Chapter 1395: War Smoke Rises 216
Empress Dowager."Empress Dowager Cen nodded, looking at Feng Linglong's eyes with great satisfaction. Feng Yu Xi seeing this, hurried forward, "Your servant greets the Empress Dowager."As soon as the..."You'll see for yourself later. I said for sure, and you still don't believe me."
Lu Nian couldn't bring herself to like Feng Aotian. After all, with how he treated his sister, she couldn't possibly look upon him favorably.
Feng Aotian looked at Dugu City, his expression solemn, "Your Highness, I'm afraid this Prime Minister came here to bring the Princess to question."
"We are all here, even if she asks questions, with this King accompanying her, nothing will happen."
At least he won't let anything bad happen to Cheng Xiang.
"Then let's wait and see what the Prime Minister intends tomorrow."
As soon as Feng Aotian thought that the Prime Minister was going to the post house, he became worried about Feng Lingxi's safety, hoping she wouldn't act impulsively.
Lu Nian rolled her eyes. "What good thing could that old geezer possibly do He's definitely trying to mess with my younger sister."
Dugu Cheng frowned, looking at Lu Nian's attitude towards Feng Aotian. If it wasn't for Feng Aotian being good to Xi'er this period of time, he was afraid that any news would be kept from him.
Feng Lingxi brought in the food and dishes, Lu Nian rushed forward immediately, a smile instantly appearing on her face, she took it over, and said with a smile, "Thank you, sister."
Feng Lingxi watched Lu Nian holding the meal and taking big bites, her heart aching at his ravenous appearance. "Eat slowly, don't choke," she said.
Lu Nian started eating faster, a smile spread across his face like an idiot's as he was being cared for by his sister. He wasn't paying attention and choked, coughing violently.
Feng Ling hurriedly reached out to pat his back, scolding him, "I told you to slow down, but you wouldn't listen. Now you're choking."
Lu Nianmian was almost speechless from the scolding, yet he was overjoyed. Feng Lingxi looked at him like this, both angry and heartbroken. Wasn't she just caring about him Was he so happy
Dugu Cheng looked at Lu Nian's smile, he couldn't even get angry. If it wasn't his own brother-in-law, he would really suspect that Lu Nian had come to steal his woman.
"After you finish eating, go rest, don't overwork yourself."
Lu Nian nodded and grinned at Feng Lingxi, her smile widening.
Half an hour later, as Lu Nian had said, the prime minister was going to enter the city and stay at the post house. Naturally, Duguo City would go to receive him. And Feng Aotien, even though he was a special envoy, the prime minister was his father-in-law and also the one the emperor sent with him to investigate the deaths of Prime Minister's wife and Nan Gong Huayun. He had to be more courteous.
The next day, the prime minister entered the city. Looking at the prosperity within, and the people's abundance of food and clothing, it was obvious that sitting in the carriage, the prime minister's face wasn't looking good at all. It seemed that Du Gucheng lived here just as well as he did in the capital.
This Linxi County is truly a border fortress, extremely prosperous. It hasn't even offered tribute to the imperial court; it's clearly harboring ill intentions.
"Huashuang, what do you think of Linxi County"
Looking at Erzi, who remained silent beside him, the Prime Minister's voice grew slightly grave.
Nan Gong Huashuang retracted her gaze and turned to look at her father, "The people are well-fed and content, living prosperous lives, unlike the rumors that they are impoverished. There are bustling inns, restaurants, and entertainment districts, comparable to the splendor of the capital city."
"No wonder Prince Chen volunteered to be stationed here. Such a prosperous place, it's not inferior to the capital city at all."
The chancellor's words were laced with displeasure, his discontent with Dugu City evident in every syllable.
"Father, please observe carefully. This time we've come for Mother and elder brother's sake, so it's crucial we don't cause any trouble with the Crown Prince."
Nangong Huashuang's words reminded the Prime Minister. Thinking back to the previous invitation that was unsuccessful, this Princess of Chen was probably not so well-connected.
