Night falls.
Xunyang City, the prefectural government office.
A figure hurried into the lobby.
"Haven't you found it yet?"
A cold voice was heard in the lobby.
The figure bowed and said in a deep voice, "Sir, I have already looked for you, and you have indeed... disappeared!"
Upon hearing this news, Wang Shiquan's face became even gloomier.
"You useless idiots! Qin'er got lost right under your noses? What are you all doing for a living?!"
Wang Shiquan was furious.
Something happened again!
In the afternoon, Wang Shiquan, who was handling government affairs, received news from people in the mansion.
Wang Qin has disappeared again!
When Wang Shiquan heard the news, his heart skipped a beat and he immediately had a bad premonition.
After careful questioning, we learned that the rebellious son had sneaked out today and went to Liuxianglou to hang out.
Wang Shiquan was no stranger to Liuxianglou. Servants had always reported to him that Wang Qin liked to go to Liuxianglou to indulge in debauchery and even had an affair with the most popular courtesan there.
Although Wang Shiquan was angry about this and angrily scolded his rebellious son for being ignorant and indulging in debauchery, he was not too worried.
However, something happened today.
Someone came to report that Wang Qin had not appeared for a long time since entering Liuxianglou. When the subordinates went in to look for him, they found that Wang Qin's whereabouts were unknown.
Missing from the human world?
Not only was Wang Qin missing, but even the courtesan who accompanied Wang Qin and the master who followed Wang Qin closely were nowhere to be seen.
It's like he just disappeared from the face of the earth, his whereabouts unknown? !
Upon hearing the news, Wang Shiquan was furious. With a gloomy face, he stared at the guards in the hall and shouted, "Go find her! If you can't find Qin'er, don't come back!"
The guard lowered his head, not daring to breathe, and hurried away.
After the guards left, Wang Shiquan stood in the hall, his face gloomy, and cursed angrily: "Rebellious son!"
This rebellious son is causing trouble again at the critical moment!
At this critical moment, he actually dared to sneak out and fool around?!
Behind Wang Shiquan, a figure slowly appeared.
"It seems that someone is targeting Qin'er!"
Wang Changjin spoke in a deep voice.
How can people disappear for no reason?
Especially since the whereabouts of the courtesan and the attendant beside her are unknown, this is clearly a long-planned kidnapping.
Almost the same as last time.
"The other party must have been prepared and is targeting Qin'er."
Wang Shiquan's face looked grim. How could he not realize this?
Since such a big incident had happened during this period, he had strictly confined Wang Qin to his home and not let him go out to cause trouble. But he did not expect that after being well behaved for half a month, he would slip away again when he was not paying attention.
As a result, he fell into someone else's trap!
Those people have probably been waiting for this opportunity!
It would be foolish to fall into the same trap twice.
Wang Shiquan was angry at his lack of fighting spirit and saddened by his misfortune. How could he have given birth to such a thing?
"What now?"
Amidst his anger, Wang Shiquan felt a deep sense of powerlessness. He had been completely consumed by the struggle to resolve this mess. On the one hand, he had to win over the other powerful families in Xunyang County and unite them, while on the other hand, he had to be wary of those in the capital treating the Wang family as abandoned pawns.
At the same time, he had to make preparations early to prevent the King of the South, who had experienced the grief of losing his son, from losing his mind and leading his army to attack. The backlog of so many affairs was exhausting him.
And now, another kidnapping incident like this has happened!
No matter how much one says, no matter how bad or confused Wang Qin is, he is still Wang Shiquan's only son. He only has this one son, and no matter what, he cannot bear to see him get into trouble.
Wang Changjin, who was standing by, narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "There's been a curfew recently, and the defenses outside the city have been tightened. They might be able to disguise themselves and enter and exit the city, but they definitely won't be able to take Qin'er out."
"Qin'er must still be in the city."
Wang Shiquan said in a low voice: "I know that, but Xunyang City is so huge. If they want to hide someone, how can we find them?"
Xunyang City, the largest city in Yanzhou, is vast and has a large and complex population. Searching aimlessly for someone would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Even if you could find them, it would probably be too late.
Wang Changjin pondered for a moment, "Actually, it's not that we don't have any clues..."
