late at night.
Jingzhao Prefecture!
As the case of the third prince's rebellion continued to ferment, more and more officials and ministers were implicated.
To prevent any disturbances, the imperial court dispatched a large number of troops to maintain order. But even so, they were still extremely busy.
It’s so messy!
The Third Prince's rebellion implicated not only officials within the court but also prominent families. It encompassed not only the capital but the entire empire. A massive purge was launched from top to bottom.
This also led to the prisons in the capital being almost overcrowded!
Late at night, in Jingzhao Prefecture.
The prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture was extremely busy and sweating profusely.
The capture of the Third Prince's rebels was spearheaded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, in conjunction with the Imperial Guards and the Secret Heavenly Division. His Jingzhao Prefecture was merely a minor player in the investigation.
But unfortunately, many of the arrested officials and children of noble families were imprisoned in his Jingzhao Prefecture Prison.
Of course, in addition to these, the Secret Heaven Prison, the Dali Temple Prison, and other prisons throughout the capital all hold many children of officials and noble families!
Among them, many are big shots whom he cannot afford to offend!
Even though these people were now implicated and imprisoned, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture did not dare to neglect them easily.
Just when the prefect was still busy handling government affairs, someone came to report outside the door late at night.
"Sir, the leader of the Mi Tian Division is here!"
Upon hearing this news, the prefect shuddered all over and his face changed slightly.
The leader of the Secret Department?
This, this is a big shot!
The Jingzhao Yin was very clear about the current situation in the Mi Tiansi. A few years ago, the Mi Tiansi suffered a severe blow. It was rumored that many guards in the Mi Tiansi were attacked and killed, which dealt a great blow to the prestige of the Mi Tiansi.
At this critical moment, the leader of the Secret Heaven Division was said to have gained the trust of Mr. Chen in the palace, and successfully took control of the Secret Heaven Division!
And now, in this major case of arresting the Third Prince's rebels, this ringleader has monopolized the power of the Secret Department and has the orders of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. It can be said that his power has reached its peak.
Unrivaled!
These days, the reputation of this Chen Kuishou is so loud in Beijing that he is feared and no one dares to touch him!
It's the middle of the night now, why would this Chen Kuishou suddenly come to my house?
Jingzhao Yin could no longer sit still and immediately stood up and went out to greet him.
At this time, a figure appeared outside the mansion.
A man in a black robe, hidden in the night, appeared outside the door. His robe was as black as ink, with a knife at his waist and a sharp and cold gaze.
It gives people a chilling feeling!
It’s Chen Kuishou!
"Chen Kuishou?!"
Jingzhao Yin immediately stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said with a smile on his face: "I wonder if the leader has come to visit so suddenly? Is there something important?!"
In terms of official rank, the Jingzhao Yin was actually on par with the leader. But the gap between the two was as huge as a chasm!
Chen Changqing stared at the Jingzhao Yin in front of him with a deep and cold gaze, and said calmly: "I have come to see you, sir, to inquire about someone!"
Jingzhao Yin was slightly startled. "I wonder who the leader is trying to find out about?"
"The current Minister of Rites, Xu Yan!"
“…”
Jingzhao Prefecture, a big prison.
Even late at night, the prison is still heavily guarded.
Inside the prison, a mixture of blood and unpleasant smells hit one in the face, making one feel sick.
From time to time, one could still faintly hear sobs and desperate roars, but soon, after a few angry shouts, the sounds gradually died away.
It was in the deepest part of the prison, surrounded by tranquility. Compared to the foul smell and dirty environment of other cells, this place was quite clean and tidy, and it didn't really look like a cell at all!
Those who can be imprisoned here are either rich or noble.
And in one of the cells, several figures were being held.
An old man with gray hair sat cross-legged on the floor of the cell. Although he had become a prisoner, his aura had never dissipated.
Next to him sat a young man who looked anxious and worried, his face full of desperate sighs.
"Grandpa, this time... I'm afraid our Xu family is finished!"
Xu Zhongshan's voice was depressed and desperate, and he sighed deeply.
Although the old man's face did not show much emotion, his slightly sunken eyes were dull and lifeless, and he obviously had no hope for the future.
"This is probably the fate of our Xu family."
The old man spoke slowly in a low voice.
