The Slender Waist-Chapter 620 - 448

Feng Yun led Yuan Shangyi away from the tea house, and the streets had not yet returned to tranquility, with many still gathered in small groups, quietly discussing the recent arrest of spies by the Commandant Residence.

As Feng Yun’s carriage approached, the crowd moved aside.

Liang Huanzhang had one foot in the stirrup, but then withdrew it, holding the reins instead.

Earlier, Ye Chuang had only mentioned that a noble was having tea in the private room on the second floor and should not be disturbed.

He didn’t recognize Ye Chuang and only saw his waist token; he had been guessing which noble it might be.

With this closer look.

Good heavens.

Was it the Princess inside?

He had seen Feng Yun once at Ao Qi’s wedding, but had never met the Young Emperor before. Seeing Feng Yun leading a child out, he didn’t think much of it, stepped aside, and bowed respectfully.

Feng Yun walked by with a smile, without giving him a second glance.

Liang Huanzhang coughed lightly, "This official has seen the Princess."

Only then did Feng Yun turn her head, smiling faintly.

"The Commandant has gone to great lengths to protect the Emperor’s reputation, with utmost dedication."

Her voice was smooth and gentle, yet Liang Huanzhang felt a chill up his spine, tinged with unease.

"It is this official’s duty."

Feng Yun did not linger, her eyes gently lifting as they scanned his face. Her gaze darkened briefly before returning to a smile, as she took Yuan Shangyi into the carriage.

The carriage slowly moved away.

After they were far gone, Liang Huanzhang turned to his side and asked,

"The child the Princess was leading..."

The more he thought about it, the more anxious he felt, a guess forming in his mind.

The guard gave him a straight answer.

"To answer the Commandant, this subordinate saw him once from a distance at Huaxi, it should be that one from Yangxin Restaurant..."

Liang Huanzhang’s expression changed.

Unfamiliar with the Emperor’s appearance.

He nearly caused a grave mistake.

"Let’s go. Back to the residence."

-

Before noon, Pei Jue received the news.

It was Tan Dajin who came to report in person.

"Liang Huanzhang took the lead in arresting those spreading rumors and causing trouble, and he almost offended the Princess and His Majesty. Such actions clearly show he doesn’t hold the Emperor in high regard."

Pei Jue glanced at him.

Tan Dajin and Liang Huanzhang had a minor feud back in Central Capital, but it was many years ago and Tan Dajin, not one to hold grudges, had long since put it behind him.

But...

Liang Huanzhang had suddenly taken up his post in Andu and was promoted directly to Commandant, in charge of thousands of soldiers, which displeased Tan Dajin greatly.

Such a coward, a defeated general, who couldn’t even withstand a few punches from him, on what grounds was he acting as Commandant? 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

It was all because of his connection with Ao Zheng.

Tan Dajin had words in his heart, wanting to speak them out, but as they reached his lips, he swallowed them back down.

"Anyway, I think he’s up to no good."

Pei Jue’s expression was cool as he said, "Inform Ao Zheng, under the pretext of disrespect at the court, to charge Liang Huanzhang with a crime."

Tan Dajin was startled.

"Directly charge him with a crime?"

He had not expected this; the Emperor was being too decisive.

"Yes." Pei Jue waved his hand, "Go handle it."

This matter was actually tricky for Pei Jue.

If he said Liang Huanzhang was wrong to make arrests, he’d be seen as condoning slander against himself; besides, Liang Huanzhang claimed he was arresting spies—could he really stop such arrests?

If he didn’t deal with Liang Huanzhang, then arresting people on a whim would indeed confirm his reputation for cruelty and cold bloodedness, pinning this dark blot on him...

A moderate punishment would serve as a warning to Liang Huanzhang, to remind him to be more careful in his actions within Andu County.

Tan Dajin quickly understood, bowed, and withdrew.

"I’ll see to it immediately."

As he left, the room fell silent.

Jiu You scoffed, "Over the years, there have been plenty of slanderous rumors, some even worse than this, and the Emperor has never bothered with them. Now, for such a trivial matter, to make arrests, surely some will say the Emperor lacks tolerance, deemed cruel and merciless."

Zuo Zhong, uncharacteristically, agreed.

"Indeed, the Commandant Liang really shouldn’t have."

Jiu You gave Pei Jue a sidelong glance, "If one is to be thrown into prison for speaking ill of the Emperor, then I and Zuo Zhong would have already been beaten to death."

Pei Jue looked at them coldly.

Zuo Zhong glared back, coughing incessantly.

Was this not an inadvertent confession that they regularly spoke ill of the Emperor?

Jiu You: "Why do you glare at me? I’m not lying. Don’t we always say it? The Emperor is fine in all respects except for being tight-lipped. If he would speak more often, we wouldn’t be here catching a chill but enjoying the warmth in Changmen, eating and drinking comfortably."

His demeanor made it seem as though indulgence had eroded his being, causing Zuo Zhong’s eyelid to twitch in fear that Pei Jue might order him to drag the man out and behead him.

Should he swing the sword from the left or right?

"Enough." Pei Jue spoke calmly, "Prepare the horses."

Jiu You was delighted, "Are we returning to Huaxi?"