Chapter 434: Protecting His Wife
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The newcomer was none other than Li Xin.
On the surface, Li Xin often played the role of his driver, but in reality, Li Xin had exceptional martial skills. He was not on the same level as someone like Zhong Lang, a bit inferior perhaps, but not too far behind.
Even when Huangfu Lingyao went out without him, Li Xin would still shadow him nearby, just in case.
Li Xin replied, “First, I investigated the Yu family. I found out that the Yu family originally intended to take action, but when they learned that General Liang was taking his whole family to Fusheng Pavilion to congratulate them, they didn’t want to confront him directly, so they backed off.”
“After that, I suspected it might be the Miao family. However, our surveillance on the Miao family showed that they had not made any suspicious moves.”
“The leprosy patient and the two who brought him did not have immediate relations with the Eldest Young Miss Liu. So, I could only start investigating their backgrounds.”
“The leprosy patient had been sick for a long time, suffering from a liver ailment close to death. Because their family was too poor to afford treatment, they were left at the charitable institution outside the Imperial Capital. But initially, they didn’t have leprosy. It’s unclear why they contracted it after going to the institution. As for the two bearers who accepted payment, they were porters who worked in the western part of the city. They usually took on manual labor jobs, no questions asked, as long as they were paid.”
“I asked another man who often worked with these guys, and finally, I found a lead.”
“It’s said that on that day, a person of short stature approached the three of them and asked them to do this job. Fusheng Pavilion is well-known as the residence of the legitimate daughter of the Grand Chancellor’s family, and it’s widely known that they take in people who are on the verge of death. This person was afraid of causing trouble, so they declined. The other two took the job.”
Huang Fu Lingyao was nearly dozing off from the lengthy report. Finally, he lowered his voice and said, “You’ve said so much, what’s the point?”
Li Xin was momentarily stunned and closed his mouth.
Huangfu Lingyao chuckled and said, “Li Xin, Li Xin, you’re efficient in everything except one thing – once you start talking, you can’t stop! Do you think you’re a storyteller, narrating every detail to me from start to finish?”
“My Lord, it’s just a bad habit of mine,” Li Xin said helplessly.
Huang Fu Lingyao waved his hand. “Fine, just get to the point. Who is it?”
This time, Li Xin was succinct. “I finally traced it back to Jin Xi!”
Without further ado, he intended to explain the origin of Jin Xi, but Huangfu Lingyao stopped him, a vein popping on his forehead as he said, “I know who Jin Xi is!”
He squinted his eyes, and the early-month moon wasn’t particularly bright. In the faint moonlight, his gaze was icy as he continued, “Investigate the backstage of the Zheng Medical Hall thoroughly!”
Li Xin was taken aback. There was no joy in storytelling anymore. He hurriedly asked, “Are you planning not only to deal with Du Gong but also with the Zheng Medical Hall?”
Emperor Fu Lingyao snorted, “The Zheng Medical Hall is a clinic, just like the Fusheng Pavilion. If the Zheng Medical Hall’s people didn’t meddle with my wife’s clinic, everyone could have coexisted peacefully. But since they couldn’t tolerate my wife’s clinic, then they shouldn’t blame me for making things difficult for them! Besides, nurturing someone like Du Gong, that scum, deserves death!”
Li Xin was speechless.
I get it, you’re protecting your wife. But, My Lord, the Zheng Medical Hall is like a towering tree in the field of medicine. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious establishments in the Great Shu Dynasty, second only to the Imperial Physician’s Hall!
Are you really going to come in and cut down the tallest tree?
“Just carry out the investigation! As for how to deal with them, that’s my wife’s domain.”
With those words, Huangfu Lingyao turned and left. Soon, his imposing figure disappeared into the night.
Li Xin stood there, stunned, muttering to himself, “Alright, whoever offends our King Dun Yu might still have a way out, but if you offend the future Empress, there’s only one way to go – death!”
In the dark of night, Huangfu Lingyao fumbled his way back to the window outside Liu Shimei’s room.
Suddenly, he heard a voice, “Lingyao, where did you go?”