"But……"
Xu Zhongshan gritted his teeth and looked at his grandfather: "Our Xu family is loyal to the court. We didn't participate in the Third Prince's rebellion... Why do they want to kill us all?!"
The old man looked at him quietly: "Does it matter whether our Xu family is involved or not?"
Xu Zhongshan was slightly stunned: "Grandpa, what do you mean by this?!"
"Our Xu family has always been a thorn in the eyes of many people in Beijing!"
Mr. Xu spoke in a deep voice, his eyes cold.
Xu Zhongshan opened his mouth, wanting to say something angrily. But in the end, he shut up again!
At this point, nothing you say will help!
After all, the Xu family had no connections in the capital. Now they were dragged into the Third Prince's rebellion case, leaving them vulnerable to being exploited!
What's funny is that the Xu family wanted to stay away from the Lin family because they didn't want to be caught between the imperial court and Prince Lin's Mansion and become abandoned.
But now, their Xu family has become the abandoned ones!
Sad and ridiculous!
Maybe, this is fate.
Xu Zhongshan seemed to accept his fate and gave a bitter smile: "Perhaps, this is indeed the fate of our Xu family, but..."
Xu Zhongshan gritted his teeth again and said worriedly: "Lanlan is innocent, she knows nothing..."
Hearing this, Xu Lao's originally calm expression finally became more serious: "Where is Lanlan? How is she now?"
"I have already sent someone to escort Lanlan out tonight, but..."
The situation tonight was critical. Fortunately, he had found a way to rescue Lan Lan in advance, so that she would not end up in jail. But he did not know what Xu Lan's situation was now.
What's more serious is that if the Xu family is really accused of being a traitor to the Third Prince, what will Lan Lan do then?
And what about my father who is far away in Linzhou...
Realizing this, Mr. Xu's expression changed and gradually became a little ugly.
No one expected that their Xu family would suddenly suffer such a disaster! If they had known earlier, they should not have allowed Lan Lan to come to Beijing, otherwise they would not have ended up in this situation now.
Mr. Xu felt extremely regretful.
Their Xu family is in trouble now. How should Lanlan, a weak woman who has never suffered any hardship since childhood, survive in Beijing?
How to gain a foothold? !
Xu Zhongshan was also worried, but just when he was feeling uneasy, someone suddenly came to his mind.
"Lanlan, you should... go find him, right?"
This thought gradually emerged in Xu Zhongshan's mind.
At this moment, perhaps only that person can protect Lan Lan...
Just as Xu Zhongshan was thinking, footsteps were suddenly heard in the originally silent cell.
The footsteps came from far away.
Xu Zhongshan looked up, peered through the cell window bars, and saw a figure.
A familiar figure.
Xu Zhongshan's eyes suddenly froze, and his pupils widened slightly.
"Brother Xu, long time no see!"
A young man in a green shirt and brocade clothes appeared in the sight. He had a handsome appearance, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes.
With a smile on his face, he walked slowly towards me.
Prince Lin!
Xu Zhongshan stood there in a daze, looking at Lin Jiangnian with complicated eyes, as if he had not expected that the Prince of Lin would appear here: "Lin, Lin..."
But soon, Xu Zhongshan seemed to realize something and hurriedly asked, "Lan, where is Lanlan? Where is Lanlan? How is she now?!"
"Miss Xu is fine and safe now."
Lin Jiangnian spoke.
Hearing this, Xu Zhongshan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Lanlan is fine!
I'm glad you're okay!
Very good!
At this time, Xu Zhongshan no longer cared about the rift between him and the Lin family, and quickly said, "Your Highness, Lanlan is innocent this time, she knows nothing... Your Highness, can you please save her for the sake of her past... relationship with you?"
Xu Zhongshan knew that with the Xu family now facing this disaster, they were doomed. And the Prince of Lin, who was before him, was the only one who could save Lan Lan!
Only he can protect Lanlan.
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand, interrupting Xu Zhongshan: "Miss Xu and I have known each other for a long time, so I will naturally not sit idly by. No one can hurt her while I am here!"
Xu Zhongshan stared blankly, somewhat stunned, and then silent. After a moment, he moved his lips and said, "Thank you, thank you..."
After hearing this promise, Xu Zhongshan's heart, which had been hanging in the air, was completely relieved.
In this way, Lanlan is safe. On the other hand...
Xu Zhongshan looked at the Prince of Lin in front of him. Perhaps it was the best outcome for Lanlan to follow him.
