At this moment, Li Piaomiao's expression remained calm. However, those eyes, which had always been calm, now showed a rare hint of doubt.

She looked at Lin Jiangnian, then at Zhao Xi, her brows furrowed.

The conversation between the two...something is not right!

grateful?

help?

revenge?

Li Piaomiao's eyes became more and more suspicious as they moved between the two of them.

Two of you, what happened?

"This is a long story..."

Lin Jiangnian hesitated, looked at Zhao Xi and asked for her opinion.

Zhao Xi had also calmed down by now. He took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Piaomiao, do you still remember the Xu family tragedy?"

Li Piaomiao frowned slightly, with an expressionless face, and nodded.

She had some recollection of this incident, which had caused a bigger uproar a few months ago.

The Secret Service suddenly discovered that Xu Zheng, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, was colluding with foreign nations and had the intention of rebellion. The evidence was irrefutable, and the Xu family was imprisoned. After an imperial decree was issued, the entire Xu family was executed.

This incident caused a huge impact some time ago.

Xu Zheng, the Minister of War, was a member of one of the six ministries and held a high position in the imperial court, yet he still couldn't escape the clutches of the Secret Service! The time between the Xu family's confiscation and the execution of their entire family was so short that no one could react.

As for the evidence of the Xu family's rebellion, although it seems to be conclusive, upon careful consideration, there seem to be many points that are worthy of scrutiny and doubt!

However, before these things could be discovered, the Xu family was wiped out!

This incident gave many people in the capital a slight shock, and also made countless officials more wary of the Secret Department!

Many people understood that this was Chen Zhao's way of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys and intimidating the court.

Chen Zhao was trusted by the emperor, held the imperial edict from the emperor, and controlled the terrifying and iron-blooded organization such as the Secret Department. Almost no one in the capital dared to go against him.

Even if the officials from the six ministries were ordered to be executed, the other officials, big and small, would have been scared out of their wits. Who would dare to provoke them?

No one wants to end up with a tragic death and the annihilation of their entire family one day by accident!

At this moment, Li Piaomiao heard Zhao Xi suddenly mention the Xu family. Her expression froze slightly, and she was stunned, gradually realizing something. She turned her head to glance at Lin Jiangnian, and her cold eyes gradually became more suspicious.

He hesitated to speak.

In the end, nothing was said.

But Lin Jiangnian understood what she wanted to express from her eyes.

When they met two days ago, the princess had asked Lin Jiangnian why he wanted to kill Zhao Changyuan. At that time, Lin Jiangnian's answer was perfunctory, and the princess did not take it to heart.

But today, after hearing what Zhao Xi said, the princess thought about it carefully and couldn't help but doubt...Did Lin Jiangnian kill Zhao Changyuan and Chen Feiyang for Zhao Xi?

He had no grudge against Mi Tiansi, but he took such a risk to kill Zhao Changyuan and Chen Feiyang... This was very unreasonable!

Is he helping Zhao Xi get revenge?!

“…”

"The Xu family is full of loyal and brave people, but they were framed by that Chen the eunuch and their entire family was executed. Even the only remaining girl in the Xu family could not escape the murderous hands of the Secret Heavenly Secretary!"

Zhao Xi's face was filled with indignation when she mentioned this. She gritted her teeth and said, "I originally wanted to avenge Sister Xu, but unfortunately, my personal abilities are too weak..."

Although she is the daughter of Prime Minister Zhao, it is difficult for her to seek justice for the Xu family.

Even her father would be a little wary of Mi Tiansi. Moreover, Chen Yangou had many experts under his command, and even Mi Tiansi's accomplices and guardians were not weak in martial arts.

It would be extremely difficult for her to take revenge on her own.

"Thanks to the help of His Royal Highness, I have the opportunity to personally avenge Sister Xu. Sister Xu's spirit in heaven can now rest in peace!"

As he spoke, Zhao Xi looked at Lin Jiangnian. Gratitude flashed in his slightly red eyes.

At the same time, Li Piaomiao's cold gaze fell on Lin Jiangnian. Suddenly being stared at by the two women, Lin Jiangnian had an ominous premonition.

Especially Li Piaomiao's eyes, although there was still no emotion.

But for some reason, it feels like... something is not right!

Lin Jiang coughed and waved his hand: "Miss Zhao, there's no need to be so polite. It's just a small favor!"

After a pause, Lin Jiangnian continued, "Chen Feiyang has committed many evil deeds and meddled in other people's affairs. He deserves the death penalty. As a guardian of the Secret Heaven Division, he will sooner or later pose a threat to this prince. This prince killed him only to prevent any further harm... As for helping Miss Zhao to avenge her, it was just a matter of convenience. Miss Zhao, don't take it to heart..."

"Even if Miss Zhao has no grudge against him, this prince will still kill him!"

Lin Jiang spoke in a young voice.

