After listening to Zhou Quan's question, Xiao Jingyun frowned and thought for a long time before finally slowly standing up.
"Chen Xiaobei said the ritual would take three days. We'll wait until he finishes. Let's observe the situation. I believe my father will take action. Next, we should attend to another matter."
"Your Highness, you mean going to see Prime Minister Fang?"
Xiao Jingyun nodded. "Yes, my father's attention is focused on Chen Xiaobei now. If we can vindicate Feng Pengju this time, it will be much easier."
At this moment, Fang Zheng had just finished lunch in his mansion.
His return made the little maid and Fang Jun very excited. They surrounded him, asking him endless questions. Fang Zheng, however, remained silent. He went to his study and wrote a letter, then handed it to the little maid.
"Little maid, you know martial arts and are quick on your feet. Take this letter and go to our old home to find the clan leader."
The little maid took the letter and asked doubtfully, "Grandpa, why am I going to find the clan leader?"
Fang Zheng looked at her with a solemn expression. "Give him this letter, and he will know."
"The clan leader will entrust it to you. You must bring him back unharmed. Go quickly and return soon. You must be back before dark tomorrow."
The little maid agreed, threw down her chopsticks, and immediately called for a few maids from the mansion. They were all skilled in martial arts and agile. They left with her.
As soon as the little maid left, Xiao Jingyun arrived. Hearing the news, Fang Zheng hurried to the mansion gate to greet him.
"This old servant, Fang Zheng, pays his respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand and stepped forward to help Fang Zheng. "Old minister, there is no need for such formalities."
The two entered the reception hall. Fang Jun personally served tea, and Xiao Jingyun then spoke.
"Old minister, you mentioned this morning that you have an important witness who can prove Feng Pengju's innocence. Who is this witness?" Su Dan Novel Network
"Your Highness, this person is Gao Shuang's steward, Gao Xing. I have already sent someone to bring him back."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun nodded. "Excellent. As long as Gao Xing can prove that Feng Pengju was wronged, I will immediately submit a memorial to my father to recall Feng Pengju from the border and reinstate him to his former position."
Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng's eyes welled up with tears.
After choking with emotion for a long while, he tentatively asked Xiao Jingyun, "Your Highness, what are your thoughts on Lord Liu's matter? I heard that rituals are being performed in the city..."
Xiao Jingyun was silent for a long time on this question. After a while, he sighed. "Old minister, to be honest, I am also confused about this matter. My father's attitude has always been unclear. I..."
Fang Zheng stood up and bowed to Xiao Jingyun. "I implore the Crown Prince to take me into the palace. I am willing to risk my life to advise His Majesty to release Lord Liu..."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was startled and quickly stepped forward to support Fang Zheng's arm. "Old minister, do not be anxious. Let us discuss this slowly. There will be a solution."
As they were speaking, Fang Jun suddenly rushed in from outside, cupped his fists, and said, "Your Royal Highness, Grandfather, Chen Xiaobei is seeking an audience outside the mansion."
Fang Jun had accompanied Princess Zhaoning to Qingniu County and naturally recognized Chen Xiaobei.
However, upon hearing that Chen Xiaobei had arrived, Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng exchanged glances.
Finally, Xiao Jingyun spoke. "Old minister, since Chen Xiaobei is here to see you, I will take my leave."
He stood up to leave. Seeing this, Fang Zheng quickly waved his hand. "Your Highness, there is nothing untoward between Chen Xiaobei and me."
He then turned to Fang Jun and said, "Let Chen Xiaobei in. We will speak face to face."
Soon, Chen Xiaobei was brought in. Seeing Xiao Jingyun present, Chen Xiaobei was slightly surprised. However, looking at Fang Zheng's calm expression, Chen Xiaobei instantly understood that he had come at an inopportune moment. They were discussing matters, but Fang Zheng's attitude indicated that he had no intention of excluding the Crown Prince, regardless of what Chen Xiaobei wanted to discuss.
Since you are not avoiding me, neither will I.
Fang Zheng's expression was calm, and he asked in a deep voice, "Young Master Chen, what business do you have with this old man?"
Fang Zheng maintained a businesslike demeanor, and Chen Xiaobei braced himself, bowing and cupping his fists.
"Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister, there is something I do not understand. I originally intended to ask Prime Minister for enlightenment. Since Your Royal Highness is also here, I will seek advice from both of you."
Hearing this, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun made a gesture of invitation, signaling Chen Xiaobei to continue.
Chen Xiaobei cupped his fists again. "The Emperor sent someone to inform me just now that my wife, Huang Ying, will be given a state funeral. I am greatly perplexed and have come to ask Prime Minister, under what circumstances can my wife enjoy such honor and glory?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng were both stunned. They looked at each other for a dozen breaths before Fang Zheng was the first to recover. He cleared his throat softly.
"Young Master Chen, you must have misheard. Even the original wife of a First Rank Marquis might not necessarily be able to..."
Fang Zheng trailed off, implying that Chen Xiaobei was not worthy.
Chen Xiaobei naturally knew he was not worthy either, but that was what the messenger had said.
"Prime Minister, you are correct. I also feel that I am not worthy of such honor, but, but that is what the person said, which is why I have come to seek your advice..."
Although speaking to Fang Zheng, Chen Xiaobei's eyes were fixed on Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun. Xiao Jingyun understood the implication, which was, "Crown Prince, what is the reason for this?"
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was also bewildered. His father had not mentioned this to him this morning. Why would he suddenly arrange a state funeral for Chen Xiaobei's wife? This was outrageous!
Even if Chen Xiaobei had made tremendous contributions, he held no noble title. How could this be done? Furthermore, Huang Ying was not Chen Xiaobei's original wife.
However, these words could not be spoken, as they would be too embarrassing for Chen Xiaobei. Xiao Jingyun asked in a deep voice, "Brother Xiaobei, did you hear correctly? Is that what was said?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded. "It is absolutely true. I find it very perplexing, which is why I have come to seek your advice."
Fang Zheng nodded, then suddenly retorted, "Then, Young Master Chen, what are your intentions?"
Chen Xiaobei cupped his fists. "I do not want any state funeral. I only wish to escort Huang Ying's coffin back to Hetou Village for a proper burial. If His Majesty truly understands my past contributions to the Da Cang Kingdom, I implore His Majesty to show mercy and release Miss Liu Rumei."
After hearing this, the room fell into a deep silence.
Xiao Jingyun looked at Chen Xiaobei, who spoke with such resolve. He recalled that Fang Zheng also intended to request an audience with his father to risk his life to persuade him to release Liu Xiangnan.
Xiao Jingyun suddenly had an idea. Since both of them had the same objective, why not do them a favor and take them both to the palace?