There were three captains in Dongchang, and the one who came was Captain Shen. After he gave the order with an expressionless face, he stopped talking. His face was cold from beginning to end, which made people feel cold at the sight of him.

"Yes, Shen Qianhu!"

The Dongchang men bowed and responded.

Seal-ing mansions and confiscating properties was Dongchang's specialty, so the men immediately scattered and rushed through the Anping Marquis's mansion.

Anping Hou was shocked. It took him a while to come to his senses. He shouted in shock, "Wait, what are you going to do?"

After he came back from Huangjue Temple, he also went to the palace, but he was left outside and waited anxiously for a long time, but only Shen Qianhu arrived.

When Captain Shen asked him to return home, he felt uneasy because he knew it was not a good thing, but he did not expect that his house would be confiscated!

He had just arrived in the capital, so why was his house being raided?

Marquis Anping subconsciously raised his arms and stood in front of Captain Shen.

This stupid behavior made Shen Qianhu laugh. He said in a sinister tone, "My Lord, please give way. Otherwise, if I accidentally hurt you, I will feel bad. The governor always says that we in the East Factory should not be too reckless in doing things. We should always follow some rules and be polite. Don't you agree?"

Isn't it reckless to confiscate the property right after arriving? Anping Hou was stunned by his blindness and lie.

Captain Shen lightly raised his hand and pushed him away, then walked to the main seat and sat down on the armchair, saying, "Go and ask the Marquis's family members to come out first. Don't let them cry and make a mess. The governor will be here soon."

When they heard that Xiao Shuo was coming, the foreigners were all in awe.

Marquis Anping became even more panicked and stood there at a loss as to what to do. He had lived a smooth life since he was adopted and had never encountered a scene like this. He was so frightened that he was sweating profusely and almost cried.

Soon, two guards arrived with the entire family of Marquis Anping. Marquis Anping had a wife, three concubines, and four children. When they saw Marquis Anping, all of them cried and rushed over to him.

Captain Shen sat on the armchair, drinking tea by himself, and said in a sharp voice: "This family has such a good relationship, let's lock them all up together, so that people won't always say that our Dongchang is inhumane. Let's lock them up in the side hall, there's more room."

Fanzi: "Yes, Qianhu."

Marquis Anping watched helplessly as his wives, concubines, and children came over and walked around, and then were taken away again. All of them had pale faces, with unspeakable fear and anxiety on their faces.

The Anping Marquis's mansion was ransacked. Will they be exiled or made into government slaves?

Marquis Anping also didn't know what to do.

The cries of his wife and children were still ringing in his ears, but he could do nothing.

In the quiet main hall, there was only the sound of Shen Qianhu's tea lid hitting the tea bowl, gently tapping Anping Hou's anxious heart.

Marquis Anping couldn't help but think of the past.

After the incident at Lingnan Palace, the entire Xue family was heartbroken for having lost their support and was also confused and uneasy about the future.

So does he.

The only difference is that he got lucky.

The late emperor said that he wanted to choose an heir for King Lingnan, so he asked the Xue family to send ten people to the capital.

The late emperor personally selected him, and he was able to rise from a poor boy to a noble marquis, and inherit the vast wealth of the Lingnan Palace.

He tasted a feeling of wealth that he had never imagined. He had only been rich for twenty years, so how could it be gone all of a sudden?

Anping Hou's body shook, and everything in front of his eyes was dark. He could not tell whether it was a dream or reality.

He came to the capital for a better future, not to have his property confiscated...

"Captain Shen," a guard asked with a bow, "there is a lady in the mansion. Should she be brought along?"

He added, "The nanny beside the Madam said that Miss Shengda often comes to visit her."

If it weren't for this, he would have brought the person here long ago.

When Shen Qianhu heard this, he said without thinking, "She's just an old lady. There's no need to panic."

Madam?

Marquis Anping also heard these three words and his mind moved.

At that time, he inherited this marquisate. Although he was an adopted son, all the members of King Lingnan's family had died. As an adopted son, he could be the head of the family. However, the late emperor also gave him an old lady to support.

