Chapter 684

Once Shen Rang entered the palace, no matter how many people wanted to take his life, they couldn't really do anything to him.

He went straight into the imperial study and met the emperor directly.

"I have come back without having time to tidy up before coming to see Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

The emperor looked at Shen Rang, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

The person in front of me is like a completely different person compared to a few months ago.

Shen Rang was the only son of the Marquis of Changping. He was pampered and raised by his parents since childhood, and was always treated with respect and dignity. But now, he was covered in dust and dirt, and his clothes were stained with mud and blood. It was hard to imagine how he had made it back.

However, since Shen Rang has returned, he must have found something.

The emperor withdrew his gaze and asked, "What have you found out on this trip?"

Shen Rang handed the document he had hastily written on the way to the eunuch.

Looking at the document, the emperor couldn't help but glance at Shen Rang again.

This person is in such a state, yet the paperwork is spotless.

The emperor opened the document, his brows initially relaxed, but the more he read, the deeper his frown deepened.

By the time the emperor had read it from beginning to end, his face was almost as black as charcoal.

"Yun Changliang... Well, what a fine Minister of Revenue! I promoted him to his current position, and yet he has done such a heinous thing behind my back!"

"This traitor has betrayed the Emperor's grace and deserves to be torn to pieces!"

Shen Rang cupped his hands in greeting: "There is one more thing. This time, His Majesty sent Prince Huo to escort me. Prince Huo led soldiers who had retired from the battlefield, but... the casualties were heavy. Prince Huo had a deep bond with them, and he was very saddened by their suffering along the way."

The emperor's breathing was unsteady, and it took him a while to calm down: "...I know about this matter."

He suddenly remembered something, picked up the document, and read it carefully again.

"Shen Qing, this document says that Yun Changliang controlled Lingnan through the Su family. Are you sure about that?"

“I can confirm it,” Shen Rang said. “Your Majesty sent me to investigate the facts and entrusted me with an important task. I dare not be negligent. Therefore, every word in the document is true. I can guarantee it with my life. If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may summon Prince Huo.”

The emperor raised his hand: "That won't be necessary. Since I've sent you, it's because I trust you."

After speaking, the emperor's gaze fell on the words "Su family" and he found them jarring.

The Su family has a very close relationship with the Second Prince.

His second son, though kind and gentle, always maintained a proper distance with everyone, but he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the affairs of the Su family.

The emperor had been puzzled as to why the second prince was so disrespectful to the Su family, but now that the document was in front of him, he understood.

Naturally, it's because the Su family can provide the Second Prince with enough support.

In recent years, disasters have frequently occurred in the Lingnan region. The imperial court has never been ambiguous in providing relief to the disaster victims, but it is unknown how much of this relief money has ended up in the pocket of the Second Prince.

With such significant benefits at stake, wouldn't the Second Prince stand up and protect it?

That makes sense.

However, the emperor still harbored resentment.

The emperor remained silent for a long time, and Shen Rang was not in a hurry at all, just waiting quietly.

The emperor took a deep breath and said, "Alright, Shen Qing, you've worked hard. Your family must be looking forward to your return. Go now."

"yes."

Shen Rang got up and left.

Watching Shen Rang's retreating figure, the emperor sighed again.

That personality...

However, the fact that Shen Rang left so decisively suggests that what he discovered is most likely true.

——

Meanwhile, at the Yunnan Prince's Palace.

The Huo family had known for a while that Huo Shu was coming back today, and they were waiting at the door early in the morning. But when they saw him holding a bamboo clapper in one hand, they were still startled.

"What happened! How did your arm get broken! Who did this?!"