Only during the brief moment of the Zi period each day did they have the chance to meet, which made both of them cherish the time even more, sharing endless conversations. Fortunately, since they communicated through spiritual thoughts, there were no telephone bills to worry about—Mei Qing mused idly.
Every day, only during the brief moment of the Zi hour, the two cherished their time together immensely, with endless conversations. Fortunately, they communicated through spiritual thoughts, sparing them the cost of phone calls—Mei Qing’s mind wandered whimsically.
With his golden core restored these past few days, Mei Qing could naturally proceed to the next stages of the Thunder Forbidden Technique. Bi Zhen, however, had not cultivated the Divine Thunder Technique and thus could not practice the Thunder Forbidden Technique. According to Bi Zhen, her grandmother’s visit was twofold: firstly, due to a strained relationship with “that old man,” she came to check on her; secondly, because Bi Zhen had reached the stage of core condensation, her grandmother came specifically to guide her in cultivation and impart Taoist techniques.
“Once I master it, I can go out and teach you,” Bi Zhen thought, having long since cast aside any sect rules, eager to share any benefits with Mei Qing immediately.
Regarding the Forbidden Techniques, Bi Zhen earnestly admitted that her own techniques were somewhat inferior to Mei Qing’s Thunder Forbidden Technique. The Thunder Forbidden Technique, integrating the five elements, appeared simple but was profoundly intricate, its power far surpassing ordinary forbidden techniques.
“Practice well, and then we can also bind that old man, making him pay for bullying you,” Bi Zhen still harbored resentment towards Lu Bing for sealing Mei Qing’s golden core, always seeking retribution.
Mei Qing surmised that Bi Zhen, having been captured and confined by Lu Bing, must have been furious yet unable to retaliate—naturally, she couldn’t, hence placing her hopes of revenge on him.
However, Bi Zhen failed to consider how few sons-in-law in the world would dare to confront their fathers-in-law. Expecting Mei Qing to avenge her was undoubtedly a tall order.
Sitting quietly in a large wooden chair, gently stroking the smooth armrest, Mei Qing watched the swaying leaves outside the window, feeling a lazy comfort on this somewhat hot autumn afternoon.
“Lord Mei!” Zhao Dayou called out, swaying as he carried a teapot, bowing respectfully, “Your Excellency, Lord Lu has arrived.”
Mei Qing now knew that this Lord Lu, named Ze You, styled Ji Ming, unlike most in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was a proper scholar, having passed the imperial examinations. In a place where most were martial in origin, Lord Lu’s scholarly background made him particularly unique.
Despite being a scholar, Lu Ze You was not pedantic. On the contrary, he was quite amiable and approachable. He occasionally joked with Qian San and Zhao Dayou, earning him a good reputation.
Perhaps due to the mutual disdain among scholars, Mei Qing harbored no particular fondness for Lord Lu. He felt that the vice-commander was overly amiable, to the point of suspicion. When amiability is too deliberate, it often indicates insincerity.
Bi Zhen, upon hearing Mei Qing’s view, agreed without hesitation, stating firmly, “Of course, there are no good people in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Why would good people go there?”
Mei Qing was speechless. Fortunately, Bi Zhen quickly realized and added, “Of course, you’re the exception.”
She completely forgot that she herself was also a vice-commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, indicating perhaps not a strong sense of belonging among its members.
Regardless of personal feelings, Lord Lu Ze You was Mei Qing’s superior. When a superior personally inspects the grassroots, a minor official like Mei Qing naturally had to accompany him throughout. Thus, he immediately rose to greet him, asking Zhao Dayou as they walked, “Why has Lord Lu come? Is there something important?”
Zhao Dayou quickly responded, “I heard there’s a batch of important items, so Lord Lu personally delivered them.”
“What items require Lord Lu’s personal delivery?” Mei Qing frowned.
