Deep within the yamen, as the night darkened.
Unknowing of the events that would take place, the first thing that Helian Wei Wei did after returning from the outside was to take a bath.
Her hair was still wet after she took a bath and because of her current identity, she could not possibly be as comfortable as she was in the palace since there was nobody to do her hair for her. Thus, she had no choice but to do it herself.
However, before she could even raise her hand, smooth silk fell on her head, followed by the touch of cool fingers.
"Coming out when you haven't even dried your hair, do you wish to get sick?" Baili Jia Jue's brows were knitted together, but his actions were still extremely patient.
From Helian Wei Wei's current angle, she could only see a pair of long straight legs that would make all men envious, he did not even have love handles. His Highness truly had a good physique.
Long-legged Oppa.
She did not know why but when she thought of this phrase. Helian Wei Wei laughed playfully, narrowing her eyes in mirth while relishing the comfortable force on her like a pampered cat. Lazily, she said, "I don't think I will get sick with this weather. Where did you go just now?"
Baili Jia Jue's hands stilled, and in a casual tone, he replied, "I was handling some matters."
Helian Wei Wei arched her brows but did not press any further. She more or less knew of Baili Jia Jue's methods but he never wanted to let her know about anything too violent.
"Let's play some chess later?"
Aside from sleeping, His Highness' other hobby was playing chess. Between the two, a game of chess was clearly the safer option.
Helian Wei Wei had planned everything properly.
Baili Jia Jue removed the silk cloth and looked upon her from above as though he could lift her up entirely at any time. With a devilish tone, he asked, "Chess? You?"
"You have to give me a handicap of 10 moves," Helian Wei Wei unabashedly requested.
Baili Jia Jue suddenly stooped down to bite her lip and with a deep voice that was oozing elegance, he asked, "What's the wager?"
"Ten thousand silver ingots." Helian Wei Wei found it hard to not blush.
Baili Jia Jie made a sound of approval and then straightened his posture, looking at her with something that resembled a smile, "Shy?"
"You suddenly kissed me," Helian Wei Wei mumbled.
Baili Jia Jue lifted her up and as his well-defined features were softly illuminated by candlelight, a crackle of sexual tension flickered in the air like the flame from the candlelight. Even his voice was deeper than before, "You're not good at chess, I'll teach you."
Before Helian Wei Wei had a chance to reject the offer, both of them were already sitting in front of a chessboard. His white sleeves were moving around like pieces of scroll paintings.
Baili Jia Jue was actually teaching her how to play chess but he did so while embracing her from behind, guiding her fingers to pick up the white and black pieces, making it hard for her to focus as warmth enveloped her fingertips.
"What are you thinking about now?" Baili Jia Jue gleefully asked by her ear, "If you lose this match, you'll be at my mercy after we return to the palace, do you understand?"
Naturally, Helian Wei Wei knew what the word 'mercy' implied and she felt her whole body tingle. Quickly pushing him away, she smoothed her clothes and then sat down opposite him with her mouth curved into a small smirk. "I may not necessarily lose." Following that, she placed a white chess piece on the board.
Once Baili Jia Jue saw that half the pieces on the board had already been surrounded, he paused and then started laughing devilishly. "You really are a good student, you've learned well."
Surrounding the black pieces?
Helian Wei Wei's eyes lit up as she leaned her chin in the palm of one hand and lazily beckoned him to her with the other.
Baili Jia Jue raised his brows but without any resistance, she had already moved to kiss him.
That technique... No matter how much they practiced, there was just no improvement at all.
However, she excelled in taking initiative.
Baili Jia Jue's eyes darkened but he quickly regained control over the kiss, pulling her into his embrace, entangling his tongue with hers as a sweet smell permeated their senses.
Helian Wei Wei felt as though her whole body had turned into jelly and her tailbone was tingling in pleasure.
In the drunkenness of it all, he lifted her up again as his left hand slid into her clothes while his right hand held hers to pick up a black piece and place it on the chessboard.
It landed crisply.
Helian Wei Wei looked at the board with a face flushed red. Even though the black pieces were surrounded before, he had completely turned the tides with a single power move.
"Give up?" Baili Jia Jue's husky voice traveled to her ears.
Helian Wei Wei's whole body trembled.
Thereafter was a kiss that flooded all senses.
