Chapter 41 You feel sorry for me?
Prince Duan was surprised that Chu Yannuo would find the Prince's residence and even bring people there.
This is evidence that has been obtained.
The head steward of the Prince Duan's mansion replied, "It was the youngest son of the Duke of Wei who led men to arrest all the pawnshop owners in the city and interrogate them one by one."
The youngest son of the Duke of Wei was Wei Minxian's older brother.
Neither the eldest son nor the heir apparent.
His involvement means Wei Minxian was definitely involved.
Chu Yannuo searched for more than half a month but found no clues. He is quite capable, though.
Prince Duan planned to go back and meet with the Crown Prince of Chu. "Second Brother, I'm going back."
Zhou Chuanxing told him to be mindful of his words, and then continued to discuss court politics with Sun Qingzhao.
Prince Duan rode at full speed and quickly returned to his residence.
Chu Yannuo brought at least a hundred people, who crowded the main gate of the Duan Prince's Mansion.
Prince Duan dismounted, looking at Chu Yannuo with displeasure. "What, does Prince Chu intend to force his way into my palace?"
Chu Yannuo suppressed his anger, "This humble official dares not, but my cousin is my lifeblood, and I will not give up until I get her back. Please, Your Highness, return her to me."
These words made Prince Duan laugh.
He held the riding whip in his hand and circled Chu Yannuo twice.
His eyes were full of sarcasm. "The lifeblood of Prince Chu? I think Prince Chu is having a pretty good time in his new marriage."
Chu Yannuo said angrily, "Your Highness, my cousin is just a silly girl who can't take care of herself. Your Highness is of noble birth and has a noble status. What kind of woman can't you have? Please give my cousin back to me."
Prince Duan is a scoundrel, dreaming all day long about having women on both sides.
But he was a complete scumbag.
She wouldn't want to marry someone and then just keep her.
"Your Highness Chu, you're joking. Since she's your lifeblood, how could you have lost her? And what evidence do you have to prove that I abducted your cousin?"
She's an adult, can't she walk by herself?
“Prince Duan,” Chu Yannuo said, barely suppressing his anger, “Don’t go too far. My cousin has always lived in the Marquis’s mansion and has never had the opportunity to come into contact with men outside the mansion. It was only because of you that she got lost in the palace that day and met you. Otherwise, she would not have been able to leave the Marquis’s mansion, let alone go with a stranger. Only you have the convenience and the ability to do so.”
Prince Duan took it as a compliment, "Thank you for your high regard, Prince Chu, but it's a pity that your analysis is wrong. I didn't take your cousin away."
Chu Yannuo pulled the pawnshop owner over, "You tell me yourself."
The shopkeeper dared not offend the prince, but he also dared not offend the Prince of Chu or the Duke's mansion.
He hurriedly knelt down and begged for mercy, "I didn't know anything, please spare me, please spare me..."
Despite his repeated restraint, Prince Chu couldn't hold back any longer and kicked the pawnshop owner hard, yelling, "Get out!"
He only told Prince Duan, "Xiaoqian sold her jewelry and ornaments, and you accepted them. The shopkeeper may not be able to say anything, but that doesn't mean you didn't do it."
Prince Duan shrugged. "So you want those jewelry pieces back. They cost seven thousand taels in total. Give me the silver, and I'll return them to you."
The Crown Prince of Chu couldn't help but get angry: "What I want is money! What I want is people!"
Prince Duan was also a little angry: "I'm sorry, but I don't have the person. If Prince Chu is unwilling to spend money, then get lost. I'll let you off the hook because of your sister, but don't think I'm a pushover."
Chu Yannuo had finally found clues about her cousin, and she wasn't about to let it go so easily.
“Unless you let me search the Prince’s mansion, I will stay here tonight. Not only tonight, but tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and every day thereafter, until you release my cousin.”
Chu Yannuo is so shameless that even Prince Duan can't do anything about him.
Putting aside the fact that Marquis Wu'an saved their lives back then, he also had feelings for Miss Chu the Third, his future brother-in-law, so he couldn't afford to offend him.
