She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

Xiao Che sighed softly, as if discussing a trivial matter that disappointed him: "I did investigate. In the years that followed, you served me very well, and I did indeed consider you a confidant."

"I even planned to bestow upon you the title of a king of a different surname after the deed was done, granting you power and status surpassing other nobles. Alas! Losers are destined for utter defeat!"

"The pawns you've chosen, and their families, aren't clever enough. A little trap or a test, and they're full of flaws, wearing 'I'm Cui Taifu's man' on their sleeves!"

"Lord Qian is indeed loyal, but unfortunately, he has devoted all his loyalty to Grand Tutor Cui!"

King of the Opposite Sex?

Qian Qian's expression was blank, whether from regret or disbelief, it was hard to tell.

But now that things have come to this, it's too late.

He had followed this living devil for over five years, witnessing him wipe out entire families with a flick of his finger, seeing his shrewd and languid planning, and seeing him effortlessly orchestrate a scheme that led cunning enemies to walk right into his trap...

With such ease, they forced the once all-powerful Grand Tutor Cui to scramble for cover and gained the upper hand.

But before that, he firmly believed that one day he would become the sharpest knife in Cui Taifu's hand, piercing the Regent's heart from behind at a crucial moment.

But she never imagined that she would be exposed so suddenly, without even a chance to struggle, and become a laughable pawn that could be easily crushed into dust at the Regent's fingertips.

Knowing the intolerant nature of this living devil and his ruthless methods of dealing with traitors, he understood that he had no way out today. His violently trembling body and heart calmed down, and he stopped struggling.

His eyes were bloodshot as he pleaded with the person in power who held the lives of him and his entire family in his hands: "Yes! I am a pawn planted by Grand Tutor Cui by your side. Now that Your Highness has investigated, I have nothing to say. Kill me if you must!"

"It's just my son. He's an innocent child. Please, Your Highness, consider that I've indeed provided you with many useful plans over the years, and they haven't caused any damage to your schemes. Please spare him!"

"Please, Your Highness, spare him..."

Xiao Che put down his teacup and dusted off imaginary dust from his hands: "Lord Qian is a smart man. How could I bear to kill you like this?"

"You shall remain in Jiangnan, continue Lord Jiang's policies, and continue to bring benefits to the people of this region. As for what should be said and done, and what should not be said or done, I believe Lord Qian will be able to distinguish right from wrong."

"As long as Master Qian is sensible, your mother and son will naturally live well, hmm?"

still alive?

Are the elderly mother and son still alive?

Eager for a positive answer, Qian Qian's hope returned: "Really?"

Xiao Che frowned, displeased: "Lord Qian has served me for many years; he should know that what I dislike most is being questioned by others!"

Qian Qian: "Yes! Yes! This humble official dares not question it. Your Highness's word is law, and there is no need to lie to a worthless piece."

But what was the purpose of letting him stay in Jiangnan as a powerful regional official?

He couldn't figure it out.

I didn't dare ask.

Like a fish out of water, he gasped for breath, mouth agape, wanting nothing more than to return: "Your humble servant... understands! Your humble servant will certainly fulfill his duty as Provincial Governor!"

Xiao Che glanced at him, his lazy phoenix eyes showing a hint of disdain, as well as a touch of regret.

What a waste of such a useful brain.

"Balang".

The bodyguard Balang emerged from the darkness, bowing respectfully: "Your Highness, please give your orders."

Xiao Che said, "From now on, you will stay by Lord Qian's side and protect him well. Don't let anything happen to him."

Balang accepted the order: "Your Highness, rest assured, I know what to do!"

The traitor has been dealt with.

His Highness the Regent rose, put his hands behind his back, and slowly stepped into the moonlight.

Shi'an followed behind, somewhat puzzled: "Your Highness, Qian Qian was willing to risk his own brother's life to serve Grand Tutor Cui. Would he really betray Grand Tutor Cui to save his own life?"

Xiao Che's robes trailed down the steps, the dark patterns of gold and silver threads gleaming with sharp, short glints, while his steps remained as slow and deliberate as ever, as if everything in the world was under his control.

"A person who would find a way to preserve his lineage and have a backup plan would not risk everything for others. What I want is not his defection, but for Balang to become familiar with all his subtle habits and to extract more comprehensive details from him."

"Replace him!"

Shi An slapped his forehead: "I almost forgot, Ba Lang's greatest skill is disguise! Qian Qian is one of Cui Sheng'an's deepest pawns planted by your side. We don't usually contact each other, and now he's far away in Jiangnan, so he won't reveal any flaws for a while."

Xiao Che snapped his fingers: "Not too stupid!"

This is already a very high compliment for Shi'an.

After all, very few people can keep up with the prince's way of thinking!

"Hehe! Your Highness has taught me well!"

Outside the residence of the Provincial Governor.

A two-horse carriage was parked quietly. The doors and windows were intricately carved, and the black curtains were embroidered with soaring dragons in gold thread. It was understated yet luxurious and noble. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that this was a carriage!

The carriage was surrounded by a well-trained guard, and in the shadows, there was another highly skilled bodyguard, protecting their master's safety in layers to ensure that the dereliction of duty would not be repeated.

They boarded the carriage.

Xiao Che leaned against the soft, bright yellow brocade pillow, propped up on his elbow, his bent fingers touching his forehead, his phoenix eyes half-closed, the gaze filtering through his thick, long eyelashes indifferent and cold, as if he were thinking, or as if he were dozing.

After a moment, he asked, "I've heard that jewelry and fabrics from Jiangnan are very popular among women?"

Upon hearing the question, Shi'an, who was walking outside the carriage window, pulled on the reins and approached the window, replying, "The ladies of high-ranking families in the capital usually have businesses in Jiangnan. Their servants buy them the latest and most fashionable items from Jiangnan every month and send them back to the capital."

"The most popular items are undoubtedly the clothes and fabrics from the Ni Chang Pavilion, the rouge, face powder, and beauty cream from the Diancui Zhai Pavilion, and the hairpins and jewelry from the Cui Can Pavilion... and also, the chefs who make all kinds of pastries!"

To understand the movements of officials in the capital, one would naturally also be well aware of the actions of their families.

When investigating Jiang Ruining, he specifically instructed his intelligence personnel to thoroughly investigate her entire life story.

"Miss Jiang doesn't like flashy clothes and jewelry. She dresses up in bright colors every day because her cousin, who lives in the Jiang family, prefers elegance, so Madam Jiang deliberately gives her those brightly colored clothes."

"Lord Jiang and his son know the young lady's preferences well, and they would send her some exquisite little things from time to time, but they would all be intercepted by Madam Jiang and given to her cousin. None of them would reach the young lady's hands."

"To be honest, Miss Jiang has had a really miserable life all these years. Because of Madam Jiang's deliberate suppression, even a man named Manu dared to slander and ridicule her."

The only legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official, a noble lady from a prominent family, lives a life worse than that of a servant.

Far away.

He asked with a grin, "Would you like to pick out some little trinkets for her, sir? If it's something you give her, Madam Jiang certainly wouldn't dare to snatch it."