Chapter 78 Come on, take advantage of it!

Shen Zhi's carriage circled aimlessly on the street, not looking for someone, but waiting for someone to look for him.

Xiao Lang sat below Shen Zhi holding a sword, his facial features cold and stern.

Shen Zhi didn't need Xiao Lang to do anything. As long as Xiao Lang was by his side for one day, he would make full use of his resources and turn the country upside down.

Shen Zhi's eyes were covered with white silk, his thin lips were voluptuous, and his body swayed with the carriage. He did not appear to be in a hurry, but rather seemed to be calm.

"Do you know Adjutant Diao?" A clear voice rang out from the carriage. "He once led troops under your father to capture the five cities of Xiliang."

Diao Lu served under Xiao Hong for more than 20 years. When Xiao Lang was brought back to the Xiao family, Diao Lu took care of him for a short time. Xiao Hong regarded Diao Lu as his confidant. Since Xiao Lang led the army at the age of 15, Xiao Hong died, and Diao Lu followed him not long after.

The wife and children left behind by Diao Lu are now being raised by the Xiao family.

"I've seen it," Xiao Lang uttered these two words.

Just met before? Shen Zhi curled his lips slightly, pondering these two words. Was it a way of protecting Diao Lu from any connection, or was he really not familiar with him?

It must be the former, otherwise Xiao Lang would not have supported his timid wife and children.

Shen Zhi opened his mouth to say something when the carriage suddenly stopped. Shen Zhi was thrown forward by inertia, his slender white fingers tightly gripping the seat, and his shoulder was lightly tapped by something. Shen Zhi stopped shaking as the carriage slowly stopped.

Shen Zhi pursed his thin lips. It must have been Xiao Lang's sword that touched his shoulder. Shen Zhi's jaw tightened, a look of surprise flashed across his face, and then he returned to normal.

Yuan Bao opened the curtain and came in, reporting, "Your Highness, it was the Third Miss of the Zhong family who startled the driver."

Zhong Wenyan’s younger sister?

Duke Zhong was famous for his politeness and strict family education. Zhong Wenyan was a gifted man and became a censor when he entered the court. Zhong Wenshu was elegant and gentle, and was the dream girl in the capital.

If you drive now, you never know what might happen.

Shen Zhi rubbed his fingertips and said after a moment: "Call the person in."

Yuanbao nodded, closed the curtain and went downstairs.

Shen Zhi had sharp ears and could hear Xiao Lang's breathing nearby. It was light and faint, like a beast deliberately trying to confuse a lamb by making it let its guard down before hunting.

Shen Zhi hated others touching his body, which made him feel very insecure, and Xiao Lang's action of holding the sword against him also made Shen Zhi unhappy.

Did he still think he was a great general who guarded the border and galloped on the battlefield? Being assigned to him was no different from being a prisoner, yet he avoided this violent prince who was about to be deposed.

That's ridiculous.

"Xiao Lang," Shen Zhichong said, raising his hand slightly in the direction of Xiao Lang, "There won't be a next time. Put aside your useless spine."

Xiao Lang closed his eyes and stared at the precious white jade hand slowly reaching out to him.

Last night, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince did not allow him to touch her, and today he scolded him again. Xiao Lang really could not understand what these dignitaries were saying, especially the moody His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Xiao Lang lowered his head and obediently placed his neck in Shen Zhi's hand. When a wolf shows submission, it will be bitten on the neck. Perhaps His Royal Highness the Crown Prince thought so too.

Shen Zhi's fingertips fell on places he had never touched before, soft and tough, as well as the protruding neck bones and slightly prickly hair roots.

Shen Zhi said in an ambiguous tone: "You are more perceptive than your father."

Soon, Yuanbao brought Zhong Wenshu in.

Living up to the rumors, Zhong Wenshu was indeed a beauty, but her personality was not what Shen Zhi had heard.

