Gao Mansion.

The carriage stopped outside Gao's mansion. Gao Boyan got off the carriage and walked into the mansion.

"father!"

In the front hall, Gao Boyan's eldest son, Gao Hang, saw his father return and immediately stood up and walked quickly to greet him: "What's going on?"

"Is Prince Lin willing to save us?"

Gao Hang sounded anxious and worried.

Ever since learning that the Third Prince's rebellion had failed and he was imprisoned, a shadow had fallen over the Gao family. The Gaos, father and son, were terrified and restless.

Two days ago, we sent people to the Jiang Mansion, but they couldn't even get through the gate. Today, my father came to visit in person. If we still can't see the Prince of Lin today, then our Gao family will be in great trouble.

This had to make Gao Hang panic!

He had just managed to take advantage of his third brother's death to successfully enter the six ministries of the court. His future was bright. He didn't want to lose his life in such a confused way!

Gao Boyan didn't explain, but waved his hand first: "Go, pour a glass of water and tea!"

He rushed to Jiang Mansion early this morning and waited for such a long time before finally getting to see Prince Lin. Now he rushed back exhausted. He hadn't even had a drink of water for half a day on the road and was already thirsty.

"Dad, you're still thinking about drinking water at this time?!"

Gao Hang was anxious. He was almost worried to death. Why was his father still thinking about drinking water?!

If they can't see Prince Lin, or if Prince Lin doesn't help them, they won't be able to drink water for the rest of their lives, let alone drink water!

"What's the rush?!"

Gao Boyan glanced at him and lectured him with a stern face, "If you act so rashly and lose your patience, how can you possibly accomplish anything great? How many times has Dad told you? Don't be so impatient!"

Gao Hang: “?”

no?!

Who was more anxious than him a few days ago?

Who was it that jumped up and down in panic after learning that the Third Prince's rebellion had failed? And who was it that sighed and groaned at home, saying in fear that the Gao family was doomed?

Or is there someone whose face is paler than his, who looked many years older overnight, and who suffers from insomnia all night long?

Weren’t you the one who got anxious first, Dad?

Why are you teaching me a lesson now?

Gao Hang couldn't help but want to complain, but just as the words were on his lips, he suddenly realized something...

His eyes were stunned.

As the eldest son of the Gao family and the future heir of the Gao family, he is naturally not a fool!

Previously, Gao Boyan would rather sacrifice his younger son and let Gao Hang join the Six Ministries, which is enough to show that Gao Boyan has high hopes for his eldest son!

Gao Hang is not stupid. Why is it that when he sees his father who was as anxious as a monkey just two days ago, he is now calm?

Do you still have the time to ask him to pour water?

Could it be...

"Dad, Prince Lin, didn't you agree?"

Gao Hang was so surprised that his voice trembled slightly, and he couldn't help but look at his father.

Gao Boyan, however, still looked unhappy and glared at him lightly: "What are you standing there for? Pour some water!"

"well!"

Gao Hang quickly poured a cup of tea and handed it to Gao Boyan, then quickly asked, "Dad, what's going on now? Tell me quickly, I'm so worried!"

Gao Boyan came to the side and sat down on the armchair, picked up the tea in his hand and drank it all in one gulp. After moistening his throat, his whole body felt hot.

He put down the water cup and looked up. Seeing Gao Hang staring at him with an anxious look on his face, Gao Boyan spoke slowly.

"Dad, I've met Prince Lin!"

"How about it?!"

Gao Hang asked, even his breathing became slightly rapid.

Although he had vaguely guessed the answer from his father's face, Gao Hang was still nervous.

"snort!"

Gao Boyan glanced at him and said, "How could I, your father, make a mistake?!"

Gao Hang's eyes widened in surprise. "Dad, you mean..."

"Prince Lin has promised to protect our Gao family!"

Gao Boyan spoke slowly.

His face seemed calm, but his tone still couldn't hide the relief and joy.

Their Gao family is saved this time!

Hearing this news, Gao Hang, who had been worried all the time, finally showed a look of surprise on his face: "Really?!"

"How disgraceful!"

Gao Boyan snorted coldly and gave him a lecture, then slowly talked about what happened today when he met the Prince Lin.

Of course, this has undergone some artistic processing.

For example, Gao Boyan chose to ignore the behavior of the Minister of Personnel who was groveling and fawning in front of the Prince of Lin today.

