Chapter 20: A Battle of Wits with the Chubby Nephew

the pursuit of national power before, but ultimately nothing came of it, and they were never truly held accountable.Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!But this time was...Before the sun had fully risen, a carriage bearing the insignia of the Northern Imperial Guards arrived and waited outside the Jiang family mansion.

The coachman was another unfamiliar face.

Jiang Wang subconsciously recorded his soul aura before looking into the carriage.

>

Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie were both present, each sitting on one side in silence.

Every trade has its own master.

After a night apart, it's likely they each made some progress in their respective investigations. However, judging by their expressions alone, there's no apparent change.

Those who are good at finding clues are naturally also skilled at hiding them.

Jiang Wang bowed and crawled into the carriage, sitting right in the middle.

"This coachman is from my own household," Zheng Shangming began. "There have been more patrol guards near your home lately, as requested by Changle Palace, and the same is true near Vice-Inspector Lin's residence. The Crown Prince has issued a strict order to ensure this case remains undisturbed."

Jiang Wang knew this was the result of handling the threat to the coachman's communication.

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It's not that Jiang wasn't worthy of a bigger operation, it's just that the driver had disappeared in every sense, and there was no one to hold accountable.

"Understood." said Jiang Wang.

He was indifferent to today's search. All he could think about was what clues Gongsun Yu might have.

On his way to cultivate at Changsheng Palace, Lin Youxie suddenly spoke up: "The results of the examination on Eleventh Prince's bowl of medicinal soup are in."

"How do you say that"

Apart from the Yin-suppressing Grass, there are also Blazing Sun Flowers, Scarlet Feather Powder, and Crimson Abdomen Spider Legs... all of them are medicines for resisting cold poison.

"It seems there's nothing unusual." Jiang Wang said.

“Yes.” Lin Youxie turned his head to look at Zheng Shangming: “Zheng Captain, did yesterday’s interrogation yield any results I heard you went back to examine the body last night”

Zheng Shangming let out a bitter smile: "I thought I could have some gains, but it turned out to be wishful thinking. Investigating cases is always unavoidable going down the wrong path."

Lin Youxie nodded slightly and asked, “Does Captain Zheng have any insights to share today”

“The investigative approach should be broad, but it shouldn't be based on wild guesses. We still need to follow the clues and gather evidence before jumping to conclusions.” Zheng Shangming said this platitude with a very serious expression.

Lin Youxie only said, "Zheng Butou is right!"

Ginger Wang kept a blank expression throughout the process.

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These two people had walked all the way from Beiyuan, spending so long together in the carriage, yet not a single word passed between them! They were only waiting for him to arrive, then put on a perfunctory performance.

"Master Jiang seems to be in a low mood" Zheng Shangming asked pointedly.

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"Oh" Jiang Wang asked in return.

"I've noticed you haven't been speaking much." Zheng Shangming explained.

Jiang Wang mumbled, "The case ultimately falls under your jurisdiction. Just come to a consensus among yourselves."

"Also." Zheng Shangming nodded and fell silent.

The carriage arrived at Changsheng Palace once again in an eerie silence.

Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie worked very actively, wholeheartedly devoting themselves to the investigation of Changsheng Palace. They spared no effort in searching every corner, from the front hall to the back hall, from Jiang Wuki's bedroom to the eunuch and maidservants' quarters... not a single clue was overlooked.

Jiang Wang then silently followed behind him, speaking almost never unless necessary.

This search operation covered the entire Changsheng Palace. Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie had gone over every nook and cranny, until sunset, before declaring the search complete.

"Has Lord Lin found any useful clues" Zheng Shangming asked.

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"A thousand thoughts, becoming more and more confusing." Lin Youxie shook his head and asked back, "What about Zheng DaRen"

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Zheng Shangming also shook his head: "Like Mr. He Lin, I feel that Feng Gu's death... might be related to the revenge of Pingdanguo"

"It's very possible!" Lin Youxie said with righteous indignation.

