CHAPTER 13 – THE EMPEROR’S FIRST MOVE

As soon as the words 'intimate friend' merged, Lin Wei immediately

looked at Cui Buqu with hostility.

Since Cui Buqu knew of the rumours concerning Lin Wei, of course,

he knew what was going on. Without even thinking twice, he wanted

to move Feng Xiao's hand away from his shoulder, but who knew

that the other man had his hand clasped tightly on him. No matter

what he did, he could not move it an inch.

Lu Wei's gaze flashed, and he smiled, "To be able to be Feng-er's

intimate friend, I believe Lord Cui must surely be a man with

commendable abilities. May I ask if Lord Cui is from the Boling Cui

Clan or the Qinghe Cui Clan?"

Cui Buqu looked at him, blankly, "Neither. I am just an ordinary

person from no prominent clans."

The more he spoke in such a way; the more Lu Wei was unable to

determine his intentions.

Cui Buqu's footsteps were weak and light; his face looked pale and

cold, his eyes looked burnout. It was very apparent to the eyes that

he was not trained in martial arts. Instead, he seemed like he was ill.

It was confusing as to how someone like him could gain the interest

of someone like Feng-er.

A few years ago, when Lu Wei met Feng-er, owning to the latter's

willingness to be less strict on the matter; he was able to avoid some

troubles. At that time, it was as if Feng-er descended from the heavens,

causing him to be bedazzled. From then onwards, he had found no

one else more attractive. However, Feng-er was not interested in him

in the same way; additionally, his martial arts were unparalleled, so

even if Lu Wei wanted to force himself onto him, he did not have that

opportunity. If he did not deal with it properly, he might not be able to

save himself. So all he could do was restrain his feelings and desires

while doing all he could for Feng-er, hoping he would reconsider it.

However, Feng-er was unpredictable, and Lu Wei knew very little of

his identity. Even if he wanted to search for him, he did not know

where to look. So being able to see him in a place like this had been

a pleasant surprise.

Lu Wei thought of himself as being handsome and gentlemanly, yet

to imagine that he could not compare to a sickly person like Cui

Buqu in Feng-er's eyes, of course, he felt unhappy about it.

He wanted to say something, but Feng Xiao did not give him that

opportunity. He merely smiled and said, "Let us proceed." before

bringing Cui Buqu inside.

Cui Buqu was half-dragged, half-pulled into the hall. On the exterior,

Feng Xiao looked very intimate and gentle, but in truth, he did not

allow him the chance to revolt.

The Linlang Guild's Auction Hall had two floors shaped like a patio.

In the centre was where the auction would be taking place and

around it were tables and chairs for its bidders. From the second

floor, one could glance down and see everything that was happening

in the centre. Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu's seats were located south of

the second floor. In the morning, there was already a few dumplings

and tea. The employees also did not yap and talk loudly as usual.

Even when they walked, their footsteps were silent. Following their

example, the guests themselves also spoke softly. The melody of the

lute filled the hall, creating a soothing rhyme. It did not seem like the usual way the Linlang Guild would conduct business. It was as if one

had entered a pub.

Cui Buqu roughly scanned the place with his eyes. He realized that

at most, those who sat on the first floor were typical businessmen

and pugilists, on the second floor were either relatives of the

Emperor or sons of officials of the Imperial Court. Compared to the

quietness on the second floor to the first floor, the latter was far

rowdier. The reason the Linlang Guild separated the two floors was

that they were trying to avoid unnecessary troubles.

Just as they walked up the stairs and took a turn, entering behind the

screen and completely out of Lin Wei's line of sight, Feng Xiao

almost immediately released his hand, practically shoving Cui Buqu

to the side, as if he was afraid that if he continued touching him for a

moment longer, some sort of dust would cling onto him.

Cui Buqu: ...

He quietly gave Feng Xiao another mark in his book before sitting

down expressionlessly.

Feng Xiao acted as if he felt nothing, laughing, "Judging by your

look, I wager you know of Lin Wei's queer habits?"

Cui Buqu was displeased, "This is the reason you used me to make

a fool out of him? Does our agreement include this sort of

arrangement?"

Feng Xiao faked a look of innocence, "Regardless, I brought you to

here to witness a rare sight today, as compensation, it does not hurt

you to sacrifice a little. In my presence, he will not be able to do

anything to you."

Cui Buqu responded blandly, "Although Lin Wei is absurd, he is no

fool. Using me as your excuse, would not Pei Jingzhe be more convincing?"

Pei Jingzhe who had been quietly drinking his tea coughed suddenly.

Feng Xiao laughed, "Impossible. He is not as good looking as you

are."

As his voice died down, Lin Wei's shadow emerged from behind the

screen.

"How rowdy is the floor below, it makes one unable to attain a

moment of quietness. Feng-er Lang1, you surely would not mind if I

came here?"

There was only a foot of distance between Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu,

but the moment Lin Wei's voice was heard, Feng Xiao grabbed Cui

Buqu's wrist at the speed of light, the upper half of his body leaned

down towards him, and spoke in a very intimate voice, "QuQu, there

is dust on your nose. Come; allow me to wipe it away for you."

Cui Buqu: ...

Lin Wei glared at Cui Buqu with a gaze that looked as if it would

burn. Cui Buqu, no doubt caught his glare and killing intent, but the

other quickly withdrew his gaze, as if nothing out of the ordinary

happened.