Originally, with the huge family fortune he inherited, supporting an old lady was nothing. At first, he really wanted to support her as his grandmother. After all, how much money could an old lady cost? But who knew that he accidentally discovered that the old lady had hidden a private letter from the late emperor.

He didn't know where the letter came from, he only knew that the old lady was secretly planning to use this private letter to plot a military mutiny in Lingnan.

Marquis Anping was afraid.

Once this matter gets out, all the wealth and power that he has worked so hard to obtain will be gone, not only that, but even his life and property will be in danger.

He coaxed the old lady, tricked the private letter into coming to her, and burned it with his own hands.

Then, he wanted to prevent future troubles... so he pushed her off the rockery.

He thought the old lady would die, but unexpectedly, she survived and became stupid and dull.

If the old lady really died, he would have to worry about how to explain to the emperor, so it is better to be an idiot, because then he won't get into trouble.

That letter...

He recalled the scenes in Huangjue Temple and finally understood that it was the old lady who deceived him. The private letter she sent him was totally false. She made him mistakenly believe it was true, and then she secretly hid the real letter.

She lied to him!

He didn't think she was stupid, and he had taken care of her for nearly twenty years, but she actually lied to him! She hid the letter that was related to his life and property, and caused his whole family to suffer.

It's simply repaying kindness with enmity.

If it weren't for his careful care, this foolish old woman would have been turned into dust long ago! !

Marquis Anping was filled with resentment, and he finally figured it out.

They had moved to the capital less than a month ago, and the old lady had no chance to come into contact with anyone except Miss Shengda, who had visited her a few times.

She also brought back a jade bracelet that the old lady had taken away from here...

Yes!

It must be Miss Shengda who got the letter from the old lady, and she worked with the Zhenbei Palace to set up today's situation! It was the Zhenbei King who harmed the late emperor and the emperor, and put them in an unjust situation. This has nothing to do with him. He is innocent, innocent!

"Someone come! I want to see the emperor, I want to see the emperor!"

"It was Miss Shengda. This private letter was handed over by Miss Shengda."

Marquis Anping looked up at Captain Shen, who was sitting at the top and drinking tea, and started shouting as if he had found a life-saving straw.

"Captain, I know who did it. Please let me see the emperor, see..."

What a troublemaker! How dare he even talk to Miss Shengda?! Captain Shen waved his hand impatiently.

A Dongchang man took two steps forward and, holding the machete, turned the handle of the machete and hit his soft abdomen with it.

"ah!"

Marquis Anping let out a howl and fell to the ground. He covered his stomach in pain and his whole body hunched over like a shrimp.

He didn't quite understand why they attacked him!

He just wanted to tell the emperor the truth. Shouldn't Dongchang convey the truth to him? !

"Can you call her Miss Sheng Da?" Captain Shen looked at him coldly, as if he was looking at a dead person. "How dare you wrongly accuse Miss Sheng Da? It seems that my family is too polite to you."

Anping Hou: “…”

He didn't quite understand: "Yes, it's Miss Shengda, it's her..."

A black soap boot kicked him directly in the stomach. Anping Hou groaned in pain and was unable to speak.

There followed a barrage of punches and kicks. He was so scared that he could only curl up with his head in his hands, but the punches and kicks still fell on him mercilessly.

"Master."

At this time, he heard a respectful salute, and the punches and kicks stopped. The footsteps came closer and closer. When the pair of boots came in front of him, Marquis Anping raised his head with difficulty and saw a red robe with auspicious cloud patterns on it.

The surroundings suddenly became quiet. He could feel that everyone was concentrating and calm, not even daring to breathe loudly.

"Master."

Captain Shen, who had just been showing off in front of him without even giving him an eye, was now bowing humbly to greet him.

He heard them calling the supervisor and realized that this was Xiao Shuo, the supervisor of the East Factory who was feared by everyone in the capital.

"Master, this man is trying to flirt with Miss Shengda. I want someone to teach him a lesson."

"No, I don't."

Marquis Anping endured the pain and tried to raise his head to defend himself. What came into view was a beautiful and delicate face looking down at him. That face always seemed to have a gentle smile on it. The corners of her eyes were slightly raised, revealing a sharp light. She was intimidating without even getting angry, and made people afraid to approach her.

