sjar Chapter 381 The Emperor's Appearance
Chapter 381 The Emperor's Appearance
Amidst the clamor, the county magistrate came hurriedly, his steps hurried and rapid, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead, soaking his official uniform.
When he reached Nangong Qi's side, he knelt on his knees with a plop, his body trembling slightly with fear. He kowtowed tremblingly and said in a loud voice: "Your humble servant pays homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I really didn't know that Your Highness would come to this small Linhai County, and I failed to greet you from afar. I am truly guilty of a capital crime. I hope Your Highness will forgive me!" The voice was trembling and flattering, and it sounded particularly harsh in the chaotic streets.
Nangong Qi looked down at the county magistrate who was kneeling at his feet in fear and trepidation, a mocking arc appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he sneered: "Huh! Such an earth-shattering event has happened in the land under your jurisdiction. The people are in panic, and children have disappeared for no reason. But you seem to be completely unaware of it, have never heard of it, and have not done anything!
How strange! I've only come here incognito, yet you're so well-informed that you've found out my whereabouts so quickly.
"Could it be that you've planted some spies in this county, specifically to snoop on matters that have nothing to do with people's livelihood? It seems that you, the county magistrate, are quite capable!" His voice, though childish, was filled with authority. Every word was like a heavy hammer, hammering down hard on the county magistrate's heart, making his face paler and his head droop lower.
Nangong Qi immediately turned around and coldly ordered his personal guards, "Bring all those involved in the case to the county government office. Today, I, the Crown Prince, want to see how the county magistrate will conduct this interrogation!"
The secret guard immediately saluted, his posture as straight as a pine tree, and responded in a loud and firm voice: "Yes, Your Highness!"
This scene fell into the eyes of the surrounding onlookers, and everyone suddenly woke up from their dreams. It turned out that the person to whom the county magistrate was kneeling respectfully was actually the current Crown Prince.
In an instant, the sound of rustling clothes could be heard on the street, and people knelt down one after another, shouting in unison, uneven but full of awe: "Welcome to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may His Royal Highness live a thousand years, a thousand years, and a thousand years!" The shouts echoed over the street, attracting the attention of passers-by who were farther away, and they stopped in confusion.
Nangong Qi glanced at the people kneeling on the ground and shouted, "Stand up."
After everyone stood up, he calmly said to them, "Weren't you all filled with doubts just now, wondering whether this magician and his accomplices were good guys or bad guys? If you are curious, you can go to the county government office and listen to how this case is being tried. I will also let you see that under this fair and just world, I, the Crown Prince, will not allow any criminals to go unpunished!"
His voice was steady and powerful, and his words were filled with unquestionable majesty, which made the people feel more awe and trust in His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Shen Li stood quietly by and listened to Nangong Qi's orderly arrangements for the follow-up of this incident.
She looked at Nangong Qi's tall and majestic figure, the decisiveness and wisdom revealed in his deep eyes, and couldn't help but think to herself: Nangong Qi before her wasn't as bad as she had imagined. This Crown Prince was decisive and thoughtful, handling this complex situation with ease, and taking the concerns of the people to heart. He truly possessed extraordinary strategy and vision.
If he really ascends the throne as the new emperor of Xiqi in the future, with his ability and character, he will surely be a wise king who cares about the world and benefits all the people. At that time, the country may usher in a brand new atmosphere, and the people will be able to live and work in peace and enjoy the blessings of a peaceful and prosperous era under his rule.
Su Ran quietly noticed that Shen Li's eyes were always following Nangong Qi, and there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but he quickly restrained his emotions, put on a gentle smile, and said to Shen Li in a soft voice: "Li'er, you have been running around for a long time today, I guess you are tired. Let's go back to the inn and rest first. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is personally handling the affairs here, and he will definitely get to the bottom of it.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is intelligent, wise, courageous, and resolute. Such a capable person will surely be able to handle this mess clearly and properly, don't you think?"
After saying that, he turned his head to look at Nangong Qi, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, with the corners of his mouth raised, revealing a faint smile, but that smile seemed to contain some different meaning.
Nangong Qi was slightly startled and turned his head to look at Su Ran. The moment their eyes met, it seemed as if something was quietly flowing in the air.
But after a moment, Nangong Qi shifted his gaze and turned to look at Shen Li. His usually cold expression softened a little at this moment.
He said softly, "Ari, today's events were indeed dangerous. You were frightened by those evil people. It's time to go back and rest. Be careful on your way back and stay safe."
His voice was low and magnetic, and his words were full of concern, which made people feel at ease.
Shen Li raised her eyes to look at Nangong Qi, nodded slightly, and responded softly: "Well, then Your Highness should also be more careful."
Su Ran had his signature smile on his face, his eyes slightly narrowed, revealing a barely perceptible cunning and complacency.
He took a step forward, slightly closer to Shen Li, as if asserting his sovereignty, and then said in a brisk but somewhat deliberate tone: "Your Highness, rest assured. Li'er will return with me. I will do my best to protect her and will not let her come to any harm. Li'er will be safe and sound by my side."
After saying that, he turned his head and looked at Shen Li gently, his eyes full of doting and concern, but the smile did not reach his eyes, making it difficult to understand the true thoughts behind his expression.