A myriad of possibilities flashed through Zhao Fen's mind in an instant.
"You, you were sent here by His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Upon realizing this possibility, he sat up straight.
Zhao Shi'an neither admitted nor denied it.
Zhao Fen became excited.
"I knew His Highness would send someone over once he received the letter. His Highness is wise and powerful, and we admire him greatly."
Zhao Shi'an raised his eyebrows.
Does Zhao Fen mean that he sent a message to the capital?
It seems he doesn't have enough information about Zhao Fen.
"Isn't Lord Zhao on the Third Prince's side?"
Lord Zhao sighed softly.
"It's a long story. Since you work for His Highness the Crown Prince, it's no wonder I had no choice in the matter..."
"Is it because of Zhao Qin?"
Zhao Shi'an interrupted Zhao Fen.
Zhao Fen was taken aback.
"I wonder if the Qin family is threatening Lord Zhao with Zhao Qin's life?"
"you……"
"It seems that Lord Zhao does not yet understand Zhao Qin."
Zhao Fen paused for a moment.
"Indeed, I have been away from home for decades and have long since become estranged from my younger brother."
Let alone understanding him, he didn't even recognize Zhao Qin when he first met him in the capital.
"I can understand, but Zhao Qin has a much brighter future than Lord Zhao does now."
What do you mean?
As far as he knew, Zhao Qin was just a pageboy for the eldest son of the Qin family, and he couldn't even make a living. How could he have any future?
Zhao Shi'an looked at Xiao Liu, who took out a stack of papers from his pocket and placed them in front of Zhao Fen.
"These are all articles written by Zhao Qin, but they are signed Qin Hou. With Zhao Qin's intelligence, he is highly regarded in the Qin family, far more than just a mere page. If you don't believe me, Lord Zhao, just ask around and you'll find out."
Zhao Fen quickly flipped through the articles.
As a scholar, he had read all of these and even appreciated them late at night while drinking wine.
Were these made by his brother?
If you have such talent, why bother being a writer for others...?
Yes, so what if he can study and pass the imperial examinations?
He was arbitrarily transferred, and even his mentor's injustice could not be cleared.
Zhao Qin took an easier path than him.
If Zhao Qin can gain the favor of the Qin family, and if the Third Prince really ascends to the throne, he will have the merit of supporting the emperor.
After a moment, he let out a heavy sigh.
"Therefore, Zhao Qin did not suffer in the Qin family. Even if I do not submit to the Qin family, Zhao Qin will not suffer any loss."
Zhao Shi'an acquiesced.
"I know about Lord Zhao's experience. Your ambitions are thwarted, and you don't have much time left. Are you really willing to waste all your time here?"
Zhao Fen was naturally unwilling.
Over the years, he has never stopped thinking about returning to Beijing and about making a name for himself so that he will be remembered for generations to come.
"What does Your Highness require of me? This humble official is willing to obey."
Zhao Shi'an chuckled.
"It's not difficult. I want to ensure that the Qin family's crimes are proven."
They forcibly seize industry and disregard human life.
*
That evening, Qin Fen found the inn and met Fang Qing.
Fang Qing breathed a sigh of relief after learning that Lord Zhao had made contact with the people sent by the Crown Prince in the capital.
However, Zhao Fen's next words made her expression freeze.
"If Miss Fang trusts me, she should hand over Qingtian's properties."
The first thought that popped into Fang Qing's mind was that Zhao Fen and the Qin family wanted to use this excuse to trick Qingtian away from her.
Fang Qing called out Xiao Dou again and asked him if Zhao Fen's words were credible.
[I already told you Zhao Fen is more loyal and upright than you imagine. The character and righteousness the system assigned to Zhao Shi'an are nothing more than this. In the previous life, Zhao Shi'an went astray and became a major villain, and Zhao Fen didn't survive either, so the world collapsed.]
[In this life, Zhao Shi'an's villainous value has remained at 50, unchanged, making him a dangerous presence. However, if Zhao Fen can be protected, it would be like adding another layer of protection to this world.]
Fang Qing's gaze fell on Zhao Fen.
Thinking about Zhao Fen's experiences over the years, Fang Qing suddenly had a bold idea.
"Xiaodou, you said the system was being fixed, could this be it?"
I don't know what you're talking about.
"Don't play dumb. All of this is just the system deliberately leading me here so that I can help Zhao Fen return to the court, right?"
Xiaodou didn't say anything.
Fang Qing knew it would be like this.
"Heh, should I thank the system for being so considerate in arranging these storylines so that I don't feel like a tool?"
If you're going to protect Zhao Fen, then protect Zhao Fen. Why let her suffer along with you? It's like she doesn't want to complete the mission.
Okay, don't be angry. At worst, I'll talk to the system and try to get you more benefits after Zhao Fen returns to Beijing.
Fang Qing ignored him and focused her gaze on Zhao Fen.
This is a system-defined person, even more upright than Zhao Shi'an.
"Of course I trust Lord Zhao. What else do you need me to do?"
Hearing that she had agreed, Lord Zhao's expression relaxed.
He then lowered his voice and told Fang Qing about the whole plan.
Fang Qing listened attentively, waiting for someone to knock on the door.
"who?"
"Miss Fang, it's me. Young Master Qin just sent over some tribute pears, saying he wanted you to try them."
Zhao Fen's astonished gaze fell on Fang Qing's face.
Fang Qing shook her head.
"Put it downstairs, I'll pick it up later."
Then Fang Qing heard the shopkeeper leave.
"It's just a little trick Qin Hou used. Don't worry, sir, I've remembered everything you just said."
"Okay, then I won't bother you any longer."
As he spoke, Zhao Fen stood up, walked to the door, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Miss Fang doesn't know much about Xichang Prefecture, and perhaps she doesn't know the reputation of this Young Master Qin, he..."
"Even without asking around, the common people can probably guess what's going on. I already have someone in mind for my future husband, so I won't let his little tricks bewitch me."
Zhao Fen breathed a sigh of relief, gave Fang Qing a few more instructions, and then left.
Fang Qing didn't eat the tribute pears sent by the Qin family; she let Manager Tong and the others share them.
To have more energy for the next day, Fang Qing went to bed early that night.
That night, a major event occurred in Xichang Prefecture.
A once-in-a-century fire broke out in the government prison.
The cell boss on duty happened to have diarrhea at the time, and when the fire was discovered, the western part of the cell was engulfed in flames.
The western prison houses the most heinous criminals, those who will be beheaded in a few days. The only person under guard who is not guilty is Master Zhou.
The fire was so big that by the time the fire was extinguished, the people in the western prison had also been reduced to ashes.
At dawn, the government officials found Master Zhou's body in the cell where he had been imprisoned.
This was a serious matter, and Lord Zhao quickly reported it to the Qin family.
Qin Hou met with Zhao Fen this time. Upon hearing about what happened in prison, he tore apart his usual gentle face and flew into a rage.
"Accident?!"
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