He paused and looked at Wang Shiquan: "Who do you think is most likely to have kidnapped Qin'er?"
Wang Shiquan had no expression on his face and said coldly, "Who else could it be?"
In this Xunyang city, who would dare to kidnap the son of the prefect for no reason?
There weren't many people who dared to turn against the Wang family, and even fewer who dared to attack Wang Qin.
Everyone knows that Wang Qin is Wang Shiquan's only son, and ordinary people would not dare to bring bad luck upon themselves.
Apart from……
Now that Prince Lin has just died and Wang Qin is missing, it's obvious who did it.
"Their revenge is here!"
Wang Shiquan's face darkened. "I never thought that the Lin family would infiltrate so many forces into Xunyang City. I'm afraid my prefectural government has been under their surveillance."
This time when Wang Qin went out, he was accompanied by many guards and masters, but he was still kidnapped quietly under his nose. This is enough to show how deeply the Lin family has penetrated into this city.
Wang Changjin seemed to have anticipated this and shook his head gently, "You underestimate Lin Hengzhong. How many people hope that Prince Lin will die on the way to the capital to marry the princess? How could Lin Hengzhong not make plans in advance?"
"I can only say that everything was as expected. It's just that we were careless!"
Wang Shiquan's face turned pale: "Then tell me, what should we do now?"
"There is probably only one way for now!" Wang Changjin hesitated for a moment and then spoke.
"What method?" Wang Shiquan suddenly looked up.
…
Xunyang City.
Located in the western suburbs, in an inconspicuous small courtyard.
Outside the small courtyard there is a very deep alley. The alley is quiet and the light from the evening that has not yet completely fallen dark shines into it.
In the alley, two figures were walking one in front and one behind.
Silence, no words.
Like two strangers.
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and looked forward. When his gaze fell on the beautiful figure in white, he sighed softly.
Something is wrong, very wrong!
Today's plan went smoothly and Wang Qin was caught before he had time to react.
If Wang Qin had been more vigilant, or simply stayed in the prefectural government, even if Lin Jiangnian had been all-powerful, he would not have been able to go to the prefectural government to arrest him.
Unfortunately, Wang Qin was ultimately unable to control his lower body and was ruined by the woman.
Now that Wang Qin is in hand, the next plan will be carried out by Lin Qingqing. Lin Jiangnian no longer needs to worry about it. He and Zhiyuan left Liuxianglou and returned here.
This is one of their strongholds.
Before Lin Jiangnian arrived in Xunyang City, Lin Qingqing had secretly arranged a base for him. However, upon his arrival in Xunyang City, Lin Jiangnian was invited to stay at the prefectural governor's residence, and this secret base was only now put to use.
At this time, Lin Jiangnian and Zhiyuan were returning here one after another.
However……
Lin Jiangnian felt that there was something wrong with the kite today.
Lin Qingqing had already reported to him what had happened in Liuxiang Tower today. She also vividly described the scene where the kite instantly killed the master who served beside Wang Qin with a single move.
Lin Jiangnian's silence was deafening.
He ultimately underestimated Zhiyuan's strength, and also underestimated the potential of this injured woman. This left Lin Jiangnian, who had originally intended to settle the score with her and teach her a lesson, with no idea where to start.
More importantly, Zhiyuan didn't say a word to Lin Jiangnian all the way back from Liuxianglou.
Ever since he secretly kissed her in the small mountain village last time, Zhiyuan has been sulking for several days and has ignored Lin Jiangnian.
There had been some signs of a loosening of the relationship over the past few days, but for some reason today, after returning from the brothel, Zhiyuan seemed even angrier.
He resumed his attitude of keeping strangers away and remained silent until the two of them returned to the outside of the house, but nothing had changed.
Someone was already waiting outside the door to meet them and lead them into the yard.
"Kite."
After entering the yard, Lin Jiangnian finally called out to Zhiyuan who was about to leave.
Zhiyuan stopped and didn't look back. She said in a calm tone, "What's the matter?"
Just as Lin Jiangnian was about to speak, he suddenly heard a trembling voice coming from the side: "Your Highness?!"
The voice was very familiar, with a slight tremor and a hint of excitement.
Lin Jiangnian turned his head and caught a glimpse of a familiar figure running over from under the eaves and throwing himself into his arms.