In the Jianghu province, although the Yandang Estate was only a

moderately ranked family, because of Lin Leng's open personality,

everyone would tolerate him and gave him some face when they

were conversing with Lu Wei. However, when it came to Feng Xiao,

this was practically useless.

"My apologies, I fear there is no space left on my table." Feng Xiao

smiled, but his refusal was straightforward and clear. Lin Wei refused to budge. He looked as if he wanted to say

something, but Pei Jingzhe immediately interrupted, "Young Master

Lin, this way."

"Then we may converse at a later time." Lin Wei could only leave.

Feng Xiao was smiling daggers.

He gave no face to Lin Wei, but Lin Wei did not even show his

displeasure. To Lin Wei, Feng Xiao was like a mysterious, grand,

and otherworldly figure. He was unable to find out his name or

background. He came and went like a shadow that was untraceable.

With this trait alone, it was enough to make Lin Wei faint; otherwise,

he would not have been unable to forget him until this moment.

Before he left, Lin Wei could not help but look at Cui Buqu again.

The latter's hand was still held by Feng Xiao; his eyebrows were low.

It was difficult to tell what he was thinking about.

He gave a faint smile as if he thought that Cui Buqu was merely a

temporary plaything for Feng Xiao; flipped his sleeves and left.

After Feng Xiao's fingers let go of his wrist, Cui Buqu did not show

the displeasure that he had shown just before, in fact, he was deep

in thought.

With Feng Xiao's position as the Second Commander of the Jiejian

Bureau, there was no need for Feng Xiao to be so concerned about

Lin Wei's feelings. It was unnecessary to use Cui Buqu as a

defensive mechanism. Even though Lin Wei kept coming and

harassing him, Feng Xiao seemed as though he had no intentions of

cutting off his ties with Lin Wei. This act alone deserved its reason.

"What are you thinking? Want me to help you ease your worries?"

Feng Xiao's voice rang in his ears. Cui Buqu thought of one possibility, "Is the Jiejian Bureau

investigating Lin Wei in secret?"

Feng Xiao blinked in surprise, "What makes you think that?"

Cui Buqu did not respond, but thought instead: Could it be that Lin

Wei is related to the Khotan ambassador's case? No, that's certainly

not right. The Yandang Estate is a thousand miles away from the

City of Six Crafts, on regular days; the Khotan kingdom also did not

have much to do with the Linlang Guild. The reason Lin Wei came

here was definitely for the crowd. However, among the things the Lin

family sold was a type of silk called the 'Sky Blanket'. It was

manufactured in the South and had colours like that of daylight. That

silk is similar to glass and is well received by its customers. It soon

became a tribute. Every year, the Lin family would provide the silk to

the palace. According to rumours, it's said that they wanted to get

close to the Crown Prince through this fact.

Feng Xiao allowed him to think whatever he wanted, but said

leisurely, "QuQu, it is such a waste for a man of your capabilities to

be a small nobody in the Zuoyue Bureau. If you are willing, there are

now three Commanders in the Jiejian Bureau; I could offer a

recommendation, and make you the fourth Commander of the

house."

From the side, Pei Jingzhe opened his eyes wide. As if he wanted to

say something, but refrained from doing so.

The Jiejian Bureau held power that surpassed even the six

ministries; additionally, Feng Xiao also had the privilege of making

decisions without needing approval from the Imperial Court.

Although Cui Buqu was very likely a member of the Zuoyue Bureau,

as of now, they were still unsure. For his lord to offer the position of

the fourth Commander of the Jiejian Bureau like this, how can it not be bewildering? For a moment, Pei Jingzhe could not tell whether

Feng Xiao was genuinely recruiting talents, or he was simply testing

Cui Buqu.

Cui Buqu was expressionless, raising his head, "Zuoyue Bureau?

Why is it that I understood nothing of what you are talking about?"

Feng Xiao held his hand, "Your body is fragile. It is unbearable for

you to run around the city like that, strategizing your next moves, and

yet no one cared. I felt pity for you. The Jiejian Bureau needs

someone with your intelligence and sharpness. If you would only

nod, I will deal with the Zuoyue Bureau myself and guarantee your

transfer. What do you say?"

He used a very earnest gaze on Cui Buqu, sincerity all over his

smile. It was as if dead trees would blossom, and pebbles would

weep at the sight.

This was the first time Cui Buqu met someone who could lie so

convincingly by solely using a handsome face. It was enough to

make one faint, dropping everything they were thinking about.

Although Cui Buqu was not seduced, it was impossible for him to not

admire the beautiful sight before him.

"Lord Feng, although your words are quite convincing, I am not

certain what you are talking about. I am only interested in being a

Daoist. After all this is over, I implore you to keep your promise and

let me go."

Seeing that his seduction had failed, Feng Xiao smiled and released

his hand, leaning back and returning to his normal posture.

"Since when did I promise to let you go? That time, I said I was

willing to consider it, but whether you can convince me or not, that is

up to your performance." Even though a playful, douche bag look from Feng Xiao was also

very attractive, Cui Buqu could not help but call him despicable in his

head.

Just as the two of them were bantering, a clear sound rang across

the halls. A young man walked to the centre of the hall and sounded

the bell.

Everyone present immediately turned their gaze towards him.

The real show was about to begin.

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[1] Feng-er Lang: A way to call Feng Xiao in a way that seems intimate, almost like flirting.