Chapter 370: Pure-Blooded and Upright

There was no movement outside, but the two young maidservants in the room backed away in fright.

No one responded from outside. Sun Wenyuan realized something was wrong and suddenly rushed towards the window, but was caught on the shoulder by Xiao Zhengfei in a swift move.

As they scuffled, they knocked over the screen beside them, and a porcelain vase on the cabinet crashed to the ground.

“Someone! Quickly, someone come!” Sun Wenyuan screamed hoarsely, but the only response was the noise of the street market outside the window.

“Mr. Sun, save your energy!” Zhao Zun leisurely sipped some wine, “The dozen or so guards downstairs are probably all having tea by now!”

“Zhao Zun, you treacherous, ungrateful traitor, you won’t die a good death…” Sun Wenyuan struggled fiercely, cursing continuously.

Zhao Zun lazily leaned back against the chair, adjusted the jade crown on his head leisurely, then solemnly said, “Take him down!”

Upon receiving the order, Xiao Zhengfei effortlessly pinned Sun Wenyuan to the ground. Immediately, a pair of metallic handcuffs was used to cuff his hands behind his back.

Seeing the scene unfold, Luo Hai drew a sharp breath in shock.

It was so sudden; even he didn’t know about Zhao Zun’s actions today.

Han Lei elegantly picked up a piece of bamboo shoot and softly said to Luo Hai, “Mr. Luo, you should try this. It’s very fresh.”

“Alright! Alright!” Luo Hai agreed repeatedly, holding up his bowl to take the bamboo shoot Han Lei passed.

“Zhao Zun, you are rebellious and ungrateful. I must report this to His Majesty…”

Sun Wenyuan continued to curse relentlessly, but Zhao Zun looked down at him, his tone contemptuous.

“It seems Mr. Sun is not well-informed! Perhaps His Majesty has already been buried, and all the Vassal Kings from various provinces have entered the capital. A new emperor brings a new court. How long can the Sun family endure, I wonder… Hard to say.”

“Nonsense. You dare to curse His Majesty, Zhao Zun, you are a treacherous and rebellious minister, His Majesty will surely execute your entire family…” Sun Wenyuan didn’t believe his words at all and shouted loudly.

“Shut his mouth.” Zhao Zun picked his ear in annoyance at his noise.

Xiao Zhengfei immediately tore off the drapery tassel and stuffed Sun Wenyuan’s mouth with it.

A sudden silence fell. Zhao Zun then stood up, his expression serious, and said, “Luo Hai, County Magistrate of Qingshui County, listen to the order.”

“I… I am here.” Luo Hai froze, hurriedly leaving his seat to salute, his official hat tilting slightly.

“From this day on, you are to take over as the Zhizhou of Canzhou, overseeing all its political affairs. Immediately lead troops to Fufeng County to confiscate the Sun family’s property and take over the official seal. If you encounter resistance…”

He paused, lightly traced his finger across his throat, “Show no mercy.”

“Rest assured, Prince, I… I will devote myself utterly!” Luo Hai’s palms were full of cold sweat; he couldn’t tell if it was due to excitement or fear.

Zhao Zun’s unexpected move was masterfully executed. Taking advantage of Sun Wenyuan’s invitation, he subdued Sun Wenyuan and took control of Canzhou’s governance without a single soldier’s effort.

And he hadn’t known a thing about it beforehand.

The sunlight streaming through the window cast sharp shadows on Zhao Zun’s profile.

Han Lei looked at Zhao Zun’s profile, a satisfied smile curling at the corners of her lips.

Zhao Zun waved his hand, and Xiao Zhengfei took Sun Wenyuan out.

Once outside the private room, Sun Wenyuan realized that the six knife-wielding guards who had been standing there earlier had disappeared without a trace.

The first floor of Tongfu Building had been cleared, with not a single customer in sight, only the addition of dozens of men standing tall with stern faces.

Although these men wore no armor, just the aura of bloodlust emanating from them told Sun Wenyuan that they were all trusted aides of Zhao Zun.

Seeing Xiao Zhengfei emerge, two trusted aides immediately stepped forward, receiving Sun Wenyuan from Xiao Zhengfei and escorting him to the carriage.

Inside the private room, the sandalwood incense lingered in the air.

The sound of footsteps as Sun Wenyuan was escorted away gradually faded, and the room was so quiet one could hear the sound of sycamore leaves falling outside the window.

With everything settled, Luo Hai stood beside the carved wooden chair, unconsciously rubbing the hem of his official robe.

He looked at the young man before him, whom he had watched grow up, his Adam’s apple bobbing a few times before he managed to squeeze out a few words, “Zun… uh… Your Highness…”

For a moment, he didn’t know how to address this young man who had always been like a nephew or son to him.

Zhao Zun’s gaze remained on the private room door but turned his head upon hearing Luo Hai.

The sunlight streaming in from outside softened the fierce aura between his brows, and a familiar gentle smile appeared on his lips.

“Mr. Luo, there’s no one else here.” He walked over to Luo Hai, gently supporting the old man’s arm, “You can continue calling me Zun’er, just like before.”