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墨書 Inktalez
I sat leisurely in the Duty Room, savoring fine Longjing tea while perusing the newly arrived script of Peony Pavilion.
The delicate aroma of tea lingered at the tip of my nose, contrasting sharply with the infatuated and lingering emotions of Du Liniang in the script, a far cry from my current situation.
Outside the Duty Room, I faintly heard a commotion of hurried footsteps, but I didn't lift my eyelids, continuing to immerse myself in my own world.
A Clerk rushed in, his face anxious. "Lord Lu, it's bad news! You've been removed from the engineering team!"
I set down my teacup, feigning surprise. "Oh? What’s this about?"
The Clerk stammered, "I heard... it was an order from the Chief Inspector himself, saying... saying you weren't cooperating with your work."
A barely perceptible cold smile crept onto my lips as I pretended to be unaware. "Oh~ then I suppose I should go to the Clean Room and reflect on this."
I rose and stepped into the Clean Room, but I did not rush to contemplate the designs.
I called over a servant from the Duty Room and casually asked, "Any news from the capital lately?"
The servant was a clever lad and immediately began recounting several recent oddities and gossip about officials in court.
As I listened, I subtly probed for information about various factions' movements, gradually formulating my own plans.
Suddenly, a clamor erupted outside the Clean Room.
I pushed open the door to find Liu Jun and the Chief Inspector standing furiously in the center of the Duty Room, pointing at me and reprimanding me harshly.
"Lu Shanyun, just how long do you intend to delay?!" Liu Jun shouted sharply. "The Imperial Merchant has been waiting impatiently!"
Chief Inspector's face turned ashen. "Lu Shanyun, you openly defy orders and delay the project. Do you know your crime?!"
I looked at them calmly and replied, "My lords, please do not be angry. This official did not intend to delay; it is just that this design is of great importance and requires careful consideration to ensure everything is flawless."
"Stop the nonsense!" the Chief Inspector shouted angrily. "You are clearly just making things difficult on purpose!"
"You exaggerate, my lord," I said, remaining unperturbed. "Good work takes time; this official merely wishes to strive for perfection."
"You!" The Chief Inspector trembled with rage. "If you do not hand over the design immediately, I will have you dismissed!"
I sneered inwardly; this old fox had finally revealed his true colors.
Feigning panic, I said, "My lord, please calm down. This official will go and hasten the creation of the design right away."
I turned back to my desk, picked up my brush, but hesitated to put it to paper.
Liu Jun stood nearby, mocking me. "Oh, Lord Lu, how long are you going to pretend?"
I ignored him and continued to grind the ink leisurely, as if I hadn’t heard his words at all.
The Chief Inspector's patience finally wore thin. "Lu Shanyun, do you really think I dare not take action against you?"
I raised my head and looked at him calmly. "Since you insist on this course of action, I have nothing more to say."
The Chief Inspector's expression changed. "What... what do you mean?"
I smiled slightly. "My lord, my design is already complete."
The Chief Inspector was taken aback, clearly not expecting me to respond in that manner.
He glanced at me with suspicion. "Is that true?"
I nodded. "Of course it's true. I just wonder if you would be so kind as to step into the inner hall for a look?"
The Chief Inspector exchanged a glance with Liu Jun, then followed me into the inner hall.
I unfolded the design and pointed to one section. "Please take a look here, my lord. The design…"
I spoke confidently, explaining the details of the design one by one. The Chief Inspector nodded repeatedly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
However, Liu Jun scoffed from the side. "You speak so grandly; who knows if it's really true?"
I ignored his provocation and continued, "This design has been carefully considered and revised multiple times by this official to ensure there are no mistakes."
I paused for a moment, my tone carrying a hint of confidence. "If you have any doubts, my lord, please feel free to ask."
The Chief Inspector examined the design closely for a long while before finally speaking. "Indeed, this design is quite exquisite; Lord Lu truly possesses remarkable talent."
I smiled modestly. "You flatter me, my lord."
The Chief Inspector nodded. "Since the design is complete, let’s get started as soon as possible."
I replied, "This official obeys."
After the Chief Inspector and Liu Jun left, I set down the design in my hands, tapping my fingers lightly on the table as my thoughts drifted back eight years.
At that time, filled with aspirations, I stepped through the doors of the Ministry of Works, clad in a blue robe.
Back then, the Construction Bureau was a place of integrity, where everyone took pride in their craftsmanship.
I studied day and night, meticulously copying blueprints, all to participate in real construction projects.
Eight years passed in the blink of an eye.
I grew from an inexperienced youth into a Clerk at the Ministry of Works, having taken part in various projects and witnessed the rise and fall of the Construction Bureau.
Three years ago, the court faced financial difficulties, and the performance of the Construction Bureau plummeted.
Everything changed with the appointment of the new Chief Inspector.
He embarked on extensive construction projects without reason, repeatedly altering designs just to siphon off profits.
The entire Construction Bureau was shrouded in chaos, and everyone felt insecure.
What was most infuriating was that he would conduct night inspections at the Duty Room, checking on processing conditions and calling out individuals for reprimands.
Those who worked through the night were granted only half a day off; it was as if we were being treated like livestock!
"Fail to complete your tasks, and you can forget about going home!"
"Anyone caught slacking off will be kicked out of the Construction Bureau!"
His words struck like daggers, piercing deeply into everyone's hearts.
Even so, I gritted my teeth and diligently completed the project for the Imperial Merchant Tavern.
I knew this was my father's hard work, and it was my responsibility as a female official of the Construction Bureau.
At that moment, the door to the Duty Room was pushed open.
Liu Jun walked in, a hint of mockery on his face. "Oh, Lord Lu, still feeling sentimental?"
I looked up, coldly regarding him. "What do you want?"
Liu Jun approached me, towering over me as he said, "I'm here to remind you not to forget your promise."
I let out a cold laugh. "My promise?"
Liu Jun nodded. "Don't think that just because you play a few tricks, you can escape your obligations. What you owe me will be repaid sooner or later!"
My gaze sharpened. "What do I owe you?"
A chilling smile crept across Liu Jun's lips. "You'll find out soon enough."
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