In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 806 A fickle, charming man, like a spider's web, often causes trouble.

Mu Jinghe gracefully entered the main hall of the Lu residence, her steps as light as flower petals fluttering in the wind.

She had dressed up carefully today; her jet-black hair was cleverly styled into an exquisite bun.
A few stray strands of hair fell beside her fair neck, adding to her charm.

The pale pink long dress was embroidered with lifelike peach blossoms.
It sways gently as you walk.

Her face was lightly made up, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were like stars.

Below her delicate nose were rosy, luscious lips, which were now slightly upturned, carrying a sweet smile.

She seemed overjoyed the moment she saw the man before her.

Lu Yunyi's gaze was drawn to Mu Jinghe's curvaceous back, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes.
After the two sat down, Lu Yunyi didn't hold back his praise, smiling as he said:

"Manager Mu is truly radiant today, adding a touch of elegance to this main hall."

Mu Jinghe's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart pounding.

She looked up at Lu Yunyi and saw that he was tall and handsome.

Beneath his sharp eyebrows were a pair of deep-set eyes, and beneath his high-bridged nose, a smile always played at the corners of his mouth.
The more Mu Jinghe looked at Lu Yunyi, the more pleasing he seemed to her, and a ripple of emotion stirred within her.

"Lord Lu, you flatter me. I have come today to express my gratitude for your previous assistance."

Mu Jinghe gave a slight curtsy, her voice soft and melodious.

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and smiled:

"Shopkeeper Mu, you're too kind. It was nothing at all."

Mu Jinghe gently shook her head and said seriously:

"It's a simple matter for adults, but for me, it's a matter of life and death for Miaoyinfang."

"If it weren't for your intervention, I, a mere young woman, would never have been able to acquire that shop, let alone achieve such a favorable situation."

As she spoke, she gently placed the food box on the table, opened the lid, and took out several plates of delicate pastries.

There are adorable lotus-shaped pastries with layers upon layers of petals.

There are also golden-yellow osmanthus cakes, emitting a rich osmanthus fragrance.

"These are some snacks that I made myself. I hope you won't find them offensive."

Mu Jinghe's voice grew softer and softer.

Lu Yunyi looked at the exquisite pastries in front of him and smiled gently:

"Not only is Manager Mu beautiful, but even the pastries she makes are so exquisite. I thank you."

A happy smile appeared on Mu Jinghe's face. She hesitated for a moment, then continued:

"Lord Lu, I have come here today with another request, but it is a matter that is difficult to state."

Lu Yunyi said gently:

"Please feel free to speak. If I can help, I will certainly not refuse."

Mu Jinghe took a deep breath and mustered her courage to say:
"After I got the shop, I realized that the subsequent renovation and decoration would require a lot of money."

But the shop doesn't have much money left, and we really have no other choice but to borrow some silver from the adults for the time being.

After speaking, she looked at Lu Yunyi nervously, afraid that he would refuse.
After all, the two had only known each other for a month, and lending money was ultimately a sensitive matter.

After hearing this, Lu Yunyi smiled slightly and said without hesitation:
"I thought it was something important, how much silver would it cost?"

Mu Jinghe was both surprised and delighted that Lu Yunyi agreed so readily, and quickly said:
"Ten thousand taels is a considerable sum, I know."

"But rest assured, sir, I will return it as soon as possible, and I will even charge you interest."

"No need for interest. Shopkeeper Mu can repay whenever it's convenient for you. I'll have someone send you the money tomorrow."

Mu Jinghe's beautiful eyes widened as she stared at Lu Yunyi in disbelief:
"My lord, why did you agree so readily?"

"I have only known you for a short time, aren't you afraid I won't be able to repay you?"

"Manager Mu, I, Lu Yunyi, have never valued these things when making friends."

Moreover, Miaoyinfang is quite famous in the capital, and its business is sure to get better and better in the future.

This amount of money is nothing compared to what Manager Mu has to offer.

Mu Jinghe pursed her lips slightly, deeply moved. She bowed gracefully, her voice trembling with emotion:
"Since you trust me so much, I will certainly not let you down."

"If you ever need me in the future, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

"Hey~ We're all friends, saying these things is too formal."

"There is one thing I don't understand, and I hope Manager Mu can enlighten me."

"You say."

Lu Yunyi thought for a moment, then tentatively asked:

"In my opinion, Miaoyinfang is a first-rate business, second only to salt, sugar, and tea, generating countless sums of money daily."
Although maintaining such a large trading company is extremely costly,

But Manager Mu couldn't possibly be unable to come up with ten thousand taels of silver.

"I'd like to ask, has someone been bullying Manager Mu?"

Mu Jinghe was slightly taken aback, her eyes filled with surprise, and suddenly she felt a lump in her throat.
She gently bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, and then...
Ultimately, he still dared not reveal his complicated and obscure relationship with the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

She simply lowered her head slightly, her voice soft yet tinged with a hint of helplessness:
"Your Excellency has keen insight. Indeed, as you say, some powerful and influential people often take silver from the merchants."

However, they didn't take it for free.

