Shu Wenlan hadn’t come alone. Behind him followed Zhang Zhengcai and the other provincial officials.

Upon entering the inn, he asked Magistrate Zhang: “Where is Lord Zhai?”

Magistrate Zhang was somewhat at a loss, uncertain whether he should reveal that the former Emperor was here. One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers—similarly, one realm cannot contain two emperors. Under imperial power, hearts differ—who knew which side Lord Shu was on?

Fortunately, just then, the door behind them creaked open. Zhai Di stepped out of the guest room first. His gaze fell on Shu Wenlan and his party, and his expression immediately turned cold. Although Shu Wenlan held the same third-rank position as him, he additionally carried the title of first-rank Cabinet Minister. Half the soldiers in the inn were under Magistrate Zhang’s command and weren’t trusted confidants—presumably, they would follow whoever ranked higher, which was why they had opened the door for Shu Wenlan so quickly.

“What brings Lord Shu to the Yunlai Inn in the middle of the night?” Zhai Di asked.

Shu Wenlan said: “The Yunlai Inn is harboring imperial criminals. This official entrusted Lord Zhai and Administrator Lu to come arrest them. When the two lords failed to return after a long time and I heard there was an incident, I came to see.”

The so-called imperial criminals referred precisely to Shuxiang and Zhu Lin.

He was still relentlessly pursuing this matter.

Zhu Nanxian, who had originally remained in the guest room, heard this and stepped out: “Shu Yu, can this matter never be let go?”

Hearing someone address him directly by his courtesy name, Shu Wenlan seemed surprised. Following the voice, when he clearly saw Zhu Nanxian’s face, he froze completely. The next moment, he quickly walked forward, lifted his robe, and was about to kneel: “Your Majesty, how are you…”

“That’s not necessary.” Zhu Nanxian coldly interrupted. “Why I’m here—doesn’t Minister Shu understand better than I do?”

As soon as Zhai Di had received the urgent letter about Zhu Yushen entering Sichuan, Shu Wenlan arrived right after—clearly he knew he was here and had specifically come to block him.

Zhu Nanxian didn’t wish to waste words with Shu Wenlan and instead said: “Qiguang.”

Zhai Di responded “Yes” and ordered: “Magistrate Zhang, Pingchuan County Magistrate Yao Youcai exploited the garrison field new policy to oppress the people and seize their land. By this official’s order, immediately dispatch troops to accompany this official in escorting this person and all the Cuiwei Township residents in the inn to the capital for trial.”

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Zhang grew suspicious. Hadn’t it just been said that among these townspeople were also two imperial criminals?

But though he had doubts, he dared not question it. Zhai Qiguang was clearly acting on instructions from the Jin’an Emperor.

Just as the personnel had been assigned and they were about to leave, Shu Wenlan said: “Wait.”

His health was poor. Having not stayed up through the night watches in a long time, his complexion was somewhat pale. He coughed twice before kneeling again: “Jin’an Emperor, are you also leaving together with the Cuiwei Township residents?”

Zhu Nanxian looked at him coldly, not answering.

Shu Wenlan continued: “Since you’re in Shu, you might as well stay half a day longer. His Majesty will arrive at Jinzhou early in the morning. You two share such deep fraternal affection—if he learns you’re still alive, he will surely be overjoyed beyond measure.”

These words weren’t meant for Zhu Nanxian to hear, but for Magistrate Zhang.

Who could have anticipated that this small region of Shu would simultaneously host two emperors? Once Zhu Yushen entered Jinzhou and learned that Zhu Nanxian was here, he might not hope for him to leave alive.

Hearing this, Magistrate Zhang indeed showed a hesitant expression and made a gesture ordering the soldiers to stop their movements.

Just as he was about to apologize, unexpectedly, the next moment, Zhu Nanxian suddenly reached out and grasped Shu Wenlan’s throat.

“Whether I see Zhu Yushen or not—what concern is it of yours?”

Only two hours remained until daybreak. Su Jin still hadn’t returned, and he absolutely would not leave first. However, once Zhu Yushen entered Jinzhou Prefecture, everything would be too late. For now, the only option was to first send Lin’er and Shuxiang away.

Zhu Nanxian looked at Magistrate Zhang: “Do as Zhai Qiguang instructed.”

The implication was clear: if there was a moment’s hesitation, Shu Wenlan would be the next Lu Dingze.