Chapter One Hundred Forty-One: Mistaken Again?

Because of the autumn harvest, the usually bustling Six Doors agency was now so idle that everyone was leisurely sipping tea and chatting.

Of course, social hierarchy, though unspoken, was a reality. The lowest ranks of the Six Doors were far from idle—they remained as busy as ever, some even more so than usual. The mid-level members gathered at headquarters, passing time with casual talk while staying alert for any sudden emergencies. As for the upper echelons of the Six Doors? They had long since returned home—or rather, they hadn’t shown up at all.

Meanwhile, within the residence of the Zhuge family, the group from the Marquis of Gods’ Mansion was lively and cheerful, preparing a hotpot feast. Among them were Zhuge Zhengwo and the famed Four Great Constables.

At the height of the merriment, a beautiful woman entered, as if pouring a bowl of cold water into the boiling pot.

She was a familiar figure to all—Ji Yaohua.

As the room quieted, everyone’s eyes instinctively turned to Leng Xue. Already under immense pressure, Leng Xue finally lost composure.

“Why are you here?” he asked, feigning casualness despite the gazes.

“Why? Am I not allowed? You all were so lively just now, and now this? Not welcoming me?” Ji Yaohua’s words were not directed solely at Leng Xue, yet they had the intended effect.

After her remark, the atmosphere became lively again, though with a hint of calculated effort. Ji Yaohua seemed oblivious—whether by unawareness or indifference was unclear.

Regardless, she quickly blended in with the group.

“What’s wrong? You’ve seemed off these past few days, and today is worst. Are you feeling unwell?” Leng Xue asked.

The strange demeanor of Wu Qing in recent days had puzzled Leng Xue, but after Ji Yaohua’s arrival and a glance at Wu Qing’s expression, something seemed to dawn on him.

Could it be that Wu Qing was jealous? Pleased by this thought, Leng Xue inquired with concern.

His words caught the attention of those nearby, including Zhuge Zhengwo, all waiting for Wu Qing’s response.

Naturally, Wu Qing could not speak the truth. To confess would mean admitting that the Six Doors was on the brink of explosion—and on a grander scale, that the entire Jing Dynasty might be at risk.

“I’m fine. I’ve just been thinking about Yu Yan. I wonder how she’s been these past few days... She’s probably never seen such a lively scene. I want to bring her out to cheer her up,” Wu Qing said, glancing at Ji Yaohua, deliberately omitting the place’s name.

Leng Xue had not expected such words and turned to Zhuge Zhengwo for guidance.

“That makes some sense. Miss Wang is indeed pitiful. Here’s what we’ll do: go ask if it’s safe, and if so, bring her out.”

Neither Leng Xue nor Wu Qing had anticipated this. Wu Qing had been caught off guard by Leng Xue’s sudden question and had concocted an excuse, never expecting Zhuge Zhengwo to take it seriously.

But now, there was no turning back. Wu Qing had to visit the place she had dreamed of night after night these days.

The journey needed no elaboration, except that Leng Xue accompanied her to protect Wang Yuyan. To make a good impression, he waited at the palace gate.

Inside the separate courtyard, the two women met again.

“Wu Qing, has the Six Doors been very busy these days? You haven’t visited in a long time.”

“Uh... yes, it’s been a bit hectic. Today I’m free, and the Zhuge residence is lively. The Marquis of Gods has been thinking of you and asked me to come fetch you out for some fun.”

“Oh? Then what about you, Wu Qing?”

“I’ve never liked noisy places.”

“Alright, thank you, Wu Qing. Shall we change now?”

“Sure. By the way, has the emperor come by in the past few days?”

“No, he hasn’t. Wu Qing, why do you ask?”

Wang Yuyan was changing her clothes with her back turned, so Wu Qing did not see her face flush with embarrassment.

“Nothing, just asking.”

Hearing that the emperor had not appeared, Wu Qing’s suspicions deepened.

Time passed swiftly, and Wang Yuyan had left. Now, the courtyard was silent except for Wu Qing.

She sat on the bed, her feet dangling, gazing at the scene identical to her dreams, feeling as though she had returned to those recent days.

And what was the male lead in her mind doing?

Idle. Zhu Yu was idle too, bored to the point of madness. Just as he was about to lose his mind from boredom, he conceived a brilliant idea.

Wasn’t he supposed to summon Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian, the two eunuchs?

Due to time constraints, this chapter couldn’t be completed now. It is being released early and will be supplemented later. Subscribers who check back in an hour are encouraged to refresh. Thank you for your understanding and support for the new content.