Chapter 919 - 917: Any Clues?

Words : 1384 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 919: Chapter 917: Any Clues? The group of people had been waiting by the pier since dawn without even having breakfast. They just ate some dim sum with tea at the teahouse. As noon approached, they drank pot after pot of tea and made several trips to the lavatory, yet their stomachs became more and more empty. The more tea they drank, the hungrier they felt, and everyone was finding it hard to endure. However, no one dared to mention the matter of eating, praying silently for the two lords to arrive quickly. As the sun reached its zenith, a disturbance arose at the pier. A government official who had been keeping an eye on the ships on the river hurried over to report, "My lord, two official boats are coming on the river—" Upon hearing this, Lv Wenguang threw down the teacup in his hand, straightened his official attire, and ran downstairs. When he reached the pier, indeed, two official boats were approaching, one from the east and one from the west. Were the two lords arriving at the same time? The two boats had also noticed each other. After the boatmen exchanged flag signals at the prows, the boat coming from the west sped up. In no time, it barely docked by the pier. After it moored, a group of armored guards disembarked from the boat and encircled the pier tightly. The government officials of Jing County, seeing these guards, prudently retreated, giving up the prime positions. Then came a graceful man in a crimson Third Rank official robe who walked out of the cabin with a leisurely pace. It was none other than Zhu Haoran. Lv Wenguang led the group to bow their heads in salute. Zhu Haoran, with a gentle smile on his face, took two steps forward and extended his hand to hold Lv Wenguang’s hand: "Brother Lv, there’s no need for such formality!" Although Lv Wenguang had heard from Imperial Doctor Du that Zhu Haoran was amiable, he hadn’t expected him to be this friendly, addressing him as "brother" right away. Feeling flattered, he repeatedly expressed his humility and proceeded to introduce his entourage to Zhu Haoran. Zhu Haoran lightly raised his hand: "Brother Lv, there’s no need to hurry. Let’s go and greet Lord Chen first—" Only then did Lv Wenguang realize that there was another notable presence on the river! Due to meeting Zhu Haoran, he had momentarily forgotten the other one. He replied with a flushed face, following Zhu Haoran, not daring to speak much further. Governor Chen’s boat, upon seeing Zhu Haoran’s boat speed up to dock, leisurely approached and moored by the shore. Another team of guards disembarked first, prepared to encircle the pier as well, but upon seeing Minister Zhu’s guards with their distinctive Yulin Guards armor of the capital, they momentarily hesitated. Zhu Haoran, quick to respond, waved his hand, and his guards made way for half of the pier with a clatter. The leader of Governor Chen’s guards then waved his hand, filling the vacated space with his men. Over there, the cabin door opened, and a tall, elegant, middle-aged man with clear features walked out. He wasn’t wearing official robes but a dark purple floral robe, and when not smiling, he emanated an aura of solemnity between his brows. Zhu Haoran took three steps forward: "Subordinate pays respect to Lord Chen!" Lv Wenguang and the others in the rear also bowed their heads in varying unison, chanting, "Respect to Lord Chen!" Governor Chen, upon seeing Zhu Haoran, immediately stepped forward and lightly supported Zhu Haoran’s arm, his tone carrying a hint of warmth and reproach: "Brother Zhu, you’re being too formal! In our interactions, is there really a need for such formalities? Didn’t you notice I’m in casual attire today? Today, we only discuss personal matters, not official business! I finally made time to come to Jing County for two or three days to relax, so don’t make it uncomfortable for me!" Lv Wenguang was taken aback, hearing this tone, it seemed that Governor Chen and Minister Zhu had quite a good relationship? Zhu Haoran just smiled: "Since that’s the case, then I shall graciously comply!" Even using a joking tone. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Zhu Haoran seemed to remember that there were others present. Chuckling, he said, "Look at us, after not seeing each other for so long, we chatted more than usual, nearly forgetting there’s a group of people waiting here." He then turned to introduce: "This is Lv Wenguang, the County Magistrate of Jing County, Lord Lv!" Lv Wenguang hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects, followed by his entourage doing the same. The smile on Governor Chen’s face subdued a bit, and he nodded slightly. With a heavy heart, Lv Wenguang briefly introduced his staff, focusing on the headmaster of Changqing Academy and the teacher from Baiyun Academy. He originally planned to introduce Imperial Physician Du as well, but when he turned around, he noticed that Imperial Physician Du had shrunk into some corner and was nowhere to be seen, so he let it go. Governor Chen, upon seeing the headmaster of Changqing Academy, appeared more amiable and even took the initiative to ask a few questions. He gave a few more appraising glances to the students following behind the headmaster of Changqing Academy, praising their promising youth. Zhu Haoran, one step behind, followed the gaze and saw Song Chongjin, momentarily pausing, but quickly regained his composure. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, it was now noon, and the sun was blazing. Lv Wenguang promptly invited the two lords to the arranged accommodations to rest. The two arranged courtyards were just a street apart, very serene, with only a few housekeepers and maids serving tea and water, and no one else. With some effort, Lv Wenguang finally settled the two important figures and, being perceptive, suggested they have a brief rest and that a welcoming dinner would be held in the evening. Meanwhile, he had people arrange for the prepared lunch banquet to be sent like a stream to the two courtyards from the best restaurant. Zhu Haoran, after freshening up, changed into casual attire and leisurely headed towards the courtyard where Governor Chen was staying. It seemed that Governor Chen had already given instructions, as someone invited Zhu Haoran inside upon seeing him. After entering the courtyard, he saw that Governor Chen, having also changed attire, was drinking tea in the hall. Upon seeing Zhu Haoran, he casually pointed to an opposite seat, inviting him to sit. They had food brought in, and the two conversed while eating. "Regarding this matter the emperor entrusted us to handle, have you any ideas?" Governor Chen asked about the errand, his face immediately filled with concern. Zhu Haoran sipped his wine with a wry smile: "Matters from decades ago, the people from then are either dead or gone, finding someone now is like picking a needle from the ocean." Governor Chen downed a cup in one go, sighing: "There’s no choice; the Saint was compelled back then to stand idly by for self-preservation. Otherwise, even the Saint might have been trapped. Now that the Saint finally holds power, looking back causes sleepless nights. It’s also because of the Saint’s trust in us that we’re given this task, and if we mess it up, how do we answer to the Saint?" Zhu Haoran smiled bitterly without speaking. Anyone can speak of reason, but it’s only when you’re the one tasked with it that you realize, after decades have passed, how to handle it? Moreover, I’m the Assistant Minister of Rites, not the Minister of the Punishments, so why am I always tasked with penal matters? These thoughts must be buried within, not a word to be uttered. Outwardly, I must show gratitude for the Saint’s trust; it’s only because of being trusted as a confidant that I’m given such confidential tasks to manage. Governor Chen, aware as he was, knew slightly more, understanding the importance of this matter to the emperor. If truly accomplished, perhaps it could mean further advancement for himself. After sighing a bit, they returned to normal, and casually began to discuss how to coordinate in handling the affair.

Chapter 919 - 917: Any Clues?

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