556 A Dramatic Change in Identity (1/2)
Flame Capital City, within a rustic and elegant compound.
A white figure could be seen in the courtyard, filled with the fragrance of flowers. Under the illumination of the moonlight, a long shadow could be seen.
”Young Master!” A figure walked towards the entrance of the courtyard and immediately knelt down.
”Is it all prepared?” The white figure slowly turned around and stared at the figure who just entered the courtyard. The white veil on her face fluttered ever so slightly.
”Young Master, everything is ready. However, there was a fire at the Crown Prince Residence tonight. Domain Chief Ying Feng is worried that it may affect our plan. Hence, he sent me to ask for Young Master's opinion,” The figure said.
”Hm… it is normal that Domain Chief Ying Feng will have this worry. Has the issue been thoroughly investigated?” The white figure nodded before asking.
”The security alert around the Crown Prince Residence is high. There are more guards than usual after the fire. Hence, despite plating spies in the Crown Prince Residence way beforehand, we have only found a few things. First, there were two spots that caught fire, with the majority of the damage being done to the study room. Secondly, the secret chamber that was revealed underneath the main study room was instigated by a few letters Fang Zhengzhi claimed to have picked up. Lastly, no one knows about the specific details of the letter, although the Emperor was infuriated upon seeing the content.”
”Letter?”
”Yes, from what I know, the content of the letter should have direct connections with the secret chamber underneath the study room. Fang Zhengzhi claims that he found those letters on the site. However, I believe that Fang Zhengzhi had prepared the letters way beforehand, and took the chance to present it to the Majesty. Although…”
”Although what?”
”Although the Majesty had found the secret chamber according to the content of the letter. He did not enter the secret chamber and conduct an investigation. This was akin to not punishing the Crown Prince despite concrete evidence that he was in cahoots with some courtiers. He simply let him go scot free. Hence, from my perspective, Fang Zhengzhi's plan must have failed!”
”Failed?” The white figure started thinking after hearing those words. After which, the figure then shook her head and said, ”Many a time, things that seemed to have failed on the surface might be very successful. Perhaps there are still some things we have not realized. You mentioned that Fang Zhengzhi found more than one letter, am I right?”
”Yes!”
”A few letters… I understand now! You can stop the investigation into the case. How is the situation over at Ten Mile Lake? Is Yan Qianli still at Ten Mile Lake?” The white figure nodded and continued asking.
”Yes, based on what I have investigated, Yan Qianli should be returning to the capital after staying at Ten Mile Lake for three days. However, no one knows why she had not returned to the capital.” The other figure then answered.
”It seems like an accident will happen for our plan this time around,” The white figure then closed her eyes and frowned slightly.
”Then… should we still continue on our plan?”
”Yes. Do everything as per normal. No plan can be perfect. There is bound to be some accidents. I do not mind this one bit,” The white figure shook her head and said.
”Yes! Then I will report back to the Domain Chief!” The figure then nodded before leaving.
The white figure then once again opened her eyes and lifted her head to look at the bright moon and glimmering stars, ”Fang Zhengzhi, both of us have chosen the ”sparrow” role this time around. However, who will be the true sparrow?”
She sat down elegantly and strummed the Chinese instrument delicately, immersing herself in the melodious tune.
It was not a long distance from the Crown Prince Residence to the palace. However, Fang Zhengzhi had been walking for a full 30 minutes and they had not reached their destination.
The reason was simple…
The Emperor Lin Mubai was walking very slowly.
How then, can Fang Zhengzhi walk fast?
Of course, Lin Mubai was not really walking. He was seated comfortably in a huge carriage. Fang Zhengzhi, Yan Xiu, Ping Yang and the rest were also on this same carriage.
It was extremely spacious and decorated with luxurious statues. Even with the six of them in it, there was still plenty of space.
”Father, do you have something to say? Why did you call everyone in?” Ping Yang blinked her eyes and stared at Lin Mubai, who was keeping his eyes half-closed.
”Of course!” Lin Mubai opened his eyes and stared at Ping Yang. Following which, he patted Ping Yang lightly on the head and cast his glance at Fang Zhengzhi, saying, ”Fang Zhengzhi, speak. What do you want from me?”
”A mansion hundred over square miles in area!” Fang Zhengzhi immediately said without any hesitation.
”Hundred over square miles? Are you trying to build a palace?” Lin Mubai stared at Fang Zhengzhi in shock before gritting his teeth and said, ”Alright, I'll allow it. However, Flame Capital City do not have such huge land space for you. You find your own place and I'll send people over to build it for you!”
”It would be for naught if I merely have the residence. I need servants who can clean and serve me in the residence,” Fang Zhengzhi added.
”Rest assured. Since I have already promised you a residence, I will definitely give you servants and a cook as well. It comes as a package!” Lin Mubai could feel his wealth slowly depleting.
”I also want to abolish tax for the Northern Mountain Village and the other eight villages within a ten-mile radius from it!”
”I can understand that you would want to abolish tax for the Northern Mountain Village. After all, that is where you were born and raised. But why the eight villages within a ten-mile radius as well?” Lin Mubai was perplexed at the request.
”Because I can!” Fang Zhengzhi calmly replied.
Lin Mubai was dumbfounded and gritted his teeth while he said, ”Alright then, because you can. I will promise you all of that. Do you have anything else you want?”
”Nothing else.” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.
”No more? Are you sure? I have such a big secret in your hands. The notorious Fang Zhengzhi only wants a mansion and some tax-free shenanigans from me? I was already prepared to part with a huge proportion of my wealth. Are you sure you are going to let me go so easily?” Lin Mubai said in disbelief.
”There is truly nothing else I want,” Fang Zhengzhi once again shook his head.
”Alright then, since you are done, I will promise you all this on one condition!” Lin Mubai smiled as his eyes gleamed.
”I will not do anything too troublesome!” Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have predicted Lin Mubai would have a request. He did not seem surprised.
The Emperor?
All who were able to sit on the throne were considered a dragon amongst men. That meant that they were extremely shrewd and intelligent!
Since he had already promised to part with a mansion more than hundred square miles in area, why would he not request something from Fang Zhengzhi as well?
”It won't be troublesome at all,” Lin Mubai gave a mysterious smile.
”Then please speak.”
”It would be enough for you to know this fact. I am tired and wish to return to the palace now. I will send my instructions to Ping Yang Residence a few days later. You guys may return as well.” Lin Mubai did not intend to continue the conversation. He merely stared at Fang Zhengzhi then at Ping Yang.
”Father, will third brother…” Ping Yang opened her mouth to speak as her pair of clear eyes sparkled with worry.
”One can forgive a sin committed by the heavens, but not one committed by himself! I only hope that he learns his lesson from this incident!” Lin Mubai spoke as his face was overwhelmed with worry.
”Then…” Ping Yang was slightly hesitant.
”It is late. Let's all go back and rest,” Lin Mubai said.
”Then, we will be going!” Ping Yang nodded and stopped asking.
Yan Xiu and Nangong Mu did not say anything as well. In fact, they kept silent the moment they boarded the carriage.
Similarly, Wen Dabao also fell silent the entire time. He had an incredulous look on his face. This was because he still had not figured out what exactly happened.
Didn't the Emperor say to accompany him for a walk?
Was this all?
Furthermore, why did the Emperor bestow Fang Zhengzhi with a mansion hundred square miles wide in area? He even abolished tax for the Northern Mountain Village and many other villages. He even thought that these requests were too little?
What was going on? Might it be due to the letters?