Chapter 699 - 692_1
Lin Yue knew that Ceng Lu would never agree, but there was no better option at the moment. "Quan An is a subordinate trusted by Master Ceng, and there has never been any news of Quan An being expelled from the Government Office. Now, at the eleventh hour, for you to say this, Master Ceng, it’s simply too hard to believe."
"Madam Lin, your words are not appropriate. Whether you believe it or not, this is the truth. I have no need to deceive you about this matter. The Government Office is not an ordinary place; it represents the dignity and face of the Court. Even at critical times, unless it’s a state ****, we cannot arbitrarily allow people to search it, let alone at ordinary times. As an official of Dazhou, I earn my salary from the Court and would not dare to make a jest out of the Court’s affairs. I ask for your understanding, Madam Lin!" Ceng Lu, after all, was raised in a prominent family. Though he might be somewhat foolish and lustful, his tongue was not weak, and he was best at saying decorous, dignified things. It seemed as if it was really genuine, leaving no room for faultfinding.
How could Lin Yue not know that the Government Office was not a place that could be searched at will? But with Ceng Lu refusing to hand over the person, there was no other way around it. She had always thought Ceng Lu was useless, and now that he puts forth such an argument to shut her down, she is unable to refute and feels even more frustrated.
"However, someone tipped me off, claiming they clearly saw Dalang and his brothers being taken into the Government Office. How do you explain that, Master Ceng? Are you intentionally covering for your family’s servants, or is it actually your own idea?"
"Madam Lin, you have been misled by rumors. If your stepsons had truly entered the Government Office, how could I be unaware and keep them here against their will? As an envoy of the Court, how could I commit such acts, and for what purpose? Madam Lin, you are also a prominent family in Xin’an City. I have always had great respect for you, Madam Lin. However, I am quite disappointed this time. You are, after all, a woman of the household, with limited experience, and rather reckless. The Government Office is not a place where people can come and go freely. This just shows that the person who reported the false information to you has a sinister intent, probably trying to lead you into making such a mistake."
Seeing that he had rendered Lin Yue speechless, Ceng Lu grew even more complacent. According to what people reported to him, this Madam Lin cared a great deal for her stepsons and was highly concerned about them. The fact that she was willing to risk herself to rescue them this time indicated how much she valued the young boys. To save the youngsters, Lin Yue would have to comply with him.
"Madam Lin still doesn’t trust me? Then how about this, allowing so many people to search the Government Office is impossible. However, I can accompany Madam Lin on a walk around the Government Office, so you can see for yourself whether there is anyone hidden. This is the furthest I am willing to concede and the final offer, Madam Lin. What do you think?"