I just don't know, if they are all gone in the future, will the Prince of Lin bully Lanlan...
When Xu Zhongshan was daydreaming.
"Lanlan has already told this prince about your affairs!"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly spoke again, his eyes shifting from Xu Zhongshan to the old man beside him.
The current Minister of Rites, Xu Yan!
Xu Xiupeng's father is also Xu Lan's grandfather!
Although Lin Jiangnian had never seen him before, he recognized him at a glance.
"Miss Xu, I hope this prince can save you once!"
Lin Jiangnian spoke slowly.
When these words were spoken, not only Xu Zhongshan, but even Old Xu beside him was stunned and looked at Lin Jiangnian.
The look in his eyes was astonished and complicated!
"To be honest, I don't really want to save you!"
Lin Jiangnian's words were very blunt and impolite. He looked quietly at Xu Lan's grandfather in front of him.
Back then, the Xu family was indebted to the Lin family.
It was this Mr. Xu in front of him who saved Lin Hengzhong's life!
Lin Hengzhong has always kept this life-saving grace in his heart. Over the years, the Xu family has developed rapidly in Linzhou, becoming one of the most powerful families in Linzhou in just over a decade.
Lin Hengzhong’s help is indispensable behind this!
This is Lin Hengzhong's way of repaying a favor, but it has nothing to do with him, Lin Jiangnian!
In Lin Jiangnian's opinion, the Xu family was treacherous. They took the benefits given by the Lin family, betrayed the Lin family, and defected to the court... even though they had not done anything to substantially harm the Lin family!
But betrayal is betrayal!
A traitor is a traitor!
Even though this old Xu had saved Lin Hengzhong, Lin Hengzhong had repaid the Xu family many times over the years.
Without the support of the Lin family, the Xu family is still just a small family in Linzhou, and the only family glory is this Shangshu of the six ministries!
More importantly, the old Xu in front of him was saving Lin Hengzhong, so what does it have to do with him, Lin Jiangnian?
The Minister of Rites was naturally aware of this truth, and Xu Zhongshan beside him was even more aware of it. Their Xu family had already betrayed the Lin family, and now they had fallen into this situation. Expecting the Lin family to put aside their past grudges and come to their rescue was nothing but wishful thinking.
"However, you are indeed lucky... Considering that I have known Miss Xu for a long time, I can promise her to give your Xu family a chance."
"It depends on whether your Xu family wants it or not..."
"However, before that, I have a question for Master Xu!"
Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on Mr. Xu, staring into his eyes, and slowly spoke.
"So, did the Xu family participate in the Third Prince's rebellion?"
“…”
Jingzhao Prefecture, outside the prison.
The prison was heavily guarded, and a murderous atmosphere enveloped the sky and the earth.
In the dead of night, Lin Jiangnian walked out of the prison.
Ahead, not far away under a tree, a carriage had been waiting for a long time.
Next to the carriage, there was a black robe hidden in the darkness. It only appeared silently when Lin Jiangnian approached.
"Your Highness."
When Lin Jiangnian approached, the black-robed figure under the tree spoke in a deep voice.
"You go back first, you've worked hard tonight!"
Lin Jiangnian spoke.
The black-robed figure said nothing, nodded, turned and left, quickly disappearing into the night.
It didn't attract anyone's attention.
It’s all thanks to Chen Changqing that we were able to find Mr. Xu so quickly tonight.
The imperial guards and the Secret Service were busy arresting rebels, and the situation was chaotic. If Lin Jiangnian were to find Xu Yan on his own, it would take quite a while.
But with Chen Changqing's help, Chen Changqing, as the head of the Secret Heaven Division, has truly grasped power. In addition, with the prince's approval, his prestige in the capital is extremely high.
He is obviously more suitable than Lin Jiangnian to investigate the whereabouts of a person.
However, Chen Changqing was ultimately a hidden chess piece in Lin Jiangnian's plan for the Secret Heaven Division. Now, there was also Chen Zhao weighing on his head, and before he dealt with Chen Zhao, Lin Jiangnian would not easily reveal his relationship with him.
This is his backup plan!
Chen Changqing will play a crucial role in Lin Jiangnian's future confrontation with Chen Zhao!
Nowadays, try not to use it if you can.
…
It was almost late at night when he returned to Jiang Mansion from the Jingzhao Prefecture Prison.
