Chapter 647: Chapter 646 Puliu

Wen Congrui’s brows knitted together when he learned that the investigation into Ah Jiu’s whereabouts around Nan Shan had been fruitless, but they quickly relaxed again.

The inability to find any information made it all the more suspicious; otherwise, why would there be not even a trace of a clue?

He abruptly recalled the gambling stone event in the capital city and said, “Over at the capital, that gambling stone competition should yield something. Go and have a look yourself, and investigate any trace or clue for me.”

“Yes,” Nan Shan didn’t ask for the reason behind the order. Even if the target appeared to be nothing more than a frivolous playboy, without any apparent threat, since his master had taken an interest, he would have to follow his master’s commands.

After a moment of thought, Wen Congrui added, “If you still find nothing, we can start with someone from Wufu’s side.”

“Yes!”

As Nan Shan was about to leave with his orders, Wen Congrui called out to him again, “Never mind, don’t touch the people around Wufu.”

Nan Shan was somewhat surprised, but seeing Wen Congrui wave his hand, he withdrew.

Wen Congrui himself felt a bit indecisive, but he vaguely felt he shouldn’t target the people close to her, because it would be quite awkward if Wufu were to find out.

He didn’t want to become enemies with her; he desired the kind of easy relationship they shared, not one filled with suspicion and wariness.

Wen Congrui let out a self-mocking chuckle. Why was he starting to feel so indecisive?

When Lan Shu entered holding a tonic, she caught sight of the conflicted smile on her young master’s face, and felt as though an invisible hand was clutching her heart, making it hard to breathe.

She took a deep breath and managed a smile, saying, “Young master, your soup is ready.”

Wen Congrui grunted in acknowledgment, still busy looking over the documents beside him, and said, “Set it aside for now, I’ll drink it in a bit.”

“Young master, you should drink it while it’s hot, it loses its efficacy once it cools,” Lan Shu urged softly.

Wen Congrui looked up, his brows knitting together in displeasure, but after seeing her pointed chin, he sighed, put down the documents, and said, “Alright.”

Lan Shu immediately beamed and began to serve him the soup with great care, stopping just short of feeding it to him herself.

Wen Congrui didn’t miss the joy on her face and, after a moment’s thought, said, “Once the new year is over, you’ll be nineteen this year, won’t you, Lan Shu?”

Lan Shu’s heart skipped a beat at his words, and she cautiously replied, “In reply to the young master, Lan Shu will turn nineteen in March.”

Wen Congrui grunted and said, “You’ve followed me for many years, labor without merit, and I can’t delay you any longer. Tell me, what kind of husband would you like? I will decide for you.”

Lan Shu’s face turned pale, and she knelt suddenly, saying, “Young master, I don’t wish to marry, I still want to serve you!”

“I know your loyalty, but it’s customary for a girl to marry when she comes of age. It’ll be harder to find a match as you get older,” Wen Congrui said firmly, looking at her.

Lan Shu shook her head desperately, “Young master, I don’t want to, I belong to you, I don’t want to marry anyone else. I only wish to serve you for life.”

“Do you even realize what you’re saying?” Wen Congrui’s voice carried a hint of anger.

Biting her lip, Lan Shu lifted her gaze to his and said, “I know that with my modest looks I’m not worthy of you, my young master, so I don’t covet anything more. I only ask that you allow me to serve by your side, and in the future, serve you, the young lady, and the young master.”

Wen Congrui’s expression was stern.

“Young master, I beg you to grant my wish!” Lan Shu prostrated herself on the ground.

“If you are unwilling, I won’t force you. Just be sure you won’t regret it! Leave!” Wen Congrui dismissed her indifferently.

“Yes.” Lan Shu hastily got up and backed out of the room.

Once she stood in the courtyard, a cold wind blew over her, and she realized her back was drenched with cold sweat, chilling to the bone.