“The Imperial Inspector, Zheng Qing Cai, is the one who deserves the most credit!
Secondly, Lu Ling Feng, the Lieutenant Colonel of the Imperial Guards, also risked his life to solve the case!
I believe their contributions are greater than mine!”
The Crown Prince's face suddenly darkened, and even his earlier good mood was swept away.
“I naturally know about Zheng Qing!
The Emperor has already summoned him, and what reward he will receive, I naturally don't need to worry about!
But this Lu Ling Feng…”
The Crown Prince seemed to have a mouthful of anger:
“When the truth was about to be revealed, facing Zheng Qing’s actions of killing Yuan Lai, he, as the Lieutenant Colonel of the Imperial Guards, was unable to stop him?
With Yuan Lai's death, this case may never be solved!
Such recklessness, what merit is there?”
His tone was very strong, almost as if it could not be refuted.
Su Wu Ming quickly said:
“Your Highness, Su Wu Ming was in the underground palace just now. Zheng Qing only acted against Yuan Lai to save my life, and Lu Ling Feng…”
“Enough!”
The Crown Prince interrupted impatiently:
“Leave!”
“Yes.”
Su Wu Ming nodded in agreement and silently retreated.
…
Princess’s Mansion –
After bathing and changing, Lu Ling Feng, led by Wei Feng Hua, arrived at the grand hall of the Princess’s Mansion.
He looked at the luxuriously decorated room and was slightly surprised.
Although he knew that Princess Tai Ping held great power, he had no idea that the decorations here were so magnificent.
Lu Ling Feng had previously been to Pei Jian's house and the residences of some important officials, but compared to the Princess’s Mansion, the decorations were far inferior.
The Princess, similarly, was not seated in the front, where a desk stood.
The desk was exquisitely decorated, surrounded by jade, clearly very valuable, and its arrangement showcased the owner's aesthetic sense and status.
“The Princess has arrived!”
A eunuch announced loudly.
Lu Ling Feng and Wei Feng Hua, along with others, all knelt down to greet the Princess’s arrival.
Princess Tai Ping walked gracefully, and as she passed Lu Ling Feng, she deliberately glanced at him before taking her seat above.
Lu Ling Feng walked to the center of the room, knelt on one knee, and bowed respectfully:
“This subordinate greets Your Highness, the Princess!”
However, the Princess seemed to be reminiscing about the past, and a nostalgic expression crossed her face:
“Lu Ling Feng, raise your head.”
Lu Ling Feng, although puzzled, did as he was told.
“Stand up.” The Princess continued, but her gaze did not move.
Lu Ling Feng got up.
The Princess’s emotions fluctuated, her eyes carrying an indescribable emotion:
“Turn!”
Lu Ling Feng was a bit unclear about the Princess’s meaning and stood still, not moving. Wei Feng Hua, standing beside him, quickly reminded him in a low voice:
“The Princess wants you to turn around.”
Lu Ling Feng thought for a moment, deciding to do as he was told.
Princess Tai Ping stared intently, muttering:
“Similar, almost exactly the same!
Come closer and look at me carefully. Have you ever seen me as a child?”
Lu Ling Feng did not move but said:
“To answer Your Highness, I haven’t.”
The Princess found it strange:
“No, how could it be so similar? You are twenty-three this year?”
Lu Ling Feng replied seriously:
“This subordinate is twenty-five.”
“The ages don’t match up, how could it be such a coincidence?” Princess Tai Ping muttered to herself, as if pondering something.
He recalled Zheng Qing's hint that day and now, upon seeing the person in front of him, he immediately confirmed his guess.
This must be the child who disappeared from the temple twenty years ago!
However, he seemed to be unaware of what happened in between.
And remembering Zheng Qing’s subtle suggestion that even if he found clues, he needed to wait patiently.
Because any disturbance could become a weapon for others to attack her!
It was almost as if guided by fate that Princess Tai Ping decided to listen to Zheng Qing.
“Princess, what do you mean?” Lu Ling Feng asked, puzzled:
“This subordinate does not understand.”
Princess Tai Ping did not elaborate on the topic but said:
“I heard that you risked your life several times while solving the case of the Chang’an Red Tea. Not only did you defeat the enemy, but you also dismantled the gang led by Yuan Lai. Is this true?”
Lu Ling Feng nodded:
“This is true, but this is not the achievement of this subordinate. It was accomplished with the guidance of Imperial Inspector Zheng and Chang’an County Magistrate Su Wu Ming.”
The Princess shook her head gently, laughing coldly:
“Su Wu Ming, a mere Chang’an County Magistrate?
I heard that the Four Ghosts of You Li even appeared this time.
When the Four Ghosts of You Li wreaked havoc in the capital, even thousands of troops could not subdue them. Can a mere scholar like him handle this?
You are truly remarkable, to claim credit for your companions.”
Lu Ling Feng quickly replied:
“To answer Your Highness, aside from the Imperial Guards, there were many people from the Chang’an County office in the underground palace. They can all testify!
Imperial Inspector Zheng deserves the most credit for solving the mystery of the Chang’an Red Tea!”
The Princess did not engage with him, but instead said lightly:
“Come closer, I will offer you a cup of tea.”
Lu Ling Feng, as if sensing something, felt a pang in his heart, but still nodded:
“Yes.”
He slowly stepped forward, but saw Princess Tai Ping pour the bright red tea from the cup, then hand it to him.
Seeing Lu Ling Feng standing still, not moving forward, Princess Tai Ping beckoned:
“Come to me.”
Lu Ling Feng nodded:
“Yes.”
Princess Tai Ping raised her cup:
“I offer you tea, Chang’an Red Tea.”
“Princess!”
Lu Ling Feng exclaimed in surprise: “This… ”
Princess Tai Ping placed the Chang’an Red Tea on the desk, looking at Lu Ling Feng’s face:
“Please.”
“Princess, you can’t drink this tea!”
Lu Ling Feng quickly said.
“Why not?”
The Princess was curious, “Didn’t you tell everyone that I’m addicted to it, and I can’t live without it every day?”
“I…”
Lu Ling Feng was momentarily speechless. Then, realizing what was happening, he quickly knelt on one knee, bowing with both hands:
“Those words were not originally spoken by this subordinate!”
“As words are passed on, they lose their original meaning.
I don’t mind, but this tea, you must drink it today!”
The Princess’s tone was light and breezy in the first half, but her words in the second half were very firm, the majesty of a powerful person was fully revealed at this moment!
“This subordinate cannot comply!”
Lu Ling Feng shook his head and said through gritted teeth.
Princess Tai Ping sneered:
“What? You want me to feed it to you?
Lieutenant Colonel, if I feed it to you, will you drink it or not?
Are your Lu family from Fan Yang all so arrogant, looking down on me?”
Lu Ling Feng raised his head in a daze. He finally realized the other meaning behind his arrival today.
Looking at the Chang’an Red Tea on the table, he understood clearly.
Today, there is only one way to go: to finish this Red Tea!
Otherwise, he will completely offend the Princess!
And with heavy guards here, whether he can get out alive is another matter!
Under the Princess’s gaze, Lu Ling Feng, with the determination to face death, picked up the Red Tea and drank it all in one go.
…
Fourth update delivered!
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