Chapter 88: 友人
[Friend]
After much consolation, Tang Xiaobao finally came to believe that Ji Ling would return safely. Yet, having never faced such a situation before, Tang Xiaobao was still somewhat flustered. After much internal struggle, he decided to seek out the master of the estate, the Grand Master.
But those who wished Ji Ling harm had anticipated this move. When Tang Xiaobao approached the gatekeepers to seek the Grand Master, they informed him the Grand Master had already departed on official business and would not return for several days. Unable to find anyone, Tang Xiaobao grew even more flustered. Thinking only of Ji Ling, who had already been taken away, he forced himself to calm down. He stared fixedly at the entrance to the Grand Master’s residence for a moment before turning around and heading back with Lühe.
“Young Madam, don’t worry. Young Master will be fine.” Feng Ling, who hadn’t been taken away, stood beside Tang Xiaobao and whispered reassuringly. He recalled the items his young master had entrusted to him not long ago. Perhaps anticipating this very situation, he had already made advance arrangements for him.
Tang Xiaobao glanced back at him and nodded. On the way back, he kept thinking about who else he could turn to for help.
Meanwhile, Ji Ling followed the constables back to the magistrate’s office. Perhaps because they hadn’t yet pinned a charge on him, they treated him with relative courtesy. They assigned him a single cell and departed. Before leaving, the leader bluntly warned him to behave himself. Any tricks would not be tolerated—after all, this was no longer the Ji residence.
Facing this threat, Ji Ling nodded in acknowledgment. He then sensibly sought out a relatively clean spot to sit.
Seeing this, the leader snorted derisively before walking away.
Only after the man departed did Ji Ling turn to observe his surroundings. Among the others, some stared curiously at this new prisoner. Others lay motionless, their faces expressionless—it was impossible to tell if they were dead or merely asleep. Still others murmured among themselves, their words indistinct and incomprehensible.
Seeing this, Ji Ling lowered his head, calming himself as he sat there, pondering what to do next. Before he could come up with a plan, however, he felt something smack against his side. Looking closely, he saw it was a small stone. Turning to look in the direction it had come from, he saw a man covered in grime, who hadn’t bathed in who knows how long, staring back at him. The man grinned, revealing a mouthful of pearly whites, and said with obvious malice, “You’re dressed pretty well. How did you get in here?”
Noticing the strange look on his face, Ji Ling ignored him, simply turning his head away without a word.
This only seemed to enrage the strange man further. He suddenly lunged violently toward Ji Ling’s cell, only to be stopped by the sturdy bars. He slammed his hands against the railing, screaming maniacally, “Why won’t you talk to me? Speak! Say something!” ” After shouting, he furiously pounded the wooden bars with his fists.
Ji Ling watched his actions silently, showing no reaction. Only those around them seemed to be watching the spectacle with obvious curiosity, some jeering and others looking distinctly impatient, as if they were already used to such scenes. Soon, perhaps because his voice grew too loud, the guard stationed outside heard him and entered. Tapping the object in his hand, he gave the man a warning look. Only after the man quieted down did the guard turn and leave.
As he departed, the guard caught sight of the young master of the Ji family who had just been brought in. Seeing the utter lack of emotion on his face, the guard couldn’t help but feel astonished.
Only after the guard departed did Ji Ling calmly turn his gaze toward the man. When the man met his eyes, he flinched slightly, and Ji Ling’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.
The next day, Ji Ling met his partner right there.
Seeing Ji Ling’s current state, Lei Ming looked utterly astonished. He stared at him and said, “Brother Ji, what on earth did you do to make your stepmother hate you so much? Now, it’s not just the well-connected who are talking about this—even outsiders are constantly discussing your situation. Your stepmother doesn’t seem to care about the consequences; she’s actually spreading this kind of thing around freely.”
Hearing this, Ji Ling paused slightly, taken aback that his stepmother would be so shameless as to spread such rumors even now. Yet, remembering her character, he felt less surprised. It seemed she was truly determined to eliminate him this time.
A sneer curled his lips at the thought. Turning to his friend, he said coolly, “Since you’re here now, do me a favor.”
Seeing Ji Ling’s unhurried composure, Lei Ming—who had originally come to see if he needed assistance—nodded in agreement.
Leaving the magistrate’s office, he took care of some arrangements. While marveling at Ji Ling’s cunning, Lei Ming instructed his coachman to drive him toward the Ji family mansion.