It’s very late!
Everyone in the mansion had already gone to bed.
Xu Lan, who had been frightened for most of the night, gradually calmed down after taking a shower and changing clothes, and with the comfort of Xiao Zhu. Then, she fell into a deep sleep, feeling tired and sleepy.
When Lin Jiangnian returned to the mansion, all was quiet. After tossing and turning for most of the night, he was actually a little tired! He went to take a shower to wash off the dust he had picked up from prison, and when he returned to his room to get ready, he saw that the lights in the room had been turned on at some point.
Zhiyuan, wearing a plain white dress, was sitting quietly in the room, as if she had been waiting for him for a long time.
When Lin Jiangnian walked into the room, he was a little surprised: "Kite?"
"Why aren't you asleep yet?"
What Lin Jiangnian originally wanted to ask was, why did she come?
Didn’t she hide at her aunt’s place tonight?
How come you suddenly appear here?
Zhiyuan raised her eyes, her cold gaze falling on him. She looked him over quietly for a few moments without saying a word. As if seeing that Lin Jiangnian was alright, she stood up and walked out the door.
Planning to leave.
Lin Jiangnian reached out to stop her, then took the girl into his arms. Staring at her cool, fair face, he seemed to have anticipated something and asked with a chuckle, "Are you waiting for me to come back?"
The girl struggled a bit, then looked up at him without saying a word.
Seeing this, how could Lin Jiangnian not understand the girl's thoughts?
He gently hugged the girl in his arms and chuckled, "Just ask whatever you want to ask. Why hide it?"
A hint of shame and anger flashed across Zhiyuan's eyes, and then she lowered her eyes slightly. After a moment, she said coldly, "Did you go to see Xu Yan?"
As expected of a kite, he guessed Lin Jiangnian’s purpose right away.
"That's right."
Lin Jiangnian nodded, hugged her, and talked about tonight's schedule.
Zhiyuan listened quietly, remaining silent. After a while, he said nothing, only nodded slightly.
"Do you think I should save them?"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly asked.
Zhiyuan looked up at him and said calmly, "What do you think?"
Lin Jiangnian asked, "I'd like to hear your opinion."
Zhiyuan said calmly: "You will save it."
"Why?"
Zhiyuan did not answer this question. She gently struggled out of Lin Jiangnian's arms, took two steps back, raised her eyes and looked at Lin Jiangnian quietly.
"If the prince were here, he would definitely save us!"
Look at Zhiyuan's pretty face and those clear and bright eyes.
Lin Jiangnian smiled!
"Zhiyuan, are you praising your Highness for his kindness and broad-mindedness?"
Zhiyuan didn't answer and withdrew her cold gaze.
"I'm going back!"
She took a step to leave.
But after taking two steps, he was stopped by Lin Jiangnian again.
"Since we're here, why don't we just rest here tonight?"
Lin Jiangnian hugged Zhiyuan from behind, sniffed the girl's pleasant hair fragrance, and spoke softly.
Zhiyuan had originally gone to sleep at her aunt's place tonight, but appeared here in the middle of the night waiting for him.
Obviously, she was worried about him.
Zhiyuan seemed to remember something, her face turned slightly red, and she struggled immediately.
"No, no..."
She refused decisively.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything tonight, I'll just sleep..." Lin Jiangnian assured her.
"That won't work either, let me go!"
"I can swear..."
"You, you said the same thing last time..."
“This is definitely the last time!!”
“…”
In the end, after Lin Jiangnian's repeated requests, Zhiyuan stayed!
And that night, Lin Jiangnian definitely did not lie to Zhiyuan.
He really didn't do anything wrong. He just slept quietly with the kite in his arms and slept until dawn!
…
early morning.
A ray of sunlight from outside the window slowly fell into the room, slightly illuminating the surroundings.
Behind the screen, on the bed.
The two figures sleeping in each other's arms is a particularly heartwarming scene.
On the bed, the girl's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and then she slowly opened her eyes.
When I saw it, there was a brief moment of confusion in those beautiful eyes.
There was a hint of trance on that cold and delicate face, as if he had just woken up and for a moment he didn't realize where he was.
However, she soon understood!
The thoughts in my mind raced back, memories of last night flooding back.
