Chapter 326 Even Closer Than My Own Father (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Compared to the tranquil and bright Chunhe Garden, a cool breeze was blowing.
Tingyuxuan is much more elegant and quiet.
The crisp autumn air was filled with fallen leaves and flowers scattered across the stone path, while many flowers still bloomed in vibrant colors on both sides.
Chen Yunfan wore a pure white long robe with a loose belt and his hair was down. He slowly wielded his long sword.
Beneath its lightness, there was a hint of sharp killing intent.
He was unaware that Chen Yi was planning to get closer to him.
All he knew was that a great change was about to happen in Shu Prefecture.
Therefore, he closed his door to visitors, thinking he would go out later to avoid being discovered.
—Lu Jiunan's body, along with evidence of crimes committed by Zhu Hao, the deputy commander of Shu Prefecture, was presented to Tang Zixin, the provincial inspector of Shu Prefecture.
Firstly, he didn't trust the Provincial Administration Commission and the Prefectural Government; secondly, sending the goods directly to the capital prefecture made it difficult to explain the source of the information.
After much thought...
Tang Zixin became his best choice.
By having the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner send the person and evidence to the capital, no matter how the Emperor investigates and judges the matter afterward, he will not become the target of public criticism.
Although the credit would be mostly taken by the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, Chen Yunfan, based on his previous deductions, believed that his share of the credit would be substantial.
He refused to believe that the White Tiger Guards would give him such a generous gift, only to have their entire plan ruined by a mere provincial inspector.
If his deduction is wrong, that would be even better.
He continued to work in the Provincial Administration Commission.
With Li Huaigu, that restless fellow, as his colleague, he could have a more relaxed and carefree life.
"High-class houses and vermilion gates are beyond one's control; with wine, a flute, and a sword, one can roam freely."
Lin Zhong grinned broadly. The young master's swordsmanship was about to reach perfection, but his poetry was still making no progress.
However, Lin Zhong roughly guessed Chen Yunfan's thoughts and dared not provoke him at this time.
Imagine a young master from a powerful family learning that everything he possesses has been pre-arranged; it's understandable that he would be a little temperamental.
He could only hope that Chen Yunfan would eventually figure things out on his own, stepping on Lü Jiunan, Zhu Hao, and others to rise to great heights.
Chunying stood upright beside her, holding a tray in her hands with teacups, a handkerchief, and snacks.
Since that day, she has become very careful.
It's not about being "cautious" out of fear, but about being "cautious" in a way that reflects a proper understanding of one's place.
She suddenly realized that despite following Chen Yunfan for so many years, she seemed to have never truly understood this eldest son of the Chen family.
I used to think that Chen Yunfan was just someone who disliked rules and regulations, acted unconventionally, and was cold-hearted, but now I realize that was just a facade.
Hidden beneath the surface lies deep emotions and a tendency to act impulsively.
It was so well hidden that even Chunying, the woman in white, misjudged it.
As a result, she had to change her strategy, otherwise there was only one path left for her—to be sent back to the "White-Robed Minister".
Fortunately, there is still room for maneuver and enough time.
Not long after.
Chen Yunfan sheathed his longsword and walked straight toward the side room. When he passed Chunying, he didn't even glance at her, but he did pick up a handkerchief to wipe his face.
After walking a few steps, he turned his back to the group and said, "Chunying, go boil some hot water and help me change my clothes."
Chunying responded with a "yes" and silently followed behind him.
Lin Zhong watched the two walk away, stroking the stubble on his chin thoughtfully.
"It seems the young master's temperament has truly changed somewhat. Sigh, I hope the master's decision is the right one..."
inside the house.
Chen Yunfan, shirtless, sat in the bathtub with his eyes closed as Chunying poured boiling hot water into him.
One bucket after another, until the buckets reached above Chen Yunfan's chest.
Chunying then sprinkled some more flower petals, wiped the sweat from her nose and forehead, and said softly, "Young Master, it's done."
Chen Yunfan grunted through his nose, but his eyes remained closed.