The Miaoyin Pavilion was able to establish itself safely in the capital largely thanks to their protection.

After listening, Lu Yunyi nodded thoughtfully.

"A tall tree catches the wind. In that case, we won't need to give those people any more money."

"With me protecting you in this capital, let's see who dares to come and extort as they please!"

Mu Jinghe suddenly raised her head and stared straight at Lu Yunyi, as if she couldn't believe her ears.

At this moment, the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the windows of the main hall onto Lu Yunyi.
It gilded him with a golden glow.
This made him look even more handsome and imposing.

Mu Jinghe felt her heart suddenly race, and her cheeks instantly became burning hot, like the sunset on the horizon.

"My lord, this..."

Mu Jinghe's voice trembled slightly, and for a moment she didn't know what to say.

She never imagined that someone would protect her from the wind and rain like this.

Moreover, this person was Lu Yunyi, a man with a long history of misdeeds and ruthlessness whom she had heard countless times before.
Although he had killed her people, after several encounters, she discovered that it wasn't true at all.
Lu Yunyi was quite satisfied with her reaction, and calmly raised his teacup to take a small sip.

For these women who appear strong on the outside but are fragile on the inside, just the right amount of protection can easily penetrate their hearts.

After a long while, Mu Jinghe finally calmed down and smiled gently:
"Thank you, Lord Lu. This is how our business has operated for so many years."

"I am already extremely content to have established myself in the capital, and dare not ask for more."

"Manager Mu, there's no need to worry."
Since we've met, we should help each other.

Mu Jinghe looked up at the young man with a calm expression, and a feeling she had never experienced before quietly spread through her heart.

She felt her cheeks burning hot, as if they were on fire.
She could only lower her head in a panic, not daring to meet Lu Yunyi's gaze again.

"My lord, I... I can handle this myself."
"In the future, if there is an opportunity, I will again ask Lord Lu for protection."

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Alright, if Manager Mu feels he can't handle the pressure in the future, please feel free to speak up."

Mu Jinghe nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with gratitude:

"Rest assured, my lord, I will certainly not disappoint you."

Miaoyinfang will definitely get better and better, and will repay the money we owe you as soon as possible.

Lu Yunyi nodded in satisfaction and said:
"Manager Mu, it's getting late. Why don't you stay at the manor for dinner today?"

I've had the kitchen prepare some fine dishes; let's eat and chat.

Mu Jinghe glanced at the sky outside, where it was already getting dark.
Her hands involuntarily tightened around the hem of her skirt. After a moment's hesitation, she stood up and gave a graceful bow.
"Thank you for your kind invitation, sir. I will gladly accept."

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow, a subtle, meaningful smile playing at the corners of his lips.

The two left the main hall, chatting and laughing as they made their way to the dining hall. A short while later, the steward, Gu Chunzhu, returned with several maids carrying a sumptuous feast.

A variety of exquisite dishes were laid out on the table.

Fragrant braised lion's head meatballs, golden squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, tender and delicious steamed sea bass, as well as various seasonal vegetables and exquisite snacks.

Lu Yunyi pointed to a dish of bean sprouts placed at the edge and said with a smile:

"Manager Mu, try these bean sprouts. They're grown in our own manor; you won't find this flavor anywhere else."

"Oh?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Mu Jinghe's eyes.
"Does the manor possess such craftsmanship?"

"Haha, I came here unintentionally, give it a try."

Mu Jinghe nodded and picked up her chopsticks to taste it.

Lu Yunyi then personally poured Mu Jinghe a glass of wine, and then picked up his own glass and said:
"Manager Mu, this wine is a treasure from the General's mansion."
The last time I came to the capital, I secretly took the wine from his residence while he was drunk, and the general still doesn't know where it went.

Today, Manager Mu has come to visit, which is the perfect time to enjoy this fine wine.

Firstly, it was to celebrate that Manager Mu had acquired the shop from the large workshop.

Secondly, I would like to thank Manager Mu for sending me such delicious snacks.

Come, let us drink this cup together.

Mu Jinghe smiled and quickly picked up her wine glass.

She lightly touched Lu Yunyi's lips, then took a small sip.
The wine entered her mouth, carrying a rich and mellow aroma, causing her to squint her eyes slightly.

"My lord, this wine is very delicious."

Lu Yunyi laughed and said:

"I am a rough man and cannot distinguish between good and bad wine."
But whether it's good wine or bad wine, drinking it with a beauty like Manager Mu makes it all the same – a vintage wine for centuries.

Mu Jinghe's face flushed slightly, and she muttered softly:

"My lord, please don't tease this young lady."

"Ha ha ha ha."

The two ate their food and chatted, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.

After a few drinks, Mu Jinghe opened up and started telling some interesting stories about Miaoyinfang.

Many of these stories are gossip and secrets about the ladies of various mansions.

Lu Yunyi listened with great interest, and was very impressed by Mao Xiang's abilities.
Women have always been an important source of intelligence.
Miaoyinfang is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and accomplished establishment in Yingtian City.

If one could control the Myriad Sound Pavilion
Lu Yunyi thought to himself, gently rubbing his fist together.
Before we knew it, it was completely dark, and we had finished a pot of wine.

