The Humble Family's Daughter Has A Spatial Pocket!-Chapter 565 - 516 The Stirrings of Spring_1

Chapter 565: Chapter 516: The Stirrings of Spring_1

Chapter 565 -516: The Stirrings of Spring_1

The Emperor summoned Command Xue Xiangchen of the Jinling Guard twice in one day, immediately arousing the attention of many.

That very night, a person draped in a black robe and cloak entered through the back door of Duke Cheng’en’s Residence. The figure was wrapped tightly from head to toe, revealing only a pair of eyes, with no other part exposed.

“This humble official pays his respects to Duke Cheng’en and the Princely Heir.”

Upon entering the study of Duke Cheng’en, the cloaked figure removed his cloak.

The Jiang Princely Heir smiled and said, “Investigator Fan, please take a seat.”

Investigator Fan Ben of the Jinling Guard, a position equivalent to a third-rank Commander, sat down with composure.

After the servant served tea, it wasn’t long before the room was left with just the three of them.

Duke Cheng’en lifted his teacup, “This is the Longjing tea the Empress Dowager gifted during the New Year, Investigator Fan, how do you find its taste?”

Fan Ben picked up the cup and took a sip. “Excellent tea, such fine tea can only be enjoyed at Duke Cheng’en’s residence.”

Jiang Princely Heir shook his head and laughed, “That shouldn’t be the case. As the Emperor’s trusted Jinling Guard, how could you lack good tea?”

Fan Ben showed a bitter smile. “The Emperor’s rewards aren’t easy to come by. The Jinling Guard has accumulated quite a few cases that we haven’t been able to crack. This year has not been an easy one for us; forget rewards, we’re thankful just to avoid punishment.”

Duke Cheng’en and Jiang Princely Heir exchanged glances, and the Princely Heir asked with a smile, “Was Commander Xue summoned twice by the Emperor today over case matters?”

Fan Ben was silent, his gaze struggling.

Being part of the Jinling Guard, he was the Emperor’s man, and theoretically, he shouldn’t have private contact with the household of Duke Cheng’en. However, a few years ago when he dealt with the Jiguang flood case, he couldn’t resist the temptation of greed and secretly accepted silver from an official involved in the case.

Somehow, the Jiang Princely Heir came to know about this, and ever since then, he had been holding it over Fan Ben’s head. Over the years, the Jiang Family may not have overtly made him do anything, but any time there was a hint of activity within the Jinling Guard, he would be called to the Jiang Family.

This feeling was very unpleasant, but the Jiang Family’s power was too great for him to resist. If what happened back then were to be revealed, it wouldn’t just mean a death sentence for him, but it could also implicate his family.

Duke Cheng’en and his son didn’t rush him, calmly sipping their tea. Once someone boarded the Jiang Family’s ship, it wasn’t so easy to get off again.

After a while, Fan Ben finally began to speak slowly, “Commander was summoned by the Emperor twice. The first time, he took away a case box, and what case it contained, only the Commander knows.”

“The second time, Eunuch An came along with the Jinling Guard, and the Commander gave him a token representing the special appointment of Investigator.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Princely Heir furrowed his brow, “I recall the ranks of Command Investigators within the Jinling Guard are already full, aren’t they?”

Fan Ben nodded, “Yes, they are full, but the Emperor specially appointed another Command Investigator.”

Duke Cheng’en, who had been sipping tea in silence, looked up, “Who?”

Despite being a mere fourth-rank official position, the Command Investigator of the Jinling Guard was responsible for duties including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, arrest, and interrogation, and could apprehend anyone; no one dared to underestimate this role.

Fan Ben shook his head, “I don’t know.”

Jiang Princely Heir, “How could you not know?”

Fan Ben glanced at Jiang Princely Heir, “This humble official truly doesn’t know. Judging from the Commander’s demeanor, he probably doesn’t know either.”

Duke Cheng’en raised his hand to stop the Princely Heir from continuing to speak, stroking his beard, “It seems that this specially appointed Command Investigator isn’t someone who remains in Beijing.”

Fan Ben nodded, “I believe that’s the case as well.”

Duke Cheng’en’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp light flickering within, “To receive a special appointment from the Emperor, the deeds must have been significant. But I haven’t heard of any major case last year, have I?”