She quickly recalled what happened last night... Last night, after learning that something had happened to the Xu family, she realized that Lin Jiangnian was planning to save the Xu family, so she came to look for him. After learning that Lin Jiangnian had already left, she kept waiting until late at night when Lin Jiangnian finally returned.
Then, she stayed here overnight?
Thinking of this, Zhiyuan felt a little dazed!
I felt a little relieved... This guy was finally well behaved last night.
Thinking of this, Zhiyuan felt an indescribable strange emotion well up in her heart. She felt a slight heaviness in her chest, as if something was pressing on her, and she was having trouble breathing.
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes slightly, took a look, and quickly realized what was going on...
At this moment, Zhi Yuan was lying flat on the bed, sleeping soundly. Beside her, Lin Jiangnian was leaning sideways, one hand around the girl's neck, holding her close to him, while the other hand expertly reached under her clothes and climbed up...
No wonder I feel a bit bored!
When Zhiyuan reacted, a blush immediately appeared on her pretty fair face.
This guy can't even sleep properly!
Especially at this moment, Lin Jiangnian, who was in his sleep, seemed to pinch it out of habit. Although the movement was small, the awake Zhiyuan could clearly feel the touch...
Zhiyuan's delicate body trembled slightly, and with a red face, she frantically pulled Lin Jiangnian's mischievous hand away. She turned around and glared at him with shame and anger.
But Lin Jiangnian still had his eyes closed, and seemed to be sleeping soundly!
Zhiyuan had a sullen expression at first, but when she saw that Lin Jiangnian didn't seem to be awake yet, the sullenness faded a lot. She stared at Lin Jiangnian's sleeping face for a long time.
I don’t know what he was thinking about, his eyes looked a little dazed.
It was not until a long time later that she came to her senses, and her face seemed to have become even redder!
Only then did he look away in a panic and sit up carefully.
Look around!
Zhiyuan then thought of something. It seemed that this was her first time staying overnight in Lin Jiangnian's room.
In the past, it was always Lin Jiangnian who ran to her room... Every time after being tormented, she would wake up before Lin Jiangnian and then run away.
But today, there is no such panic feeling!
This made her feel a little dazed.
After a while, Zhiyuan looked back at Lin Jiangnian who was still sleeping soundly on the bed, and then got up quietly.
He put on his clothes, shoes and socks, walked to the door of the room, pushed it open and walked out.
"Your Highness, wake up..."
Outside the courtyard, when Xiao Zhu heard the sound of the door opening behind him, he immediately turned around excitedly and spoke with a face full of joy.
But she stopped talking halfway through.
Xiao Zhu happened to see Sister Zhiyuan walking out of His Highness's room.
Eye contact!
Xiao Zhu stared blankly, and then an incredible look gradually appeared in his eyes.
Very complicated!
It's as if... I've been deceived and betrayed!
"Sister Zhiyuan..."
Xiao Zhu spoke in disbelief, looked at the room behind him, and confirmed that this was indeed His Highness's room.
How did Sister Zhiyuan...come out of His Highness's room?
What happened last night?
it goes without saying!
Xiao Zhu couldn't describe what she was thinking... Sister Zhiyuan actually lied to her?!
At this moment, she actually felt a little abandoned and betrayed!
We clearly agreed yesterday to ignore His Highness together, and it was you, Sister Zhiyuan, who suggested it...but you sneaked into His Highness's room?!
You want to eat alone, right?
Sister Zhiyuan actually lied to her in order to keep His Highness all to herself?!
Xiaozhu can't accept it!
...Sister Zhiyuan has turned bad!
…
At this time, Zhiyuan naturally noticed Xiaozhu's unbelievable and resentful look.
For a moment, I felt an indescribable sense of guilt!
It was as if I had really done something to let Xiaozhu down...
Zhiyuan looked a little unnatural and ashamed.
But she hid it well!
A cold face, without any expression of emotion.
She nodded slightly at Xiao Zhu, then turned and left. She walked quickly, in a hurry, more like... fleeing.
However, he had just turned around and taken a few steps.
I ran into another person head-on!
Xu Lan!
Miss Xu appeared under the eaves and just saw Zhiyuan walking out of Lin Jiangnian's room early in the morning.
Well last night…it goes without saying!
She was stunned!
His eyes fell on Zhiyuan with a complicated look.
"Paper, Kite Girl?!"
Zhiyuan was so flustered and guilty at the moment that she didn't notice Xu Lan's reaction. After a cold "hmm", she continued to flee.
