Miss Truth
Chapter 289 - 182 Ying Luo (2)_2

Chapter 289: Chapter 182 Ying Luo (2)_2

Ran Yan saw his confident demeanor and didn’t ask anymore; she had reminded him of everything that needed mentioning.

In a moment of reflection, she didn’t inquire further about the case, but sincerely said, "Thank you."

Xiao Song lowered his eyes, feeling slightly disappointed. He had never cared about anyone so deeply, and this was his first time. He had tried his best to treat her well, but now, all he got in return was a mere "thank you," She never showed any shyness or a hint of different emotions in front of him.

Well, the road is long and obstructed. One must have patience and perseverance.

Xiao Song looked up, only to find that Ran Yan had not left.

She stood at the turn, her skirt slightly lifted by the wind, her cool voice asking, "Shall we drink?"

Xiao Song looked at Ran Yan in surprise, and after a long pause, he suddenly smiled and said, "Alright."

The time had just passed noon, neither cold nor hot. Ran Yan had Wan Lu and Ge Lan set up a mat under a ginkgo tree in the corner of the courtyard.

A small stove warmed the wine, and soon the aroma filled the air.

"Why did you think of drinking?" Xiao Song took the wine bowl handed to him by Ran Yan, puzzled.

Didn’t all ladies prefer to drink tea, admire flowers, and play the guqin? Why did she think differently from others?

"I don’t drink, but the wine is well warmed." Ran Yan leaned against the mat, only two feet away from Xiao Song.

The dappled light fell on him, his features hidden in the shadow of the trees, indecipherable, but his figure in purple robes, tall and sturdy, holding the shallow wine bowl elegantly, was utterly captivating.

The scent of wine wafted to Ran Yan’s nose, and before she had finished drinking, she was already tipsy.

The scene was quiet, with only the sound of scooping wine and the rustling fall of the fan-shaped leaves, peacefully flowing in tranquility.

"How is your alcohol tolerance?" Ran Yan filled his cup over and over, watching as half of the wine in the jug was gone, yet he showed no sign of drunkenness.

Xiao Song looked up and drained the cup, smiling at her with a voice tinged with a slight huskiness that made his already magnetic voice even more enchanting, "I am already drunk, do you believe it?"

Ran Yan paused, realizing Xiao Song might have drunk around two jins. Even though the alcohol in the Tang Dynasty was much milder, it was still quite a lot.

"You know I meant to get you drunk, why didn’t you refuse?" Ran Yan felt a bit guilty.

Xiao Song slightly raised his eyebrows, his eyes brighter after drinking, making one’s heart pound, "I would not refuse anything you give me."

Always speaking circuitously, hearing this seemingly flirtatious love talk, Ran Yan’s heartbeat suddenly became irregular, and she stiffened while warming the wine.

"I wouldn’t mind committing a small fraud for you." Xiao Song slowly stood up and placed the wine cup on the mat.

Ran Yan suddenly felt overwhelming shame. She suspected that Lady Su was involved in the case but felt pity for her, attempting to mitigate the situation with such a clumsy method, only to be seen right through by Xiao Song, and she began to despise herself.

"Xiao Langjun." Ran Yan called him.

Xiao Song stood firmly in the sunlight, turned his head, but saw Ran Yan sitting upright, seriously giving him a formal bow, "Xiao Langjun is the Assistant Minister of Ministry of Justice, you must administer your duties and not ruin your future for a moment of misplaced compassion, today’s folly was mine."

In the past, Ran Yan had also encountered numerous cases where the murderer had justifiable reasons, but the victim had committed heinous crimes. However, in the law, intentional murder was an unforgivable crime, and she too had thought this was unfair, just as she felt today.

Not hearing a reply from Xiao Song, Ran Yan slightly lifted her head, only to see a pair of black official boots.

Xiao Song reached out to help her up, smiling, "I have never seen a wife like you."

"It’s in front of you that I feel most ashamed for being clumsy," Ran Yan sighed.

"It’s not that you’re clumsy, but that you genuinely haven’t made up your mind," Xiao Song knew she was always struggling between the law and her emotions, and if she really decided, she might have been able to deceive him as well.

Xiao Song was pleased, for although Ran Yan did something wrong today, it was the first time he felt that she was a living person with feelings, weaknesses, and struggles, not just a cold, hard stone that forever felt impenetrable.

The faint scent of wine emanated from Xiao Song, and the burning heat from his palm transferred through the fabric, Ran Yan shivered, wanting to escape yet also to draw closer.

"Ah Yan," Xiao Song called softly.

This was the first time he had called her by her name, his voice light and huskily magnetic, causing one’s heart to tremble involuntarily.

With the little rationality Ran Yan had left, she pushed him away and quickly took several steps back, "Lord Xiao, I wish you a smooth journey tomorrow."

"Hmm," Xiao Song hummed, a faint smile on his face as he rose and left the courtyard.

Ran Yan watched his unsteady steps, unaware of the extent of his inebriation.

***

At night, lanterns were lit everywhere inside the Su residence, yet it was utterly silent.

The dimly lit lamp inside the opposite pavilion to the opera stage made the crystal bead curtains refract specks of light, while a light breeze seemed to pour the Milky Way from the night sky.

The banquet tables that hosted the guests in the morning had been cleared away, leaving the empty pavilion centered only with a three-legged table. Su Luan, dressed in a treasure blue crane-patterned robe, leaned against the table, staring blankly at the opposite opera stage.

After a long while, a thin layer of mist formed in her eyes.

Footsteps resounded on the wooden staircase, Su Luan forced the tears about to spill back. Soon, the voice of Butler Mu came from behind, "Lady, the Assistant Minister Xiao has come to visit."

"Have Assistant Minister Xiao come up," Su Luan did not turn around.

Butler Mu hesitated for a moment; usually, for an esteemed guest like Assistant Minister Xiao, the Lady would personally welcome him at the front curved door. But today... With a sigh in his heart, Butler Mu thought the Lady might have remembered some sorrowful matters again. Well, the Lady lived a hard life all year round; what harm could there be in indulging just this once?

With that thought, Butler Mu hastily went downstairs to invite Xiao Song to the small pavilion.

The opera stage was located in the front yard, and it wasn’t long before steady footsteps could be heard.

Su Luan stood up and went to the stairway to meet him; seeing Xiao Song had come alone, she glanced at Butler Mu behind her and then curtsied, "I have neglected my duties to Assistant Minister Xiao, I am at fault here."

"I’m a man who rarely visits without a reason, and when I do, it’s usually not good; Lady Su can act as she pleases, no need for formalities," Xiao Song said nonchalantly. (To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)