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

Chapter 7 Encounter
Shuang'er was furious. Her young mistress had been treated so badly. She wanted nothing more than to fight this scoundrel to the death, but Zhiwan stopped her with a look.

Zhiwan glanced at Wang Zeren. He looked refined, but his words were disgusting and vulgar, and the way he leered at people made people feel nauseous.

However, she did not make a scene. After all, the garden was full of guests, and making a scene would not do her any good. On the contrary, if Wang Zeren turned the tables and accused her of seducing him, her reputation would be ruined.

After weighing her options, Zhiwan feigned shyness and took two steps back. "So, young master has already inquired about me?"

Looking into her alluring eyes, Wang Zeren felt a surge of heat throughout his body, thinking that his charm had captivated her, and he couldn't help but feel elated.

He fanned himself with self-proclaimed charm, saying, "I was attracted to you the moment I saw you, but I won't look down on your background. As long as you're willing to be with me, I'll definitely treat you well and give you endless riches and honors."

"In that case, should I thank you, young master?" Zhiwan's smile didn't reach her eyes.

"There's no need for gratitude. Just serve me well in the future." Wang Zeren stared at Zhiwan with a frivolous look in his eyes, as if she was already his. He even imagined erotic scenes in his mind, and his eyes became cloudy.

Zhiwan glanced at the pool behind her, blinked her beautiful eyes, and beckoned to him, "Young master, come closer."

Overjoyed, Wang Zeren quickly put away his fan, eagerly opened his arms, and pounced on her.

But just as he was about to embrace Zhiwan, she suddenly lowered herself and avoided his touch.

Wang Zeren missed his target, but still thought the other party was playing hard to get. A lewd smile appeared on his face. "My beauty, you are so naughty!"

As he was about to turn around, he was suddenly kicked in the buttocks, and he was thrown forward uncontrollably.

"Wow!"

Water splashed everywhere.

Wang Zeren fell straight into the pool in front of him.

He swallowed a large mouthful of water before realizing what was happening, and cried out in panic, "Help! I can't swim..."

Soon, the surrounding guests were drawn over in silence.

How did he fall into the water?

The onlookers pointed at Wang Zeren, who was struggling in the water, and laughed loudly.

Zhiwan hid behind a pillar and saw Wang Zeren in the water, a cold smile playing on her lips.

Afraid of being seen, she quickly took advantage of the chaos and slipped out of the waterside pavilion with Shuang'er.

At the same time, she saw Lu Xin pushing through the crowd and rushing angrily towards the pond from the pavilion across the way.

She immediately understood. It seemed that Lu Xin had deliberately brought Wang Zeren here to humiliate her and ruin her reputation.

A surge of anger rose within Zhiwan.

During the five years she lived in the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, she was always cautious and careful, not wanting to make enemies.

In the past, Lu Xin had provoked her in every way, and she had always chosen to tolerate and back down. She never expected that the other party would harbor such great malice towards her.

For a young woman, reputation is of paramount importance. If she had lost her temper even slightly and started a fight with Wang Zeren, he would have surely implicated her, and Lu Xin, who was waiting in the shadows, would have rushed out with her people immediately.

When the time comes, under the watchful eyes of everyone, she will be unable to defend herself, and even the Duke of Dingguo's mansion will not be able to protect her. Her only options are to become a nun or a concubine for Wang Zeren.

Lu Xin's intentions can only be described as malicious.

Zhiwan clenched her handkerchief tightly.

It seems she was being far too polite and gentle with them!

A fierce glint flashed in Zhiwan's eyes.

Once they reached a secluded spot, Shuang'er said angrily, "Who is that person? How dare they treat Miss like that?"

Seeing that her face had turned pale with anger, Zhiwan comforted her, "Don't be angry, he didn't gain anything in the end." "That's true, he got soaked in front of everyone, he's completely humiliated now," Shuang'er said, relieved.

As she passed the artificial hill, Zhiwan suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong, Miss?" Shuang'er asked, puzzled.

