Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 174 - 164: Crawling like a Dog (4,000-word Major - ) _2

Chapter 174: Chapter 164: Crawling like a Dog (4,000-word Major Chapter) _2

Su Zhaojun noticed the middle-aged woman’s expression and shook her head with a smile, "This is pure prejudice. I’ve always thought that this younger uncle, in his nature and talents, was quite commendable. If he hadn’t been spoiled by our mother, he would certainly shine. Isn’t he now turning a new leaf and starting to improve? Over the past month, he has solved several significant cases."

The middle-aged woman responded with a chuckle, "We’ll see."

Su Zhaojun shook her head, "Let’s go in. Ever since my father was imprisoned, this entrance feels deserted. The warmth of humanity is indeed shallow."

The mansion’s main gate was open wide, with the housekeeper and several servants waiting out front.

"Greetings, young mistress."

After the housekeeper had bowed, he expressed in his tone a slight rebuke, "Young mistress, you should have sent word before your arrival. This leaves this old servant unprepared, and I have unintentionally neglected you."

"Things were urgent, weren’t they? I brought back some news from the Capital City."

The red-clad lady chuckled, walking up to Li Chengji who was also waiting at the entrance and performed a respectful curtsy, "Daughter-in-law Zhaojun pays her respects to father and asks for his well-being."

The lady then turned to smile at Li Yan, "And greets her husband too. We haven’t seen each other for over a month, you seem to have lost weight."

Li Yan’s body trembled slightly, his expression complex, a mix of boundless joy, affection, anticipation and a semblance of headache.

A moment later, the family members settled into the study of Earl Chengyi, Li Chengji, surrounded by strict security, not even a fly could get through.

Li Chengji sat behind his desk, his gaze focused, "Did Shaobao Yu really say this about your father?"

"He did. Not a single word is altered."

Su Zhaojun’s expression was equally solemn, "Shaobao Yu strongly advises you to watch over the Yangtze naval forces and the grain transport. Especially the grain transport. This year, there is a severe drought in the north, and food supplies in the capital are running short. Grain for the borders depends on the grain transport from the south. If those are damaged, not only will north Zhili suffer from famine, the defenses of the Great Jin Dynasty might also collapse."

"So all the recent events in south Zhili, if they are coincidences that would be fine. But if there is a power lurking behind these, intending to conspire and rebel, then the Yangtze River naval forces under your command, will become extremely important, and this can’t be neglected."

Li Yan and Li Chengji exchanged a glance, the latter slightly narrowed his brows, "Shaobao Yu’s worries are not entirely unreasonable. Lately, the situation in south Zhili has been quite unusual. Due to the assassination attempt on the second prince and the recent case of stolen military supplies. From Zhenjiang to Luzhou, many officials have either been imprisoned or dismissed, leaving their posts vacant and the area vulnerable."

"Take the upheavals in the tomb of the Han Dynasty and the Underground realm for instance. If the ministers of the Ministry of Rites and War were in office, and the officers at Dasheng Pass weren’t implicated. The issues regarding the Han Dynasty’s tomb wouldn’t have escalated to the point of exhumation."

Li Yan was frowning, "Holding the Yangtze naval forces is easier said than done. His father’s position has already been terminated, he is still wearing the yoke of guilt. By what name can he assume it?"

"Shaobao Yu is figuring out a way to absolve your father of his guilt," Su Zhaojun laughed, "But the power struggle in the capital is too fierce, and there are people in the Ministry of Rites and the Zhanshi Government vehemently attacking you. So this will take time."

Upon hearing this, neither Li Yan nor Li Chengji exhibited any surprise. They were, of course, consistently attentive to the political situation in the capital.

What was truly concerning was the Zhanshi Government, which was the organization assisting the Crown Prince and harbored those faithful to the Crown Prince.

But the Chengyi Mansion was really reluctant, and unwilling to be in opposition to the Crown Prince. Previously, they have never offended His Highness the Crown Prince.

In fact, they didn’t even understand why the Zhanshi Government was targeting Chengyi Mansion.

From their perspective, this was Chengyi Mansion’s biggest crisis moving forward.

"Zhaojun, does the Crown Prince and the Empress Dowager harbor such deep displeasure against our Chengyi Mansion?" Li Yan interrupted, "When the Crown Prince was appointed, father also contributed."

"My husband, there’s no need to worry. I’ve had people look into this, and this is definitely not the intention of the Crown Prince. Instead, someone in the Zhanshi Government is acting independently, or perhaps, this is under the instruction of the True Emperor."

Su Zhaojun shook her head, "Quite contrary, the Crown Prince has a deep affection for our Chengyi Mansion. In his eyes, father is a statesman and the mainstay of the south-east. The issue here is that he lives deep in the palace, and there are hardly any loyal supporters by his side. How can he exert power freely? And though the Zhanshi Government is considered the wings of the Crown Prince, those Hanlin Scholars, who among them would take the words of this beardless young man to heart?"

Upon hearing this, not only did Li Yan’s expression soften, but Li Chengji’s tightly furrowed brow also slightly relaxed.

"Let’s get back to the point."

Su Zhaojun returned to the topic at hand," Shaobao understands the difficulties of the situation, but he also knows that our mansion has a strong foundation in the Yangtze naval forces, and can summon many supporters with a single call. So, he entrusted us with a message. If the situation becomes truly dire, the Earl must consider the welfare of the common people and not fear suspicion."

At this point, Su Zhaojun’s voice was profoundly somber.

And the faced of the two men in the study coloured. They both understood the weight of these words and the risk the Chengyi Mansion would have to assume for this.

Li Yan’s brow furrowed deeply, " Shaobao speaks lightly. This matter could cost a whole family their lives and he doesn’t even give us any evidence?"