Xu Lan and Xiao Zhu, who were left in the yard, looked at each other in silence for a long time.
"Did she stay here last night?"
After a long time, Xu Lan finally asked.
"I think... right."
Xiao Zhu nodded and wanted to speak up for Sister Zhiyuan, but when she thought about how Sister Zhiyuan had deceived her, she felt a little angry.
"Sister Zhiyuan is going too far!"
Xiao Zhu muttered, with a little emotion on his face.
At this time, Xu Lan was in a very complicated mood, and she couldn't explain it.
However, she quickly remembered the important matter!
After the shock last night, she was tired and sleepy and fell asleep quickly. But she was still worried about her grandfather and brother, so she woke up early again today.
After waking up, Xu Lan couldn't wait to find Lin Jiangnian to ask about the situation. Just then, she ran into Zhiyuan coming out of Lin Jiangnian's room...
After coming to her senses, Xu Lan quickly suppressed the strange emotions in her heart. What she was most concerned about now was the safety of her grandfather and brother.
She walked quickly into the room and came behind the screen.
At this time, Lin Jiangnian on the bed had just woken up and slowly sat up, and Xu Lan rushed in hurriedly.
I happened to see Lin Jiangnian getting dressed.
"ah!"
Xu Lan blushed immediately and turned around in fear: "You, why are you not wearing any clothes?"
Lin Jiangnian: “?”
"I just got up, what should I wear if I don't have any clothes?"
Xu Lan also realized that her behavior was wrong. She was anxious to inquire about the situation of her grandfather and brother and ignored this point.
Her face flushed and she quickly ran out of the screen.
“You, hurry up!”
Xu Lan's slightly shy but urgent voice came from behind the screen.
Lin Jiangnian ignored him, slowly put on his clothes, and walked out after getting dressed neatly.
Xu Lan stood in the room with a faint blush on her face. Seeing Lin Jiangnian coming out, she hurried forward and asked, "Me, my grandfather, my brother, and others..."
"how's it going?!"
Xu Lan was filled with worry and had forgotten her previous shyness.
"That's good, they're still alive for now!"
"Still alive...what does that mean?"
"I'm fine, nothing happened!"
Lin Jiangnian spoke.
Xu Lan asked in surprise: "Really?!"
"Why would I lie to you?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "They are currently being held in Jingzhao Prefecture Prison. They are not in any danger for the time being, so don't worry."
After hearing this, Xu Lan finally let go of the worry that had been hanging in the air.
"It's okay, it's okay!"
Xu Lan patted her chest as if relieved. She had been worried for so long and finally she could breathe a sigh of relief.
But things are far from over.
"Then, then what's next..."
Just after breathing a sigh of relief, Xu Lan looked at Lin Jiangnian with some trepidation and worry: "My grandfather and the others..."
Lin Jiangnian saw Xu Lan's worry and said, "Your grandfather and the others were just implicated. It's not a big deal. They won't die!"
"I promised you last night to save them, and I won't lie to you!"
After hearing this, Xu Lan finally felt relieved.
Lin Jiangnian didn't lie to her, so grandpa and the others must be saved!
Thinking of this, Xu Lan looked at Lin Jiangnian with a look full of gratitude, and there seemed to be some emotion brewing.
"and you……"
"But don't be too happy too soon!"
At this moment, Lin Jiangnian interrupted Xu Lan's emotional brewing: "I saved them because you are my servant, do you understand?"
Xu Lan was slightly stunned, still a little dazed.
Lin Jiangnian said again: "So, why are you still standing there?"
"ah?"
"You are my maid now, why don't you help me wash up?"
"you……"
Xu Lan never expected that the feeling of being touched that had just risen in her heart would be shattered by this guy's words.
The artistic conception is gone!
He actually summoned me again? !
However, although Xu Lan was angry this time, she said nothing. She bit her lower lip lightly and stared at Lin Jiangnian with a little resentment.
Then, she obediently went to prepare hot water and acted like a qualified maid!
…
The eldest daughter of the Xu family had her grandfather and brother arrested overnight and the Xu family's property was ransacked.
And she also fell from being the high and mighty Miss Xu to being a maid who took care of and served the Prince Lin!
That sounds miserable!
However, for Xu Lan, it doesn't seem to be that bad!
