The abstinent and powerful minister is cold and aloof during the day, but he adores her in his dream

Chapter 131 She took a huge advantage of Lu Zhan
Zhiwan rested her chin on her hand, staring at the jade pendant on the table for quite some time.

She couldn't understand why her cousin would give her something so valuable.

Just because of reciprocity?
But this gift isn't even equitable.

Moreover, her cousin had given her some banknotes that morning.

"Miss, this jade pendant is so beautiful!" Shuang'er exclaimed as she entered and saw the jade pendant on the table.

Zhiwan snapped out of her daze and held the jade pendant in her hand.

My cousin's jade pendant is carved from the finest mutton-fat white jade. It has a delicate texture, is warm and pure, and is decorated with bamboo patterns using exquisite craftsmanship. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it is priceless.

"This is my cousin's jade pendant," she explained softly.

"So it's the young master's. No wonder he looked familiar." Shuang'er nodded. "But why would the young master give you his jade pendant?"

Zhiwan paused for a moment, then said, "Didn't I also give my cousin a jade pendant? He said that it's only right to reciprocate, so he gave me this jade pendant in return."

She felt guilty and ashamed as she said this.

She actually traded her jade pendant, which she bought for ten taels of silver, for her cousin's priceless jade pendant.

She really got a huge advantage over her cousin.

Upon hearing this, Shuang'er didn't think much of it. "The young master is always very courteous. Last time, when Miss gave the young master a calligraphy brush, he reciprocated by giving you a precious red silk inkstone."

Zhiwan also remembered this matter.

Thinking about it this way, her cousin's gift of the jade pendant didn't seem like such a big deal after all.

My cousin is always very polite.

"Wanwan, come out quickly!" Ouyang Zhenzhu called out from outside the door.

Zhiwan quickly put the jade pendant away and went outside.

"what happened?"

"Quick, there's a skinny horse! Let's go take a look!" Ouyang Zhenzhu said excitedly.

Zhiwan asked in surprise, "Where did you come from?"

"We'll find out when we go." Ouyang Zhenzhu grabbed her hand and ran outside.

Upon reaching the front yard, the two hid behind a pillar and quietly peered into the yard.

At this moment, a row of beautiful girls stood in the courtyard.

Most of the girls were only fifteen or sixteen years old, with slender and graceful figures, skin as smooth as jade, and charming demeanor.

They were the "slender horses" of Yangzhou.

The term "slender horse" refers to women who are trained to be concubines of wealthy men or as courtesans. They are bought from a young age and given various trainings, such as music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and etiquette, so that they can be sold at a high price when they grow up.

Looking at these girls, Zhiwan suddenly felt a pang of sadness.

They were once girls from good families, but were sold out of necessity to make a living. When they grew up, they were treated like commodities, waiting to be sold at a higher price, unable to control their own destiny.

In the courtyard, Liang Qixian spoke to Lu Zhan with a humble expression.

“Lord Lu, I was unaware of your preferences last time and acted presumptuously. This time, rest assured, these young women have been carefully selected by me, and they…” He paused, then lowered his voice, “are all still virgins, very clean, and will definitely not disappoint you, Lord Lu.”

Lu Zhan stood with his hands behind his back, saying nothing. His face revealed no emotion, but his lowered eyebrows and eyes gave him a deep and dignified air.

Seeing this, Liang Qixian was unsure of his thoughts, so he could only shut his mouth and dare not say anything more.

Just when he thought he would waste his efforts again, he heard Lu Zhan say calmly, "Such a generous gift, Lord Liang is very thoughtful."

Upon hearing this, Liang Qixian felt relieved and quickly replied, "It is my honor to serve Lord Lu. As long as Lord Lu does not find it offensive, I will do my best to serve you."

Lu Zhan's expression softened a bit. "I am new here and not very familiar with the local customs and culture. I'm afraid I will have to trouble Lord Liang for the rest of the time."

“Lord Lu, please feel free to ask if there is anything I can do to help you,” Liang Qixian immediately replied.

Lu Zhan nodded and said, "Does Lord Liang know that I have been ordered to inspect Jiangnan this time?" "I have heard a little about it," Liang Qixian said solemnly.

"Lord Liang must not know this, but my inspection tour of Jiangnan was only one part of it. In addition, last month, the Dali Temple received a secret report that the death of the magistrate of Jurong County years ago was related to a major corruption case. When the Emperor learned of this, he was extremely angry and ordered me to investigate the matter thoroughly." Lu Zhan said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Liang Qixian was greatly alarmed, but he forced himself to remain calm and asked, "Is that so?"

"I am not entirely sure either, but since the order has been given, I can only obey it. I'm afraid I'll need Lord Liang's help with this matter," Lu Zhan said.

"This humble official will certainly do his best to assist Lord Lu." Liang Qixian appeared calm, but in reality, he was covered in cold sweat.

Back then, he killed all the people who knew about Zhiyu's incident to silence them. Now, five years later, why is it being brought up again?

"If Lord Lu has nothing else, I will take my leave now. These young ladies..."

"How could I possibly disappoint Lord Liang's kind intentions?" Lu Zhan raised an eyebrow.

Upon hearing this, Lord Liang chuckled and said in a low voice, "Then Lord Lu, please enjoy. I will send you another batch in a few days."

Lu Zhan did not respond to him, but turned his head and instructed, "Chen Jiu, see Lord Liang out."

"Please, Lord Liang." Chen Jiu stepped forward.

Liang Qixian cupped his hands in greeting to Lu Zhan and then followed him out of the villa.

The girls were secretly glancing at Lu Zhan.

Seeing that he was young and handsome, they all secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Although they have no choice in this line of work, they still hope to meet a good patron so that they can suffer less.

Lu Zhan ignored the girls and instead turned his head to look at the pillars in the distance, saying in a deep voice, "Come out."

Behind the pillar, Zhiwan and Ouyang Zhenzhu were startled and pressed themselves against the pillar, not daring to move.

They were about to leave after seeing the person, but their cousin found them.

The two looked at each other, neither daring to go out.

After all, it was really impolite of them to peek.

Hearing footsteps approaching from afar, Zhiwan was startled; it must be her cousin coming.

She held her breath, racking her brains for a solution.

Just then, a shadow fell over.

She looked up and met her cousin's deep black eyes. He had walked over and was standing in front of her without her noticing.

While Zhiwan was lost in thought, she was suddenly pushed hard on the back.

She gasped softly and uncontrollably threw herself into Lu Zhan's arms.

Zhiwan: "..."

Lu Zhan pursed his thin lips, then wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pinned her against a pillar.

With her back pressed against the pillar, Zhiwan finally came to her senses.

But her first reaction was to go see Ouyang Zhenzhu.

As a result, Ouyang Zhenzhu had long since disappeared from the spot where she had been standing.

Zhiwan understood and couldn't help but grit her teeth.

Ouyang Zhenzhu, that ungrateful wretch, pushed me forward and then ran away.

What is my cousin doing hiding here?

The man's deep voice sounded above her head, and only then did Zhiwan react.

Seeing the overly intimate and ambiguous posture of the two, she belatedly realized what was happening, and her face turned bright red.

(End of this chapter)