Just as Chunying was about to leave, she heard him ask, "Has my father replied yet?"
Chunying hesitated slightly before replying, "Not yet."
"Rest assured, young master, the white-robed prime minister will not dare to neglect your orders."
"That would be best."
Chen Yunfan opened his eyes, glanced at her, and asked in a calm tone, "What about the Provincial Surveillance Commission?"
Chunying lowered her eyes and said meekly, "Ning Yu is still keeping an eye on things over there. He will come to report as soon as there is any news."
"However, judging by the time it takes, news should be coming from Kyoto Prefecture soon."
Chen Yunfan withdrew his gaze, looking at the scenery outside the window with a calm expression: "The sooner we get results, the sooner I can go to the yamen."
Upon hearing this, Chunying bit her lip and didn't dare to try to persuade her again as before.
Chen Yunfan guessed what she was thinking, but offered no words of comfort.
He couldn't relax until he figured out the schemes of the White-Robed Minister, his father, and the White Tiger Guard.
Not only him, but also Chen Yi.
In the past few days, Chen Yunfan would occasionally recall what he had seen and heard in Shuzhou, and he could understand why Chen Yi had been hiding his identity and acting in secret.
The White Tiger Guards were secretly watching, while high-ranking officials from the Shu Prefecture government and powerful clans were stirring up trouble on the surface.
If it were him marrying into the Xiao family, he would act just as cautiously.
But...
Understanding is one thing.
Chen Yunfan was still somewhat disgruntled.
It was simply because he asked himself honestly, if he were really in Chen Yi's position, he might not... or rather, he certainly wouldn't have done as well as Chen Yi.
Especially the things that have happened in Shuzhou these past few days—the epidemic, the food shortage.
No matter which one it is, Chen Yunfan will have to rack his brains.
Should he be sent to treat those infected with the virus?
joke.
He's lucky he didn't get infected with the virus.
To help him stabilize grain prices?
That won't work either.
Aside from seeking help from Liu Hong or the Chen family and Cui Qingwu in Jiangnan Prefecture, he had almost no other options.
"Human strength has its limits; it's better to kill with a single, decisive blow..."
There's no other way.
Chen Yunfan's position as a provincial administration commissioner was subject to strict rules and regulations, and any action he took would have far-reaching consequences, unlike Chen Yi who could remain aloof.
Even though he knew that Zhu Hao was treasonous and betraying the country, he could only act within the rules and could not possibly actually go to Guangyuan County to kill Zhu Hao.
A moment of silence.
Chen Yunfan got up and waved. Chunying understood and dried his body, helped him change into a clean set of brocade clothes, and fastened his belt.
As Chen Yunfan let her do as she pleased, he looked in the bronze mirror and asked, "How many times has Li Huaigu come?"
"Reporting to Young Master, Councilor Li has come four times in the past two days."
Four times?
"It seems the Provincial Administration Commission has a lot of official business."
Chunying paused upon hearing this, quickly glanced at him, and mustered her courage to say, "Young Master, there has been a significant change in the department."
Chen Yunfan glanced at her sideways, making her lower her head again, before finally humming:
"I thought you, the white-robed prime minister, were planning to go back."
"This servant wouldn't dare."
"I hope you really don't dare to do it again."
Chen Yunfan straightened his brocade robes and walked outside, asking as he went, "Tell me about what's happened at the yamen?"
"Something must have happened to Liu Hong."
"oh?"
Seeing that he was interested, Chunying quickly continued, "It is said that his hair turned white overnight, and he looked several times older than before, as if even his energy and spirit had been drained away."
"and……"
After hearing what had happened inside the yamen, Chen Yunfan frowned slightly. "Could something have happened to him?"
"The Liu family of Jingzhou is still alive, and Consort Liu is still alive, so how could something have happened to him?"
Chunying nodded in agreement, saying, "Young master is right."
“Liu Hong does have problems, but as the Provincial Governor of Shu Prefecture, he holds a second-rank official position, so ordinary crimes would hardly have any impact on him.”
