The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Xu Jinglong's face changed slightly: "This is Jiancheng Road, not the Capital."

"Last time, you said something similar. Doesn't the Princely Heir remember?" Zhao Douan moved a bit closer.

Xu Jinglong instinctively stepped back before realizing he'd shown weakness, feeling angrily frustrated, he boldly stepped in front of the Shen Family, and sneered: "Mr. Zhao has such great authority. Fine, if you want to take someone, you may as well take me along too."

Zhao Douan's eyes flickered, about to speak, when suddenly a voice came from outside the door: "The Shipping Governor is here!"

At the outer edge of the crowd, hurriedly clad in official robes, Ning Zechen arrived on horseback, gasping for breath as he entered with several attendants.

Seeing the scene of confrontation among the three parties in the Mourning Hall, his scalp couldn't help but feel numb.

"Governor Ning? How can you have time to come?" Zhao Douan smiled.

Why I came, don't you have an idea... Ning Zechen didn't want to speak, lonely in Jianning Prefecture like a nail, driven in here, managed to stand firm and continuously promote the New Policy, relying entirely on his courage and flexible adaptability.

As a "practical capable official," Governor Ning had none of the so-called moral integrity of those Great Scholars in the court, nor did he mind properly compromising or collaborating "for the purposes of achieving goals."

Only those useless idealists would naively think that as long as one's military strength is sufficient or with Great Justice, local issues could be solved.

And only the pragmatists understand, how to properly handle complex situations.

"Governor Ning's arrival is timely," Xu Jinglong's lips curled up, "Mr. Zhao says your wife and daughter were kidnapped by people sent by He Xiaolou from Cao Gang, also said the Shen Family was the mastermind of this affair, is there any truth to it?"

Ning Zechen was silent for a moment, then said: "It hasn't been investigated, the Shen Family may have some suspicions."

The Old Dowager squinted and said: "So the Governor is also here to arrest my son for interrogation?"

Ning Zechen shook his head and said: "It hasn't been investigated, so naturally we must be cautious, how could we recklessly detain people."

After finishing, he turned around, cupped his hands towards Zhao Douan, and apologized: "Lord just arrived in Jianning Prefecture yesterday, learning of my wife and daughter's distress, was filled with righteous indignation, with impartial intent, wanted to question the Shen Family Head, indeed with a public heart, yet part of it still seems to contain misunderstanding... Ultimately, this is the Second Son's Mourning Hall, hopefully, Lord will grant Ning some measure of leniency..."

Qian Kerou was displeased: "You are quite insensitive, my lord..."

"Little Rou." Zhao Douan interrupted her, smiled, and glanced at both the Shen Family and Prince Jing Mansion's people, saying: "Since the Governor begs for mercy, let's put this matter aside for today. However... concerning a major case, Governor Ning understands the big picture and the overall situation, perhaps is unwilling to delve deeper. But I will continue my investigation, in the meantime, I hope the Shen Family Head does not leave Jianning Prefecture, to be available for summons at any time."

Pausing, he suddenly walked up to Xu Jinglong, the two were very close, looked as if he was dusting off his shoulder, lips nearly against the Princely Heir's ear, whispered softly: "I know directing He Xiaolou was Prince Jing Mansion, right?"

Xu Jinglong's eyelid twitched, staying calm and composed: "Mr. Zhao's imagination, as always, is astounding."

Zhao Douan laughed heartily, turned around, and waved: "Let's go!"

Then led a grand procession of subordinates away.

The Old Dowager closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and calmly said: "You all go tidy up the residence."

"Yes."

The Shen Family responded and left, none stayed behind.

Seeing this, Xu Jinglong instructed his subordinates: "Go send off Zhao Douan."

Until only the Old Dowager and Xu Jinglong's party remained outside the Mourning Hall.

The elderly woman with a head of silver hair gazed at the Princely Heir with gray eyes, saying: "Was it Prince Jing Mansion who did this?"

Xu Jinglong asked in surprise: "Why does the Old Dowager say so?"

The old woman scoffed coldly, murmuring: "Throughout Jianning Prefecture, who else besides my Shen Family and Prince Jing could dispatch He Xiaolou for such an affair?"

Xu Jinglong chuckled: "Think whatever you like, but this matter has nothing to do with the Royal Mansion. Yet... in truth, it matters little who did it, doesn't it? Even without this affair, Zhao Douan would have found another excuse to exploit. Surely you see, this person came here with no intention of getting along with us, it's either him dead, or us wiped out."

The Old Dowager asked: "What does the Prince intend to say?"

Xu Jinglong earnestly said: "My father's intent is, if the Shen Family is incapable against the Zhao thief, Prince Jing Mansion can offer support."

The Old Dowager hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked into the Mourning Hall: "Thank the Prince on my behalf, but my Shen Family can resolve this on our own."

Would assistance from Prince Jing Mansion come without cost?

Xu Jinglong wasn't deterred, smiling: "Fine, yet the Mansion's doors are always open for the Shen Family. When aid is needed, simply send a message."

Pausing, he added: "That Zhao Douan is not easy to deal with."

The Old Dowager faced the coffin and candles, eyes closed, palm cupped, calmly said: "No need to trouble the Princely Heir."

Hm... old thing won't cry till she sees the coffin... Xu Jinglong shook his head, turned, and left.

Only the white lanterns swayed in the Mourning Hall.

...

...

Zhao Douan and his group left the Shen Family residence, heading back to the city.

Inside the carriage, the Bodhisattva was squeezed out, Governor Ning sat in the cabin, watching the daydreaming Zhao Douan propping his cheek, hesitated: "Lord..."

"Governor Ning needn't say more, I understand, you also have your concerns." Zhao Douan waved his hand, unconcerned.

"... What's Lord thinking about?" Ning Zechen asked.

Zhao Douan murmured: "I'm thinking, when will the Shen Family send someone to kill me, how will they execute their plan."

Ning Zechen was stunned: "That's impossible, Lord is a favorite of His Majesty, how dare they..."

Zhao Douan shook his head, glanced smilingly at the governor: "Care to make a wager?"

...

Errors first correct then amend