"You may search if you wish, but only you may search. My residence is not a place where just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can enter."
Chu Yannuo was caught in a dilemma.
The Prince's mansion was so large that he couldn't possibly search it all by himself.
Even Prince Duan's good temper has its limits. "Prince Chu, it's not that I'm not giving you a chance, but your cousin is alone. If she were in my residence, you only need to call out a few times, and if she wants to go with you, she will naturally come out."
If she doesn't come out, it can only mean either she's not in my residence, or you've broken her heart and she doesn't want to see you.
“No, that’s impossible,” Chu Yannuo couldn’t possibly believe that her cousin didn’t want to see her.
"If she refuses to come out, the only reason is that you've locked her up. Tell me, have you tied her up?"
Prince Duan laughed in anger, "Prince Chu, are you out of your mind? What kind of woman can't I have? Why would I tie her up? Besides, I like the Third Miss. Why would I capture her cousin?"
Chu Yannuo knew that Prince Duan made no attempt to hide his affection for his younger sister.
Unless the younger sister asks Prince Duan to take the person away, Prince Duan really has no reason.
Over the years, apart from lacking ambition and being constantly scolded by the emperor for his incompetence, I haven't heard of any particularly bad habits of Prince Duan.
He's so open and honest now, could it be that his cousin really isn't here...?
"I'll go find someone."
In the end, Chu Yannuo entered the palace alone.
He walked and shouted, his voice extremely shrill.
He couldn't search the entire vast palace in a single day, so he could only shout outside every habitable house.
He hopes his cousin will come out and meet him when she hears his voice.
Chu Yannuo searched for two hours.
Prince Duan ignored him and went back to his room to sleep.
When he woke up in the morning, he found Chu Yannuo lying at his door. He kicked him twice, speechless.
Of course, I didn't use much force.
"Young Master Chu, are you planning to stay at my house?"
Chu Yannuo howled all night, exhausted and filled with despair, until he didn't even know where he was.
Upon seeing Prince Duan, he suddenly rushed forward and hugged the prince's leg, pleading, "Your Highness, please, give my cousin back to me! I can't live without her. Please, give her back to me!"
Prince Duan tried to kick the person away, but failed.
Chu Yannuo was holding her way too tightly.
Enraged, Prince Duan ordered his men to drag him away.
"Young Master Chu, don't come here to act crazy. Your cousin isn't here with me."
Besides, I see you're doing pretty well. You might even become a father in a few days. Why bother finding a silly girl you look down on?
If they don't want to give her a formal title, someone else will.
"So, you know where my cousin is?"
Chu Yannuo was quite good at grasping the key points. He was being dragged along, shouting hoarsely at Prince Duan, "Give me back my cousin! Give me back my cousin! Give me back my cousin!"
...
Zhou Chuanxing and Sun Qingzhao talked for almost the entire night, and he only released them as dawn approached.
"You will go with Prince Duan to the morning court the day after tomorrow. First, go to the county government office to get some experience."
This was a meteoric rise to power, and Sun Qingzhao was beyond excited.
He knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Highness. I will repay your kindness with all my might."
Zhou Chuanxing thought to himself, "You should be thanking the young girl."
However, it's not good to reveal the girl's identity.
Sun Qingzhao had something else to say: "This humble subject has another request..."
Zhou Chuanxing was sleepy, so he took a sip of cold tea and said, "Speak."
Sun Qingzhao: "Han Xi won first place in the Caiyue Tower competition. Has Your Highness arranged a position for him...?"
Zhou Chuanxing said unhappily, "Do you think official positions in the imperial court are like cabbages, something you can give to whomever you want!"
Sun Qingzhao: "But he is more talented than me. I was able to become an official directly, so he can do it even more easily."
Zhou Chuanxing became interested. "Between the two of you, I can only promote one. Who do you think it is?"
Sun Qingzhao was somewhat embarrassed. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Please, Your Highness, rescind your order. I will not take office. Hanxi is smarter than me, and he is more suitable."