"Your mother's matter naturally needs a thorough investigation, but we mustn't forget what the Emperor has entrusted us with." The Chancellor looked at his son, his voice heavy with concern. "Now our Nan Gong family depends entirely on you."
Nangong Huashuang raised her eyes, meeting the sadness in her father's gaze, and hurriedly said, "Father, Huashuang will listen to Father and will definitely try her best to become Father's most helpful assistant."
The Chancellor nodded in satisfaction, turning his gaze back outwards. If Huayun had been half as obedient as Hua Shuang, he wouldn't have ended up like this.
In front of the inn
Feng Aotiān and Dú Gūchéng had been waiting for a long time. The prime minister's carriage arrived, and as he watched people emerge from inside, the prime minister immediately saw Dú Gūchéng and Feng Aotiān. Although pleased, he pretended to look embarrassed.
"Welcome, Prime Minister."
Duke Gucheng looked at the satisfaction hidden in the Chancellor's eyes and politely said, "Chancellor, your journey must have been arduous. This King and General Zhen Guo have been waiting for you for a long time. Please come in."
The prince personally greeted him. How would the people in this city view the chancellor Holding a high position and the status of father-in-law, he abuses his power to oppress the prince due to his favor with the emperor.
The Prime Minister bowed and said, "My old bones wouldn't dare trouble His Royal Highness the Prince with such a personal greeting. Truly, I am deeply honored."
"The Grand Chancellor is seriously ill. I was merely showing hospitality as a host, and since the Grand Chancellor has been summoned, it is only proper for me to greet him." He was not greeting this Grand Chancellor, but Emperor Yuan Zhao.
The chancellor's smile was neither warm nor genuine. This Crown Prince was clearly looking down on him.
"Your Highness, please."
The Viceroy made a beckoning gesture to the King of Stars, and Dugu City took the lead in walking into the post house. He had already replaced all the people in this post house with his own men. If he wanted to run wild on his turf, if he didn't clean it up thoroughly, I'm afraid even his bones would be swallowed by them alive.
"Grand Marshal, this time when I came before you, it's caused you trouble."
Feng Aotian laughed, "Prime Minister, where did you get that idea Everything you do is for the Emperor. It's not about you or me, let alone trouble."
A trace of sadness appeared on the Prime Minister's face, and he let out a sigh.
"This time, I came here just to see the mother and son one last time, but who knew, the lady's body was gone, and her eldest son, Hua Yun..." The Prime Minister’s voice choked up, and Nangong Huashuang hurried to support him.
"Father, now that things have come to this, we must accept it and mourn with composure."
"Grand Minister, please grieve with decorum and accept the change. Since things have come to this, this old minister and Prince Chen have been investigating the murderer of the young master, and we will definitely avenge him." Feng Aotian said this, but in his heart, he was extremely displeased with the Grand Minister.
This is just crocodile tears, he knows better than anyone how his wife and eldest son died, pretending for show.
"Is there a result"
The Chancellor asked, wiping away the tears from the corner of his eyes, his old face suddenly looking much older.
Feng Aotian shook his head, "Haven't investigated yet." With that said, he had already arrived at the inn's front hall. Feng Aotian greeted the chancellor and asked him to sit down, ordering someone to bring tea and water.
獨孤城 sitting beside them, watching the prime minister's sorrowful face, it was truly hard to associate him with a murderer.
"Prime Minister, this king is unclear about one thing, and hopes the Prime Minister can enlighten me."
Dugu Cheng glanced at Nangong Hua, who stood beside the prime minister. Since arriving, this man had meticulously scanned every corner of the room, and his expression remained calm and collected.
It's no wonder the Prime Minister prefers this Nan Gong Hua Shuang. Although he is a illegitimate son, he is far more powerful than Nan Gong Hua Yun.
"Lord Chen, please speak."
"Madam and the eldest son have been in an accident for no more than five days. It takes seven days even with a fast horse to travel from this capital city to here. When did the Chancellor arrive at the outskirts of Linxi County"se ask this young lady to dine over there.""Thank you, Three Kings, for your kindness. I will serve my Madam here."Xiao Li's 'insolence' did not upset Dugu Yu, he just had his guards add a set of bowl...