CHAPTER 115 (2): AN EXPLANATION (1/2)
Su Xi-er raised both of her hands up and pushed on his chest heavily. “This servant broke the rules and sneaked out of the posthouse. I am ready to accept any punishment, Prince Hao.”
Pei Qianhao stepped away from her. “This prince has heard this sentence many times. If I really wanted to punish you ruthlessly, you would have long lost your life.”
“So that means that you are a warm person underneath your cold expression, and have a kind heart, Prince Hao.”
Before Prince Hao could respond the capital’s County Magistrate, Lord Zhang, arrived at the front door of the teahouse with the bailiff runners. He didn’t look inside, but bowed. “The County Magistrate of the capital pays respects to Prince Hao.”
Pei Qianhao sat down again. His face was calm, as if he had known that the County Magistrate would come. “Come in.”
Lord Zhang entered the teahouse with a few bailiff runners. “Prince Hao, the coroner has found the cause of death; the two Miss’ from the Wei family were forced to inhale a type of medicinal powder which stops people from breathing, and they ultimately died from suffocation. After interrogating a few waiters, we found that the only person who entered their room was the waiter that Prince Hao has kept behind in the teahouse.”
Pei Qianhao shook his hand. “Just go and find him. There’s no need to ask this prince about this matter.”
“Prince Hao is wise.” Lord Zhang bowed to pay respects again, then instructed his subordinates to go to the rear kitchen of the teahouse to look for the manager and the waiter.
Pei Qianhao remained unruffled, and lightly knocked the table with his fingers[1]. “Pour the wine.”
Su Xi-er walked forward, picked up the pot and poured a cup of wine. “Prince Hao, you already have a lot of wine from the palace. You can’t drink anymore.” She then put the pot of wine onto another table on the side.
I’m not worried about him, but afraid that he will get drunk. I won’t forget what happened in the woods beside the Palace Side Quarters. It was that night that he stepped into the Palace Side Quarters after drinking too much and bumped into me.
“The wine from Nanzhao is very different from Beimin’s; it’s like nectar dew, with a trace of floral scent. The wine from this teahouse is strong, but the taste has a trace of osmanthus flower.” Pei Qianhao didn’t say whether he would continue to drink or not, but instead began recounting the taste of each wine.
Lord Zhang thought Pei Qianhao was talking to him, and replied respectfully. “There is a county in Nanzhao called Flower County. When brewing wine, nectar from Flower County is always added. Not to mention other things, Nanzhao’s wine is definitely the best in the world.”
Pei Qianhao looked at Lord Zhang. “This wine is indeed the best in the world.”
At this moment, the bailiff runner who went to the rear kitchen returned with an anxious look. “Your Excellency, this subordinate has checked the whole place once, but couldn’t find anyone.”