Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 152: Dizziness in the Second Watch(2)_1

Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Dizziness in the Second Watch(2)_1

Following his gaze, County Magistrate Li saw a common horse carriage. After the carriage stopped, a thin and elegant middle-aged man descended from it. Behind the man, a young maiden in a pink jacket and a pendant cloud bun hairstyle followed.

The maiden looked about thirteen or fourteen years old, stunningly beautiful, with delicately arched eyebrows, bright eyes, high and straight nose, and rosy lips. Her skin was as white and dazzling as porcelain, truly a matchless beauty!

He suddenly remembered the woman that Jin Zhi’er mentioned last night, no doubt it must be her. Huo Yuan brought her along when he left the house, which shows his utmost doting on her. But in that case, how should his own daughter act? He became worried and looked towards his son. Just one look and he was instantly infuriated by his son, almost causing him to lose his temper right away.

His worthless son was staring unblinkingly at the maiden in the pink jacket, a lascivious expression in his sly little eyes, even drooling at the mouth.

"Cough, cough..."

He coughed, using his elbow to subtly bump his son in the ribs, reminding him not to lose his composure.

Li Jingui was pulled back into reality by his father’s nudge, quickly withdrew his gaze, and wiped his lip corner with his hand. His palms were wet!

"Haha, it truly brightens our humble space to have Young Master Huo gracing us with your presence, haha. Official Li has neglected his duty in not coming to pick you up. Please forgive me, please..."

County Magistrate Li made small talk, extending his hand in a gesture of invitation, and at the same time, he threw a covert glance at his son.

Li Jingui quickly followed his father, exchanging greetings with everyone politely.

From the first glance at Li Jingui, Cai Wei had a terrible impression of him. Although this man was young, his face was pale, his eyes puffy and bloodshot, his gaze unstable. Clearly, he was a man who indulged excessively in lust and lacked self-restraint. Seeing him bearing such a resemblance to County Magistrate Li and Li Jinzhi, she guessed that this beast must be the son of the county magistrate, who intended to take Sanchun as his concubine.

Under the lead of County Magistrate Li, everyone arrived at the Flower Hall. Everyone took their seats according to their status. Cai Wei didn’t sit, she just stood behind her father, demurely listening to their conversation.

After listening to Mu Zhongqing’s account of the horse carriage accident, County Magistrate Li’s eyeballs rolled and he spoke in a slow official tone, "This incident, ah, is not too big yet not too small. Why don’t we move to the dining table and discuss it slowly? Young Master Huo, what do you think?"

Huo Yuan naturally didn’t want to dine with this obsequious and vulgar man. However, Li the county magistrate was being ambiguous, suggesting that the incident could be either a big deal or a small one. If they refused his invitation, the crafty official might invoke the national law, and Miss Mu’s matter would become a headache. Therefore, to help her, Huo Yuan restrained himself, nodded, and said with a smile, "In that way, I apologize for the imposition, Master Li!"

County Magistrate of Li was excessively polite, "Not at all, not at all. Having Young Master Huo here is truly an honor for me."

The banquet in Li Mansion was set in the Chrysanthemum Garden in the backyard, a building that could be considered luxurious but was unbearably tacky. Since Cai Wei was a woman, it was inappropriate for her to sit with the men. Therefore, County Magistrate Li had her be taken to the Madam’s place for dinner.

Cai Wei really wanted to leave. If she stayed here any longer, she would be sickened and nauseous from the lewd and disgusting gaze of Li Jingui. Hearing the arrangement, she immediately bowed to everyone and quickly followed the two old palace maids to leave.

Li Jingui was watching Cai Wei’s elegant back figure, reluctantly withdrawing his gaze. Just then he noticed his father winking at him, indicating that he should go and toast Huo Yuan.

Li Jingui became frustrated. Ever since he was born, others have always been trying to please him, never the other way around. Especially when he tries to please others and they take no notice, which would really make him lose face. Hence, upon receiving his father’s hint, he simply pretended not to have seen it.

Huo Yuan didn’t even look at him either. He was just having a casual conversation with Cao Jin and Mu Zhongqing. Occasionally, he would entertain County Magistrate Li’s fawning with a few words in a lukewarm tone.

Damn that dishonest merchant, what’s so great about him!

Li Jingui drank a few more sips of alcohol, the intoxication going to his head, his displeasure at Huo Yuan’s haughty appearance growing. He yearned to give Huo Yuan a thorough thrashing, but he was not a fool. Knowing he would gain no advantages at the banquet table, his thoughts turned to the woman brought by Huo Yuan. With a sudden stirring in his heart and a tightening in his abdomen, he feigned drunkenness, declaring he felt dizzy and excused himself.

County Magistrate Li saw his son was unwilling to curry favor with Huo Yuan, and felt both frustrated and helpless. Left having to hold the fort alone, he persistently offered wine to everyone else.

After three rounds of drinks, all present began to feel dizzy, sensing something was not quite right. Huo Yuan abruptly asked, "Magistrate Li, what kind of wine did you serve us?"

County Magistrate Li chuckled, "It is the foreign strong liquor given to me by Liaodan merchants who came to Yushu County City to collect ginseng a few days ago. The taste of the liquor is bit strong, but it’s definitely good liquor!"

Pressing his forehead, Cao Jin said, "I also discerned that it was Liaodan’s strong liquor. But it shouldn’t have been mixed with our Jin Kingdom’s rice wine. Once these two types of alcohol are mixed, it has the effect of the sweat-inducing drug... " Finishing his sentence, he slumped onto the table, already having fallen asleep.

Magistrate Li exclaimed in surprise, "Oh my, how was I to know that mixing these two kinds of liquor would cause this. I truly deserve to be punished..." He continued speaking, but slowly closed his eyes, his head drooping as he too fell asleep.

Huo Yuan’s head was heavy, but he was still able to hold on. He took out an exquisite porcelain box the size of a peach from his bosom, and after opening it, rubbed the paste-like substance inside under his nose and on the sides of his forehead. As expected, his head cleared somewhat.

Mu Zhongqing and An Qiyun had also both passed out, lying in disarray on the table, soundly asleep.

Seeing this scene, Huo Yuan’s face darkened. Having traveled extensively since childhood, he’d seen all kinds of scenarios. This situation was too odd. If someone claimed there wasn’t something wrong, he wouldn’t believe it no matter what.

"Someone!" he called out softly.

A maid stepped forward, bowed her body, and respectfully asked, "Young Master, do you have any instructions?"

Massaging the bridge of his nose, Huo Yuan asked in a deep voice, "Where is the lady who came with us now?"

The maid replied, "By the Master’s orders, the lady has been sent to the courtyard where madam resides. She should be dining with madam right now."

Take me there," he commanded quietly, a sense of urgency burning within him. He hadn’t not noticed the way Li Jingui had looked at Cai Wei earlier, and now with Li Jingui’s prolonged absence from the banquet, he couldn’t help but draw a connection between the two events...

"This..."

The maid was in a bit of a dilemma. Without an order from the county lord, how could she, a mere maid, dare to lead an outsider into the back courtyard?

Just as she was trying to figure it out, the housekeeper’s wife came in. The maid hurried forward as if she’d seen a savior, and informed her about Huo Yuan wanting to go to the back courtyard.

The housekeeper’s wife laughed, "What’s the big deal? Young Master Huo is our mansion’s esteemed guest. What’s wrong if he wants to go to the back courtyard? Young Master Huo, please come with me."

Having said that, she led Huo Yuan towards the back courtyard.