Chapter 1395: Mingguang's Battle of Wits with His Chubby Nephew

Not long after dawn,A carriage bearing the Northern Yamen's insigniaHad already arrived, waiting outside the Jiang manor gates.

The coachman was another unfamiliar face.Jiang Wang instinctively remembered his soul auraBefore looking into the carriage compartment.Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie were both inside,Each sitting on one side, in silent contemplation.

They each had their specialized skills.Not having seen each other for one night,One could imagine they had made some progress in the case,Yet their expressions revealed no change whatsoever.Those skilled at finding clues are naturally also skilled at concealing them.

Jiang Wang bent down and entered the carriage,Sitting squarely in the middle."This coachman is from my own household," Zheng Shangming began."Near your residence, there are more patrolling guards.This is at Changle Palace's request, and there are also some near Vice Minister Lin's home.The Crown Prince has strictly ordered that this case must not be interfered with."

Jiang Wang knew this was the outcome of the threat conveyed through the coachman.It wasn't that he, Jiang, was not worthy of a larger display,But since that coachman had vanished in every sense,There was no one to pursue further.

"Understood," Jiang Wang replied.Regarding today's search, he had little interest.His mind was completely occupied with what clues Gongsun Yu might provide.He had intended to continue his cultivation journey to Changsheng Palace,When Lin Youxie suddenly spoke, "The results of the eleven princes' medicinal soup examination are in."

"What did it say?""Besides Ling Suppression Grass, there were also Fiery Sun Flower, Crimson Feather Powder, Red-Bellied Spider Legs...All were medicinal ingredients used to counter cold poison.""It seems there's nothing unusual," Jiang Wang said."Yes," Lin Youxie turned to look at Zheng Shangming,"Officer Zheng, did your interrogation yesterday yield anything?I heard you went back to examine the body last night?"

Zheng Shangming gave a bitter smile."I thought there might be some findings, but it was just overthinking.Handling cases like this inevitably involves going down the wrong paths."Lin Youxie nodded and asked, "So, Officer Zheng, do you have any ideas to share today?""One's approach to handling a case must be broad, but one cannot simply conjure things out of thin air.It still relies on what the clues say. First, collect evidence, then discuss anything else."As he spoke this platitude, Zheng Shangming's expression was very serious.Lin Youxie merely said, "Officer Zheng is absolutely right!"

Jiang Wang remained expressionless throughout.So these two had traveled all the way from the Northern Yamen,Together in the carriage for so long, without saying a single word!They only waited for him to arrive before engaging in this perfunctory exchange.

"It seems Lord Jiang is not in high spirits?" Zheng Shangming asked, implying something."Oh?" Jiang Wang countered."I noticed you haven't been speaking," Zheng Shangming explained.Jiang Wang said dully, "Ultimately, the case is your responsibility to investigate.It's fine as long as you two reach an agreement.""Indeed," Zheng Shangming nodded and said no more.

In a strange silence, the carriage once again arrived at Changsheng Palace.Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie were indeed very active in their work,Devoting themselves wholeheartedly to the search of Changsheng Palace,From the front hall to the back, from Jiang Wuqi's sleeping quarters to the rooms of the eunuchs and palace maids...Not a single clue was overlooked.

Jiang Wang quietly followed behind, speaking only when necessary, almost never otherwise.This time, the search encompassed the entire Changsheng Palace.Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie went over every nook and cranny,Until the sun set in the west, signaling the end of the search.

"Lord Lin, have you found any useful clues?" Zheng Shangming asked."A thousand threads, becoming increasingly confusing," Lin Youxie shook her head and asked in return,"And Lord Zheng?"Zheng Shangming also shook his head."Same as Lord Lin. I wonder if Feng Gu's death... could be related to the Equal Kingdom's retaliation?""Highly likely!" Lin Youxie said with great seriousness.

Jiang Wang watched them setting the stage and performing, making no sound."Has Lord Jiang discovered anything?" Lin Youxie suddenly asked."No discovery, you two are both quite normal," Jiang Wang turned and said, "Let's return."

