Chapter 545: A Gossiping Heart
In the five years since Han Jing left Hanjing City, the Emperor’s health deteriorated, and his spirit gradually declined, so he passed the throne to Su Xingqiao and retired. Su Xingqiao ascended the throne three years ago, and the former Eldest Princess, Su Yaogeng, became the Grand Princess.
In the three years since Su Xingqiao’s ascension, he has governed diligently and efficiently, bringing peace to Nanyao Country. The only dissatisfaction among the court officials, and even the Supreme Emperor, is that Su Xingqiao refuses to take a wife, not even willing to have a personal palace maid, which has been quite a headache for everyone.
Han Jing is indeed unaware of the affairs in the various dynasties on the Spirit Flame Continent, and even though Su Yaogeng mentioned them, she has long since forgotten, so how would she know that Qin is the royal surname of Dong Qin Country?
Moreover, when chatting with Qin Shutong, she was only focused on changing the topic to avoid arousing Qin Shutong’s suspicion, so she never really connected the dots.
Lan Ling’s remark made her realize her carelessness; she hadn’t thought of this at all.
"If Qin Shutong is part of the Dong Qin Imperial Family, then we don’t need to worry. We’ll definitely see Lian Xichen tomorrow. His age seems to match the age you described for Lian Xichen, and when he casually mentioned Lian Xichen, I think they are not only acquaintances but probably have a good relationship. Anyway, let’s talk again after we meet Lian Xichen tomorrow. You’re old acquaintances; if I can’t reason with him, surely you can?" Han Jing looked at Lan Ling.
"I think, just to be cautious, let Lan Ling check the situation at Duke Jing’s Mansion. Today... when Qin Shutong mentioned Lian Xichen and Duke Jing’s Mansion, I felt that there must be something going on." An Chuxue suggested, probably because she had read too many domestic intrigue novels in the past, she guessed that Lian Xichen’s relationship with Duke Jing’s Mansion wasn’t good. Although they are going to invite Lian Xichen back to the Spirit Cultivation Realm tomorrow, it would be troublesome to accidentally offend him!
Han Jing nodded: "An’an makes sense. We’re completely unfamiliar with the situation in Yanjing City. To visit Lian Xichen so rashly, we’re bound to overlook something. If we accidentally touch on a sore spot, we might be driven out before we even have the chance to speak!"
Lan Ling glanced at the two women and turned his head silently. Ultimately, it was their gossip tendencies acting up. Oh well, he was curious too about why Lian Xichen had been staying in Dong Qin Country all these years without going back! And... about the matters of the past with Fengxi, he felt he was becoming as gossipy as the elder, hanging around with this group of gossipy women so often!
However, gathering information was indeed one of his specialties.
Lan Ling first took a stroll around Duke Jing’s Mansion. The mansion was hosting a funeral, and there were many people, so gathering information was extremely easy. With Lan Ling’s skills, he could definitely uncover all the trivial details quietly.
After leaving Duke Jing’s Mansion, Lan Ling went to Marquis Yingwei Mansion. Lian Xichen lived alone at Marquis Yingwei Mansion and did not stay with the people at Duke Jing’s Mansion. This time, Lan Ling was much more cautious, specifically using the treasure Xiao Xue had given him to completely conceal his presence, to avoid being discovered. However... as he entered Marquis Yingwei Mansion, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of a departing shadow, but the other party was too fast, and he couldn’t see clearly at all.