The palace maid, with a standard smile, curtsied and said, "The concubines appreciate the madam's kindness, but the Empress Dowager has already bestowed everything they need today, including pastries and fruits. The concubines are able to see their loved ones, which is the best comfort. I imagine the concubines are already eager to see them."

It means that he hasn't visited in decades, so why pretend to be so deeply attached and bound by blood ties?

Madam Wang gritted her teeth, but had no choice but to force a smile and order her servants to prepare the carriage.

As the carriage slowly drove out of the Wang family residence, it was already evening. In Dayong, this was the time for people to go home, and the matriarch of the household would certainly not go out. However, the palace maids kept a close watch, and no matter how much Wang Shenshi dawdled, she eventually left the house.

Once outside, the carriage drove down the street. There weren't many people on the street at the moment. Suddenly, someone called out from ahead, "They're running that way! They're running that way!"

A group of constables swarmed forward, numerous and reckless, and the constables were carrying gleaming knives, looking for someone to draw their swords and do something.

Just as Wang Shenshi's personal nanny, Granny Li, was about to reprimand her, someone in front of her said, "The Jingzhao Prefecture is arresting a wanted criminal. All bystanders must leave immediately, or they will be punished for harboring a criminal."

When ordinary people encounter such a situation, they would obediently leave or hide away, afraid of getting involved in even the slightest trouble. But the Wang family is different.

Granny Li raised her voice and said, "The Lady of the Chamberlain is here by imperial decree to visit the Dowager Consort. Why aren't you making way? If you delay her, can you bear the consequences?"

“This street harbors a criminal. If you can promise that if anything happens on this street, it will have nothing to do with the Jingzhao Prefecture, I will let you pass. If you cannot promise that, I will ask you to find another way.” The constable opposite replied loudly.

As if to confirm the constable's words, a commotion broke out on the street: "There, there! Be careful, he has a bow and arrow. Don't let him have a chance to take hostages."

Hearing this from inside the carriage, Madam Wang was distraught. "Madam, what do you think?" asked Granny Li. She was also afraid of dying, but she was even more afraid that something would happen to Madam. If Madam were taken hostage by the criminals, her reputation would be ruined. The Wang family was going through a turbulent time, and they absolutely could not afford to cause any more trouble.

"Madam Wang, let's change course. The imperial concubines are probably getting impatient," a palace maid reminded her at the opportune moment.

"Go around it," Madam Wang ordered impatiently, her heart inexplicably agitated.

The carriage turned around, and after a short while, the sound of officials shouting loudly came from ahead, "Capture him alive! Damn it, I don't believe you can grow wings and fly to the sky today. If I catch you, I'll skin you alive!"

"His accomplices are here! Don't let them take hostages! Quick, quick, stop them!"

Granny Li and the others couldn't see a single trace of the culprit, but the constables were shouting loudly in front of them, which made them panic.

"Take a detour, take a detour, quickly!" Madam Wang felt that the reason for her panic must be the criminal on the street who had not yet been caught. She must not be taken hostage by the criminal. She was the matriarch of the Wang family and could not afford to have her reputation damaged.

The coachman hurriedly turned around and finally entered the street leading to the East Gate. The accompanying palace maid secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In front of the palace gate on Dongmen Street, people knelt on the bluestone slabs. The Wang and Yang families occupied the left and right sides respectively. Yang Zhong glanced at Wang Kuanqi, who was bowing his head and occasionally shouting, "Please, Your Majesty, do justice for my father."

The clouds on the horizon were dyed a fiery red by the sunset, and golden light filled Xu Hui's eyes. He moved his aching knees, and Yang Fu brought him a clean long robe, saying, "Master, please change your clothes. The heat is intense, and if you cool down after sweating, your body will not be able to expel the heat and cold. What if you catch a cold? You must take care of yourself."

Yang Zhong nodded slightly. He had been kneeling for so long that he was too exhausted to say anything more. With permission granted, Yang Fu hurriedly summoned a servant to wrap Yang Zhong in black cloth and change his clothes inside.

After changing his clothes, the maid brought over some cooling soup. Yang Zhong drank a bowl and gestured to the maid, "Send a bowl to Lord Wang as well."

Wang Kuanqi actually brought maids, servants, and house slaves with him. They could do things like changing clothes, wiping faces, and drinking cooling soup, but sending one over was a token of his appreciation.

"When will everyone arrive?" Yang Zhong asked in a low voice, only Yang Fu could hear him.

"Most of them have already arrived, and the rest will arrive in the next day or two. Master, let's not wait any longer. I'm afraid your health won't be able to handle it." Yang Fu wished he could kneel down for Yang Zhong, but kneeling would be useless.

Yang Zhong nodded. "We can't wait any longer. That old bastard Xie Yun will be back soon. Let's send someone over tomorrow. Has Qiu Chengshi made any moves?"

"No, everything is peaceful at the Qiu family's place," Yang Fu reported truthfully.

Yang Zhong snorted coldly, "Calm and peaceful? Qiu the fox is very cunning. Keep a close eye on him. If Qiu Chengshi dares to ruin my important plans at this time, I will tear him to pieces to vent my anger!"

Despite the sweltering summer heat, Yang Fu saw only the chill of winter on Yang Zhong's face. This time, the eldest son's arrest had touched a nerve with the master.

“Yes,” he said.

Yang Zhong's gaze was fixed on the direction of the palace. "What has Liu Huan been doing lately? Has he sent anyone to look for the Crown Prince?"

"No, Liu Huan is still investigating the evidence, but the Zhan family has sent several groups of people to look for the Crown Prince." Yang Fu was also puzzled as to why Liu Huan was still sitting still. Did he think he could bring down the Yang family just by relying on the cheating in the imperial examination?

The Emperor will only be firm for the next couple of days. Once all of the Master's disciples have entered the capital and are kneeling here, the Emperor will release the young master. The Master is getting on in years; it is time for him to be granted the rank of First Rank. At that time, the Master will be the only First Rank minister with real power in Dayong.

"The Zhan family is nothing to fear. Liu Huan is the grandson of the Huo family in Bianzhou. If he insists on making trouble for me, then we'll be in trouble. Have you found all the doctors I asked you to find?" Yang Zhongmu's eyes were grim, and large beads of sweat flowed from his hair, but he remained steadfast, showing his extraordinary willpower.

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