Fan Ben didn’t speak and quietly took a sip of his tea.

The same matter was being played out at the Baxian Restaurant as well.

The An Princely Heir from the Duke Residence entertained his friends there, and after the banquet, a secret letter was discreetly sent to the Imperial Mausoleum. The letter read approximately, “The Emperor specially appointed a Command Investigator, the reason and identity of the appointee are unknown.”

…

While the undercurrents surged in Beijing, in Zhongzhou Provincial Capital, Daohua, with the consent of Madam Li, went out with Dong Yuanyao, who was disguised as a maid, to wander the streets.

In order to match Dong Yuanyao and for the convenience of street wandering, Daohua, too, disguised herself as a maid.

Ladies and young misses of noble families must wear veiled hats when they go out, but maids need not.

The two each held a stick of candied hawthorns, eating as they walked.

“Why are you not talking?”

Daohua, seeing that Dong Yuanyao was no longer as lively and playful as before, couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

Dong Yuanyao let out a sigh, “I don’t know, but ever since I returned from your place last time, I just can’t seem to find interest in anything.”

Daohua felt a twinge of concern and, pulling her aside, whispered, “You’re not scared because of our kidnapping, are you?”

Dong Yuanyao thought carefully and shook her head, “I don’t think so.”

Daohua frowned and said, “Maybe that incident left a shadow in your heart without you realizing it. No, you must see a doctor when you get back, this is no small matter.”

Seeing Daohua’s serious face, Dong Yuanyao also felt a bit uneasy, but still said, “I really don’t think I’m scared, it’s just…”

Daohua, “Just what?”

Dong Yuanyao was a bit hesitant, and after looking at Daohua she said, “I’ll tell you, but you must not laugh at me.”

Daohua gave her an exasperated look, “Do you think you have embarrassed yourself in front of me just a few times?”

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Dong Yuanyao was silent for a moment, “Ever since I came back from Ningmen Prefecture, I keep remembering the image of Sun Changze rushing to block the knife for me. No matter what, I can’t forget it.” After saying that, she fixated her gaze on Daohua, watching her reaction.

Daohua was startled for a moment, then looking at Dong Yuanyao’s bewildered eyes, something stirred in her heart. Could this girl be having the stirrings of spring?

But Sun Changze…

She wasn’t being influential, it was just that the social standing between Sun Changze and the Dong Family was too vast, by ancient standards of marriage, there was simply no possibility for them to be together.

After quite a while, Daohua finally said, “That’s to be expected.”

“Hm?” Dong Yuanyao quickly grabbed Daohua, somewhat anxiously asking, “Do you think my reaction is normal?”

Daohua blinked, her mind racing as she thought of the right words, then seriously said, “It’s normal. Think about it, the man did risk his life to save you, and you have it etched in your heart, which shows you are grateful and you seek to repay that kindness.”

Upon hearing this, Dong Yuanyao let out a long sigh of relief, and a slow smile spread across her face, “Right, it must be that. I thought earlier that I…”

She stopped talking abruptly there.

Seeing Dong Yuanyao’s face flushing with embarrassment, Daohua suddenly widened her eyes, “You thought it was what?”

Dong Yuanyao quickly shook her head, “Nothing, I was just overthinking it.” While saying this, she chuckled to herself, “You’re right, someone who values relationships as I do would certainly remember their lifesaver.”

Watching Dong Yuanyao become more cheerful, Daohua nodded in agreement, “Yes, yes, you’re the most mindful of relationships.”

Dong Yuanyao laughed and nodded; the candied hawthorn stick that had tasted bland earlier now seemed delicious, “Yiyi, I’m glad you came to the Provincial Capital. You don’t know how this matter has been weighing on me. I didn’t even have anyone to talk to about it.”

Daohua, “You could talk to Sister Su about it, right?”

Dong Yuanyao bit into the candied hawthorn, “Sister Su is nice, but I’d still feel awkward discussing these things with her.”

Daohua laughed, “If you face something similar in the future, you could write me a letter. Don’t keep it bottled up inside and torment yourself. I might not be able to help, but I can be your listener.”

Dong Yuanyao nodded repeatedly, “Alright.”