Who would put a green hat on themselves? - Chapter 16

Looking around, the space was clean and well-lit with a painting hanging on the wall.

“This calligraphy is quite good.” Gu Cheng moved closer to the painting, admiring it. He was pleasantly surprised to find such exquisite work in a small corner.

If it weren’t for the gentlemanly principle of not taking pleasure in others’ belongings, he would have wanted to ask the shopkeeper for its price.

“It is quite good.” Yun Yue glanced at the calligraphy on the wall, feeling a twinge of emotion.

How could it be anything less? It was created by the current Emperor’s calligraphy teacher when he was still the Crown Prince. In fact, it was the work left by Yun Yue’s uncle.

Yun Yue looked at the painting and sighed softly.

The late Emperor had been foolish, believing the slanders of petty officials, dismissing his first wife and young son, marrying off his daughter, and slaughtering loyal ministers. Heaven was jealous of talent and did not spare the Qiao family’s young master, and even his wife was not spared, ending up in the brothel.

Gu Cheng and Yun Yue took their seats first, while Shi Miao and Zhu Mo sat on small stools prepared for the servants.

Soon, the waiter brought out the snow bubble bean water and Imperial Concubine Crisp Mountain, and served the pot of cool tea to Zhu Mo.

“I didn’t expect to find Imperial Concubine Crisp Mountain here, and the color is just right.” Imperial Concubine Crisp Mountain was originally favored by high-born young ladies, and gradually it spread to the common people, with various styles and colors.

The tea house had its own fancy style, using brightly colored plates for the Imperial Concubine Crisp Mountain and decorating them with colored flowers, making them look pretty but somewhat gaudy.

Gu Cheng was not used to seeing such things and found them quite rare.

“The Emperor is wise, and the country is peaceful. People are starting to seek better lives after having their basic needs met.”

“Here, try it!”

Hearing Yun Yue’s words, Gu Cheng was visibly surprised. He hadn’t expected a young lady to express such deep thoughts.

His sisters only cared about who received the Emperor’s granted materials and which young lady found a good match. Hearing Yun Yue speak like this made him even more pleased and deepened his affection for her.

Gu Cheng took a spoonful and tasted it. The rich milk flavor and sweetness were delightful.

“Hmm! This is really good!” Gu Cheng’s face lit up with a smile after just one bite.

The taste exceeded his expectations, and sharing it with someone he admired made it even better.

“Eat more if you like it.” Yun Yue also tasted it, while Gu Cheng watched her in a daze.

Suddenly, there was a sound of something heavy falling. Gu Cheng looked toward the noise and saw Shi Miao and Zhu Mo collapse one after the other.

Gu Cheng realized what was happening—they had encountered a black market establishment!

As he was about to call for help, he saw Yun Yue collapse as well. He staggered to the door to seek assistance but saw the previous waiter walk in, saying, “Young Master Gu, please take a nap!” With that, he struck Gu Cheng’s neck.

Despite Gu Cheng’s efforts to stay conscious, he could not withstand the forceful blow and soon lost awareness.

The waiter approached the unconscious Yun Yue, his expression dark.

The tea house was still crowded with people. On the opposite roof, a dark figure lurked in the shadows, watching the tea shop intently.

The figure furrowed his brows, puzzled, “Why hasn’t anyone come out yet?” He glanced at another building where another dark guard was stationed.

The two exchanged signals.

‘Something’s wrong!’

‘Go check it out!’

The two guards reached a consensus. A young woman in a veil appeared at the entrance of the tea house, her face obscured.

Yun Xi immediately sensed something was wrong.

As a dark guard trained in memory, he had an excellent recall.

He was certain that no one had entered the shop like that recently!

Recognizing the familiar figure, Yun Xi made a quick judgment: ‘Follow her!’

The guard on the other building, Yun Jiu, understood immediately and followed the veiled girl, who seemed to deliberately hide among the crowd.

The two dark figures moved swiftly across the rooftops like hawks circling above a rabbit, ready to pounce and strike with lethal precision.

About an hour after the two left, a mule cart rolled out of the shop’s supply passage, now carrying four large water buckets. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the buckets were just the right size to fit a person.

The mule cart slowly made its way out of the Lower East Market, heading toward the southwestern gate of the city.

As the cart was being inspected at the city gate, a pair of officers on horseback rode in swiftly. The leading officer shouted, “Stop that mule cart!”

The driver’s face showed clear signs of anxiety—there was something suspicious going on.