“Ah, Lord Mei, you haven’t heard?” Zhao Dayou feigned surprise, then mysteriously said, “Didn’t we raid a house yesterday? Hehe, it’s about that Duke Guo who was imprisoned recently. Hehe, this time he’s probably completely finished!”
Mei Qing was startled and quickly inquired about the details. The Duke Guo Zhao Dayou mentioned was the influential Guo Xun in the court. This Lord Guo, with an illustrious family background, was a descendant of Guo Ying, the Marquis of Wuding.
Guo Ying was a founding hero, and his descendants often intermarried with the royal family, becoming royal relatives. By Guo Xun’s time, he had inherited the title of Marquis of Wuding, was further enfeoffed as Duke Yi, and held the positions of Grand Guardian and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, wielding immense power.
“This Duke Guo has indeed made significant contributions. However, it’s said he has a temper, speaking his mind even in front of the Emperor. Thus, his relationships are not the best. Now that he’s in the imperial prison, not only is no one rescuing him, but many are also submitting memorials to impeach him. The Emperor, remembering old affections, is reluctant to act against him, but can’t withstand the public pressure…”
As Zhao Dayou rambled on, Mei Qing inwardly sneered. Once someone is in the imperial prison, saying the Emperor doesn’t want to act is just nonsense. It’s likely that Duke Guo, feeling he had supported the Emperor during his early reign, had become too outspoken, displeasing the Emperor. Previously, when the Emperor ascended the throne at a young age, old ministers like Yang Tinghe were uncooperative, so he used Duke Guo to counter them. Now, with the old ministers gone, Duke Guo has outlived his usefulness, yet remains unaware of his position, making it no surprise the Emperor would move against him.
However, the Emperor still needs to maintain some dignity. Given Guo Xun’s significant contributions, it’s inappropriate to act directly. Hence, this drama of ministers pressuring, the Emperor’s reluctance, and the inexorable law unfolds.
“Since everything has been confiscated, there’s no need to wait for his family to redeem them, right?” Mei Qing, unwilling to discuss Guo Xun further, changed the subject.
“Hehe, what’s there to redeem?” Zhao Dayou laughed, “He and his two sons are in prison, and the women at home aren’t allowed out, so we had to handle it ourselves. I heard there’s quite a bit of valuable stuff, so Lord Lu personally handled the transfer.”
Mei Qing sighed, recalling Duke Guo’s second son, who had caused trouble at Bi Zhen’s place, likely now also in prison. No wonder he hadn’t been seen since.
Mei Qing and Zhao Dayou hurried to the storeroom, where Lu Ze You, accompanied by Qian San, stood at the door, with two unfamiliar faces behind him, guarding a large and a small box.
Although Lu Ze You was the vice-commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and managed the fourth group, having handed over management to Mei Qing, he couldn’t order the storeroom opened himself. Mei Qing, having arrived, quickly apologized for the delay, signed off on opening the storeroom, and completed the handover with the two men behind Lu Ze You. Their faces were expressionless, and they left without a word after the handover.
“Such a trivial matter requiring Lord Lu’s personal delivery, and with so many formalities, is indeed a fault,” Mei Qing apologized.
Lu Ze You smiled, “Lord Mei, you’re too kind. Serving the Emperor’s grain, we must be loyal to his affairs. Lord Mei’s subordinates are disciplined, reminiscent of the fine willows, which greatly comforts me. What fault is there?” He then added, “The large box can be placed directly in an open space. The small box, however, was instructed by the Sixth Lord to be stored separately, as he may need it in the future.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement and ordered the iron door opened. The guard on duty happened to be Yao Dingguo, the man he had seen on his first day. Qian San and Zhao Dayou carried the small box, while Yao Dingguo and another guard named Zhou Chang carried the large box into the storeroom, first locking the iron door, then slowly moving the boxes inside.
