That's what they say, but Wen Hemian also knows that things are unpredictable and people's hearts are fickle. No matter what Ning Hechu's reasons were for deciding to become a treacherous minister in the first place, he could not possibly have changed his mind simply because of that later.
This is a road that you can never turn back from once you start walking down it.
In a conflict of interests, no one can remain uninvolved.
Wen Hemian was lost in thought and for a moment forgot to remove her hand from Xie Lang's. Xie Lang sat upright, looking serious, but he secretly glanced at her several times before finally deciding not to break the silence.
He then turned his gaze to the bodyguard: "Is there nothing else besides this?"
The bodyguard, intimidated by the young emperor, shook his head: "Please forgive my incompetence."
Given the long passage of time and the lack of communication in ancient times, it's quite remarkable that they were able to investigate to this extent. Wen Hemian quickly spoke up to save the guard: "That's enough, you can go now."
The little brat is quite intimidating.
If it weren't for the many years they've spent together, Wen Hemian would have been terrified by him.
The bodyguard immediately made his escape.
The moment I looked up, I caught a glimpse of their hands clasped together, and for some reason, a chill ran down my spine. I didn't dare look any longer and immediately looked away.
The emperor needs to establish his authority, and Wen Hemian would not use his status to embarrass Xie Lang in front of outsiders; at most, he would do some insignificant things to help him out.
Xie Lang understood her personality, so he wasn't angry, just a little jealous: "Everyone around me is grateful for the Grand Tutor's kindness."
No one dislikes a kind and gentle master. Wen Hemian was born to play the good cop. Just by sitting there, no one could get angry.
Wen Hemian ignored his sarcastic tone and smiled, "There's nothing I can do, what can I do when I have such a good temper?"
Given her physical condition in her previous life, getting angry might have killed her one day. Harmony brings wealth, and the personality she cultivated over twenty years is ingrained in her bones.
As she spoke, she moved her fingers, suddenly realizing the sensation was off, and looked down: "Oh."
That's why something felt off; I realized I'd forgotten to pull my hand back.
When Wen Hemian withdrew her hand, she took the opportunity to admire the young emperor's hand carefully. His fingers were long and slender, with distinct knuckles and some thin calluses, which were quite beautiful.
Indeed, the child needs to be raised properly.
As the warm touch left him, Xie Lang felt a little regretful. He lowered his eyes and said in a slightly lower voice, "I wouldn't dislike the Grand Tutor."
"It's not a matter of whether I mind or not, it's hot, and..."
Under the influence of preconceived notions, Wen Heming almost blurted out the phrase "men and women should not touch each other," but fortunately, she realized her mistake at the last moment and managed to stop herself.
Xie Lang, that brat, couldn't wait to ask, "What else?"
The boy's eyes were moist, filled with sincerity and passion. Just looking at him like that made Wen Hemian's already guilty heart tremble even more. She coughed lightly and said, "How old are you? It's not appropriate to act like this."
Children can't always stick to their teachers and elders.
“Furthermore,” Wen Hemian said solemnly, “Your Majesty, take a look at the reports sent from the capital. We need to speed up the process, or we will be discovered.”
When it came to serious matters, Wen Hemian finally regained some confidence.
Having missed the opportunity just now, it would be difficult to find another one. Xie Lang slowly withdrew his deep, still gaze, looking somewhat dejected: "I understand."
Thinking that if he hadn't stopped Ning Hechu, Ning Hechu would have already traced the matter back to Wen Hemian, Xie Lang felt a chilling murderous intent rising in his heart.
We must get rid of Ning Hechu, this scourge, as soon as possible.
-
The final amount revealed by the dual ledgers was terrifying; even the accountant exclaimed how horrifying it was.
Meanwhile, they intercepted two cargo ships, all of which were being transported from the capital. One of the ships even carried a considerable amount of ironware, demonstrating their considerable audacity.
The mining and smelting of iron ore were controlled by the government, and the appearance of these iron artifacts clearly did not belong to the kind that circulated among the common people.
Xie Lang's calm tone carried a hint of murderous intent: "How dare you."
Everyone on the ship was forced to kneel down, and the dock was packed with onlookers.
With such a commotion, it's impossible to keep it a secret in the capital. They need to act quickly.
Wen Hemian said with concern, "Ning Hechu is probably raising troops elsewhere."
She possessed a certain ability to foresee the plot, and several years ago she secretly fought with Ning Hechu behind his back, not only destroying several of his hideouts, but also pushing the aristocratic families into the fray, greatly weakening his forces.
Ning Hechu has no soldiers under his command and has been biding his time for so long, so it's not surprising that he's making some small moves again.
Xie Lang's sharp gaze swept over the kneeling man, and he coldly ordered, "Take him back, interrogate him thoroughly, and execute him on a chosen day."
His Majesty has become increasingly decisive in his actions these days, and Zhou Ting's awe deepened: "Yes!"
Having lived in ancient times for so long, Wen Hemian had been tempered and developed her character. She did not want to kill people, but she could not tolerate enemies killing them either. She had no objection to Xie Lang's decision.
Indeed, Xie Lang was more suited to thinking from the perspective of an emperor than to himself.
Wen Hemian withdrew his gaze: "Back in the capital, there is still a tough battle to fight."
Xie Lang's expression remained calm: "He wouldn't dare to come openly."
If he dared, Xie Lang should have taken action as soon as he ascended the throne, instead of waiting until now.
"That's because he's trying to confirm whether my father and mother will return."
Wen Hemian knew perfectly well what was going on and guessed, "They've waited seven years, their patience must have run out by now, right?"
"We'll deal with whatever comes our way."
Xie Lang detested dealing with people, but his position forced him to do so.
Wen Heming pondered, "Why not send Zhong Ruliang back? I believe that Chief Minister Ning will be very happy to see an old friend."
Wen Heming thought about that scene and couldn't help but laugh.
She was actually ruthless and cruel, but her bright and innocent appearance made it difficult for people to think of her in a dark way. She would occasionally say something shocking, leaving Xie Lang in shock for a long time.
To get ahead, you have to be a little slippery.
Xie Lang clapped his hands and laughed: "Listen to the Grand Tutor, that's how it is."
A moment later, Zhong Ruliang, who had been brought out of the prison, lay half-dead on the ground, his body emitting a foul stench. Xie Lang took a half-step back in disgust and raised his hand to block Wen Hemian.
"It's filthy and an eyesore, Grand Tutor, do not come near."
Wen Heming didn't try to be stubborn and nodded.
Xie Lang revealed a satisfied smile, then turned his gaze and slowly looked at Zhong Ruliang: "Official-merchant collusion, smuggling salt and iron, embezzling public funds, I'd like to see if Ning Hechu can protect you."
Wen Hemian clicked her tongue: "That might be a bit difficult."
Zhong Ruliang seemed like a spineless coward, tighter-lipped than anyone else. Most of the evidence was extracted from his subordinates, while he himself never revealed any important information.
They're probably hoping Ning Hechu will bail him out.
Xie Lang said calmly, "Wait, soon Ning Hechu will be going down to keep you company."
Zhong Ruliang was only holding on by sheer willpower, but now, with the teacher and student attacking his defenses one after another, he rolled his eyes and finally fainted completely.
Zhou Ting watched the whole thing and thought they cooperated extremely well. He cautiously glanced at the two of them and felt a sudden unease in his heart.
The expression, the tone—it's uncanny!
Is this what teachers and students are like?
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