Chapter 478 - Chapter 478: Gentleman

Chapter 478: Gentleman

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Other than Princess Ni Yang, the City Protection Lieutenant Yuan Gui and the County Governor of Liangzhou had the highest status.

Xiao Juan had already seen Yuan Gui in the morning and could not obtain any useful clues from him.

In the afternoon, Xiao Juan prepared to meet the County Governor of Liangzhou. This person had been the County Governor of Liangzhou for more than 30 years. He should be very familiar with what had happened in the county over the years.

Before this, Xiao Juan had gotten someone to investigate this Liangzhou County Governor. His name was Wang Jianan and he was almost sixty this year.

It was said that Wang Jianan had a gentle personality and liked to collect famous calligraphy and paintings. He often brought a group of scholars to drink, have tea, and recite poetry.

He rarely interfered in government affairs in Liangzhou. There were once people who came to him to beg for mercy, but he always used the excuse of being old and frail.

As time passed, the commoners stopped counting on him and even secretly gave him a nickname: Wang Did Not Care. This nickname happened to suit his character— Whatever happened, he didn’t care.

When Xiao Juan arrived at the County Governor’s Mansion, he happened to meet Wang Jianan drinking with a group of scholars.

Knowing that Duke Lang was here, Wang Jianan greeted him warmly.

“It’s better to come at the right time. Your Highness, come and play too!” Xiao Juan was not interested in elegant things like wine.

He said coldly, “I have something to discuss with County Governor Wang. Can we talk in private?”

Wang Jianan could only say to the group of scholars.

“You guys play first. I’ll be back soon.”

He stood up with the help of his attendant and walked forward with his cane.

“It’s rare for Your Highness to come to my residence. Shall I show you around?” Xiao Juan followed him forward.

After walking for a distance and no longer hearing the scholars reciting poems behind him, Xiao Juan spoke.

“County Governor Wang should have heard about Prince Consort Cheng Qi, right?”

Wang Jianan was old and his spine could no longer be as straight as a young man’s.

He was slightly hunched over, holding his walking stick with one hand. 1–1is hair was gray, and his face was covered in wrinkles of varying depths.

Hearing this, he slowed down and looked at Xiao Juan with his gray eyes.

“I know what you want to ask, but I’m sorry. I don’t know anything.” Xiao Juan said in a low voice.

“Since you know what I’m here for, you should know. The stolen silver was accumulated from the hard work of countless people, one copper coin for one copper coin.”

“It is very important to the Imperial Court. I have to get it back! If you can provide useful clues, the Imperial Court will definitely reward you heavily!” “On the other hand, I have to wonder if you’re in cahoots with them?” Wang Jianan smiled.

“You don’t have to scare me. At my age, my only son is no longer alive. No matter how bad it is, it’s just death. What do I have to be afraid of?” Xiao Juan frowned. “Are you really willing to live like this?”

“So what if I’m indignant? This is the way of the world. I’m powerless alone.” Wang Jianan stopped and sighed softly.

“I’ve long heard about Your Highness. Although you’re unreasonable and your style is a little extreme, you’re one of the few upright gentlemen in the court. I admire you.”

Xiao Juan was slightly stunned.

This was the first time he had heard such words from an official in the court.

There was actually someone who sincerely admired him? How rare! Wang Jianan looked at the calm lake in front of him and laughed at himself.

“But I’m sorry I can’t be like you.”

Xiao Juan continued to persuade him, “You just have to tell me what you know.

I’ll guarantee your personal safety.”

But Wang Jianan had already turned around.

“No matter how many times you ask, I’ll say the same thing. I don’t know.” He walked slowly forward on his cane and did not look back.

Xiao Juan had no choice but to leave the mansion and return emptv-handed.

When he returned to the princess’s residence, the sun was already setting.

Chun Feng helped him take off his cloak and said.

“Her Highness just sent someone to invite the County Princess over. She said that she wants to have dinner with her.”

Xiao Juan nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

He went to wash his face and wash the sand off it. Then he strode toward the dining room.

In the dining hall, Princess Ni Yang sat at the head of the table. She smiled at Yu Niaoniao, who was sitting at the other side.

“I heard you were sick when you came back today. Did you let the doctor take a look?”

The longer they interacted, the more Yu Niaoniao could feel Princess Ni Yang’s mood swings.

She became even more cautious when facing Princess Ni Yang.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I’m much better.”

Princess Ni Yang gently patted the empty seat beside her. “Sit here. Let’s sit closer so that we can talk better.”

Yu Niaoniao was very unwilling.

As long as she saw Princess Ni Yang now, the bloody scenes in the Bestial Battle Arena would appear in her mind. Her stomach churned again and she felt very uncomfortable.

But she was also very worried that if she said no, she would make Princess Ni Yang unhappy.

Just as she was in a dilemma, Xiao Juan strode in.

He bowed to Princess Ni Yang.

“Mother.”

Yu Niaoniao’s eyes immediately lit up. “You’re back.”

Xiao Juan walked over and naturally sat down beside her.

“Yes, I heard you were here, so I came over.”

Yu Niaoniao said, “You came at the right time. Let’s eat together.”

She turned her head and asked the maid to prepare the dishes.

Seeing how intimate the couple was, Princess Ni Yang did not mention letting Yu Niaoniao sit beside her and asked instead.

“I heard that Juan ran out twice today. Did something happen?”

Xiao Juan’s expression was indifferent. “Nothing happened. I just went to visit the City Protection Lieutenant and the County Governor of Liangzhou to chat with them about the situation in Liangzhou over the years. After all, I’ve left Liangzhou for so many years. There have been many changes here. There are many things I don’t know.”

Jinwu City was only so big and his identity was so sensitive. He would definitely not be able to hide the fact that he had been to see the City Protection Lieutenant and the County Governor of Liangzhou.

In that case, he might as well say it openly.

Princess Ni Yang looked interested. “What did you guys talk about?”

Xiao Juan said, “Actually, we didn’t talk much. I drank some wine with Captain Yuan and heard County Governor Wang recite some poetry.”

Princess Ni Yang smiled.

“Yuan Gui loves to drink and is warm and hospitable. Every time his guests come, he has to keep them for drinks until they’re drunk.”

“As for Wang Jianan, he liked to study painting and calligraphy. Previously, he specially sent someone to deliver a box of famous calligraphy and paintings for my birthday.”

Xiao Juan said, “The calligraphy and paintings that County Governor Wang sent to you must not be ordinary.”

Princess Ni Yang said, “If you’re interested, I’ll get someone to send them to you later. ”

Xiao Juan said, “Thank you, Mother. I don’t know much about calligraphy. You should keep them for yourself to admire slowly.”

Seeing that he did not appreciate it, Princess Ni Yang did not care much.

“Suit yourself.”

Yu Niaoniao ate in silence.

Other than the fact that the two of them looked a little similar, they did not look like mother and son at all. They gave off a cold feeling..