A stunning beauty, a tall and slender figure, coupled with an aloof and chilling aura that kept people at a distance, she was the very image of an immortal lord stepping out of a painted scroll.
After her initial surprise, Lin Qingge performed a rather affected bow:
"Husband, your humble wife offers her greetings!"
"Mm."
Leng Ningyue nodded slightly in response, akin to a pure mountain flower untouched by worldly affairs.
Feeling it was the right tone, Lin Qingge exclaimed her amazement repeatedly while circling Leng Ningyue twice. She then asked curiously,
"Husband, how did you manage to grow this tall in just a quarter of an hour?"
As she finished speaking, she exaggeratedly gestured with her hand.
At this moment, Lu Mingxuan, having changed into women's clothing, adjusted his freshly styled hair and muttered softly,
"My lord, you have no idea how many layers of insoles Madam stuffed into those boots!"
"Insoles?"
Lin Qingge looked over suspiciously, noticing that the long boots, which should have reached below Leng Ningyue's knees, were now worn as mid-calf boots.
This... was quite preposterous.
As if sensing Lin Qingge's worried gaze, Leng Ningyue spoke to offer an explanation:
"It's fine, it won't affect my mobility at all. It's just that this chest binding is a bit tight, making it hard to breathe."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qingge glanced down at her own still-not-very-prominent twin mounds and sighed heavily.
However, since Leng Ningyue had given her assurance, she said no more.
Returning to the main topic.
Lin Qingge's primary objective for this trip was to rescue someone.
As Yan Tinghao was being held in secret, the Tianji Pavilion had no leads yet.
To avoid duplicating efforts, everyone re-divided the scope and direction of their investigation.
The actual camp was to be handled by Lu Huaiying, who was familiar with military encampments, and Wu Suowei, who possessed excellent Qinggong.
Places of ill repute such as casinos and brothels were assigned to Lu Mingxuan, who was well-versed in such matters, and Ling Han, who exuded an icy aura.
The wealthy merchants in the city were entrusted to Hua Jinrong and Murong Bai, two great tricksters who couldn't endure hardship.
The inns and post stations were to be managed by the relatively inconspicuous Lin Yan and Ye Shenxiao.
As for Lin Qingge and the other person, they had more important matters to attend to.
Considering her androgynous face, fearing recognition by King Wu Cheng's men, Lin Qingge put on a veil.
Walking down the bustling street, Lin Qingge watched a small child by the roadside asking his mother for a sugar figurine. She suddenly remembered something:
"By the way, Madam... Husband, we brought Ling Han out, but we left Mo'er alone. Is that really alright?"
"Hmph, if he can't even protect Mo'er, then he shouldn't hold that position."
Although the identity of 'he' was not explicitly stated, both Lin Qingge and Leng Ningyue knew perfectly well.
"That being said, it's better to be safe than sorry. Especially now that Mo'er has a new identity, I'm worried..."
"Don't worry. Ling Han isn't here, but Leng Shuang and Qin Ming are still guarding Mo'er. Nothing will happen.
Besides, Mo'er is already five years old. He should learn to take care of himself."
???
Lin Qingge, feeling their child was maturing a bit too early, was about to speak when she heard Leng Ningyue say nonchalantly:
"When I was five, I already knew how to kill people. Mo'er doesn't need to be like me, but he should at least have basic self-preservation skills."
...
Feeling a pang of sympathy for some reason, Lin Qingge swallowed the words "it's not necessary at all" that were on the tip of her tongue. Dressed as a woman, she directly and boldly linked her arm through Leng Ningyue's and tilted her head, nuzzling against her.
"I know it was hard for you in the past, Husband, but Mo'er is different. He has you and me, and many elders who dote on him. So, even if he slacks off a little, it can be allowed."
Young Lin Ziming was already unnaturally intelligent, to the point of being a headache.
If he were to become even more diligent and hardworking, what kind of person would he become in the future...
Lost in thought, the two had already arrived in front of a rather grand mansion.
"According to the news from Tianji Pavilion, this should be the place."
Lin Qingge said, then stepped forward to knock on the door.
Soon, a young servant poked his head out from inside. He was about to shoo them away, but upon seeing Leng Ningyue's excessively handsome face and their extraordinary bearing, he couldn't help but change his tune midway:
"Um... may I ask why you two are knocking?"
Lin Qingge, accustomed to playing the role of a man, pitched her voice high and said softly,
"Young brother, my husband and I are fellow townsfolk of Master Yan. We received Master Yan's invitation to visit a few days ago and have come to accept the appointment."
As if surprised by Lin Qingge's words, a fleeting panic flashed in the servant's eyes. He then feigned composure and said,
"You two have come at an inopportune time. Master Yan and his wife are out traveling and have not yet returned."
Lin Qingge did not expose the servant's lie. Instead, she covered her face with a handkerchief and began to weep towards Leng Ningyue beside her.
"Husband, I knew my cousin-uncle wasn't truly sincere towards me."
The servant: ???
"Back then, my mother and my cousin-uncle were childhood sweethearts, inseparable. It was my cousin-uncle who personally told my mother, 'Only when the mountains are leveled and the seas are dried, dare I be separated from you.'
Who knew that after my cousin-uncle went to the capital, he would forget all his vows to my mother and marry the daughter of the Zhennan King.
Alas, my mother by the Daming Lake wept tears day and night, only able to repeatedly sing, 'You are the wind, I am the sand, entwined until the ends of the earth.'"
After Lin Qingge finished her entire melodramatic performance, she forced out two drops of tears:
"My mother knew her time was short. Before she passed, she told me my true parentage.
She said that on a night filled with deep affection and drizzling rain, she and my cousin-uncle discussed everything from poetry and songs to life's philosophy, and eventually, I was conceived.
To verify the truth, after burying my mother, I sent a letter to my cousin-uncle.
A few days ago, I received a reply from my cousin-uncle, stating that he wished to meet me.
My husband, not feeling at ease with me traveling alone, accompanied me to the Northeast Great Camp.
Since my cousin-uncle is not here at the moment, I dare not disturb further.
However, my mother lived a life of bitterness, while my cousin-uncle enjoys his wife and fame, which is truly going too far.
Husband, I remember you have an sworn brother who is a high-ranking official in the capital. Could you possibly contact him to file a complaint on our behalf?
The charge for the complaint would be that Yan Xiuping deceived the old Zhennan King and abandoned his wife and daughter!"
Completely immersed in her role, Lin Qingge appeared righteous and indignant by the end.
Leng Ningyue smoothly picked up the conversation and gently comforted her,
"Wife, please don't get agitated. My sworn brother, Feng Qingchen, has now been promoted to Prime Minister. If I write him a letter, he will surely help with this small favor."
The servant standing by visibly changed his expression upon hearing the name 'Feng Qingchen.'
He considered for a moment and then spoke, inviting them in:
"Um, as you two have traveled from afar, why not rest at the mansion first? When Master Yan returns, you can inquire directly?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Qingge exchanged a look with Leng Ningyue, then stepped into the mansion with the servant.