Chapter 299 - 297: Her Identity (First Update)

Chapter 299: Chapter 297: Her Identity (First Update)

Xu Jing rolled her eyes in exasperation, "If I were sent by Li Yuan, would I need to go to such lengths to clear your name? If I’m not mistaken, your Lord’s deputy, Yuan Zaili, is now in alliance with Li Yuan. Lingzhou Prefecture is practically under Yuan Zaili’s control now. If the villagers hand you over to Lingzhou Prefecture, it’s like sending a sheep into a tiger’s den, and it might even expose Doctor Yan’s identity."

"Jiang Da’s" expression turned slightly rigid, and he said coldly, "I will not let them send me to the Prefecture!"

"Yes, you do have that capability, but if you truly clash with the villagers, there will inevitably be some physical conflict. Do you think this is something Doctor Yan would want to see? Without the identity of ’Jiang Da,’ how would you continue to stay by Doctor Yan’s side to protect her?"

Xu Jing smirked slightly, "I’m not extorting gratitude, but aren’t you worried that being ungrateful like this would tarnish the reputation of your Family Head and Lord Cui?"

"Jiang Da’s" face immediately turned terrifyingly grim, but he held onto his rationality and snapped, "All I know is that my task is to ensure Doctor Yan’s safety! Who exactly are you!"

He did not proceed to claim that she was sent by Li Yuan, considering that he had somewhat taken in her words.

Xu Jing replied calmly, "Like Vice Minister Xiao and Prince Zhao, I am also sent by the Holy Emperor to investigate this matter. However, Vice Minister Xiao and Prince Zhao are investigating openly, while I am doing it in secret. As long as what you said earlier is true, and your Family Head and Lord Cui have no intentions of rebellion, then I am not your enemy. What you should be doing is quickly revealing the whole truth to me."

As soon as Xu Jing finished speaking, everyone was stunned.

The guards accompanying Xu Jing were seasoned veterans, showing no signs of any unusual emotions on their faces.

Madam’s approach is the smartest now. To prove their masters’ innocence, they surely would not dare offend anyone sent by the Holy Emperor.

The premise is, of course, that Cui Han and his father are indeed innocent.

"Jiang Da" and Yan Ci looked at her in surprise for a long while before "Jiang Da" frowned and asked, "How can you prove what you’re saying! Besides, if you were sent by the Holy Emperor, why would you seek out Doctor Yan directly? Doctor Yan’s identity is supposed to be confidential. Even by the side of the Family Head and Lord Cui, not many are aware!"

This man has a brain, Xu Jing maintained a calm demeanor and said, "I sought out Doctor Yan due to my personal matters. Initially, I didn’t know about the connection between Doctor Yan and your Lord. As for proof, I’ve already mentioned that my investigation is covert. Do you really expect me to carry an imperial edict from the Holy Emperor at all times? Just escort me to Vice Minister Xiao and Prince Zhao, and you will naturally know whether I’m with them..."

"That’s certainly not possible!"

"Jiang Da" immediately retorted.

He also feared she might be deceiving him to lure him into the city.

But now he surely wouldn’t dare to do anything to her, Xu Jing’s eyes flickered slightly, and she took the opportunity to say, "I understand your concerns as well. How about this, let’s compromise; I and my people will go with you. You can privately investigate my identity, or even bring me to your Family Head to let them decide. We won’t get anywhere by staying here indefinitely."

You won’t catch the tiger cub unless you enter the tiger’s den.

It’s clear now that Yan Ci insists on staying because of his mistrust in Cui Han.

To get Yan Ci to come with her, the Lingzhou matters must be resolved first.

Moreover, there’s also a possibility that Xiao Yi and Prince Zhao are in danger. The best approach would be to see Cui Han in person, confirm his innocence, and if he truly harbors no disloyalty, find a way to collaborate with him and inform Xiao Yi and Prince Zhao about the situation.

Of course, things might not unfold as perfectly as she hopes, but right now, she has no better option.

"Jiang Da" stared at her with dark eyes, as if assessing the credibility of her words, and finally said in a deep voice, "You’ll come with us, but your other guards must stay behind. If I discover you’re deceiving me, my people will kill them immediately."

This was a move to take her guards as hostages.

Cheng Xiao and the others barely concealed their expressions.

They fear not death, but their mission is to protect Xu Jing. Being asked to leave her side is akin to a fate worse than death.

Xu Jing calmly stated, "Fine, but as you can see, I am a frail woman, and leaving all my guards behind isn’t entirely fair to me. I request to take one guard with me."

Seeing "Jiang Da" about to argue, Xu Jing coldly said, "You have many people on your side. I’m taking just one guard. Surely that’s not impossible for you to accept?"

"Jiang Da" choked on his words and reluctantly responded, "Alright."

If this woman indeed was sent by the Holy Emperor, giving her a bit of face would only be beneficial to their masters.

Xu Jing promptly added, "You are straightforward, and I appreciate dealing with someone like that. Also, I mentioned earlier that I came here also with personal intentions, so I brought a maidservant and a young disciple with me. They are but ordinary women with little understanding of my true purpose. If I suddenly disappear, they would panic immensely. I want to leave them a note assuring them of my safety..."

This time, "Jiang Da" resolutely said, "No."

She claims they’re ordinary women, but are they truly?

If she hides some trap in the note meant for them, the consequences would be unbearable.

Xu Jing said, "You can watch me write the note, and all the writing materials could be provided entirely by you. I’m suggesting this for your own sake; if I go missing, they might panic and report to the authorities. The last thing you want now is to be associated with Lingzhou Prefecture, right?"

Upon hearing this, "Jiang Da’s" face darkened further.

This time, Yan Ci, who had remained silent, glanced at Xu Jing and said in a low voice, "Let her assure them of her safety."

"Jiang Da" was taken aback and immediately turned to Yan Ci, "Doctor Yan!"

Everything he was doing was for her protection.

He might ignore Xu Jing’s demand, but cannot disregard Yan Ci’s words.

Doctor Yan fell silent for a moment and then said, "I don’t know much about court affairs, but I believe Miss Xu is not the type to assist someone like Li Yuan. Let her leave the note, and I... will go with you."

"Jiang Da" was taken aback once more, then became overjoyed.

Doctor Yan has always been stubborn; otherwise, the Family Head wouldn’t have pursued her for so many years without her ever looking back.

He had been troubled about how to convince Doctor Yan to leave with him.

He struggled for a bit, then finally said, "Someone, prepare the writing materials. Once Miss Xu’s note is sent out, we’ll leave immediately!"