After a while, she sat in his embrace and gazed into his beautiful eyes that reminded her of the stars above, panting lightly.
Baili Jia Jue rested his lips against hers, enveloping her in the smell of sandalwood. "It was only a light peck, did you forget how to breathe?"
"Were you cheating?" Helian Wei Wei was depressed, she had sneakily placed five more pieces but she had no idea how he still won.
This was not a game of chess. It was clearly a game of tricking and lying.
Baili Jia Jue looked at her and patiently replied, "Just because you didn't win, you're accusing me of cheating? Clearly, you have more to improve on. "
"I purposely let you win because I care about you," Helian Wei Wei said as she secretly laughed. It looked like the time she spent training had not been wasted, she could now spurt out words of love and affection at will. As a bossy president, these were tactics that always had to be at hand!
Baili Jia Jue raised his eyebrows at her actions and with his long fingers, he hooked open her clothes to take out the 'Court Your Wife' manual. With something that resembled a smile, he said, "You're well-practiced, looks like you've finished reading the entire book?"
"I roughly understand it," Helian Wei Wei said modestly. She was an arms magnate, she did not need to learn from a book, she was born to dominate!
Baili Jia Jue laughed, his attractive lips applying more pressure on hers. "If that's the case, why don't you show me some moves, let me see what you've learned in that area..."
However, just as he said this, he suddenly trailed off. His eyes that were previously mischievous and laid back were now cold and indifferent. She did not know why the warmth in his eyes had faded but his eyes were now flashing in hints of platinum!
Helian Wei Wei raised an eyebrow, not because of anything else but because at this moment, Yuan Ming said, "Woman, there seems to be some movement outside."
"Hmm." Helian Wei Wei had heard it as well but it was muffled, meaning that there were not too many of them.
Baili Jia Jue on the other hand, stood up while his fingers straightened his long robes. In a single moment, his lanky figure now held a chess piece in his hand.
Bang!
Soldiers suddenly rushed in and pointed their swords at him, completely surrounding Baili Jia Jue in the midst of them!
Helian Wei Wei narrowed her eyes dangerously, her piercing gaze landing behind the group of soldiers. In a cold voice, she inquired, "Lord Zhang, what is the meaning of this?"
"We've been instructed to arrest him and it would be best not to resist us, Lord Wei. Or else, you'd waste the time that you can't afford to waste." The imperial official named Zhang said pretentiously and faced the people on his left to bark out another command, "What are you waiting for? Capture that devious private advisor!"
"Devious?" The white-robed Baili Jia Jue turned to the side, his tone was mischievous as he placed the chess piece he held in his hand onto the chessboard. While Baili Jia Jue radiated the demeanor of an educated man but there was also an inexplicable hint of roguishness in him. Standing under the brilliant moonlight with a face so perfect that the earth and heavens were put to shame, he said, "You wish to capture me simply for this reason alone?"
Against such a man, the soldiers dared not advance.
Perhaps it was because of his very presence that emanated the aura of high authority that made the soldiers feel as though he was not just playing a game of chess, but instead, he was directing a war for his kingdom.
Moreover, under such a situation, there were probably very few people that would still be focused on chess.
How could this Private Advisor Long be so different?
The intense gaze of the pair of eyes sent a shiver down their spines...
Imperial Officer Zhang was dumbfounded by the sight of this. Once he finally came to his senses, the first sentence he said was, "You can defend yourself all you want later, but for now, you should come quietly, otherwise, don't blame me if I don't go easy on you! "
"You don't have to go hard on me," Baili Jia Jue laughed, a cold undertone hidden in his mischief. In a flash, with incomparable clarity and grace, he said, "I will leave with you."
At this moment, everyone doubted the functionality of their hearing.
What was this Private Advisor Long thinking of?
Was he really going to just allow himself to be taken away so easily without any resistance?
"If you can bear the consequences of it." With these few words, the surrounding atmosphere turned silent.
Imperial Officer Zhang objected, "General Liao was right, you're too arrogant for a private advisor. Lord Wei, you should really discipline your subordinates!"
Helian Wei Wei said nothing and merely looked up at Baili Jia Jue.
Baili Jia Jue nodded his head subtly in her direction.
Only then did Helian Wei Wei speak with a voice colder than ever before, her gaze so sharp that it could almost behead Imperial Officer Zhang's head as she pronounced each word in her reply, "Lord Zhang, you may arrest my private advisor, but if anyone lays punishment on him, I will make that person wish he was never born!"
