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Wang Jinhe glanced at her two children, smiled, and said, “My two children are doing well. As for whether I can manage them, that’s my own business. You need not worry about it.”
Upon hearing Wang Jinhe’s words, Lord Zhong’s face darkened. This Princess of the Royal mansion was, as always, detestable, yet everyone coveted what she had.
“If Lord Zhong has no further business, I will take my children and leave. Oh, by the way, Lord Zhong, it’s best to avoid thankless tasks in the future,” Wang Jinhe cryptically remarked before boarding the carriage.
Wang Jinhe had always been aware that many desired what she possessed. She had been contemplating who would be the first to voice it out, and surprisingly, it was this individual.
“You…”
“Lord Zhong, as an official, you should understand what it means when the nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” Wang Jinhe said with a sly smile.
Taking a deep breath, Lord Zhong boarded his carriage, opting not to continue the conversation with Wang Jinhe. Continuing like this would only lead to his own frustration.
Wang Jinhe watched as Lord Zhong left in frustration, a hint of amusement in her eyes. Once on the carriage, Xiao Bao expressed his discontent, “If Daddy were home, what kind of person would he be? Would he dare speak to Mommy like that?”
“Yeah, should we tell Daddy about this matter?” Xiao Zhi asked Wang Jinhe.
“This person is indeed quite strange.”
“Indeed, over the years, the court officials have known that Mommy and Daddy are highly favored by the Imperial Uncle, who also treats us well. Anyone with common sense wouldn’t make such remarks. What’s wrong with him?” Xiao Bao pondered.
Wang Jinhe naturally pondered this issue as well, chin in hand. “When we return, I’ll have your Uncle Manqing assist in investigating this matter.”
“Okay.”
Upon returning home, Lord Zhong’s son immediately approached him eagerly, asking, “Father, what did the Princess Wang Jinhe say?”
Lord Zhong glanced at his son, feeling somewhat displeased. “Are you trying to harm your father with your actions?”
Seeing his father’s anger, his son was completely dumbfounded. “Father, how could I harm you?”
“Are you even going to be honest with me? Why suddenly this interest in the Princess’s possessions?” Lord Zhong sternly questioned his son.
His son’s eyes flickered slightly, feeling embarrassed as he replied, “Father, I… I just thought that if we could get more of their items at a lower price, I could often buy them for you to enjoy.”
How could Lord Zhong not see through his son’s true intentions?
Hearing his son’s words, Lord Zhong was infuriated. “How dare you say that?”
“What are you doing, Dear?”
“Because of this idiotic matter, I’ve lost all face at today’s palace banquet,” Lord Zhong exclaimed angrily, patting his own face.
Madam Zhong hastened to console him, asking, “Dear, what exactly happened? Is it a misunderstanding?”
“A misunderstanding?” Lord Zhong recounted the events of the banquet, leaving both Madam Zhong and their son bewildered after hearing it.
Frowning, Lord Zhong’s son remarked, “Regardless, Father is a respected official of the court. How could she disrespect him like that?”
“You should be grateful that your father hasn’t done anything dishonorable, or else we’d be facing execution,” Lord Zhong retorted unkindly.
His lifelong reputation was now tarnished by this wretched son.
“She’s so selfish,” Lord Zhong’s son grumbled discontentedly.
The words spoken made Lord Zhong chuckle.
Pointing a trembling finger at his son’s face, Lord Zhong sternly said, “How dare you say such things? Those are someone else’s possessions; why should they give them to us? If it were our belongings, would you be willing to share them like that?”
“But we don’t have them, do we? She should share to benefit everyone,” his son argued.
Lord Zhong had no desire to engage further with his foolish son.
“You better refrain from speaking such words in the future, or even I won’t be able to protect you,” he warned before walking away.
Madam Zhong shook her head in resignation, pointing at her son and remarking, “When did you become so naive, my child?”
“Mother…”
“I know you’ve been spending more time with others lately, and maybe they’ve been saying things to you. But son, you need to understand that the Emperor turns a blind eye to the dealings of the Four Seasons,” Madam Zhong advised earnestly.
“In the future, when listening to your dubious friends, remember to bring your brain along. Don’t end up being deceived and counting someone else’s money for them,” she continued.
Her son looked somewhat indignant as he gazed at his mother. “Am I really as incompetent as you say, Mother?”
“Your actions speak for themselves,” she replied.
“I’ll go check on your father. Remember, refrain from causing trouble for him in the future,” she concluded before leaving.
Upon returning home, Wang Jinhe instructed her children to rest and then sought out Lou Manqing.
When Wang Jinhe approached, Lou Manqing was unexpectedly standing in the courtyard, enjoying the chilly breeze.
“You seem to be in a good mood, braving the cold wind in such chilly weather,” Wang Jinhe remarked, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lou Manqing raised an eyebrow, looking at Wang Jinhe. “Are you here to discuss this with me?”
“Not exactly. I want you to help me investigate Lord Zhong,” Wang Jinhe replied.
Lou Manqing sat up straight, his gaze sharp. “Why do you want to investigate this person? Has he done something?”
Wang Jinhe briefly recounted the incident at the banquet where Lord Zhong suggested increasing the quantity of her health improving vegetables and lowering their prices, along with inquiring about higher-yield crops. Lou Manqing coldly grunted in response.
“He really doesn’t see himself as an outsider.”
Wang Jinhe couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re right, he truly doesn’t see himself as an outsider.”
Lou Manqing, seeing Wang Jinhe laughing at this point, shook his head in exasperation, “You’re close to driving me crazy.”
“Please help me look into this matter. I’m quite curious to know who might be behind this,” Wang Jinhe said. Previously, Su Yu had not uncovered Lord Zhong when investigating the court officials, indicating that he was discreet. It was surprising that he would suddenly take such actions.
Lou Manqing naturally agreed to Wang Jinhe’s request, “No problem. I’ll inform you once I find out.”
“Alright, I’ll head back to rest now. You should rest early too and avoid standing out in the cold,” Wang Jinhe advised before leaving.
Lou Manqing nodded with a smile, not saying much more.
The next afternoon, Lou Manqing thoroughly investigated the Zhong family’s affairs.
Despite Lord Zhong not having remarkable political achievements, he was a decent person, albeit with a somewhat unruly son.
It seemed that this son might become a stumbling block for him in the future.
Perhaps the most intriguing discovery was the connection between Lord Zhong and Gu Xiruo. This revelation would likely bring joy to Wang Jinhe.
Lou Manqing casually went to inform Wang Jinhe.
“Sister-in-law, I’ve found out everything.”