Zhong Wenshu's voice trembled as she saluted Shen Zhi without any formality, "I, a commoner, greet the Crown Prince."

Shen Zhi's eyebrows were calm, and he said calmly: "Get up."

Zhong Wenshu stood up in a hurry, but her skirt made her stumble and she almost fell on her head.

"Why is Miss Zhong San here?" Shen Zhi's lips straightened when he heard the clanging sound of bells.

Shen Zhi did not think that the elegant Zhong Wenshu was so flustered in front of him was disrespectful to him, the disfavored prince. After all, when Zhong Wenyan asked him to depose herself, she still knelt respectfully in the snow for two hours.

Zhong Wenshu sat obediently at the side, dressed appropriately but as if she had lost her soul, her hands twirling the hem of her skirt unconsciously, she said in panic: "Ah, I...no, I was careless."

Zhong Wenshu secretly peeked at the Crown Prince's expression, thinking that he would ask further questions, but he seemed to believe her, which made Zhong Wenshu feel relieved.

Zhong Wenshu calmed down for a moment before she mustered up the courage to look at who was sitting opposite her. She raised her eyes and met Xiao Lang's cold, beast-like pupils. Zhong Wenshu's breath was choked and her face turned pale instantly.

Zhong Wenshu suddenly lowered her head and pinched her palms hard. The pain brought her back to her senses.

How could it be... him?!

Shen Zhi could tell that Zhong Wenshu was not telling the truth, but he would know it eventually.

"I'm lucky enough to meet Miss Zhong today," Shen Zhi said politely.

Zhong Wenshu was attracted by the clear voice like a gurgling stream, and looked up in a daze. The prince's eyes were bound by smooth white silk, his nose was straight, his soft red lips seemed to be smiling, and his expression was gentle, which made Zhong Wenshu really believe that what Shen Zhi said was true.

Zhong Wenshu's face flushed, her body relaxed a little, and she said in a gentle voice: "My lady..."

Shen Zhi did not give her a chance to speak, and continued: "It just so happens that I have an appointment with your brother, Miss Zhong San, why not come along?"

Zhong Wenshu opened her mouth, but found that she had no choice.

As expected of the willful and hated man in the original text, no wonder the gentle and elegant Fifth Prince became everyone's favorite and received help from all walks of life, while the blind Crown Prince was reduced to a prisoner.

Zhong Wenshu shut her mouth. Logically, she should try to please the Fifth Prince, but in her current situation, she was afraid that she could only have a glimmer of hope if she got the Crown Prince's protection.

The carriage moved slowly, and the sense of oppression coming from the opposite side was even greater than that from the prince. Zhong Wenshu was anxious and struggled to stay calm in the cramped space.

As soon as she got off the carriage, Zhong Wenshu hurriedly followed Shen Zhi.

Shen Zhi noticed someone behind him and frowned slightly, but he said nothing in the end and walked into the restaurant.

Privately meeting with the prince and others to form a secret clique, the emperor of Cang Kingdom is old, and important officials in the court are looking for a crown prince, which is a tacit understanding. The Zhong family has been honest for generations, and Shen Zhi was extremely surprised that Zhong Wenyan asked to meet him.

The carved and hollowed wooden door was pushed open, and the silver-embroidered edges swirled in the air. Zhong Wenyan, who was kneeling, walked closer with his remaining eyes scanning the bamboo-like patterned uppers of the shoes, "I pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Shen Zhizhan stopped walking, and Yuanbao behind him bowed to Shen Zhaoheng who had just stood up, "Your servant greets His Royal Highness the Fifth Prince."

The other breathing sound turned out to be Shen Zhaoheng.

Shen Zhaoheng caught a glimpse of the tall and fierce Xiao Lang standing behind Shen Zhi with a sword in hand. He quickly retracted his gaze and bowed, saying, "Greetings, my brother."

Shen Zhi was led to sit down, "Stand up."