Is this the rumored Xiao Shuo?

So young.

Xiao Shuo glanced at him calmly and said gently, "You guys keep busy first, I'll go around for a while."

Shen Qianhu quickly responded, "Yes, Lord Governor."

Marquis Anping was a little dazed, as he seemed to have seen this governor's face somewhere before.

What Anping Hou was certain of was that he had never met Xiao Shuo, but through Xiao Shuo, he seemed to see another person.

A gorgeous woman.

The pupils of Marquis Anping shrank slightly, he remembered, it was the Princess of Lingnan from that year!

He had only met Princess Lingnan once, when he was still very young. Xue Zhongzhi had just married and brought the princess back to his hometown to worship his ancestors. The princess had a stunning appearance and a gentle temperament. She brought a lot of things to share with the children of the Xue family. He also got a food box of cakes and a brand new cotton coat.

picture!

like!

Why does Xiao Shuo look so much like Princess Lingnan?

Could it be that...

The young prince was only six years old at the time. If he were still alive, he would be about the same age as this governor.

Marquis Anping didn't dare to think further. He realized that he might have discovered a big secret, a secret that could save the lives of his entire family.

He couldn't wait to shout: "Master, I want to see Master Xiao!"

He just shouted a few words when he was kicked hard again. Captain Shen said impatiently: "Do you think you can see the governor whenever you want? Stay away from us."

Shen Qianhu's voice became even colder, as if it contained ice chips.

Marquis Anping curled up with his head in his hands, not daring to move. He bit his lips tightly and dared not make any sound.

If the young master had not died in the fire, and had been planning revenge for twenty years, with the strength of the East Factory and the power of Governor Xiao, if he was really the young master, would he not kill himself to silence him if his secret was discovered?

And what if there is only one person who looks like him? Then his so-called handle would be even more ridiculous.

At this moment, Marquis Anping's mind was extremely clear.

This secret can indeed save his life, but it depends on how he uses it.

He lay on the ground, staring at the gate, and could no longer see Xiao Shuo's back.

Xiao Shuo had memorized the layout drawings of Yongning Mansion long ago. After leaving the main hall, he went straight to Rongfu Hall in the backyard. The heavy lock on the door of the main hall had been removed, and it was quiet inside.

Wu Ning whispered, "Master, the wife of the Marquis of Anping lives here. You should go in and take a look."

Xiao Shuo was standing outside the main hall, his dark eyes seemed to contain surging waves. He stood there for a long time, his legs under his robe moved slightly a few times, but he never took that step.

Finally, Xiao Shuo spoke up, saying calmly, "Tell them to be gentle and not disturb the Madam."

Wu Ning was stunned. He never questioned Xiao Shuo's words, so he immediately bowed and accepted the order. He also called another guard over and asked him to tell the others to be gentle when they searched the house.

Xiao Shuo looked at the main room silently.

He was too ashamed to appear in front of his grandmother again, but it was good like this now, that was enough.

Achen will take good care of his grandmother on his behalf.

That's enough.

Xiao Shuo closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his eyes were calm and reserved.

He lifted his cloak and walked away without looking back.

The lady who was sitting on the Luohan bed in the main room seemed to sense something. She stood up suddenly and stumbled out.

Mammy Ma and Mammy Xu, who were serving beside her, rushed over and supported her.

Ever since Dong Chang came, they tremblingly said that they were Sheng Xiyan's people, and took the initiative to come to the lady's Rongfu Hall to accompany her. They also told Dong Chang that Miss Sheng often came to visit the lady.

The two of them have been in the palace for so many years and have some keen eyesight. Naturally, they can see Sheng Xiyan's care for the lady. They thought that this must be the safest place in the mansion, and it turned out to be true!

Even though Dongchang had locked up all the masters and servants of the Marquis' Mansion together, no one neglected them.

"Madam, where are you going?" Ma Ma supported her and said softly, "Tell me and I will help you there."

