Tiger Guards

Chapter 86 Play hard to get
Wei's villa, Qu Bei is leading the way.

This villa is located near the garden and has a two-story attic.

There were three Hun warriors guarding the door, and the door was closed.

Qu Bei asked, "Is there something wrong inside?"

"I asked for two bundles of firewood and a bushel of rice this morning."

One of the warriors answered, and another pushed the door open.

Zhao Ji saw seven or eight maids in coarse cloth in the yard drawing water from the well, washing clothes, and hanging clothes to dry.

Han Shu and several of his companions stayed outside the door and humbly extended their arms, "Zhonglang, please."

"Well, you're welcome, Your Majesty. I'm just curious."

The two entered and the door opened wide.

The maids in coarse cloth bowed and retreated to the corridor.

A maid dressed in green brocade hurried to the attic. Soon, Cai Zhaoji had white powder on her face, her long hair was scattered behind her, and she was wearing a simple and elegant white and green dress with wide sleeves and curved hem. There was no ornament on her head.

She was calm and went to the attic door, bowing slightly to Qu Bie: "I greet the Right Wise King."

He didn't look around, nor did he look at Zhao Ji.

"No need for formalities. This is Zhao Ji, the Tiger Guard Lieutenant General, the hero of our time who slew four of Bai Bo's generals in a row."

Qu Bei extended his arm to introduce himself, and Zhao Ji then bowed and said, "I am Zhao Ji, the Zhonglang of Hu Ben, Jishan."

"I greet Mr. Zhao."

Cai Zhaoji then turned slightly to face Zhao Ji, and while bowing, she observed Zhao Ji's appearance and figure, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment.

Their eyes met for a moment, and she lowered her head as she leaned forward, without any further entanglement.

Her voice was quite cheerful. Perhaps it was the appearance of Hu Ben Zhonglang that made her feel free and safe.

At this time, Qubei said, "Let's go into the attic. There are some important matters. Zhonglang needs to inquire about them before we can make a decision."

Cai Zhaoji asked in return, "Where is the imperial envoy?"

Qubei smiled when he heard this, and Zhao Ji replied, "The court is busy recruiting the county troops and the clan troops of the Wei and Fan families, and has no time for this."

After saying that, Zhao Ji looked over Cai Zhaoji's head and looked at the living room on the first floor of the pavilion, which was blocked by a screen.

Cai Zhaoji then turned around and extended her arms: "Right Xian Wang, Zhao Zhonglang, please come in."

She turned around and led the way, taking half a step behind Zhao Ji, and then went in together.

I didn't go to the second floor, I was in the living room.

Zhao Ji scanned the area, confirming there were no hidden people inside before asking, "I was just chatting with the virtuous king about Madam. The Wei family's crimes are serious; Wei Huang and his son committed suicide out of fear of punishment on the battlefield. His son, Wei Zhongjian, and I are quite good friends. I'm worried that the Wei family's affairs will get out of control, so I came to ask Madam a few questions."

As he spoke, Zhao Ji sat at the low table, while Qu Bei walked across a fine bamboo curtain, carefully observing the lotus painting on it.

Cai Zhaoji was standing by the side. At this time, a maid in green brocade clothes brought wine utensils. She was about to step forward but was frightened away by Qu Bei's glare. She could only stand helplessly behind the screen and then retreat.

Cai Zhaoji glanced at this and asked, "May I ask, Zhonglang, what crime did Wei commit?"

"The primary crime was disrespect for the emperor, an unpardonable offense, and so Wei Huang and his son died out of fear of the crime."

Zhao Ji was somewhat uncomfortable with this widow with a bright and cheerful personality, and continued, "Besides, Wei has committed two serious crimes. I wonder if Madam is aware of this."

"Excuse me, Zhonglang."

"The first crime is that the Wei family is extremely wealthy. The virtuous king and I have already discovered this. After asking your wife, we will report it to the court. Has your wife heard about it?"

"wealth?"

Cai Zhaoji was a bit puzzled. "Reporting to Zhonglang, the Wei family is the most prominent family in Hedong. We are large and wealthy, and the people know us well. I wonder what specific wealth Zhonglang is referring to?"

"Bury it underground and don't let others see your wealth."

Zhao Ji glanced at her sideways. "If Madam knows, you might as well follow the Right Wise Prince's instructions and seek refuge in Wuyuan. If you don't know, the consequences will be minimal. I wonder if Madam has been in contact with the Empress and the Imperial Concubine since the Emperor relocated east to Anyi?"