Lu Yunyi remained calm, his eyes clear.

On the contrary, Mu Jinghe's fair face turned rosy, her eyes became somewhat unfocused, and she spoke indistinctly:
"My lord, what's wrong with me today? I usually can drink a little..."
How come I've gotten a little drunk after drinking with the adults?

"When worries weigh on your mind, you get drunk on your own, even without wine."

Mu Jinghe shook her head slightly, her eyes growing increasingly unfocused.
The blush on her cheeks was like the beautiful clouds on the horizon, charming and lovely.

Looking at Mu Jinghe's charmingly drunken yet alluring appearance, Lu Yunyi's heart stirred slightly.
But he quickly suppressed the tremor in his heart and smiled gently:
"Manager Mu, you're drunk. Go back and rest well today. We can talk again tomorrow when you're sober."

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Mu Jinghe's eyes.
She had expected the man in front of her to be like any other man, driven by lust and forcibly keeping her there.

In this way, she would have a reason to convince herself.

but now.
She lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes trembling gently, as if concealing her inner disappointment.
However, after a moment, she slowly raised her head again.

Those affectionate eyes were brimming with allure.
She glanced at Lu Yunyi, her voice soft and gentle, tinged with a hint of reproach:
"My lord, it is getting late. How can you be so heartless as to let me go back alone?"

"Manager Mu has misunderstood. There was a carriage and attendants."

Mu Jinghe's face stiffened, the drunkenness in her eyes dissipated, and the impulse that had just surged in her heart vanished in an instant.

Lu Yunyi smiled and said:
"Manager Mu is drunk today. It might be inconvenient for us, a man and a woman, to be alone in a room together."

Mu Jinghe gently shook her head, looking at her curvaceous figure, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow:
"My lord, the night is deep, and I am reluctant to leave."

Looking at her pitiful appearance, Lu Yunyi sighed helplessly.

"Alright, alright, since Manager Mu insists so much, then let him stay."

Upon hearing this, Mu Jinghe's eyes flashed with a hint of unease, and her breathing became tense.

She was about to speak when her body suddenly went limp, and she fell into Lu Yunyi's arms.

Lu Yunyi reacted quickly and caught her.

He felt the soft body and fragrant scent of the beauty in his arms, which made his heart beat faster.

He looked down at Mu Jinghe, whose face was flushed and eyes were glazed, and softly called out:

"Shopkeeper Mu, Shopkeeper Mu"

Mu Jinghe slightly opened her eyes, looked at Lu Yunyi who was so close to her, and a charming smile appeared on her lips. Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze:
"My lord, I feel extremely dizzy."

Looking at her charming appearance, Lu Yunyi gently picked her up and said:

"In that case, I will escort Manager Mu to the back room to rest."

Mu Jinghe nodded slightly and gently rested her head against Lu Yunyi's chest.

Hearing his strong heartbeat, I was filled with excitement!
What's done is done, let's just leave it at that!

Lu Yunyi carried Mu Jinghe through the winding corridors to the back hall.

In the back hall, candlelight flickered, casting dappled shadows on the walls.

The room was decorated very elegantly, with a large carved bed placed in the center.
The bed was covered with a soft brocade quilt, which exuded a faint fragrance.

Lu Yunyi gently placed Mu Jinghe on the bed, covered her with the blanket, and whispered:
"Manager Mu, please rest here today. I will stay in the outer room. If you need anything, please call me."

Mu Jinghe suddenly reached out a hand and gently took Lu Yunyi's hand, her eyes filled with a dazed look:

"Sir, we've come this far, are you still going?"

"I am a few years older than you, but I am also a woman. The night is deep and I am a little scared."

Lu Yunyi shook his head, broke free from Mu Jinghe's hand, and turned to leave.

Mu Jinghe's eyes were filled with astonishment and disappointment.

But Lu Yunyi stopped at the round table, bent down and gently blew out the candles on the table.

The entire house suddenly became pitch black, with only a little moonlight seeping in through the windowpanes.

Mu Jinghe was startled, her body tensed up suddenly, and a sense of tension suddenly filled her.

Lu Yunyi sat down by the window, gently stroking her disheveled long hair and tucking it behind her ear.

Mu Jinghe's body trembled, and she felt goosebumps all over her body.

"Sir, do you know?"

Ever since I came to this capital, I have been hoping to find someone to rely on.
After searching for many years, I have found nothing.
Unexpectedly, when I was feeling utterly disheartened, I actually encountered you, sir.

Mu Jinghe spoke softly, her voice tinged with shyness.

"But...why has Your Excellency always been so distant from me?"

Lu Yunyi sighed softly and said:

"Manager Mu, as an official, I have many concerns about my actions. Besides, we haven't known each other for long, and I don't want to rush things."

Mu Jinghe smiled, propped herself up, and said with a charming laugh:

"I'm drunk today."

Before long, the candlelight flickered in the room, illuminating the two figures entwined in passion.

The bed curtains swayed gently, as if dancing in response to the enchanting spring scenery.

(End of this chapter)