northernbook Chapter 208 Farewell and Departure
Chapter 208 Farewell and Departure
The servant was taken to the government office by the constables. After a thorough investigation and interrogation, the servant finally confessed that Madam Cheng was the mastermind behind it all.
Because she could never let go of the deep sorrow in her heart, the obsession that had been weighing on her heart gradually turned into a demon in her mind, causing her to blame others for all the mistakes.
Then look at that servant. Because of his extremely poor family background, he met someone who helped him in his time of need when he was at his wit's end. In order to solve his current difficult situation, he chose to go against his conscience and help others do evil, becoming an accomplice to tyranny.
While these despicable individuals may indeed have their own pitiful pasts, this cannot be an excuse or justification for them to wantonly harm innocent people.
Ultimately, they will all pay the price for the sins they have committed.
"The servant and Madam Cheng are currently imprisoned in the government jail, and the verdict has not yet been handed down. That's all I know for now." Nangong Ming recounted the entire story in detail.
After listening to his story, Long Chuqing did not show any surprise or other emotional fluctuations on her face. She simply said in a calm tone, "Thank you for your wonderful speech."
Nangong Ming thought his detailed description would evoke some emotion from Long Chuqing, but he didn't expect to hear such a bland response from her.
He waited blankly for a few seconds, only to find that she didn't say anything more after that short sentence. He couldn't help but look surprised, and after a few seconds of stunned silence, he asked incredulously, "That's it...?"
As he spoke, he gently put down the empty teacup in his hand, then stood up and walked step by step toward Long Chuqing.
As they walked, he continued to press, "After all I've said, don't you want to say a few words? Or offer your own opinions and comments on this matter?"
"Evaluation?" Long Chuqing looked up at Nangong Ming who was walking towards her: "Didn't I just say? Your presentation was excellent! That's my evaluation!"
After a moment, she seemed to remember something and added, "If I had to give some evaluation of the whole thing, I would say that there were no dramatic twists and turns, nor any particularly melodramatic parts."
"Compared to many other stories I've heard, it's just average. And the ending isn't too bad."
Nangong Ming felt helpless at Long Chuqing's words. He frowned and said, "You... because of Madam Cheng's resentment and the servant's selfishness, another person has suffered from illness for many years for no reason. Shouldn't you feel sorry for the Second Young Master?"
"You seem quite compassionate," Long Chuqing said with a half-smile. "Isn't it the best outcome that he's alright now? Besides, there are so many people in this world, I can't possibly sympathize with everyone."
"In conclusion, one should not be too idle, otherwise one will easily overthink things like Madam Cheng."
Upon hearing this, Nangong Ming put his hands behind his back and smiled with relief: "Hmm... you're right. People really can't be too idle, otherwise life will become very boring."
Long Chuqing said casually, "You seem to have a lot of free time all day."
After saying that, she took the empty basket and walked past Nangong Ming toward the stone table.
“When have you ever seen me relaxed? I’m usually very busy,” Nangong Ming retorted, following behind Long Chuqing. “I made a special trip here today to deliver your medical fee.”
Long Chuqing opened the box on the stone table, took out a gold ingot from it, and then closed the box.
She picked up the box, turned around, and shoved it into Nangong Ming's arms: "Alright, I know you're a big boss, a very busy person."
"Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to bring me the consultation fee today." Long Chuqing held up the gold ingot in her hand. "This one ingot is enough for me. Please return the rest to Master Cheng for me!"
Nangong Ming glanced down at the box in his hand, then stepped forward and placed the box back on the table.
"I can't help you with this. I think you should just accept them all!" He patted the box. "If I return these, Third Master might think you think he's not giving you enough, and he might send more money to my residence another day!"
"If you really want to return it, then you can go by yourself. I'm not going."
Long Chuqing's gaze lingered on the exquisite box. After pondering for a moment, she looked up at Nangong Ming beside her.
"Alright, then stay. I've received the consultation fee. If you see Master Cheng another day, please convey my gratitude to him."
Long Chuqing smiled and said calmly, "In that case, I won't take up any more of your time. You can go and attend to your own business."
"Sigh... are you trying to get rid of me?" Nangong Ming said with a hint of resentment, "I rarely come all this way, aren't you going to let me stay for a meal?"
"Dinner? Sure!" Long Chuqing nodded slightly. "Then I'll have Ziguang inform His Highness Prince Qin and have him send someone to prepare a sumptuous dinner for you, our distinguished guest."
“Ziguang…” As he spoke, Long Chuqing turned his head and called out to Ziguang, who was standing not far away.
"Hey... wait, wait..." Nangong Ming quickly stopped Long Chuqing upon seeing this.
Upon hearing Long Chuqing's call, Zi Guang immediately turned to look in their direction: "Miss, what can I do for you?"
As Zi Guang was about to walk over, Nangong Ming quickly waved his hand at her, "It's okay, it's okay."
Zi Guang waited a while, and after not hearing any further instructions from Long Chuqing, she scratched her head, looking puzzled.
Nangong Ming quickly explained, "I came here today without an invitation, which is really impolite. Please don't disturb the prince."
"But I don't have any ingredients in my courtyard, so I can't cook a delicious meal for you. I can only wait for the main kitchen to prepare the food at your residence. If you don't mind, you can stay and dine with us."
Nangong Ming originally just wanted to joke with her, but he didn't expect that when he heard Long Chuqing say these words, her tone was very serious, as if she really wanted him to stay for a meal.
He smiled slightly, revealing a knowing smile. "Thank you for your kind offer, but I was just joking with you."
"I entered the Prince's mansion by scaling the wall today, so it's best to keep a low profile," Nangong Ming said softly, his words carrying a hint of humor and self-deprecation.
The two chatted for a while longer. Nangong Ming felt it was getting late, so he bowed to Long Chuqing in farewell, turned around, and nimbly jumped over the wall, leaving Qiushui Pavilion.
At this moment, Zi Guang, who was standing in front of the drying rack, kept looking in the direction Nangong Ming had left, his eyes darting around as if he was thinking about something in his heart.
A moment later, she quietly walked up to Long Chuqing and smiled slightly: "Miss, although this Young Master Nangong is also handsome, I still think our Prince is more good-looking."
"...?"
Long Chu was surprised and helpless when she heard Zi Guang's words. Why did Zi Guang suddenly come over and talk to her about this?
After a moment's thought, she nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, you're right."