Chapter 88088 Not Good at Pretending
Chapter 88
An hour ago, in the Qingke Hall.
Su Yang stood in the hall. After listening to Qi Jingyan's words, his originally calm expression gradually became solemn.
"Brother Qi, I can't say for sure that the disappearance of Boss Guo and the others is related to the grain merchant. But he is indeed a witch doctor, and he has been testing his medicine on living people. When I left the village, he still had many medicine men in his yard."
Qi Jingyan frowned: "Medicine man?"
"Yes," Su Yang's voice tightened. "He captures people alive to test his concoctions. Sometimes they're deadly poisons, sometimes they're poisonous insects. Over time, those people either die from the poison or lose their minds completely, becoming neither human nor ghost. It's extremely cruel."
Mu Yun, who was standing by, couldn't help but interrupt: "Doesn't your father ever ask?"
A hint of sarcasm curled up on Su Yang's lips. "Su Shang is his most beloved son. Even if he killed someone, let alone testing medicine, he would probably just silently help bury the body."
He was silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to Qi Jingyan: "Brother Qi, do you want me to secretly go back to the village and take a look? Maybe I can find some clues."
Qi Jingyan tapped the table lightly with his knuckles and lowered his eyes in thought.
After a long pause, he slowly shook his head, "It's not appropriate to alert the enemy now. The millet merchant is not someone you can easily deal with. We need to think long and hard and find out his details before we take action."
Mu Yun, thinking of the various matters still unresolved in the mountains, nodded in agreement, "Right now, the most important thing is to deal with the situation up there. We're already short-staffed, so we really shouldn't be complicating matters at this time."
Su Yang nodded: "That's right. If there is anything that requires me to return to the village, just tell me, Brother Qi."
Qi Jingyan patted his shoulder: "Thank you."
After hearing Qi Jingyan's retelling, Meng Yuning clenched her fists in anger. "That pervert Su Shang is completely devoid of conscience. He actually tested drugs on living people. Why doesn't God send down a thunderbolt to kill him?"
Qi Jingyan: "Don't worry, Aning, we will capture this man in the future."
"Your Highness, I believe you." Meng Yuning had no doubt about Qi Jingyan's words. In the original book, even if Qi Jingyan didn't know the details of the grain merchant, he could easily kill him. Now that he knew in advance, he would be even less likely to fail.
Seeing her burning eyes, full of trust in him, Qi Jingyan couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips slightly.
Meng Yuning couldn't help but remind him, "Your Highness, Su Shang was able to force Ayang to leave home in anger and even chase Ayang all the way to the mountains. He is definitely not a simple character. You still have to be careful when dealing with him."
Qi Jingyan nodded solemnly: "Okay, I'll remember what An Ning said."
After finishing the business, Meng Yuning lay down: "Your Highness, it's too late, let's go to bed."
Seeing the girl lying down holding her big gold cake, Qi Jingyan couldn't help laughing. He stretched out his hand to her and said softly, "Give me the gold cake. I'll put it in the cabinet for you."
Meng Yuning hugged Jin Bing tighter and said, "No, I'll just hold you like this while I sleep."
Qi Jingyan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He stretched out his hand for a while, but seeing that she still refused to hand it over, he shook his head helplessly and did not insist. "A Ning, go to sleep first. I'll go wash up."
As he said that, he stood up, took out his clothes from the closet, and walked slowly towards the bathroom.
Seeing that he was becoming more and more skilled in walking, almost like a normal person, Meng Yuning couldn't help but laugh.
Qi Jingyan turned around and asked with a smile, "What are you laughing at, An Ning?"
Meng Yuning pointed at his leg and said, "Your Highness's leg is almost healed. I'm happy for you."
Qi Jingyan stood there for a while, then turned around and walked back. He supported himself on the bed with one hand, leaned over, and rubbed her head with his hand: "Thank you, An Ning, for being happy for me."
Meng Yuning slapped his hand away, somewhat bewildered: "What's there to thank me for? Go wash up quickly, it'll be dawn soon."
Qi Jingyan smiled and said okay, then stood up and went to the bathroom.
---
A few days later, the files on the Canghai County gambling house and Zuixianglou's oppression of the people and their evil deeds were finally delivered to the capital.
However, it was not presented to Emperor Kangwen for a long time.
Marquis Cheng'an and his son watched quietly for several days. Seeing that the case was about to be suppressed secretly, Marquis Cheng'an found an opportunity and went to play chess with Kang Wen.
