Outside Zhao's house.
"Your Highness, please."
Outside the door, the servants were bending down and respectfully escorting Lin Jiangnian to the carriage.
Lin Jiangnian, who was about to get on the carriage, caught a glimpse of a graceful figure standing quietly under a tree not far away.
The cold wind blew, and the thin figure stood out in the wind.
"No."
Lin Jiangnian refused the Zhao family's servant's offer to send him back and turned to walk towards a tree not far away.
As we approached, the silhouette under the tree gradually became clearer.
"Auntie, why are you here?"
Lin Jiangnian looked at the woman standing before him. The cold wind had ruffled her hair a bit, and her face was slightly red. The hot breath she exhaled was instantly blown away by the cold wind. Even so, it still couldn't hide her beautiful face, as bright as the autumn moon and as radiant as spring flowers.
Even the snow-white mink fur under her thin clothes could not resist the invasion of the cold wind. The cold wind penetrated through her clothes and irritated her skin, making her look even more fragile and distressing.
Jiang Yuxiang stared at Lin Jiangnian with her beautiful eyes, sizing him up and down. After confirming that he was intact, she breathed a sigh of relief and then spoke in a bad mood, "What do you think?"
"How can I, your aunt, feel at ease if you, a heartless person, enter the Zhao residence?"
Lin Jiangnian was a little touched: "Aunt, don't worry about me, I'm fine."
"You said the same thing before, but what happened?" Jiang Yuxiang glared.
Lin Jiangnian was speechless.
He does seem a bit arrogant when he says this now.
"snort!"
Jiang Yuxiang snorted softly, looking at Lin Jiangnian in front of her with a complicated look. After a while, she sighed softly: "You are my sister's only child. If something happens to you, how can I explain it to your mother?"
The tone was regretful and seemed to carry a bit of sadness.
Lin Jiangnian didn't know how to respond. Seeing Jiang Yuxiang's delicate body shivering from the cold, her thin clothes couldn't keep out the cold wind. She paced back and forth for a while before she warmed up a little. Then he took off his coat and put it on Jiang Yuxiang.
"Aunt, it's cold, let's go back."
Jiang Yuxiang was stunned for a moment, and looked at Lin Jiangnian in a daze as he put his coat on her, staring blankly at Lin Jiangnian's beautiful and bright eyes.
She came back to her senses when she felt the warmth of her coat. Her face, which was already slightly red from the cold wind, seemed to turn even redder. She turned away awkwardly and hummed softly, "You still have some conscience, kid."
But soon, she seemed to smell something, her pretty eyebrows slightly wrinkled, and her delicate nose gently sniffed the coat on her body. Then, as if realizing something, her expression suddenly changed slightly, and she raised her eyes to stare at Lin Jiangnian: "You, what did you do with that Miss Zhao?"
Lin Jiangnian was caught off guard by his aunt's sudden question. He was puzzled and asked, "Nothing?"
"Why do you ask that, auntie?"
Jiang Yuxiang narrowed her eyes and stared at Lin Jiangnian with her beautiful eyes. Then, she suddenly moved closer to Lin Jiangnian and sniffed him gently.
Then she asked, "Why do you smell like rouge?"
"Then what did Miss Zhao ask you to do? What happened between you during this period of time?"
Although the fragrance of the beauty was very faint, Jiang Yuxiang still smelled it.
Why is there a scent of rouge on Lin Jiangnian? Isn't he going to see that Miss Zhao?
Could this rouge come from that Miss Zhao?
...What did he do with that Miss Zhao?
Lin Jiangnian was startled, then realized something. Perhaps he had accidentally gotten a little rouge scent on himself from the time he'd entered Miss Zhao's boudoir, which was overflowing with fragrance. It hadn't completely dissipated yet, so his aunt had noticed?
My aunt's nose is quite sensitive.
Lin Jiangnian gave a bitter smile: "Aunt, you misunderstood. I have nothing to do with that Miss Zhao..."
But Lin Jiangnian's explanation seemed a little pale and powerless.
"You mean, Miss Zhao, you've never met her before, but she invited you, a man, into her boudoir on your first meeting?"
Jiang Yuxiang stared at Lin Jiangnian, and the more she listened, the more she felt something was wrong.
Although she was not familiar with the young lady from the Zhao family, she knew that she was extraordinary. She was intelligent since childhood and had both talent and beauty. She usually stayed at home, rarely showed up in public, and few people knew her.
I have never heard that Miss Zhao has ever been close to a man, but now she suddenly invites Prince Lin, whom she has just met for the first time, into her boudoir... This doesn't feel right.
In fact, Lin Jiangnian also felt something was wrong.