It doesn't matter!

"Prince Lin has already promised to intercede for our Gao family under His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and do his utmost to protect our Gao family..."

"Although our Gao family is close to the Third Prince, we were not involved in his plan for rebellion. At most, we were implicated and suffered an undeserved disaster... As long as Prince Lin is willing to help us this time, our Gao family will be able to survive this crisis safely..."

Gao Boyan narrowed his eyes. He knew very well the crisis the Gao family was facing this time.

On the one hand, the Third Prince had fallen, and the Gao family, his descendant, would surely be liquidated by the imperial court last night. But on the other hand, their Gao family had not participated in the Third Prince's rebellion, and their crime was not punishable by death!

More importantly, the fate of their Gao family is irrelevant to the imperial court!

Life or death is just a matter of thought!

The Gao family was indeed on the verge of disaster. A minister of the Ministry of Personnel who had lost his power would soon be swallowed up by other forces in the court.

But now, it's different!

With the support of Prince Lin, it means that the Gao family has someone behind them again, and others who want to take advantage of the situation have to think twice.

More importantly... Prince Lin is the eldest princess's fiancé!

The eldest princess and the current crown prince are siblings, and they have a very good relationship.

In this way, not only did their Gao family escape this time, but even... if the court did not fall out with the Lin family, their Gao family only needed to cling to the Lin family to rise to prominence.

How could this not make Gao Boyan excited?

However, after hearing his father's words, Gao Hang, although equally excited and surprised, quickly raised a question: "But, Dad...how can you guarantee that Prince Lin will help us?"

"What if he lied to you?"

Gao Boyan glanced at him and said, "You are still too young!"

Gao Boyan had the same doubts before, but after seeing the pair of sisters he had given to Prince Lin in the backyard, and the token Prince Lin gave him, Gao Boyan had dispelled most of his doubts!

After all, Gao Boyan spent a lot of money this time!

He was willing to donate all of the Gao family's property to the Prince of Lin, and was also willing to serve the Prince of Lin and recruit beautiful women and geniuses with excellent martial arts foundation for him.

In Gao Boyan's opinion, no one could refuse such a tempting price... After all, there was not much grudge between their Gao family and the Prince of Lin.

He had already made a special trip to explain the matter of this boy Gao Wenyang to Prince Lin in a very humble manner, and Prince Lin had also expressed that he would let bygones be bygones.

From what Gao Boyan knew, the Prince of Lin was handsome and polite, not a petty person!

This time, Prince Lin only needed to speak a few good words for the Gao family in front of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and he would be able to obtain the huge family fortune accumulated by the Gao family over the years, as well as the loyalty of Gao Boyan, the Minister of Personnel, a key department among the Six Ministries...

In Gao Boyan's opinion, Prince Lin had absolutely no reason to refuse.

It can be said that he got something for nothing!

With such huge benefits, how could the Prince of Lin not be tempted?

For Gao Boyan, although he felt sad about losing the Gao family's savings over the years, compared to losing his life, it was nothing.

As long as you are alive, there is hope!

If they could take advantage of this opportunity to completely cling to the support of Prince Lin, their Gao family might have a chance to make a comeback, or even achieve even greater glory...

After listening to his father's explanation, Gao Hang gradually put aside his doubts.

Indeed, he couldn't think of any reason why Prince Lin would refuse.

Anyone would be tempted by these conditions!

"Dad, you are really far-sighted!"

Gao Hang couldn't help but praise.

"Of course!"

Gao Boyan glanced at him coldly: "You still need to study hard."

When the Gao family first gained the trust of the Third Prince, Gao Hang was puzzled by his father's eagerness to curry favor with the Prince of Lin, and even felt a little angry... After all, his father was a high-ranking official in the Six Ministries, and he felt extremely disgusted and unhappy that he was so servile in front of the Prince of Lin!

Looking back now, Dad really was a master strategist and had foresight!

Hearing the praise from his eldest son, Gao Boyan felt much better. The depressed mood that had accumulated for so many days seemed to be swept away at this moment.

"Hang'er, spread the news to the outside world!"

Gao Boyan paused and instructed, "Spread the news about the relationship between our Gao family and Prince Lin. Remember, don't make it too loud, but make sure everyone knows..."

"Let those who have been coveting our Gao family these days and wanting to take advantage of our misfortune know that our Gao family is not so easy to mess with, especially the Zhou family..."