"Wuwuwu... Your Highness, you're finally back. I'm so glad you're okay... You scared Xiaozhu to death..."
Feeling a soft body crash into his arms, a familiar touch. Lin Jiangnian was startled for a moment, but quickly reacted.
Looking down at the familiar girl in his arms, the familiar body fragrance, such a well-behaved and soft body, who else could it be but Xiao Zhu?
Xiao Zhu hugged Lin Jiangnian tightly with excitement, buried her head in his chest, and cried with joy.
In the past few days, there have been rumors in the city that His Highness has died, which scared Xiao Zhu. Although he firmly believed that His Highness would be fine, the fact that there was no news about His Highness in the past few days still made Xiao Zhu panic.
It was not until His Highness appeared before her alive that Xiao Zhu finally couldn't hold back her emotions and burst into tears.
"Alright, alright, stop crying. Isn't this prince alive and well? If you cry like this, others will really think that this prince is dead."
Lin Jiangnian held the delicate body in his arms, and gently reached out to wipe the tears from Xiaozhu's face. The little maid's face was as delicate as jade, and tears could not be stopped from falling.
It's pitiful and heartbreaking.
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian immediately frowned and said, "Don't cry anymore. If you cry again, I won't want you anymore!"
Hearing this, Xiao Zhu was immediately frightened and shook his head quickly: "No, no, then, then I won't cry..."
She tried her best to hold back her emotions, her eyes were slightly red, and she wiped the tears from her face in a panic, looking very aggrieved.
"Isn't that good?"
Lin Jiangnian nodded in satisfaction: "By the way, why are you here?"
Xiao Zhu lowered her head and sobbed softly, "It was Sister Qingqing who sent someone to pick Xiao Zhu up from the prefectural government."
Lin Jiangnian nodded slightly, Qingqing was quite thoughtful.
"Okay, stop crying. I'm fine. Stop crying. It's bad luck!"
Lin Jiangnian helped Xiao Zhu wipe the tears from her face, then looked down at the pretty, pink, jade-like face in front of him and said subconsciously, "Come, let this prince kiss you first..."
Before he could finish his words, Lin Jiangnian suddenly realized something.
He seemed to have forgotten something?
Turning my head, I realized there was another figure in the yard.
At the same time, Xiao Zhu, who had risen from His Highness's arms, quickly noticed the figure beside him. He was startled at first, but then his eyes lit up and he exclaimed in surprise, "Sister Zhiyuan?!"
Isn't this Sister Zhiyuan?!
In the courtyard, Zhiyuan remained expressionless, her gaze fixed on the master and servant. She glanced at Lin Jiangnian, then at the weeping maidservant beside her, her face flushed with shyness and grievance.
He stared for a long time without saying a word.
But for some reason, the coldness in those eyes seemed to be heavier.
When Xiao Zhu saw Sister Zhiyuan, his face was filled with surprise and he was about to go up to her and say hello.
But the next second, when Sister Zhiyuan's gaze fell on her, Xiaozhu suddenly trembled slightly, as if a sharp gaze was staring at her. Her hands and feet instantly became cold and her face turned pale.
It only lasted for a brief moment before disappearing.
But even so, Xiao Zhu still stood there in a daze, not daring to move.
The little face was pale with confusion and uncertainty.
So, what is that?
What, what's going on?
Why did the way Sister Zhiyuan looked at her seem... a little off?
Feeling a little dangerous?
Xiao Zhu subconsciously looked up again, only to find that Sister Zhiyuan had already averted her gaze. Although she was still looking at her, her eyes were calm, devoid of any emotion.
Yes, is it an illusion?
Xiao Zhu was confused.
"cough……"
Back when they were at the Lin Wang Mansion, Zhiyuan was on high alert to prevent Lin Jiangnian from attacking Xiao Zhu. However, not long after she left, Lin Jiangnian had already...
Lin Jiang coughed and was about to say something when he saw Zhiyuan turn around with a cold back.
"I'm tired."
The tone was very light, with a hint of weariness.
After saying that, he walked towards the backyard.
"Sister Zhiyuan, what's going on?"
Xiao Zhu stood there. She originally wanted to help Sister Zhiyuan clean up the room, but for some reason, when she looked at Sister Zhiyuan's back, she suddenly didn't dare to go forward.