The lady had already walked to the door and was trying hard to open it. Her lips hummed and she uttered three words with difficulty: "Yao'er..."

Brother Yao?

The two maids looked at each other and could only hear that she seemed to be calling someone's name.

Mammy Ma said flatteringly, "No, no, it was just the governor passing by."

Madam: “…”

Although Xiao Shuo did not come in, Nanny Ma still saw the respectful looks of the foreigners in the yard and guessed that the governor had been there.

The governor treats Miss Shengda very well. He knows that Miss Shengda cares about the lady and comes to see her specially.

"Master..." the lady muttered to herself.

"Yes, Madam." Mammy helped her back to Luohan's bed. Knowing that she was not thinking clearly, she softened her voice and coaxed her like a child, "Don't worry. With Miss Shengda here, Dongchang will not neglect you. Miss Shengda will come to pick you up later when she receives the news."

The lady finally gave up insisting on going out and sat down obediently.

The old lady was a very easy to get along with. Most of the time, she sat alone and seemed to have gotten used to being alone. All Ma and the others had to do was be careful not to let her fall.

The house search lasted for a whole day and night. The entire Anping Marquis Mansion was searched, except for Rongfu Hall, which no one had entered. In addition, daily meals and midnight snacks were delivered on time. They were all bought from the best restaurants in the capital, and each meal was different.

Everyone was polite to the lady, and when they searched the courtyard around Rongfu Hall, they were very careful not to disturb her at all.

After copying all the accounts of Marquis Anping's Mansion and registering them, Shen Qianhu presented the account books to Xiao Shuo.

"Master, the Anping Marquis's Mansion is truly rich."

"However, the things in this Marquis' Mansion in the capital should not be even one-tenth of those in the Marquis' Mansion in Lingnan."

There were many families that had been raided in Dongchang, and even more wealthy families. The wealth of the Anping Marquis' Mansion was different from that of other families, and it carried a kind of historical sediment.

In addition to ancient books, calligraphy and paintings, there were also some rare treasures copied from the Anping Marquis Mansion. These were definitely not something that ordinary wealthy families could have. They had to have been accumulated for at least several generations and were the foundation of an aristocratic family.

Captain Shen couldn't help but sigh: "I've heard that the Lingnan Palace has survived several dynasties and has a deep foundation. It's true."

Xiao Shuo lowered his eyes, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.

The Xue family of Lingnan Palace is different from the Zhenbei Palace and the Pingliang Palace. The Xue family was already a famous family in the previous dynasty. Even in the previous dynasties, the Xue family was a prominent family.

At the end of the early period, the head of the Xue family followed Taizu in the uprising and devoted all his family's efforts to raising soldiers, horses and food for Taizu. The head of the Xue family was even more brave and good at fighting, helping Taizu to pacify several states, and finally created this prosperous world.

All the wealth owned by the Lingnan Palace was passed down from generation to generation.

However, when Anping Prefecture came to Beijing, they did not move with their entire family, but only brought some personal belongings. These personal belongings alone were enough to astonish even the well-informed Dongchang.

Xiao Shuo asked calmly, "What else did you find out?"

"Master," Captain Shen replied, "nothing special."

Xiao Shuo asked meaningfully, "Is there no evidence that the late emperor and Nan Huai were colluding?"

Captain Shen was stunned for a moment, looking thoughtful.

After hearing that he understood, Xiao Shuo smiled and said, "Then check it out again. There's no rush."

Captain Shen bowed in response.

After respectfully seeing Xiao Shuo off, Captain Shen asked the guards to continue copying. Hearing that the governor was dissatisfied, they all dared not slack off and secretly vowed to make the governor satisfied even if they had to dig three feet into the ground.

Xiao Shuo went straight back to the palace.

Because Xiao Shuo did not give the order, the cabinet and important officials remained in the palace and did not dare to leave.

When he saw Xiao Shuo coming back, he immediately stood up and greeted him.

Xiao Shuo nodded with a smile, his demeanor was elegant and calm. He did not look like the cruel and ruthless supervisor of the East Factory, but more like a young man from a wealthy family.

He asked, "Have you gentlemen had breakfast?"

