Outside the house.
"Master Gao, take care!"
The servant at the door respectfully escorted the middle-aged man out of the house. Gao Boyan walked through the quiet alley and came out.
A short distance outside the alley, a carriage was parked. Outside the carriage stood a young man, who approached quickly.
"Dad, what's wrong?!"
The young man was Gao Boyan’s eldest son, Gao Hang.
He glanced behind Gao Boyan and quickly asked in a low voice, "What did the Third Prince say?"
Gao Boyan took a deep breath and nodded: "It's done!"
Hearing this, Gao Hang's face suddenly lit up with joy, and he clenched his fist: "Great!"
As he spoke, he quickly asked, "What did the Third Prince...promise father?"
Gao Boyan's cloudy eyes were filled with a certain depth as he said in a deep voice, "Among the six ministries, the Ministry of War currently has a vacancy for a doctor. The Third Prince will arrange for you to take the position when the time comes."
Hearing this, Gao Hang's eyes widened in disbelief: "Six ministries?"
"Dad, can I enter the Sixth Department?!"
Gao Hang could no longer conceal his joy. He had spent several years in the Imperial Academy without getting the chance. Now, he had never expected to be able to enter the Six Ministries directly.
In this way, both the father and son of the Gao family have a place in the six ministries!
"The Third Prince really didn't treat our Gao family unfairly!"
Gao Hang spoke excitedly.
Gao Boyan's face showed no joy, and he said coldly: "Don't forget, all of this was paid back with your third brother's life."
The smile on Gao Hang's face suddenly froze.
"Third brother..."
Gao Hang seemed to have thought of something and gritted his teeth, muttering, "He's just too stupid to think straight..."
"No matter what, he sacrificed himself for our Gao family!"
Gao Boyan took a deep breath, his eyes filled with sorrow: "But this time he has gotten into big trouble, no one can save him!"
After the incident, Gao Boyan realized that something was wrong.
Over the years, the Gao family and the Third Prince had indeed had many interactions behind the scenes. Gao Wenyang had always been in contact with the Third Prince, and Gao Boyan was well aware of this, but he did not stop it.
This time Gao Wenyang poisoned Zhou Huiguang, and the evidence is irrefutable. No one can save him. There are only two options for the Gao family!
Either you fight to the death or you struggle to the death!
Or he could sacrifice his own family for the greater good and win a path to wealth and glory for the Gao family.
Rather than waiting for Gao Wenyang to finally confess and implicate the entire Gao family, it would be better for the Gao family to take the initiative, sacrifice their own family for the sake of justice, and use Gao Wenyang's life to make their attitude clear to the third prince.
In this way, they can exchange the glory that the Gao family wants from the third prince!
Once Gao Wenyang died, Zhou Huiguang’s death would no longer have anything to do with the Third Prince. This was the Gao family’s surrender to the Third Prince!
"Wen Yang's death this time has brought sufficient benefits to our Gao family..."
Gao Boyan narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice: "His sacrifice was not in vain!"
Gao Hang's smile faded. "Then, Father, are we completely on the Third Prince's side from now on?"
"Our Gao family has no choice!"
Gao Boyan narrowed his eyes. "On the surface, the Third Prince allowed you, Hang'er, to join the six ministries and also gave our Gao family huge benefits. But behind the scenes, isn't it also a form of surveillance and warning? The Third Prince's mention of your second brother is a threat to our Gao family..."
"Your Majesty has been in seclusion for a long time now. Rumors have spread throughout the capital that he has passed away due to illness. Furthermore, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has also suddenly become seriously ill... If the Third Prince is able to succeed as heir, our Gao family will undoubtedly be meritorious officials. If he fails..."
At this point, Gao Boyan's voice gradually became low and cold: "Our Gao family still needs a way out..."
"A way out?"
Gao Hang was stunned: "Dad, what other way out is there for our Gao family?"
"Wen Yang died because of the Third Prince. Who is the person in the capital who is most at odds with the Third Prince?"
Gao Hang thought for a moment, "The one in the capital who's at odds with the Third Prince... His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Besides His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Except His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
Gao Hang thought about it and realized that there seemed to be not many people in the capital who could fight against the Third Prince and have the power to compete with him.
Gao Boyan said coldly: "Why did the Third Prince use Wen Yang to poison Zhou Huiguang this time?"
"Of course it's to put the blame on..."
Gao Hang spoke subconsciously, then suddenly realized something and his eyes widened: "Dad, you, you mean..."
"Prince Lin?!"
“…”
In the afternoon, it was a rare sunny day after being cloudy for several days.
