Zhao Ya came here to find Chen Xiao’er.
This pawn he inadvertently set up in the past has now played a significant role.
Just like in the recent purge of ruffians in Yan Capital City, Chen Xiao’er contributed greatly, providing valuable intelligence.
However, Zhao Ya wasn’t seeking him this time for information gathering; rather, he wanted him to spread a message.
"Do you understand?" Zhao Ya asked after giving his instructions.
With utmost seriousness, Chen Xiao’er nodded, "I understand."
"Make sure the message gets out by tonight, with as much momentum as possible. Can you do it?"
"Don’t worry, Master Zhao. Even without your orders and guidance, once I knew about this message, I wouldn’t sit idly by. You can count on me for this task." Chen Xiao’er said, patting his chest in assurance.
Zhao Ya nodded.
This Chen Xiao’er is sharp and reliable, making him the ideal person for this task.
"Go, and once it’s done, you’ll be richly rewarded."
"Don’t say that. This matter is not just about Lord Shang, but also the safety of the entire city. Even though I’m a scoundrel, I can still distinguish the seriousness of things. You don’t need to pay me; I’ll help you with this."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya patted Chen Xiao’er on the shoulder, "Thank you!"
"You’re too kind, Master Zhao, I’m off."
Chen Xiao’er turned and disappeared into the darkness, beginning his tense operations.
Soon, the news that Shang Jingchuan was going to be forcibly removed from the position of Capital Prefect, replaced by the notorious Patriarch Lin Shizan, quickly spread throughout Yan Capital City, especially among the lower class citizens.
For a moment, the entire city was in an uproar.
Countless citizens were filled with righteous indignation, seething with anger.
In their view, they had just begun to enjoy a peaceful life, and now this despicable court was plotting to disrupt it.
How could they tolerate this?
Coupled with Chen Xiao’er’s deliberate instigation, an invisible wave began to brew quickly.
The next morning.
The palace sent someone to deliver a new official robe and seal to Shang Jingchuan.
With a heavy heart, Shang Jingchuan accepted them.
The Imperial Eunuch delivering the decree smiled and said: "Lord Shang, please hurry up and hand over matters in the Capital Prefecture, then proceed to your new appointment. I look forward to your support in the future."
To this eunuch, it appeared that Shang Jingchuan had quickly risen to a high-ranking official position in just two months, indicating a strong foundation and favor from the emperor, making him a valuable ally to maintain connections with.
But at this moment, Shang Jingchuan had no interest in considering any of this. After perfunctorily dealing with the eunuch, he finally managed to send him away and then dejectedly arrived at the Capital Prefecture.
At this time, many were already waiting in the mansion.
The government officials and constables had all heard the news and were standing in the courtyard, looking at Shang Jingchuan with complicated emotions.
Although he had only been in office for two months, he had left a profound impression on these officials and constables.
Under his leadership, they experienced for the first time what it felt like to be supported by the people.
No matter where they went during this period, as long as they were recognized as from the Capital Prefecture, the citizens greeted them with smiles, sometimes even providing meals for free.
This greatly satisfied their spirits.
But unexpectedly, after just a few days, Shang Jingchuan was leaving, and moreover, he was being promoted.
His successor was the patriarch of an established family, which to these officials and constables could mean nothing good.
At this moment.
Lin Shizan stood smiling at the steps and hurriedly walked up to greet Shang Jingchuan when he entered.
"Lord Shang, congratulations! I will be your subordinate from now on, and I hope you will take care of me."
Shang Jingchuan suppressed his inner aversion and nodded slightly, "Let’s talk inside."
Once they reached the main hall, Shang Jingchuan began to hand over each task in detail.
He spoke in detail, but Lin Shizan listened absentmindedly.
At this moment, Lin Shizan was calculating how to maximize the benefits this position could bring him, thus only going through the motions.
Seeing this, Shang Jingchuan sighed in his heart, feeling even more depressed.
He didn’t know what Zhao Ya planned to do about this situation.
Could it be to kill Lin Shizan?
But would that help?
If he’s killed, someone else will come to take over.
After everything was handed over, Shang Jingchuan reluctantly handed the seal to Lin Shizan and finally instructed.
"Patriarch Lin, the current situation has been hard-earned, please handle it properly and don’t let the people down."
"Understood, rest assured, Lord Shang. I have prepared a banquet to celebrate your promotion. Would you do me the honor?" Lin Shizan smiled.
Of course, Shang Jingchuan couldn’t attend his banquet.
He merely waved in disappointment and then left the main hall.
"My lord!"
The government officials and constables couldn’t help but call out.
Suppressing his grief, Shang Jingchuan cupped his fists, "Thank you all for everything during this time."
With that, he turned to leave.
But just as he reached the doorway, he suddenly heard a cacophony of voices outside.
"Has Lord Shang come out yet?"
"Not yet, don’t worry!"
"Damn it, how dare they bully Lord Shang! Even at the cost of my life, I’ll smash these corrupt officials’ heads today."
Shang Jingchuan froze, instinctively pushing the door open, and was stunned by the scene before him.
Outside the Capital Prefecture, the streets were densely packed with citizens.
Upon seeing him, they immediately erupted with a massive uproar.
"Lord Shang, please don’t leave!"
"Yes! If you leave, what will happen to us? We don’t want to be oppressed by those ruffians anymore."
As they spoke, the citizens knelt down in unison.
Shang Jingchuan felt a lump in his throat, his eyes almost tearing up.
He held back his tears and quickly descended the steps.
"My fellow citizens, what are you doing? Please rise!"
"We won’t get up unless you stay to continue as the Capital Prefect," someone shouted.