He told his aunt what happened today, but concealed the fact that Zhao Xi asked him to kill Chen Zhao. He only said that Zhao Xi was a good friend of the eldest princess and wanted to meet him.
Jiang Yuxiang fell into deep thought after hearing this. After thinking for a moment, she stared at Lin Jiangnian with a serious expression: "Miss Zhao, does she have any thoughts about you?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "I have the same suspicion."
Jiang Yuxiang glanced at him and asked, "Are you quite proud?"
"No." Lin Jiangnian denied it flatly.
"Stop pretending!"
Jiang Yuxiang poked his head and said, "Miss Zhao is also extremely beautiful, rare in Beijing. How could you not be tempted?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "Aunt, am I such a vulgar person in your eyes?"
"Who knows?"
Jiang Yuxiang glanced at him and snorted. Then she stared at Lin Jiangnian seriously and said, "But you better take it easy!"
"Um?"
"This Zhao Xi is different from others. Her identity is special. Don't mess with her..."
Jiang Yuxiang stared at Lin Jiangnian and said seriously, "You are engaged to the eldest princess, and the engagement has not been cancelled yet. If you get involved in an affair at this time and cause trouble, I can't help you!"
Jiang Yuxiang couldn't help but worry.
There was something fishy about that Miss Zhao. It was unclear what her purpose was. Whether she was attracted to Lin Jiangnian's beauty or had some other motive, it didn't matter.
Lin Jiangnian was still engaged to the eldest princess, so Prime Minister Zhao naturally wouldn't let his beloved daughter become Lin Jiangnian's concubine. If the truth came to light, the consequences would be disastrous.
Thinking of this, Jiang Yuxiang had to warn Lin Jiangnian in advance.
This guy can do whatever he wants in Linzhou, after all, the mountains are high and the roads are long, but this is the capital, and he can't do that anymore.
"Don't worry, auntie, I know what's going on."
Lin Jiang spoke in a young voice, but Zhao Xi's previous reaction and those meaningful words emerged in his mind, and he sighed.
He is such a gentleman!
He righteously rejected the ambiguous demands of the daughter of Prime Minister Zhao and resolutely resisted this bad temptation!
Lin Jiangnian had a clear gaze and was proud of himself for not being tempted by beauty.
But then again... Miss Zhao's legs are indeed white.
…
Xu Mansion.
"Second Young Master, you're back?"
As soon as Xu Zhongshan got off the carriage, servants came to greet him outside the door and led him into the mansion.
Xu Zhongshan nodded: "Where is my grandfather?"
"The master is busy today and has not returned home yet."
Xu Zhongshan was not surprised. Although the old man did not have much power in the six ministries, he would be very busy when encountering some special and important days.
"Second Young Master, did you have a good time attending the Lu family wedding today?" The servant asked in a low voice as he followed Xu Zhongshan.
"today……"
Recalling what happened at the Lu family's wedding today, Xu Zhongshan's eyes were complicated, and he couldn't help but sigh: "It's hard to put it into words..."
What happened today will probably spread throughout the capital very soon.
besides……
Xu Zhongshan seemed to think of something: "Where's Xiaolan?"
The servant replied, "The young lady has been staying in the room."
"Okay, I got it."
Xu Zhongshan waved his hand, dismissed the servants, and walked to the inner courtyard. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw a young girl lying on the table with her face propped up and looking a little depressed under the eaves of a house not far away, with a slightly open window.
"Xiao Lan, why are you here?"
Xu Zhongshan approached and said worriedly, "It's so cold outside. You're afraid you'll catch a cold with the window open."
The girl didn't seem to take his words seriously at all. She continued to lie on the windowsill bored and listless.
"Why are you back so soon?"
"It's not too early."
Xu Zhongshan glanced at the sky and said, "Something unexpected happened, so I came back early."
When he said this, Xu Zhongshan's expression was obviously a little complicated. He looked at his little sister in front of him and said hesitantly: "Xiao Lan, do you know who I met at the Lu family wedding today?"
"who?"
The girl didn't even raise her eyes, as if she was completely uninterested in this.
"I……"
Xu Zhongshan subconsciously wanted to speak and tell his younger sister what happened at the wedding today.
But when the words came to his lips, he forced himself to hold them back.
What happened today was too shocking!
Who could have imagined that the young man who lied to him that his name was Lin Kong was actually the Prince of Lin?!
The Prince of Lin's silent appearance at the Lu family wedding was beyond everyone's expectations. Xu Zhongshan also didn't expect that he had actually met the Prince of Lin, whom his younger sister had been talking about.
Before my younger sister came to the capital, her father, who was far away in Linzhou, had given her instructions. In Linzhou, although the Xu family and the Lin family had a deep connection and friendship, the two families were old friends.
