Chapter 43: Shen Shiliang is becoming increasingly audacious!

Governor Cheng: “!!!”

What was happening? 

How could Shen Shilang show no curiosity? 

Surely he couldn’t already know, could he?

Cheng Jianfeng had said this matter was confidential; they hadn’t disclosed it to anyone.

“The situation is like this,” Governor Cheng proceeded to relay to Shen Shilang everything Cheng Jianfeng had told him.

After listening, Shen Shilang bowed deeply to Governor Cheng. “Thank you, my lord, for letting me know. If not for your warning, I might not have survived today.”

Governor Cheng’s warning provided Shen Shilang with a perfect reason, sparing him the need to explain how he had known otherwise.

Governor Cheng closely watched Shen Shiliang’s reaction, but he couldn’t discern whether Shen Shiliang was already aware of the plot. Despite the genuine surprise on Shen Shiliang’s face, something felt off to Governor Cheng.

We’ll see if Shen Shilang can navigate today’s challenges, Governor Cheng thought. If he succeeds, I wouldn’t mind fostering a closer relationship with him in the future.

“I can arrange for some guards in disguise to escort you,” Governor Cheng offered. “However, this is only a temporary measure. You’ll need to devise a long-term strategy.”

“Thank you for your kindness, my lord,” Shen Shilang replied, “but there’s no need to trouble the guards. A large entourage would draw attention, possibly deterring our opponents from acting. While I’d be safe for now, I’d still need to guard against future threats.”

“My lord is right; a permanent solution is best.”

“You have a plan?” Governor Cheng asked, surprised.

“This humble student has some martial arts skills,” Shen Shilang said. “While I’m not exceptionally skilled, I should be able to handle a few ruffians.”

“I’ve heard of your martial prowess,” Governor Cheng nodded. “Nevertheless, to err on the side of caution, I’ll have someone shadow you discreetly. They can intervene if needed without alerting your attackers.”

Having decided to help, Governor Cheng was committed to seeing it through.

“Also, refrain from drinking any more alcohol; stay alert,” Governor Cheng advised. “I’ve ordered your wine to be replaced with water.”

“I’ve also sent for some sobering soup. Wait here and drink it before returning to the banquet,” he added.

“I understand, my lord,” Shen Shilang said. “I’ll forever remember your kindness and strive to repay it in the future.”

“There’s no need for that,” Governor Cheng replied. “You have a promising future ahead. I can’t stand idly by and watch the top scholar under my jurisdiction be ruined.”

Governor Cheng didn’t inquire about Shen Shilang’s plans for dealing with Wei Jianming. After all, with Wei Zhaoxian as his father, what could Shen Shilang possibly do?

Unable to stay away from the banquet for too long, Governor Cheng returned to his guests.

Shortly after, a servant brought the sobering soup to Shen Shilang. Dismissing the servant, Shen Shilang remained in the room and pulled out a silver needle from his sleeve.

Su Jinshi: “!!!”

Why are you carrying a silver needle?

Su Jinshi gently prodded the needle Shen Shilang held between his fingers.

Noticing the needle’s slight movement, Shen Shilang knew it was Su Jinshi’s doing. They had developed an unspoken understanding; even without words, Shen Shilang could interpret Su Jinshi’s intentions.

Shen Shilang explained, “I was already worried Wei Jianming might harm me, especially since he’s friends with Cheng Jianfeng. Who knows if they might have attempted to poison me at today’s banquet?”

Su Jinshi: “……”

With Shen Shilang’s level of caution, Wei Jianming’s schemes seemed almost naive.

Su Jinshi watched as Shen Shilang dipped the silver needle into the soup. When it didn’t change color, Shen Shilang drank the sobering soup.

Su Jinshi: “……”

I wonder how Governor Cheng would react if he knew of Shen Shilang’s distrust towards the soup he provided.

“Since it’s just sobering soup and not poisoned, I should drink it,” Shen Shilang continued. “Though the wine I had earlier was diluted, it still contained some alcohol.”

Su Jinshi thought to herself, You don’t appear intoxicated at all. You seem perfectly lucid.

“By the way, Jinshi, do you happen to have any rouge?” Shen Shilang inquired.

Su Jinshi: “???”

You sly fox! Are you planning to use my rouge to charm some woman outside?

Unaware of Su Jinshi’s misunderstanding, Shen Shilang clarified, “I want to apply some to my face to feign intoxication. I’m concerned that I appear too sober; even pretending to be drunk might not be convincing.”

Su Jinshi: “……”

This guy sure knows how to scheme!

You scholars are truly cunning!

Su Jinshi searched her system store. Surprisingly, rouge was available, though it cost 200 gold coins. She had just earned 1,000 coins from levelling up, but now they were almost depleted.

Oh well, maintaining a man isn’t cheap. If it pleases him and isn’t too expensive, why not?

So, Su Jinshi purchased a box of rouge. Almost instantly, it materialized in Shen Shilang’s hand.

Shen Shilang: “……”

Wondering why Shen Shilang hesitated to use the rouge, Su Jinshi was taken aback when he said appreciatively, “Jinshi, it seems your supernatural abilities have improved again.”

Su Jinshi: “……”

I’ve told you repeatedly that I’m not a ghost. Why do you persist in this belief?

I really need to clarify this misconception with Shen Shilang.

Su Jinshi nudged the rouge, urging Shen Shilang to apply it quickly.

However, Shen Shilang looked troubled. “I… I don’t know how to apply it…”

“And without a mirror, I can’t see what I’m doing,” he added, his expression innocent.

Su Jinshi chuckled inwardly. Was Shen Shilang subtly asking for her touch?

My, oh my, Shen Shilang is becoming increasingly bold!

“It’s a pity I can’t communicate with you now,” Su Jinshi lamented silently. If only she could, she’d tease him mercilessly.

So, she delicately dabbed some rouge onto her fingertip and gently applied it to Shen Shilang’s cheeks, expertly blending it to achieve a natural look.

Shen Shilang remained motionless, his gaze unfocused. He could only sense soft fingertips lightly caressing his face, their touch unexpectedly warm.

Shouldn’t a ghost’s touch be cold? Shen Shilang mused absently.

“All done.” Su Jinshi admired her handiwork, satisfied with her technique.

Without a mirror at hand, Shen Shilang trusted Su Jinshi’s judgement. He rose, walked to the door, and deliberately stumbled as he opened it.

The servant who had brought the sobering soup, still waiting outside, quickly steadied Shen Shilang.

What’s going on?

Why does Young Master Shen appear even more intoxicated now than before drinking the sobering soup?

Could something have been added to the soup?

At the banquet, Governor Cheng had been keenly observing Shen Shilang’s movements.

He hadn’t seen Shen Shilang return for quite some time.

He surmised that Shen Shilang might be hiding in his room, waiting for the banquet to conclude.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, he spotted Shen Shilang’s figure staggering into the hall, supported by the servant who had earlier delivered the sobering soup.