Song Ming naturally complied.
Watching the back of the retreating Grand Prince grow distant, Lin Zheqi’s eyes reddened slightly, vaguely moistened with droplets, his heart brimming with gratitude towards Yang Mengchen. In an instant, he concealed his peculiar emotions, and with an expression of calm indifference, he led Le Shui and followed Mo Lei towards the main gate of the Prince Mansion.
The Lin family study room.
The anxious Butler Lin, upon seeing Lin Zheqi return, hurriedly went to greet him, "Young Master, for what matter did Prince Chen summon you?"
Sitting down by the desk and receiving the cup of hot tea that Le Xing offered him, after taking a slight sip, Lin Zheqi raised his eyes and replied indifferently, "Prince Chen intends to win me over." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel-com
"These past years, Prince Chen has been neither warm nor cold towards the Young Master, why would he think to win you over now?" Butler Lin wondered.
Lin Zheqi’s eyebrows lifted, his expression detached, "Prince Chen is inscrutable, I watched him for a long time but couldn’t guess his thoughts."
"Did the Young Master agree?" Butler Lin sighed inwardly. He could fathom two or three points about the Emperor’s thoughts, but as for Prince Chen, he was completely in the dark.
"I did not agree, nor did I refuse," Lin Zheqi said, idly playing with his teacup, his voice as cool as water, "You send a message to ask for Father’s opinion."
Seeing the indifference in Lin Zheqi’s eyes, Butler Lin opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately left the room without speaking a word.
Looking up at the brilliant sunset, Butler Lin’s brows were tightly knotted, his right hand, which he kept clenched all this while, was drenched in sweat, and as a breeze swept through, he felt a chilling sensation envelop him.
Opening his palm, Butler Lin unfolded the thin paper again, on which was written, in tiny handwriting, a brief message.
"Madam colludes with bandits to plot against Auntie and her son; the Lord has found someone to substitute."
Butler Lin closed his eyes slightly, his face showing signs of age and weariness, suddenly feeling the chill of a spring evening all the more acutely.
In the fragrant courtyard, Butler Lin stood alone, toiling with his thoughts for a long time. At length, as if having made up his mind, he shifted his gaze, tightly clutched the paper, and strode away with a serene demeanor.
"Young Master, Butler Lin must already know about what happened to Auntie and the young masters, but he didn’t inform the Young Master, which shows his sole loyalty lies with the Lord," Le Xing said indignantly.
Le Shui shook his head, "Although he did not tell the Young Master, I suspect he’s feeling somewhat shaken."
Le Xing didn’t immediately object. After all, Butler Lin’s loyalty to the Lord was true, but they had all witnessed his care for the Young Master.
With eyes downcast, observing the tea leaves floating in and out of sight in his cup, the corners of Lin Zheqi’s mouth curled up into a fine sliver.
Butler Lin was a mentor and father figure to him. He couldn’t bring himself to become estranged from Butler Lin, much less adversaries. He intentionally leaked this information to see how Butler Lin would choose, hoping he wouldn’t be disappointed.
Long Xuanmo conveyed everyone’s suspicions to the Emperor, who immediately put Long Xuanmo in full charge, and Long Xuanmo then ordered an intensive investigation.
On the other hand, Yang Mengchen and Doctor Luo were busy developing various vaccines while also planning the establishment of a bank.
"The Prince has returned."
Hearing the voice, Yang Mengchen put down the letter in his hand and stood up. Just as Long Xuanmo entered, Yang Mengchen went to greet him. After exchanging a couple of words, Long Xuanmo went to the washroom to freshen up and changed into the clothes that Yang Mengchen had prepared. Coming out, he sat down beside Yang Mengchen, "Whose letter is it?"
"It’s a letter from Sister Han Yue," Yang Mengchen smiled, "Sister Han Yue says that the beginning of May is the Four Nations Grand Ceremony (which is the gathering period of the four countries, held once every five years, with each country taking turns to host). This year, it happens to be held in Dong Chu. Unfortunately, Sister Han Yue is pregnant again and cannot attend. Brother Jingqi and his wife (Meng Jingqi got married at the end of last year), Fifth Brother Jinghui, and Uncle De have already set off."
Long Xuanmo nodded, "Originally it was a celebration of five nations, but over fifty years ago, Qing’an Country stopped participating, so it was changed to four. He really cares about you, even coming here to participate," Said Long Xuanmo in a voice heavy with jealousy.
"Who does Father plan to assign the task of preparing for the reception?" Every time Meng Jingqi was mentioned, Wende couldn’t help feeling jealous, but Yang Mengchen was used to it.
Meng Jingqi clearly had ulterior motives; otherwise, why would he suddenly attend the celebration? Long Xuanmo was seething with jealousy, "Father has specially appointed Imperial Uncle Ning, Prince Kang, my fourth brother, and the Ministry of Rites for this task. The Imperial Uncle, I, and Fifth Imperial Younger Brother will be responsible for maintaining order in The Capital during the celebration."
"The posthouse is inconvenient; let’s have Uncle De and the others stay at the Princess Mansion," Yang Mengchen suggested.
Long Xuanmo didn’t want to; the Princess Mansion was too close to the Prince Mansion, which would be too convenient for Meng Jingqi. Yet, seeing his beloved wife’s hopeful gaze, he reluctantly agreed.
"You’re so kind." Leaving a fleeting kiss on Long Xuanmo’s face, Yang Mengchen cheerfully said, "Sister Han Yue is pregnant again, so I need to prepare a gift early. When Brother Jingqi and the others depart, I’ll have something to send back for Sister Han Yue and my nephew or niece."
Long Xuanmo was far from satisfied with such a light kiss and wrapped his arms around his wife, intending to give her a passionate French kiss. However, Yang Mengchen turned her head to avoid it, covering Long Xuanmo’s lips with her hand, "Wende, how is the investigation into that matter progressing?"
His advance unfulfilled, Long Xuanmo felt a pang of regret and kissed his wife’s palm, surprising her so much that she drew back her hand, her face flushing. With a mischievously sparkling gaze and seeing her reproachful eyes, he straightened his face, "So far, there’s no lead, but I have some guesses."
Yang Mengchen didn’t ask what it was, "Have you heard from those who went to Peng City?"
"I’ve just received a report. That residence has long been deserted," Long Xuanmo said gravely. "People nearby confirm that those people suddenly moved out before the new year, claiming to be going to stay with relatives. As for where they moved, no one knows."
"Does Lin Zheqi know about it?"
"They communicate through pigeon post or secret channels. Apart from Peng City, Lin Zheqi has no knowledge of this person’s other hiding places," Long Xuanmo shook his head, "Ah Jiu, I want to ask you something."
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