sjar Chapter 455 Times change, people's hearts change
Chapter 455 Times change, people's hearts change
Jiang Xiaoqi went to his duty at the Hanlin Academy as usual, as if he had forgotten about the case.
As usual, I had lunch, tea, and chatted with Liu Peng and Xiao Ming.
With daily routines and activities back on track, Minister Lin became somewhat anxious and sent people to inquire twice.
Sigh, Jiang Xiaoqi felt it wasn't that she didn't want to investigate, but rather that the key figures just happened to be out of the capital.
Yang Guozhong was not there, and he was leading people back. The Prince of Xuannan was still recuperating on the road, and the Third Prince had gone to Yunqing Mountain.
It's possible to investigate, but none of these people are here. If we can't find anything, that's fine, but if we do find something, these three can easily run away.
The general location and activity range of the black-robed men entering and leaving the Third Prince's residence have been determined, and the roles of the Song siblings in the Third Prince's residence have also been clarified.
It is now basically confirmed that the Prince of Xuannan pretended to be assassinated and to recover from his injuries, while actually deliberately slowing down his journey to the capital.
The source of the poison used by Marquis Chengen Yang Guozhong has been clarified, but what use is it to submit this evidence to His Majesty the Emperor?
The key is to connect these three seemingly unrelated people.
The three men boarded a boat because of "power," but many things were hidden beneath the surface.
Any event that has occurred will leave a trace; even the most elaborate disguise will have gaps.
"Mingfei, what are you daydreaming about? What do you think of the rice noodle stuffed duck that my chef made today?"
"Very good. It's soft and tender, not greasy at all. No wonder she's the cook in the Prime Minister's mansion; her skills are profound."
"Hahaha, I have to take those words back with me. If my cook hears them, she'll be so happy she'll fly to heaven!"
Liu Peng exaggeratedly gestured the action of flapping his wings, his lively and quirky demeanor a far cry from his first appearance.
Jiang Xiaoqi knew that Liu Peng was deliberately trying to start a lighthearted conversation, so she played along and acted as a straight man.
Seeing that Jiang Xiaoqi was finally less busy recently, Xiao Ming shamelessly suggested that he wanted to visit the Jiang family.
Xiao Ming used to be a frequent visitor to the Jiang family, but lately Jiang Xiaoqi has been so busy that Xiao Ming has felt embarrassed to bother them.
But he really missed Jiang Xiaoqi's little kitchen.
Although we could eat at the Jiang family's house once every three days, it was prepared in the Jiang family's main kitchen.
For some exquisite, fresh, and never-before-seen dishes, you still have to go to Mingfei's courtyard to eat.
It's been so long since I had that spicy hot pot with chili oil, and my stomach is itching to eat it.
Seeing Xiao Ming's expectant look, Jiang Xiaoqi smiled and nodded in agreement: "Okay, come back with me after your shift, and I'll have the kitchen make that spicy hot pot again."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming beamed with joy, "Mingfei, you really understand me! I haven't even said anything yet, and you already know I'm craving spicy hot pot!"
Liu Peng was also curious about the spicy hot pot, but he couldn't handle spicy food very well.
I'll go to Mingfei's little kitchen to eat next time when they're making something else~
Just then, a minor official rushed over and whispered a few words in Jiang Xiaoqi's ear.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, we have a guest arriving."
Although Liu Peng and Xiao Ming had some doubts, they didn't ask any further questions and told him to hurry back.
Jiang Xiaoqi followed the clerk to the side hall of the Hanlin Academy, which was reserved for receiving guests. It turned out that Minister Lin had come in person.
"Lord Lin, why did you come in person? You could have just sent someone to let me know what was on your mind."
Jiang Xiaoqi hurriedly bowed, but Minister Lin waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. He said anxiously, "Mingfei, how is the investigation going? His Majesty is pressing us hard, and I really have no choice but to come and ask in person."
Jiang Xiaoqi gave a wry smile and told him the truth about the current situation.
Minister Lin frowned upon hearing this. "I see. Mingfei, let's put the matter of Prince Xuannan aside for now, but we can add fuel to the fire on Yang Guozhong's side."
Jiang Xiaoqi didn't know whether this was Minister Lin's or the Emperor's intention, but he nodded nonetheless.
Jiang Xiaoqi said confidently, "Yang Guozhong is already on his way back to Beijing. We just need to keep an eye on him secretly. He will have his own arrangements once he arrives in Beijing."
Prince Xuan Nan is feigning injury recovery. Your Majesty could send someone to 'visit' him and see how he reacts. I can put things on hold for now, but I hope Your Majesty won't have any 'uncle-nephew' bias towards Prince Xuan Nan.
"Um, what's the deal with this Uncle and Nephew Green Realm?"
Minister Lin was a little confused. This was the first time he had ever heard this term. Could it be because he was just a military man and hadn't read enough books?
Jiang Xiaoqi realized he had spoken offhand and quickly explained, "Lord Lin, this 'uncle-nephew filter' refers to the fact that because His Majesty and Prince Xuannan have an uncle-nephew relationship, His Majesty might be biased towards him and unable to see his true intentions, thus being blinded."
Minister Lin suddenly realized and nodded, saying, "I see. Ah, you make sense. It has been more than ten years since His Majesty and Prince Xuan Nan last saw each other."
Time can change a person's mindset. It is true that Prince Xuannan fought for Your Majesty and helped Your Majesty ascend the throne.
It is true that he later willingly relinquished his power as regent and left the capital for his fiefdom without any regrets.
Whether the Prince of Xuan Nan from more than a decade ago is the same as the Prince of Xuan Nan from more than a decade later is something no one can say for sure.
Minister Lin pondered for a moment, then said, "We must not let our guard down with the Third Prince either. I just don't know why the Third Prince would seek out a great Confucian scholar at this time."
Jiang Xiaoqi sighed helplessly. It turned out that Minister Lin didn't know that the Third Prince's destination was Yunqing Mountain.
Since even Minister Lin doesn't know, then most people in the court must not know either.
Alright, the Third Prince has done a good job keeping this a secret.
"Rest assured, my lord, I have also arranged for people to keep a close eye on the Third Prince."
Minister Lin patted him on the shoulder, "Mingfei, I trust you to handle things. However, this case is becoming increasingly complicated, so you need to be extra careful."
Jiang Xiaoqi clasped his hands and said, "Lord Lin, this junior understands."
Minister Lin got up to leave, but turned back just as he reached the door.
“Mingfei, there is one more thing. My men have discovered that the Third Prince has a mysterious strategist by his side. This person is extremely capable, and you must not underestimate him when you are investigating the case.”
Is it the man in black robes? It can't be the Song siblings; those two are just a messenger.
"Does Lord Lin know the identity of this strategist?"
Minister Lin shook his head. "We only know that he is a man of exceptional strategic skills, but his specific identity is unknown. No one has ever seen his true face, and his whereabouts are very mysterious."
"Alright, I'll be careful. There are indeed some experts around the Third Prince..."
Let's count the man in black robes for now, since we haven't managed to tear off this coward's black robes yet.
"Mingfei, you're finally back! Can we have spicy hot pot again tonight?"
"Haha, of course, come to my place for a spicy hot pot when you're on duty later. Oh, by the way, I had someone make a new half-and half-half hot pot."
Liu Peng, if you can't handle spicy food, you can have the mushroom broth base.
As soon as Jiang Xiaoqi finished speaking, Liu Peng's eyes visibly brightened.
"Mushroom soup hot pot, I'll take it!"