He deliberately lost three games in a row, then sighed casually, "I'm convinced by your majesty's defeat, and even after losing, I can still get a reward. It's not like the 'Julongfang' in Canghai County, where once a gambler loses, he loses everything, his wife and children are separated, and even his family is destroyed..."
Emperor Kangwen paused while holding his son's hand, then raised his eyes and asked, "What is Julongfang?"
Marquis Cheng'an feigned surprise: "Your Majesty, have you not yet seen the case file presented by Canghai County?"
Emperor Kangwen frowned, his tone darkening, "Which case file? Explain clearly."
Marquis Cheng'an shook his head and said, "I have only heard about it and do not know the details. The prefect of Canghai County has already delivered the files to the capital, it seems that it has been several days. If Your Majesty has not seen it yet, I am afraid it has been delayed by someone else."
Emperor Kangwen pointed at him and said, "You old sly fellow, now you have learned to beat around the bush with me. From now on, if you have something to say, just speak frankly."
Marquis Cheng'an then looked up and said with a smile, "I obey your command."
Emperor Kangwen waved his sleeves and feigned rebuke: "Alright, I understand. Leave."
Marquis Cheng'an bowed and steadily walked out of the hall.
Emperor Kangwen's smile faded, and after a moment of silence, he immediately summoned the Minister of Justice to the palace. As soon as he arrived, he asked with a sullen face about the Canghai County files.
The Minister of Justice knelt down hurriedly to apologize, saying that the Ministry of Justice had been busy with affairs recently and this case was just an ordinary minor case in the local area, so he had not been able to submit it in time.
Emperor Kangwen sneered and ordered his eunuch to go with him to the Ministry of Justice to fetch the case file. After carefully reading it, he threw it at the Minister of Justice's head and angrily said, "According to Daxing law, twenty-seven people were sentenced to death in the autumn, and you dare tell me this is a minor case?"
The Minister of Justice was so frightened that he quickly picked up the file, raised his hands above his head, and fell to the ground, saying in a trembling voice: "I failed to supervise, and I deserve death. I beg Your Majesty to calm down!"
After Emperor Kangwen finished scolding him, he sent for the Third Prince to come. After he bowed and greeted him, he pointed to the file held by the Minister of Justice and said, "Look for yourself."
The Third Prince took it with both hands, and after carefully reading it, he calmly returned it to the emperor, saying respectfully, "Father, I have finished reading it."
Emperor Kangwen examined the Third Prince, his voice unrecognizable as either joy or anger. "What a coincidence! The owner of Julongfang is surnamed 'Zhang,' the same as your maternal grandfather's. Do you know how they are related?"
Upon hearing this, the Third Prince's face was instantly filled with shock and fear. He immediately knelt on the ground, his voice filled with grievance, "Your Majesty, please understand! I knew nothing about this. My maternal grandfather and his family have been loyal and righteous for generations. We would never dare to do such a thing that would bring disaster to the country and the people. Please, Your Majesty, investigate thoroughly and clear my name and my maternal grandfather's name!"
Emperor Kangwen snorted coldly, without making any comment. He then threw the file back in front of the still kneeling Minister of Justice and said sternly, "There's no need to wait until autumn for these twenty-seven criminals. Immediately order the Canghai County Magistrate to execute them!"
The Third Prince clenched his hands in his sleeves suddenly, but his body remained kneeling steadily on the ground, without showing any sign of abnormality.
The Minister of Justice hurriedly picked up the file, nodded "yes" repeatedly, bowed and quickly retreated.
Emperor Kangwen's gaze fell back on the Third Prince. He stared at him for a long moment, his voice icy yet carrying an undeniable warning: "Stay in your proper place and do not act on your own."
The third prince bowed his head and replied, "Your son will follow my father's teachings." Then he bowed and backed out of the palace step by step.
Emperor Kangwen sat alone at the table quietly for a long time, and then had Marquis Cheng'an summoned into the hall.
When Marquis Cheng'an entered the hall, he didn't say much, but just pulled him to continue playing chess.
After a few words were settled, Emperor Kangwen casually said, "I thought Yunzhou was a calm and composed kid. I never expected that a prince like him would personally lead people to destroy a brothel and gambling den. He's so impatient."
Marquis Cheng'an calmly put down his son and said slowly, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Shen is only a young man. Seeing the bullies bullying the people and the suffering of the common people, he was so angry that he took action. He did not lose his innocent heart."
Emperor Kangwen held his son in his arms and pondered for a moment, then sighed softly, "It's me who wronged him."
Marquis Cheng'an lowered his eyes to observe the chess game. His voice was gentle but solemn: "Thunder, lightning, rain, and dew are all grace from the Emperor. Your Majesty is both the Emperor and a father. Your Highness Prince Shen has always been sensible and understanding. He will surely understand the Emperor's heart and will never harbor resentment."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Kangwen did not respond, but silently placed a piece on the table.