Lord Zhang had never felt like this before, it was as if he had been eyed by a venomous snake, even his scalp felt numb.
He did not delay any further as he raised his hand and commanded, "Take him away!"
Helian Wei Wei clenched both fists before slowly relaxing them again. As she looked at the dignified silhouette amongst the group of people, she narrowed her eyes, "Yuan Xiaoming, what do you think of His Highness' decision?"
"He let himself be captured," Yuan Xiaoming said laughingly, "Your man's actions are really getting more shameless."
Unexpectedly, Helian Wei Wei laughed as well, her lips curving into a smile, "Shameless? Why do I think that it was just right?"
"You should worry about yourself for now. In this situation, being outside is even more terrifying than being in a prison cell. If the one named Liao arrested His Highness so fearlessly without even giving a reason, your title as a magistrate is probably useless now. He's willing to use any means possible to remove you from your position." Yuan Xiaoming was a good judge of character and was even better at analyzing a situation.
Helian Wei Wei lowered her gaze downward mischievously, looking at the strip of paper that Baili Jia Jue had left for her in her palm. "It would be boring if nothing was done."
"He even prepared this message for you. Just how big of a plot is that fellow laying down?" There was a tone of admiration in Whitey's cold voice, "No wonder this human being can control a Fire Qilin."
Yuanming wiggled his nose. "There hasn't been any Fire Qilins lately, but don't worry, Woman, the Shadows by the Third Prince's side are more than capable of protecting him."
"I know." Helian Wei Wei folded the paper strip in her hand patiently, taking her time, "Let's wait for sunrise..."
Clang!
The metal door produced a long and hollow sound.
Someone's entrance also meant someone's exit.
The people that had been released were none other than the father and son from the Liao family.
Liao Qingtian came personally to release them. Standing outside the prison and watching as Baili Jia Jue was imprisoned, he remarked gleefully, "If I were you, I would take the opportunity given to me and open up while it's not too late. All you have to do is to come clean about the dirt on Wei Wei and I will personally let you out. You'll be guaranteed a luxurious life full of riches."
Baili Jia Jue slowly lifted his gaze but he did not even spare him a look, dignity, and coldness shrouding his actions.
Seeing that he was being so unaccommodating, Liao Qingtian laughed coldly, "Looks like you still won't give up. Do you think Wei Wei will be able to save you? Please, he can barely save himself, let alone be bothered about your predicament! Your Lord Wei cannot save you but he can accompany you in this prison cell!"
After he said this, Liao Qingtian looked at the prison guard next to him and commanded, "Guard the prisoner well, if anything happens, you're the first person I will look for."
"Don't worry, General, there won't be a problem!" the prison guard answered succinctly.
Liao Qingtian was ecstatic as he turned his head toward Magistrate Liao and said, "Let's go, Big Brother will buy you a drink!"
"Very well." As though he was a victor, Magistrate Liao swept a glance over Baili Jia Jue before walking out of the prison cell.
What did Magistrate Liao's release mean?
It meant that the Liao family's big tree had not fallen and that it could still provide shade for the people under the tree to go about their business and trade.
Not only was Bayview Seafood Restaurant still open, in fact, but the notice that Helian Wei Wei had put up was also torn down before the dawn of the second day. The business carried on, as usual, even going so far as to be the location of celebration for the release of Magistrate Liao.
Helian Wei Wei stood outside the entrance, narrowing her eyes at the shopkeeper. "Do you know the consequences of removing an order from the yamen? You're committing a crime."
"A crime? Hahaha," the shopkeeper guffawed, "Lord Wei, I don't mean any disrespect but allow me to put it crudely. In this provincial capital, we, the Liao family, are the law!"
Unexpectedly, Helian Wei Wei did not lose her temper, she only stood there with a stoic expression.
The imperial officials who came to attend the reception banquet saw Helian Wei Wei and said invitingly, "Wow, Lord Wei, you're here too? Come on, let's go get a drink inside."
"Don't you all try to sully Lord Wei. Lord Wei is an honorable official, he wouldn't be able to afford the seafood," said the host, Magistrate Liao as he walked out.
