Lord Li took out a token from his sleeve, which symbolized his status, and handed it to the guard at the door. He smiled and said, "This is a token bestowed by the court. Please pass it on."
However, the guard stared at the token closely, his expression revealing confusion and distrust.
"This token... Oh, roll, roll, roll. I've seen it happen so many times that anyone just pulls out one and claims to be sent by His Majesty."
The gatekeeper was about to close the door with a wave of his hand, but the next second, he was grabbed by two officers under Lord Li.
Seeing this, the guard immediately panicked and quickly waved his hand to signal for the door to be opened. "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding! Please wait a moment, I will pass the message!"
After a while, Governor Zhang came out in person, looking slightly drunk.
Governor Zhang was swaying slightly. He raised his finger and pointed at Lord Li and said arrogantly, "Are you the one pretending to be the imperial envoy? How dare you! Be careful or I'll arrest you and take you to the government office."
He was so excited that he almost fell down, but fortunately the servant behind him was quick to support him.
However, the officials behind Lord Li are not pushovers either.
They grabbed Governor Zhang by the collar and pushed him down.
Lord Li snorted coldly and threw the golden seal and token in front of him.
Governor Zhang shook his head in shock. He had only seen this token twice, once when he passed the imperial examination and the emperor sent him here to take up an official position.
The second time was the one in Lord Li’s hand.
He immediately came forward with a big smile on his face, scolding the servants: "You blind things, why don't you get out of here!"
He bowed respectfully to Lord Li and said, "Lord Li, I have long heard of your great name. I am truly sorry for not having come to greet you from afar!"
Lord Li smiled slightly and responded gently, "You're welcome, Governor Zhang. We're here on urgent business and can't stay any longer."
Governor Zhang waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, how dare I neglect such a matter. Please come into the mansion. I'll send someone to prepare some light wine."
After he finished speaking, he burped, and he didn't look at all like a steady official in the court.
Lord Li took a step back in disgust.
After the few people entered the mansion, Governor Zhang warmly led them through the winding garden and arranged accommodation for them.
Su Huaiyue didn't care much about the luxury in front of her. What she cared about was the suffering of the people.
While Governor Zhang was away, she whispered to Wei Che, "We should ask him about his attitude regarding the villagers' earthquake relief food."
Wei Che nodded, and looking at her determined expression, he couldn't help but feel a bit of admiration in his heart.
"You're right, we need to hurry up."
When Governor Zhang returned to the courtyard, Su Huaiyue seized the opportunity and politely asked, "Governor Zhang, I heard that the drought in Dongzhou is severe. Do you have any good solutions?"
Governor Zhang's face was slightly uneasy, but he quickly regained his composure. "Miss Su, Dongzhou is facing a food shortage. It's really because the grain transport team from the capital is delayed. We are all waiting for their news."
Lord Li interjected, "Governor Zhang, we can't blame the grain transport team entirely for this, right? Dongzhou is so big, there must be some emergency plan."
Governor Zhang looked embarrassed and evaded the main point, saying, "Alas, this drought is a natural disaster, beyond human control. However, please rest assured, the court will provide support."
Although his tone revealed a lot of evasion, Su Huaiyue and Wei Che both knew that the man in front of them was not sincere.
The two of them secretly exchanged glances and had already made up their minds.
The banquet arranged by Governor Zhang was coming to an end, but the atmosphere at the table was still tense.
Lord Li and Wei Che looked at each other, as if they had reached some kind of consensus without saying a word.
Su Huaiyue put down his wine glass and turned his gaze to Governor Zhang again, saying slowly, "Governor Zhang, the drought is so severe. If it's as you said, we can verify the situation with the guards and check where the food is, so as to alleviate the people's urgent needs."
When he heard the word "escort team", Governor Zhang's expression obviously changed again.
He laughed dryly and said, "This, this escort is just a routine matter. Asking around won't necessarily yield any new information."
Wei Che put down the cup in his hand and casually said, "Actually, I'm quite familiar with several generals in the Guard Army. If necessary, perhaps I can take this opportunity to verify something."
As soon as this suggestion was made, Governor Zhang's expression grew even more rigid. The breeze in the courtyard suddenly felt particularly biting. He was silent for a moment, as if considering something.
Finally, he sighed and bowed slightly: "Master Li, Master Wei, Miss Su, there are some things that should not be said..."
Su Huaiyue saw him pause and thought to herself, he is hiding something.
She motioned for him to continue, listening patiently.
"There were indeed some problems with the grain during its transport," Inspector Zhang lowered his voice. "There are several powerful figures in the state, all of whom are relatives of the current Left Prime Minister, Hu Lian. When the grain arrived, they withheld most of it, leaving only a small portion for distribution to the people."
Wei Che frowned slightly and asked, "So, even if the imperial court wanted to support us, it might not be able to give its all?"
Governor Zhang smiled bitterly and said, "Power is hard to defy. There is nothing I can do."
Lord Li fell into deep thought, and the atmosphere in the room became solemn for a moment.
In the silence of the room, Wei Che raised his head, with a hint of thought in his eyes.
He said softly, "Hu Lian has always been opaque in his actions. I've had dealings with him before and know he's not a good person. He's most likely involved in the whereabouts of this grain."
Upon hearing this, Lord Li raised his head and agreed with Wei Che's conclusion.
He whispered, "Indeed, Hu Lian holds a high position of power, and with his family members getting involved this time, things are likely to be much more complicated."
Su Huaiyue had been quietly observing the conversation between the two and now interjected, "If that's the case, then could the secret letter that led us to Dongzhou also be directed at Hu Lian?"
When everyone heard this, they all had their own thoughts in their minds.
Wei Che pondered for a moment and was about to speak when he suddenly felt a chill on his back, as if a pair of eyes were watching him in the dark.
He glanced sideways, only to see the shadows of the trees swaying outside the window. Perhaps he was overthinking it. He gently reminded him, "This is probably no accident. The person behind this probably wants us to not only find out the truth, but also to use this opportunity to shake Hu Lian's influence in the court."
Lord Li frowned, realizing the complexity of the situation: "The affairs of the court are of great importance. We must not take them lightly."
Wei Che nodded: "That's right. Lord Li, please be more careful when handling this case."
Governor Zhang, listening with trepidation, stepped closer and whispered, "If necessary, I can arrange for someone to assist you in the investigation."
Su Huaiyue keenly caught the hesitation in Governor Zhang's eyes. She smiled slightly and asked casually, "Governor Zhang, we are naturally grateful for your willingness to lend us a hand. However, please proceed with caution."
Governor Zhang nodded hurriedly, but he was hesitant in his heart and did not dare to say much at this moment.
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