Lin Youxie and Zheng Shangming clearly now had their sights set on the assassination of Consort Lei.They both knew each other's intentions but pretended not to.Lin Youxie only wanted to uncover the truth of that year and reveal it to the public,To restore her father's innocence.To this day, in the Northern Yamen's records, Lin Kuang's cause of death is still listed as"Ineffective in handling the case, fearing responsibility, committed suicide," his life's great reputation ruined!

Zheng Shangming also wanted to uncover the truth of that year,But whether this "truth" would be made publicMust conform to the Emperor's preferences and dislikes,Paving the way for himself to take over as the Northern Yamen Commander in the future.If Jiang Wang was willing to serve as the Northern Yamen Commander first,Then he would readily hand over this benefit. If Jiang Wang was unwilling,Then he would perform well himself.

The conflict between the two lay in this.Therefore, who found the truth first became the key issue.So they said they were working together on the case,But they also guarded against each other, absolutely concealing any clues that could remain private.

With Jiang Wang saying this, there was no longer any need for them to pretend.Thus, they left.The heavy palace gates slowly closed, temporarily sealing this palace.The three Azure-branded officers silently boarded the carriage.Interestingly, everyone in this carriage felt they were close to the truth.Though silent, they each had their own goals and choices.

Lin Youxie needed Jiang Wang to turn a blind eye.The eye that was open was named "Truth,"The eye that was closed was named "Duty."She wanted to get hold of the clues to Consort Lei's assassination case firstAnd unearth the truth of that year.

Zheng Shangming, on the other hand, needed Jiang Wang to agree to take over as the Northern Yamen CommanderBefore he would share the clues from this case with him.He also needed Jiang Wang to turn a blind eye.But the eye that was open was named "Loyalty,"The eye that was closed was named "Truth."

As for Jiang Wang himself, he wanted to make his choice after grasping the truth.The best outcome would be for the final destination of the three to be consistent.That is, the situation Chong Xuan Sheng spoke of, where "the Son of Heaven should know the truth."But Jiang Wang also had to prepare for the worst.

Of course, that day Lin Youxie and Zheng Shangming were searching for clues,While Jiang Wang was quietly cultivating.But in fact, the entire day was merely the three of them testing each other's patience.

The carriage dropped off Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie at the Northern Yamen,Then took Jiang Wang back to his residence alone.After watching a full day of boring theater at Changsheng Palace,He didn't want to go to the Northern Yamen to watch more.Anyway, neither side would share clues with him now,So he simply left directly.

"This is too tedious..."This was Jiang Wang's only thought after getting off the carriage.

Fortunately, he also had his preparations.Stepping into the mansion, he went straight back to his bedroom,Closed the door, and cultivated.He wasn't doing this for a day or two, but every day,As naturally as could be.

Jiang Wang was lost in cultivation, unable to extricate himself.Chong Xuan Sheng, taking advantage of Chong Xuan Zun's absence,Was busy ingratiating himself with the Marquis of Bowang, extremely attentive.

No sooner had Jiang Wang returned to his residence,Than Chong Xuan Sheng, bringing Fourteen,Swaggered out the door.With two carriage loads of tonics,He headed directly towards the Marquis of Bowang's manor.This flamboyant behavior was not uncommon for him;Likely few in Linzi didn't know that Young Master Sheng was filial...With Chong Xuan Zun absent, he was the rightful Young Master of the Marquisate,Although more often than not, this胖子 preferred to stay at Jiang Qingyang's place.

As soon as he entered the Marquisate's main gate,Chong Xuan Sheng took the steward's hand and said very seriously,"These are tonics I worked hard to buy.Be sure to have the storeroom put them away properly, thank you for your trouble!"The steward was flattered and repeatedly agreed.