Those people quickly agreed with him, "Lord Liao is correct. Look at me, I can't believe I forgot. Well then, Lord Wei, you can continue standing at the entrance, we shall go in first!"
Their laughter rang out continuously, the tone of mockery in them was easily detectable.
Magistrate Liao reveled in the current moment of condescendence. He felt as though all the bitter resentment in his heart had reduced significantly, especially when he saw the one by the surname of Wei looking so lonely and helpless. The corners of his lips could not help but arch up even further, "Lord Wei, I told you before that one should not be too arrogant, but you did not listen and kept on looking for trouble with me. But look at me now, I've been released and acquitted of all charges while your private advisor is the one stuck in prison. What do you call this? Karma!"
As soon as that was said, the extremely pleased Magistrate Liao began to welcome the imperial officials into the Bayview Seafood Restaurant.
Helian Wei Wei looked at his leaving figure and dusted her long sleeves in a leisurely manner as she lowered her head to laugh softly. Some people would really have to bear the consequences of their actions...
"Shadow." Helian Wei Wei lifted up her head, and with words as clear as crystal she said, "Have you recorded the names of whoever just entered Bayview Seafood Restaurant and was a part of this reception?"
The Shadow flitted past and respectfully knelt on the ground. "Yes, Lord Wei, they have all been recorded."
Those who served by the side of the Third Prince were indeed clever. The corners of Helian Wei Wei's mouth curved upward, "Send those records to your master, and tell him that I will be waiting for him outside."
"Yes." Before Shadow left, he could not help but take a second glance at Helian Wei Wei.
In this world, apart from Young Master Lie, there was probably no other person that could be so in sync with His Highness except for the Princess Consort.
Whatever His Highness did, she would be able to understand immediately and coordinate perfectly to complement his plan.
It was the luck of the War Dragon Empire to have the presence of such a Princess Consort!
The celebratory reception was still going on and this was also how the news about Magistrate Liao being released was spread.
Upon hearing this news, Governor Chen could no longer sit still, thus he immediately went to the yamen. His eyes were bearing the look of immense helplessness, "Princess Consort, it's no easy feat trying to close down this Bayview Seafood Restaurant. If we fail, we may just end up bringing ourselves more trouble than it's worth."
"Lord Chen, calm down first. The true progression of the matter has yet to be seen," Helian Wei Wei smiled lazily.
However, Governor Chen was still very worried and did not even drink his tea. "Princess Consort, you might not be aware of the origins of Bayview Seafood Restaurant. His Highness is definitely more clear about the intricate relationships within it." Upon saying this, he paused as he looked around and asked, "Where is His Highness?"
Helian Wei Wei blew away the dust on the chessboard before placing a white chess piece upon it, saying unhurriedly, "He was taken by Liao Qingtian's men to prison. He should be resting inside there now."
Crack!
The teacup in Governor Chen's hand fell to the floor in a slip of his hand and shattered into five pieces.
"What, what are they trying to do? Is this an act of rebellion?!"
One could not blame Governor Chen for his anxiety, he was the governor of the provincial capital after all.
If anything were to happen to the Third Prince while he was in the provincial capital...
Even if he had nine lives, it still would not be enough to make up for it!
It was the War Dragon Empire's future Crown Prince they were talking about!
Have all these people gone mad?!
Even if they were unaware of the Third Prince's identity, they still could not go around randomly arresting people!
Compared to Governor Chen's agitated state, Helian Wei Wei was a picture of calm and peace, "Lord Chen, do you still remember what His Highness asked you before?"
Governor Chen was momentarily stunned but still managed to answer, "His Highness asked me how it would be possible to charge liability to a general of military achievement who threatens his peers. At the time, he had said to borrow force in attack."
At this moment, he saw Helian Wei Wei place the last white chess piece smack dab in the middle to form a complete ambush!
"To borrow force in attack where the target is not just Liao Qingtian," Helian Wei Wei gently smiled, "His Highness wishes to get to the root of the problem, that is why he took the initiative in letting himself be imprisoned."
The two words 'took initiative' struck Governor Chen suddenly as he immediately understood the plan.
If the Crown Prince was arrested, then not only would Liao Qingtian get into trouble, whichever corrupt officials across the entire provincial capital that were involved in this would be dealt with.
Even the Capital's Elder could be dragged into this and be punished.
Was this... was it possible that this was the Third Prince's true motive?!