Marquis Cheng'an quietly raised his eyes to observe the emperor's expression. Seeing that Emperor Kangwen had no intention of saying more, he also lowered his voice and concentrated on playing chess with him.
When Marquis Cheng'an left the palace and returned home, he immediately called Yu Xiao to his study, dismissed everyone, and said in a low voice, "His Majesty is still not completely relieved about Your Highness. You should quickly send a letter to Your Highness to inform him that his leg must not be 'healed'."
Yu Xiao's expression froze, and he replied solemnly, "Yes, son, I'll do it right away."
Marquis Cheng'an warned again in a deep voice, "Be very cautious. Your Majesty's actions today are actually a test of our Marquisate's attitude towards Prince Shen. Who knows how many eyes are secretly watching you and me."
Yu Xiao nodded seriously: "Son, I understand."
---
That night, before going to bed, after coaxing Yi'er to sleep, Meng Yuning and Qi Jingyan whispered to Yi'er, "Your Highness, you are walking faster and faster now. You look like an ordinary person."
Qi Jingyan: "Yes, recently when I walk, I feel my legs are relaxed, not as heavy as before."
Meng Yuning smiled and asked, "Then when are we going to go to the beach? We've been here for so long and haven't been there yet. Every time Mu Feng and the others come back from catching crabs or picking up shells, Yi'er always asks when we're going to see the beach."
Qi Jingyan: "Let's go for a walk in the streets tomorrow and then go to the beach tomorrow night."
Meng Yuning sat up excitedly: "Really?"
Qi Jingyan nodded: "That's absolutely true."
Meng Yuning asked again: "Then let's go tomorrow night. Are we going to spend the night at the beach?" Qi Jingyan nodded: "We will spend the night at the beach."
Meng Yuning smiled and said okay, then quickly lay back down to sleep. "Go to sleep quickly. I'll get up early tomorrow to pack my things. If I want to spend the night at the beach, I'll have to bring a lot of things."
"A stove, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and other condiments, bowls and chopsticks. Oh, and I need to bring some thick clothes and a blanket..."
Qi Jingyan lay on his side, listening to her chatter with a smile, until she fell asleep while talking.
The next day.
Qi Jingyan taught Yi'er lessons as usual in the morning, but cancelled the calligraphy practice in the afternoon. After taking a nap at noon, the group went out of the house to go shopping.
When they arrived at the market, Qi Jingyan suddenly became interested and insisted on getting off the carriage and strolling around in a wheelchair.
Everyone followed him.
Meng Yuning and Yi'er followed Qi Jingyan's instructions in advance and acted like two prodigal sons. They bought any new things they saw. Soon, the guards who followed them openly were carrying all kinds of food and snacks.
Later, when they couldn't carry it any more, several guards carried the things to the carriage at the market entrance.
Qi Jingyan continued to accompany Meng Yuning and Yi'er on a stroll under the protection of Mu Yun and Mu Feng.
Unexpectedly, when they reached the entrance of an alley, a carriage loaded with grain suddenly rushed out from inside and ran straight towards them.
Meng Yuning was so scared that she quickly picked up Yi'er. Mu Ying and Mu Li protected the two of them and quickly stepped back a few steps.
Mu Yun and Mu Feng hurriedly pulled Qi Jingyan's wheelchair backwards, but they were too strong and broke the wheelchair handles, causing the wheelchair to roll forward uncontrollably.
The two men threw away the handrails and ran after him, but they were still a step too late. The rear of the carriage still hit Qi Jingyan's wheelchair, knocking it over. He rolled off the wheelchair and fell to the ground.
Everything happened so fast. When Meng Yuning came to her senses, she saw Qi Jingyan lying on the ground in a very embarrassed manner, his snow-white robe covered with mud and dirt.
She looked around and saw that all the people and vendors around were looking at this side. Although no one spoke, they were all watching the fun.
Her face was grim, and she wanted to go over to help him, but she didn't move. In such an embarrassing moment, it would be better for her not to move forward, lest he feel worse.
Yi'er was terrified, his two little hands tightly hugging Meng Yuning, not noticing his brother's plight behind him. Meng Yuning didn't dare let him see, and quickly reached out to hold his little head down, preventing him from getting up.
Mu Jiang, who had just gone to deliver something, rushed back, caught up with the mad horse, and knocked the horse unconscious with a punch in a very angry manner. Then he followed the direction the carriage came from to settle the score with the coachman.
