CHAPTER 796: CHAPTER 795: EACH HAS THEIR ARRANGEMENT

After rounds of toasting and feasting, Wu Lihong, who had drunk his fill, was helped into a guest room to rest, and a lovely serving girl brought him Hangover Soup, attending to him with utmost gentleness as he drank.

"They say the Shu region produces beauties, and indeed it’s true. Even a maid like you is so beautiful. Lord Li must be interested," Wu Lihong pinched the maid’s chin.

The maid smiled tenderly, speaking in her uniquely soft voice, "Lord, since you’ve come from afar, why not let Meimei attend to your rest?"

"Oh, Meimei? Is that ’Mei’ as in the plum blossom ’Mei’?" Wu Lihong’s tipsy gaze brightened for a moment as he caressed her smooth cheek.

With a small cry, Meimei leaned in closer, a flush of shyness on her face as she replied, "Lord, it’s the ’Mei’ from captivating charm!" Saying this, her slender fingers touched his chest, teasing him lightly.

Hearing her words, Wu Lihong’s mood seemed to subside, and he pulled her hand away, saying, "I’m tired, you may go now!"

Meimei pause, "Lord?"

"Ping An," Wu Lihong called out.

A young man dressed as a servant entered and politely ushered Meimei out.

Meimei, seemingly reluctant, bit her lip. She had gone through much effort to secure this task of serving the Imperial Envoy. Should she succeed, she would be able to soar to great heights. Such a golden opportunity was slipping away—how could she accept this?

But Wu Lihong had already lied down, turning his back to her, and with that young servant present, Meimei, no matter how unwilling, could only stomp her foot in frustration and leave.

After Meimei left Wu Lihong’s guest room, someone reported the occurrence to Prefect Li.

"Oh? He didn’t take her up on the offer?" Prefect Li was somewhat surprised. Based on the information he had gathered, Lord Wu had always been tender towards beauties. While he wasn’t exactly lascivious, he certainly wasn’t chaste either. Prefect Li had seen Meimei and knew her to be an enchanting beauty—having such a woman at hand, how could Wu Lihong remain unmoved?

"Indeed, he said he was tired," the house steward of the Prefectural Magistrate’s House replied. "Given the long journey, it’s not strange that he’s exhausted."

"Hmm. Still, let her serve him," Prefect Li, caressing his favorite Chicken Blood Seal, said, "Also, be extra vigilant about the affairs here at the house for the time being, let’s not give anyone a handle against us."

"What does your lordship mean?"

"I’ve heard that this Lord also carries a secret edict from His Majesty. His official purpose is to prepare for the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, but actually, it’s to supervise the officials. I do not want to fall into this trap!" Prefect Li said.

Hearing this, the steward immediately replied, "I understand, I’ll make sure to keep the people here in order."

"Good, you may go," Prefect Li dismissed him.

As the house steward left, another youth reported that several officials were waiting in the study, and Prefect Li hurriedly stood up to head there.

He had to keep his own house in order, but he also could not neglect matters outside, for though issues at home could be managed, a mishap in local affairs could mean the end of his career.

Back in Wu Lihong’s guest room, after the Hangover Soup had revived him, Wu Lihong sat by the table, instructing his staff to secretly investigate some matters without causing too much commotion.

Once they all had left, Wu Lihong called for one more person.

"My lord," said a man of similar age to Wu Lihong.

"Fu Gui." Wu Lihong looked at the man, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Do you remember Meimei?"

The man, known as Fu Gui, immediately widened his eyes, looking at his master. How could he forget that gentle and kind woman?

"You go and find out yourself. I just want to know, how is she doing?" It took Wu Lihong some time to express his command.