son, don't mess around

Chapter 823 Where Did the Kite Go?

Inside the room, Li Chang'an suddenly looked up, his sharp eyes fixed on the door.

"Who?"

Outside the door, the guard who came to report felt his body go numb under the prince's gaze and swallowed hard: "Your Highness, it's the heir of Prince Lin... He says he wants to see you."

A glint of light flashed in Li Chang'an's eyes, only to be instantly buried by a gloomy expression.

Lin Jiangnian?
He actually came?!

Li Chang'an's expression shifted between light and dark. After a long pause, a cold smile appeared on his face: "Since he wants to see me, then let him see me."

Front yard, inside the hall.

The surroundings were quiet. Lin Jiangnian casually surveyed his surroundings, his expression nonchalant.

Footsteps sounded in the distance.

Then, the voices of the servants came.

"The prince is here!"

Immediately afterwards, Li Chang'an, dressed in a blue brocade robe, slowly walked into the hall, his gaze falling on Lin Jiangnian inside.

"Sixth Prince!"

Lin Jiangnian smiled warmly and spoke first.

Li Chang'an's face also lit up with a bright smile: "So it's His Highness the Crown Prince of Lin, what a rare guest!"

Li Chang'an spoke enthusiastically, quickly stepping forward with a face full of surprise: "I have long heard of Your Highness's great name, and seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary."

Lin Jiangnian replied with a smile, "Likewise, I had long heard that the Sixth Prince of the capital was a handsome man, quite like the late Emperor. Seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved. I admire him greatly!"

"Not at all, Your Highness is too kind!"

"Oh, Your Highness, please don't be modest. You are certainly worthy of the title!"

"His Highness is no less impressive, quite like the Prince Lin of yesteryear. I am truly envious!"

"Each each other!"

"..."

Inside the hall, Lin Jiangnian and Li Chang'an hit it off immediately. Both were extremely enthusiastic, exchanging pleasantries, compliments, and flattery, making everyone very happy.

It was a scene of joy and harmony.

Anyone who saw them would think they were old friends who had known each other for many years.

The Sixth Prince showed an extremely enthusiastic side, and Lin Jiangnian returned the favor with the same enthusiasm. After exchanging pleasantries, the two seemed like old friends despite having just met.

Li Chang'an warmly invited Lin Jiangnian to sit down and have a few drinks, which Lin Jiangnian gladly accepted. He then ordered his servants to bring wine and dishes. Li Chang'an specially brought out a fine wine that had been stored for a long time to entertain Lin Jiangnian. After a few rounds of drinks, Li Chang'an asked curiously.

"Why has Your Highness come to see me today? Is there something important?"

Lin Jiangnian put down his wine cup and chuckled, "It's nothing serious. I've long admired Your Highness's reputation, and since I happened to be passing by today, I thought I'd like to catch a glimpse of Your Highness's demeanor and meet you. I hope I haven't disturbed Your Highness's peace and quiet."

"Don't disturb, don't disturb!"

Li Chang'an waved his hand with a smile: "Your Highness's presence is an honor. I am more than happy to welcome you. Your Highness, the gates of my palace will always be open for your visit in the future."

"Then thank you very much for your kindness, Your Highness!"

Lin Jiangnian had a big smile on his face.

Then, as if remembering something, he said, "By the way, Your Highness, if I remember correctly, this place used to be the residence of the Eighth Prince, right?"

Lin Jiangnian looked around, somewhat puzzled: "Why is it the Sixth Prince here now?"

Li Chang'an concealed a glint of shrewdness in his eyes and still smiled, "Your Highness is not mistaken, this place was indeed the residence of my eighth brother. In the past, the Emperor favored my eighth brother and bestowed this place upon him. After the Emperor passed away, my elder brother ascended the throne, and my eighth brother was enfeoffed as a prince and went to his fiefdom, so this residence was left vacant."

“I have been very close to my eighth brother since childhood. After he was enfeoffed, his mansion in the capital was left vacant, so he gave it to me, hoping that I would take good care of it and prevent it from falling into disrepair…”

"I see."

Lin Jiangnian nodded, suddenly realizing what he meant.

"Why would Your Highness suddenly ask this?"

"Nothing, I'm just a little curious."

Lin Jiang chuckled lightly: "I met His Highness the Eighth Prince a year ago. We got along very well and became close friends. I never imagined that he would leave the capital in the blink of an eye. Time really flies."

It's true that she knew the Eighth Prince, but the idea that they were kindred spirits or close friends is pure nonsense.

"Yes!"

Li Chang'an didn't expose him, and said with the same emotion, "Time really flies. The capital is completely different now compared to a year ago."

Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on him: "There's something I'm not sure if I should ask."

"Your Highness, please ask."

"Since ancient times, all princes have had to leave the capital to go to their fiefdoms. Why is the Sixth Prince allowed to stay in the capital alone?"

Lin Jiangnian looked curious, then smiled and said, "Of course, if Your Highness finds it inconvenient to answer, you may choose not to."

Li Chang'an's gaze deepened, then returned to calm, and a smile reappeared on his face: "Your Highness is overthinking it. There's nothing I can't say."

As he spoke, Li Chang'an lowered his gaze slightly, focusing on his right leg.

"I have been disabled since childhood, and my legs are not very convenient. My fiefdom is remote and the journey is long. Your Majesty, in your compassion, has granted me permission to stay in the capital to recuperate."

"So that's it."

Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but sigh, "The Prince and His Majesty truly have a very good relationship."

"Yes!"

Li Chang'an smiled insincerely: "His Majesty has taken good care of us brothers since we were young. He is kind-hearted and is indeed a rare and good elder brother."

"Winter is approaching in the capital, and the weather will be cold. Your Highness, please take good care of yourself."

After exchanging pleasantries with the Sixth Prince, Lin Jiangnian rose to take his leave: "I won't bother Your Highness any longer today. I'll come to visit you again when I have time."

"Your Highness, are you leaving already? Why don't you stay for a meal before you go?"

"No need, I have important business to attend to today. I'll definitely do it next time!"

"Since that's the case, then I won't keep Your Highness any longer. Please take care, Your Highness. Someone, see Your Highness out."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"

"..."

After another round of pleasantries, Lin Jiangnian got up to take his leave.

Li Chang'an sat motionless, his gaze fixed on the direction Lin Jiangnian had left in.

As Lin Jiangnian's figure completely disappeared from the courtyard, the smile on his face gradually faded away.

Until finally, it disappeared completely.

Instead, a somber color slowly emerged.

His gaze remained fixed on the front yard, deep in thought, as if lost in thought.

After a long while, a figure appeared silently beside him.

"Your Highness, the Prince of Lin's son has suddenly come to our door today. I'm afraid his intentions are not good," the figure beside him said worriedly.

"I know."

Li Chang'an spoke calmly.

"He has indeed begun to suspect me!"

A sarcastic, meaningful smile appeared on Li Chang'an's lips: "He's still too green to test me."

The figure beside him said, "He already knows that Your Highness is the mastermind?" "Not necessarily."

Li Chang'an spoke calmly, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "However, he has probably already obtained some clues from Tao Ya."

At this point, a hint of anxiety flashed in Li Chang'an's eyes, followed by a sharp and cold glint.

"Find out all threats...find Hu Yao and eliminate her completely. This time, I don't want to see any more mistakes!"

Li Chang'an's cold voice rang out.

"Yes."

"We don't have much time left, we need to hurry..." Li Chang'an muttered to himself again. Then, he abruptly turned around, staring at the figure: "What's the situation in the palace?"

"Everything in the palace remains the same; nothing has changed."

Where is Li Cining?

Li Chang'an's eyes were deep: "How is his health now?"

"His Majesty is surrounded by many guards, making it impossible for our people to get close. However, news from the palace maids indicates that His Majesty's health is deteriorating, with his cough becoming increasingly severe and he is now terminally ill. He summoned many imperial physicians some time ago, and based on my guess..."

"His Majesty may not survive this winter!"

"Can't survive the winter?"

Li Chang'an's eyes sharpened: "Is it accurate?"

"I am 90% certain that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, His Majesty will not live to see next spring!"

The figure spoke with a firm tone.

Li Chang'an remained silent, his sharp eyes lost in thought: "Next spring, that's still three or four months away... that's too long!"

"I cannot wait that long; if I wait any longer, things may change!"

For some reason, Li Chang'an had a vague premonition that things were not going well.

I don’t know what’s going on!

It seemed that ever since Lin Jiangnian entered the capital, he had a very strong premonition.

He didn't want to drag it out any longer.

Next spring... who knows what unexpected things might happen?!

Li Chang'an slowly stood up, his gaze indifferent: "Prepare the car."

"Is Your Highness going somewhere?"

"Enter the palace!"

Li Chang'an looked into the distance, his gaze indifferent: "Let's go visit my good brother!"

"..."

After leaving Cuiwei Residence, it gradually grew dark.

Lin Jiangnian appeared on the street, lost in thought.

Today was the first time he had met the Sixth Prince. After meeting him once, he couldn't help but sigh... The Sixth Prince, like him, was truly a master of feigning ignorance.

No wonder he was able to survive in such a complex situation in the capital, not only keeping himself safe but also secretly plotting everything behind the scenes.