At this point, Gao Boyan's eyes were icy. "That mad dog Zhou Yao thought our Gao family had lost power and wanted to avenge his damned son. A mere official, a worthless person who used to not even dare to speak loudly in front of me, now dares to bully me..."

"Kill him sooner or later!"

Gao Boyan looked gloomy and spoke in a cold tone.

Now I have begun to think about how to settle the score after the Gao family has survived this crisis.

Gao Hang's expression became increasingly excited: "Okay, Dad, I'll do it now!"

Having said that, he excitedly prepared to go out the door.

But at this moment, a hurried figure stumbled into the front yard.

"Master, Young Master, no, it's not good..."

A servant from the mansion came crawling in, his face terrified, saying, "The court is here, they want to confiscate our property..."

As soon as these words were spoken, Gao Boyan and Gao Hang's expressions in the hall changed.

The imperial court is here?!

Before the two could react, they heard rapid footsteps outside the yard, accompanied by the harsh noise of armor and weapons colliding, and a cold and oppressive aura came over them.

Immediately afterwards, several fully armed figures rushed into the courtyard out of sight.

The first to enter the courtyard were figures wearing black fish robes, swiftly entering the courtyard. Behind them were rows of armored soldiers, following closely behind.

At Gao's mansion, some guards in the courtyard wanted to resist, but they were quickly dealt with by these fully armed soldiers.

These guards were all masters supported by the Gao family, and all of them were well-known masters in the martial arts world. However, when faced with these cold, iron-helmeted, and well-trained soldiers, they were pinned to the ground before they could resist for long.

When Gao Boyan and Gao Hang, father and son, who were in the hall, saw this scene, their hearts suddenly sank and their whole bodies turned cold!

Still coming?!

"Dad, Dad, what's going on?!"

Gao Hang, who was originally happy, turned pale again in an instant, and his tone was full of panic: "No, didn't you say that Prince Lin would help us?!"

At this moment, Gao Boyan also felt a chill in his heart.

He recognized the origins of these people in the courtyard at a glance: the masters of the Mi Tiansi wearing black fish robes, and the city defense forces originally stationed outside the capital to protect the capital. After these soldiers were transferred into the capital according to the taboo, they began to arrest the third prince's accomplices on a large scale.

Today, it is finally the Gao family’s turn!

"calm!"

Gao Boyan's face was gloomy, and he forced himself to calm down!

He had just returned from the Jiang Mansion when the imperial court arrived! At the Jiang Mansion, Prince Lin certainly didn't have time to go to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to plead for mercy in such a short time.

Although the current situation is dangerous, Gao Boyan is not too panicked because of the previous assurance from Prince Lin.

He walked out slowly, looked towards the courtyard, and said in a deep voice: "I wonder what important matter has led you to break into my residence today?"

Amidst the crowd, an expressionless figure spoke coldly, "By order of the Crown Prince, we are to thoroughly investigate the Third Prince's traitorous group. Sir Gao, please come with us and assist in the investigation!"

The cold tone made Gao Hang behind him turn pale and tremble all over.

The third prince is a rebel?

Have they really become rebels?

However, Gao Boyan remained calm and explained, "I am loyal to the court and have never done anything as heinous as treason..."

"Whether it's done or not, Master Gao, just come with us and you'll know!"

The general interrupted him coldly with a merciless voice.

Then, he waved his hand!

"Get it!"

“…”

Not long after Gao’s mansion was ransacked, Lin Jiangnian received the news.

The capital city is so small that any disturbance in recent times would attract great attention. The Gao family's confiscation of property was also quite expected.

"During the raid on the Gao family's property, hundreds of people within the mansion were arrested without resistance, and all of their property was seized..."

"The one leading the charge this time was a newly promoted guardian within the Secret Heaven Division and a close confidant of the Crown Prince..."

Listening to the news reported by Lin Qingqing, Lin Jiangnian thought thoughtfully: "It seems that this Mr. Gao is still waiting for me to rescue him?"

Lin Qingqing nodded. Gao Boyan had indeed planned this, so when the Secret Service and the imperial court came to search his house, he offered almost no resistance.

Amazing cooperation!

This also surprised the people who came to search the house!

When they raided the homes of other officials' families before, those people either made a huge fuss or fought stubbornly, trying to struggle to survive... Everyone knew that if they were caught this time, they would basically be dead.

