Chapter 888: Chapter 704: Mental Path’s Revenge, Fourth Realm National War_2

The Lan Ning King, the second son of the current Majesty, was intelligent from a young age, with literary talent and grace. At the same time, he is also a cultivator and has reached the Enlightenment Realm, being the only prince to achieve this.

He is indifferent to fame and fortune and does not participate in the crown prince competition.

When the Crown Prince governed, he also summoned him back to the capital to assist in handling state affairs, but he politely declined, saying he wished to be a carefree Prince.

The most profound impression he left on the people of Lanzhou was his benevolence.

On his fief, there is a Spiritual Spring named "Wuyou Spring," which can cure all poisons in the world.

Lanzhou faced the oppression of the Qian du Sect, with countless people poisoned every day. The Lan Ning King opened the Spiritual Spring to help the poisoned people.

No matter if they were sect disciples, clan children, or ordinary people, he treated them equally, and what’s more commendable is that he used the Spiritual Spring to save lives without charging a single penny.

Therefore, in the hearts of all Lanzhou people, this Lan Ning King is a wise king of a generation.

There are even rumors among the folk, saying "Virtuous East, Poisonous West"—the Qian du Sect is in the west, while the Lan Ning King is in the east.

Lin Xiaosu raised the teacup in his hand: "Is this what you’ve achieved in these four months?"

Qing Ying replied: "If the Marquis had given me only a month to investigate, it is possible that the intelligence Qing Ying brought back would be just these, but the Marquis gave me too long to investigate. Besides these, I also brought back some interesting things."

"Oh? Tell me!" said Lin Xiaosu.

Qing Ying said, "I disguised myself as a maid in the Prince Mansion and lived there for a whole month. I discovered that this Lan Ning King is a very self-disciplined person!"

"Self-disciplined?"

"Yes, disciplined to the point of having a fixed routine for every meal, every meditation, every dealing with the mansion’s affairs, even where the pen he uses is placed, nothing ever changes!"

"Interesting! This detail is very interesting!" Lin Xiaosu said. "A carefree prince does not need to be so self-disciplined. Only someone intending to achieve great things would have such a consciousness of discipline."

"Exactly! If his carefree nature is false, then the other side he presents to the world, is it necessarily true?" Qing Ying said.

"Continue!" Lin Xiaosu said.

"With this mindset, I re-examined this virtuous king and found three doubts. First, the Qian du Sect poisons, and he detoxifies, clearly opposing the Qian du Sect, yet they have never retaliated against him. Second, although his Spiritual Spring is heavily guarded, the Wan du sect is behind the Qian du Sect, they must have ways to contaminate this Spring, but for so many years, it remains untainted. Third... he actually has a very good relationship with the former Crown Prince Hong Ding." Qing Ying took a deep breath, "Thus, I have reason to suspect that his benevolence is deliberately crafted. He could be playing a role with the Qian du Sect to achieve mutual success. He allows them to invade half of Lanzhou, while the Qian du Sect and Wan du sect build his reputation as a virtuous king; even using this to help him vie for the Eastern Palace! Since returning to the Desolate Capital these few days, I’ve also truly felt the new political winds at the court. Many are already creating momentum for him, saying this virtuous king is suitable for the position in the Eastern Palace!"

Lin Xiaosu laughed, "Qing Ying, you’ve matured!"

Qing Ying was overjoyed, "Does the Marquis acknowledge Qing Ying’s judgment?"

Lin Xiaosu said, "Do you know why I sent you specifically to Lanzhou to investigate these two forces? Only because I already had a basic outline in my mind, and the information you verified essentially confirmed my judgment!"

Qing Ying’s heart pounded, "Marquis, does His Majesty intend to target Lanzhou?"

"This mission was not arranged by His Majesty, but by myself!" Lin Xiaosu said, "Alright, spend this Spring Festival peacefully, after the Lantern Festival, we set off for Lanzhou..."

His voice suddenly stopped.

Because the butler hurried over.

Lin Xiaosu flicked his finger lightly, the soundproof barrier unfolded, and the butler exclaimed, "Marquis, the Seventh Prince is visiting the mansion!"

His face was beaming with joy.

Qing Ying also showed a peculiar look in her eyes.

The Seventh Prince is a royal prince.

No matter how much a prince values someone, he shouldn’t visit on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, as this time is too sensitive.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is a time for New Year’s greetings.

The Dynasty system is about hierarchy. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

A prince visiting the marquis’ mansion on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, even if not for New Year’s greetings, must be New Year’s greetings in essence.

As a prince, giving New Year’s greetings to the marquis? Wouldn’t this disrupt the order?

Lin Xiaosu quickly got up and went to the front hall to welcome him.

Upon entering, he saw the Seventh Prince Hong Yun dressed in new festive clothing.

Besides the Seventh Prince, there was also Princess Fufeng, also dressed elegantly.

"Greetings, Your Highness! Greetings, Princess Consort!" Lin Xiaosu saluted.

"Today’s visit is to give you New Year’s greetings, no need to be formal." The Seventh Prince laughed.

Lin Xiaosu said, "Your Highness, you flatter this humble officer, I was just preparing to visit your mansion first."

"No need, no need, come, let’s share a drink and exchange greetings in the Gauze Pavilion." The Seventh Prince reached out, grabbed Lin Xiaosu’s hand, and directly led him to the Gauze Pavilion.

With a gentle smile, Fufeng followed.

As they entered the Gauze Pavilion, Qing Ying had already prepared the tea set, wine, and some snacks.

They sat down as host and guest.

"I heard that the day after you returned from Jiangnan, you again roamed the Jianghu?" The Seventh Prince raised his teacup.

Fufeng also lifted her teacup, showing her interest.

Lin Xiaosu smiled, "When I went to Jiangnan, I had an unexpected encounter with a fellow sect member, who said there were affairs in the sect, so I accompanied him back to the Ancient Sect."

"Before returning to the Ancient Sect, you also went to the Demon Domain and caused quite a stir, didn’t you?" said the Seventh Prince.