FID – Chapter 747

Chapter 747: Sweet Talk, Learn from Me

Oh my goodness, that’s Liu Zhiqiu!

The second son of the Liu family!

The Liu family has returned!

Two months ago, when the capital sent people and dispatched heavy troops to capture the Liu family, everyone in Cangwu Town knew about it. During that time, the entire town was filled with fear and anxiety.

Later, when the soldiers couldn’t find the Liu family, everyone thought they had escaped. Then, news came that the soldiers had encountered the Liu family on the canal and were chasing them by boat!

After that, there were rumors that the Liu family had reached the capital! The King returned, and the Liu family was exonerated!

Not only were they exonerated, but His Highness also executed two high-ranking officials who had harmed the Liu family on the spot. Even the current Left Prime Minister was thrown into prison, and His Highness exposed his treasonous acts of colluding with enemies!

The whole event was full of twists and turns, leaving the people of Cangwu Town shocked and startled.

Because it was all hearsay, no one knew if it was true.

But now, the Liu family was standing right in front of them! They had returned safely, back to Cangwu Town, which meant the danger must be over, right?

The Liu family had truly been exonerated!

Aiyo, but what is Liu Zhiqiu doing here at the town yamen?

Could it be that he knew the town’s garrison commander had a role in helping the soldiers capture them, and now he has come to seek trouble?

“My Lord, My Lord! It’s bad, it’s bad! The Liu family, Liu Zhiqiu, has come to the door!”

The messenger was panting, one hand pressed on the doorframe, bending slightly to catch his breath. “My Lord, you better run quickly! The Liu family has the King of Nanling backing them up. Offending them means certain death! It’s over, it’s over!”

Someone in the back yard of the yamen, who had been basking by the fire and humming a tune, suddenly jumped up, almost knocking over the brazier.

“You said who’s here? Liu Zhiqiu? He came to the yamen?”

“He’s inside the yamen! My Lord, hurry, stop hesitating! Go out the back door! My brothers will hold him off!”

The garrison commander quickly straightened his crooked robe, grabbed the official hat that was carelessly thrown aside, and hurried out the door.

“Hold him off? Let him in right away!”

“My Lord…”

“I haven’t offended the Liu family, so why should I run? Isn’t that like a thief feeling guilty? It’s the New Year, where am I supposed to run to?” His home was right here!

He rolled his eyes at the yamen runners, no longer expecting anything from these fools. He would go out to greet their visitors himself.

Though he hadn’t been able to help the Liu family much that day, he hadn’t exposed them either. Liu Zhiqiu wasn’t here to seek revenge.

It was more likely that he had come to express his gratitude.

He hadn’t exposed them, and that alone was a big help to the Liu family!

Inside the yamen’s main hall, Liu Zhiqiu looked at the yamen runners who were staring at him like they were facing an enemy, touched his face, and said, “Why are you all looking at me like that? I’m not going to hit you.”

The yamen runners exchanged glances but said nothing, even hiding the wine and fried peanuts.

The two sides stood there, staring at each other like they were in a standoff.

Liu Zhiqiu rolled his eyes, picked up what he was holding, and was about to speak when a hearty laugh came from inside the room.

“So it really is Young Master Liu paying a visit. I thought my subordinates were just making up stories. You’ve returned?” The garrison commander stepped out from a side door of the hall, saw what Liu Zhiqiu was carrying, and smiled even more broadly.

Clearly, Liu Zhiqiu had come to bring him a gift!

“Liu Zhiqiu pays his respects, My Lord. My family just returned, and before the New Year, we wanted to bring you a little gift. You’ve served the people of Cangwu Town for many years and done a lot of good work. Our family may not have much, but it’s a small token of our appreciation, please accept it as a gesture of respect.”

Liu Zhiqiu handed over the items, no longer acting as casually as usual. He appeared proper and polite, giving off a certain dignified air.

The garrison commander rubbed his hands and took the items with a smile. “How can I accept this? As the commander of Cangwu Town, it is my duty to serve the people. I cannot accept such thanks, hahaha!”

“My Lord, you’re too humble. The gift has been delivered. Liu Zhiqiu will take his leave now, wishing you continued success and promotion.”

“Good, good, good!”

After a few polite words, Liu Zhiqiu left with Liu Muqiu, not mentioning anything further, especially not bringing up the events from that day.

Liu Muqiu followed behind, her eyes filled with admiration for the man’s figure.

If they had brought up that day’s matter, it wouldn’t have been seen as gratitude, but rather as bringing trouble upon the commander.

He had helped those behind the scenes by sparing the Liu family, and if that became known, his good days would likely be over.

Zhiqiu was never as carefree as he appeared on the surface; in reality, his thoughts were more perceptive and meticulous than anyone else’s.

“Is my back better looking than the front?” Perhaps her gaze was too intense, as the man turned his head, his brows furrowing deeply.

He seemed displeased that she preferred looking at his back.

Liu Muqiu smiled faintly and quickly walked up beside him. “Everything looks good.”

Your heart is the best.

“Hmph, sweet-talker, you’re learning from me.”

“I like learning from you.”

The man curled the corners of his lips and took her hand, guiding her onto the carriage, heading toward the Li residence.

With the New Year approaching, the Li Manor was still as usual, with red lanterns hung early at the entrance, the courtyard cleaned and redecorated, and even the servants dressed in new clothes, highlighting the Li family’s emphasis on traditional New Year’s celebrations.

It also showcased the Li family’s continued wealth.

In this regard, the Li Manor never gave people a chance to make fun of them. Even if they had to force it, they would make sure to uphold the Li family’s grandeur.

The doorman saw the approaching carriage and couldn’t wait for the passengers to get out. He hurriedly welcomed them in and shouted, “Quick, go notify the Elder Madam, Young Master Liu and Fifth Miss are back!”

In his urgency, he accidentally used the old title for Liu Muqiu.

This time, Liu Muqiu didn’t correct him. Instead, she lowered her brows and followed Liu Zhiqiu, slowly walking into the mansion.

Along the way, the servants bowed to them.

When they reached the Li family’s main hall, Matriarch Li was already waiting.

A fire stove had been set up in the hall, and it seemed to have just been lit, as the damp, cold air hadn’t yet dissipated.

This time, there were no other members of the Li family present.

“Young Master Liu has returned. It seems that this time, the Liu family’s great misfortune has passed. I congratulate you.”

Liu Zhiqiu entered, took a seat beside Liu Muqiu in an easy and unceremonious manner, right next to Matriarch Li.

“Thank you, Elder Madam, for your congratulations. We rushed back before the New Year, bringing Muqiu to visit you and also to express our gratitude.”

“I dare not accept your thanks. It was only because Miss Liu came to me for help back then, and out of our past friendship, I took a risk.”

Liu Muqiu’s eyelids fluttered slightly. “Muqiu is very grateful for your assistance.”

After a pause, she turned to Liu Zhiqiu and said, “Brother Zhiqiu, I would like to speak to the Elder Madam alone for a few moments. Could you go find Yao’er and spend some time with him? I’ll look for you when we head back later.”

Liu Zhiqiu raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering for a moment, and then nodded, “Alright, Elder Madam, I’ll come back later.”

Watching him walk away, Elder Madam calmly said, “Since the matter is over and the people have returned, Miss Liu should fulfill the promise she made that day.”

“Elder Madam, could I stay with the Liu family for this New Year?”

Matriarch Li didn’t respond immediately but instead asked, “Has the Liu family been good to you?”