127: Elite spy Sang Wen! The sharp-edged Li Changan

Chapter 127: Elite Shadow Guard Sang Wen! Li Chang'an's Edge Revealed! (33)

In the capital, inside the Embrace the Moon Brothel.

In the manager's room, Sang Wen was intimidating Yuan Meng.

"Madam Yuan, you must handle the matters of our brothel with extreme caution."

"The Second Prince wants to set a trap for the illegitimate imperial son Fan Xian, so he pulled in Fan Sizhe from the Fan Manor, and to ensure that the law doesn't punish the masses, he also involved the Third Prince."

"On the surface, you are Prince Jing's person, and the owners of the brothel are Fan Sizhe and the Third Prince, having no connection at all to the Second Prince."

"If you act too ruthlessly and someone dies, you will be the only one to Face justice!"

Although Yuan Meng had Li Hongcheng completely infatuated, she didn't truly understand the struggles between the real upper echelons.

She originally thought that being favored by the Second Prince meant a turning point in her destiny, but she never expected to fall into such a huge pit.

Sang Wen, the courtesan forcibly bought from Miao Yin Brothel, had actually sung for Director Chen. She was truly well-traveled and knowledgeable.

Sang Wen continued, "Now the capital is in a state of panic. Supervisory Council Commissioner Fan Xian is about to return to the capital, and this matter is about to break."

"When Fan Xian learns that the Second Prince tried to frame him, he will definitely use the power of the Supervisory Council to seal the brothel, and the Second Prince will push all the responsibility onto you!"

"Just like when you were imprisoned in the Court of Judicial Review, did anyone save you? Did Prince Jing's heir rescue you?"

"An imperial prince can never be imprisoned; you will be the only one to be punished!"

"You must be more careful!"

When she mentioned that an imperial prince could never be imprisoned, Yuan Meng immediately recalled the incident six years ago when Si Lili accused Li Chang'an.

As a participant in the event, she still felt lingering fear.

"Thanks for the reminder, little sister!"

"Now that you mention it, I also remember that Fan Sizhe is also Uncle Prince Yong's future brother-in-law!"

"If that Devil King finds out, he might not kill his second nephew, but he will definitely kill me!"

Recalling being beaten by Li Chang'an for no reason back then, Yuan Meng became even more flustered.

"You often sing for Director Chen, why don't you give me some advice, older sister?"

Sang Wen had feigned family matters and gone to Langya Mountain for training for more than half a year, so she hadn't sung for Chen Pingping in a long time.

However, this reputation was still very effective for bluffing.

"What advice can there be? You are already involved no matter what you do. If you want to save your life, at least no one can die by your hand!"

"If someone hints for you to kill, absolutely do not do it!"

"That way, even if you fall into the hands of Fan Xian or Prince Yong later, you might still live!"

Several days later.

As soon as Fan Xian arrived at the capital city gates, he received a grand gift from Li Yunrui.

The Crown Prince, Second Prince, and Third Prince were anxiously waiting at the city gates because the First Prince, Li Chengru, was returning today, and Fan Xian's envoy mission was also returning.

Through assassinations and road blockages along the envoy mission's route, Li Yunrui successfully arranged for Fan Xian and Li Chengru to confront each other at the gates.

The envoy mission led by Fan Xian was personally dispatched by Emperor Qing and had now completed its task of bringing Yan Bingyun back.

The Black Knights had dispersed when they reached the vicinity of the capital, and the Inner Court guards had returned to the imperial palace.

Li Chengru, on the other hand, led troops from the border army. These were all proud and fierce warriors who were even less willing to let Fan Xian enter the city first.

Fan Xian personally dismounted his carriage and bowed to Li Chengru on the ground.

"Your subject Fan Xian greets the First Prince!"

The First Prince rode his warhorse, circling Fan Xian once. "I've heard of you, Junior Martial Champion!"

"You dare to contend with an imperial prince for the road; your courage is quite something!"