Chong Xuan Sheng waved his hand and strode inside.Of course, he didn't need anyone to lead the way in his own home.Reaching the inner courtyard, he shouted from a distance,"Grandpa, your grandson has come to see you!"

"What's all the shouting about, what's all the shouting about!"Before Chong Xuan Yunbo, who was on the reclining chair, could speak,Chong Xuan Mingguang, who was sitting on a small stool giving the old man a foot massage,Had already put on his elder's air and scolded,"The old master is over a hundred years old, his cultivation has started to decline.Can he withstand you yelling like this?What if you scare him into a grave state!Truly, at this age, still so clueless."

Fourteen stood outside the courtyard.Chong Xuan Sheng walked in alone,Meeting Chong Xuan Mingguang's spittle with a face still full of smiles."Uncle is right to scold. Didn't I specifically buy two carriage loads of tonics?It's precisely to ensure Grandpa doesn't suffer any mishaps!"

"At this age, and without divine presence, what use are tonics?Wasting money all day long. How can you manage the household later?"Chong Xuan Mingguang lectured his nephew,His hand massage never stopping. He turned his head to look at the old man,His sternness instantly turning into flattery."Dad, isn't this the truth? The one who manages the household,Cannot be too extravagant. Your son has been careful for so many years,The account book is truly beautiful, you tell me..."

The old man only looked at him faintly."From your tone, I sense you're a bit displeased that I've lived too long?"This look was all too familiar!How could it not be followed by a beating?Chong Xuan Mingguang, who had been intimidated since childhood, immediately panicked."Son... son didn't mean that."

"If you can't speak, shut up," the old man impatiently pulled back his leg."Sit to the side!"He had thought this fellow came here so diligently every dayTo pave the way for his grandson Chong Xuan Zun's inheritance of the title,And that he was being a bit obvious about it.After all, it was a parent's love for their child. As the head of the family, he could understand.Ho! Who knew this piece of waste material actually had some intention of inheriting the family business himself!What gall!If he didn't cut this off quickly, what would happen?Chong Xuan Yunbo couldn't help but reflect on himself,When exactly did he give this fellow the wrong impression...If not for his grandson being present and considering his dignity as an uncle,He would have kicked him out long ago.

"Oh," Chong Xuan Mingguang moved away, carrying the small stool with a wronged look.Chong Xuan Sheng swayed his ample flesh as he approached,A sight of graceful sway.Looking at Chong Xuan Mingguang, his face was filled with smiles."Uncle, you're also over sixty now.You can also eat these tonics. If it's not enough, I'll buy more later."

Chong Xuan Mingguang, such a handsome man who defied time,Hated it the most when others mentioned his age.Yet at this moment, in front of the old man, he couldn't erupt,He couldn't very well scold his nephew for being concerned about him, could he?He could only say "good child" with his mouth,And quietly turn his face to the side, giving Chong Xuan Sheng a fierce glare.

Chong Xuan Sheng received it with a cheerful smile, completely unbothered.Chong Xuan Yunbo leaned back on the reclining chair,And said slowly, "Why did you suddenly think of bringing me tonics?"Chong Xuan Sheng moved the large chair the servants had broughtCloser to the old man, sat down smilingly,And leaned in close, saying, "Isn't it that I've always been concerned about Grandpa?You are the pillar of the Chong Xuan family, and you must be treated with utmost care!"

Chong Xuan Yunbo suddenly sighed."A pillar that needs care, can it still prop up the sky?"This was an old general who, for the sake of the family,Had taken up his armor again after laying it down.His entire life had been on the battlefield.And he was already this old.

Chong Xuan Sheng stopped smiling and said seriously,"As long as you are here for one day, the sky will not fall.""Sheng'er, you are very clever. I haven't seen many children smarter than you."Chong Xuan Yunbo looked at him and said slowly,"But clever people often rely on their cleverness,Disregarding the rules of the world,Thinking they can control everything...Sometimes, you should know when enough is enough.Even our Chong Xuan family cannot get involved in everything."

