His feelings came very quickly and he was mesmerised before he could prepare himself. He suddenly wanted to go back on his words. No matter what happens in the future, I won't let this woman leave me. What would a future without her be like? Who will I be?
After Feng Luodi drank a few more cups and glanced at Situ again, she realised that his expression was complicated, his eyes profound and unfathomable. She was curious about his sudden change and was just about to voice her thoughts when the panicked voice of a yamen runner could be heard from outside the courtyard.
”Your Grace, things aren't looking good. A group of unruly civilians are making a ruckus outside the yamen.”
This sentence immediately pulled Situ back from his contemplation and slightly restrained the coldness in his eyes. Situ stood up and told Feng Luodi, ”Let's go take a look together.”
Together? Feng Luodi laughed in spite of herself. She was really not used to Situ constantly saying such words.
The yamen runner was waiting for the two of them outside the courtyard with an anxious expression, not daring to intrude by entering. He quickly explained the situation to them as he led them outside the yamen.
”Your Grace, just now, a group of commoners suddenly rushed to the gates of the yamen, clamouring that we have already arrested the murderer from the Demonic Sect, Lu Buping, who killed dozens of county magistrates. They are demanding that Governor Tian quickly deal with Lu Buping in front of everyone. It's also not good for the yamen runners to injure them but neither the Governor and his Highness, the First Prince are all not around. What should we do?”
That yamen runner spoke urgently but Feng Luodi who was beside him noticed that his eyes were calm. He was simply apathetic to the matter.
When Lu Buping stayed in the yamen, all officials with some rank would know but First Prince had commanded that the matter be kept under wraps. In that case, how did this piece of news get out?
The heavy vermilion red door was opened. Situ strode to the front of the crowd of commoners who were blocked by the yamen runners. The commoners who were just making a din instantly quietened down. Under the pressure of Situ's might, it was actually absolutely silent inside and outside the yamen.
”You all are congregating in a crowd and creating trouble outside the provincial court. Does everyone want to have a taste of the meals we provide in prison?”
Situ's voice was low and deep, bearing the weight of an enormous boulder. While it was cold, it also made people feel a little rea.s.sured at the same time.
Only after quite a while did a civilian bravely asked, ”Your Grace, we only heard that the murderer, Lu Buping, has been seized. This kind of diabolical evildoer should be punished immediately. You can't practise favouritism.”
Situ's gaze slowly s.h.i.+fted onto that person. He was not furious but smiled instead. ”Who are you insinuating that practices favouritism? The yamen or me?”
It was a voice more icy cold than the frigid wind. That civilians immediately stopped talking. It was only because they have all heard of General's fame. This was someone they wors.h.i.+pped and they would never suspect a person they wors.h.i.+pped.
Another civilian spoke. ”In that case, could Your Grace give everyone an explanation now? As long as the murderer still runs free, we find it hard to calm our hearts!”
Situ's eyes were composed. He slowly said, ”I also had the same intention as everyone to capture the murderer as early as we can, but, I will only say this once today.”
”It's still unknown as to whether the murderer is the Demonic Sect's Lu Buping. The yamen judges a case based on evidence. Under circ.u.mstances when there is no evidence, I hope that everyone won't be misled by the rumours. Neither his Highness, the First Prince, nor I, will practice favouritism. No matter who we find out as the murderer, I will definitely ensure that he gets executed. n.o.body needs to worry.”
As Feng Luodi looked at Situ who stood tall and made people involuntarily look up to him, she suddenly recalled what the covert guard, Duo, had once told her.
”General seems to have an innate power which makes people believe in him and let everyone subconsciously follow behind him. Regardless of how perilous the journey is, because of General, no one would cower and retreat.”
This is the Situ Muye I know.
The commoners gradually dissipated. Before Situ walked into the yamen, he coldly looked at that yamen runner who reported to him.
”Remember what I just said. You should know what to do next right?”