After a quick packing, Zhu Yunwen led the remaining nine Imperial Guards to Yongzhou Prefecture.

Since the prefect of Yongzhou Prefecture was capable of sending assassins to kill him, Zhu Yunwen could not let it go so easily, even though the mastermind behind it might be his third uncle.

But one thing at a time, we need to get things sorted out properly. Besides, since we're going to see Uncle Zhu Gang, we should give him a surprise before we go.

Otherwise, it would be bad if people thought you were easy to bully.

So Zhu Yunwen and his men headed straight for Yongzhou Prefecture.

Yongzhou Prefecture is not far from Qingshui County; it only takes half a day to reach Yongzhou Prefecture.

Upon arriving at the destination, he had no interest in sightseeing nearby and immediately led the Imperial Guards towards the Yongzhou Prefecture.

The prefect of Yongzhou Prefecture was usually a fourth-rank official, which could be considered a high-ranking official in the area.

When Zhu Yunwen arrived at the government office and revealed his identity, the prefect of Yongzhou Prefecture was so frightened when he heard that His Highness the Crown Prince had arrived that his face changed color.

He hadn't expected the investigation to reach him so quickly, which made the prefect of Yongzhou Prefecture somewhat flustered.

But he still hurried out to greet the emperor. After all, Zhu Yunwen had come openly and honestly. Even if he had secretly had someone kill him, he had to act as if nothing had happened.

The prefect of Yongzhou was a lean man in his forties with a mustache, who did not look like a good person.

After he came out, he knelt and kowtowed to Zhu Yunwen, saying:

"Your subject, Zhou Dequan, Prefect of Yongzhou, pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Yunwen glanced down at Prefect Zhou before speaking calmly:

"Prefect, there's no need for such formalities. Please show me around your prefectural office."

Instead of immediately demanding an explanation, he deliberately remained calm, which relieved the prefect, who quickly stood up and said:

"Your Highness, this way please..."

Zhu Yunwen slightly raised his eyelids and entered the government office without expression.

Then they went to the main hall behind the government office and sat in the seat of honor.

The prefect had already notified all the officials in the prefectural office, and all the officials had arrived. After they all knelt and bowed to Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunwen addressed the dozen or so officials below him:

"Now that everyone is here, please stand here. I have come here for one thing."

The officials all looked at Zhu Yunwen with suspicion, but Zhu Yunwen glanced at Prefect Zhou and then spoke calmly:

"Your Excellency, have you heard of something?"

Prefect Zhou asked with a puzzled look:

"I wonder what His Highness the Crown Prince is referring to?"

Zhu Yunwen said:

"Last night, I was attacked by assassins in Qingshui County, which is under the jurisdiction of Yongzhou Prefecture..."

Upon hearing this, Prefect Zhou's expression changed drastically, and the other officials began to discuss among themselves, all believing that this was a very serious matter.

Zhu Yunwen observed Prefect Zhou's expression; the slight panic on Prefect Zhou's face betrayed him, immediately confirming to Zhu Yunwen that the Embroidered Uniform Guard's investigation was correct.

This was definitely done by Prefect Zhou.

The somewhat flustered Prefect Zhou didn't even acknowledge Zhu Yuncong for a moment. Zhu Yuncong sneered and said:

"Is Prefect Zhou aware of this matter?"

Prefect Zhou then came to his senses and looked at Zhu Yunwen with a nervous shake of his head, saying:

"Your Highness, I have not heard of this matter. This matter is far too serious. I never imagined that such a thing would happen in Qingshui County, which is under the jurisdiction of Yongzhou Prefecture. Your Highness, I will definitely have someone conduct a thorough investigation and severely punish the magistrate of Qingshui County."

Zhu Yunwen revealed a cold smile and said:

"You're missing the point."

Prefect Zhou grew increasingly nervous. From these words, he sensed that Zhu Yunwen seemed to know that he had sent someone to assassinate him. So he cautiously said:

"Then, Your Highness, what do you think is the best way to handle this matter?"

"I believe that the person who instigated this should be severely punished. But I wonder, Prefect Zhou, do you know who is behind these assassins who ordered this assassination attempt on me?"

Prefect Zhou, looking nervous, said to Zhu Yunwen:

"Your Highness, I cannot be certain of who it is at the moment. This matter needs to be investigated. However, I can guarantee that the truth will be revealed within a day."

Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath, then shook his head and said:

"There's no need for all that trouble. Why don't you just admit it?"

Prefect Zhou's expression changed drastically, and the other officials around him also looked at Zhu Yunwen and Prefect Zhou with surprise.

It is clear from this statement that Zhu Yunwen was referring to Prefect Zhou, who was behind the assassination attempt on him.

Prefect Zhou quickly knelt on the ground again and said to Zhu Yunwen:

"Your Highness, I am innocent! I would never dare to do such a thing. Please, Your Highness, investigate this matter thoroughly and give me justice... We must not let anyone misunderstand and wrong me."

"Injustice? Misunderstanding? Ha, Prefect Zhou, you're quite the sophistry. Even now, you still want to exonerate yourself? Do you mean that I've wronged you, or that I've misunderstood you?"

Prefect Zhou was in a state of extreme panic, trembling and unable to say anything for a moment.

Zhu Yunwen then pointed to the Imperial Guards on both sides and said:

"You may doubt me, but you cannot doubt the capabilities of these Imperial Guards. The truth they uncover is absolutely the truth, and there is no room for any sophistry or deceit. So, Prefect Zhou, do you have anything else to say?"

Prefect Zhou slumped to the ground, powerless. He knew that since Zhu Yunwen was so certain that it was him, then he had enough evidence.

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