"Leng Shuang, let me explain!
I had no idea Lord Lin would be promoted again in such a short time, and even to the capital to become the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture!"
"Qin Ming, you're useless. You can't even get such a small matter investigated clearly, and you still have the nerve to use Lord Lin as an excuse?"
"How can it be an excuse?
After all, who could have imagined that a newly appointed Prefect would be transferred elsewhere in the blink of an eye?
Even dressing a rabbit wouldn't be this fast, would it?"
"Enough with the nonsense, hurry up and travel. If we don't enter the city before dark, I'll skin you and make a blanket out of your hide!"
"Leng Shuang, if you wish, there's no need to skin me. I, I can also make a blanket for you."
Qin Ming, having dealt with the sect's affairs without stopping, mustered his courage and said this affectionately as they traveled together to find relatives.
He nervously raised his head, but all that answered him was the receding back of a lone rider disappearing into the distance.
...
Fortunately, the two of them managed to enter the city before dark.
They found the Shuntian Prefecture yamen, but the watchman informed them that there was no such person as Lord Lin.
Luckily, there were still constables on duty at the yamen, who told them that Lord Lin should be at the Lin Residence near the Imperial City.
The two of them inquired all the way and finally found the place.
However, was such a grand residence truly befitting a Prefect of the fourth rank?
"Woof woof... bark bark..."
As the two hesitated, a dog barked from by the门口.
Immediately after, a childish voice with a milky tone came from the other side of the gate:
"Xiao Hei, you need to be quiet. If you disturb Father's rest, be careful he turns you into a pot of dog meat~ *slurp*~"
After the distinct gulping sound, a slightly familiar voice spoke:
"Young master, didn't I just bring you some snacks?
Dog meat is a bit difficult to find this late...
Oh, right, Xiao Hei!
Eh, no, Xiao Hei, why are you running away?"
Leng Shuang and Qin Ming, standing outside the gate, exchanged a glance and walked forward with certainty, knocking on the door.
"Who is it?"
Yan Tinghao yelled while asking, simultaneously telling the little child to find Ling Han, who wasn't put in prison but was instead living at the Lin Residence, right next door.
Since someone adhered to the principle of making the most of everything,
all the maids and servants, except for the eunuch Cai who was bestowed by His Majesty, were dismissed. This included the gatekeeper.
However, there couldn't be no one at the gate, so someone converted the gatehouse into Xiao Hei's doghouse.
Under the guise of the Lin Residence not keeping idle dogs.
But Xiao Hei's paws couldn't push open the heavy gate, so someone turned his attention to An Yi and the others, tasking them with serving as guards for the residence and taking turns at the gate.
An Yi and the others had no room to refuse, nor did they dare to entertain the thought.
Helplessly, this group of people was accustomed to staying in the shadows. Even when guarding the gate, they would hide in the shadows, disappearing after opening the door and never appearing in public.
Qin Ming looked at the empty door that had just been opened and couldn't help but sigh:
"As expected of the Prefect's residence, even the gatekeepers are experts!"
"Don't embarrass yourself here like a bumpkin! Get down to business!"
"Oh, right!"
The reprimanded Qin Ming cupped his fists towards Yan Tinghao and said:
"I, Qin Ming, Elder of the Tang Sect, and Leng Shuang, Elder of the Jade Maiden Sect, have come to pay our respects to Lord Lin."
"So it's Elder Qin and Elder Leng!"
Seeing that they were acquaintances, Yan Tinghao eagerly invited them inside.
"Please wait here for a moment, esteemed guests. I will call my master for you."
After speaking, Yan Tinghao shouted:
"Master, Master, Elder Qin and Elder Leng are looking for you!"
Lin Qingge, who was contemplating the Fan Liu Yi case, had her thoughts abruptly interrupted. A surge of anger rushed to the top of her head, and she grabbed a feather duster and rushed out.
However, just as she reached the doorway, she belatedly realized what that simpleton had shouted.
Elder Qin could be ignored.
But Elder Leng was the aunt of Ning Yue sister, so she couldn't be treated lightly.
With this in mind, Lin Qingge had to put down the feather duster in her hand, straighten her clothes, and then stride out.
Seeing her son-in-law walking over slowly, Leng Shuang couldn't help but let out a cold snort:
"Dawdling, you clearly don't welcome us. Qin Ming, let's go!"
Knowing Leng Shuang's temper quite well, Lin Qingge immediately smiled and beckoned them to stay:
"Elder Leng, please wait. As I did not receive news of your arrival, there may be shortcomings in my hospitality. I hope Elder Leng will not take offense."
"Hmph~"
Letting out a high-pitched hum, Leng Shuang's expression slightly softened, "It seems you're sensible, you brat!"
"Elder Leng, you two have traveled far, is there something important?"
"What, can't I visit your residence if there's nothing important?"
Qin Ming, who noticed Leng Shuang's temper becoming more explosive as soon as they entered the capital, quickly stepped forward to explain:
"Lord Lin, after we parted ways at Wolong Mountain Villa, Elder Leng and I handled the sect's affairs in the shortest time possible and then rushed to Fengtian Prefecture.
Unexpectedly, we missed you.
According to the vendors at the prefecture's yamen, Lord Lin had been promoted to the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture.
Therefore, the two of us galloped all the way to the capital.
And we came to seek refuge with you, Lord."
"Seek refuge with me?"
"Yes, isn't my brother Qin Han also working under Lord Lin? I wanted to reunite with him and see if he's gotten fatter or thinner over the years.
Elder Leng, on the other hand, was worried about Madam Lin and your son. Missing them too much, she accompanied me."
"Qin Ming!!!"
"Elder Leng, don't be angry. Aren't I just speaking the truth to help you, for fear you wouldn't express yourself clearly?"
"Should I thank you for that?"
Having her past revealed, Leng Shuang squeezed this sentence out between her teeth with difficulty.
But Qin Ming, hearing this, scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly:
"Elder Leng, considering our relationship, wouldn't saying thank you be too formal?"
"I'll thank your damn head!"
Unable to contain herself any longer, Leng Shuang grabbed her weapon and attacked.
Lin Qingge, watching the chaotic scene unfold, remarked that they were both single by their own merit and then raised an eyebrow at Leng Ning Yue, who had walked to her side:
"Madam, your family has arrived."
"Noisy."
Leaving behind just this word, Leng Ning Yue turned around and called Lin Zimuo back to their room to rest.
As the night grew deeper.
Lin Qingge instructed Yan Tinghao to lead Qin Ming to the courtyard where Qin Han resided and thoughtfully cautioned:
"Elder Qin, please refrain from making noise tonight. If you accidentally provoke the one with a severe temper and is easily woken, you most likely won't see the sun tomorrow morning."
Although Qin Ming was somewhat confused, he followed the instructions obediently.
Mainly, he had no choice but to obey.
Because the moment he stepped into the courtyard, before he could express his long-held longing to his brother who was drying medicinal herbs in the yard, he was silenced by a rag thrown by the latter.
???
What happened to the long-awaited reunion and brotherly affection?