The dark clouds in the sky dissipated and the temperature rose a lot. The weather in Beijing, which had been cold for many days, became much warmer.
Jiang Mansion.
A carriage stopped silently at the back door of Jiang Mansion, and two figures jumped out of the carriage stealthily.
"Miss, be careful, don't fall!"
"Who am I looking down on? I'm a martial arts expert... Hurry up, don't let anyone see us!"
"Miss, why are you making us look like thieves... Hey, miss, wait for me!"
Xiaolu jogged all the way, panting as he caught up with his young lady in front of him.
Xu Lan quickly walked into the Jiang Mansion through the back door. After her last visit to the Jiang Mansion, the servants outside the Jiang Mansion had already learned that this unknown young lady was a friend of their own prince, so they let her in directly.
"Xiaolu, you're too slow. Go play by yourself!"
Xu Lan waved her hand and walked towards the backyard with brisk steps.
Having been here before, she was very familiar with the situation this time.
However, when she was about to reach the courtyard where Lin Jiangnian was, she subconsciously slowed down her pace.
There was a sense of inexplicable tension on his face!
But then the tension dissipated.
"Why am I so nervous? Could this guy possibly eat me?"
But thinking about it this way, Xu Lan still felt an inexplicable panic. Remembering that she lost to that guy the last time she came here and was forced to be that guy's maid and massage his legs, Xu Lan felt so ashamed that she wanted to turn around and run away.
But in the end, she forced herself to hold it back and took a deep breath.
"I just came to see if this guy is dead... That's right, that's it!"
"If he dares to do anything to me this time, leave immediately..."
After comforting himself in this way, Xu Lan walked slowly into the yard with a slightly guilty step.
However, the yard was empty and deserted.
Where are the people?
Xu Lan walked under the eaves and was about to go to Lin Jiangnian's room to find him when a petite figure appeared out of nowhere.
"Xu, Miss Xu?"
Came a voice that was a little uncertain and doubtful.
Xu Lan was startled and turned around, only then did she see Xiao Zhu standing timidly under the eaves not far away, looking at her with a puzzled and amazed look.
"Xiaozhu?!"
Xiao Zhu stood under the eaves, looking at the woman in front of him with surprise.
Is she Miss Xu?
Xiao Zhu felt a little unfamiliar with what Miss Xu was wearing today.
In the past, when she was at the Linwang Mansion, Miss Xu always wore a heroic outfit with a hint of the temperament of a female knight.
But today, Ms. Xu's outfit...
Xiao Zhu couldn't help showing a bit of surprise, and then said enviously: "Miss Xu, you are so beautiful today!"
Xu Lan blushed a little embarrassedly after being praised by Xiao Zhu, and hurriedly waved her hands: "No, it's not true... Isn't this the same as before?"
Not far away, the efficiency guy who had finally caught up with the young lady and walked into the yard couldn't help but curl his lips when he heard what his young lady said.
What's the same?
Before coming to the Jiang residence today, the young lady had changed countless sets of clothes. She even had the maids at the residence put on exquisite makeup... Even Xiaolu was stunned.
When have you ever seen your young lady care so much about her image?
However, after such careful dressing, Xiaolu had to admit that her young lady had finally developed the temperament of a lady from a noble family after so many years.
Xiao Zhu said in amazement: "Miss Xu is much more beautiful today than before... Your Highness will definitely like it."
Hearing this, Xu Lan's already unnatural face immediately turned red, and she said in a panic: "Who, who wants him to like it... Only a ghost would like him!"
Xiao Zhu blinked: "Could it be that Miss Xu likes my prince?"
"No!"
Xu Lan denied it flatly, then realized that he had said the wrong thing, and quickly turned his head to change the subject: "You, where is your prince?"
"With Sister Zhiyuan across the street!" Xiaozhu explained.
When Xu Lan heard that Lin Jiangnian was with Zhiyuan, he suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.
"What is he doing at the Kite?"
Xiao Zhu thought for a moment and explained, "It seems like I'm helping Sister Zhiyuan fix the window."
Xu Lan: “?”
Repair the window?!
Why would that guy repair Zhiyuan’s window for no reason?
The dignified Prince Lin repairs the windows for his own maid?
Is this reasonable?
Something is wrong!
"I'll go take a look!"
As Xu Lan spoke, he strode towards the next courtyard.
Xiao Zhu was about to follow, but Xiao Lu suddenly stood behind her and pulled her back. She glanced at the young lady in front of her and whispered, "Xiao Zhu, come here. I have something to ask you..."
“…”
Xu Lan walked at a leisurely pace, passed through the eaves, and quickly approached the next courtyard. As she approached, she saw a figure standing in the courtyard not far away.
