Chapter 40 His little girl, he protects her
The people from Jingzhao Prefecture came quickly and left quickly without saying a word.
After everyone left, Tang Ning looked at the books on the table with surprise. She placed her hands on her knees and looked at the person opposite her: "Brother, how did you know that Lord Wu would send books?"
Xiao Yan laughed: "Because he is afraid of death."
Seeing that the little girl opposite him had a confused look on her face and obviously didn't understand what he meant, Xiao Yan explained patiently.
"Jingzhao Prefecture holds considerable power, governing the capital's twenty-four counties and overseeing the defense and security of every part of the city. It has no superiors to constrain it, reporting directly to the emperor. Logically, this position should be highly sought after. But do you know why there's a saying in the court that one would rather be a seventh-rank county magistrate than a third-rank Jingzhao prefect?"
Tang Ning thought about it carefully and said tentatively, "Is it because there are too many officials and dignitaries under the emperor's command, and it's difficult for the government to control them?"
Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with approval: "Indeed, Jingzhao is known as the Emperor's chariot, and being close to the Emperor also means more trouble."
"The capital city lacks everything except the powerful. Throw a stone and it's likely to hit someone from an aristocratic family or a member of the imperial family. Because of the complex web of conflicts and tangled interpersonal relationships, if you're not careful, you'll offend someone else if you flatter one person."
"Wu Huai had served as Jingzhao Yin for no more than two or three years, or as recently as a few months or a year. He was often disgraced and lost his reputation. Almost all those who were dismissed during their tenure were due to various faults. Wu Huai was the longest-serving one."
It was the first time that Song Tangning heard someone talk about official affairs. He sat up straight and listened very carefully.
Seeing her so obedient, Xiao Yan smiled. "Wu Huai comes from a humble background, with no connections at all. His wife's family is just that of an ordinary official. Yet, he has remained in office for four years since entering Jingzhao Prefecture, and no one in the court has ever been hostile to him. Do you know why?"
Tang Ning blinked: "Because he is smooth-talking?"
Xiao Yan shook his head.
"Is that because he is thorough and cautious?"
Xiao Yan still shook his head: "Because those who had a bad relationship with him are either dead or have been demoted and left the capital."
Seeing the little girl's eyes wide with shock, he laughed and said, "Wu Huai is different from many officials in the capital. He climbed up from the bottom, so he is familiar with human nature. He is worldly-wise and tactful, and he is also cautious in his actions. But most importantly, he has good vision and is very afraid of death. He understands the principle of leaving a way out for everything and cutting the grass at its roots."
"He never offends those he shouldn't, and he's always willing to help others. But if he does offend someone, he'll do everything in his power to kill them and leave no further trouble. However, there are many people in the capital that he can't touch, so he'll find the best shield for himself, or someone who can protect him and help him eliminate those he's offended."
Xiao Yan leaned on the table with his long legs stretched out, and with his index and middle fingers together, he lightly tapped the book on the table.
"Prince Cheng took Song Shulan's books. Song Hong would have asked him to keep it secret after he went there. If only Princess Cheng had gone there to ask him, he would have kept the secret. But who asked me to get involved?"
"He knew that even if Princess Cheng couldn't get the answer, I would definitely ask about it. Since it would have to be revealed sooner or later, he might as well do Princess Cheng a favor. So, rather than saying this book is a gift to you, it's better to say that he wants to give it to me through you."
Tang Ning's eyes were clear, and the tangled threads in his mind gradually became clearer.
"Brother, what you're saying is that Lord Wu revealed the Song family's secrets, knowing he'd offended Song Hong. Furthermore, after my aunt's visit, he must have discovered that Prince Cheng was covering up Song Shulan's background for the Song family. Brother just taught the Song family a lesson this morning, and the threat of Madam Song's severed hand is still there."
"He knew you were willing to stand up for me, so he had the book rewritten and sent to me. On the one hand, he wanted to curry favor with me and have me remember his kindness. On the other hand, he also wanted you to help him bear the responsibility of the Song family and Prince Cheng's Mansion. After all, everyone knows that if you ask for something, the people of Jingzhao Prefecture can't stop you."
She figured out the key and said immediately:
"This Lord Wu from Jingzhao Prefecture wants me to take the blame for him and use your reputation to vent his grievances."
Xiao Yan raised his lips: "Who made this governor notorious, cruel and vicious?"
Tang Ning was stunned when she heard this. Seeing that he didn't care when talking about his reputation, as if he was already accustomed to what others said about him, her face became stern.
"That's not the case."
"Um?"
"No, I'm not vicious."
The little girl's eyes were clear and bright, and when she pursed her lips, her dimples seemed to become serious, and her face was full of seriousness: "Brother, you are obviously very good."
Xiao Yan was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then he sneered.
This kid must have forgotten who was crying and yelling like a clay pot rolling on the ground on the mountain a few days ago, cursing him for taking human lives lightly.
The setting spring sun shines through the window into the house, and the rays of light float across the man's shoulders.
The harshness in Xiao Yan's eyes seemed to be dispelled by the flickering light and shadow, and a gentle touch appeared at the corners of his eyes: "What are you going to do with this book?"
"Leave it for now."
Tang Ning's brain raced, and after careful consideration, he said, "This thing can only prove that Song Shulan is not from Anzhou, and that the Song family lied about her background, but it can't prove that she is not my father's bloodline. Given Song Hong's shamelessness, even if I go to his house to question him, he can easily find an excuse to perfunctorily deal with it, which will only alarm him."
"Since Wu Huai has surrendered to my brother and is what my brother calls a smart man, he will surely not let anyone know what he gave us. It would be better to keep this book for now and see how my aunt will deal with the matter of King Cheng when she returns."
"If my aunt quarrels with him, Prince Cheng will find an excuse to conceal the truth. The more he does, the more mistakes he will make. If she favors the Song family, she will anger my aunt, and the Song family might reveal their true intentions to cover up the truth. If my aunt doesn't quarrel with him, but instead suppresses the matter and has someone investigate it privately, it means that she has become suspicious of Prince Cheng, and she will then be able to see clearly whether Prince Cheng is sincere to my aunt..."
Xiao Yan listened to the little girl opposite him talking, her clear black and white almond eyes were full of light. The kind of confidence and calmness that made people happy to see made her, who was already beautiful, shine even more.
He raised his lips and smiled: "Who said my girl is not smart."
Tang Ning's words were interrupted, and her face turned red with embarrassment at the sudden praise.
Xiao Yan placed his hands on his knees, his eyes fixed on Tang Ning, who was obviously shy but still had a bright smile across from him.
I originally thought it was just a delicate flower in a greenhouse that needed to be carefully nurtured, but when I got closer I realized that it should have bloomed in the wild, just like the most blooming spring tangerine, standing gracefully on the branch, delicate but not fragile.
Xiao Yan said gently, "Do as you wish with the Song family. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. If you do, I'll be there for you."
He once had no one to protect him, but Xiao Haitang had someone to protect him.
His little girl should be able to bloom freely.
When Tang Ning heard his indulgent words, it was like a jar of honey was overturned in her heart, her eyes softened and her heart was sweet.
She nodded heavily and said softly and obediently, "Thank you, brother."
Xiao Yan waved his hand: "Eat chestnuts, they're cold."
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