Arriving at the rear gate of the Ji residence, he addressed the vigilant servants stationed there, revealing his identity. The servant, who had been ordered not to let anyone in, immediately panicked. Yet, seeing the imposing presence before him, he ultimately allowed Lei Ming to enter.
Only after Lei Ming had gone inside did the servant seem to remember something. He muttered something to his fellow gatekeeper before turning and sprinting away.
Once inside the estate, Lei Ming instructed the servant to lead him directly to Ji Ling’s courtyard. Seeing the somewhat secluded small courtyard, Lei Ming paused in surprise for a moment. Then, remembering his purpose for coming, he strode forward and knocked on the door.
Tang Xiaobao had slept poorly all night. After much deliberation, he decided to visit Ji Ling first. Just as they finished preparing to leave, a servant rushed in with urgent news. His tone carried a hint of anxiety as he addressed the young mistress, “Madam, someone is outside requesting an audience.”
Tang Xiaobao found this highly unusual. Who would come to see him at such an hour? Then, as if suddenly struck by an idea, his eyes lit up. He immediately ordered the servant to bring the waiting person inside.
The moment Lei Ming entered, he saw an exceptionally cute young man staring at him with nervous anticipation, as if waiting expectantly for something. Upon seeing him, the boy paused for a moment before regaining his composure and offering a rather strained smile. Lei Ming knew his emotions were highly unstable at the moment, so he didn’t say much. Remembering his friend’s request, he stepped forward promptly and said, “Hello, I’m a friend of Ji Ling. I’ve come to retrieve something for him. He mentioned I could seek out a guard accompanying his husband, so I’ve taken the liberty of disturbing you.”
Hearing this, Tang Xiaobao froze momentarily before turning to Feng Ling, who had remained by his side. If someone had been left behind, it could only be Feng Ling.
Meeting his young mistress’s gaze, Feng Ling remained remarkably composed. Stepping forward, he bowed to Lei Ming and said, “My young master did indeed leave me some items earlier, instructing me to deliver them to whoever came to collect them. It seems that person is you, young master.” With that, he gestured invitingly and led the man into the study.
Witnessing this, Tang Xiaobao’s previously racing heart finally settled. He knew that no matter the situation, Ji Ling would always find a way to turn danger into safety. He had complete faith in him. Only when Feng Ling produced two envelopes, clearly prepared in advance, and handed them to Lei Ming—watching him carefully tuck them away—did Tang Xiaobao relax slightly.
After stowing away the items Feng Ling had given him, Lei Ming prepared to take his leave. But just before stepping out, he noticed the young man still looked deeply troubled. It suddenly struck him that he seemed to have forgotten something all along. He hurried forward. This sudden movement startled Tang Xiaobao, causing him to stumble backward. Only when Tang Xiaobao steadied himself did Lei Ming realize his abruptness. Apologizing immediately, he said, “Sorry, I just remembered Ji Ling asked me to tell you he hasn’t suffered much and will return soon. He wants you to stop worrying.”
Tang Xiaobao stared at him, whether startled by the sudden good news or something else, he didn’t move.
Seeing the young man before him still staring at him in bewilderment, Lei Ming, unsure what to do, scratched his head and added, “Don’t worry. We’re Ji Ling’s friends. We’ll help get him out sooner.”
Originally startled, Tang Xiaobao looked at Lei Ming’s genuinely sincere face, nodded, and then sincerely said, “Thank you.”
Seeing the young man before him express his gratitude so politely, Lei Ming smiled and then turned to leave.
Only after Lei Ming had departed did Tang Xiaobao relax slightly, though he still instructed Lühe to gather their prepared items to visit Ji Ling.
Once seated in his carriage, Lei Ming retrieved the letters he’d just received from Feng Ling. He opened the one belonging to the person who had commissioned him and read it carefully. After finishing, he burst into laughter, then remarked with genuine admiration, “Ji Ling, you are the most intelligent person I have ever encountered.” After laughing, he instructed his attendant to inquire about the exact whereabouts of the current head of the Ji family, the esteemed Elder Ji. The attendant, being quite astute, swiftly departed upon hearing his young master’s orders.
Meanwhile, Tang Xiaobao led his men to Ji Ling’s place of confinement. Little did they know they wouldn’t even get through the gate, let alone see Ji Ling. No matter how persuasive Tang Xiaobao’s pleas became, or how many bribes he discreetly slipped to the guards, the sentries at the gate stubbornly refused entry. Just as they stood there, utterly at a loss, a voice suddenly came from behind them, tinged with slight confusion: “Are you Ji Ling’s family?”
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