Jiang Wang silently watched them set up the stage and perform, without making a sound.

"Has Sir Jiang made any discoveries" Lin Youxie suddenly asked.

"There were no findings, you two are both normal." Jiang Wang turned and said, "Go back."

Lin Youxie and Zheng Shangming now obviously focused their attention on the assassination of Lei貴妃. They both knew each other's thoughts but pretended not to.

Lin Youxie just wants to find out the truth from that year, make it public, and clear her father's name.

Until now, Lin Xiang's case file at Beiya still lists his cause of death as "died by suicide due to incompetence in handling the case and fear of taking responsibility," bringing an end to his illustrious reputation!

Zheng Shangming also wanted to uncover the truth of that year, but whether this "truth" was made public had to conform to the emperor's likes and dislikes, thus paving the way for himself to succeed as the next Northern Barracks Commander. If Jiang Wang was willing to take on the position of Northern Barracks Commander first, he would willingly relinquish this advantage. If Jiang Wang was unwilling, then he would perform well himself.

The conflict between the two stems from this, so who finds the truth first becomes the key to the problem.

So they say it's a collaborative investigation, but there's also mutual suspicion. Any clues that can be kept secret will definitely be hidden.

Having been told this by Jiang Wang, they no longer had any need to put on an act.

So, I left.

The heavy palace gates slowly closed, temporarily sealing this palace away.

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Three young men sat silently in the carriage.

Interestingly, everyone in the carriage felt they were close to the truth.

Although silent, each person has their own goals and choices.

Lin Youxie needed Jiang Wang to open one eye and close the other. The eye that was open was called "truth," and the one that was closed was called "duty."

She wanted to get ahead of the clues in the assassination of Lei Guifei and unearth the truth from back then.

Zheng Shangming would only share the clues in this case with Jiang Wang if Jiang Wang agreed to take over as the commander of Beiyuan.

He also needs Jiang Wang to keep one eye open and one closed. The eye that is open is called "Loyalty," and the eye that is closed is called "Truth."

As for Jiang Wang, he wanted to make a choice only after grasping the truth.

The best outcome is that the three people's final destinations align. That is, as Chong Xuan Sheng said, "the emperor should know the truth" situation.

But Ke Jiangwang also had to make the worst preparations.

Of course, on this day Lin Youxie and Zheng Shangming were looking for clues, while Jiang Wang was practicing in silence.

But in fact, the whole day was just three people testing each other's patience.

The carriage dropped Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie at Beiya, then sent Jiang Wang back to his residence alone.

After a boring day watching the play at Changsheng Palace, he didn't want to go to Beiyag anymore. Anyway, neither side would share clues with him, so he might as well leave directly.

"This is so boring..."

This was the only thought that went through Jiang Wang's mind after he stepped out of the carriage.

> At least he was prepared.

Stepping into the mansion, I went straight back to my bedroom and closed the door to meditate.

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He wasn't like this just for a day or two, but rather every day, as natural as could be.

Jiang Wang was immersed in his cultivation and couldn't extricate himself. Chong Xuan Sheng took advantage of Chong Xuan Zun's absence to busy himself with flattering Bo Wang Hou, being very diligent.

As soon as Jiang Wang returned home, Chong Xuan Sheng followed suit, taking along the Fourteenth and swaggering out of the mansion.

They loaded two carriages full of provisions and headed straight for the residence of Marquis Bo Wang.

This kind of pretentious behavior was nothing new to him. Most people in Linzi probably knew that Gongzi Xiao Shun was the most filial son...

He was the undisputed young master of the Hou Mansion since Chongxuan was gone. Although most of the time this fat fellow preferred to stay at Jiang Qingyang's house.

As soon as they entered the Hou mansion, Chong Xuan took the steward's hand and said earnestly: "These are supplements I bought very hard. Be sure to put them in the storeroom carefully, thank you!"

The steward was astonished and repeatedly agreed.