Chong Xuan Sheng using the Marquis of Bowang's manor as a coverTo quietly send Jiang Wang out of the cityCertainly couldn't have been hidden from Chong Xuan Yunbo.This wasn't a big matter to begin with. What the old man was wary ofNaturally, was still the assassination of Consort Lei.

"Grandpa, rest assured, I know my limits," Chong Xuan Sheng said."Exactly!" Chong Xuan Mingguang interjected coldly from the side.Chong Xuan Sheng looked at him in surprise.Can you actually understand what we're saying?

Chong Xuan Mingguang looked at his fat nephew with a smug expression,As if to say, "I've caught you now!""I heard you're involved in the gambling business, is that true?Gambling harms people! How many families have been broken,How many wives and children have been separated?Is this a business decent people do?If it gets out, it will simply ruin the reputation of our Chong Xuan family!Today, I'm saying this here. I am irreconcilable with this word 'gambling'!Our Chong Xuan family is irreconcilable with this word 'gambling'!You must not go astray, or you'll regret it when it's too late!"

"Dad," he probably also knew that no matter how fierce his words were, it was useless,He turned his head and asked Chong Xuan Yunbo for support."Tell this kid to close it quickly."Chong Xuan Sheng was stunned."Uncle, I saw you visiting a casino a couple of days ago!"

Chong Xuan Mingguang glared."Is visiting a casino the same as opening a casino? Is it the same nature?Yours is harming people, mine is being harmed by others!Can our Marquis of Bowang's manor do business that harms people?"

Chong Xuan Yunbo was clearly a little tired at heart,But he had no mood to instruct his eldest son.If he could have been taught well, why wait until today?He only waved his hand weakly at Chong Xuan Sheng."Indeed, there's no need to do this kind of business."

"Actually, your grandson only has a few shares,And it's registered under someone else's name..."Chong Xuan Sheng explained this much, then said,"Since Grandpa and Uncle have spoken, your grandson will go back and close it."

Chong Xuan Mingguang nodded in satisfaction."To correct a mistake when one knows it, that is true virtue.Although Sheng'er made a slight error in judgment,He is after all a young man of our Chong Xuan family,His foundation is still good!"He then put on a stern face and played a game of balancing carrots and sticks."Go back and close it now, to avoid prolonged complications.For every hour that casino stays open,Our Chong Xuan family's back will be poked for another hour!Sitting here, I feel like I'm sitting on pins and needles!"

Chong Xuan Sheng showed no sign of being bothered,And said with a smile, "Uncle is right, your nephew will go back and close the casino now."He then said to Chong Xuan Yunbo, "Grandpa, I'll come to see you again next time."

Chong Xuan Mingguang, fearing that his fat nephew would use sweet wordsTo win the old man's favor while his own talented son was away,Rushed to speak,"Go, go, the old man is here with me.Don't worry about it, go back and cultivate well.Your cultivation has fallen behind too much!"

Even though Chong Xuan Sheng had always maintained the principle of "you are always right"Towards Chong Xuan Mingguang, he felt a bit bristled upon hearing this.You, old man, have the nerve to criticize my cultivation?But after thinking about it, he still smiledAnd left the courtyard on his own.

With an uncle like this, what more could he ask for?Chong Xuan Mingguang had no idea of Chong Xuan Sheng's thoughts.Seeing his fat nephew leave, he felt he had won another important round for his son,His spirits greatly uplifted.If I didn't worry about him, what would Zun'er do? What would this family do?He glanced left and right, seeing no one around,He leaned back towards the old man.With a flattering and mysterious expression, he said,"Old Master, you just said propping up the sky, and not being able to hold it... I understand you!Here, I have a recipe, which is extremely effective..."

Meanwhile, Chong Xuan Sheng was almost out of the Marquisate,When he suddenly heard a roar from the back courtyard,Like an old general returning to the battlefield, like an angry lion awakening,Like a fierce tiger roaring in the mountains—"I'll kill you, you rebellious son!"