But the Gao family was very unusual. They cooperated smoothly with the court and wiped out the entire Gao family.

Gao Boyan's thoughts are self-evident.

Since he couldn't resist anyway, he might as well be captured. Then, he would wait for the Prince Lin to save him!

"How's the task you were asked to do going?"

Lin Jiangnian asked.

Lin Qingqing said: "I have already done it according to your Highness's instructions!"

"OK!"

Lin Jiangnian nodded in satisfaction, "Let's go down and rest first."

"yes."

After Lin Qingqing left, Lin Jiangnian turned around and went to the next courtyard to look for Zhiyuan.

As for Gao Boyan... go wherever it's cooler.

Lin Jiangnian didn't take it to heart.

The Gao family's arrest meant they would never get out again. As for what they had promised Gao Boyan...

What a coincidence!

In the eyes of the people in the capital, the Prince of Lin was originally a bastard who had no credibility and was a playboy! Since he had already lost his credibility, Lin Jiangnian should naturally maintain his own image!

It can’t collapse!

For Lin Jiangnian, the most important thing at the moment is how to coax his little kite!

Last night's trouble was too much and touched Zhiyuan's bottom line. He is still in a bad mood.

After Lin Jiangnian's unremitting efforts, Zhiyuan finally calmed down! However, she still ignored Lin Jiangnian!

She was also extremely wary of Lin Jiangnian's approach, and even simply hid with her aunt.

Judging from the situation, he is not planning to come back tonight!

When Lin Jiangnian went to his aunt's place to look for Zhiyuan, he was caught by Jiang Yuxiang who had returned and was given another scolding.

"Are you bullying Zhiyuan again?"

Faced with his aunt's aggressive questioning, Lin Jiangnian, for once feeling guilty, did not refute.

After all, this time it was really "bullying"!

Seeing Lin Jiangnian like this, Jiang Yuxiang became even more angry.

In the past, when this guy bullied Zhiyuan, he would fight back a few times, but today he didn't even fight back. It seems that he really bullied Zhiyuan badly!

It's no wonder that Zhiyuan looked a little depressed when she came to her place today. When Jiang Yuxiang asked about it, Zhiyuan avoided her gaze and hesitated to speak...

Judging from the situation, I'm afraid Zhiyuan has been bullied badly?

"You little bastard, I'll beat you to death!"

Jiang Yuxiang rolled up her sleeves, looking as if she was going to teach Lin Jiangnian a lesson.

"Auntie, calm down. Impulsiveness is the devil..."

Lin Jiangnian quickly said nice things to calm his aunt down.

Jiang Yuxiang's expression finally eased a lot, and then he asked Lin Jiangnian specifically how he bullied Zhiyuan, and even asked Lin Jiangnian to explain it in detail.

Lin Jiangnian was silent!

"What? You still won't tell the truth? Do you believe I'll really spank you?!"

Jiang Yuxiang glared at him.

Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and then asked tentatively, "Aunt, how about you ask Zhiyuan?"

"If Zhiyuan is willing to tell me, can I still ask you?"

Jiang Yuxiang said angrily, "Zhiyuan is so shameless, and yet she indulges you... Tell me the truth, what did you do to Zhiyuan?"

Lin Jiangnian sighed: "To be honest with you, Auntie, I'm actually quite shy..."

It's also a question of whether you're thin-skinned or not...

How did he 'bully' Zhiyuan?

Can you say this?

Can't say a word!

Seeing that Lin Jiangnian was unwilling to say anything, Jiang Yuxiang immediately became annoyed: "If you don't tell me, I'll ask Xiaozhu!"

Xiaozhu is Lin Jiangnian's maid and stays with Zhiyuan every day, so she must know something.

Lin Jiangnian's eyes became a little strange, and after much persuasion, he finally persuaded his aunt.

This is not something you can talk about!

Considering Xiao Zhu's condition, if Jiang Yuxiang really went to find her, Xiao Zhu would probably confess everything after just a few words!

Jiang Yuxiang naturally didn't really want to ask Xiaozhu, she just warned Lin Jiangnian not to bully Zhiyuan all the time, and Lin Jiangnian agreed without hesitation.

Then, Jiang Yuxiang remembered something, glanced at him faintly, and sighed: "That girl, is she really gone?"

The girl she was referring to was naturally Liu Su.