She had lost the bet with Lin Jiangnian in the first place. Miss Xu was flexible and kept her promise to serve as Lin Jiangnian's maid.
Of course, Xu Lan herself didn’t have much objection to this!
This time, Lin Jiangnian was willing to rescue her grandfather and brother. This was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Xu Lan, and there was always light at the end of the tunnel!
As long as she could rescue her grandfather and brother, she would not even bother being Lin Jiangnian's maid! Even if Lin Jiangnian wanted her to be his personal maid, or even to sleep with him, she would...
never mind!
Be reserved!
...Think about it again!
…
"What are you daydreaming about?"
After washing up and having breakfast, Lin Jiangnian returned to his room and lay down in the rocking chair with his eyes closed to rest.
Xu Lan stood aside, massaging Lin Jiangnian's shoulders with increasing skill. She lowered her head, her eyes lost in thought, and it was unclear what she was thinking about.
But her face was rosy, with a hint of red.
Not far away outside the door, Xiao Zhu saw this scene and couldn't help but feel anxious!
It’s over!
Miss Xu actually competed with her for the job!
Giving His Highness a shoulder massage was supposed to be the job of a little maid like her, but now it has been snatched away by Miss Xu!
Wouldn't that mean she'd lose her job?
Xiao Zhu was worried.
Lin Jiangnian's voice brought Xu Lan back from his dazed thoughts.
"No, I didn't think anything!"
Looking into Lin Jiangnian's eyes, Xu Lan felt inexplicably guilty and looked away.
After learning that his grandfather and brother were not in danger, Xu Lan gradually put aside his worries and returned to his previous personality.
She is a carefree and casual girl!
At this moment, Xu Lan quickly remembered what happened this morning, and became inexplicably worried.
After a while, she secretly glanced at Lin Jiangnian a few times, and finally couldn't help asking, "By the way, have you really given Zhiyuan... that?"
"Which one?"
"That, that..."
Xu Lan hesitated as she spoke. It was obvious that she, an unmarried girl, found it difficult to say it out loud.
However, when she met Lin Jiangnian's half-smile, she quickly realized... this guy understood and asked this on purpose?
In a fit of rage, Xu Lan gritted her teeth and asked directly, "You two, have you already slept together?"
Lin Jiangnian did not answer her question, but asked: "Why are you asking this?"
"Just, just asking!"
"Just asking?"
"Of course!"
Xu Lan looked away and snorted softly, "I saw Zhiyuan coming out of your room this morning. Did you guys sleep together?"
"Any questions?"
Lin Jiangnian asked back, "Zhiyuan is my personal maid. Isn't it normal for her to warm my bed?"
"Just, just to warm the bed?!" Xu Lan obviously didn't believe it.
"What else?"
"You, you must have done something else, right?"
"No!"
"I don't believe it!"
Xu Lan snorted softly.
How could she possibly believe it?
A single man and a single woman are sleeping together. With this guy's temper, how could he let the kite go?
But then, Xu Lan's eyes became complicated again.
He stared at Lin Jiangnian for a while, then couldn't help but sigh: "I really underestimated you!"
"You can actually catch the kite?!"
Lin Jiangnian said, "What's so strange about this?"
"Yes, of course!"
Xu Lan argued confidently and couldn't help but ask, "That's a kite?!"
Can Zhiyuan be an ordinary person?
Lin Jiangnian slept with everyone in Prince Lin’s Mansion, and Xu Lan would believe it!
But it just happened to be a kite...
Xu Lan was well aware of the grudge between Zhi Yuan and Prince Lin, even though the Prince Lin before him was no longer the same...
But Xu Lan still found it hard to imagine. How could a woman like Zhiyuan, who was both cold and proud, be won over by another man?
How could I willingly serve this guy in front of me?
This is hard for Xu Lan to imagine!
At the same time, it also aroused her deep curiosity... How did this guy get the kite?
Also, when they were in bed... what was the scene like?
I really want to see it...
Xu Lan was lost in thought.
"What you said, isn't this prince excellent?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said lightly.
"you……"
Xu Lan instinctively wanted to refute and attack him, but when she looked at Lin Jiangnian's face, she blinked and suddenly couldn't say anything!
This guy in front of me is indeed becoming more and more pleasing to the eye, and there is really nothing wrong with his appearance.
And in other aspects...
After a while, Xu Lan seemed to have thought of something, and a slight blush appeared on her face.
