Da Li Temple - Chapter 22.1

Chapter 22.1
The truth

The person before her looked calm as if he was not deliberately trying to test anything. But those dark eyes were looking at her fixedly at this time, their gaze deep and dark, like a wolf that smelled its prey, and a compelling pressure permeated from his voice.
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Lin Wanqing’s heart was shocked. Barely holding the blanket on her body, she could only pretend to be calm. She smiled and excused herself, “My status is humble. How can I change with you? There’s an attic in the back. I’ll go over there.”
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“But Lin Recorder has lost her shoes. If you walk over there barefoot like this, I’m afraid you’ll get cold.”
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Su Moyi’s gaze was like a torch. His sight rested on her feet, and his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. Only then did she notice that she had just struggled too fiercely in the lake and had lost a pair of shoes at some point. Those exposed feet were white and small. No matter how she looked at them, they did not look like men’s feet. She seemed scalded by Su Moyi’s eyes, hurriedly retrieved her feet, hid them in the thin blanket, and hugged her knees.
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“This …… I am afraid that this will offend you ……”
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“I don’t mind.” Su Moyi interrupted her words with a smile in his voice but not in his eyes. Seeing unmoving Lin Wanqing, he took a few steps closer, whispering, “Could it be that under Recorder Lin’s clothes, there is some secret hidden?”
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With the fallen words, Lin Wanqing naturally understood in her heart. Su Moyi must have already suspected her identity. Now, he only takes advantage of the incident to confirm it himself. It seemed today it would be difficult for her to muddle through. She could only grit her teeth in silence, got up, and followed him into the loft.
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Su Moyi did not let anyone follow.
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The loft has many windows encircle them to facilitate the scenery viewing. The maids closed the windows and put down the bamboo curtains one by one next to each other. Along with the constantly resounding rustling sound, the light in the room darkened breath by breath. Then, they retreated and shut the door of Linshui Pavilion.

Lin Wanqing stood without moving. Su Moyi, however, seemed unconcerned as he began to take off his wet robe. The water-stained brocade robe was heavy, falling to the ground with a muffled sound, one after another. In the dim space, it was like a sharp blade lingering at the body, which would not be fatal in a single blow but psychological torture that was equal to death by a thousand cuts.
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Lord Su was worthy of being a good torturer. He silently told her that any lies that followed would make her nothing more than ‘a trapped beast.’

Lin Wanqing was so nervous that she clenched her fists.
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“Lin Recorder,” Su Moyi’s voice sounded behind her, still as calm as ever, “Why don’t you change?”
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“Lo, lord ……,” Lin Wanqing mumbled softly, not daring to look up. Her slender fingers tugged tightly at her lapel, her knuckles turning white.
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At this moment, countless possibilities appeared in her mind, then quickly interlocked. She was confused about how to put her words together.
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Su Moyi was eccentric and had always viewed himself highly. If he knew that she was the one who was in the file room that night, would he be so angry that he would chop her up and feed her to the fish on the spot? Furthermore, based on his cold and rigid nature, would he report this matter to the court if he knew she was a woman? If the court investigates thoroughly, they will discover she was the missing fish in the Xiao family’s case. It doesn’t matter if she dies, but she can’t involve Uncle Lin’s family. Perhaps — kneel and beg him?
But — will it be useful?
If it would be useful, there wouldn’t be so many death row inmates under him.
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Lin Wanqing was in a desperate situation she had never been in before. She felt like a fish on a chopping board. No matter which side she lay on, she would be slaughtered in the end. However, the man before her was in no hurry, swimming comfortably.

He walked over slowly with a grim face, and the sovereignty and coldness of his body came from the prisons, forcing her to have nowhere to run in this narrow space. His tall figure enveloped her in the shadows, and Lin Wanqing even smelled the cold fragrance of his body. She inhaled deeply and gritted her teeth, then closed her eyes and sighed like she was cheering herself up.
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“I ……” As the words rose, an urgent knock sounded outside the door.
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“Cousin?”
“Cousin!” It was Wei Shu’s voice. This sudden interruption was like heavenly music to Lin Wanqing’s ears.
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As Su Moyi was interrupted, the expression on his face became a grumpy one. However, before he could dismiss the visitor, he heard Wei Shu continue to slap the door, “The Empress Dowager was in shock and fainted on the boat.”
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Then, with a clatter, the wooden door was open. Su Moyi asked about the situation and then gave a few simple instructions to the maid at the side. Turning back, he left Lin Wanqing with a meaningful look and then followed Wei Shu away.
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Inside the room, Lin Wanqing, who had dodged a bullet, breathed a sigh of relief. She hurriedly took off her soaked robes and used a towel to dry herself off. The chest cloth was also wet, and she couldn’t use it again. However, the good thing was that she was only a young girl who had only reached maturity, and her breasts weren’t too full. As long as she paid attention, it shouldn’t be noticeable. She quickly changed her clothes and pushed the door, ready to lift her robe and leave. But after taking a step, Ye Qing stopped her.
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“Lin Recorder,” he looked at Lin Wanqing, “Lord ordered me to send you back to the Da Li Temple.”
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Lin Wanqing: “……”

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After Su Moyi finished visiting the Empress Dowager, it was already three minutes past the eleventh hour. The Empress Dowager was shocked, but fortunately, her body was strong, and she woke up after drinking some calming tonics.
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Su Moyi had Lin Wanqing in mind, so he didn’t stay long. After sending the Empress Dowager back to the palace, he quickly returned to the Da Li Temple. He met Ye Qing, who was waiting at the entrance of Daming Palace. He was the only one who knew about Lin Wanqing’s matter. To avoid other issues occuring, Su Moyi did not tell anyone else.