This was said intentionally, as rumors of Fan Xian's background were already common knowledge.

It was precisely because of this that Li Chengru refused to let Fan Xian enter first.

No matter how favored you are, you are merely an illegitimate son, while Li Chengru is a First Prince with military achievements who has already been enfeoffed.

Fan Xian's refusal to yield was due to the anger provoked by Li Yunrui's assassination attempts.

Moreover, according to etiquette, an envoy mission dispatched by His Majesty to represent the Qing Kingdom should naturally be given priority to pass.

As the chief envoy, if Fan Xian yielded now, it would only make him appear weak.

"First Prince, behind me is the Great Qing envoy mission, dispatched by His Majesty's imperial decree, representing the dignity of the Qing Kingdom!"

The First Prince retorted, "Coincidentally, with a great victory at the border, this prince also returns to the capital by imperial decree!"

Fan Xian said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "But Your Highness cannot represent the Qing Kingdom!"

With a command from the First Prince, warhorses immediately neighed, and his soldiers drew their sabers!

"The dignity of the Great Qing Kingdom was fought for by the soldiers under this prince's command!"

"What have you, Fan Xian, done? With just a superficial title of Junior Martial Champion, participating in negotiations between two nations to gain some experience, you became the chief envoy?"

"Fan Xian, ask yourself, are you worthy of this chief envoy position!"

The First Prince's side was bristling with hostility, and the towering Tiger Guards and experts from the Supervisory Council were not to be trifled with either.

Seeing both sides glaring at each other, looking as if they were about to come to blows.

Inside the city gates, the Crown Prince gazed at the sky, listening to the quarrel outside the city gates.

At this moment, the Crown Prince was in an excellent mood.

Firstly, because his venereal disease was completely cured, and secondly, because he had convinced the Empress not to seek revenge on Fan Xian.

The Empress, like Li Yunrui, originally insisted that Ye Qingmei's son must die.

However, Li Chengqian, from the perspective of maintaining his own position as heir apparent, analyzed the benefits of befriending Fan Xian.

Although the Empress was deeply saddened by Li Chengqian's ruthlessness, she had no choice but to accept reality.

With these two matters resolved, even though Li Chang'an's reputation grew larger and larger, creating significant pressure on Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince's mood remained cheerful.

After all, whether one could participate in the succession struggle was up to His Majesty.

Since ancient times, no emperor would willingly pass the throne to his own brother.

Based on the Crown Prince's understanding of Emperor Qing, this Imperial Father was by no means such a magnanimous person!

Li Chengze squatted barefoot on a futon, leisurely listening to the quarrel outside the city.

Only the young Third Prince paced anxiously.

"Crown Prince, Second Brother, aren't you going to mediate?"

Li Chengze lazily said, "The Crown Prince is here, it's not for this prince to step forward."

The Crown Prince, however, looked up at the sun. "What's the rush? Didn't you hear that Big Brother and Fan Xian are discussing?"

"Perhaps before long, they will come to an agreement."

"If I go out now, it will make both of them lose Face!"

The Third Prince scratched his head, thinking the Crown Prince's words made sense, but also seemed a bit off.

Li Chengze, however, scoffed. "Only by appearing when both sides are about to fight can the Crown Prince's authority and status truly be displayed!"

Just then, a sky-filling sandstorm suddenly arose outside the city gates!

The howling of the hurricane was clearly heard even by those waiting inside the city gates!

The envoy mission and the First Prince's troops, who were in a stalemate, were sent sprawling, men and horses alike!

Occasionally, someone would shout, "The horses are spooked, the horses are spooked!"

When the sandstorm cleared, several warhorses from both sides had fallen.

The situation had been chaotic, with the sandstorm blinding everyone. It was understandable that some people had drawn their swords to strike down spooked horses.

At this moment, Li Chengru stood with his saber drawn, glaring angrily!

"Fan Xian! How dare you!"

"Returning from campaign, you strike down my warhorses!"

