Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

When the carriage stopped in front of the Qingzhou government office, it was already late afternoon.

The setting sun bathed the gray-blue walls of the government office in a warm gold hue. Prefect Zhou Shizhang was already waiting at the steps. When the carriage came to a stop, he hurriedly led his officials to greet it.

"Welcome, Lord Pei."

Zhou Shizhang was in his forties, and his demeanor was respectful and not obsequious.

Pei Zeyu got out of the car and offered a helping hand, saying, "Lord Zhou, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhou Shizhang straightened up, his gaze falling on Liu Wenying, who stepped off the carriage shaft.

She was wearing a new turquoise dress, and her good looks were enhanced by the dress, giving her an air of elegance.

"This must be your wife? How rude of me."

Liu Wenying opened her mouth to explain, "I—"

My hand was held.

Pei Zeyu's palms were dry. He said to Zhou Shizhang with a calm expression, "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Zhou."

"Of course, of course."

Zhou Shizhang stepped aside to lead the way, "Lord Pei and his wife have had a long journey. I have prepared a private room for you both to rest for a while. The banquet will begin shortly."

Pei Zeyu nodded and strode towards the government office.

Liu Wenying was led by him and had no choice but to follow.

She was in a state of confusion, wanting to break free but afraid that making too much of a move would arouse suspicion.

The mansion has deep courtyards, with neatly trimmed plants planted on both sides of the bluestone path.

As Zhou Shizhang walked, he introduced things to Pei Zeyu, who responded occasionally, her demeanor relaxed, as if holding her hand was the most natural thing in the world.

Liu Wenying had a smile on her face, but her lips were sore from smiling.

After passing through two moon gates, a small, secluded courtyard comes into view.

With white walls and black tiles, a few green bamboos are planted in the courtyard, and lanterns hanging under the eaves have already been lit by someone.

Zhou Shizhang stopped at the door. "Lord Pei and your wife, please rest for a moment. The banquet is ready, and someone will come to invite you."

If the word "Madam" made Liu Wenying uneasy, what the Second Master would say later would surprise her even more.

"My wife is a little tired from the long journey today. We'll rest for a bit and then come over."

Wife...

Oh no, this is completely inexplicable.

Zhou Shizhang tactfully excused himself, and the two went inside.

The smile on Liu Wenying's face vanished as the door closed tightly.

She had been holding back her questions all the way, and finally she was able to ask them.

"Second Master, why did you let Lord Zhou misunderstand that this servant is...your wife?"

Pei Zeyu sat down at the table, poured himself a cup of tea, pushed it to the opposite side, and poured himself another cup.

He didn't hide it from her and told her the truth.

"On the surface, I was ordered to conduct an inspection in the capital to review the performance of officials in Qingzhou and the surrounding areas, but in secret, His Majesty assigned me another task."

"Last year, several officials from Jiangnan were suspected of corruption, so His Majesty ordered me to leave the capital to investigate."

Liu Wenying never expected that the Second Master's departure from the capital was actually a secret mission.

"But what... has this to do with me?"

"You are very smart, meticulous, and reliable in your work."

"Last time, I presented Your Majesty with your methods for dealing with the officials in Nanhuai, and His Majesty praised them highly. Your arrival this time outside the capital is timely."

Pei Zeyu spoke frankly and openly, without a trace of selfishness.

Liu Wenying's almond-shaped eyes widened. "This servant cannot!"

She? A maid? Investigating cheating?

"Don't underestimate yourself. You have the ability, and since I dared to ask you for help, I trust you."

Pei Zeyu paused for a moment, then added, "Besides, if you help me, we can return to the capital sooner, and you can see Luo Luo sooner, right?"

She really wanted to finish her business and return to Beijing as soon as possible.

Luo Luo is still in the capital. Although she has Xiao Zhu and her godmother to take care of her, she is not her biological mother by her side.

Every night when she closes her eyes, she is afraid to dream of the child crying and looking for his mother.

"How long do we need to pretend?"

"Leave Jiangnan and finish your business."

Liu Wenying took a deep breath and nodded: "This servant understands..."

"Wrong."