Sister Zhiyuan, who used to be very kind, seems a little strange when we meet again after such a long separation?
Sister Zhiyuan, it seems like she is not very friendly to her?
Xiao Zhu couldn't figure it out.
"Who knows?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at the direction where the kite left and gently pinched Xiaozhu's face.
Still soft and tender, with a great feel.
"Okay, go wash your face quickly. You look so ugly!"
Hearing this, Xiao Zhu was shocked and cried out "Ah!" Then he looked at His Highness with resentment and muttered, "Not ugly."
"Go look in the mirror yourself."
Xiao Zhu then ran back to the room in panic.
The night gradually darkened.
There was chaos in Xunyang City.
Intelligence from the city kept coming in. Lin Jiangnian looked at the information on the table and narrowed his eyes.
As expected, Wang Qin disappeared and the people in the prefectural government became anxious.
At this moment, almost all the detectives in the city have come out, and even the prefectural government has dispatched many experts to search for Wang Qin's whereabouts.
"This fire is not enough!"
Lin Jiangnian muttered to himself, then suddenly looked up: "Where's Qingqing?"
"Commander Lin hasn't returned yet."
"When I get back, let her come to me."
"yes."
…
Night falls.
Backyard, room.
Zhiyuan sat quietly at the table, staring at himself in the bronze mirror in a daze.
The bronze mirror reflected a cold and beautiful face, fair and delicate, yet with a hint of confusion.
I don’t know what he was thinking about, he was in a daze.
Not long after, there was a knock on the door and a familiar voice sounded.
"Are you there?"
“…”
"Are you asleep?"
“…”
"I'm coming in!"
“…”
The door of the room was gently pushed open. A figure walked in calmly and swaggeringly.
There was only one person who dared to break into Zhiyuan's room so brazenly.
Lin Jiangnian.
He walked into the room, looked around, and after a moment's observation he looked at the kite sitting next to the bronze mirror.
"What are you looking at?"
Lin Jiangnian walked behind Zhiyuan and looked at himself in the bronze mirror and Zhiyuan's cold and emotionless eyes.
"What's up?"
"I heard from Xiaozhu that you haven't had dinner yet?"
"Not hungry."
"Are you really not hungry?"
"Not hungry."
"Aren't you angry with this prince?"
Facing Lin Jiangnian's direct gaze, Zhiyuan felt a strange emotion in her heart for some reason, and her eyes were slightly sour. She turned her head and said coldly: "No."
"I'm glad you're not angry."
Lin Jiangnian nodded with assurance and moved a chair to sit next to her.
"what you do?"
Zhiyuan frowned, and her voice seemed even colder.
"Look at you!" Lin Jiangnian said.
Zhiyuan's heart trembled, but she didn't turn around. She stared at herself in the mirror and said coldly, "Why are you looking at me?"
"Let's see how long you plan to be angry."
"I'm not angry."
"I know."
“…”
The kite stopped talking.
Still expressionless.
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian sighed: "Has anyone ever told you that your acting is bad?"
No response.
"You are my maid, how could I not understand you?"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head slightly: "You look like you're just about to have anger written all over your face."
Still silent.
"Tell me, what's going on?"
Lin Jiang laughed young: "How did this prince make you unhappy?"
silence.
Zhiyuan clenched her bare hands hidden under her sleeves, her cold face still expressionless: "I don't have any."
Still being stubborn!
Women seem to have a natural advantage in being tough.
"Okay, okay, I'm glad you're not angry."
Lin Jiangnian nodded and didn't continue arguing with her: "Let's go."
The kite didn't speak or move.
"Let's go eat."
"Not hungry."
"Eat with this prince!"
"No."
“…”
Lin Jiangnian laughed: "You don't listen to a single word of my order now, right?"
Zhiyuan looked at him coldly and said nothing.
Lin Jiangnian stared at her cold and beautiful face, which was also faintly stubborn. Behind those cold eyes, some emotions seemed to be brewing.
It's hard to describe, and you rarely see this expression on Zhiyuan's face.
He stared at it for a while, and suddenly something flashed in his mind. He subconsciously moved closer and said, "You, are you jealous?"
“…”
A chapter of 5,000 words, and two more chapters to go!