The storeroom had strict rules: upon entering, the iron door was locked first. Only after the items were secured in the small storeroom could the door be reopened. Normally, when everyone was lazy, the door was left wide open. But today, with Lord Lu personally present, all formalities had to be strictly observed.
The large box was placed in an open space in a storeroom near the entrance. The small box was carried to the deepest part of the storeroom, in front of the small storeroom.
Mei Qing was very familiar with this place, as the inkstone was stored in this small storeroom, where he had once fainted.
Opening the storeroom door, the small box was placed inside. Mei Qing’s eyes couldn’t help but glance at the wooden case where the inkstone was kept. Unlike other items, mostly nailed in wooden boxes, this inkstone was uniquely placed in a wooden case, perhaps the Sixth Lord also found it unusual.
Through layers of packaging, Mei Qing could still sense the inkstone quietly lying in the inkstone box within the wooden case, silent. He smiled lightly, shook his head, and then ordered Qian San to lock the iron door.
With the creaking sound of the iron door’s hinges, the heavy door slammed shut with a loud “clang.” Qian San pulled the thick iron chain, making a “clattering” noise, and began securing it with a large iron lock.
“Wait!” Mei Qing suddenly called out. Everyone, including Qian San, paused, turning to look at Mei Qing.
Mei Qing’s face was uncertain, his eyes filled with confusion. Just as Qian San was about to close the iron door, Mei Qing had a very strange feeling—the inkstone, which had always been in tune with his thoughts, had suddenly disappeared!
“Lord Mei, is something wrong?” Lu Ze You asked, frowning.
Mei Qing seemed lost in thought, as if pondering something deeply, not focused on the present.
“Once I finish cultivating, I can finally go out, and then I’ll be able to teach you,” Bi Zhen thought, having long since cast aside all concerns about sect rules and restrictions, eager to share every benefit with Mei Qing.
Yet regarding the cultivation of sealing techniques, Bi Zhen had seriously admitted that the sealing arts she practiced were indeed somewhat inferior to Mei Qing’s Thunder Sealing Art. The Thunder Sealing Art fused the five elements into one, appearing simple but actually being deeply profound, with power far surpassing ordinary sealing techniques.
“You just keep cultivating well. Once you’re ready, you can seal that old man and show him who’s boss for what he did to you,” Bi Zhen still harbored resentment over Lu Bing’s sealing of Mei Qing’s golden elixir, always seeking an opportunity for revenge.
Mei Qing thought to himself that it was probably because Bi Zhen had been captured and locked away by Lu Bing, and she must have been furious inside but unable to retaliate—of course, she wouldn’t have been able to anyway. Thus, she had pinned her hopes for revenge on him.
But Bi Zhen didn’t seem to consider that how many sons-in-law dared to challenge their fathers-in-law? Relying on Mei Qing for revenge was probably wishful thinking.
Sitting quietly on a wide wooden chair, gently stroking the smooth armrests, he idly watched the leaves outside sway in the breeze. On this hot autumn afternoon, a lazy, relaxed feeling filled the air.
“Lord Mei!” Zhao Dayou called out as he strolled in, swaying slightly, carrying a teapot. He respectfully bowed and said, “Reporting, my lord, Director Lu has arrived.”
Mei Qing now knew that Director Lu’s name was Ze You, styled Jiming, and unlike most of the martial men in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lu was a genuine jinshi scholar. Most members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were military men, making Lu, a scholar, particularly unique.
However, although Lu was a man of letters, he was not pedantic or aloof. On the contrary, he was quite amiable and approachable. He would even occasionally joke with men like Qian San and Zhao Dayou, earning him a good reputation.
For some reason Mei Qing couldn’t quite explain, he held no particular liking for Director Lu. Reflecting on it, Mei Qing felt that the vice-director was perhaps too amiable—too agreeable, in fact. When someone was excessively pleasant, it often meant they were insincere.
Bi Zhen, upon hearing Mei Qing’s opinion, immediately agreed and added confidently, “Well, of course. There’s no good person in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Who in their right mind would go there?”
