At this moment, Hong Jie and the other two could also tell that Zuo Jing's resentment had vanished without a trace after a night. Her calls to Liang Xiao even held a hint of faint attachment.
Even Liang Xiao was startled, looking at Hong Jie, who returned an innocent glance.
Liang Xiao quickly said, "Lin'er, did you plant flowers in the yard again yesterday?"
"Mhm~" Zuo Jing nodded obediently.
After the nightmare of the night, looking at Liang Xiao again today, her eyes held a different kind of emotion, just right.
But now, she saw a trace of heartache and helplessness in Liang Xiao's expression.
"As a young lady from a respectable family, it would be good for you to read more and practice calligraphy, music, chess, and painting," Liang Xiao said earnestly.
Zuo Jing lowered her head in grievance, "Lin'er's handwriting is not good..."
"Oh? Then I must see it even more." Liang Xiao's eyes lit up.
An inexplicable anger rose in Zuo Jing's heart.
Is this person sick?
A moment later, Zuo Jing faced the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone before her, her face filled with grievance.
Under Liang Xiao's urging, she picked up the brush and wrote "Brother Liang Xiao" in four characters.
Liang Xiao's eyeballs almost fell out.
The strokes were vigorous and flowing, yet crooked and slanted. Most people would not be able to tell what the characters were without careful observation.
Liang Xiao had to admit inwardly that she was the girl with the worst handwriting he had ever seen.
He also hadn't seen any man whose handwriting was this bad...
It was truly outrageous!
Seeing Liang Xiao's shocked expression, Zuo Jing finally began to cry pitifully.
"Don't cry, don't cry. You can't force these things. Just read more books," Liang Xiao quickly comforted her.
But in his heart, Liang Xiao felt increasingly strange.
Yun Xiu's family was not poor. What had she learned since she was young? Just farm work?
Temporarily suppressing the doubts in his heart, Liang Xiao said to Hong Jie, "Yun Xiu, I have selected a portion of your Six Policies for Governing the State and sent them to the capital. I believe His Majesty will choose the best among them. When we return to the capital, you will reside in the Marquis of Anguo's mansion. You will have absolute freedom of movement. If you are concerned about safety, you can request guards from the Marquis's mansion to accompany you."
In fact, Liang Xiao did have a Marquis's mansion, which Xiao Shuangzi had specifically arranged for him. It was far from the imperial palace, and according to Xiao Shuangzi, it was convenient for him to enter the palace.
However, considering the inconvenience of splitting forces from the Liang mansion, Liang Xiao had not moved in immediately.
But after he reached the age of twenty, he would have to move out. Firstly, his official position was too high, and he needed to avoid suspicion with General Liang Qing. Secondly, his cousin Liang Feng should take over the Liang mansion and not be timid because of his younger cousin.
During this period, it was just right to let Yun Xiu and his group stay temporarily, so that Lin'er would not be troubled in the Liang mansion because Liang Xiao did not allow her to approach the girls.
Hong Jie instantly understood and thanked him solemnly.
After Liang Xiao left, the three men looked at Zuo Jing in surprise.
Zuo Jing became more and more angry as she thought about it. She tore the written characters into pieces and stormed back to her room.
Sitting by the bed, Zuo Jing's resentment was still difficult to quell.
He had made Mother lose face again!
Even if the mission was successful, people would know in the future that the leader of the Cloud Sky Guard had terrible handwriting!
Looking at her pillow, the note with "Brother Liang Xiao" written on it had already cracked.
Last night, she had seen Liang Xiao's pained expression in her dream. She herself had felt a bit sad. When she woke up, she realized her pillow was wet with tears.
This was the first person in her life who truly cared about her. Her own father only treated her as a tool behind the scenes.
"To spare Hong Jie's life, I still have to wait at least ten months," Zuo Jing sighed faintly, helpless, "Forget it! I'll wait..."
"Female Bodhisattva, I've only heard you play the zither. I don't think I've ever seen you write," Liang Xiao asked from the room.
Jian Qinwan huffed, "My calligraphy is still presentable!"
Thus, Jian Qinwan immediately wrote Liang Xiao's poem "Sword."
The calligraphy was elegant and powerful. While not that of a master, it was at least acceptable for a young lady from a good family.
"So, what has Lin'er learned?" Liang Xiao asked, looking depressed.
