This continues on the same topic, and it was his own father's reminder that directly caused Fang Zheng to return, which would have been a slap in his father's face.
Thinking of this, Xiao Jingyun had an idea. He pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Tomorrow, issue my oral decree, ordering the esteemed old minister Fang to reside at the Xiangguo Temple south of the city and await further orders."
It must be said that Xiao Jingyun was also very clever. The Xiangguo Temple was only fifty to sixty li from the capital, and it took only about an hour to travel back and forth. If the civil and military officials wanted to consult and communicate, it would be very convenient. At the same time, it would not violate his father's orders due to returning to the capital. This was a compromise and a win-win solution.
Zhu Ziming was secretly pleased. Regardless, being able to get Fang Zheng to stay close to the capital was a victory.
"Your subordinate obeys your orders. Tomorrow morning, I will send someone to catch up with the old Prime Minister."
While the two were discussing, they suddenly heard footsteps outside, followed by someone rushing to report that Bai Han had arrived again.
Upon hearing that Bai Han had arrived, Zhu Ziming was still slightly nervous and was about to bow and take his leave, but was stopped by Xiao Jingyun. "It's alright, you hide in the side hall and see what this Bai Han wants."
Not long after, Zhou Quan entered with Bai Han. The two were chatting and laughing, and their expressions seemed very relaxed.
Upon entering, Bai Han respectfully cupped his fists towards Xiao Jingyun and said, "Your Highness, there is something I have come to seek your help with."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was slightly surprised and motioned for him to continue.
"Your Highness, a few days ago, Feng Pengju's daughter, Feng Xiaoyue, came to me for help, saying that her father was wrongly accused."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun sighed helplessly, "Xiaoyue has already spoken to me, and I have also spoken to him, but..."
Bai Han cupped his fists again, "I know all of this, but this time it is different. Fang Zheng, the Prime Minister, has evidence that Lord Feng was wrongly accused. I didn't mention it before because there were too many people, but now that Prime Minister Fang has been expelled from the capital, I dare not mention it to the Emperor again. Therefore, I wish to ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to personally investigate this matter."
After hearing these words, Xiao Jingyun nodded, "Very well, I have noted this. Guard Bai, please rest assured, I will definitely find an opportunity to help Miss Xiaoyue fulfill this wish."
"Feng Pengju is a loyal minister of our Great Cang, and I also wish to have him reinstated."
Hearing Xiao Jingyun's promise, Bai Han's heart, which had been hanging, finally settled.
He walked out of the Crown Prince's palace and let out a long sigh of relief.
He had killed two birds with one stone. He helped Feng Pengju clear his name, which was something Fang Zheng had asked him to do. Now, by using the same matter to bring Fang Zheng back, he had also fulfilled a wish and repaid a promise to Fang Zheng.
When Bai Han left, Zhu Ziming slowly emerged from the side hall.
Xiao Jingyun looked at him, "It seems that Fang Zheng must return. We can postpone other matters, but Feng Pengju's case should be handled now."
The next day, as the sky was just beginning to brighten, the gates of Wannian City were opened, and a warhorse slowly entered. On the horse's back, besides a person, there was also a sack.
The guards at the city gate had not yet woken up, and they were all yawning.
Seeing someone approach, they symbolically raised their hands to stop him, "Halt, who are you?"
The person on the horse was the Lotus Sect Leader. He flashed his waist token at the guards, "This is Princess Zhaoning's waist token. Do you recognize it?"
Upon seeing the waist token, the guards immediately took a few steps back and made a gesture of invitation.
The Lotus Sect Leader urged his horse forward, heading directly to Princess Zhaoning's palace.
The princess had not yet woken up when she heard the news that the Lotus Sect Leader had arrived.
This was her master, and she had to rush to greet him no matter what. Princess Zhaoning, without time to put on makeup, quickly washed her face and hurried to the main entrance.
The Lotus Sect Leader stood there, squinting his eyes as if half-asleep. He opened his eyes only when he heard footsteps.
Seeing the princess approach, she slowly exhaled, and a little vitality returned to her face. Princess Zhaoning stepped forward, cupped her fists, and said with a slight tremor in her voice, "Jingfeng greets my esteemed master."
The Lotus Sect Leader patted the warhorse, "Your master has brought you a generous gift. Accept it."
Princess Zhaoning chuckled and stepped forward. Just as she was about to take the reins, the Lotus Sect Leader gently held her arm.
"This is a treasure, don't hurt it."
Princess Zhaoning instantly understood. She personally took the reins.
Seeing this, the golden-armored warriors holding their halberds also relaxed. Who would dare to inspect the princess's warhorse?
Princess Zhaoning led the horse through three layers of sentries and into the inner palace before smiling and turning to ask the Lotus Sect Leader, "Master, what is in this sack you brought?"
The Lotus Sect Leader chuckled, looked around, and remained silent. Princess Zhaoning understood and immediately waved her hand, signaling the surrounding people to retreat again.
Seeing that no one was around, the Lotus Sect Leader slowly said with a smile, "I've brought a person. You must take good care of him. If anything happens to him, I will hold you accountable!"
Hearing this, Princess Zhaoning was stunned. "Master, you've hidden someone here with me, what if..."
The Lotus Sect Leader chuckled, "What is there to worry about? Who would have thought that a person could be hidden in your royal palace?"
"Let me tell you, this person is very important. I don't want him to die, I just don't want him to appear in public right now. Do you understand what I mean?"
Princess Zhaoning nodded, of course, she understood. Her master had done such things before. Sudan Novel Network
As she spoke, she quietly unfastened the mouth of the sack and looked inside, only to see a frightened face.
Princess Zhaoning was stunned after just one glance. She took two steps back and looked at the Lotus Sect Leader in surprise, "Master, isn't this old Prime Minister Fang Zheng?"
The Lotus Sect Leader nodded, "It is he. Settle him properly for me. I'm leaving, or I'll be exposed."
After saying that, the Lotus Sect Leader did not wait for the princess to nod, turned around, and hurried away, leaving Princess Zhaoning dumbfounded.
She was a princess, and her palace was filled with eunuchs and maids. Although Fang Zheng was an old man, he was still a man. How should she arrange for him? After much thought, Princess Zhaoning still stepped forward and loosened the mouth of the sack again.
She said in a deep voice, "Old Prime Minister, you will have to endure some hardship these few days."
After saying that, she reached out and removed the cloth from Fang Zheng's mouth.
Fang Zheng looked at the princess and said helplessly, "Your Highness, please forgive this old minister for not being able to pay his respects."
Hearing this, Princess Zhaoning smiled faintly, "There is no need for formalities."
"However, you will have to endure some hardship."
Hearing Princess Zhaoning's words, Fang Zheng sighed helplessly, "Your Highness, I don't understand why you sent people to abduct me. Couldn't you just summon me directly and ask me what you wanted?"
Hearing this, the smile on Princess Zhaoning's face disappeared, replaced by a worried expression. She sighed, "Old Prime Minister, it wasn't me who wanted to abduct you. As you saw, that was my esteemed master just now. I had to do as my master commanded, so please forgive the hardship."