Zhou Chuanxing asked curiously, "This official position is hard to come by. If you miss this opportunity, you may never be able to get it again."
Sun Qingzhao replied truthfully, "Hanxi gave me the clothes as a gift. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even have been able to enter Caiyue Tower, let alone get a ranking, and I wouldn't have been noticed by the Prince."
I am a humble citizen and I sincerely hope he can meet a mentor who recognizes his talent.
Zhou Chuanxing was too tired. "I've already spoken to him. He has no interest in being an official. Don't worry about this matter. You may leave."
Sun Qingzhao left the palace, still wondering why Han Xi didn't want to become an official.
It's a pity he didn't know Han Xi's address, otherwise he would have asked her in person. Why didn't he cherish such a good opportunity?
If Hanxi is willing to become an official, they can serve in the same court and meet frequently.
What a pity...
When Tang Xinuan heard that Zhou Chuanxing hadn't slept all night again, her eyes reddened with heartache, and she almost shed tears.
"Xiaoqian, how can I help him?"
The accounts of the Prince's mansion are impossible to manage, but with the advisor handling them, there's no problem at all.
The problem is that income doesn't cover expenses. She felt sorry for the prince when she thought about how he had to use the private property of the prince's mansion to pay for the court's military expenses every month.
Xiaoqian, a mere maidservant, had no idea what to do.
"Miss, you should rest and recuperate. As long as you are healthy, it will be a help to the Prince."
Tang Xinuan did not deny that Xiaoqian was right.
But she still wanted to do something tangible to help the prince.
"By the way, what happened to the silver notes we got after selling the jewelry?"
Xiaoqian asked hesitantly, "Miss, you're not going to give these silver notes to the Prince, are you?"
Tang Xinuan is devoted to everyone she treats well, without any selfish motives.
Now she genuinely wants to help Zhou Chuanxing. Knowing he's short of money, she naturally wants to give him everything she has.
"We have no use for the money."
Xiaoqian didn't think so. "What if, I mean what if, one day the Prince's mansion can't accommodate you? How can we manage without money?"
Tang Xinuan suddenly felt a sense of wariness.
Even a noble family's mansion cannot last long, so can a prince's mansion really?
"How about we take out five thousand taels and keep two thousand taels? What do you say?"
Xiaoqian thought this method was pretty good.
Two thousand taels of silver is not much, but it can help us through a period of difficulty, and then we can think of another way.
"I'll fetch it for you."
Tang Xinuan did not give the silver to Zhou Chuanxing, but handed it directly to the accountant.
The clerk dared not accept her money.
Tang Xinuan said seriously, "It was the prince who asked me to hand it over."
The advisor, not understanding the situation, had no choice but to accept the money, but he would definitely report to the prince when he had time.
Zhou Chuanxing originally intended to arrange for Sun Qingzhao to work in the county government office for a period of time to gain experience.
However, when he was about to issue an imperial edict at the morning court session, he was stopped by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
"Your Highness, how can Sun Qingzhao, a beggar of unknown identity, go directly to the county government office?"
Zhou Chuanxing's rebellious spirit flared up. "Then what do you think should be done with him?"
The Vice Minister of Personnel, filled with righteous indignation, said, "It should be done through the imperial examination."
This made Zhou Chuanxing laugh: "You also got here through the imperial examination?"
The Vice Minister of Personnel said smugly, "Of course not, I was promoted by the Right Chancellor."
Zhou Chuanxing immediately flew into a rage, "How come the Right Chancellor can promote you, but I can't promote Sun Qingzhao? Are you saying I'm inferior to the Chancellor?"
The Vice Minister of Personnel was terrified and immediately knelt down to beg for mercy.
Zhou Chuanxing was about to make an example of someone, saying, "Since you question me, you might as well stay out of the court and avoid us getting on each other's nerves. Draft an edict: the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is no longer of great use and is demoted to a fifth-rank assistant minister. Sun Qingzhao is promoted to a fourth-rank vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
The former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was recommended by the Right Chancellor.
He was suddenly demoted to the fifth rank and a beggar was promoted instead, so of course he was unwilling.