Zhong Wenyan stood up and saw the uneasy Zhong Wenshu. He wanted to ask something, but because Shen Zhi was here, he did not open his mouth.

Suddenly, I heard His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ask, "What does Lord Zhong want from me?"

A few days ago, Zhong Wenyan sent people to find a doctor who could treat the Crown Prince's eye disease and had some success. However, he encountered obstacles when he went to invite the doctor. It was only after he met the Fifth Prince that he was successfully invited to Kyoto.

Zhong Wenyan refused to comment on the various strange things about inviting the doctor. The Fifth Prince asked to meet the Crown Prince with him, and after explaining the reasons, Zhong Wenyan went to the Crown Prince's Mansion to deliver a visiting card.

"Mr. Zhong is thoughtful," Shen Zhi said, changing the subject, "but I don't need it."

Zhong Wenyan frowned, and glanced at the prince's jade-like profile, revealing his unwillingness to appreciate it. Zhong Wenyan wanted to persuade him again: "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance..."

Shen Zhi told Zhong Wenyan to keep quiet. He didn't need Zhong Wenyan to worry about anything. Who knew what Zhong Wenyan's purpose was? And he was involved with Shen Zhaoheng, which made him even more disgusted.

"Why did Fifth Brother come to see me?" Shen Zhi's fingertips touched the marble tabletop, sending a chill. "You can't be so kind for nothing."

Shen Zhaoheng looked solemn, and said respectfully, "I am worried about your health."

Shen Zhi chuckled silently as he listened to Shen Zhaoheng continue choreographing.

Shen Zhaoheng looked at Xiao Lang with a tangled expression, and then he told him his purpose truthfully: "I beg my royal brother to show mercy and spare Diao Lu's family. Diao Lu was an important official in the court who died for the country, and his family deserves to be treated well."

"He deserves to die," Shen Zhi asked, "He waved the flag and shouted for Fan Boying who embezzled military pay. Doesn't he deserve to die?"

"Your Majesty's action not only chills the hearts of Xiao's army, but also chills the hearts of the people of our country," Shen Zhaoheng said passionately, hoping that Shen Zhi could turn back.

Unfortunately, Shen Zhi will not be easily swayed, and will not be soft-hearted to plead for Shen Zhaoheng.

Shen Zhi did not get entangled with Shen Zhaoheng and turned to Xiao Lang.

"I didn't know when the army of Cang country became the exclusive property of Xiao family. General Xiao, are you going to commit treason?" Shen Zhi's voice was light, but the tone inside was unquestionable.

Xiao Lang immediately knelt down, clasped his hands and said, "I have absolutely no second thoughts."

Shen Zhaoheng knew he had said the wrong thing and apologized, "It was my mistake. I hope you won't blame General Xiao."

Shen Zhi asked, "Xiao Lang, what do you think? Should Diao Jieshi be put to death?"

There was a long silence in the room. Shen Zhi couldn't help but sneer. What a fool Xiao Lang was. He was so unrepentant that he even wanted to plead for the Diao family.

Unfortunately, no matter what Diao Jieshi does, he will die.

Shen Zhi waved his sleeves and said indifferently, "Since General Xiao can't answer, then kneel here and think it over carefully."

If Shen Zhaoheng did this just for this matter, then he had already acted like a good guy in front of Xiao Lang today. Shen Zhi didn't want to continue helping Shen Zhaoheng, so he stood up.

Shen Zhaoheng's voice came from behind, "Royal brother, are you going to winter hunt this year? In previous years, your prey was always the most."

Shen Zhi didn't react, and Yuan Bao's eyes immediately turned unfriendly. No one dared to mention this matter since His Highness became blind. If the Fifth Prince mentioned it boldly, it might anger His Highness.

Shen Zhi ignored Shen Zhaoheng's words. His steps were slightly shaky when he stepped over the threshold. Xiao Lang, who was kneeling on the ground, stood up and caught Shen Zhi who was about to fall.