Chong Xuan strode inside, waving his hand dismissively. He didn't need anyone to lead him home after all. As he reached the inner courtyard, he shouted from afar: "Grandfather, your grandson is here to see you!"

What are you yelling about What are you yelling about!

Even before Chongxuan Yunbo on the reclining chair could speak, Chongxuan Mingguang, who was massaging his grandfather’s feet with a small stool, had already put on an elder's airs and scolded: “Grandpa is over a hundred years old, his cultivation has started to regress, can you stand your screaming like this If you scare him to death again! You're so big, you still don't know how to behave."

>

Fourteen stood outside the courtyard.

Zhen Xuan Sheng walked in alone, facing Zhen Xuan Ming's spit of light. He still had a smile on his face: "Father's teachings are right. I specially bought two cars of supplements to come here, just to make sure grandpa is fine!"

"At your age, and with no divine blessing, what use are supplements You're just wasting money day in and day out. After this, how can you possibly be allowed to run the household"

Zhong Xuanming was giving his nephew a massage, his hands never stopping. He turned his head to look at the old man, his stern expression instantly shifting to flattery: "Father, isn't that right The head of the household shouldn't be too extravagant. My son has been careful and thrifty for so many years, keeping his accounts neat and tidy. What do you say…"

The old man only looked at him quietly: "From your tone, do you think I've lived too long"

That look is so familiar!

Wouldn't that be a beating

Zhong Xuanming shuddered from the light. He panicked instantly, "Son... my son didn't mean it this way."

“If you can’t speak, just shut up.” The old man impatiently pulled his leg back: “Sit down!”

>

Originally, I thought this fellow came to the county every day diligently, it was for his grandson, Sun Xuan, to inherit the title of Duke. It was quite obvious; after all, every parent in the world wants the best for their children. As the head of the family, I could understand.

Wow! I didn't expect this scrap of waste to actually have some thoughts about inheriting the family business!

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What a big face!

What if we don't cut it off immediately

Chong Xuan Yunbo couldn't help but reflect, at what point had he given this fellow the wrong impression...

If it weren't for the grandson being right here, and considering the dignity of his role as an uncle, I would have kicked him out a long time ago.

“Oh.” Chong Xuan Mingguang, looking wronged and pitiful, moved his small stool away.

Heavy Xuan waddled forward, his body jiggling and swaying. He was quite the sight.

Looking at Zheng Xueming, he smiled and said, "Father, you're over sixty now. You can eat these supplements too. If they're not enough, I'll buy more when I go back."

Chong Xuan Mingguang, a handsome man who races against time, hated most when people mentioned his age. Unfortunately, at this moment, in front of his grandfather, he couldn't get angry. He couldn't scold his nephew for caring about him, could he

While saying "good child" with his mouth, he secretly turned his face and glared fiercely at Chong Xuan Sheng.

Chong Xuan laughed happily, but didn't react at all.

Zhen Xuan Yun Bo leaned half on the recliner, and said in a soft voice, "Why did you suddenly think of bringing me supplements"

Chongxuan Sheng moved the chair that the servant had brought over closer to the old master, sat down with a smile, and leaned in, saying, “Haven't you always been concerned about Grandpa You are the pillar of our Chongxuan family, and you must be treated with utmost care!”

Chongxuan Yunbo let out a sigh, "Can the pillar that needs to be protected still support the heavens"

This is a veteran who, for the sake of his family, takes off his armor and puts it back on again.

A lifetime is spent on the battlefield.

And yet he has grown so old.

Zhong Xuan Sheng stopped smiling and said seriously, “As long as you are here for a day, the sky won’t collapse.”

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"Sheng'er, you are very smart. I haven't met many children smarter than you."

Chongxuan Yunbo looked at him and said in a low voice, "But intelligent people often pride themselves on their intelligence, they don't put the rules of the world in their eyes, and think they can control anything... Sometimes, you should know when to stop. Even our Chongxuan family is not involved in everything."