After all, if the matter was a small issue of a mere restaurant charging ridiculous prices, it would never justify the Retired Emperor going after a decorated war general and would only incite the disappointment of other generals.
However, if the matter was a big one to the extent that it became a crime of rebellion... Then it would be a completely different story!
Thinking of this, Governor Chen involuntarily raised his head, his previously disheartened eyes now gleaming brightly.
The Third Prince was indeed true to his name!
He had heard too much about the ways and methods of this person, and now that he had personally witnessed them, he knew what it meant to be able to manipulate power in the palm of one's hand!
Baili Jia Jue, this man has been destined since birth to become an Emperor that kills without the need for bloodshed...
As soon as Helian Wei Wei knew that he had understood, she lowered her head and sipped a mouthful of tea with a smile on her face.
At the very same moment, Liao Qingtian was eating and drinking, his countenance was very much at ease and relaxed.
Within a single day of the Bayview Seafood Restaurant reopening, it had earned a large amount of silver.
However, he was unaware that at this point in time, someone he could not have imagined had just arrived at the provincial capital and was currently in the Son of Heaven private room at Bayview Seafood Restaurant. By this person's side was five or six armed bodyguards, the air of each person surpassing that of any commoners...
Meanwhile, having heard that Helian Wei Wei was too poor to be able to enter the Bayview Seafood Restaurant, Liao Wenwen finally felt avenged, "Bumpkins will be bumpkins. He deserves having his private advisor being caught!"
"Young Lady, I heard that the Old Master was going to punish the one who named Wei, he probably won't live very long." Even though the maid was young, her words were full of evil.
Liao Wenwen had initially wanted to say some more, but she was suddenly met by a flying meat bun that hit her right in the face, that she so carefully treasured!
"Who, who was that?!" Liao Wenwen was fuming, she felt as though her entire face smelled of the bun filling. She wanted to kill the person who had thrown that pork bun!
A little boy raised up the wooden stick in his hand, and majestically, he said, "Me!"
"You!" Liao Wenwen had not expected that she would be bullied by a small child, "Whose child is this with such rude manners?"
The little boy looked at her straightforwardly, and coolly said, "Shut up, ugly girl."
Ugly girl?!
Liao Wenwen had always been proud of her looks, and upon hearing these two words, she blew up in anger, "I dare you to stay right where you are and don't walk away if you have the guts for it! Today I will show you, you little rude b*stard, what it means to have offended Liao Wenwen!"
The little boy only felt that this person was really annoying. He had never planned on walking away in the first place. He had just come out to relieve himself when he heard someone talking about his Third Brother and Third Aunt, so of course, he would not let her off the hook so easily. This ugly girl was constantly shouting, what was she exactly shouting about?
As a low-profile male beauty, Little Seven could not help but express his confusion over this.
Liao Qingtian was originally eating here and having heard some commotion from this area, he had brought a few soldiers over here, "Wenwen, what's the matter?"
"Daddy, it was this little b*st*rd, he threw a bun at me, and even scolded me!" Liao Wenwen pointed at the shiny bald head of the little boy, unaffected by the fact that he was just a child.
Liao Qingtian looked at the child wearing clad in monk's robes, and did not think much of him, "Where did this poor little devil come from!"
Perhaps it was because the commotion had gotten too loud, it had also disturbed the occupants of the private room.
Upon catching sight of his grandfather appearing at the doorway, the little boy did not talk back and merely stood there with his small face scrunched up, extremely unhappy about it all.
However, due to the fact that the Liao family's father and daughter had their back to the Retired Emperor, Liao Qingtian did not realize that the Retired Emperor was also present.
In fact, Liao Wenwen was still shouting on about having Little Seven tied up and being given a good beating!
Behind them, Eunuch Sun had already begun to get angry!
Where is this crazy girl from, thinking that she could bully their Little Highness!
"Who dares to touch the little master!" Eunuch Sun had a sharp voice by nature, but it was even more penetrating when it was resounded through the restaurant!
Liao Qingtian looked over to the direction of the voice, and all of a sudden, his face turned pale!
Liao Qingtian had the opportunity to meet the Retired Emperor four years ago when he came to the provincial capital on an inspection tour. Seeing the Retired Emperor again left him dumbfounded.
Re, Retired Emperor, how come he is here!?