"Shh!" Zhiwan put her index finger to her lips, making a shushing gesture.

It sounds like someone is crying?

Curious, she approached the artificial hill and peered over to look at the other side.

On the other side of the artificial hill, in the open space, a young girl was kneeling on the ground, while another beautiful girl in gorgeous clothes stood beside her. In front of them stood a man.

When Zhiwan saw the man's face clearly, she was surprised to find that it was her cousin!
What are they doing here?
The kneeling woman pleaded tearfully, "My lord, my father has always been honest and upright. How could he have embezzled? He has been wronged. Please, my lord, investigate this matter thoroughly and clear my father's name."

"Did your father send you?" Lu Zhan asked coldly.

The woman paused for a moment, then shook her head, "My daughter came here without permission, my father..."

"The evidence against your father is irrefutable. Although he was not the principal offender, he was an accomplice. The Emperor's verdict has been handed down and cannot be changed. If you do not wish to harm your father, then leave. I can pretend you were never here." Lu Zhan's tone was indifferent.

Upon hearing this, the woman felt a chill run through her body and froze on the spot. Should she not have come today?

She clenched her fingers in fear and panicked.

"Young Master Lu, could you please help Qingyou for my sake? Uncle Li is in poor health, and the place he's being exiled to is too harsh and cold. Putting aside the possibility of overturning the verdict, could you at least help smooth things over and reduce Uncle Li's sentence?" The woman in gorgeous clothes couldn't bear to see her good friend in such a state, so she spoke up gently to plead for him.

The woman, who had been frozen in place, looked at Lu Zhan with renewed hope upon hearing this, and said weakly and helplessly, "Please, sir, be lenient."

Lu Zhan's gaze finally fell on the woman in gorgeous clothes.

The woman in the gorgeous dress blushed and lowered her head shyly, so she didn't see the chilling look on Lu Zhanjun's face.

"Who are you? Why should I give you face?" Lu Zhan's voice was as cold as ice and snow.

The elegantly dressed woman was taken aback, thinking the other party didn't know her identity. Then, recalling the satisfaction Wei Shi had shown her, she smiled confidently and said, "I am Lin Yutang, the eldest daughter of the Lin family. Today, I was invited by Madam Lu. We..."

"The Lin family? The daughter of Minister Lin of the Ministry of Works?" Lu Zhan coldly interrupted her.

The woman in gorgeous clothes nodded shyly, "That's right."

"I understand. I will definitely report today's events to the Emperor. Minister Lin is dissatisfied with the verdict handed down by former Vice Minister Lin of the Ministry of Revenue," Lu Zhan said calmly, but his words were colder than the coldest winter month.

"What?" The smile on the woman's face froze, and she swayed, almost falling to the ground. Seeing that Lu Zhan's face was not smiling and did not seem to be joking, her pretty face turned as white as paper.

Last year, Qingzhou suffered a disaster, but the officials sent to provide relief embezzled public funds, resulting in widespread starvation. When this was exposed, it enraged the emperor.

All the officials involved were dismissed and investigated, and some were even sentenced to immediate execution.

This matter has continued into this year, and even the Li family has suffered as a result.

The emperor's anger had not yet subsided. If he were to find out that she had pleaded for Li Qingyou today, her Lin family would likely suffer as well.

Realizing this, Lin Yutang's lips trembled slightly, and she forced a smile, saying, "Lord Lu, I have overstepped my bounds. Please pretend I was never here today."

Lu Zhan remained silent, his expression indifferent.

Seeing this, Lin Yutang's eyes dimmed, she curtsied to him, and left with a pale face, not even bothering to pay attention to her good sister who was still kneeling on the ground.

Li Qingyou was also frightened and dared not plead any further. She hurriedly got up and followed behind.

Behind the artificial hill, Zhiwan, who had witnessed everything, patted her chest lightly. Her cousin was truly terrifying!
She pulled Shuang'er along, intending to sneak away, but at that moment, Lu Zhan's voice suddenly rang out, "Come out."

(End of this chapter)