"Your Highness..." He intended to argue his case.
Zhou Chuanxing didn't give him a chance at all. "What, Prime Minister, you've had enough? Planning to abdicate?"
He pointed and said, "See that? The main pillar of the Golden Palace. If you crash into it and get a bloody head wound, I will immediately rescind my decree."
The Right Chancellor is over sixty years old; he's not afraid of being bumped.
If you hit your head and get a bloody nose, you might lose half your life.
So he stammered and returned to the group.
Zhou Chuanxing's brows furrowed, and his gaze swept over the assembled officials with an air of authority. "Does any of you have any objections?"
It's either a head-on collision or giving up your spot; who would dare take that gamble?
He spoke for a long time, but no one said a word.
Zhou Chuanxing was very satisfied. "Since all my beloved ministers are satisfied, then I am also very satisfied. Let's leave it at that."
After the court session ended, Prince Duan gave Zhou Chuanxing a thumbs up, saying, "Second Brother, you're becoming more and more like a king."
Zhou Chuanxing had no choice.
Thrown into this court surrounded by wolves, it would be difficult for him not to make progress.
"You should put some effort into it, instead of being idle all day long."
Prince Duan was an easygoing person who lived each day to the fullest.
"Young Master Chu, what do you plan to do? You've been staying at my place for the past few days, saying you won't give up until you find me."
Zhou Chuanxing frowned. "Inform the Minister of Revenue that the Vice Minister of Revenue will not be seen at the next court assembly. Neither of them needs to come."
Prince Duan quickly understood Zhou Chuanxing's intention.
“He really should be given something to do, otherwise he’ll be leading people around the streets all day searching for people, making everyone anxious and uneasy.”
Zhou Chuanxing then said, "Call Wei Minzhao over here."
Prince Duan asked in surprise, "Why are you looking for him? Oh, right, he's the one who helped Prince Chu find the clue this time."
Zhou Chuanxing: "I think he's very idle. Let him join the Imperial Guard. He's a man who should be settling down and starting a family. What future can he have by hanging out with Prince Chu all day?"
Prince Duan couldn't help but give his second brother a thumbs up, "Second brother, your move is brilliant. It will leave the Crown Prince of Chu all alone. Let's see what he can do now."
...
Sun Qingzhao entered the Ministry of Personnel and was immediately promoted to the rank of Vice Minister of Personnel, a fourth-rank official.
This is truly like climbing a ladder to the clouds, ascending to heaven in one step.
The happiest person was Tang Xinuan.
Because she recommended him.
Upon receiving the news, she arrived at the Xiaoqin Hall early that day to wait.
Upon seeing Zhou Chuanxing, he asked, "Second Brother, can Sun Qingzhao really handle this job well?"
Sun Qingzhao is indeed very talented, but Zhou Chuanxing is unsure whether he can do the job well.
After all, the imperial court was controlled by several major factions.
Whether he can break through the encirclement in such a dangerous environment is unknown.
However, when the little girl asked, he naturally gave a serious answer: "I think it should be okay."
Even if things don't turn out well, we should still stir up trouble for those old fogies, so they don't get entangled and cause us problems.
Tang Xinuan asked again, "So, did he help you?"
Without hesitation, Zhou Chuanxing nodded, "That helped."
Tang Xinuan was delighted. "He's the talent I discovered. If he helps you, then I'm helping you. Erlang, aren't you happy?"
How could Zhou Chuanxing not be happy to see such a delicate and sweet young girl?
“I’m so happy,” he pinched Tang Xinuan’s nose. “I knew you were my lucky star.”
Tang Xinuan suddenly perked up, "Then I'll find you lots and lots of talented people to help you with your work, so you won't have to work so hard and be so tired."
Zhou Chuanxing felt a warmth in his heart. "You feel sorry for me?"
Eunuch Wei chimed in from the side, "Miss Tang feels so sorry for the Prince. I heard the other day that he didn't sleep all night and even shed tears. She's determined to find a way to help you share the burden."
Zhou Chuanxing looked at the little girl with deep emotion.
