The Ming Dynasty's henchmen, working from nine to five

Chapter 26 The Princess Leaves the City

"The old woman doesn't know either, she only heard others call him Master Cao."

"Surname Cao? I'll remember that."

Shen Lang nodded and said nothing more.

The old woman thought for a moment, then suddenly bent down, her face showing a mixture of fear and ingratiation, and said cautiously:

"Sir, thank you for your concern regarding Cui'er's matter."

"Once I've saved up some more money, I'll definitely repay you properly in the future."

Shen Lang was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and said, "There's no need for that. Why would I want your money?"

The old woman shrank back and nodded in agreement.

Looking at the hope and unease in her eyes, Shen Lang said gently, "This case is rather complicated, and it will probably take some time."

"Grandpa, take care of yourself and wait for my good news."

"No need to see me off, go back and rest."

After saying that, he strode away.

The courtyard gate closed, and Shen Lang's expression suddenly turned cold.

"The toad dons a green robe and sits in a high hall with a dignified air."

"Ah, Lord Cao."

"Does he even deserve to be called 'sir'?"

"The poor also have the right to live. This world shouldn't be like this."

Shen Lang suppressed his surging emotions, walked to the willow tree, and untied the horse's rope.

Jiaojiao snorted and affectionately rubbed against his arm.

Stroking its neck, Shen Lang felt a little better and said with a smile:

"I was in such a hurry that I forgot to prepare some fodder for you."

"Are you starving? I'll treat you to a big meal when we get back to the city!"

He came from the Prince's Mansion this morning and has been busy ever since.

It was getting dark, and he hadn't eaten a single grain of rice. Even someone as physically strong as him was starting to feel the strain, but Fei Yunbai remained quietly standing under the tree, waiting for him.

Calm and composed, without making a fuss.

This little mare is gentle, and she does resemble Princess Changning in some ways.

Shen Lang mounted his horse and rode away.

......

Time flies by in the blink of an eye.

After a busy day, it will be time to get off work in half an hour.

Shen Lang galloped on his horse and arrived at the Yong'an Marquis's residence.

Since there was still some time left, he planned to visit the Prince's Mansion. Since it was on the way, he decided to bring Princess Changning back with him.

"Please inform Shen Lang of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to come and escort Princess Changning home."

Shen Lang found the steward of the Marquis's residence and showed his waist token.

"My lord," the steward bowed, "after the princess had lunch, she and the young lady went out of the city for a spring outing."

"Now that the eldest young lady has returned, the princess should also be returning to the palace."

"Going out of town for a spring outing?"

Shen Lang was taken aback and immediately felt something was strange.

Princess Changning is intelligent and surely aware of her and the Princess's current situation.

At this critical juncture, visiting a friend at the Marquis's residence would be fine, so why would I go out of the city?

Shen Lang's heart tightened immediately. He thanked the steward and rushed to the Jing'an Prince's Mansion as quickly as possible.

"Greetings, Lord Shen!"

"Go and inform the Princess that Lord Shen has returned!"

"Lord Shen, please come in. I'll fetch your horse!"

As soon as Shen Lang arrived at the door, the servants surrounded him enthusiastically.

Without time for further words, he cut to the chase: "Has the princess returned?"

The guard scratched his head: "The princess returned to the manor an hour ago, and now... she has been locked up in a separate courtyard by the princess consort."

"You're under house arrest?"

Hearing that the princess was unharmed, Shen Lang breathed a slight sigh of relief: "Was it because of your unauthorized departure from the city?"

"Exactly!"

The guard nodded and said, "You didn't see that scene. Her Highness the Princess scolded the Princess for a full half hour..."

Shen Lang laughed and said, "The princess's actions were indeed inappropriate, and it is only right that the princess is angry."

Although he had made proper arrangements for the safety of the princess and the queen, these arrangements were limited to the imperial city.

Once outside the city, everything becomes uncontrollable.

With storms brewing, it's best to keep a low profile.

After passing through the middle gate, Shen Lang was led by the guards to the back garden.

Princess Jing'an was reprimanding the princess's personal maid when she saw Shen Lang approaching. She said, "I'll remember this for now. You may leave!"

"If you let the princess act recklessly again, I will definitely give you a good spanking!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The maid curtsied, gave Shen Lang a grateful look, and ran away quickly.

Shen Lang cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "Your Highness, please calm down. The princess was just being a bit playful. It's good that she's back safely."

Princess Jing'an took out a small mirror to tidy her makeup, and snorted, "What do you mean 'playful'? She did it on purpose!"

Shen Lang was taken aback: "What do you mean by that?"

Princess Jing'an said angrily, "I heard you were going to personally investigate the case of that flower thief, and this girl secretly took guards out of the city without my knowledge, hoping to lure the thief out of the way and relieve your worries!"

Princess Jing'an grew increasingly agitated as she spoke, her rather large breasts heaving violently.

"They're courting death! Absolutely reckless!"

"What angers me most is that it's one thing for her to act recklessly, but she even dragged Shu'er into it!"

"If something were to happen to the thieves, how would I explain it to the Marquis of Yong'an?!"

The "Shu'er" mentioned by the princess is Shen Lingshu, the close friend of Princess Changning, the legitimate daughter of Marquis Yong'an, and Princess Qingping.

"Did the princess do this intentionally?"

Shen Lang was surprised. He had investigated Princess Qingping in detail and knew about her relationship with the princess.

The two grew up together and had an extremely close relationship; they were not blood sisters, but their bond was stronger than that of blood sisters.

Even after the death of Prince Jing'an and the decline of the Prince's Mansion, the two remained close and stayed together all the time.

Princess is gentle and kind, kind to others, and well-educated and reasonable. Why would she drag her friend into danger with her?

The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Shen Lang said, "Your Highness, please don't be angry. May I ask where the Princess is?"

"I have something I'd like to discuss with the princess in person."

"I've locked you in a separate courtyard!"

Princess Jing'an picked up her teacup, tilted her fair neck back, and gulped it down in one go. Then, her almond-shaped eyes glared at her, and she said angrily:

"She won't be getting out of here until this matter is resolved!"

"She thinks she's all that just because she's read a few books. How dare she interfere in something like this?"

"You'll only cause trouble!"

Princess Jing'an cursed incoherently for a few moments, then suddenly remembered the matter Shen Lang had asked her to handle that morning, and said:

"I've already inquired with Xu Jingde, but he still refuses to see guests."

"But his wife has agreed to help persuade him, so we just wait for news; it should work out."

"That's excellent."

Shen Lang smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Because of this matter, I have been trying to find people to pull strings, but they all said they couldn't help."

"With just a casual gesture from the Princess, the matter was settled. It seems your influence is truly powerful!"

"Of course!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Jing'an couldn't help but smile.

Her snow-white chin was held high, like a swan showing off its beauty.

"Within this capital city, I, the imperial concubine, still possess quite a few connections!"

"If you ever need anything in the future, just come to me, and I'll help you!"

Shen Lang smiled gently and said, "Then I thank you in advance."

Princess Jing'an was delighted by his flattery, completely forgetting her earlier anger, and warmly invited him:

"Why don't you stay for dinner?"

"Changning brought back a lot of mushrooms from the mountains, with red caps and white stems, they were extremely fresh and tender."

"I'll cook it tonight, and you and I will both have a taste."