"This prince has led armies abroad for many years, and I never expected the imperial court to welcome us home like this!"

The Crown Prince straightened his collar at the city gates. It was time for the Crown Prince to make a grand entrance!

Li Chengqian put on a benevolent smile. As long as this Crown Prince stepped forward, Li Chengru and Fan Xian would both have to give Face and reconcile!

Then he would have a chief envoy on his left and a prince on his right, and the family would enter the city harmoniously.

Just then, an angry shout suddenly came from outside the city gates.

"Li Chengru! You've grown bold!"

"What do you mean? The imperial court has wronged you, so you're going to rebel?!"

When the Crown Prince heard this voice, he knew something was wrong!

Uncle Prince Yong had returned, and he was a step too late again!

Indeed, after the sandstorm cleared, Li Chang'an's convoy slowly drove over.

The convoy stopped dozens of feet outside the city gates, and Li Chang'an rode forward on his horse, arriving before Li Chengru and Fan Xian.

Name: Li Chengru

Age: 22 years old

Realm: Eighth Grade Peak

Talent: Command (Eighth Grade), Martial Dao (Seventh Grade), Military Strategy (Fifth Grade)

Abilities: Command (Eighth Grade), Military Strategy (Seventh Grade)

Affection: 80

Li Chengru, who had initially been stern, visibly cowered when he heard Li Chang'an's voice.

Li Chang'an was the earliest to be enfeoffed as a prince and had a notorious reputation since childhood, exerting a certain Bloodline suppression over these nephews.

Even though Li Chengru was three years older and they hadn't seen each other for many years, he still felt a bit nervous upon seeing Li Chang'an.

Seeing Li Chang'an's displeased expression, Li Chengru immediately dismounted his horse.

"This nephew greets Uncle Prince Yong! Giving my respects to Uncle Prince Yong!"

"My previous words were merely out of momentary indignation, certainly not out of dissatisfaction. Please don't blame me, Uncle Prince Yong."

Seeing Li Chengru so sensible, Li Chang'an also dismounted his horse and slowly walked up to Li Chengru.

"Fan Xian is representing the Qing Kingdom on an envoy mission, not representing the Qing Kingdom in receiving you. What trivial argument are you having with him?"

Upon seeing Li Chang'an, Fan Xian also bowed. "Your subject greets Your Highness Prince Yong!"

Li Chang'an said, "I thought you would also call me Uncle Prince Yong."

Fan Xian quickly explained, "Those are unconfirmed rumors; they cannot be taken as accurate."

As long as His Majesty did not publicly acknowledge it, he, Fan Xian, was not an imperial prince.

Li Chang'an glanced at Fan Xian and said, "Oh, rumors, are they? I thought you were quite arrogant; turns out it hasn't been confirmed yet."

Fan Xian hastily said, "Your Highness is discerning. It was truly a coincidence today, meeting the First Prince right at the city gates."

Li Chang'an shouted towards the city gates, "Li Chengqian, you've grown bold too!"

"Watching your own brothers quarrel and not coming out to mediate, are you trying to watch a show?!"

Li Chang'an's shout stunned both Li Chengru and Fan Xian!

The Crown Prince was the heir apparent of the nation!

Even a prince should bow and call him "Your Highness the Crown Prince"!

Li Chang'an called him by his name and ordered him around!

It had been so many years, and this was the first time Li Chang'an had done such a thing.

Ever since he achieved the Breakthrough to Great Grandmaster, Li Chang'an was too lazy to pretend. He would still cup his hands to Emperor Qing, after all, Emperor Qing was also a Great Grandmaster.

As for Li Chengqian, if he was given Face, he was the Crown Prince; if not, he was just a nephew.

The three people inside the city gates also widened their eyes, especially Crown Prince Li Chengqian, who didn't know whether to respond or not.

Aside from his Imperial Father and Mother, no one in the entire Qing Kingdom dared to call him that!

