The leading sheep?

Ji Yunshu’s dark eyes looked at him in confusion.

Jingrong said, “Father Emperor originally planned to send Minister Qiu from the Ministry of War to lead troops there, but suddenly someone personally volunteered and intercepted the matter.”

“Who?”

“Guess.”

She was already mentally exhausted enough from drawing portraits—now he wanted her to guess too.

Fine, guess it is then! So she thought for a moment, pondering in her mind and muttering aloud, “You came over without even changing out of your court robes, which means that person must have shocked and surprised both you and the court officials. It should be someone who doesn’t speak much, who doesn’t even like to show off. Hmm… a new official? But there haven’t been any newly appointed officials at court recently! Moreover, this is a thankless job—many people would avoid it if they could. No one would actively rush forward. So, thinking it over and over, there’s only one person—that would be… the Virtuous Prince.”

Her analysis was logical and well-reasoned!

Jingrong nodded. “That brain of yours is quite sharp.”

Proving she had indeed guessed correctly!

But—

Ji Yunshu didn’t quite understand. “Hasn’t he only been at court for a month or two? I heard he’s been very proper in court. How dare he take on such a major task now?”

Does he have a death wish?

Jingrong said, “Over these past couple of months, he has indeed been studious. He’s been learning about areas of court affairs he didn’t understand before. He’s been courteous and respectful to court officials, doesn’t争 or grab for things, and has acted in the nation’s and people’s interests. He truly shows none of Jing Yi’s former ambition. The court officials have gradually become less prejudiced against him. Today, when he suddenly took on this matter, he probably wanted to demonstrate his abilities. But ultimately, it’s not a bad thing.”

“Since you intend to help him ascend to the throne, this matter is a perfect test to see whether he’s an enlightened ruler or an incompetent one. You’ll have peace of mind and can prepare early. However, the Virtuous Prince has lived deep in the palace for so long and is like a newborn calf, inexperienced in worldly affairs. If no one helps him, I fear his strength won’t be sufficient this time—he won’t be able to lift this bucket of water. If it all spills out, it would backfire.”

Ji Yunshu analyzed the pros and cons.

But—

Jingrong looked into her eyes, and a deep smile suddenly curved at the corner of his mouth. “Are you worried about him?”

“I’m just speaking the truth.”

“Is that so?”

“Don’t let your thoughts run wild.” Ji Yunshu rolled her eyes at him. That fellow really found every way to be jealous.

Jingrong was amused by her manner, and the dark clouds in his heart seemed to be swept away by her.

Just as he was about to speak—

A servant came from outside and announced, “Your Highness, the Virtuous Prince is outside requesting an audience.”

Hmm?

Why did speaking of Cao Cao summon Cao Cao?

The two exchanged glances.

Then Jingrong nodded at the servant. “Go ask the Virtuous Prince to wait in the main hall. This prince will change clothes and come shortly.”

“Yes.”

The servant left.

Jingrong had absolutely no intention of changing clothes and leisurely drank another cup of tea.

Ji Yunshu watched and asked, “Not going?”

“Wait a bit.”

“But he’s already here.”

“He waited fourteen years outside the palace. Can’t he wait this little bit of time?” Jingrong asked in return.

That wasn’t wrong.

However, Ji Yunshu thought about it and didn’t understand. “Why is the Virtuous Prince looking for you at this time?”

“Asking his uncle to light the lamp.”

Asking his uncle to light the lamp?

Those four words slowly flowed from his mouth, carrying an eerie feeling.

…

At this moment, Jing Xian was following the servant in from the entrance.

Wearing a cloak, he took small steps following along, looking around as he proceeded. Right by the entrance of Bamboo Stream Garden was a small bamboo grove. When the cold wind blew through, it rustled, but didn’t feel gloomy—rather, it sounded as pleasant as bells. However, this place couldn’t compare to the Prince Rong’s Manor. The location was somewhat remote, the residence wasn’t large, and the buildings and furnishings were all rather old. But the layout was arranged very elegantly. Many items appeared to be old objects, yet they were decorated with extreme elegance and refinement, conveying a feeling of antique simplicity.

He hadn’t expected that Jingrong would abandon the grand beds of Prince Rong’s Manor for a woman and come live here.

The power of love was truly great!

“Virtuous Prince, this way please.”

The servant led him to the main hall to sit down and quickly served tea and refreshments.

He was also very polite, thanked him, and his face constantly wore a gentle, humble smile.

“Virtuous Prince, please wait a moment. His Highness said he’ll come immediately after changing out of his court robes.”

“Very well.”

Just as the servant was about to leave, he suddenly asked, “By the way, how long has your prince been living here?”

The servant lifted his eyelids and calculated. “Anyway, it’s been quite a while. Anyway, however long Master Ji has been here, His Highness has been here that long.”

“Does Master Ji investigate the Linjing Case every day now?”

“Yes, often working until very late.”

“How is the investigation going? Have all the portraits been completed? Who exactly is missing? Is there any lead on the case?” He fired off a string of questions, and his body involuntarily leaned forward a bit.

His tone sounded very concerned.

Clearly he was very invested in the Linjing Case.

The servant was somewhat overwhelmed by the barrage of questions. He raised his eyes in thought, organized his thoughts, then shook his head. “I don’t know how the investigation is going, but I heard it’s soon.”

“Soon?”

“Yes!”

Jing Xian’s gaze dropped, and an almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Soon! Soon!

As if the path he was walking was finally nearing its end.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The servant didn’t say more and quietly withdrew.

Jing Xian waited there for a long time, until the steaming cup of tea gradually cooled, yet still Jingrong didn’t appear.

He quickly said to the servant at the door, “If Prince Rong is busy, I’ll come back later.”

The servant was just about to answer—

Jingrong arrived!

As soon as he entered, he said very apologetically, “Have you been here long? I was just busy with something over there and got delayed.”

Jing Xian said, “No, I just arrived.”

“That’s good then.” He sat down, but glanced at the cup of tea placed before Jing Xian. His expression immediately tightened as he angrily scolded the servant, “How do you do your job? Can’t you see the Virtuous Prince’s tea has gone cold? Why haven’t you changed it?”

His tone was very harsh!

Great fury.

The servant trembled, head lowered, clearly somewhat frightened.

Thinking to himself: What explosive did His Highness eat today?

“Yes, it’s this one’s fault.”

“Then hurry up and change it.”

“I’ll go change it right away.” The servant bowed and rushed to change the hot tea.

Jing Xian felt somewhat awkward and quickly said, “Why bother being angry with him? Hot tea and cold tea make no difference.”

“How could there be no difference?” Jingrong’s expression turned stern. “When you come to the residence, you are a guest, yet they don’t even know how to treat guests properly. Naturally they should be properly disciplined. If you weren’t here, I would have dragged him out for a beating just now.”

“…”

Jing Xian was struck speechless.

“By the way, what brings you to see me?”

He quickly stated his purpose. “Actually… it’s about what happened in court today.”

“The matter of the Shaanxi bandits?”

“Yes!”