Looking at the expression of Liao Qingtian, Little Seventh Prince knew he recognized the Retired Emperor, so he turned around and started showing off, "Grandfather, they wanted to beat me up."
Grand, grand, grandfather?!
Liao Qingtian froze on the spot, his eyes glared in disbelief!
He never expected this shabby little monk to be the Seventh Prince whom the Retired Emperor adored the most.
So, all those words that he had said just now... At the thought of it, the forehead of Liao Qingtian broke out in a cold sweat.
On the other hand, Liao Wenwen did not know about this and was still unaware of the situation. Turning over to Eunuch Sun, she then started to speak rudely, " Since your people have arrived, you better give me a proper apology."
At this point in time, she is still thinking about getting an apology? Eunuch Sun was so mad that he set his arms akimbo. "This lady, not to mention whether our little master had actually done anything wrong, even if he did, must you, as an adult, be this unforgiving?"
"You!" Liao Wenwen was trying to say something again!
Liao Qingtian could feel his brain swelling up to the maximum point, he stopped her, then smiled at Eunuch Sun and said, "It's a misunderstanding, everything is no more than a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" Eunuch Sun snorted coldly. How could he believe that everything was just a misunderstanding, he heard them saying that they were going to hang the Little Highness up before beating him!
Liao Qingtian used a handkerchief to wipe off the sweat on his face. "It's really just a misunderstanding."
While he was talking, he took a glance at the Retired Emperor, who radiated power and authority even without showing anger.
The expression in the eyes of the Retired Emperor was faint, even at this moment, he was concealing his emotions perfectly. "Little Seven, come over, let's get back to the room and continue eating." Leaving this sentence behind, he then entered the private room again.
The little guy nodded his head vigorously. He then washed his hands, and slowly walked toward the door.
Liao Qingtian knew that they had definitely offended the Retired Emperor. As he was not allowed to enter the private room, he had no choice but to rub his hands and talk to the little one, "Little Seventh Prince, your humble servant hasn't met you before, that was why I spoke rudely toward you. The same is true with my daughter, she has no ill intentions but a slow brain. Can you please be magnanimous and forgive both of us?"
"It is not a matter of whether to forgive, or not." The little one took a bite of the meat bun in his hand, he spoke with extreme supremacy, "Wasn't she hoping to compete with me over our family background? Of course, I will compete with her, it's that simple. Since she is looking for a slap in the face, I will have to slap relentlessly."
The Little Seventh Prince's irony caused Liao Qingtian's face to flush and turn pale. He was long told that the Seventh Prince was a tyrant, not only in the palace but also in the White Academy. Anyone who had offended him could be bitten to death!
Sigh, how could his daughter provoke such a little demon!
Noticing the poor complexion on her father's face, Liao Wenwen mumbled softly, "Dad, aren't they nothing but businessmen, why are you being so careful..."
"You, shut up!" Liao Qingtian glared at his daughter. It was his fault for spoiling her to the point where she became this undisciplined and defiant. Now, it had gotten them into deep trouble!
"I'm just voicing the truth, he was merely a businessman, which personage does he think he is..."
As soon as Liao Wenwen stopped speaking, the door of the private room was pushed open. The Retired Emperor was the first to walk out, a strong sense of oppression came from his steady voice, "I'm not a capable person. After living for half a lifetime, I have only a few people under my leadership. As compared to Miss Liao, I am inept to be considered as a personage."
Upon hearing that, the legs of Liao Qingtian weakened and almost went down on his knees.
Up to then, he did not find anything wrong with spoiling his daughter, but now, his biggest regret was bringing his daughter out on this day!
Slap!
I can't let this go any further!
Liao Qingtian exerted all his strength and slapped Liao Wenwen's face!
The sound was so loud that it could be heard across the Bayview Seafood Restaurant!
Covering her face, Liao Wenwen widened her eyes in shock, "Dad, you..."
Liao Qingtian did not have time to bother, he bowed and scraped while walking behind the Retired Emperor, "Retired, Retired Emperor, my little daughter is insensible and hasn't seen much of life yet. It was my fault, I failed to educate her right, I'm guilty!"
The Retired Emperor did not even move an eyelid, let alone responding to the words of Liao Qingtian.
Perhaps the slap was sort of effective, Liao Wenwen finally realized something was wrong as she saw her father behaving in an unusually humble manner.