At this moment, Li Chengqian truly wanted to shout, "Please call me Crown Prince!"

However, in the end, he didn't dare.

Because Li Chang'an shouted again, "Li Chengqian, if you're not dead, hurry up and come out!"

"Uncle Prince Yong, I'm coming! Hahahahaha!"

The Crown Prince, with a foolish smile, came out from the city gates to greet him.

Given Li Chang'an's influence in the Qing Kingdom today, Li Chengqian truly didn't dare to contend with him.

If things really turned unpleasant and reached His Majesty, His Majesty would at most punish both equally.

His authority as Crown Prince would still be greatly diminished.

After the Crown Prince happily went out, Li Chengze squatted on a futon, talking with Li Chengping.

Li Chengping asked in confusion, "Second Brother, are we going out?"

Li Chengze casually said, "We're here to welcome people, not to break up a fight..."

Just then, Li Chang'an's voice came in again.

"Li Chengze, Li Chengping!"

Upon hearing the voice, Li Chengze immediately jumped up, slipped on his shoes, and scurried out.

Li Chengping quickly followed, shouting as he ran, "Second Brother, weren't you not going out?"

Li Chengze looked back and said, "If I don't go out now, I'll be kicked in the butt by Uncle Prince Yong in public later, and that wouldn't look good."

Before long, the four nephews plus Fan Xian, five people in total, stood neatly before Li Chang'an.

Li Chang'an frowned and said, "Now that's better; a family should always be together!"

"Li Chengqian, later you will lead the eldest and Fan Xian into the city together."

"A meritorious minister of the state and the dignity of the state, we cannot neglect either!"

After Li Chang'an finished speaking, he remounted his horse and slowly entered the city with his convoy.

Li Chengqian felt very uneasy. Li Chang'an had not bowed to him, the Crown Prince, from beginning to end.

Could the rumors be true, that Uncle Prince Yong was truly interested in the position of heir apparent?

This person was a literary giant, a Celestial Vein Holder, and the master of the Shadow Guard!

It was said that the downfall of Shen Zhong and Shang Shanhu in Northern Qi, and the burning of the Bureau of Surveillance's yamen, were all his doing!

Li Chengqian suddenly felt that, compared to Li Chang'an, he had no advantages whatsoever, apart from his Imperial Father above and his aunt below!

The Crown Prince and the First Prince stood together, respectfully waiting for Li Chang'an's convoy to enter the city.

The First Prince suddenly said, "Uncle Prince Yong's carriage is quite brightly colored!"

The Crown Prince pointed at the carriage and said, "It's the Northern Qi Eldest Princess's carriage, Uncle Prince Yong's future concubine!"

Only then did the First Prince remember that he was also one of the candidates for the marriage alliance.

Li Chengping, on the other side, whispered to Li Chengze, "Uncle Prince Yong today seems very different from before!"

"He doesn't even greet the Crown Prince, giving off a feeling of sharp ambition and arrogance. So cool!"

Li Chengze said enviously, "If this prince could write so many famous works, I wouldn't even deign to look at Li Chengqian when entering the city!"

After welcoming Li Chang'an, Li Chengru, and Fan Xian, Li Chengze returned to his manor, feeling bored.

At this moment, Xie Bi'an delivered news that almost made him wet himself.

"Your Highness! Second Young Master Cui from Shijia Town and the accountants from several large shops have mysteriously disappeared!"

With just a short sentence, Li Chengze immediately lost his composure!

"Shijia Town! These people are of great importance; how could they disappear for no reason?! Who did this?!"

Shijia Town was the hub of overland smuggling, its location very concealed, and the local officials were all his loyal followers.

Xie Bi'an frowned and said, "It's hard to say now!"

"The Northern Qi Brocade-Clad Guards, the Crown Prince's personal guards, Fan Xian, and the Supervisory Council—any of them could be responsible!"

Li Chengze urgently said, "Quickly order people to move the goods from Shijia Town and destroy all evidence!"