Chapter 527: Opinions

Chapter 527: Chapter 527: Opinions

The smile on Shen Hao’s face vanished swiftly as he finished reading the letter. He hadn’t expected Yang Lin to have something like this in his hands.

"Prince, this letter isn’t complete, is it? Is there more to it?"

He knew that asking so anxiously was a bit of a lapse in composure, but Shen Hao couldn’t be bothered with such concerns now. The fact that Yang Lin was willing to bring this out made his intention clear. Coupled with the prior lead-in, Shen Hao had reason to believe that this was Yang Lin’s way of showing goodwill. The purpose? Hadn’t he mentioned wanting to forge a connection with the Xuanqing Guard? Perhaps this was a meeting gift—or maybe a pledge of allegiance?

Yang Lin shook his head and replied, somewhat evasively, "You know what it is I want, don’t you?"

"Prince, if you could clarify, it would be best. I’m concerned that if my guesswork is at all imprecise, a major matter might go awry." Shen Hao also had to set aside any wishful thinking; clearly, Yang Lin had no intention of handing over the rest of the letter easily. As for what the other party wanted, he had no desire to speculate—even if he could guess, he wouldn’t risk it.

It needed to be stated directly to be safe.

"As I’ve just said at length, it comes down to a single point. I neither wish, nor can I allow myself, to wear the label of ’sheltering a fugitive,’ nor can I have any vested interest in this case. Thus, I need you Xuanqing Guard and me to be mutually understanding... As for the Major Case Department of the Ministry of Justice, perhaps there’s a way to let them reap the consequences of breaking trust?"

"I ask the Prince to elaborate."

...

As Shen Hao exited the tea house, he happened to see a red-carriage draw up at the entrance. A woman in a black long dress stepped down, and the two passed each other by. But Shen Hao paused for a moment, inwardly noting that there was something familiar about that woman’s aura.

"Who was that?"

"Sir, that should be a zither master who’s come to perform here. I’ll go inquire at once." Although he saw servants behind her carrying instruments, Wang Yiming truly didn’t recognize her.

Wang Yiming hadn’t spent much time in the Imperial City lately, nor was he familiar with Lechi Tea House, and he knew little about the zither masters, so when Shen Hao asked, he turned to enter the tea house and ask around. Meanwhile, Shen Hao waited inside the carriage for word.

Not long after, Wang Yiming returned, reporting, "Sir, I’ve checked: that woman is called Binding Princess, and she’s a renowned zither master here in the Imperial City. I’d heard her name before, but never seen her in person."

Binding Princess?!

Shen Hao’s expression froze for a moment; he waved Wang Yiming away, and the carriage resumed its route.

No wonder her presence had felt so familiar. So this was the Grand Zither Master Binding Princess, long famed in Shen Hao’s ears? Lian Xiang’s and Ning Ziye’s master? A Sound Cultivator of deep cultivation?

What Shen Hao didn’t know was that while he marveled at his fortunate encounter with Binding Princess, she was inwardly surprised at meeting him here as well. Unlike Shen Hao, though she hadn’t seen him before, Binding Princess recognized him at a glance. 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

"That man must be conducting an official investigation in the Imperial City—what’s he doing at a tea house?"

No one knew Binding Princess’s true age; some said fifty or sixty, some a hundred or more. But by appearances alone, she looked just over forty—mature, graceful, charm restrained, her very bearing exuding the aura of a noble house.

While she was pondering, Binding Princess saw a man step out from the tea house. She immediately smiled and offered a bow, while the other party glanced at her, gave a slight nod, and, without pausing, left the premises.

"Prince Shou? Was that man here to meet with Prince Shou?"

...

At early 9 p.m., Shen Hao and his carriage did not return to the barracks assigned to him at the Jingxi Town Governor’s Office, but instead made a detour to seek out Jiang Cheng’s residence.

Though it was somewhat late, it was not yet deep night. The steward quickly brought Shen Hao into the study; tea had barely been served before Jiang Cheng entered, dressed in informal attire.

"Sir."

"What matter is so urgent?" Jiang Cheng dispensed with pleasantries, knowing full well that this disciple of his was most circumspect; he would never come calling at such an hour without utmost urgency.

"Sir, I’ve just finished tea with Prince Shou. We talked a while, and I came straight here afterwards."

Jiang Cheng knew that Shen Hao had an appointment with Prince Shou tonight; Shen Hao had mentioned as much this afternoon, even showing him the invitation. He’d assumed that whatever came of it, Shen Hao would report when he came on duty tomorrow, at the earliest.

"What did Prince Shou say?"

"He said he wishes to form a bond of goodwill with our Xuanqing Guard. He brought a token of sincerity; please, sir, take a look." Shen Hao skipped over Prince Shou’s pleasantries, and produced the letter written by Qin Xiuyuan to Qin Wenhe.

Jiang Cheng took it and scanned it; his reaction was much like Shen Hao’s had been. After a moment’s silence, he said, "He’s bargaining with us."

"Yes, sir. This part is a sweetener. What comes next will depend on the price we offer."

"Do you think Prince Shou’s request is as he claims?"

"Sir, to be blunt, Prince Shou has now been driven to such a wall that he cannot turn back. His only way out is to bring us in."

"Turning guest into host?"

"Yes, sir. That’s precisely Prince Shou’s intent. Yet I’m of the belief that his confidence stems from the remaining portion of the letter."

Jiang Cheng put down the half-finished letter, leaned back and massaged his brow. After a while, he said, "Among the seven princes, Prince Shou’s reputation has always been middling—indeed, he’s known for arrogance and wildness. Now, it seems, we’ll have to add ’audacious beyond belief’ to that. Give me your assessment."

"Sir, I have no opinion—your orders will be my guide." Before coming to Jiang Cheng’s residence, Shen Hao had pondered all the way; he understood what Prince Shou’s demands might mean for the Xuanqing Guard. There were benefits, but also many considerations: gains and losses, the cost must be carefully measured.

As the saying goes: how could a mere cowherd dare take charge of the house?

Shen Hao was but a Deputy Thousand Households; he wasn’t suited to offer opinions in such matters—best to await orders.

Jiang Cheng was annoyed by Shen Hao’s evasiveness. He snorted: "This is my study, not the Public Office. You are my disciple; are you afraid I might hold it against you? Speak!"

Shen Hao smiled, conceding, and no longer demurred. "Sir, if we agree to Prince Shou’s proposal, we will surely come to an open breach with the Civil Servant Group. As to the consequences, my shallow experience cannot fathom them. But if we refuse, we may lose a valuable weapon against the civil servants—and become Prince Shou’s open enemy. He might even bear us a grudge, that much is certain."

Jiang Cheng shook his head when he finished listening, saying, "Is that your analysis? You’re simply repeating yourself. Are you hoping we’ll consent to this so-called bond with Prince Shou?" Without waiting for Shen Hao’s reply, Jiang Cheng gave his verdict: "There’s too much sensitivity involved, and Prince Shou’s ploy is extremely cunning. Very hard to judge.

What if the rest of this letter isn’t weighty enough? If we get tricked, it could mean ruin for many. Have you considered that?"

"Sir, if I may speak regarding the letter itself—though it’s incomplete, every line reveals the fear and anxiety in Qin Xiuyuan’s heart. Yet he doesn’t beg for help or plead with Qin Wenhe, but instead narrates in a strange tone."

"A strange tone?"

"Yes, sir, as if—revealing something..."