Mu Yun and Mu Shan knelt beside Qi Jingyan, apologizing and trying to help him up.
Qi Jingyan shook off their hands, supported himself on the ground, and tried to get up, but his legs felt like they were filled with lead and he couldn't lift them at all. He tried several times but failed.
His face darkened as he scolded, "Why don't you help me up?"
The two men responded quickly, lifted him up, and helped him sit on the broken wheelchair. Then Mu Feng hurried to drive the carriage over and lifted him onto it. Seeing this, Meng Yuning hurriedly carried Yi'er up. As soon as he sat firmly, the carriage started moving.
Meng Yuning sat in the corner holding Yi'er, carefully looking at Qi Jingyan, and saw that his face was calm and unperturbed.
Meng Yuning became more and more worried. She wanted to say something to comfort him, but she didn't know what to say, so she remained silent.
Yi'er hadn't seen his brother get hit just now, but now that he saw that his brother was in a bad mood, he looked at him for a while and couldn't help but ask, "Brother, what's wrong with you?"
Qi Jingyan saw the cautious look of the two, one big and one small, and reached out to touch their heads one by one: "Nothing, let's talk about it when we get home."
The carriage sped all the way towards the east of the city.
Behind them, at the second-floor window of a roadside tavern where Qi Jingyan had fallen, a man whispered, "We can send a message to the palace now. Prince Shen's leg is completely broken."
A month later, Emperor Kangwen received the news and sat in the imperial study for a long time without saying a word.
After a long time, he ordered a cart of rewards to be sent to King Shen, but did not bring any words.
Of course, this is all later.
Meng Yuning first carried Yi'er down from the carriage, and then watched Qi Jingyan being carried down by Mu Yun and Mu Jiang and taken directly back to the mansion.
Then the door of the mansion was closed.
It was not until he entered the gate of Yanfu Residence that Qi Jingyan stood up and walked in.
Seeing that his legs were still fine, Meng Yuning felt relieved.
The three of them entered the main room. Meng Yuning put Yi'er on the couch and let him play by himself. Seeing Qi Jingyan walking towards the wardrobe, she hurriedly followed Qi Jingyan and asked tentatively: "Your Highness, why don't we go to the beach another day?"
As he spoke, he reached out and helped him get a set of clean clothes.
Qi Jinyan smiled and asked, "A Ning is scared?"
Seeing him still smiling, Meng Yuning felt even more uneasy: "Your Highness, if you feel uncomfortable, just say it out loud. Don't hold it in."
Qi Jingyan chuckled and rubbed her head with his hand: "I just performed that scene on purpose for outsiders to see."
Meng Yuning was stunned: "The fall was also an act?"
Qi Jingyan nodded and explained in a gentle voice, "Someone has been secretly spying outside the mansion recently. They must be here for my leg, so why don't I perform it openly for them to see."
Meng Yuning: "Did you arrange the carriage as well?"
Qi Jingyan nodded: "Yes, the merchant delivering the grain was also one of our guards in disguise."
Meng Yuning thought of the dangerous scene just now, and she felt a wave of fear in her heart. She was furious for no reason and threw the clothes in her hand into his arms: "Then why didn't you tell me in advance? You made me worry for nothing!"
Seeing that she was truly angry, Qi Jingyan quickly explained in a gentle voice, "A Ning, you have a pure heart and are not good at pretending. If I had told you in advance, you would have looked carefree, but I'm afraid you wouldn't have been able to hide it from those who were watching from the shadows."
Meng Yuning was furious when she heard this. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him, "You're clearly calling me stupid!"
Qi Jingyan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and quickly bowed, "I wouldn't dare. I was praising An Ning for being pure and open-minded, unlike us who are full of calculations."
Meng Yuning thought about it and felt that there was actually nothing to be angry about. As long as everyone was fine and knew what they were doing, it would be fine.
She walked to the couch, leaned over, and fell on Yi'er's legs, who was sitting quietly listening to their conversation. She complained in a low voice: "But if you do this, how can we go out to play?"
Qi Jingyan chuckled at this and soothed him gently, "Don't worry. This is a good opportunity to announce to the public that His Royal Highness Prince Shen has been deeply affected and has closed his door to visitors for several days. This way, we can spend a few more days at the seaside without worry."
When Meng Yuning heard this, she immediately sat up straight, her face suddenly cleared up, and she walked towards the west wing with a smile: "Then I'll go pack my luggage now!"
Yi'er also swiftly turned over and climbed off the bed, put on his own little shoes, and chased after her with a clattering sound, calling out in a baby voice, "An Ning, Yi'er is here to help you!"
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