Zhong Xuan needed to use the Bo Wang Hou Mansion as cover to secretly send Jiang Wang out of the city, but it was impossible for him to hide this from Zhong Xuan Yun Bo.

This isn't a big deal, what the old man is afraid of is naturally the assassination of Empress Lei.

"Grandfather, rest assured, I know my limits." Chongxuan said.

“That’s it!” Chongxuan Mingguang said coldly from the side.

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Zhong Xuan Sheng was surprised to see him.

Can you actually understand what we're saying

Chong Xuan Ming Guang looked at his fat nephew with a smug expression, as if he had caught him red-handed: "I heard you're running a gambling den, aren't you Gambling is harmful! It destroys countless families and leads to divorce and separation. Is this the kind of business a respectable family should be involved in If word gets out, it will ruin the reputation of our Chong Xuan family! Let me make myself clear: I am at odds with gambling! Our Chong Xuan family is at odds with gambling! Don't make a mistake, or you'll regret it later!"

"Father," he knew that no matter how harsh his words were, they wouldn't work. He turned to Chongxuan Yunbo for support: "Tell this kid to shut up immediately."

Zhong Xuan was astonished: "Uncle, I saw you gambling at the casino just the other day!"

Zhong Xueming glared: "Is it the same to gamble in a casino and run a casino Are they of the same nature What you do is harming others, what I do is being harmed! Our Bo Wang Hou Mansion, can we possibly engage in harmful business"

Zhong Xuan Yun Bo was clearly feeling a bit weary, but there wasn't any trace of the mood one might expect from someone giving advice to their heir.

If it could be taught well, why would we wait until today

"Indeed, there's no need to engage in this sort of business," Chong Xuan shrugged helplessly.

“Actually, my grandson only invested a few shares and they are under someone else’s name…” Chong Xuan explained this way before saying: “Since grandfather and uncle have spoken, my grandson will go back and take care of it.”

Zhong Xuanming lit up with satisfaction and nodded. "Knowing one's mistakes and correcting them is the greatest virtue. Even though Sheng'er made a slight error, he's still a descendant of our Zhongxuan family, and his foundation is strong!"

He scowled again, employing a mix of threats and favors: "Go back and lock up now, lest misfortunes befall you in the dark. Keep that gambling den open for one more hour, and my family will have one more hour's worth of insults hurled at our backs! I'm sitting here, feeling like I'm on pins and needles!"

Zhong Xuan Sheng didn't seem to mind at all, smiling and saying: "Uncle is right, I'll go back to the casino right away."

"Grandpa, I'll come see you again next time."

Zhong Xuan Ming, fearing that his plump nephew would take advantage of the absence of his gifted son to win over the old man's affection with sweet words and flattery, quickly interjected: "Go on, go on! The old man has me here. Don't worry about a thing, go back and cultivate diligently. Your cultivation level is far too lagging behind!"

Even though Chongxuan Sheng is known for holding the "You're always right" principle, he was a little taken aback by this – you have the audacity to criticize my cultivation level

But thinking about it, he still smiled and left the yard by himself.

With such a father, what more could one ask for

Zhong Xueming might not know Chongxuan's thoughts. Seeing his chubby nephew leave, he felt that he had won an important round for his son and was in high spirits.

If you don't take care of things yourself, what will happen to your son What will become of this family

Looking around, he saw that no one was there, so he walked back to the old man's side.

With a flattering and mysterious smile, he said to the old man, "Sir, didn't you just say that 'lifting the sky' is difficult I understand! I have a secret recipe here, it's really effective..."

Here, Chong Xuan was about to exit the Hou Mansion when he suddenly heard a roar from the back garden. It was as if an old general had returned to the battlefield, awakening like a furious lion or a ferocious tiger roaring on a mountainside.

"I'll kill you, you bastard!"s no option for 'peace'!"As soon as he appeared, he confronted Xi Mengfu head-on, his anger unconcealed: "When the Qi army was pressing on our borders, you asked whether to fight or make peace. You we...