There is a god in the sky

Chapter 129 The Strange Case of Fuchunju 27

As evening approached, people from the Prince Zheng's residence arrived.

"Prince Zheng is inviting my cousin and Miss Shen to his residence? But he didn't invite me?" Fu Qingyan asked worriedly.

Grandpa De's face was not very good, but his attitude was very respectful, obviously someone had given him instructions.

"Yes, His Highness has important business to attend to today, so he will not entertain the young master."

Xiao Ji didn't want Shen Lan to go, but who knew whether Prince Zheng had good intentions or malice?

"I, the coroner, am seriously injured and I am afraid I will not be able to see Your Highness. Perhaps I should go instead."

Grandpa De glanced at the closed door and said with a forced smile, "That won't do. Miss Shen can't walk, so we'll send someone to carry her there."

Xiao Ji's face darkened.

"Does Your Excellency insist on making things so difficult for me?"

Eunuch De hurriedly bowed and said, "This servant dares not, Lord Xiao, please calm down. The Prince meant no harm; on the contrary, there are great benefits waiting for you two."

Shen Lan opened the door and came out.

She had changed into a brand new outfit, wearing a fiery red fox fur cloak, which made her look charming and lovely.

Grandpa De couldn't even imagine how such a beautiful girl could have escaped from the clutches of a brute like Zhen Wu.

"Since Miss Shen has risen, let's go together."

Shen Lan nodded to them and slowly walked towards Xiao Ji.

Although her injuries weren't serious, Xiao Ji had already spoken, so she had to play along.

In the end, Eunuch De still arranged sedan chairs for the two of them, and carried them all the way to Prince Zheng's residence.

Upon entering the inner hall, Shen Lan followed Xiao Ji and bowed, trying her best to keep a low profile.

After all, she killed someone, and if the other party turns around and accuses her, she won't be able to defend herself.

King Zheng had a loud voice and shouted, "Rise up! No need for such formalities. We're all family."

Shen Lan really wanted to know what kind of family she and he were.

However, when she saw Xiao Ji get up, she also stood up and stood behind Xiao Ji as a backdrop.

Xiao Ji began to exchange pleasantries with the Prince of Zheng.

First, they inquired about each other's health, and then they greeted each other's families.

Speaking of family, one cannot help but mention the young prince and his wife.

King Zheng's smile vanished instantly.

"That little brat is always causing me trouble. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have let him go to the yamen to cause trouble."

Although King Zheng said this, he showed no sign of regret.

He then added, "And my wretched daughter-in-law, she truly lives up to her reputation as a daughter of a military family, decisive and ruthless, she can't tolerate any injustice!"

Xiao Ji corrected, "All of this was caused by the Prince's reckless judgment. The Princess Consort wanted to set things right, which was a good intention, but she used the wrong method."

"Young people are bound to make mistakes, but fortunately, they haven't made any major mistakes yet."

Shen Lan thought to herself: So many people died and this isn't considered a big mistake? Then what kind of mistake would be considered a big mistake?

Perhaps in the eyes of the Prince of Zheng, the Princess Consort's killing of someone was not as serious as her cuckolding the Prince.

That said, did he actually wear the green hat?

Xiao Ji replied calmly, "Yes, almost. My men and I were almost killed by the Princess Consort."

Shen Lan couldn't help but smile.

Xiao Ji also has some courage.

King Zheng remained silent for a moment. Although his expression was not visible, he was probably somewhat embarrassed.

After a while, he laughed heartily, “My dear nephew is right. It was indeed her fault that you were frightened and hurt.”

Today, I, the King, will apologize to you on behalf of my daughter-in-law. Guards…

At his shout, a row of maids entered the hall, each carrying a tray covered with red silk.

A classic scene.

King Zheng is going to use gold and silver to shut them up, but it's unclear how much he'll give.

Shen Lan thought to herself: The other party could have turned the tables on him, but he didn't. He even paid hush money. He's a conscientious and powerful person.

"Please accept this small token of my appreciation. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

When the red silk was lifted, it was indeed glittering with gold and jewels.