Lin Jiangnian nodded.

"Where did she go?"

Lin Jiangnian pondered for a moment and said, "He should still be in the city."

The capital is still under lockdown, so it is not easy for Liu Su to leave the city.

Jiang Yuxiang was hesitant to speak when she heard this, and then she sighed deeply: "I like that girl very much. She's pretty and has a good personality. And... she's quite pitiful!"

Obviously, she had a very good impression of Liu Su.

Perhaps it was because of the relationship between Liu Su and Zhiyuan, or perhaps it was because he sympathized with Liu Su's life experience.

"She doesn't want to stay?"

Lin Jiangnian nodded.

"That's fine..."

Jiang Yuxiang glanced at him and asked, "What do you think?"

Lin Jiangnian knew what his aunt wanted to ask, so he said, "Don't worry, aunt. I know what's going on."

Jiang Yuxiang was silent for a moment, and finally did not ask any more questions.

Maybe she believed that Lin Jiangnian had a way to solve it, or maybe even she didn't know what to do.

Jiang Yuxiang felt as if both the palms and the backs of her hands were made of flesh!

However, she still warned Lin Jiangnian: "No matter what, you can't let me down!!"

"Don't worry, Auntie, it won't happen."

"Then when the time comes..."

Jiang Yuxiang said this, and subconsciously looked back. When she was sure that Zhiyuan was not there, she lowered her voice slightly: "You kid..."

"You don't really want all of them, do you?"

Lin Jiangnian blinked: "Wasn't it you, Auntie, who suggested this?"

Jiang Yuxiang glared at him: "I'm asking what you think!"

"Auntie, you know I always listen to my elders!"

“…”

As expected, Zhiyuan hid at his aunt's house tonight and had no intention of coming back!

Obviously, he was worried that Lin Jiangnian would continue to have improper thoughts tonight!

This made Lin Jiangnian very angry... Is he that kind of person?

...So what?

Putting aside the facts, doesn't Zhiyuan herself have any responsibility last night?

Not only Zhiyuan, but also Xiaozhu, who was always very obedient in the past, hid in the room, locked the door, and refused to let His Highness in!

"Your Highness... Sister Zhiyuan said that if Xiaozhu pays attention to you tonight, she will sell me out tomorrow..."

Outside the door, Lin Jiangnian said with a serious expression: "You are my maid, how dare she sell you out?"

"Sister Zhiyuan said she dares!"

"I'll teach her a lesson later!"

"Your Highness, you're bragging... Sister Zhiyuan ignored you, so why don't you go find her?"

“…”

Of course, Lin Jiangnian didn't go to find Zhiyuan, nor did he continue to make things difficult for Xiaozhu. He returned to his room alone.

Since I have nothing to do tonight, I will practice diligently.

If you don’t have women in your mind, you can make faster progress!

Women will only hinder his progress in becoming stronger!

Comforting himself in this way, Lin Jiangnian sat cross-legged in the middle of the room and began to practice internal skills without distraction.

As the scorching heat of the Xuanyang Heart Method slowly flowed through his body, expanding his meridians and nourishing his internal organs, Lin Jiangnian could clearly feel that his strength had improved further.

Became a little stronger.

More than two months ago, Lin Jiangnian, who had just arrived in the capital, entered the fifth level of internal strength with the help of the eldest princess.

After several months of consolidation and improvement, Lin Jiangnian has now vaguely touched the threshold of the fourth level.

Of course, this only proves the strength of Lin Jiangnian's internal strength. If he wants to truly become a fourth-grade master, he still has a long way to go.

However, this speed of progress is already terrifying!

In just over two months, he was able to reach the fourth level from the fifth level. He is truly a genius!

With his strength gradually improving at this rate, Lin Jiangnian is even confident that he can truly reach the threshold of a top master within a few years!

By that time, he should be qualified to compete with Zhiyuan, Liu Su and the others, right?

Maybe he could even win against them both fairly!

Then……

Teach them both a lesson!

Well, at the same time!

…

Just as Lin Jiangnian was looking forward to a bright future, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the yard.

"Your Highness!"

Lin Qingqing's slightly urgent voice sounded from the yard.

Lin Jiangnian's eyes fixed.

Lin Qingqing had never been so anxious when she came to see him before, and it was so late!

What happened?

Lin Jiangnian stood up, opened the door and walked out. In the yard, Lin Qingqing appeared under the eaves.