Shen Zhi put his ear against Xiao Lang's chest, and the strong and slow heartbeat from inside the cavity hit Shen Zhi's eardrum. The heavy sound shattered Shen Zhi's sanity.

"Get out of here," the words that came out of his thin lips were like a sharp blade, "General Xiao is no longer a general who leads thousands of troops, but just a small guard under me. General Xiao should remember his identity and not do useless work."

It seemed as if by poking Xiao Lang's scar, Shen Zhi's own pain would be relieved.

Xiao Lang's breathing was disordered for a moment, then returned to normal and he released the arm that was holding Shen Zhi.

Zhong Wenshu was confused by this sudden change. She looked at her brother hesitantly, and followed Shen Zhi away without hesitation.

One more person got on Shen Zhi's carriage halfway through the journey, and one more person got off at the destination, but there were still two people on the return journey.

"Miss Zhong San, do you have anything to say?" Shen Zhi spoke first. He did not leave with Zhong Wenyan, but instead followed the rumored tyrannical prince. Shen Zhi did not believe that Zhong Wenshu was fine.

Zhong Wenshu was afraid of exposing herself, so she refused and said, "I...have nothing to say."

Shen Zhi tapped his knees impatiently. At first he had not exposed Miss Zhong San's eccentricity, and now he was not in the mood to play house with her.

"Why did you panic when you saw Xiao Lang?" Shen Zhi asked, "I heard that Miss Zhong San never leaves the house, and that's why she has a grudge against Xiao Lang?"

Zhong Wenshu's brief choking sound was clearly heard by Shen Zhi.

Zhong Wenshu had thousands of reasons, but when she finally saw the white silk in Shen Zhi's eyes, she stopped her excuses and explained in words that Shen Zhi could accept more.

Zhong Wenshu is a time traveler. This book tells the story of how the Fifth Prince, who is a fan of everyone, realizes his ambitions and wins loyal ministers to govern the country. Among them, the one who impressed Zhong Wenshu the most was the blind and deposed prince.

And the ruthless murderer Xiao Lang.

It can be said that Xiao Lang had paved the way for the fifth prince to ascend the throne.

"Forgive me for offending you, but I had a dream last night where an immortal told me that the prince would be deposed because of his blindness, because the prince became blind because of Zhong Hu, and the person who freed him was General Xiao Lang," Zhong Wenshu knelt down and reported tremblingly.

These words might cause the Crown Prince in front of her to sentence her to death, but Zhong Wenshu still wants to give it a try. She cannot marry the Prince of Yongwang according to the original plot, or she will be beaten to death.

Shen Zhi frowned. The "sucker" mentioned by Zhong Wenshu was exactly the same as what Chu Cunjian said.

But, only Xiao Lang can understand it?

So the bloodstains left by Qingqing last night were from Xiao Lang? What was Xiao Lang's intention in entering his palace disguised as a male concubine, or was he and Qingqing actually in cahoots?

Too many mysteries disturbed Shen Zhi. Shen Zhi discarded the messy information and grasped the key words and sentences of Zhong Wenshu. If only Xiao Lang could solve the mystery, he would have to think of other ways.

"What do you want?" Shen Zhi asked directly.

Zhong Wenshu was already sweating, but she relaxed her stiff body when she heard Shen Zhi's question. She was right. Zhong Wenshu said in a harsh voice, "I want to marry the prince."

Seeing that the prince did not agree immediately, Zhong Wenshu immediately added: "Even if it's a concubine."

Shen Zhi: ...

After the carriage arrived at the Prince's Mansion, Shen Zhi asked Yuanbao to arrange a room for Zhong Wenshu, and Shen Zhi went to the study alone.

Shen Zhi rubbed it carefully, and the inkstone on the desk had changed its position.

Shen Zhi handed over the ingot and ordered, "Let Qingqing come over tonight."

He wanted to see who the "Qingqing" was in the evening.