"You're just a pervert, how can you be excellent?!"
Suddenly, Xu Lan recalled the time when she and Lin Jiangnian first met, almost a year ago, in the room...
He bullied himself!
Thinking of this, Xu Lan's face turned even redder, and her body felt vaguely strange.
This feeling seems to have not come for a long time...
Lin Jiangnian also noticed the change in Xu Lan's expression. He asked suspiciously, "What kind of nonsense are you thinking about?"
Having his thoughts exposed, Xu Lan panicked and denied it, saying stubbornly, "I, I didn't!"
"Not yet? It's practically written on your face!"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at him and said, "Don't slander my reputation in the future!
“No way!!”
Xu Lan was unconvinced: "You don't have a good reputation to begin with!"
"Didn't you spread the bad news?"
"snort!"
Xu Lan snorted lightly, turned her head away and denied it.
"Okay, stop pinching!"
After enjoying Miss Xu's massage skills for a while, Lin Jiangnian slowly stood up.
Xu Lan was stunned: "Where are you going?"
"Go out and find a way to save your grandpa!"
Hearing that they were going to rescue Grandpa, Xu Lan immediately said, "I'm going too!"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head and refused: "You can't go!"
"Why?"
"I'm afraid you'll cause trouble!"
Xu Lan: “…”
“…”
In the end, Xu Lan did not go with them.
She is self-aware and knows that she is now a burden. If she really follows Lin Jiangnian, she will not be of any help and may even cause trouble!
After changing his clothes, Lin Jiangnian also went out and took a carriage!
"Go to the Princess's Mansion!"
“…”
The Xu family was implicated in the third prince's rebellion case and was imprisoned. Last night, Lin Jiangnian asked Mr. Xu and learned the whole story from him.
Although he noticed that Mr. Xu was still hiding something, he was basically certain of one thing... The Xu family was indeed not involved in the third prince's rebellion.
Then things will be much easier!
Since the Xu family did not participate in the rebellion, at most they could be considered to have stood on the wrong side, which was similar to the Gao family's situation. As long as they did not commit any principled issues, this matter could be considered a minor one!
But the only solution lies with the Crown Prince in the palace.
The Xu family's property was confiscated on the orders of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. If you want to save the Xu family, you must ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for mercy!
If he was willing to give in, the Xu family would naturally be safe. But if Li Qining insisted on targeting the Xu family, even if the Xu family had not participated in the rebellion, they would still be doomed!
To put it in simple terms... His Royal Highness the Crown Prince doesn't care how many bowls of noodles the Xu family ate!
However, Lin Jiangnian did not intend to go directly to the prince to plead for mercy. Although Lin Jiangnian had some friendship with him, it was not a good idea for Lin Jiangnian to intervene in such a matter.
Especially as a prince of a vassal state, it was not appropriate for him to get involved in the rebellion of the third prince.
More importantly, if Lin Jiangnian really went to the palace to find the Crown Prince, it would be equivalent to doing him a big favor.
This is not what Lin Jiangnian wants to see!
So, after thinking it over again and again, Lin Jiangnian set his sights on another person...the eldest princess!
On Li Piaomiao!
Li Piaomiao and the prince are siblings, and they have a very good relationship. It would be the best outcome for her to intercede for the Xu family.
Moreover, the eldest princess now needs help from Lin Jiangnian!
Now is the perfect time to get hold of her!
Therefore, Lin Jiangnian drove directly to the Princess's Mansion!
However, Lin Jiangnian, who had just arrived at the princess's mansion, soon learned from the guards that the princess was not there.
Went into the palace early in the morning!
What a coincidence!
Lin Jiangnian didn't take it too seriously and decided to wait. However, he waited from noon to dusk, but still didn't see Li Piaomiao return.
So, Lin Jiangnian decided to go back first and come back tomorrow.
The next day, when Lin Jiangnian came to the princess's mansion again, he learned that the eldest princess had not returned from the palace yet!
Then came the third day, the fourth day...
When it was the fourth day, the eldest princess still hadn't returned, and Lin Jiangnian finally sensed something was wrong!
Afterwards, after talking with the guards of the princess's mansion, Lin Jiangnian found out that... the two trusted personal maids who followed the eldest princess had not entered the palace.
Lin Jiangnian was finally sure...something must have gone wrong!
…
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