"Just like when Liu Wen used Mingyue Tower to burn down the summer grain in the three towns, after the conflict between the Liu family and the Xiao family, His Majesty only punished each of them severely."
"Your men haven't sent any messages back?"
Not yet...
Chen Yunfan nodded slightly and went outside to stretch his body.
"Liu Hong doesn't concern himself with politics, so the Provincial Administration Commission is handled by Lord Yang. No wonder Li Huaigu has visited him several times."
Without a doubt, Li Huaigu wanted him to go back to work in the yamen.
Chen Yunfan muttered a few words like "thankfully".
Just as he was about to ask Chunying to make tea in the pavilion, he heard Niu Shan's voice coming from outside the door.
"Young master, someone has come to visit..."
Without a second thought, Chen Yunfan interrupted, saying, "I won't see you."
Niu Shan finished speaking to himself: "...Miss Cui."
Chen Yunfan paused, staring at him without saying a word.
Chunying and Lin Zhong lowered their heads silently, but the corners of their mouths were still slightly upturned.
Niu Shan scratched his head, then belatedly chuckled and said, "Please forgive me, young master, I spoke too slowly."
Chen Yunfan rolled his eyes, too lazy to bother with this blockhead, and simply waved his hand, saying, "Go ask Qingwu."
Niu Shan let out a sound of surprise and ran off into the distance.
Before long, he came running back to the front yard from the back house, leading a middle-aged man dressed in blue.
Chen Yunfan glanced at the newcomer, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Why is he here in Shu Prefecture?"
Lin Zhong and Chunying both recognized the person's identity, exchanged a glance, and were both somewhat surprised.
Song Jinjian was one of the guests served by the Cui family of Qinghe.
He was once a famous swordsman in Jiangnan Prefecture, known for his chivalry and excellent character.
At the age of 21, he broke through to the third rank after clearing out a group of Japanese pirates in Taizhou County.
People in the martial arts world all thought that he would soon have the strength to challenge "Snow Sword Lord" Ye Guxian and others.
Who would have thought that he would retire from public life after that and become a retainer of the Cui family.
As the group looked them over, Song Jinjian also noticed them and gave them a respectful bow from a distance.
"I, Song, pay my respects to Young Master Chen and Commander Lin."
Chen Yunfan pursed his lips and waved for him to walk towards the backyard.
Song Jinjian clasped his hands in a fist salute and then followed Niu Shan straight to the backyard.
Chen Yunfan watched his retreating figure, secretly guessing his purpose.
After much thought, he could only guess that Song Jinjian was probably relaying a message from the Cui family.
Should Cui Qingwu return to his family or...?
Chen Yunfan flicked his sleeves slightly, looking somewhat displeased, and turned back to his room, his leisurely mood for tea gone.
Chunying nudged Lin Zhong and then followed behind Chen Yunfan.
Lin Zhong understood and stood still, looking towards the back of the house and listening intently.
Not long after.
The sound of Song Jinjian and Cui Qingwu talking could be heard.
"Uncle Song, what brings you here?"
"Young Miss, the Lord asked me to ask when you will return to Qinghe."
"My father?"
"Before the end of the year..."
Lin Zhong didn't hear what was said after that, but he knew that Cui Qingwu was probably not far from returning to the Cui family in Qinghe.
He withdrew his gaze, looked at Chen Yunfan in the side room, shook his head and sighed.
"The marriage alliance between the Chen and Cui families was orchestrated by the master and madam; the young master is probably..."
Resign yourself to fate?
Maybe.
Just as Lin Zhong was about to go and report, he heard a slight twitch and immediately looked towards the front yard.
Ning Yu rushed over, "Where is the young master?"
Lin Zhong pointed behind him, "Inside."
Ning Yu apologized and hurriedly ran into the side room.
Just as he was about to report, Chunying quickly gestured to him, indicating that there were ears on the other side of the wall.
Ning Yu understood, so she went to the study, found paper and pen, and wrote a few words.
