Chapter 277: Remove the Father, Keep the Son

Chapter 277: Leave the Father, Keep the Son

The muscles in Shen Chongzhuo's face tightened almost imperceptibly, and the nerves that had just relaxed from the small talk instantly tensed up again.

He lowered his eyes, avoiding Cheng Ge's seemingly calm yet penetrating gaze, and raised his hand to casually smooth his sleeve as if nothing were wrong.

"Falling Eagle Ridge?" He mused, as if searching his memory, "Oh... you mean the mountain area west of Ping'an Town, Lord Censor? I recall it somewhat.

That place has steep terrain and dense forests, sparsely populated except for a few scattered hunters and woodcutters. May I ask why you, Lord Censor, suddenly inquire about such a barren land?"

Cheng Ge took in every subtle reaction, yet kept a casual demeanor, lightly tapping his fingers on the table.

"Nothing much, just happened to hear someone mention it a few days ago, saying that mountain has been restless lately, with strange noises at night and tracks of carts and horses.

Lord Shen, as the county magistrate, haven't you caught wind of anything?"

Shen Chongzhuo took a sip of the cold tea beside him to mask his change in expression, then set down the cup and shook his head with a sigh:

"To be honest with you, Lord Censor, Wei County is neither too large nor too small. Though I strive to govern well, oversights are inevitable.

Ping'an Town is remote. If villagers heard some wild tales or saw unexplained traces and failed to report them to the county office in time, that's possible.

If you think it's necessary, Lord Censor, I can send someone to investigate tomorrow?"

His words were watertight, acknowledging possible negligence while showing a cooperative attitude.

Cheng Ge glanced at him, reached for the teapot to pour himself a cup, and said in a low voice:

"Oh? Just wild tales? But I heard the commotion was significant, not something a wild beast could cause. And..."

He changed his tone, his gaze sharp, "It seems... Falling Eagle Ridge isn't the only place.

To the south, there's a place called... Black Water Valley? Are you familiar with it, Lord Shen?"

Black Water Valley?! Shen Chongzhuo's hand tightened on the teacup for a moment, but quickly relaxed.

"Oh... indeed there is such a place. I've heard it's an abandoned mine from the previous dynasty, sealed off for many years.

It's said to be even more treacherous, often plagued by miasma, and regular folks never go near it."

He spoke casually, showing no sign of anything unusual.

Cheng Ge leaned back, as if merely mentioning it in passing: "Just hearsay, Lord Shen, no need to be tense.

I just find it intriguing—this Wei County seems calm on the surface, but beneath the surface hides quite a few... places worth probing."

His gaze swept over Shen Chongzhuo, his tone turning meaningful.

"Lord Shen, tell me, if the court were to learn that in this civilized land, some people, taking advantage of the emperor being far away..."

He leaned forward slightly, whispering like a devil in his ear.

"...are engaging in nefarious deeds, secretly mining the nation's precious resources, and harming the people—what punishment would that warrant?"

Shen Chongzhuo's lips twitched a few times, then he forced a stiff smile onto his face and said dryly:

"The Lord Censor jests. Wei County has always been law-abiding. How could such treasonous acts occur..."

Seeing this, Cheng Ge suddenly reached out and lightly patted him on the shoulder.

Cheng Ge himself also laughed, showing a mouthful of white teeth: "Oh, Lord Shen, don't be nervous. I'm new here, just joking with you."

He changed the subject and became enthusiastic again: "But speaking of which, I've heard that Wei County has diverse products and countless delicacies.

Lord Shen, why not introduce a few to me? This can be considered as observing the people's conditions, getting to know the local customs."

As he spoke, he raised his hand to cover his mouth and let out a big yawn, instantly squeezing out two reflex tears from the corners of his eyes.

Shen Chongzhuo: "???" He was completely baffled by this Lord Censor. How did the topic jump from a treason case to introducing local cuisine?

But he dared not ask more, so he suppressed his shock and unease, and began to diligently introduce the special local products and foods of Wei County.

From fresh fish in the river to mushrooms in the mountains, then from the local specialty melons to a kind of coarse grain pancake... He talked until his mouth was dry and his spit was nearly gone.

When he felt he'd covered enough, he stopped to take a sip of water to moisten his throat.

Turning his head, he saw that Cheng Ge had somehow already leaned his head back, resting against the wide chair back.

His eyes were tightly shut, his breathing even, and there seemed to be a slightly wet trace at the corner of his mouth...

Shen Chongzhuo speechlessly pressed his forehead, feeling his temples throb.

He stood up, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently patted Cheng Ge's shoulder, whispering, "My Lord? My Lord? It's late, you see..."

Cheng Ge woke with a start, let out a confused "Huh?", looked around with dazed eyes, before seeming to realize where he was.

He rubbed his eyes and muttered, "Oh... it's late..." Then he staggered to his feet.

Seeing this, Shen Chongzhuo quickly clasped his hands: "Lord Censor, go slowly. This humble official..."

However, before he could finish saying "respectfully see you off," he was stunned to see Cheng Ge not heading for the door, but turning his steps.

Staggering straight toward the narrow couch in the study that he usually used for resting.

Then—as naturally as anything—climbed onto it, and even pulled the thick quilt on the couch over himself!

Shen Chongzhuo: "???" He could barely believe his eyes. "My... my Lord! What are you—"

Cheng Ge lay on his side on the couch, seeing him still standing by the bed, and said drowsily, "You may take your leave."

Shen Chongzhuo: "..." He felt like he was choking.

"My Lord, this couch is too narrow and shabby, I'm afraid it's unworthy of you.

This humble official will have someone prepare a clean and comfortable guest room for you, so you can rest well..."

At that, Cheng Ge impatiently rolled over, leaving him with the back of his head, and muttered:

"No need! His Majesty promotes integrity and honesty, forbidding officials from being extravagant and indulgent. I can handle a little hardship; I'll make do for one night."

Shen Chongzhuo silently rubbed his forehead, screaming inside: You took my bed—where am I supposed to sleep?!

Seeing that he still hadn't left, Cheng Ge turned his head again to look at him, his eyes full of drowsiness and confusion:

"Why are you still here? Why aren't you going home to warm up your wife's bed? What are you standing here for?"

He stared at Shen Chongzhuo for a few seconds, then suddenly seemed to think of something, widened his eyes in disbelief, and lowered his voice:

"Lord Shen, you... you're not leaving your wife to sleep alone, are you? You're too inhuman!

In this freezing weather, leaving her cold in the room? I noticed your wife seems to be pregnant, right?

You should hurry back, bring a basin of foot-washing water, and let her soak her feet? Warm her up?

Be a warm-hearted man, understand? Considerate! Be considerate! Otherwise, it's easy to end up with 'father gone, child kept.'"