But now, with the changing situation in the court, the Xu family has been pushed to the forefront. Although Xu Zhongshan is not sure what his father and his family's purpose is, he can vaguely guess a little.
Before coming to the capital, my father specifically told me not to let my younger sister have anything to do with the Prince of Lin.
Xu Zhongshan had also heard that his younger sister had been very close to the Prince of Lin when she was in Linzhou. The exact nature of their relationship was unknown, but seeing that his younger sister had been seeking information about the Prince of Lin since arriving in the capital, it seemed likely that their relationship was not simple...
Especially when he realized that Prince Lin was in big trouble, Xu Zhongshan felt a little depressed. He hesitated for a long time, but ultimately did not speak.
"Nothing, just ran into an acquaintance..."
Xu Zhongshan sighed inwardly, feeling slightly guilty.
Looking at the increasingly thin younger sister beside the windowsill, a smile appeared on his face: "Xiao Lan, the weather has been nice these past two days. Do you want me to go out with you?"
"No."
“…”
The carriage slowly stopped at the back door of Jiang's house. Lin Jiangnian and Jiang Yuxiang got out of the carriage one after another. Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and glanced outside the wall. He vaguely saw several figures hidden in the darkness flash by.
He didn't care. These people had been squatting outside the Jiang Mansion for a few days and finally got some results. However, by the time they returned, the news of Lin Jiangnian's appearance in the capital would have spread throughout the capital.
"Let's go back first."
Jiang Yuxiang also withdrew her gaze and glanced at Lin Jiangnian: "What are you going to do next?"
"I haven't decided yet..."
Just as he opened his mouth, he saw Jiang Yuxiang glaring at him with slight anger, so he said seriously: "Let's see first, there will always be a way."
Jiang Yuxiang was silent for a moment before she said, "They won't let this go. They'll definitely make a big fuss about Zhou Huiguang... You have to be careful."
"I know."
Lin Jiangnian nodded.
Jiang Yuxiang looked at Lin Jiangnian deeply a few more times, gave him some instructions again, and then turned and left.
After Jiang Yuxiang disappeared, Lin Jiangnian turned around and returned to the yard.
In the courtyard, two figures had been waiting for a long time: Lin Kong and Lin Qingqing, whose injuries had healed considerably.
"Your Highness."
The two of them spoke respectfully.
"You came at the right time. I have something to ask you."
Lin Jiangnian nodded slightly and looked at Lin Kong: "Help me check these two people."
"I wonder who your highness wants to investigate?"
"Li Qianlin, Gao Wenyang."
Lin Jiangnian ordered: "Investigate their connection with the Third Prince, and..."
"Check out Zhou Yao, the doctor of the Ministry of Personnel, and all the connections and social networks of the Zhou family. The sooner the better."
"yes."
A doctor from the Ministry of Personnel wasn't originally worth Lin Jiangnian's investigation. However, after Zhou Huiguang's murder, Lin Jiangnian had to take it seriously. He wasn't wary of the Zhou family, but rather worried that someone might use the Zhou family as a clue to attack him.
Have to be on guard.
"Qingqing."
Lin Jiangnian turned his head and looked at Lin Qingqing beside him: "How is your injury?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm fine now!"
Lin Qingqing spoke.
Lin Jiangnian glanced at Lin Qingqing, who still looked a little weak and had not yet fully recovered, and shook his head gently: "You should rest well for a while."
Lin Qingqing raised her eyes and insisted, "I have recovered."
Hearing the meaning in Lin Qingqing's tone, Lin Jiangnian was silent for a moment and sighed: "Then you can help me find someone."
"Who does Your Highness want to investigate?"
"Xu Zhongshan."
“…”
manor.
The Lu family was getting married, and the Zhou family's son was murdered. These events cast a shadow over the wedding.
After hearing the news, the Zhou family rushed to the scene. When they saw the tragic death of their only son, Zhou's father was furious and extremely sad. Zhou's mother turned pale and fainted on the spot.
The person with the ugliest expression was none other than the Minister of Personnel, Lu Fusheng.
"Third Prince, is this what you did?"
Attic, inside the room.
Lu Fusheng stared at the man sitting on the couch not far away with a gloomy face and asked in a cold voice.
When he saw Zhou Huiguang being killed and Lin Jiangnian was at the scene, Lu Fusheng realized what the great gift that the third prince was talking about meant.
"Master Lu, why are you so angry?"
The man on the couch spoke calmly.
"Today is my son's wedding day. Why would Your Highness do such a thing?"
How could Lu Fusheng not be angry?
He had repeatedly warned the Third Prince not to act rashly. But what happened? Not only did he act rashly, but he also caused such a big incident.