Tang Xinuan was a little embarrassed, "Unfortunately, I can't do anything well and can't help you."
“How could I not do well?” Zhou Chuanxing said sincerely. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gone to Caiyue Tower and wouldn’t have discovered Yao Lin. Now he’s gone to the Ministry of Revenue and he’s doing quite well.”
"Without you, there would be no Sun Qingzhao. Didn't you see those old fogies in the court? Their faces are all ashen."
"You mean," Tang Xinuan's eyes sparkled, "that I played a part in both of these things?"
“Of course,” Zhou Chuanxing said with admiration in his eyes, and Tang Xinuan was pleased with herself.
I feel like my little tail is about to wag.
It turns out she can also help others and influence their lives.
"Erlang, I'm so happy."
Zhou Chuanxing was very satisfied with Tang Xinuan's condition and generously instructed Eunuch Wei: "You have all done a good job taking care of Miss Tang during this time, so you should all be rewarded."
Eunuch Wei hurriedly expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is because Miss Tang is clever, learns quickly, and progresses rapidly that this old servant dares not bow."
Zhou Chuanxing took out one hundred taels of silver, "You decide how to divide it."
Eunuch Wei happily took the silver notes and left.
Tang Xinuan felt a pang of heartache and quietly asked Zhou Chuanxing, "Is it really okay for us to spend so much money?"
The Prince's mansion is now operating at a loss every day, and she worries that one day she won't have enough to eat.
Zhou Chuanxing noticed that she was thinking about more and more things now.
I am filled with joy.
"No matter how poor we are, we must raise our little girl to be healthy and chubby."
Tang Xinuan liked hearing him call her his little girl. Overjoyed, she grabbed his arm, stood on tiptoe, and quickly kissed him on the lips.
"Erlang, you are so kind."
She turned to run away, but was forcefully pulled back.
Just for a moment?
Tang Xinu hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and kissed him again.
"so?"
Zhou Chuanxing chuckled softly.
The laughter rose from his chest and sounded very touching.
Tang Xinuan blushed. "You're mean, I'm not talking to you anymore," she said, turning and running away.
Zhou Chuanxing watched the little girl fly away like a butterfly, his smile gradually becoming unrestrained.
He seems to be...
I'm in love.
Tang Xinuan kept in mind that talented people could help Zhou Chuanxing with this matter.
In particular, after Sun Qingzhao entered the Ministry of Revenue and outwitted those old officials, he didn't suffer any losses. Tang Xinuan became even more eager to find talent after hearing this.
After breakfast that day, she changed into men's clothing and took Xiaoqian out.
Baihe and Lianqiao argued about who should follow Tang Xinuan and who should be her bodyguard.
The two were still arguing as Tang Xinu walked out.
And neither side was willing to back down.
Baihe accused Lianqiao of being domineering: "We take turns carrying out missions. You've followed Miss Tang so many times, it's my turn now."
Lian Qiao retorted defiantly, "I have experience, I know how to protect Miss Tang, do you know that?"
...
Tang Xinuan found their argument amusing and asked curiously, "Why don't you want to be bodyguards?"
Lily had a lot of grievances to say, “Miss Tang, you don’t know, the master has a requirement that whatever happens to you, we must arrive within ten days at the latest, which means we can’t be too far away from you.”
But once you get close, there aren't many places to hide.
It won't bother you, and it won't be noticed by others.
On your first day at Caiyue Tower, I spent most of the day squatting on the chimney.
The day after you went to Caiyue Tower, I stood on one foot in the corner next to the tower and persevered for the whole morning.
Last time you and the prince went out, I even got into a fight with another family's guards just to grab a good branch...
Miss Tang, do you think it's easy to be a bodyguard?
It's not like reading a storybook; in a flash, the bodyguards flew away.
"Even if we fly, we need somewhere to go; we can't become invisible."
Tang Xinuan listened, completely bewildered.
She had no idea there were so many intricacies within the secret guards.
"What kind of people bring bodyguards? Whose bodyguards did you fight with last time?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