Lin Shoufu replied on behalf of the others: "Not yet."

Forget breakfast, they didn't even have yesterday's dinner, they were already starving.

"Come here," Xiao Shuo ordered, "serve the food, don't let the adults go hungry."

As soon as Xiao Shuo gave the order, someone went to the kitchen to pass on the message.

Lin Shoufu thanked him quickly and said, "Master, Prince Zhao and Lord Zheng are inside. They came here early in the morning."

Xiao Shuo nodded slightly and went directly to the bedroom at the back.

The emperor was leaning on the pillow with a stern face. Prince Zhao and Zheng Zhongming were silent. The atmosphere seemed a little solemn. It was not until Xiao Shuo came in that the emperor's face became a little better. He said to Xiao Shuo, "Ah Shuo, you are here. How is the investigation going?"

Xiao Shuo smiled and said, "I found some interesting things."

The emperor had an idea and was about to ask again, but suddenly realized that Qin Wei was still here. No wonder Xiao Shuo kept him in suspense, so he swallowed the words back.

Qin Wei sneered, "Brother, you are on guard against me."

The emperor was too lazy to pay attention to him and sent him away: "You can go down."

Qin Wei came to see the emperor with good intentions. Originally, he thought that since the emperor had sent someone to find Rouer for him, he might as well return the favor.

In fact, Qin Wei also had other thoughts in his mind. He did not go to Huangjue Temple yesterday, and he did not know what had happened. When he got the news, it was already quite late and the palace gates were closed. He only knew that the emperor was not feeling well and was afraid that he would have a stroke.

If the emperor's brother had a stroke, what would Darong do? Qin Wei felt that he was the most suitable person to be the regent because of his bloodline and nobility.

Since he couldn't get in yesterday, he hurried here early this morning. Unexpectedly, the emperor didn't even look at him with the slightest smile.

Qin Wei said unhappily: "Brother Emperor, I will take my leave."

Qin Wei bowed, without even looking at Xiao Shuo, and walked away without looking back.

Zheng Zhongming also took his leave. Unlike Qin Wei, his eyes rested on Xiao Shuo for a moment, with a meaningful look in his eyes.

Qin Wei and Zheng Zhongming went out together.

The emperor frowned and stared at their backs. He still remembered that Qin Wei came with Zheng Zhongming.

As soon as the two men left, Qin Wei could not help but say, "Master Zheng, you see, my brother only believes in Xiao Shuo now. It's in vain that you and I have advised him in every possible way, but he still refuses to change his mind."

"Xiao Shuo is a very cunning man who knows how to read people's minds. Lord Zheng, you have been away for more than half a year, and Xiao Shuo has already made the inner palace of the former dynasty obedient. There is almost no place for you and me to stand in the emperor's place."

Zheng Zhongming deeply agreed with this.

He was in a high position and had power over the military. He originally did not take a mere eunuch from the Imperial Household Department seriously. However, this mere Xiao Shuo had actually climbed to a high position comparable to him.

Zheng Zhongming's eyes were dark. Just when Qin Wei thought he was too lazy to pay attention to him, Zheng Zhongming spoke up and said, "It's not difficult to bring down Xiao Shuo."

Qin Wei raised his eyebrows and became interested: "What do you mean?"

He quickly expressed his feelings and said, "This prince and Lord Zheng are in agreement on this matter. If Lord Zheng needs me to do anything, as long as it can bring down Xiao Shuo, this prince will do it without hesitation."

Zheng Zhongming smiled faintly.

He stopped and opened his lips slightly, his voice as soft as a mosquito, so that only the two of them could hear: "The emperor trusts Xiao Shuo because he has no roots and can only rely on the emperor and be loyal to him. But what if Xiao Shuo is a remnant of the Lingnan Palace?"

Qin Wei: “…”

He was startled and almost couldn't help but exclaim.

The entire inner palace was under Xiao Shuo's control, so Zheng Zhongming didn't say much, only saying: "...Will the emperor continue to trust him, or will he wish him dead?"

Eunuchs are eunuchs. No matter how powerful they are, all their power comes only from the emperor's trust...that's all.