Only moments later, Shi Qing had just set down his wine cup when a tall figure entered the courtyard. He was slender and handsome, making Xia Min's eyes light up as she silently marveled, This young Zhou Chen really was blessed with a fine face.
"Brother Zhou, you're here? Sit, sit. Try the food and wine at my residence." Shi Qing smiled and greeted him politely, but did not rise. He merely pointed casually, motioning for him to sit beside Xia Min.
"Thank you for your kindness, District Superintendent Shi." Zhou Chen cupped his hands toward Shi Qing, then smiled. "I heard of your great victory last night, so I came especially to congratulate you. I brought a few small gifts along, humble as they are."
With that, he took several wooden boxes from inside his robe.
Shi Qing waved a hand, and a servant beside him took the boxes, then actually opened them right in front of Zhou Chen. One contained several Deer-Blood Muscle-Strengthening Pills, while another held two roots of mountain ginseng.
Shi Qing smiled despite himself. "Oh, young Brother Zhou Chen, you're far too kind. Our districts are close together. We ought to visit each other more often anyway."
He assumed Zhou Chen had come specifically to offer gifts and curry favor with him.
But the next moment, Zhou Chen said, "District Superintendent Shi, there's another favor I'd like to ask. I'm acquainted with Bai Liuli of the Bai Household. Would you do me the courtesy of letting her go?"
At those words, the smile on Shi Qing's face abruptly froze. His eyes narrowed slightly as he stared straight at Zhou Chen, and the air seemed to congeal.
The Four-Family Alliance soldiers, who had been whispering among themselves and exchanging toasts, all stopped what they were doing