Chapter 366: Chapter 291 Crown Prince_2
"Was the journey smooth?"
"The journey was unhindered. As you said, the Ning Family, backed by the General Mansion, has indeed gained a level of prestige both north and south of the river. We didn’t encounter any trouble during routine inspections at the docks along the way."
He Qunying’s gaze was deep, his expression indeed somber.
Xu Yin smiled slightly: "In that case, we can proceed with the next step. When will you board the next ship?"
He Qunying pondered: "I’m currently heading south, and I estimate it will be another twenty days before I reach Hangzhou. If heading north again, it should be about a month."
Xu Yin nodded: "It’s about half a month to Tanzhou from here, and another half a month from Tanzhou to Hangzhou. However — with this conflict in your family, won’t your father try to hinder you midway?"
He Qunying gave a cold snort: "The He Family’s main income has fallen into the hands of a concubine’s family, who knows how much they have secretly diverted? I’ve merely sold a few shops; how is that so unforgivable?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Yin lowered his gaze and smiled: "You are the heir to the General Mansion, isn’t the He Family’s estate yours in the future anyway? Even if your father wanted to favor the illegitimate son, he’d still need to do it legally. However, with the main income not in your hands, caution is indeed necessary. I say you should consider remarrying, having a proper wife by your side would ensure the General Mansion’s main assets don’t fall into the hands of others."
"Easier said than done," He Qunying sneered at him, "I already have a son and a daughter with my first wife, which woman from an equal family would be willing to marry and become a stepmother? And those with lesser qualifications, I have no interest in."
Xu Yin said no more.
After finishing his tea, the two parted ways, and Xu Yin proceeded to the Prince Rong’s Mansion.
Seeing the guards and eunuchs at the gate, Xu Yin stopped and stood inside the doorstep.
Lian Rong saw him from a distance and walked over quickly.
"The Crown Prince is here, he’s talking with the Princely Heir in the Luli Pavilion."
Xu Yin looked up in the direction of Luli Pavilion.
"How long has he been here?"
"Only about an hour."
"Who else is there?"
"Earlier, the Prince was there, but he has also left. Now only the Princely Heir is accompanying him."
As Lian Rong continued, his voice grew lower, and he cast a significant glance at Xu Yin.
Xu Yin turned his back, facing the wall with his piercing gaze, away from the servants walking under the portico.
After a while, he placed his hand near Lian Rong’s ear and whispered a few words.
Lian Rong nodded and then disappeared into the crowd.
The Buddhist chants had already started near the memorial hall.
People came to offer their condolences in an endless stream.
Everyone seemed too occupied to pay attention to others.
The Crown Prince sipped his tea a few times, and Yang Zhan stood up and said: "I will go to the kitchen to arrange the banquet, Your Highness has not left the manor for a while, may I invite Your Highness to dine here today."
"No need to bother."
The Crown Prince put down his tea, "It’s chaotic here, you haven’t even caught a glimpse of the assassin, who knows where they might be hiding? Lately, the Emperor has been unwell, I can’t let him worry about me anymore."
Yang Zhan smiled accompanyingly: "Your Highness is truly filial, your admonition is right. However, this time, the emperor has decreed Pei Zhan to personally lead troops to reinforce the defense, so you can rest assured about safety, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince said: "Usually, I don’t see you this enthusiastic. It’s been over half a year since I left the palace, and you didn’t invite me over to sit. Why insist on keeping me today?"
Yang Zhan hesitated, but finally only managed a smile.
"Speak if you have something to say."
As the Crown Prince, even though he was a few years younger than Yang Zhan, he emanated an aura of authority.
Yang Zhan drew a breath and crept closer with a fawning expression: "With Consort’s passing, those in our backyard can no longer restrain themselves. Although they are all your cousins, the minister has accompanied Your Highness since childhood, relying on this bond, if Your Highness stays for a meal, it would lend some backing to this minister’s brother..."
The Crown Prince looked at him and said: "Look at how unpromising you are. You’ve been a Princely Heir for so many years in vain, you can’t even manage an inner courtyard!"
Yang Zhan was embarrassed: "Two fists can’t fight four hands, I have to care about both outside and inside, I’m truly exhausted. I often succeed here but fail there."
The Crown Prince stretched and gave him a disgruntled look, waving his hand: "Then go!"
Yang Zhan immediately gave thanks and swiftly left.
The Crown Prince watched his retreating figure, his gaze gradually deepening.
He summoned the eunuch by the door: "On the night of the incident, what happened in the manor’s ancestral hall, did you inquire?"
The eunuch approached with a stooped posture: "Your Highness, I’ve asked several rounds, enquired with many people. They all unanimously stated that a group of men in black came to steal items, startling Princess Rong, which led to her death."