"Your Highness, something happened to the Xu family!"

"Xu family?"

Lin Jiangnian was still wondering which Xu family it was?

In the yard, another figure stumbled into the room.

"Lin, Lin Jiangnian..."

The voice was panicked and anxious!

Lin Jiangnian looked up and recognized the figure in front of him who was stumbling and running, looking a little embarrassed.

"Xu Lan?!"

When he saw Xu Lan appear, Lin Jiangnian instantly realized something, turned around to look at Lin Qingqing, and saw Lin Qingqing nodded with a slightly solemn expression.

No words!

Everything is implied.

Lin Jiangnian immediately understood everything... The Xu family was also raided?

"Lin... Jiang Nian, Jiang Nian..."

In the courtyard, Xu Lan stumbled over, her skirt lifted. She was wearing a thin, long dress, her hair was disheveled, her face was a little dirty, and she looked disheveled.

But she didn't care about these at all!

At this moment, the always confident Miss Xu had lost her usual cheerfulness, and her pretty face was filled with panic.

Her eyes were red, obviously as if she had been crying.

"Jiang Nian, you, you must save, save my grandpa... I, my grandpa..."

Xu Lan's voice was a little choked. She ran to Lin Jiangnian and pulled the corner of his clothes hard.

The former Miss Xu is now at a loss and extremely anxious.

"Don't be impatient, take your time!"

Lin Jiangnian spoke to comfort her. Seeing that it was a cold night and the temperature in the courtyard was extremely low, but Xu Lan was only wearing a thin dress, Lin Jiangnian took off his coat and put it on her, then helped her back to the room and sat down.

The warm atmosphere in the room drove away the coldness on Xu Lan's body and also slightly dispelled the fear in her heart.

Lin Jiangnian sat next to Xu Lan and asked, "What happened?"

At this moment, Xu Lan was bewildered and terrified. However, after seeing Lin Jiangnian, she seemed to have found a sense of security, and her panic calmed down slightly.

She grabbed the corner of Lin Jiangnian's clothes and spoke anxiously and nervously: "My, my grandfather, he... was arrested..."

"Can you, can you save him..."

In Xu Lan's stammering explanation, Lin Jiangnian finally understood what was going on!

It’s pretty much the same as I guessed!

The Xu family is indeed in collusion with the third prince!

It is unclear how deep the connection between Mr. Xu and the third prince is, but the fact that his property was confiscated by the imperial court must be a serious matter.

Just before tonight, Xu Lan, who was about to go to sleep, suddenly found his second brother Xu Zhongshan rushing in hurriedly, and without saying a word, asked Xu Lan to leave the house immediately.

Xu Lan hadn't realized what was going on yet, and was about to grab his second brother to ask for clarification when rows of imperial guards holding torches appeared outside the Xu residence, surrounding it entirely.

At this time, Xu Lan finally realized that something was wrong. She wanted to ask for clarification, but her second brother hurriedly told her to leave and asked the guards in the mansion to escort her out!

While the imperial guards outside had not yet completely surrounded the Xu Mansion, the guards in the mansion successfully sent Xu Lan out.

But none of the other people left in Xu's house escaped!

Xu Lan, who didn't know what was going on at the time, also realized that something was wrong. The first thought that came to her mind was to quickly find Lin Jiangnian!

She knew that at this time, the only person who could save her grandfather was Lin Jiangnian.

So, Xu Lan ignored her sadness and ran to Jiang's house.

On the way, they happened to run into the spies who were secretly monitoring the Xu family's prince's personal army. These spies knew that Xu Lan had a special relationship with their own prince, so they quickly sent her over.

…

After listening to this, Lin Jiangnian remained silent and thought quietly.

I have to say, the Xu family really made a stupid move!

In order to sever ties with the Lin family, the Xu family was afraid that the Lin family would rebel in the future and the Xu family would be branded as traitors.

However, the irony is that before the Lin family even planned to rebel, the Xu family had already taken the lead!

This is probably... retribution?

"Jiang, Jiang Nian..."

While Lin Jiangnian was thinking, Xu Lan's cautious voice came from the side.

When he looked up, he saw that the young lady who used to be full of vigor and heroic spirit was now looking at him cautiously, with a look of panic and a little uneasiness.

"Me, my grandfather and the others..."

"It's a bit serious."