Mei Qing was speechless. Fortunately, Bi Zhen quickly realized and added, “Of course, you’re an exception.”
She had completely forgotten that she herself was technically a deputy in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Judging from that, the sense of belonging among the staff of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was questionable at best.
Regardless of his personal feelings, Director Lu was still Mei Qing’s superior. When a superior personally came to inspect, Mei Qing, as a minor officer, naturally had to accompany him throughout. He immediately stood up to go out and greet him, asking Zhao Dayou as he walked, “Why is Director Lu here? Is there something important?”
Zhao Dayou quickly leaned in and said, “Hearing that there’s a batch of important items, Director Lu personally brought them over.”
“Important items? Why would Director Lu personally deliver them?” Mei Qing frowned.
“Oh, you don’t know, Lord Mei?” Zhao Dayou exaggerated his surprise, then whispered mysteriously, “Didn’t we raid someone’s house yesterday? Heh heh, that Guo Gongye we locked up in prison a few days ago—this time, he’s definitely finished!”
Mei Qing was startled and quickly asked what had happened. As it turned out, the “Guo Gongye” Zhao Dayou referred to was none other than Guo Xun, a powerful official in the imperial court. Guo’s family background was impressive—he was a descendant of Guo Ying, the Marquis of Wuding, a founding minister of the dynasty.
Guo Ying was a founding hero, and his descendants had intermarried with the imperial family, becoming royal in-laws. Guo Xun inherited the title of Marquis of Wuding, was later enfeoffed as the Duke of Yiguo, and also held the titles of Taibao and Taizi Taifu. He was indeed a figure whose influence extended throughout the court.
“This Guo Gongye has indeed rendered great services,” Zhao Dayou continued. “But they say his temper is quite fierce. Even before the Emperor, he speaks his mind without restraint. Thus, his relations with others have not been particularly good. Now that he’s been thrown into the imperial prison, not only is no one trying to rescue him, but many are even submitting memorials to impeach him. The Emperor, out of old affection, might not have wanted to punish him, but he couldn’t resist the pressure of the crowd turning against him…”
Zhao Dayou kept on talking, but Mei Qing inwardly sneered. Once someone was thrown into the imperial prison, talking about the Emperor’s reluctance to punish them was just nonsense. Most likely, Guo Xun, believing he had contributed to the Emperor’s ascension, had overstepped his bounds, offending the Emperor. In the past, the Emperor had been young when he ascended the throne, and the old ministers like Yang Tinghe were not easily controlled, so the Emperor had used Guo to counterbalance them. Now that the old ministers were gone, Guo had outlived his usefulness and was still unaware of when to retreat—of course the Emperor would act against him.
However, the Emperor still needed to maintain appearances. Guo had indeed rendered great services, so it wouldn’t look good to move directly against him. Thus, this entire drama of ministers pressuring the Emperor into action, while the Emperor feigned reluctance but yielded to the law, was merely a performance.
“So everything’s been confiscated already? No chance for his family to redeem it?” Mei Qing, unwilling to dwell further on Guo Xun, changed the subject.
“Heh, redeem what?” Zhao Dayou laughed. “He and his two sons are already in prison. The women in his household aren’t even allowed to leave the gates, so we just took everything ourselves. I heard there’s a lot of valuable stuff, so Director Lu personally oversaw the handover.”
Every day, only during the brief moment of the Zi hour, the two cherished their time together, conversing endlessly. Fortunately, they communicated through telepathy, sparing them the cost of phone calls—Mei Qing mused whimsically.
With his Golden Core restored these past few days, Mei Qing could naturally proceed to the next stages of the Thunder Prohibition Technique. Bi Zhen, however, had not cultivated the Divine Thunder Technique and thus could not practice the Thunder Prohibition Technique. According to Bi Zhen, her grandmother had come for two reasons: first, because she and “that old man” had a falling out, prompting her visit; second, because Bi Zhen had reached the stage of Core Condensation, and her grandmother had come specifically to guide her cultivation and impart Daoist techniques.
