Proud Feather

Chapter 73 Fang Wu
Chu Ling didn't trust Fang Wu from the beginning.

In her previous life, Fang Wu almost disappeared after her eldest brother's death. It was not until a long time later, when she was demoted out of the capital, that she discovered that Fang Wu was the county magistrate in a remote county, with slaves at his command and a huge fortune.

Although the county magistrate is not a high-ranking official, he has completely washed away all traces of his past and transformed himself into a local tycoon, which is suspicious.

Fang Wu was born into a family of minor officials and had a meager family background. Without support, it would be impossible for him to change his family's fortune in just a few years.

As for Zhu Shan, his eldest brother in his previous life did not reveal the cause of death, so he was not involved in the quagmire. However, because he was a core figure of the prince's party, he had been idle and frustrated.

It doesn't make sense that two people like this would hand in two identical lists.

Jiang Shijun was also confused: "Who is real and who is fake? Or are these all misunderstandings, and both of them are loyal people?"

Chu Ling suddenly smiled: "Doesn't Fang Wu want to surrender to me? Then let him come and say it himself!"
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At nightfall, the capital city is at its busiest. Restaurants open their doors to welcome customers, small stalls line the streets, and crowds of people flock to the various restaurants.

Jiang Shijun led the group to the restaurant. Fang Wu asked uncertainly, "Brother Jiang, is it really the princess who wants to see me? Isn't this too hasty? Wouldn't it be bad if others knew?"

Jiang Shijun replied, "What's wrong with that? Princess, you're following the imperial decree, it's aboveboard. Hiding is shameful."

Fang Wu was silent for a moment, then said, "Brother Jiang, you've finally changed. You used to think these words were frivolous."

Jiang Shijun seemed to have just realized something and exclaimed, "Ah!" "Brother Fang is right. I would never have been so arrogant before. Maybe it's true that the closer you are to the red, the redder you become!"

After saying that, he smiled again: "But there's nothing wrong with that. The Crown Prince is the heir apparent, so sometimes he has to be more cautious. The Princess doesn't have to worry about that much, so we just need to get things done."

Fang Wu followed with a smile: "That's right. The princess is upright and dignified, it's me who is too cautious."

As they talked, they entered a restaurant.

Jiang Shijun said a few words to the shopkeeper, who then personally led them to the backyard.

He whispered to Fang Wu, "This is the property of the Duke of Anguo's mansion. The old lady gave it to the princess. If you have guests to entertain in the future, just bring them here. The shopkeeper will help you arrange it. You don't have to pay for it yourself."

As for the reception fee, the Eastern Palace also had it, but it had to go through the Zhanshi. The princess was both generous and casual, which made Fang Wu realize that different masters had different styles.

Yes, the princess has been favored since she was young and is fearless, so it is natural that she is more outspoken.

Thinking of this, Fang Wu straightened his back.

Even if he followed the princess, so what? The prince was gone, so couldn't he choose another master? Besides, the princess was the prince's sister, and she was investigating the cause of his death. He was also doing it for his old master! Who told Zhu Shan to exclude him? It was perfectly legitimate for him to find another way!
Arriving in the backyard, the usually bustling little building was reduced to the faint sounds of stringed instruments. Fang Wu stepped inside. The little princess, whom he occasionally saw, sat in the main seat, her chin propped up on her elbow, listening intently, her face still slightly childish, much the same as he remembered.

He completely let go of the worry in his heart and followed Jiang Shijun in saluting.

"Stand up," Chu Ling said with a bit of complaint, "You're finally here. If you wait any longer, I'll call someone to tell the story!"

Jiang Shijun quickly apologized: "Princess, please forgive me. There were many people on the road and I was delayed for some time." Fang Wu also apologized.

Chu Ling waved his hand and said magnanimously: "Forget it! It won't take long."

After saying this, the musicians all withdrew, leaving only one palace maid to serve in the building.

Fang Wu knew that he was about to get down to business, and he immediately went over what he was going to say tonight in his mind several times.

Just as I was thinking about where to start, Chu Ling spoke first.

"Fang Wu, Mr. Jiang has already told me what you said. Coincidentally, I met Zhu Shan today, and he also said you can't be trusted."

Fang Wu was about to explain when he saw the princess throw something out, which scared him.

"Even more coincidentally, he also gave me a list, almost identical to the one you gave me. Would you mind explaining where your list came from? Did you steal it from Zhu Shan and then come to me to claim credit for it?"

Fang Wu's face flashed with just the right amount of surprise. He said, "Zhu Shan also submitted this list? This is impossible! Princess, can I take a look at it?"

Chu Ling raised her chin and sipped the honey water while muttering, "I took it out for you to see. You're so slow to react..."

Fang Wu bowed apologetically before picking up the booklet.

Seeing Zhu Shan's handwriting on it, he was still a little dazed. Was it so easy to get in touch with it?

Now was not the time to be distracted, so he quickly regained his focus, read it quickly, and prepared a draft in his mind.

"It's really the same. Did I misunderstand Zhu Shan?" he muttered to himself.

Jiang Shijun reminded: "Brother Fang, you can't talk about this casually. The princess still has to rely on the East Palace for some things."

Fang Wu quickly apologized, "Princess, please forgive me. I did see Zhu Shan meeting someone, and he always excluded me. That's why I suspected he was colluding with outsiders... As for whether it's true, I have no evidence, so I can't say for sure."

Hearing this, Chu Ling relaxed and leaned back. "I told you, how could the people Big Brother left behind be untrustworthy? You must have misunderstood him. Excluding you is not a big deal. The maids around me are also vying for my favor! However, you must not do it again in the future. I want people who can get things done, not people who cause trouble."

"Yes," Fang Wu replied repeatedly. "The Crown Prince had an accident, and I was determined to find the murderer. But Zhu Shan actively excluded me, and I felt resentful and suspicious. Now, after hearing the princess's admonition, I feel like I've been enlightened. From now on, I will do my best to assist the princess and will never again make any rash assumptions."

Chu Ling nodded with satisfaction: "It's good to admit your mistakes and correct them. That's what my father taught me."

Then she changed the subject: "Alright, this princess is impatient to stay outside any longer, let's get down to business! What's going on with this list? Are you sure the problem lies with these people?"

Fang Wu was completely relieved. He gathered his thoughts and explained to her in detail, "Princess, before the Crown Prince's accident, he was fully engaged in the task of repairing the river. You know, repairing the river is a lucrative job. The court even built a water conservancy station specifically for this. Over the past decade, the repairs haven't been made. After Your Highness took over, he conducted a thorough investigation and discovered that many items were inferior in quality..."

"Your Highness was poisoned. The poison had to have come from somewhere. If it wasn't the East Palace, then it had to be someone he came into contact with on a daily basis. Your Highness has been interacting with the people from the Capital Water Conservancy Bureau almost every day these days, such as when they were out on river patrols... Therefore, I infer that the problem lies with these people!"