Other than Elder Helian, a person whom father would treat with such respect would be... an imperial official from the Capital!
Would it be possible that the old man who had spoken just now was the present Prime Minister?
Liao Wenwen was shocked by her own speculation, but she was not aware that the position of the counterparty was actually much higher than the present Prime Minister.
Liao Qingtian tagged along behind the Retired Emperor all the way; his servile appearance attracted a lot of public attention.
After all, Liao Qingtian was a top figure in the provincial capital. He had the right to collect money and be arrogant, yet no one would dare to offend him!
Now, Liao Qingtian who used to be at the top all the time seemed like a grandson trailing behind a little guy who dressed as a monk. His humble attitude caused others to start guessing the real identity of the old man and the young...
Liao Qingtian had never been this restless. He was not allowed to enter the inn which the Retired Emperor was residing in, but being worried that capital punishment would befall him, he did not dare to leave. All he could do was to pace about the entrance of the inn anxiously. It was not until a carriage from the Capital had stopped in front of him that he seemed to be awakened from a dream. On the sight of the person who came forward, he cried, "Elderly, what should I do? Why would the Retired Emperor come to the provincial capital all of a sudden? It was so unexpected!"
"I've read the pigeon mail that you have sent," Elder Helian said with a flat tone, "Don't worry, the Retired Emperor will not punish you simply because of the things you have said. After all, you are a meritorious officer, the Retired Emperor is bound to consider the feelings of those officials in the Capital, you need not be concerned. However, you've got a point."
As Liao Qingtian let out a sigh of relief, his heart immediately raced again, "What?"
"It is unlikely that the Retired Emperor will come to provincial capital without any reason, he must have heard some rumors about Bayview Restaurant. Otherwise, he definitely would not make his appearance at this time. So, you need to handle this case without leaving a trace." Speaking of that, the eyes of Elder Helian twinkled, he then added, "Even if it means to kill the witnesses..."
A ray of light flashed through Liao Qingtian's eyes when he heard the words 'kill the witnesses'. Although there were quite a number of people who knew the inside story of Bayview Seafood Restaurant, none had the evidence.
Wei Wei was the only one holding on to this matter.
However, the one with the surname of Wei could not be killed.
If they killed him at this point in time, what they intended to hide would be revealed.
Especially when he was still holding an official position.
Even though he was just a small local magistrate, the Retired Emperor would definitely pay him a visit since he had arrived at the provincial capital.
Therefore, he could only set his hands on those who used to have conflicts with Bayview Restaurant.
Liao Qingtian lowered his voice, "Elder, you may rest assured, I know what to do."
Elder Helian nodded as he added, "I heard that the man named Wei has a private advisor devising strategies for him?"
"We caught him earlier, there is no way any news would be leaked." Liao Qingtian lowered his voice again, "If he remained stubborn prior to the court session, I will instruct someone to kill him tonight!"
Elder Helian withdrew his sight. "You can handle such trivial matters by yourself. He is merely a private advisor, settle it as you like. Now that the Retired Emperor has arrived in the provincial capital, it will be inconvenient for me to intervene in certain matters. Go and deal with those who have resentment toward Bayview Restaurant over the years, especially those involving deaths. Don't worry, I will stand on your side during the court session. The Retired Emperor has a good impression toward Bayview Restaurant all along, he will not believe in everything being said by a mere magistrate. Things will be fine as long as nothing goes wrong with Bayview Seafood Restaurant."
"Alright." Liao Qingtian lowered his eyes, looking at Elder Helian respectfully as he saw Elder Helian walking into the inn.
After a while, he turned over and instructed his trusted aide, Lord Zhang, "How did you handle the Zhao Family who stirred up a lot of trouble a while ago?"
Lord Zhang went blank for a moment before replying, "It's settled, the old lady refused to take the money, so I ordered a few people to destroy their house, they have been quiet ever since."
"Go and handle it again." Liao Qingtian squinted his eyes and said, "Since we have already reached this step, let's tie up all the loose ends. What's the use of keeping an old lady alive?"
Sensing the cruelty in his tone, Lord Zhang could not help but lower his voice, "Your humble servant will go now."
"Make yourself invisible." Liao Qingtian had no idea why his heart had not been at ease since the appearance of the Retired Emperor.
Lord Zhang lowered his eyes, "General Liao, don't worry about it. Killing people is nothing for our troops."