“Once I’ve mastered it, I’ll be able to leave and teach you,” Bi Zhen thought, having long discarded any adherence to sect rules, eager to share any benefits with Mei Qing immediately.
However, regarding the Prohibition Technique, Bi Zhen earnestly admitted that her own technique paled in comparison to Mei Qing’s Thunder Prohibition Technique. The Thunder Prohibition Technique fused the Five Elements into one, appearing simple but holding profound mysteries, its power far surpassing ordinary prohibition techniques.
“You focus on mastering it, and then we’ll use it to restrain that old man and stop him from bullying you,” Bi Zhen said, still harboring resentment over Lu Bing’s suppression of Mei Qing’s Golden Core, always seeking an opportunity to retaliate.
Mei Qing, however, suspected that Bi Zhen’s desire for revenge stemmed from her own frustration at being captured and imprisoned by Lu Bing, unable to retaliate—likely because she couldn’t, thus placing her hopes on Mei Qing.
But Bi Zhen failed to consider that few sons-in-law would dare to confront their father-in-law. Expecting Mei Qing to avenge her was likely an impossible task.
Sitting quietly in a large wooden chair, Mei Qing gently stroked the smooth armrest, watching the swaying leaves outside the window on a lazy, warm autumn afternoon, feeling a sense of leisurely comfort.
“Master Mei!” Zhao Dayou called out, wobbling in with a teapot, bowing respectfully. “Sir, Master Lu has arrived.”
Mei Qing now knew that this Master Lu, named Ze You, styled Ji Ming, was unlike most in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, being a proper scholar with a Jinshi degree. While most in the Embroidered Uniform Guard came from military backgrounds, Master Lu’s scholarly origins made him particularly unique.
Despite being a scholar, Lu Ze You was not pedantic. On the contrary, he was quite amiable and approachable, often joking with Qian San and Zhao Dayou, earning him a good reputation.
Perhaps due to the mutual disdain among scholars, Mei Qing harbored little fondness for Master Lu. He felt that the Vice Commander was overly amiable, to the point of seeming insincere. When someone’s demeanor was too calculated, it often hinted at hypocrisy.
Bi Zhen, upon hearing Mei Qing’s opinion, immediately agreed, stating firmly, “Of course, there are no good people in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Good people wouldn’t go there.”
Mei Qing was speechless. Fortunately, Bi Zhen quickly added, “Of course, you’re the exception.”
She completely forgot that she herself was also a Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which spoke volumes about the lack of strong employee loyalty within the organization.
Regardless of his personal feelings, Lu Ze You was Mei Qing’s superior. When the superior personally came to inspect the lower ranks, Mei Qing, as a minor officer, naturally had to accompany him. Thus, he immediately stood up and went out to greet him, asking Zhao Dayou as they walked, “Why has Master Lu come? Is there something important?”
Zhao Dayou quickly replied, “I heard there’s a batch of important items, so Master Lu personally delivered them.”
“What items require Master Lu to deliver them personally?” Mei Qing frowned.
“Oh, Master Mei, haven’t you heard?” Zhao Dayou put on an appropriately surprised expression, then whispered mysteriously, “Didn’t we raid a house yesterday? Hehe, it’s about that Duke Guo who was imprisoned a few days ago. Hehe, it seems he’s completely finished now!”
Mei Qing was startled and quickly asked for details. The Duke Guo Zhao Dayou mentioned was the influential Guo Xun in the court. This Lord Guo came from a distinguished family, being a descendant of Guo Ying, the Marquis of Wuding.
Guo Ying was a founding hero, and his descendants had intermarried with the royal family, becoming imperial relatives. By Guo Xun’s time, he had inherited the title of Marquis of Wuding, was further enfeoffed as Duke Yi, and held the positions of Grand Guardian and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, wielding immense power in the court.