[The Emperor's decree has reached Guangyuan County, but Zhu Hao defied it and attempted to escape. He was beheaded by Xiao Jinghong with a single sword stroke.]
After reading it, Chen Yunfan was stunned for a moment.
"Xiao...is she in Guangyuan? When did she go there?"
Ning Yu shook her head, indicating that she did not know.
Chunying pondered for a moment and wrote a few words on the paper, "It should be after the chaos in the Xiao family a few days ago."
“At that time, ‘Dragon Tiger’ Liu Wu killed ‘Jackal’ Du Cang, which may have made the Xiao family aware of Zhu Hao’s deal with the Peacock King Flag.”
Chen Yunfan nodded in realization; that made sense.
The evidence against Zhu Hao that he possessed was, in name, an arrangement given to him by the White Tiger Guard.
But the messenger was Chen Yi.
Based on his understanding of Chen Yi, if Chen Yi had known the news, how could he not have informed the Xiao family?
Therefore, it makes perfect sense for Xiao Jinghong to appear in Guangyuan.
After thinking everything through, a smile appeared on Chen Yunfan's face. "This is getting interesting."
One person's contribution, three people's share of the profits—he really wanted to see how the White Tiger Guards would react when they heard the news.
If he were still given the official position of deputy commander, he would accept it.
"Damn it, if that's really the case, then the emperor is either old or stupid."
"Closer than my own father?"
"Dream on."
Chen Yunfan muttered to himself, glancing in the direction of Guangyuan County, occasionally revealing a smile.
It was a pleasant surprise to see my younger siblings there.
...
Although Guangyuan County is a county seat, the city is not small.
Located at the junction of Shuzhou, Jingzhou, and Youzhou, it is the throat of Shuzhou, with many merchants coming and going.
As a result, many people have settled here to make a living.
The gathering of various江湖客 (jianghu ke, a term referring to people from all walks of life) – including canal gangs, horse caravans, and salt gangs – made the situation here extremely complex.
Often, even long-established clans here are mired in trouble, hesitant to handle matters around them, for fear of offending a certain power.
But Xiao Jinghong didn't care about any of that.
They were nothing but low-class people from all walks of life, worlds apart from the Fengyulou, and certainly not comparable to the Dingyuan Army.
She could ignore those idle people, but she couldn't ignore the Shu Prefecture Commandery.
Especially after she killed Zhu Hao with her own hands.
Even though the emperor issued an edict to arrest Zhu Hao, it was still inappropriate for her to kill him directly.
But since things had come to this, Xiao Jinghong remained calm and quietly waited for news from the capital city at the Commander's Office.
Beside them was Xiao Xuanshuo, who had come with the imperial decree-bearing procession.
Despite his dissatisfaction with many members of the Xiao family, he genuinely approves of his niece, Xiao Jinghong.
Therefore, he was able to talk about things in the prefectural city with a smile on his face.
"...When I went to Kyoto Prefecture, my father had already ordered someone to notify the government to deal with the epidemic, so there should be no major problems."
Xiao Jinghong nodded slightly and pondered, "You just said that the message was sent by Liu Wu?"
"He went back to Shu Prefecture?"
Xiao Xuanshuo nodded. "I heard that he had already sensed the plague before it spread, and after making a diagnosis, he came up with a prescription to treat it."
"If it weren't for him, the city would probably be in chaos by now."
Xiao Jinghong looked thoughtfully in the direction of the prefectural city. "What a coincidence?"
Liu Wu was not in the prefectural city when she was there.
She had only been gone from the city for a few days when Liu Wu not only returned, but also stepped in to solve a major problem.
After thinking about it, Xiao Jinghong dismissed the thought and attributed it to coincidence.
After all, apart from having a similar name, she and Liu Wu had never interacted before.
She couldn't figure out why Liu Wu would deliberately avoid her.
"Besides the imperial decree given to Zhu Hao, does His Majesty have any other orders this time?"
Xiao Xuanshuo smiled and nodded, "I can't hide it from you."
"His Majesty has also issued an edict to punish Liu Hong..."
(End of this chapter)
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