Lin Jiangnian's real purpose was to help Chen Changqing take control of the Secret Heaven Division. As for Zhao Xi, it was really just a favor for her!

Zhao Xi was grateful and wanted to repay the favor... next time!

Today is not the right time!

Lin Jiangnian glanced at Li Piaomiao and saw that she was still looking at him calmly without saying a word.

Cold, calm eyes.

It's as if he sees through everything, giving people an indescribable chill.

“Eat, eat!”

Lin Jiangnian waved his hand and changed the subject.

At this time, Zhao Xi took a few deep breaths and gradually adjusted his emotions.

The tragedy of the Xu family was something she had always held in her heart. It was extremely difficult for her to avenge it now.

All four of the Secret Heaven Division's guardians were killed, causing heavy losses to the Secret Heaven Division and greatly reducing its prestige. This was a heavy blow to Chen Zhao in the palace.

Of course, Zhao Xi also didn't forget that the real murderer behind the Xu family's massacre was Chen Zhao!

He is the source of all these tragedies.

But, killing Chen Zhao...is not that easy.

As if thinking of something, Zhao Xi suddenly raised his eyes and glanced at Lin Jiangnian.

"His Royal Highness?"

"Um?"

Lin Jiangnian looked up.

"Miss Zhao, what's wrong?"

"I heard from Sister Piaomiao that you went to the palace last time?"

Zhao Xi suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

Lin Jiangnian was puzzled and didn't know why Zhao Xi brought up this matter.

Lin Jiangnian turned his head to look at Li Piaomiao, but saw Li Piaomiao looking at Zhao Xi expressionlessly.

"It's true!"

Lin Jiangnian nodded and did not deny it.

"Your Highness is in the palace. Has he seen Chen Zhao?"

Zhao Xi asked.

“No…”

Lin Jiangnian shook his head. The last time he went to the palace to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, he left the palace directly after the meeting and did not see Chen Zhao.

However, he did see Chen Feiyang, who had hurried into the palace. It was also on that day that Lin Jiangnian set up an ambush and captured Chen Feiyang alive.

Zhao Xi suddenly sighed softly, his eyes a little dark: "It seems that His Highness has forgotten what he promised me."

Lin Jiangnian was slightly taken aback when Zhao Xi's expression and tone suddenly changed. He was a little confused. Why did this Miss Zhao suddenly sound so resentful and aggrieved?

"Miss Zhao, what do you mean?"

Lin Jiangnian was thinking, what had he promised Zhao Xi?

But Zhao Xi sighed softly, "Your Highness, it seems you really have forgotten!"

Looking into Zhao Xi's dark eyes, her cold face was fair and delicate, her eyes were slightly red, and she looked so pitiful and touching.

I have to say, it's very exciting.

Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows, wondering what he had promised her?

As far as he could remember, the only thing he had promised Miss Zhao was... to kill Chen Zhao?

etc!

At this moment, a thought suddenly emerged from his mind. Lin Jiangnian looked up at Zhao Xi, as if realizing something: "Last time... could it be you?"

As he spoke, Lin Jiangnian turned his head and looked at Li Piaomiao beside him: "Your Highness, Princess, last time Your Highness, the Crown Prince..."

Lin Jiangnian always had a question in his mind.

The last time His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suddenly wanted to see him, logically speaking, it was just to see Lin Jiangnian, no need for a big fight. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince should meet with the prince of the vassal state in the East Palace.

As the son of a vassal prince, Lin Jiangnian was not qualified to enter and leave the palace at will.

But the Crown Prince went to the trouble of summoning Lin Jiangnian to the palace. However, after entering the palace, apart from meeting the Empress, nothing else happened.

This is what Lin Jiangnian has always found strange.

Hearing Zhao Xi's words, Lin Jiangnian suddenly remembered the day before he met the Crown Prince. He had just met Zhao Xi, and at that time, Zhao Xi had just mentioned... that he would find a way for him to meet Chen Zhao!

Could it be...

Was all this done by Zhao Xi?

As expected, when Li Piaomiao heard Lin Jiangnian's question, he turned his head to look at Zhao Xi beside him and said nothing.

Zhao Xi also spoke softly at this time: "That's right, it was me who asked Sister Piaomiao to bring you into the palace..."

"I thought you would take this opportunity to find out more about Chen Zhao, but I didn't expect you to completely forget about it... In the end, I was wrong..."

Zhao Xi's voice was soft and sad, like a poor young wife who was betrayed by a heartless man. Lin Jiangnian almost got goosebumps when he heard it.

He also didn't expect that Zhao Xi could really get him into the palace.

He was not informed in advance!

Lin Jiangnian did not react when he was summoned to the palace. He did not think of this. In addition, the appearance of Chen Feiyang at that time made Lin Jiangnian want to take action, so that he really forgot the previous agreement with Zhao Xi.

