Feng Xiaoyue shook her head, looking at everyone's solemn faces. "Everyone, please don't let helping me delay your important matters. My father has been wronged for years, he's not in a hurry for one or two days, but Miss Liu needs to be dealt with quickly."
"You don't understand the gravity of the situation. Nine out of ten people who are sent to the imperial prison end up losing their heads."
Feng Xiaoyue's words plunged the people present into silence. No one spoke. Nine out of ten losing their heads was a serious matter.
Speaking of which, if it was a mission that could lead to decapitation, then finding someone to help would be rather difficult.
Finally, La'erduo slapped the table. "I think it would be better to break into the prison and rescue Miss Liu..."
"No, no, breaking into the prison is no different from rebellion," Feng Xiaoyue shook her head again. "Everyone, please be patient. I'll go and ask my father's former colleagues about the situation tomorrow."
With things reaching this point, there was nothing else they could do. La'erduo's frustration was understandable.
That night, they drank in dejection. La'erduo couldn't help but complain, "Lamuya, you've been in the capital for so many years, why haven't you made any connections?"
La'mu's face was bitter. "Big Brother, it's not that I can't save money, but we are just horse dealers. The people who buy horses are not the main figures. It's already difficult enough to meet the stewards of the royal princes' mansions." Sudan Novel Network
Yang Zhi, who was beside them, quickly chimed in, "Yes, Help Leader. Our horse trading business is not a respectable one. Although these officials and nobles like good horses, they don't treat horse dealers as honored guests."
La'mu saw Yang Zhi speaking up for him and agreed repeatedly. Then, he changed the subject. "Big Brother, I just don't understand. We're doing our best, why do you insist on calling Liu Rumei out before you feel at ease? And this Feng Xiaoyue, you're not perhaps infatuated with him, are you?"
La'erduo's eyes widened. "What do you know? Back in Hetou Village, I was helping Miss Liu and was ambushed by Sun Jian, almost losing my life. If it weren't for Brother Xiaobei saving me, how could I be sitting here drinking with you now?"
Yang Zhi quickly added, "Miss Xiaoyue is someone Brother Xiaobei specifically asked us to look after. Do you think the Help Leader wouldn't care?"
When Chen Xiaobei was mentioned again, La'mu became serious. He had only casually agreed to the previous request. "Alright, I've noted it down. If I ever meet Chen Xiaobei..."
Before he could finish, La'erduo's eyes suddenly lit up. "That's right, Brother Yang Zhi, why did we forget about this? Should we find Chen Xiaobei..."
Mentioning this, they exchanged excited glances. "Yes, yes, send someone to Hetou Village to notify Chen Xiaobei. He must have a way."
At this moment, Yang Chun, who had been silent, spoke up. "Help Leader, Fifth Brother, I think it would be best if I go back to Hetou Village and invite Brother Xiaobei here as soon as possible."
Before La'erduo could speak, Yang Zhi spoke first, as Yang Chun was his elder brother, and he had to agree to this matter first.
"Alright, Third Brother, I think you can do this."
Yang Zhi was the vice-help leader, and La'erduo had no reason to overturn his arrangements.
As soon as he made up his mind, Yang Chun put down his wine bowl and immediately went to pack, setting off that very night.
La'erduo was quite loyal and arranged for six men to accompany Yang Chun back to Hetou Village.
...
The next day was a day for attending court.
Early that morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was fully dressed and heading to the imperial palace.
The civil and military officials who arrived early greeted him warmly.
Xiao Jingyun forced himself to greet everyone, knowing they would be his future assistants, but he felt no enthusiasm.
Soon, the civil and military officials were all present. As the Crown Prince, Xiao Jingyun naturally walked at the forefront. However, he noticed that Liu Xiangnan and Fang Zheng were not in the court procession. Although the two of them didn't usually attend court, they would always stand at the front when they did.
Xiao Jingyun led everyone into the main hall, kneeling to pay their respects.
"We pay homage to His Majesty, long live, long live, long live."
Xiao An seemed to be in good spirits today. He looked at the majestic officials and raised his hand.
"Alright, all my esteemed officials, be at peace."
Xiao Jingyun rose and stood to the side, and the civil and military officials divided into two rows.
Everything proceeded as usual. A eunuch stepped forward and called out loudly, "If there is anything to report, retire if there is nothing."
The civil and military officials looked at each other, and finally, all eyes fell on Zhu Ziming, the Sima of the Ministry of Rites.
Liang Yi naturally saw everyone's gaze. After a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth, stepped out, and said loudly.
"I report to His Majesty, this humble servant has something to say."
Xiao An looked at Zhu Ziming with a slight smile. "Oh, Zhu Aiqin, what is it?"
Zhu Ziming bowed with his hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I truly wish to know what crime Marquis Liu Xiangnan has committed to be thrown into the imperial prison. I beg Your Majesty to resolve our doubts."
Xiao An's face darkened, and he slammed the table. "Liu Xiangnan is hoarding troops and colluding with Zhu Meng. Once everything is verified, I will naturally give you an explanation."
"Your Majesty, those are just rumors. I beg you to order a swift investigation into these rumors," Zhu Ziming argued again.
Xiao An now showed a hint of impatience. He stared coldly at Zhu Ziming. "I do not need you to teach me how to do things."
This sentence startled Zhu Ziming greatly. He quickly kowtowed.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. This minister dares not."
This was the effect Xiao An wanted. He snorted coldly, "You may withdraw. If you dare to say another word, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Zhu Ziming had no choice but to rise and retreat to the side. After this demonstration, none of the civil and military officials present dared to step forward to plead for Liu Xiangnan.
Xiao Jingyun felt a pang in his heart. His own father was working so hard to ensure he ascended the throne.
At this moment, Xiao An, who was still in the hall, spoke. "It is rare that everyone is here today, so I have something to say."
When the Emperor had something to say, everyone straightened up, their eyes eagerly fixed on Xiao An, wondering what he would say.
Xiao Han cleared his throat. "All my esteemed officials, I am old and my eyes are dim. My head aches with a buzzing sound every day. I should rest. From today onwards, all state affairs, big and small, will be handled by Jingyun!"
The civil and military officials were stunned and couldn't come to their senses for a moment. Zhu Ziming, however, reacted quickly. He immediately kowtowed. "Your Majesty is wise, long live, long live, long live."
The civil and military officials finally understood and quickly knelt to kowtow.
Xiao Jingyun also quickly knelt down.
The civil and military officials kowtowed and shouted "Long live" three times. However, when they looked up again, the dragon throne was empty, and Emperor Xiao Jingyun had left.
This.
Everyone present was stunned, and their gazes naturally fell on Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun.
Xiao Jingyun knew that his father was creating an opportunity for him, and he had to adapt to his new role.
With this in mind, he waved to everyone. "All my esteemed officials, please rise!"