Kill Zhou Huiguang and put the blame on Prince Lin?
Is he really crazy?
"This is a great opportunity!"
The Third Prince did not regret it. He half-closed his eyes and sighed, "It's a pity that those people from the Mi Tiansi were too timid..."
"It would be interesting if we caught him."
Lu Fusheng's face was expressionless: "Is this what His Highness told me?"
The Third Prince raised his eyes and said calmly, "I was indeed a bit reckless in what happened today. I apologize to Lord Lu. However, this is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity..."
"Once Zhou Huiguang is dead, Lin Jiangnian will have no way to defend himself. When today's incident becomes serious, he will be confirmed as the murderer of Zhou Huiguang. Even if he doesn't die, he will be severely punished!"
The Third Prince had a meaningful and smug smile on his face.
He only needed to move his fingers slightly to put the Prince of Lin into an extremely passive danger.
What can he use to fight against himself?
Lu Fusheng's face was gloomy. He naturally knew what the third prince wanted to do.
But what happened today had brought the Lu family complete disgrace. This was supposed to be a day of glory and fame for the Lu family, but now it had become a laughing stock in the capital.
There was also trouble with the Zhou family. After all, Zhou Huiguang died on the Lu family's territory, and dealing with the Zhou family also made him overwhelmed.
"This prince will naturally not forget Lord Lu's help in today's matter."
The Third Prince stood up and walked towards Lü Fusheng, bowing and saying, "When I gain power someday, Sir Lu will surely be the most meritorious official. I will certainly not treat you unfairly, Sir Lu, so you can rest assured."
Lu Fusheng remained silent, his expression slightly improved. He warned expressionlessly, "Your Highness, please do not let personal grudges make you forget our grand plan."
"Don't worry, Master Lu. I know what I'm doing."
The third prince raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and a hint of disdain appeared in his eyes.
How could a mere prince of Prince Lin be qualified to be his enemy?
She was just an insignificant little character in his plan to seize the throne.
…
After receiving Lin Jiangnian's orders, Lin Kong and Lin Qingqing hurried away one after another.
Today, after attending the Lu family's wedding and being invited to visit the Zhao family, it was already dark when she returned to the Jiang residence. Lin Jiangnian called the maid in the courtyard and ordered her to prepare hot water for a bath and change clothes. After bathing and changing clothes, she returned to her room feeling refreshed.
As soon as he returned to the room, Lin Jiangnian stopped.
There was another figure in the room.
It seems like I have been waiting for a long time.
"Kite?"
In the dim room, a graceful figure could be vaguely seen, and Lin Jiangnian's eyes lit up slightly.
Who else could it be if not the kite?
The lamp was lit, and the figure of Zhiyuan was reflected in the bright room. Sitting quietly at the table, she looked at him coldly.
"Zhiyuan, why are you here?"
As Lin Jiangnian approached, Zhiyuan took the initiative to come to the door. This was really a pleasant surprise!
Ever since that night a few days ago, Zhiyuan has been avoiding him these days. Even if they meet, she treats him as a stranger and almost completely ignores Lin Jiangnian's proactive approaches.
I think what happened that night must have had a great impact on her.
Lin Jiangnian went a little too far, so it's normal for her to be angry!
Of course, besides being angry, there might be other reasons...
Lin Jiangnian was indeed caught off guard by Zhiyuan's initiative to find him.
Very pleasantly surprised!
Meeting Lin Jiangnian's surprised gaze, Zhiyuan turned her head away somewhat unnaturally.
Still sitting there, with a cold expression.
Still no words.
The cold look gave people a feeling of being angry.
"What's wrong?"
Lin Jiangnian sat next to Zhiyuan naturally and reached out to grab her hand, but Zhiyuan dodged him.
Lin Jiangnian didn't give up and continued to chase, while Zhiyuan continued to hide. After several rounds, Zhiyuan finally responded.
She glared at Lin Jiangnian with some embarrassment: "What are you doing?"
"It's been a while since we last met. I miss you."
Lin Jiang smiled young.
Zhiyuan's face flushed slightly, and she subconsciously stood up and walked out the door.
Just as he was about to take a step, Lin Jiangnian stopped him: "Where are you going?"
"go back."
Zhiyuan spoke with a blank expression, but his tone seemed to carry some emotion.
How could Lin Jiangnian give her this opportunity?
Seeing that Zhiyuan wanted to leave, he grabbed her slender waist and hugged her back.
Zhiyuan seemed to have not expected that Lin Jiangnian would take direct action. She staggered and fell into Lin Jiangnian's arms unexpectedly.
"Since you're here, sit down for a while."
“…”