"ah?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Lan's face immediately turned extremely pale.

Although she didn't know what happened, she knew the seriousness of having her house raided.

Doesn’t this mean... Grandpa and the others are finished?

"Then, what should we do?!"

Xu Lan's eyes were red, as if there were crystal tears rolling in them.

She anxiously grabbed Lin Jiangnian's sleeve and looked at him in panic: "Can you think of a way...save, save my grandfather and the others..."

Lin Jiangnian was silent!

To be honest, he didn't really care about the Xu family's life or death. He wasn't surprised by the Xu family's fate, nor did he feel anything.

After all, there has never been any intersection!

But, he couldn't just ignore Xu Lan!

If anything happened to the Xu family, Xu Lan would definitely not be able to escape! If he was charged with treason, he would be sentenced to death along with his entire clan at the very least.

For Xu Lan's sake, Lin Jiangnian had to take care of this matter!

Especially at this moment, Xu Lan's appearance, having escaped from the Xu Mansion under the escort of the guards, was in a state of disarray, her face full of tear marks and red eyes. Her pitiful appearance moved Lin Jiangnian's heart.

"Don't worry, things haven't reached the worst yet."

Lin Jiangyang comforted him in a young voice: "I will find a way to rescue your grandfather and the others!"

I was just kidding when talking to Gao Boyan, but what I said to Xu Lan was all true.

“Really?!”

Xu Lan looked at Lin Jiangnian, and a light gradually appeared in her red eyes, along with a hint of uneasiness and surprise...

She seemed a little unsure that Lin Jiangnian would agree to save her grandfather so readily?

Before coming here, she had even thought of the worst possible outcome, even...

"certainly!"

Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows slightly: "You are now my servant, how can I ignore you?"

"I don't have any other good qualities except that I love to protect my shortcomings!"

Xu Lan stared blankly at Lin Jiangnian with a bright gaze.

I don't know what I was thinking about, but an indescribable emotion suddenly surged in my heart. Then, big tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Hey, don't cry!"

Lin Jiangnian was stunned. I promised to save your grandfather, why are you crying?

“I, I…”

Xu Lan frantically reached out to wipe away her tears, but the more she wiped, the more they flowed. In the end, she couldn't stop them at all.

"I don't know either……"

"I just want to cry!"

As the eldest daughter of the Xu family, Xu Lan had lived a life of luxury since childhood, having hardly ever suffered any setbacks or grievances. The sudden change she encountered tonight had already pushed her mental endurance to its limit.

Her grandfather and brother were arrested, and the Xu family's property was ransacked. Such a huge blow left her in a daze and shocked, and she felt a sense of fear that she had been abandoned by the whole world.

Now, after hearing Lin Jiangnian's words, the heartstring that had been tense for a long time finally broke, and the feeling of grievance could no longer be suppressed and continued to surge.

The tears could no longer be controlled and fell down!

"Okay, okay, stop crying!"

Lin Jiangnian could only sigh and comfort her softly.

Miss Xu, who used to be fearless, turns out to be so vulnerable at times?!

However, if this happened to any teenage girl, she probably wouldn't be able to bear it, let alone her?

"I, I don't want to cry either..."

Xu Lan's eyes were filled with tears, but she couldn't stop the feeling of grievance that welled up in her heart.

At this moment, she even had the urge to throw herself into Lin Jiangnian's arms and cry!

However, perhaps it was the last bit of shame in her heart that made her suppress this thought.

"Stop crying! I'll get angry if you keep crying!"

Lin Jiangnian said with a stern face.

After hearing this, Xu Lan seemed to be frightened and dared not cry anymore!

But this look of wanting to cry but not daring to, with a sad and pitiful look in her eyes as she looked at him, was actually a bit... heartbreaking!

There were now a few lines of tear marks on the originally fair and delicate face, and she looked pitiful, like a little girl who had been wronged.

Lin Jiangnian's tone softened again: "Okay, don't worry about it for now, and don't cry!"

He whispered a few words of comfort and wiped the tears from her face. "Look at you crying like this! Where's the fearless Miss Xu I knew? How did you become a crybaby?"

Xu Lan bit her lower lip, looking a little unconvinced and wanting to refute something.

But in the end, he said nothing and just stared at Lin Jiangnian.

"It's getting late, why don't you stay here tonight?"

Lin Jiang said in a young voice: "Go take a shower, change clothes, and have a good sleep first, and leave the rest to me!"

