Chapter 158 Conclusive Evidence

"No news of this person?"

Ye Ting spoke, his expression full of confusion.

Jiang Mian nodded: "The last time you and Young Master Xi came to our Xuri Pavilion, you came with him, so you should know that he told me about Lu Qingjia's poisoning."

Ye Ting was indeed right next to Jiang Mian at the time and heard everything Jiang Mian said clearly, but now a sense of doubt suddenly arose in his heart.

He asked, "Are you sure there's no news of Lu Qingjia from Xuri Pavilion?"

Jiang Mian frowned upon hearing this. "Otherwise, what good would it do me to lie to you?"

"Then I'll leave the investigation to Pavilion Master Jiang."

Jiang Mian snorted disdainfully in his heart, but said politely on the surface, "You are a good friend of Young Master Xi, so I will naturally do my best to help you."

"Thank you, Pavilion Master Jiang."

Jiang Mian inwardly complained that Young Master Xi had clearly mentioned Lu Qingjia to him last time. He remembered Young Master Xi saying that this exceptionally talented grandson of the General of the State was suffering from a poison that was difficult to cure.

That poison seems quite dangerous; it's called "Muscle Loss Powder."

Jiang Mian suddenly remembered something, "You asked me to help investigate Lu Qingjia, could you please explain the reason for the investigation?"

Ye Ting was stunned and frowned slightly, but after seeing the doubt on Jiang Mian's face, he remembered that he needed Jiang Mian's help and nodded.

"I can tell you, but I hope I can tell Pavilion Master Jiang that you must not reveal the reason."

Jiang Mian naturally refused, saying, "Okay."

Jiang Mian became increasingly curious. Why was Young Master Ye in such a hurry to come to her and investigate Lu Qingjia?

Ye Ting spoke up: "Lu Qingjia has disappeared."

A crack appeared on Jiang Mian's calm face, "Just..."

Before Jiang Mian could even utter the word "this," she quickly shut her mouth.

You can't say that.

Ye Ting's gaze turned cold: "Just what?"

Jiang Mian said, "It's nothing."

Ye Ting nodded and continued, "You know Lu Qingjia is from the Zhenguo General's Mansion, but do you know his true identity?"

How could Jiang Mian not know? "Lu Qingjia is the grandson of General Lu of the Zhenguo General's Mansion, isn't that right?"

Ye Ting: "That's right, exactly."

Isn't this common knowledge?

“Lu Qingjia is exceptionally talented and is a thorn in the side of many people. He recently visited the Regent’s residence, but after being taken back to the General’s Mansion, he disappeared within three days.”

“Lu Qingjia is very important to Young Master Xi. I personally witnessed the entire Zhenguo General’s Mansion searching for him, but the result was unsatisfactory.”

“I also sent people to look for him, but the result was exactly the same as that of the General Zhenguo’s Mansion.”

"Therefore, Young Master Xi thought of Xuri Pavilion and wanted me to inquire with Pavilion Master Jiang about the matter, but unexpectedly..."

Ye Ting's gaze was deep: "Jiang Pavilion Master's Rising Sun Pavilion has no news of Lu Qingjia."

Jiang Mian suddenly realized what was going on, then gave an awkward smile; it wasn't his fault.

In general, Xuri Pavilion has information on all sorts of people, but for some reason, there is no information on Lu Qingjia.

It's as if some unknown force helped cover it up.

Jiang Mian's expression remained unchanged: "Young Master Ye, please rest assured, I will do my best to help you investigate."

Anyway, he only said he would do his best to investigate, but whether he can actually find out is another matter.

Ye Ting gave a low "hmm" and then left Xuri Pavilion.

Upon seeing Ye Ting leave, Jiang Mian's ingratiating expression vanished instantly, replaced by a sneer and disdain.

If it weren't for Young Master Xi's sake, he wouldn't have been so humble.

After all, he couldn't beat Young Master Xi, so how could he not beat Young Master Ye?

They actually dared to give him a hard time; it's really infuriating!

However, Lu Qingjia...

When Young Master Xi came last time, he said that the Emperor would be making an incognito trip to Jiangnan, and that he should help him out from the inside so that he could play the hero and save the damsel in distress.

Jiang Mian pondered for a moment, recalling what Young Master Xi had said that day about Lu Qingjia's extraordinary talent and his desire to take him as a disciple.

Young Master Xi is very important to Xuri Pavilion. If Lu Qingjia is also important to Young Master Xi, perhaps Lu Qingjia and his Xuri Pavilion can also have some connection in the future.

Thinking of this, Jiang Mian walked to the bookshelf next to him, picked up a book and carefully flipped through it.

Suddenly, he closed his eyes, muttered something to himself, and then shouted, "Break!"

His brows furrowed slightly as he muttered, "Strange, we couldn't find any information about Lu Qingjia before, so how come we can now?"

However, he had no intention of calling back Young Master Ye, who had just left. A hint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

Jiang Mian, who had just treated him like that, was never a kind-hearted person.

He is vengeful.

-

On the other side, Shen Pingjin and Yan Jue were kneeling in front of Emperor Anqing, their expressions cold.

"Your Majesty, I am late," Yan Jue said softly.

Emperor Anqing smiled coldly: "The Regent knows he's late?"

"Your Majesty, there is a reason why I am late."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Anqing smiled and said, "Then tell me the reason."

Yan Jue said, "This incognito visit was presided over by His Majesty, with the purpose of secretly investigating Minister Chen's trade in smuggled salt. I originally intended to conduct it in secret with the Princess Consort, but His Majesty is wise and has found the evidence directly."

"Your Majesty, I am foolish and cannot keep up with your speed. Please punish me."

Also present were ministers such as Guan Anhe and Wen Jin. Wen Jin looked at Yan Jue kneeling on the ground and sighed. This was truly...

The others thought the Emperor would really punish Yan Jue, but instead they heard a hearty laugh.

"My dear minister, rise. I will not punish you; on the contrary, I will reward you!"

Wen Jin and Guan An looked at each other in bewilderment.

Those present assumed that this inexperienced, infamous, and womanizing regent would immediately express his gratitude with excitement.

To everyone's surprise, the handsome man, dressed only in plain clothes, said calmly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"But I dare not accept this reward."

Emperor Anqing was slightly surprised to see Yan Jue in such a state, but he did not show it on his face.

"I am the monarch of a nation. A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. How can I take back what I have already said?!"

"We are currently in Yangzhou in Jiangnan. Once we reach the capital, I will fulfill my promise."

Yan Jue did not refuse, maintaining his calm demeanor, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

His sudden change startled Emperor Anqing, but only for a moment before he returned to normal.

"Get up."

Yan Jue obeyed the order and got up from the ground.

"My esteemed ministers, the evidence of Minister Chen's smuggling of salt has been found."