Lin Qingqing.
Lin Qingqing, dressed in tight clothes, was standing in the yard, looking at the eaves in front of her, reporting something.
And at the window not far from the eaves, Lin Jiangnian was standing there, repairing the window?
"Your Highness, rumors have spread in the capital today, and everyone in the city is discussing this matter. I heard that the Third Prince was furious at home, furious..."
"Your Highness's guess was indeed correct. This morning, news broke that Gao Wenyang had committed suicide in prison. This news has sparked widespread speculation among the people. This matter won't be easily resolved..."
"My subordinates also secretly discovered that Gao Wenyang's father, Gao Boyan, secretly went to the Third Prince's residence today. It was probably because of Gao Wenyang's death..."
Under the eaves, listening to Lin Qingqing's report, Lin Jiangnian's face did not show much surprise.
He had anticipated all of this.
"This Gao Boyan is indeed more vicious than I imagined!"
Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but sigh, "He could even kill his own son. This person... is worse than a beast!"
Lin Qingqing lowered her eyes, slightly shocked.
Even a tiger won't eat its own cubs, but Gao Boyan was so decisive in order to save the Zhou family. He even risked his own son's death in order to surrender to the Third Prince in exchange for benefits.
"This kind of person is no longer a human being, he is simply a beast!"
Lin Qingqing's voice was cold and a bit angry. She naturally looked down on such people.
Lin Jiangnian is not as hateful as Lin Qingqing. From a rational point of view, this is indeed the best solution for Gao Boyan.
He decisively gave up a son he couldn't save to preserve the Gao family. He took advantage of Gao Wenyang's silence to demand the greatest benefit from the third prince.
Gao Boyan's choice was correct. This move would not only preserve the Gao family, but also secure sufficient benefits for them.
If the Third Prince wants to appease the people below him, he will certainly not treat the Gao family unfairly. This is the smartest thing about Gao Boyan.
In order to conceal the secret for you, the Third Prince, I even killed my own son. If you don't give the Gao family enough benefits, won't that make those who follow you, the Third Prince, feel disheartened?
Gao Boyan is very smart and can be considered a talent!
But on the other hand, he was so cruel that he even killed his own son.
What a not human being!
"This Gao Boyan is no good, but his methods are so fierce and ruthless, he is definitely not a simple person."
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and said, "Send someone to keep an eye on him. We have to be on guard against this guy."
"yes."
When Lin Jiangnian was about to say something, he realized something and turned his head to see a sneaky figure at the entrance of the side courtyard not far away.
"who?"
Lin Jiangnian just felt that the figure looked familiar, but when he looked over, he saw the figure retreating stealthily.
"come out!"
Lin Qingqing also noticed this figure and wondered why a stranger broke in. Just as she was about to warn him sternly, she was taken aback: "Xu, Miss Xu?!"
"Xu Lan?"
Hearing the voice of "Miss Xu", Lin Jiangnian quickly realized who was coming.
"Xu Lan, what are you doing sneakily?"
Lin Jiangnian frowned.
"Who's sneaking around?!"
A grouchy voice came, with a hint of embarrassment.
Then, Xu Lan appeared in Lin Jiangnian's sight. She strode over and said angrily, "I came here openly and honestly... I definitely didn't eavesdrop."
"When did I ever tell you that you were eavesdropping? You're admitting it yourself... Wait... What are you wearing?!"
Lin Jiangnian was about to speak when he was stunned when he saw Xu Lan appear in his sight.
At one point I wondered if I was dazzled.
The girl in front of me... is Xu Lan? !
Appearing in front of Lin Jiangnian was an exquisite girl with a pretty face and outstanding temperament.
She was wearing a luxurious and exquisite silk long dress that wrapped around her body, revealing the girl's figure. Although her chest was flat and slightly barren, it did not affect the girl's elegant temperament.
Her jet-black hair was tied up and fixed with an exquisite hairpin, revealing a lively and innocent face of a young girl underneath the hair. She seemed to have a layer of light makeup on her face, which was fair and rosy, tender, and delicate, with a bit of refinement in her childishness.
At first glance, she looks like someone's gentle and graceful eldest daughter!
At first glance, it looks a little familiar!
When Xu Lan saw the astonishment and surprise in Lin Jiangnian's eyes, he felt extremely proud.
I told you last time that I look like a man!
This girl will blind your dog eyes today!
Who dares to say that I don’t look like a woman?
Xu Lan was about to speak proudly when she suddenly heard Lin Jiangnian's voice.
"Xu Lan, are you possessed by evil spirits today?"
The smile on Xu Lan's face suddenly froze in place.
…