Pei Zeyu corrected her, "From now on, you can no longer call me 'servant,' you must call me 'husband.'"

Liu Wenying's ears burned, and she whispered a correction: "This concubine...this concubine understands."

But I still couldn't bring myself to say "husband."

Pei Zeyu looked at her reddened ear tips and didn't press her any further.

Some things can't be rushed.

There was a knock on the door.

"Lord Pei, Madam, the banquet is ready. My master sent me to invite you both."

Pei Zeyu stood up and extended his right hand toward Liu Wenying.

A smile played on his lips as he spoke gently.

"Madam, shall we go?"

Liu Wenying swallowed hard, placed her hand on his, and he took it.

She lowered her head and followed him outside.

The welcoming banquet was held in the flower hall in the backyard of the government office. All four windows were open, and the evening breeze blew through the hall, causing the gauze curtains to flutter gently.

On the table were seasonal delicacies from Qingzhou: pickled goose feet, West Lake vinegar fish, stir-fried shredded pork with bamboo shoots, and fine wine at the perfect temperature.

Zhou Shizhang sat in the main seat, with his wife sitting beside him.

When Pei Zeyu and Liu Wenying took their seats together, Zhou Shizhang quickly stood up to greet them.

His gaze lingered for a moment on their clasped hands, and he chuckled.

"Lord Pei and his wife are truly a loving couple, which I greatly admire."

Pei Zeyu smiled faintly, holding Liu Wenying's hand without letting go.

They only relaxed naturally after they were seated.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhou Shizhang became more talkative.

He held his wine glass, speaking casually as if he were chatting about everyday things.

"Lord Pei, you've come to Qingzhou this time for the capital inspection, haven't you? In the years I've been in Qingzhou, although I haven't achieved anything great, I've been conscientious and diligent, and haven't dared to slack off in the slightest."

However, the capital inspection has always been conducted by officials who inspect the capital. This time, however, officials have been sent to the local areas to verify achievements. They say there are no problems. Who would believe that?

Pei Zeyu picked up his wine glass and took a small sip slowly.

"Lord Zhou, you are overthinking it. During your years in Qingzhou, the people have lived in peace and prosperity, and no one has picked up lost items on the road. This is something that everyone can see."

His words were perfectly tactful, neither offending Zhou Shizhang nor humiliating him.

Zhou Shizhang chuckled twice and then raised his glass in a toast.

Pei Zeyu drank a cup with her, and her face became a little red, and her eyes were no longer as clear as they had been at the beginning.

Zhou Shizhang saw this and offered more toasts, his words becoming increasingly suggestive, as if he wanted to find out more information.

Pei Zeyu did not answer immediately. He held the wine glass in one hand and swirled it, as if he was thinking back.

Under the table, his fingertips slipped into Liu Wenying's palm and tapped it.

"Lord Zhou, how is this West Lake Vinegar Fish made? I find the taste quite novel."

Zhou Shizhang paused for a moment, then changed the subject, smiling as he replied, "I'm glad your wife likes it. This fish was just caught from the lake this morning; the meat is incredibly fresh and tender..."

Before he could finish speaking, Pei Zeyu swayed.

Then, he leaned over Liu Wenying, resting his head on her shoulder, breathing heavily, as if he were drunk and unconscious.

Liu Wenying quickly helped him up and said to Zhou Shizhang in a gentle and courteous manner:

"Lord Zhou, my husband is not a good drinker and it is very impolite of him. I'm afraid he must take his leave now. He will stay and enjoy himself with you two again tomorrow."

Seeing Pei Zeyu passed out drunk, Zhou Shizhang sighed helplessly, knowing that it would be difficult to find out the truth today.

"Madam, you flatter me. Lord Pei has had a long journey and deserves to rest. I will have the maids lend a hand."

Liu Wenying politely declined.

"Thank you for your kindness, sir. My husband is very clean and does not allow others to get close to him. I can take good care of him myself, so there is no need to trouble others."

After saying that, Liu Wenying carefully helped Pei Zeyu leave the table.

After the two left, Madam Zhou picked up her teacup and said softly, "My lord, I find Lord Pei and his wife rather strange."

…………