Jian Qinwan muttered, "I'm not jealous, okay? Anyway, until you confirm their feelings, you should still be on guard~"
Liang Xiao nodded slightly, "I am considering finding a suitable time to mention the remnants of the Great Heng Kingdom and Zuo Wushang to them and see their reactions. Uncle Zhuo is already helping me collect the case records of the Great Heng Kingdom remnants from the past ten-plus years. Let's see the situation first."
In the past, the remnants of the Great Heng Kingdom were mainly active in the Jiangnan region.
After Gongyang He exposed them and sent people to clear them out, they became much more low-key.
When Zuo Jing returned to the courtyard, Hong Jie then discussed with her.
"His intention to have us move into the Marquis of Anguo's mansion is a consideration to avoid suspicion. This way, we don't have to hesitate about whether to interact with people from the Liang mansion, especially you, Lin'er. You should have been able to make friends with the princesses..."
Zuo Jing was silent for a moment, then nodded, "I've already seen it. His caution and meticulousness far surpass any target I've faced before. We'll take it one step at a time!"
Hong Qu sighed, "After my injuries heal, according to my younger brother's wishes, I can go and meet Nie Yuan. Perhaps I can befriend him."
With their plans decided, everyone continued to play their respective roles.
Liang Xiao then visited Zhuo Ping.
Zhuo Ping brought out a stack of files and explained, "Marquis of Anguo, it has been confirmed that in the past decade or so, there are very few records of the Great Heng Kingdom remnants committing murder in Suzhou. Even if there were, they were brought to justice. And in the last two months, there haven't even been any reports of the Great Heng Kingdom remnants being sighted!"
Liang Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him.
Zuo Wushang was still well-behaved and had not torn face with him!
Of course, this was thanks to Yue Lian's presence.
Because of Liang Xiao's arrival, the entire city of Suzhou was in an uproar. Zhuo Ping also invited a large number of prominent guests and renowned scholars from within the city to recruit for Liang Xiao.
In a garden that Liang Xiao had purchased in advance, distinguished guests were in abundance.
Various prominent families, led by the Su family, sent representatives to participate, hoping to get acquainted with Liang Xiao.
Everyone listened to Liang Xiao's speech, followed by toasts and laughter, a scene of merriment.
During the banquet, the talented men and beautiful women repeatedly requested Jian Qinwan, the Zither Immortal, to play a tune.
After the piece, everyone was mesmerized and then exclaimed repeatedly.
Liang Xiao seized the opportunity and said, "I heard that the eldest daughter of the Su family is also a master of the zither in Suzhou?"
Su Wanqing lowered her head shyly, "With the Zither Immortal here, this humble one dares not show off her meager skills..."
"It's fine, play a piece," Liang Xiao requested.
The crowd's cheers were extremely high.
Su Wencheng smiled and said, "Little sister, be bold. Marquis of Anguo and the Zither Immortal are appreciating you!"
Su Wanqing then said, "Forgive my clumsiness," and after playing a piece, the applause was thunderous.
Liang Xiao and Jian Qinwan exchanged confused glances.
Her zither music was gentle, not almost possessed like Zhuo Han's.
"Please, Zither Immortal, give me some guidance." Su Wanqing's tone was sincere.
"As expected of Suzhou's best," Jian Qinwan suppressed her confusion and praised.
From a tall building in the distance, the leader of the Spring Return Sect and his disciples were hidden behind the balcony, silently observing Klisti, who was sitting behind Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao had a sudden idea and said, "My dear, didn't we just talk about the Marquis of Dingguo's mansion..."
Jian Qinwan understood and stood up, "Please excuse me. I need to return to the inn. My master has sent someone to visit."
No one dared to dampen the spirits of the Zither Saint and the Zither Immortal, and they all cupped their hands to see her off.
Liang Xiao then smiled at Su Wanqing and said, "Miss Wanqing, your playing was extremely pleasant to listen to. Could you play another piece?"
The talented women all cast envious glances at Su Wanqing, even Zhuo Han did.
Su Wanqing shyly agreed, her slender hands plucking the strings, and began to play again.
During the music, Liang Xiao appeared calm on the surface, but was greatly shocked in his heart!
As expected, with the highly skilled Jian Qinwan present, she did not dare to reveal her true zither music!