With a “thud”, Xia Shouzheng knelt down neatly in front of the two. Amidst his surprise and panic, there was also a full measure of calm. “Your subordinate doesn't know what Lord Lin means by this?”
Lin Zihan smiled and continued, “Before I entered the city with the prince, I heard someone say that the reason Yangxian has reached such a state today is entirely because you, Lord Xia, planned it all behind the scenes. I wonder if this is true?”
“Absolutely not!”
Xia Shouzheng was neither overbearing nor humble. His expression was filled with the anger of being wrongly accused.
“Your subordinate would like to report to the prince and Lord Lin. Since I took office as the prefect of Yangxian, I dare not claim to have any great achievements, but I have worked hard and done my best. I regard the common people as my own children. How could I do such a thing?”
After a pause, he adjusted his emotions and continued, “I wonder from whom Lord Lin heard this. Your subordinate is willing to confront him face to face!”
Of course, Lin Zihan couldn't reveal who this person was. Immediately, he helped Xia Shouzheng up and said with a smile, making a way for him to step down, “Lord Xia misunderstood. As a court official like you, I naturally trust you. Why do you have to be like this?”
Xia Shouzheng got up gracefully and stood properly, but the uneasiness in his heart didn't subside.
Sure enough, Shang Luoshu followed up.
“Like Lord Lin, this prince is also willing to believe Lord Xia. However, I still hope you can explain when the court ever increased taxes in Yangxian.
Also, this prince would like to know that the court received the news at that time that Yangxian was captured by the rebels. But today when this prince led the army here, the current situation is completely different from what was said before?”
“Please, Your Highness, discern the truth!”
Xia Shouzheng knelt down again. “The rumor about the increased taxes is completely unfounded! If Your Highness doesn't believe it, you can ask the people in the city.”
“As for the rebels occupying Yangxian, it was indeed the case at first. But later, with the help of the prefect of Pingqiang, your subordinate led the people to retake the city.”
Retake the city?
Shang Luoshu almost couldn't hold back the sneer at the corner of his mouth. “This prince didn't know that Lord Xia is also a master at leading troops in battle.”
“Your Highness overpraises me!”
Even while kneeling, Xia Shouzheng's back was as straight as a bamboo in the cold winter, rather break than bend.
Shang Luoshu stared at him for a moment, then finally got up and left. At the same time, he declined the residence arranged by Xia Shouzheng and still chose the post - station in the city.
After leaving the yamen, Lin Zihan couldn't help but let out a soft breath. “If I didn't know in advance that he was suspected, I might really have believed his words.”
Who said it wasn't so? Shang Luoshu deeply agreed.
In this confrontation, Xia Shouzheng, whether in his expression or his words, seemed like a good official who was dedicated to the people and didn't show any flaws at all.
However, no matter who it is, as long as they have left a trail in this world, there will be clues. Now, they have already found Wang Dali. The subsequent evidence must also be found!
“Keep investigating!” Shang Luoshu said coldly. “Also, send someone to protect Wang Dali well!”
After saying that, some personal guards immediately left the team silently.
The two didn't say anything else and walked silently all the way to the post - station. The personal guards following behind all looked straight ahead, with solemn expressions.
The common people along the street, while in awe, couldn't help but have a bit of a change in their views.
“Tsk, the prince didn't go to the welcoming guest inn?”
As soon as he pushed open the door, a vinegary female voice came from inside.
Shang Luoshu slightly raised his eyes and saw Lu Yinxi sitting on the edge of the table with her legs crossed, tapping her fingers on the table. At this time, she had already changed into a flowing female dress. Such an action made her look extremely unrestrained, with a bit of gentleness.
However, in Shang Luoshu's view, there was also a bit of danger in it.
“The post - station is right here. Why would I go to the inn?”
He closed the door and walked over to sit beside the young girl. Only just now did the man learn that Xia Shouzheng had found another residence for his group and even placed some people of unknown origin in it.
“There are beautiful women accompanying guests in the inn. Doesn't the prince want to go and take a look?”
As she said this, Lu Yinxi picked up the teacup with her other hand and took a sip from the rim. Just a few drops of water clung to her lips, crystal - clear and extremely charming.
His Adam's apple rolled up and down with the swallowing motion. Shang Luoshu lowered his eyes. At this moment, there was only that blush in his eyes, but he still restrained himself and said in a deep voice, “This prince already has someone in his heart. There's no need to look at other flowers and plants.”
The raised eyebrows instantly softened. Lu Yinxi was obviously very satisfied with his answer. Almost instinctively, she leaned over and gently kissed his lips.
“This is your reward!”
However, the next moment, she felt a heavy pressure on her waist. She fell onto Shang Luoshu's lap and was then held tightly in his arms. The man pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes as black as ink, hiding his suppressed emotions.
“Xier, this reward is not enough for this prince!”
...
The window was suddenly pushed open from the inside. Lu Yinxi almost leaned half of her body out of the window, hoping that the wind could blow away the heat on her face. But now it was midsummer, and even if there was wind, it was hot.
“Xier!”
Seeing her action, Shang Luoshu immediately got up and wanted to pull her back. However, just as he took a step, he was stopped by the young girl.
“Don't... don't come over first. Let me calm down by myself.”
Her lips, glistening with moisture, opened and closed, and were even a little swollen. It was obvious to anyone what she had just experienced.
When he saw that the young girl had pulled her body back, the man didn't walk towards her anymore, but his eyes were always on her. Although the imperial edict of the arranged marriage had just come down not long ago, he already wanted to marry her home immediately. After this matter was settled, he would...
While Shang Luoshu was still imagining the future, Lu Yinxi on the other side had already regained her composure. At the same time, she made up her mind that in the future, she would never take the initiative to provoke Shang Luoshu. Never!
Otherwise, she had reason to suspect that she might really get married because of pregnancy in the future!
Shaking off those random thoughts, the young girl calmed her breathing and asked, “You went to see Xia Shouzheng today. Did you get any useful information?”
The man shook his head. “No. He should have been well - prepared. We have to think of another way to bring him to justice.”
Think of another way?
As if thinking of something, Lu Yinxi's eyes suddenly lit up. She took a few steps and walked up to Shang Luoshu, smiling brightly. “Your Highness, would you like a map of Xia Shouzheng's mansion?”
At that time, asking Lingyin to draw the map was just in case and also to test her relationship with the prefect of Yangxian. Unexpectedly, it came in handy now.
The night was dark, and there was not a single trace of moonlight in the starry sky. Even at midnight, Lu Yinxi still felt extremely hot. The purpose of tonight's sneak visit to the Xia Mansion was to scout the place. She would take a cold shower when she got back later.
“Is there any difference from the map?”
Noticing the slight shaking of the treetops, the young girl knew that Shang Luoshu was back and immediately asked.
“No. The actual terrain is exactly the same as the map you gave me.”
It seemed that Lingyin didn't lie to her. Lu Yinxi thought, stroking her chin. She was becoming more and more curious about Lingyin's identity, but she stopped her action when she heard the second half of Shang Luoshu's words.
“I saw that little girl named Lingyin in the mansion just now.”