"You may leave." Liao Qingtian leaned on the carriage, slowly closing his eyes while speaking, "I need to take some rest as well."
If things were not as tense, he would never allow Lord Zhang to do this during the day.
After all, it was just an old lady who lived in the broken, dark alley.
As long as the alley was blocked, people would not know how the old lady died...
Noon – in the sun.
The mercenary dressed in black knelt in front of Helian Wei Wei. "Young master, Liao Qingtian has employed the assassination troop from the city watch guards, do we need to follow them?"
"Of course." Helian Wei Wei was dressed in white, her lips curled while she smiled, "How about Master Hei? Is he here?"
The mercenary nodded his head, "Second Master Hei was with us the whole day, he even asked me the reason why you called for him."
"There is some business to do." Helian Wei Wei played with the cup in her hand. "Tell Master Hei to help me in a fight, I will give him a restaurant as a gift in return."
The mercenary knew that the two masters had a great relationship just like brothers and sisters, thus, he nodded as he accepted the command and withdrew.
Governor Chen trembled with fear after listening to their conversation, "The Master Hei mentioned by Princess Consort earlier, is he the one from the Hei family?" Oh gosh, how many legendary people with fearsome reputation had arrived in this provincial capital!
At this moment, Lord Chen was still unaware of the arrival of Retired Emperor. If he knew, he would definitely not be as shocked by the appearance of Second Master Hei.
On the other side, Helian Wei Wei took a sip of tea and said, "It's him. It has been some time since he was grounded by Old Master Hei, this time, he is desperate to come out."
Lord Chen merely listened and did not express his opinion. Everyone knew the military influence of the Hei Family. They never got involved with any other well-known families, and hence, hardly anyone has the capability of inviting the most formidable person in the Hei Family, Second Master Hei.
"Oh right, Lord Chen, is there anyone available from your side? I don't need many, my people are already good at fighting, so you just need to send two or three people for us to look good." Helian Wei Wei looked back and smiled.
Lord Chen was confused. "Why does Princess Consort need people?"
"To rescue the beauty, of course. How can I let my second brother fight alone in a bloody battle." It was easy for Helian Wei Wei to say.
But Lord Chen could smell something fishy from her words...
The politics in the provincial capital would probably undergo a complete revolution.
Who said that there would not be a change in politics?
Liao Qingtian tried his best to think of ways to please the Retired Emperor, yet the Retired Emperor refused to meet him at all.
On the other hand, the Retired Emperor was wondering about some other things. Not even one of the shadow guards whom he sent out to transfer a message for the cold brat had returned.
Most of all, the retired emperor had always been a calm person. Now that he had just arrived in the provincial capital, he did not want to cause a big scene, although Liao Qingtian had recognized him.
However, the Retired Emperor did not say a thing, he did not have the audacity to spread the news as well. He could only wait until the court trial in the afternoon.
At this point, Liao Qingtian was relieved. There was nothing to be feared when the Elder was on his side.
The person with the surname of Wei had no power and no rights, even his private advisor had been captured by them. There was no chance for him to cause any trouble.
After all, word of mouth alone could not be taken as evidence. Even if he mentioned Bayview Seafood Restaurant in the court, those who were involved in this case had either moved to the suburbs or died a long time ago.
He did not believe the person with the surname of Wei had the ability to let the dead speak!
Thinking of this, Liao Qingtian smiled in relief, temporarily putting aside the fact that he had offended the Little Seventh Prince.
No matter how much the Retired Emperor pampered the Seventh Prince, he would not withdraw his position solely due to this incident.
Now, all he needed to do was to sit and watch a good show, seeing how the person named Wei would dig his own grave!
At this time, Liao Qingtian was still unaware that the person who was digging his own grave was he himself...
The battle in the dark alley had officially been kicked off.
The assassination team thought things would be settled once they killed the old lady, but now they were spitefully looking at the tall figures who blocked their way.
"Didn't someone tell you people that nobody is allowed to enter this alley? I advise you to make way!"
It was the first time Master Hei had been threatened ever since he was born, he raised his brows and spoke coldly, "What if I don't?"
Looking at this cold and domineering man, the leader felt a rising trace of fear in his heart. But who were they, they were people who came from the military, why should they be afraid of him?
"Refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! Attack!"