When she said this, her eyes were clear, but there seemed to be a hint of mischief in them. She clearly looked like an innocent girl, but for a moment, she had a charm that was unique to a woman who had seen the world. Pei Lang was stunned for a moment.
“This wine is from Qi Lu.” Shen Miao picked up the wine cup and raised it at Pei Lang. Pei Lang’s expression suddenly changed, but Shen Miao did not seem to notice his expression. She said slowly, “In the land of Qi Lu, the wine brewed is of amber color.”
Pei Lang looked at her and suddenly picked up the wine cup on the table and finished it in one gulp.
“This wine is not intoxicating.” Shen Miao smiled and said, “Otherwise, when people see that, they will think you are a drunkard.” Her tone was soft and casual. “Speaking of which, people from Qi Lu are good at drinking. When they drink, they use jars. Mr. Pei looked like someone from Qi Lu just now.”
Pei Lang pursed his lips and did not speak, but there was a deep frown on his face.
Shen Miao rested her cheek on one hand. As she drank, a faint blush gradually appeared on her facey. When she narrowed her eyes slightly, she looked like a flower in bloom. However, because she was dressed as a man, she looked delicately handsome. She said, “I remember that more than ten years ago, a magistrate in Qi Lu seemed to have the surname Pei too. Those who don’t know better would think that Mr. Pei is family with that person.”
Pei Lang immediately smacked the wine cup on the table. At the same time, Mo Qing glared at him and put his right hand on the scabbard.
“Unfortunately, at that time, Magistrate Pei’s entire family was executed by His Majesty because he was involved in something in the previous dynasty. All the men in the mansion were executed, and their daughters were sold to be courtesans. I heard that Magistrate Pei had an outstanding pair of children. They were still young, but they died in this calamity.”
Pei Lang’s lips were trembling slightly. He asked word by word, “Who exactly are you?”
“Shh.” Shen Miao made a shushing sound at him and downed another cup of wine. Her snow-white face turned red as she continued, “Actually, I once heard a secret. Since you two have the same surname, I don’t mind sharing it with you.”
“Originally, Magistrate Pei had the ability to save his son and daughter to avoid the disaster. Unfortunately, because the constables were chasing after them, he had to make a choice between the two. Therefore… Magistrate Pei let his son escape while giving his daughter in to the constables.” She shook her head regretfully. “The constables are all ruthless and will never show mercy to the families of the guilty officials. How can that little girl have a good time after being captured?” Shen Miao sighed.” In my opinion, Magistrate Pei knows that his daughter will definitely die if she falls into the hands of the constable, but he still pushed her out. Isn’t he a little heartless?”
Pei Lang closed his eyes, looking pained.
“Mr. Pei, you can feel their pain, right?” Shen Miao looked at him with a smile. “But I don’t think you are that son who escaped, because you’re not from Qi Lu. You were born in the capital. I said all this only because I get sentimental from drinking too much.”
The gentle expression on Pei Lang’s face suddenly disappeared, and it was replaced by intense vigilance. He said, “Is this General Shen’s idea?”
Shen Miao shook her head.
“My father doted on me and gave me an embroidery shop. The embroidery shop needs an embroiderer.” Shen Miao dragged out her voice. “I heard that the eldest daughter of Magistrate Pei knew about double-sided embroidery since she was young. Coincidentally, Miss Liu Ying from the Treasure Fragrance Chamber also knows double-sided embroidery. I thought Miss Liu Ying might have something to do with Magistrate Pei, so I bought her freedom from the brothel.” Shen Miao looked at Pei Lang and said, “Mr. Pei, do you think I’m doing the right thing as your student?”