Seeing Zhao Xi's gloomy eyes, Lin Jiangnian also felt a little apologetic. He nodded and said, "It is indeed my fault that I didn't react quickly enough and was not thoughtful enough!"

Hearing Lin Jiangnian's apology, Zhao Xi didn't hold on to it anymore. She wasn't really angry, she just felt a little regretful. Now that Lin Jiangnian had just helped her get revenge, she naturally wouldn't blame him.

After all, it was she who begged Lin Jiangnian to kill Chen Zhao.

"Now that I haven't figured out Chen Zhao's background, I want to kill him..."

Zhao Xi seemed to have thought of something, her brows furrowed, and she sighed softly.

As long as Chen Zhao is not eliminated, she will feel uneasy.

"Miss Zhao, don't worry too much. Chen Zhao won't cause any big trouble in the near future!"

Lin Jiangnian shook his head slightly: "Secretary Mi Tian is now seriously injured. There are many people in the court who want to take advantage of his misfortune. He can't jump up and down for the time being."

"That being said, the Secret Secretary is still in his hands after all..."

Zhao Xi frowned slightly. The death of four of Chen Zhao's closest associates was indeed a significant blow to the Secret Heaven Division. However, the Secret Heaven Division was still in his hands. Given time, if he recovered, all Lin Jiangnian's hard work would be in vain.

Lin Jiangnian seemed calm despite Zhao Xi's worries.

Can Chen Zhao regain control of the Secret Heaven Division?

That depends on how capable Chen Changqing is.

Lin Jiangnian believed that Chen Changqing would not let him down!

A man with justice in his heart, ambition and vision, who has suffered oppression and frustration, but still manages to maintain his original heart.

Now he finally has the chance to show his skills. For Chen Changqing, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Lin Jiangnian has helped him remove all the obstacles in his way, and the rest depends on Chen Changqing himself.

Once he gained control of the Secret Heaven Department, it would be like eliminating Chen Zhao's lackeys who were proud of their power and boasted about their power in the court. Even if Chen Zhao became more powerful, he would no longer possess the deterrent power that could make officials in the court tremble with fear.

Once this layer of deterrence is lost, his power in the court will be weakened.

Of course, Lin Jiangnian was not worried that Chen Changqing would betray him.

Firstly, he believed in Chen Changqing.

Secondly...

Now Chen Changqing and Lin Jiangnian are in the same boat. If he has any ulterior motives, not to mention that Lin Jiangnian will not forgive him, if Mr. Chen in the palace knows the truth, he will definitely take his life at the first opportunity!

…

On the boat, occasional whispers could be heard outside the window, accompanied by clear singing voices from afar, floating on the South Lake.

The sun is shining brightly, and the warm winter sun shines on people, making them feel warm.

In the private room.

At the table.

Li Piaomiao ate her meal with undivided attention. She seldom spoke, or even almost never. She ate calmly and gracefully, her movements elegant. Every move and every chewing revealed the aura of a royal goddess.

The same was true for Zhao Xi standing beside him. In comparison, the movements of Lin Jiangnian, the Prince of Lin, when eating were much more vulgar.

During the meal, Lin Jiangnian and Zhao Xi basically had a conversation, and the topic they talked about almost all revolved around how to kill Chen Zhao.

Zhao Xi originally wanted to discuss this topic in more depth with Lin Jiangnian, but because Li Piaomiao was present, he could only stop talking and hold back for the time being.

She glanced at Li Piaomiao beside her and saw that she had hardly spoken since the meal. Her beautiful eyes moved from her to Lin Jiangnian beside her.

For some reason, Zhao Xi suddenly had a strange feeling.

This pair of people who are nominally engaged can now inexplicably sit together for dinner.

The picture actually looks... somewhat harmonious!

Thinking of this, Zhao Xi's beautiful eyes moved, as if she thought of something interesting, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly.

She still remembered that before Lin Jiangnian came to the capital, a story about Li Piaomiao had been circulating in the capital!

I heard that Li Piaomiao once threatened in public that if Lin Jiangnian dared to come to the capital, he would break his legs!

Although there was no way to confirm that this was Li Piaomiao's claim, the story had been circulating widely in the capital. Now, seeing the strange yet harmonious relationship between the two, Zhao Xi felt inexplicably intrigued.

"His Royal Highness."

Zhao Xi suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

Lin Jiangnian looked up again and saw Zhao Xi suddenly looking at her, her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly.

Lin Jiangnian immediately became alert...

There's something wrong with this woman. What does she want to do?

As expected, the next second, Zhao Xi smiled and asked softly, "When are you and Piao Miao planning to get married?"

“…”

Lin Jiangnian became a little strange and didn't say anything.

Just as Zhao Xi finished speaking, he suddenly felt something move under the table.

Someone stepped on him lightly!

…