Shen Lan's gaze was drawn to a pearl crown.

She noticed that women from wealthy families wore all sorts of exquisite and grand crowns, but she rarely dressed like that.

Seeing this crown adorned with pearls today, she realized that it is understandable for women to love beauty and jewelry.

Who could resist such exquisite and elegant jewelry?

Xiao Ji glanced at it only once, then smiled and said, "Your Highness is very generous, but I am not worthy of such a reward without merit."

"How could you say you have done nothing? You have solved a major case for me; your contribution is immense."

Xiao Ji didn't speak, but it was clear he didn't want to accept it.

King Zheng walked over and patted Xiao Ji on the shoulder with a smile.

“Nephew Xiao is young and promising. He will surely become a pillar of the court in the future. I have high hopes for you.”

Xiao Ji cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness."

"Alright, I heard you're setting off tomorrow, so I won't keep you any longer. Give my regards to Lord Xiao when you return to the capital."

"I am resigning."

Xiao Ji led Shen Lan out of the inner hall, where the maids had already delivered the gifts to their sedan chairs.

Just as Shen Lan was about to speak, someone blocked her way.

It was an unfamiliar old woman.

"Miss Shen, Her Highness the Princess requests your presence."

"You invited me? What is it?"

"You'll know when you go there."

Xiao Ji nodded to Shen Lan, "Go ahead, I'll wait for you here."

I believe that as long as he doesn't speak, no one in Prince Zheng's mansion will dare to touch Shen Lan.

Shen Lan followed the old woman, making several turns, until they arrived at a small garden.

The small garden was full of life, with hundreds of flowers in bloom, making it hard to tell what season it was.

A woman was sitting in the pavilion, her back to her.

Although she hadn't seen her face, Shen Lan had already recognized her as the Princess Consort of the County, not the Princess Consort of Zheng.

The old woman who had led the way had left sometime earlier.

Shen Lan walked over and sat down opposite the Princess Consort.

She smiled and said, "Overnight, the Princess Consort seems to have become much more haggard."

"Thanks to you."

"No, it must be the Princess Consort's own doing."

"It is my own fault that we are sitting here talking. You are a lowly commoner, and in my eyes you are like an ant."

Shen Lan was not angry.

"The Princess Consort was furious that the young Prince had made a reckless judgment, but wasn't she herself just as bad?"

The ants you see are determined by your own preferences; the person you like, even if of humble status, can be outstanding.

But someone you dislike, no matter how noble they may be, is still a piece of trash. Am I right?

"You know quite a lot."

Shen Lan said leisurely, "I guess the Prince doesn't know your original intention in creating these cases, does he? Do you dare to tell him?"

No one mentioned Yang Shuo's matter. Everyone assumed that the Princess Consort had targeted her and Xiao Ji to prevent them from continuing their investigation.

They were just one step away from uncovering the truth.

"Are you threatening me?"

"I wouldn't dare, but I'm just reminding the Princess Consort that if you walk on dark roads too often, you'll eventually encounter ghosts, just like your loyal servants!"

So many people have died, yet the perpetrator can still sit here drinking tea. It's truly ironic.

The princess looked sad, but that was all.

She said softly, "Young Master Yang is a very, very good person."

"How good is it?"

"He is polite and ambitious."

"The young prince is also polite and ambitious."

"He is gentle and considerate!"

"Is the young prince no longer gentle?"

"He has great love in his heart and cares about the lives of the poor!"

Shen Lan laughed, a loud laugh.

"I'm really impressed by you!"

Shen Lan shook her head and said speechlessly, "Princess Consort, you come from a distinguished family, how could you be so foolish?"

In terms of great compassion, aren't the King of Zheng and the young prince better than a mere scholar? In which year did they not provide disaster relief? In which year did they not perform good deeds?

You also come from this family, how can you only see the faint spark of light in others, but not the hard work of those around you?

She stood up, not wanting to talk to someone who was mentally unstable.

Some people are clever but not good at playing games; they're hopeless.

“Princess Consort, you should take care of yourself. If you have any conscience left, burn more paper money for Aunt Mu and the others.”