“This Duke Guo has made significant contributions, but I’ve heard he has a temper. He speaks his mind even in front of His Majesty, so his relationships aren’t great. Now that he’s in the imperial prison, not only has no one come to his rescue, but many have submitted memorials to impeach him. His Majesty, out of old affection, is reluctant to punish him, but he can’t stop the crowd from pushing him down…”
As Zhao Dayou rambled on, Mei Qing inwardly sneered. Once someone was in the imperial prison, claiming that the Emperor didn’t want to punish them was pure nonsense. This Duke Guo likely felt he had contributed greatly when the Emperor first ascended the throne, but his words and actions had displeased the Emperor. When the Emperor was young, old ministers like Yang Tinghe were uncooperative, so the Emperor used Guo Xun to oppose them. Now that the old ministers were gone, Duke Guo had outlived his usefulness and was still unaware of his position, so it was no surprise the Emperor moved against him.
However, the Emperor still needed to save face. Guo Xun had made significant contributions, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to act directly. Thus, this play of ministers pressuring the Emperor, who was reluctant but bound by the law, was staged.
“So everything was confiscated? Does that mean his family can’t redeem it?” Mei Qing changed the subject, not wanting to discuss Guo Xun further.
“Hehe, what’s there to redeem?” Zhao Dayou chuckled. “He and his two sons are in prison, and the women in his household aren’t allowed to leave, so we had to handle it ourselves. I heard there’s a lot of valuable stuff, so Master Lu personally handled the transfer.”
Mei Qing sighed, thinking of Duke Guo’s second son, who must also be in prison. The last time this young lord caused trouble at Bi Zhen’s place, he was probably thrown into prison shortly after, which explained why he hadn’t been seen since.
Mei Qing and Zhao Dayou hurried to the storeroom, where Lu Ze You was already waiting at the door, accompanied by Qian San. Behind him were two unfamiliar faces, guarding a large and a small box.
Although Lu Ze You was the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and in charge of the fourth group, since he had delegated authority to Mei Qing, he couldn’t order the storeroom opened himself. Mei Qing, having arrived, quickly apologized for the delay and signed the necessary documents to open the storeroom, taking over the items from the two men behind Lu Ze You. The two men, expressionless, left without a word after the handover.
“Such a trivial matter requiring Master Lu’s personal attention, and with such strict procedures, I am truly sorry,” Mei Qing apologized.
Lu Ze You smiled and said, “Master Mei, you’re too kind. We serve the Emperor and must be diligent. Master Mei’s subordinates are disciplined and orderly, reminiscent of the ancient General Zhou Yafu, which brings me great comfort. There’s no need for apologies.” He then added, “The large box can be placed in an open area. The small box, however, was specifically instructed by the Sixth Lord to be stored separately, as he may need it in the future.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement and ordered the iron door opened. The guard on duty happened to be Yao Dingguo, the man he had seen on his first day. Qian San and Zhao Dayou carried the small box, while Yao Dingguo and another guard named Zhou Chang carried the large box into the storeroom. They first locked the iron door from the inside, then slowly carried the boxes further in.
The storeroom had strict rules: once the iron door was opened and entered, it had to be locked from the inside. Only after the items were placed in the smaller storeroom and locked could the main door be reopened. Of course, during normal times, everyone was too lazy to follow these rules, often leaving the door wide open. But today, with Master Lu personally present, all procedures had to be strictly followed.
The large box was placed in an open area near the entrance, while the small box was carried to the deepest part of the storeroom, to the smaller storeroom.
Mei Qing was very familiar with this place, as the inkstone was stored in this smaller storeroom. He had even fainted here once before.
Opening the storeroom door, they placed the small box inside. Mei Qing’s eyes couldn’t help but glance at the wooden case where the inkstone was kept. Most items were nailed into wooden boxes, but this inkstone was stored alone in a wooden case, perhaps because the Sixth Lord also felt it was something extraordinary.
