Chapter 10 – A Cup of Tea (1/2)

The county magistrate glanced furtively at Jing Rong. He saw that Jing Rong had picked up the teacup lid and lightly covered his cup. The strength of his wrist’s movement was neither weak nor strong. His expression remained the same, completely neutral, making it difficult for Liu Qingping to determine whether the news displeased Jing Rong or not.

Jing Rong’s nose twitched twice; and the magistrate hurriedly started to explain, “Prince Rong, Teacher Ji has worked hard the past few days. He should be tired. Yesterday, this lowly official had agreed to let him rest for a day. It would be better if…”

Jing Rong interrupted him, “It would be better if I come back tomorrow?”

For other people, they would feel nothing amiss when they heard those words, but in this situation, those words sounded like a “fault” to Liu Qingping’s ears. His whole body violently shook; he immediately kneeled and kowtowed. “This lowly official absolutely didn’t mean it!”

Jing Rong tightly knit his eyebrows. “Why do stately, benevolent officials always kneel at every single ghastly fault? Is there a law that requires you to kneel every time there is a fault made in the Great Qing Legal Code?”

Lang Po followed up. “There isn’t, Prince Rong.”

Liu Qingping’s face grew stiff as his complexion paled. He was a stately county magistrate, but… ‘You are as high above me as the venerated Buddha would be!’

“Just get up and stop kneeling at every turn.”

“Th-thank you Prince Rong.” Liu Qingping got up in a daze and lowered his head. He didn’t dare look directly at Jing Rong.

Jing Rong’s eyes narrowed slightly. His thin lips hooked upwards as an oppressive aura emitted from his body. He asked, “Lord Liu, since Teacher Ji belongs to the yamen as a worker, certainly he must have the peace and prosperity of the common people at heart, am I right?”

Liu Qinping meekly nodded. “You are correct.”

“Yesterday, my subordinates were found dead under tragic circumstances. Logic would dictate that you investigate the matter and uncover the truth for me, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Therefore, looking for him so that he can help resolve this murder case for me, is it a must, or not?”

“It’s a must!”

Jing Rong was extremely pleased. “Good. You have the time it takes for a cup of tea to bring him over.”

‘Ah? The time it takes for a cup of tea?’

This was clearly making things difficult for him! But Liu Qingping didn’t dare refuse. He anxiously moved backwards towards the door. “Y-y-yes my prince. This lowly official will go right away.” As soon as he got the words out clearly, he lifted his uniform and rushed out like a madman.

Jing Rong’s expression was stern, but now his doubts had woken. Lang Po stroked his jaw as he mused, “Prince Rong, from Lord Liu’s words, that Teacher Ji seems to possess the ability to draw the appearance of the deceased even if only their bones remained. Perhaps… he could help investigate that old case.”

Jing Rong remained silent, but the crease between his eyebrows remained. His long and narrow eyes now held a sly intent. After a long time, he asked, “If we include today, how long have we been away from the capital?”

“It’s been more than half a year.”

“We passed through how many counties?”

“More than a hundred.”

Jing Rong grunted but smiled with his eyes. Then, he brought the teacup to his mouth.

……….

At the backdoor of the Ji family’s West Side courtyard, Liu Qingping raised his hand and knocked on the door. Luan’er hurriedly opened it and saw the county magistrate. The very sight of him stirred her displeasure.