Chapter 728: The Separate Courtyard (Part 2)

According to official position, Duan Rong is the direct disciple of the sect elder.

The Mansion Master and the Four Ministers are considered the power center of all Qingzhou. When they meet an Inner Sect Disciple, they still need to pay respects, let alone a direct disciple like Duan Rong.

Zhu Peng stood by Duan Rong’s side, watching Zhu Zhengfu and Zhu Cheng kneeling in front of Duan Rong, slightly stunned. Only now did he realize that he had always treated Duan Rong casually, calling him brother, which was really disrespectful!

Zhu Peng immediately slid down to kneel, and called out, “Greetings, my lord!”

Duan Rong looked at Zhu Peng sliding far away in his funny kneeling move, smiled slightly, and said, “This is not our first meeting; no need for formalities.”

As he spoke, Duan Rong personally helped Zhu Zhengfu up. How could Zhu Zhengfu dare to let Duan Rong assist him? He immediately stood up.

Zhu Cheng and Zhu Peng saw Zhu Zhengfu stand up and followed suit.

Zhu Zhengfu said, “Please take the seat of honor, my lord!”

Duan Rong was not polite and directly sat on the right of the two Grandmaster’s Chairs in front of the screen. Once he sat down, the others took their seats.

As soon as Duan Rong sat down, he looked at Zhu Zhengfu and said with a faint smile, “Lord Zhu, you should already know why I came this time, right?”

Zhu Zhengfu nodded cautiously and said, “In response, my lord, we received the ancestor’s letter five days ago.”

Zhu Peng sat there, utterly clueless, still not knowing why Duan Rong had come. He didn’t even know the ancestor had sent a letter and believed that if Duan Rong hadn’t come directly to him, Zhu Zhengfu wouldn’t even have called him for this meeting today.

Duan Rong looked at Zhu Zhengfu, nodded, and straightforwardly said, “I now need comprehensive information on Li Shensi, as detailed as possible.”

Hearing Li Shensi’s name, Zhu Peng’s heart skipped. He knew about this newly appointed Minister of the Secretariat. Was Duan Rong here for Li Shensi? Zhu Peng’s mind raced as he looked at Duan Rong in shock.

Hearing this, Zhu Zhengfu silently glanced at Zhu Cheng.

Zhu Cheng immediately stood up, picked up a stack of thick documents, placed it on the small table beside Duan Rong, and then retreated, clasping his hands and respectfully saying, “My lord, here is the detailed information on Li Shensi, as well as various incidents we’ve investigated since his appointment in the past two months. I’ve done a preliminary compilation in chronological order; please review it.”

Duan Rong’s eyes subtly shifted upon hearing this. He noticed Zhu Cheng’s wording, “investigated incidents,” indicating that the Zhu Family had spies around Li Shensi.

Duan Rong glanced at the thick stack of documents and thought, the amount of information was clearly not compiled in a single day. No wonder he noticed that Zhu Cheng’s eyes looked a bit tired, likely from staying up several nights to gather this information.

Duan Rong said, “Include Li Shensi’s possible itinerary for the past half month, even the less likely ones. Don’t leave anything out.”

While speaking, Duan Rong coldly eyed Zhu Cheng.

It was evident that Zhu Zhengfu had entrusted this task to Zhu Cheng. Given that Zhu Cheng was the Temple Chief of the Ministry of Justice, handling this matter was within his expertise and duty, making him a suitable choice.

Zhu Cheng clasped his hands and said, “I’m already working on it, only leaving one small part unfinished. I’ll hand it over to you by tomorrow morning.”

Duan Rong nodded in satisfaction. He was quite pleased with Zhu Cheng’s steadiness and efficiency. He picked up the teacup on the small table, took a light sip, and said, “Gentlemen, is there anything else to add?”

Everyone in the hall remained silent.

Duan Rong then said with a smile, “Then let’s leave it at that for today. We can discuss the specifics after I have reviewed the information.”

At this point, Zhu Zhengfu smiled and said, “My lord, I have prepared a secluded courtyard within the mansion. I’ve arranged for trustworthy people to serve you. Given the confidential nature of your mission, staying within the mansion provides more privacy and also allows me to report to you easily in the morning and evening.”

Duan Rong said, “That would be good as well. Thank you for your thorough arrangements.”

Zhu Zhengfu said, “This is just my duty. How dare I expect thanks?”

Saying so, Zhu Zhengfu grabbed the documents on the small table, smiling, and said, “I will escort my lord to the residence in the secluded courtyard.”

Duan Rong said, “Thank you, my lord.”

Duan Rong stood up and walked briskly towards the door. Zhu Zhengfu quickly followed with the documents in his arms. As he reached the doorway, he suddenly turned back, as if remembering something, and looked at Zhu Cheng and Zhu Peng, “Zhu Cheng, go back to your work. Zhu Peng, stay here and wait for me.”

Duan Rong stepped out of the room, followed by Zhu Zhengfu with the documents, while the butler Zhu Yu carried a lantern to guide their way.

The secluded courtyard was nearby; indeed, Zhu Zhengfu had chosen this meeting location for its convenience in reaching the courtyard.

After they left, Zhu Cheng hurried away to organize Li Shensi’s recent itinerary, leaving Zhu Peng alone in the empty room. The door was wide open, and the autumn wind swept through, sending a chill up Zhu Peng’s neck.

Talking with Duan Rong, Zhu Zhengfu led the way until they arrived shortly at the courtyard.

The courtyard was serene, and inside, red candles were burning brightly, illuminating the room.

At the doorway, there was a shadow of a person. Despite the deep autumn night, this person was bare-chested, half-reclining on a large green stone at the entrance, gulping down wine from a jug, completely indifferent to the arrival of Duan Rong and Zhu Zhengfu, not even lifting his eyelids.