Chapter 92

In the crowd, someone recognized Jiang Lianzhi and remembered the rumors circulating in the capital.

It was said that this Assistant Minister had once come to propose marriage, wasn’t this a perfect opportunity for a hero to save the beauty? So the crowd quickly made way for him.

The view from upstairs was excellent, and Shen Yu could see everything happening on the street below.

Coincidentally, although this herbal medicine shop was not the largest in the capital, this was the route Jiang Lianzhi had to pass through on his way back to the mansion from the court.

The timing of the fainting incident was so precise that Shen Yu couldn’t help but suspect Shen Man’s motive.

Her foolish younger sister had treated the Jiang family as her lifeline in her past life, running to the Jiang mansion every day. It seemed she hadn’t made much progress in this life.

But Shen Yu couldn’t be entirely sure yet; could such a fortunate event really happen in this world?

She reached into the small dish on the table and grabbed a few peanuts, popping one into her mouth.

Downstairs, Jiang Lianzhi was already squatting next to Shen Man, refraining from touching her directly but examining her condition.

The maid was sobbing uncontrollably, “My lord, what should we do? Madam is bedridden, and now Miss is left alone.”

The onlookers murmured sympathetically.

Jiang Lianzhi pondered for a moment before instructing, “Take Miss Shen back to the Shen mansion. Gao Jin, send someone to fetch a doctor and directly to the Shen mansion.”

“Help Miss Shen up,” Jiang Lianzhi said to the maid.

The maid tried to lift Shen Man but failed, crying and blaming herself, “I’m useless. If only I had persuaded Miss not to visit the general’s grave every day.”

Jiang Lianzhi inquired, “Why did she go to General Shen’s grave?”

The maid explained, “Many people used to visit to mourn, so Miss rarely went. But lately, fewer people go, and she was worried they’d be lonely, so she’s been going every day to keep them company.”

Her words were heartfelt, and some of the spectators were moved to tears.

The maid added, “Miss said the young mistress loved lively places.”

Jiang Lianzhi’s mind was drawn to this remark.

He remembered in his previous life when Shen Yu had just entered the Jiang mansion, she used to be lively and would occasionally play with the servants. But later, his mother would scold her daily, and gradually, she became quiet. He had thought she preferred peace and quiet, but now he realized she actually loved liveliness.

The more he thought about it, the more heartbroken he felt. His throat tightened.

He didn’t believe she was dead, but where could she be?

Shen Yu indeed loved liveliness; she was currently observing from the window.

If it weren’t for Shen Man dragging her into this, she would have admired Shen Man’s clever move. Shen Man had not only cleared her name in public but also gained favor with Jiang Lianzhi, killing two birds with one stone.

It seemed Shen Man dared to use her as a stepping stone again, thinking she hadn’t learned her lesson yet.

There’s a saying, “If you’re happy, I’m unhappy.” Since Shen Man wanted to make her unhappy, she wouldn’t let Shen Man succeed.

Shen Yu took another peanut from her hand and, without hesitation, flicked it, hitting Shen Man in the waist.

Shen Man groaned in pain, suddenly coming to.

The crowd erupted.

“Oh, she’s awake!”

“Thank goodness.”

Shen Man, enduring the pain, didn’t dare to meet Jiang Lianzhi’s gaze, quickly averting her eyes.

Jiang Lianzhi stood up. “Now that Miss Shen is awake, she should return home.”

The maid helped Shen Man up, who then coughed a couple of times, “I don’t know what happened just now; suddenly I felt dizzy.”

The maid quickly covered for her, “Miss hasn’t been eating well these days and has lost weight. She skipped breakfast today; it’s no wonder she fainted. Miss, you should eat properly from now on.”

“I understand,” Shen Man whispered softly, then thanked Jiang Lianzhi, “Thank you, sir, for saving me.”

Jiang Lianzhi replied indifferently, “Since Miss Shen is unwell, it’s better to return home soon.”

He glanced at the inconspicuous peanut on the ground, then looked across the street at the teahouse, where the second-floor window was slightly open.

Jiang Lianzhi started walking towards the teahouse, followed by Gao Jin, and went straight upstairs.

The waiter hurried to catch up, “Sir, would you like some tea? We also have private rooms.”

Ignoring him, Jiang Lianzhi walked through the corridor and stopped in front of a door, pointing at it.

“I want this room.”

The waiter apologized, “I’m sorry, sir, but this room is already occupied. Would you like to choose another one?”

“I want this one,” Jiang Lianzhi insisted, pushing the door open.

The waiter didn’t have time to stop him and could only stand aside.

Jiang Lianzhi scanned the room; it wasn’t one of the best teahouses in the capital. The interior of the private room was simple, with only one man standing by the window.

The man turned around, still holding a cup of tea, and spoke impatiently, “What are you doing? Can’t you see Lord Xiao Hou is here having tea?”

The waiter apologized profusely, “I’m sorry, I’ll take this guest out right away.”

“No need,” Pei Chunli raised his hand to stop him and glanced at Jiang Lianzhi, “Is this our famous Assistant Minister? Would you like to stay for some tea, sir?”

Jiang Lianzhi smiled, “So it’s the young lord. Why is the young lord alone here drinking tea?”

Pei Chunli waved casually, “I wasn’t planning on drinking tea. I saw someone faint on the street, so I came up alone to see what was happening. Assistant Minister Jiang’s heroism is truly admirable.”

Jiang Lianzhi’s expression turned serious, “Then I won’t disturb Young Lord Pei. I’ll take my leave.”

The waiter closed the door, and Jiang Lianzhi descended the stairs.

When they reached the landing, Jiang Lianzhi suddenly stopped and asked, “Was that room only occupied by Young Lord Pei?”

The waiter replied, “Yes, sir, only Young Lord Pei was there. He came in a hurry, saying he needed the best spot. So, I took him to that room.”

Jiang Lianzhi nodded slightly and left.

“Do you suspect it was Young Lord Pei?” Gao Jin asked.

Jiang Lianzhi said, “If he was the only one in that room, then it’s likely.”

Gao Jin was puzzled, “But there were no peanuts in that room.”

Jiang Lianzhi turned his head, “Look back at the shop.”

Gao Jin turned back and saw that this was a teahouse on the ground floor, and every table was served with a guests had a plate of peanuts.

    Gao Jin immediately understood that many teahouses would serve such free snacks, and it would seem deliberate if they didn’t.

    “No matter who it is, it means that person has no ill intentions towards us, and is even a kind reminder.” Jiang Linzhi looked up again.

    “But if Pei Chunli is the only one, it means that he usually hides too deeply.”