Xu Lan didn't say anything, just stared at him.

"Don't look at me like that, and don't just stand there!"

Lin Jiangnian waved his hand, and soon asked someone to call Xiaozhu from next door over.

Xiao Zhu had originally thought that His Highness was going to force himself on her tonight... On the way here, she was still thinking about how she would resist tonight, and when she would act like she couldn't resist and could only let His Highness do whatever he wanted...

This way, Sister Zhiyuan can't blame herself, right?

After all, His Highness is very strong, and I am just a little maid and cannot resist at all!

But as soon as Xiao Zhu entered the prince's room, he saw that there was another woman in the prince's room!

Before Xiao Zhu could come to his senses, Lin Jiangnian ordered, "Xiao Zhu, take Miss Xu to take a shower, change clothes, and have a good rest!"

When Xiao Zhu came to his senses, he recognized the woman in His Highness's room... Was she Miss Xu?

Xiao Zhu was very surprised. Why did Miss Xu look so embarrassed?

However, she quickly came to Xu Lan's side: "Miss Xu, come with Xiao Zhu?"

Xu Lan was still in a daze, but when he heard Xiao Zhu's voice, he looked up at Lin Jiangnian, still a little worried: "My grandfather..."

"Leave it to me."

Looking at Lin Jiangnian's gentle expression and determined gaze, Xu Lan finally put aside the last bit of worry in her heart.

"Um."

She nodded vigorously, then stood up and left with Xiao Zhu.

Only after Xiao Zhu left did Lin Jiangnian gradually put away the smile on his face.

“Qingqing!”

"Your Highness?"

Lin Qingqing appeared at the door.

"Tell me more about what happened tonight!"

He had only heard a few fragments from Xu Lan, and the details were still unclear. After Lin Qingqing finished her report, Lin Jiangnian frowned slightly.

This matter is not easy to resolve!

Firstly, there was collusion between the Xu family and the third prince this time, but Lin Jiangnian was not clear to what extent.

If the Xu family is involved in the Third Prince's rebellion plan, no matter how capable Lin Jiangnian is, he will not be able to protect the Xu family!

In this case, he could only try his best to find a way to protect Xu Lan.

On the other hand, the Xu family’s identity is somewhat sensitive... This is also what Lin Jiangnian is most concerned about.

After Lin Jiangnian pondered for a while in the room, a plan gradually came into his mind.

However, before that, he had to meet Xu Lan's grandfather first!

“Qingqing!”

"I'm here!"

"Prepare the car!"

“…”

Imperial Palace.

Late at night, Changqing Palace!

Inside the palace, the lights were on, and a cold wind rushed in from the corridor, blowing up the curtains under the eaves.

Crown Prince Li Ci Ning was bent over his desk, reviewing memorials.

It was so quiet all around!

When the third prince rebelled, he destroyed the Yangxin Palace where the crown prince was originally responsible for governing the country. The crown prince then moved his office to the Changqing Palace.

The palace is deep and quiet.

With the sound of footsteps, an old eunuch from the palace came cautiously to the side of His Highness.

"Your Highness, this is the list of officials and their families arrested in the capital today. Please review it."

"Um."

Li Ci Ning slowly raised his eyes and flipped through the list handed to him by the old servant. He was just flipping through it casually, as these lists had already been decided long ago and did not require him to do it himself.

However, when he flipped through the list, Li Ci Ning's eyes suddenly narrowed slightly.

"Xu family?"

Li Ci Ning muttered to himself, his eyes deep: "The Xu family is also colluding with my third brother?"

"That's right." The old slave next to him lowered his head and said.

"The Imperial Guards discovered that the Xu family had a lot of correspondence with His Royal Highness the Third Prince..."

Li Qining's eyes gradually deepened: "If I remember correctly, the Xu family and the Lin family are old friends, right?"

"Exactly."

The old servant spoke up and told His Highness in detail the relationship between the Lin and Xu families.

"However, the Xu family seems to have been deliberately distancing themselves from the Lin family in recent years..."

"Distant..."

Li Ci Ning seemed to be lost in thought. After a while, a hint of profound meaning flashed in his deep eyes.

"Where's the eldest princess?"

"The princess has left the palace and is in the princess's residence!"

"Invite her over tomorrow and tell her I have something important to discuss with her!"

"yes."

“…”