Cai Zhaoji's expression stiffened. "I've heard a little bit, but I don't know if it's true or how much. I've also paid a visit to the Empress and sent her some money, silk, and grain." "Did the Madam discuss the Wei family's immense wealth with the Empress and the Imperial Concubine?"

"I am the wife of the Wei family. Even if I knew, how could I tell others?"

Cai Zhaoji asked back, looking even more uncomfortable.

Zhao Ji looked up at the beams after hearing this. "Then when the ministers and envoys from the court interrogate you, will it be possible for you to conceal the truth? If not, you will be unable to escape."

Cai Zhaoji bit her lower lip. She was well aware of the ruthlessness of the ministers and officials.

No matter how good your relationship is, and how you are treated as brothers, he can still execute you with tears in the name of national law and justice.

After calming down a bit, she asked again, "May I ask, Zhonglang, what is this third major crime?"

"It's best not to know, Madam. Knowing this is a sin in itself."

Zhao Ji's words were vague, but Cai Zhaoji understood and took them in. She then said, "I do not wish to go to Wuyuan. I beg the Zhonglang to help me."

At this time, Qubei glanced at Zhao Ji sideways, turned around and walked out the door, and made some advances towards the maidservant in green brocade clothes in the corridor. The maidservant said nothing but dodged left and right, her feet seemed to be rooted, and she refused to run away.

Zhao Ji heard the commotion outside the door and saw Cai Zhaoji's awkward posture, so he asked, "Madam, do you understand the Zuo Zhuan?"

"Replying to Zhonglang, I only have a basic understanding, not a thorough understanding."

"Madam, you are too modest. Your family is well-educated, and your knowledge far surpasses that of the Tiger Guards like me. If you are willing to explain the Zuo Zhuan, Six Secret Teachings, Sun Tzu, and other historical texts and military strategies to my companions, I will protect you. Once this matter is resolved, you can decide whether to stay or leave."

"I understand, but I wonder what will happen to Wei Shi?"

"I'm afraid they're going to exterminate my entire clan, but I don't know if it's going to be nine clans or just three."

Zhao Ji stood up as he spoke. Cai Zhaoji instinctively took a half step back, but then felt something was wrong, so she stood there with her head lowered.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Ji ignored her and walked out the door, saying, "Madam, please stay here for a while. When the court sends envoys to inquire about you, I will also send tiger guards to accompany you. Don't be afraid of the envoys. They can't take you away."

Without torture, Cai Zhaoji was naturally not afraid of anything. She breathed a sigh of relief and bowed deeply: "Zhonglang, I will never forget your kindness in protecting me."

"No need to thank me. I will collect the books from the Wei family's collection and send them here. Madam, please study them carefully. I actually trust women like you more than anyone else."

Zhao Ji turned his head to look at her, grinning with a smile in his eyes. "At least Madam won't incite or deceive my companions. They are shallow in education and experience, and are easily deceived."

But Cai Zhaoji didn't dare to look up, and immediately replied: "Don't worry, Zhonglang, I have no such intention."

"I believe in you, Madam. That's all. I'll come visit you another day when I'm free."

After Zhao Ji finished speaking, he strode out, stood in front of the steps and turned his head to look to the side. Qu Bei was about to skin the maid alive.

The beautiful young maid kept in the Wei family had seen all kinds of scenes.

Even when she saw Zhao Ji coming out, she closed her eyes again, wiggling and humming.

It wasn't until Zhao Ji coughed twice in dissatisfaction that Qu Bei pushed the maid away, wiped his hands, straightened his appearance a little, turned around and asked with a smile: "Is this the end of our conversation, Zhonglang?"

"The wise king is truly full of energy. The chaotic troops in various places have not yet been cleared out. We should gather our strength and prepare for any unexpected events."

"Hey, I'm used to it."

He smiled servilely, feeling a little embarrassed. He took out a gold cake from his waist bag and threw it to the maid. Then he seemed to have regained his dignity and asked with a smile: "Zhonglang, do you want to rest now?"

"Well, you and I will go to the granary to recuperate. The food here is related to our safety."

After Zhao Ji finished speaking, Qu Bei also restrained his expression and became serious.

As long as there is no problem with food, their combined combat effectiveness is enough to solve most problems.

Qubei was also very curious about what the vault would look like when the Huben and Xiongnu cavalry teams took turns going to it.

It happens to women all the time, but this kind of thing doesn't happen often.

He immediately lost all interest in the maid and said with a smile, "Zhonglang is right. It is the little prince who is reckless."

Zhao Ji just smiled. He was more worried that Qu Bei would take the opportunity to slip away and something unexpected would happen.

(End of this chapter)