The capital city underwent tremendous changes, yet he was the only one who managed to remain there, and that was his remarkable ability.

This person is truly unfathomable.

During our meeting today, the Sixth Prince did not reveal any of his true thoughts. His joyful demeanor seemed completely genuine.

If one didn't know the true face of this Sixth Prince, one might actually have been fooled by him.

This essentially confirms Lin Jiangnian's guess.

This person is very discreet and extremely cautious. We couldn't uncover much more today. Getting him to reveal himself won't be easy.

However, Lin Jiangnian wasn't in a hurry!
The assassination attempt in Jiangnan must be investigated, and it will be investigated thoroughly. However, now that things have come to this point, Lin Jiangnian is no longer in a hurry.

The suspect has been identified as the Sixth Prince and the forces behind him. All that's left is to wait patiently for them to slip up.

In contrast, Lin Jiangnian was more concerned about the situation in the capital and Li Piaomiao, who was stationed on the northern front.

Lin Jiangnian's true purpose in coming to the capital was to support Li Piaomiao's ascension to the throne, resolve the grievances in the north, resolve the conflict between the imperial court and the Prince Lin's mansion, allow the Prince Lin's mansion to remain unscathed, and gain the greatest benefit for the Prince Lin's mansion from this turmoil.

Just as the imperial court was locked in a fierce battle with the rebel army of Prince Xu, for the officials in the court and the powerful forces in the capital, this was a matter of choosing sides that would determine their fate.

In the court, there were loyal and devoted veteran officials who were steadfast in their loyalty to the court and vowed to live and die with it. Naturally, there were also forces that appeared loyal but had secretly contacted the rebel army of Prince Xu in the north, preparing to surrender.

Besides these two forces, there were also many intelligent and far-sighted individuals in the capital who secretly pledged allegiance to the Prince Lin's residence.

Since the news of Lin Jiangnian's appearance in the capital was exposed, the Jiang family has received many visiting cards from officials and influential figures.

I must say, these officials are quite perceptive.

They chose to bet on Prince Lin's Mansion between the imperial court and Prince Xu's Mansion, choosing to trust Prince Lin.

It has to be said, they have good taste, and they deserve to be rich!

Lin Jiangnian did not reject all the forces that surrendered as he had a year ago, but he also did not promise to give a definite answer.

He accepted all the invitations but gave no reply.

Neither take initiative nor refuse, and takes no responsibility!
The tricks that work every time in love are equally effective in the political arena.

……

As night fell and darkness descended, Lin Jiangnian returned to the Jiang residence.

However, to Lin Jiangnian's surprise, even as darkness fell, Zhiyuan was still not at the mansion.

Lin Jiangnian summoned the servants and maids of the mansion to inquire about the situation, only to learn that the maids all said they had not seen the kite.

Where did that girl go?
They went out without leaving any message?
After thinking for a moment, Lin Jiangnian called Jasmine over again.

Jasmine stayed at the Jiang residence and is now the closest person to Zhiyuan. Lin Jiangnian asked her about Zhiyuan's whereabouts again.

Jasmine still said she didn't know, but Lin Jiangnian noticed something was wrong from her expression during the conversation.

The girl's eyes seemed somewhat evasive and hesitant.

"what happened?"

Lin Jiangnian stared at her: "Where did the kite go? You really don't know?"

Facing Lin Jiangnian's scrutinizing gaze, Jasmine's heart skipped a beat, a hint of panic flashed across her face, and she subconsciously lowered her head, stammering, "This servant, this servant..."

"To be honest," Lin Jiangnian said expressionlessly.

This girl seems suspicious. What is she hiding?
Jasmine had never seen Lin Jiangnian so indifferent before, and she was momentarily flustered.

After hesitating for a long time, she cautiously said, "Your Highness, I can tell you, but please don't say that I told you..."

Jasmine secretly glanced at Lin Jiangnian, and seeing His Highness's cold face, she carefully revealed the reason.

"Sister Zhiyuan has actually been secretly helping His Highness investigate the assassination attempt on Princess Lin back then..."

“Since she went to Jiangnan last year, Sister Paper Kite has been secretly investigating this matter, tracing it all the way from Jiangnan to the capital, and now she has a lead…”

“But… Sister Zhiyuan forbade me from telling Your Highness, saying she was worried it would ruin Your Highness’s grand plan…”

"Your Highness, please try to persuade Sister Zhiyuan. She's been working tirelessly on that matter, neglecting sleep and meals, and has become so haggard over the past year..."

"This servant is worried that something might happen to Sister Zhiyuan's health..."

"..."

(End of this chapter)