Chapter 90

Upon returning to Kaifeng Prefecture, Zhao Yougong almost burst out in anger, for there was a coffin placed in the rear courtyard.

"Xie Dahu, get out here for me!"

With a shout, Xie Dahu emerged from somewhere, pointing at the coffin and replied with a grim face, "Your Highness, don't take your anger out on me. It was Master Zhu who had it brought back!"

"Wh-what? You really dug up the Zhao family's grave?"

"Of course, Your Highness, look, this is the coffin of the late Mr. Zhao!"

"..." Zhao Yougong circled the coffin but couldn't figure out anything. "Where is Master Zhu?"

"He's eating inside!"

Zhao Yougong raised an eyebrow, his face showing admiration. Zhu Lian was truly an extraordinary woman. She had just dug up a grave and brought back a coffin, yet she could still eat with a clear conscience. Wasn't she afraid of having nightmares at night?

Entering the rear courtyard, he saw Zhu Lian eating calmly. Zhao Yougong didn't hold back, slapping the table and scowling, "Lady, you're really going too far. What's the meaning of putting a coffin in the government office?"

"I heard that Your Highness just hired a guard and promised him a thousand strings of cash. Aren't you afraid he'll run away with the money?"

Lady Zhu held the soup spoon, not lifting her head. Perhaps the porridge was too fragrant, her delicate nose sniffed repeatedly, making Zhao Xiaogong's heart itch.

"What are you talking about? You just mentioned the coffin, why are you bringing it to me?"

Lifting her head, Zhu Lian put down the soup spoon and giggled, "It's what I want to say. Doesn't Your Highness want to know what Yang Zaixing is doing with the money?"

"You know? Then why don't you tell me quickly?"

Rolling his eyes, Zhao Xiaogong sat down beside her, trying to get closer, but Lady Zhu was already on guard, moving her small bottom to avoid him. Dare to dodge? Reaching out, the beauty stood up.

"I found out that Yang Zaixing has a lover. Unfortunately, her family has fallen on hard times and owes a lot of money. If they can't pay, she will have to become a courtesan!"

"Is that so? It seems I was quite smart. I knew Yang Zaixing wasn't the type to lie!"

"Indeed, Your Highness has good judgment this time!"

Zhu Lian covered her mouth and laughed lightly. Zhao Yougong's eyes darted around, feeling something was off. Good judgment this time means he had poor judgment before?

"Alright, don't beat around the bush. What's the deal with that coffin? If you can't explain it, I won't keep this ominous thing!"

"Your Highness, please follow me!"

"Why the rush? Can't I eat something first?" After several hours, he had only eaten a few apples, and Zhao Yougong was very hungry. He took a bowl of rice and started eating.

Zhu Lian's face turned slightly red, as if she wanted to say something but didn't. This Highness was really lacking in manners; the bowl was the one she had just used.

Of course, Zhao Yougong knew the bowl was used by Zhu Lian. If it weren't, he wouldn't have used it. Indirectly kissing a beauty, how wonderful! Ajiu still stood dryly beside him, and Zhao Yougong handed her two meat pies.

"Eat!"

Ajiu, clearly very hungry, nodded and started eating.

After the meal, Zhao Yougong followed Zhu Lian to the courtyard. He saw her take light steps to the head of the coffin, press a spot, and a part of the coffin bottom popped out. It turned out the coffin had a hidden compartment. The compartment was over three feet long, enough to hide a person.

Seeing this, Zhao Yougong understood. The body of Xue Qingxun was likely hidden here. Unfortunately, what could have been an easy case to solve was complicated by the so-called ghost incident, which not only failed to preserve the body but also let the culprit escape.

"Your Highness, look at this coffin. The walls are thick, and the craftsmanship is exquisite, clearly made by a master. If we can find the coffin maker, we will surely find a clue!"

"To find the coffin maker, just go to the Zhao family!"

"I already asked. The eldest son of the Zhao family said the coffin was custom-made at the Old Locust Tree Coffin Shop in the southern city!"

"That's easy. Just arrest the shop owner and interrogate him!"

Zhao Xiaogong felt this wasn't difficult, rubbed his hands, and was about to return to the room to drink tea.