Through the layers of packaging, Mei Qing could still sense the inkstone lying quietly in its case, silent and still. He smiled faintly, shook his head, and then ordered Qian San to lock the iron door.
As the iron door creaked and slammed shut with a heavy “clang,” Qian San pulled the thick iron chain with a “clatter,” securing it with a large lock.
“Wait!” Mei Qing suddenly called out. Everyone, including Qian San, paused and turned to look at him, confused.
Mei Qing’s face was uncertain, his eyes filled with confusion. Just as Qian San was about to close the iron door, Mei Qing had a strange feeling—the inkstone, which had always been connected to him, had suddenly vanished!
“Master Mei, is something wrong?” Lu Ze You asked, frowning.
Mei Qing, however, seemed lost in thought, as if his mind was elsewhere, pondering something deeply.
Mei Qing and Zhao Dayou arrived at the storeroom and saw Lu Ze You already waiting by the door with Qian San. Behind him were two unfamiliar faces, escorting a large and a small chest.
Although Lu Ze You was a vice-director of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and oversaw the four divisions, since he had delegated authority to Mei Qing, he could not order the storeroom opened himself. As soon as Mei Qing arrived, he quickly apologized for his delay and proceeded to sign for the opening of the storeroom, taking over the goods from the two men behind Lu. The two men had stern, expressionless faces and departed without a word after completing the handover.
“It’s such a small matter, yet Director Lu personally came, and with all these procedures—it’s truly too much,” Mei Qing apologized.
Lu Ze You smiled and said, “Lord Mei, how can you say that? We serve the Emperor, and must fulfill our duties. Your subordinates are disciplined and orderly, much like the famed camp of General Zhou Yafu. I am quite pleased, so there is no need for apologies.” He then added, “This large chest can be placed directly in an empty space. The small one, however, was specifically instructed by Lord Liu to be stored separately, as he may need it later.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement and ordered the iron door opened. Coincidentally, the guard on duty was the same hawk-eyed man he had met on his first day, named Yao Dingguo. Thus, Qian San and Zhao Dayou carried the small chest, while Yao Dingguo and another guard named Zhou Chang carried the large chest into the storeroom. Once inside, they first locked the iron door from the inside. Only after the goods were placed in the inner storeroom and locked again could the outer door be reopened. Normally, the guards were lax and left the doors wide open, but today, with Director Lu personally present, all procedures had to be strictly followed.
The large chest was placed in an empty space near the entrance. Then the small chest was carried to the innermost part of the storeroom, in front of the small inner chamber.
Mei Qing was very familiar with this place, as the inkstone he had once fainted near was stored here.
Opening the door, they placed the small chest inside. Mei Qing’s eyes involuntarily glanced toward the wooden case where the inkstone lay. Most of the items were stored in wooden chests, but this inkstone alone was placed in a separate wooden case. Perhaps even Lord Liu sensed that this inkstone was no ordinary object.
Despite the layers of wrapping, Mei Qing could still feel the inkstone lying silently in its case, utterly still. He smiled faintly, shook his head, and then ordered Qian San to lock the iron door.
With a creaking sound from the iron hinges, the heavy door slammed shut. Qian San pulled the thick iron chain, making a clinking noise as he prepared to lock it with a massive iron padlock.
“Wait!” Mei Qing suddenly called out. Everyone was puzzled, even Qian San paused mid-action, turning to look at Mei Qing.
Mei Qing’s face was unreadable, his eyes filled with confusion. Just as Qian San was about to shut the iron door, Mei Qing had suddenly felt something strange—the inkstone, which had always been in tune with his spirit, had suddenly vanished from his perception!
“Lord Mei, is something wrong?” Director Lu asked, frowning.
Mei Qing stood there, dazed, seemingly lost in thought, as if pondering something deeply.
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