"The problem is, the shop owner, Mr. Xu from the Old Locust Tree Coffin Shop, has already come. He said this coffin wasn't made by them!"

Now Zhao Yougong was puzzled. He had heard of all sorts of swaps, but never a coffin swap. "This is bizarre. What should we do now?"

"Your Highness, don't worry. I have a plan!"

Zhu Lian smiled mysteriously, her slender eyebrows forming a pair of crescent moons. Selling suspense, Zhao Yougong shrugged indifferently and turned to go back inside, "Do as you please, but don't bother me with these trivial matters in the future..."

"..." Zhu Lian was speechless. This young prince was used to being a hands-off boss and had become addicted to it.

In the imperial study, Yang Jian stood respectfully to one side.

"Today, the Yongning Prince went to the southern market and hired a guard!"

"Oh!" Emperor Zhezong wasn't surprised. He had expected this. If his nephew didn't strengthen his security after the incident in Bamboo Lane, it would be suspicious.

Flipping through a book, Zhezong's thoughts wandered elsewhere. "Who is this guard?"

"His surname is Yang, from Linzhou, claiming to be a descendant of the Yang family!"

"Descendant of the Yang family?" Zhezong put down the book, frowned, then smiled lightly. If it were a few decades ago, the Yang family might have had some influence, but now, the Yang family's descendants were no different from ordinary people.

"Don't worry about this Yang Zaixing. What about that Lady Zhu?"

Hearing this, Yang Jian was somewhat hesitant. He ground the ink, lowered his head, and thought for a moment before replying softly, "I'm not too clear on this. I only know that Lady Zhu is very talented and loves ancient books. The young prince is interested in marrying Lady Zhu, but I'm not sure what she thinks!"

"What about Zhu Bocai?"

"I don't know, but since Lady Zhu often visits Kaifeng Prefecture and Commander Zhu doesn't stop her, it seems he approves of the marriage!"

Hearing this, Zhezong's mood darkened. The Zhu family of Fuxiang was a powerful clan in the northern Jiang region. Although they had few officials, their wealth was considerable. Regardless of his nephew's actions, an alliance between the Chu Prince's mansion and the Zhu family was not a good thing.

"Zhu Bocai has many plans!" Zhezong could guess what Zhu Gui was up to. He walked around the desk, feeling less tired than before. "Keep a close eye on this Zhu Bocai. If he does something foolish, help him. Lady Zhu is very talented. What does she look like?"

"This... I have seen Lady Zhu once, and she is indeed very beautiful!"

"That's good. Don't scare Zhu Bocai. The Crown Prince and Prince Yun are still unmarried. I have a mind to help this Zhu Bocai!"

Zhezong's words were clear. In any case, Zhu Lian must not marry into the Chu Prince's mansion. To achieve this, he was willing to offer Zhu Bocai many benefits.

In the Chu Prince's mansion, despite the late autumn, Zhao Yougong still moved a reclining chair to the courtyard, sitting with his legs crossed. Mochun was brewing tea, and Mosnow was squatting beside him, rubbing his legs.

"Your Highness, are you so sure that Yang Zaixing will come? What if he runs away?"

Hearing Mosnow's words, Zhao Yougong frowned and tapped her shoulder, "How can you talk like that? It's not easy for me to find someone I trust. Don't say such ominous things!"

Seeing Zhao Yougong angry, Mosnow didn't dare to say more. The last time she intercepted Niannuer's letter, the young prince had shown her what it meant to be ruthless. For that, she was severely punished, kneeling in the hall for a whole day without food.

As the sky darkened, Yang Zaixing still hadn't shown up, and Zhao Yougong couldn't help but feel anxious.

Drinking tea, he couldn't taste it. Maowen Yu rushed in, his face full of joy, "Prince, Yang Zaixing is here!"

"He's here?"

Finally, he could breathe a sigh of relief. No matter what means were used, Yang Zaixing was the first person willing to serve him.

Yang Zaixing stood in the courtyard, holding a silver spear, a long sword at his waist, and a bundle on his back.

Seeing his attire, Zhao Yougong couldn't help but nod. Indeed, he was a trustworthy person.

Getting Yang Zaixing made Zhao Yougong very happy, and Zhu Lian also mentioned that there was new progress in the case.