Chapter 195: Again Paying Respects to the Grand Marshal

Jiang Xiaoyu curiously examined the items in the shop, yet found nothing that attracted her. Jiang Xiaomu also felt the shop had nothing special, and was about to leave,

Suddenly, his gaze fell on an inconspicuous wooden box in the corner of the counter.

The wooden box looked quite ordinary, covered in dust, as if it had been placed there for a long time.

An inexplicable attraction made Jiang Xiaomu stop in his tracks. He pointed at the wooden box and asked:

"Old shopkeeper, what is that box?"

The old man followed Jiang Xiaomu's finger and looked,

"Oh, that one, it's an old item, left untouched for a long time."

He slowly stood up, brushed off the dust on the wooden box, revealing a dark-red wood grain,

"If you like it, little brother, I'll sell it to you cheap."

"How much?"

The old man glanced at the wooden box and said nonchalantly, "Take it for thirty taels of silver."

Jiang Xiaomu didn't haggle, directly took out the silver and handed it over.

The old man received the silver, weighed it carefully, then handed the wooden box to Jiang Xiaomu.

Jiang Xiaoyu watched from the side and asked curiously:

"Brother, what is this? It looks old."

"I'm not sure either," Jiang Xiaomu smiled,

"Maybe it's some treasure."

After leaving Qizhen Pavilion, Jiang Xiaoyu pulled Jiang Xiaomu to browse a few more shops, buying some small trinkets.

As the sun set westward, the siblings returned home laden with goods.

After returning to the residence, Jiang Xiaomu eagerly opened the wooden box.

Inside the box lay a half piece of jade tablet, only about half a palm size, warm and smooth all over, with a cloud-like pattern carved on its surface.

"What is this?" Jiang Xiaoyu leaned in to look:

"Did that old shopkeeper swindle us? How is this still a defective product!"

"Forget it, it's not like they forced us to buy it."

Jiang Xiaomu looked at Jiang Xiaoyu's angry expression, couldn't help but chuckle, and casually placed the jade tablet on the desk.

That night, Jiang Xiaomu was about to fall asleep when he suddenly noticed a faint glow appearing in the darkness.

Jiang Xiaomu followed the light and found it was that piece of jade! It emitted a clear, moist glow, obviously extraordinary at a glance.

"Turns out it really is a treasure!" Jiang Xiaomu examined the luminous jade stone for a moment: "I don't know where it came from."

Jiang Xiaomu grew fonder of the jade, made it into a pendant, and hung it at his waist.

The next morning, at dawn, Jiang Xiaomu was awakened by a sudden urgent knocking.

He opened the door with sleepy eyes, a young eunuch hurrying:

"Lord Jiang, the Emperor summons you!"

In the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, the atmosphere was solemn.

The Empress sat on a soft chair, her face weary, evidently having dealt with state affairs all night:

"Jiang Xiaomu, I summoned you because something sudden happened last night."

"Your Majesty, may I ask what happened? This subject will exert all his effort to serve you!"

"Last night, the prison office reported that Wang Shouren escaped from prison." The Empress rubbed her brow:

"I have already ordered the prison commandant and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to conduct a large-scale search."

"Jiang Aiqing, you uncovered Wang Shouren's treason; this time you must also follow the investigation. Bring him back alive or dead!"

The Empress's face was grim and cold, aura of pressure emanating from her.

"Subject receives the order."

Jiang Xiaomu performed a respectful bow.

Even after leaving the palace gate, the matter continued to echo in Jiang Xiaomu's mind.

"Jingcheng is so big, not… in just one night, Wang Shouren could have fled elsewhere, it's not impossible."

Just as he couldn't sort his thoughts, a sudden chime flashed in his mind—a hint of clarity—there was another person, now exactly the time to use him!

Southwest corner of Jingcheng, the Grand Marshal's Residence.

"Lord Jiang, if there's no matter, one wouldn't come to the Three Treasures Hall; if there is, speak plainly."

Huo Yunsheng leisurely blew on the warm fragrant tea in his cup.

"Lord Huo, a sensible person doesn't speak in riddles,"

Jiang Xiaomu got straight to the point: "Wang Shouren escaped from prison."

Huo Yunsheng's hand holding the tea cup paused, a few drops of tea splashed out, spreading a small stain on the dark tabletop.

He lifted his eyes to Jiang Xiaomu: "Oh? He actually managed to escape from the heavenly prison? It seems I still underestimated him."

"The heavenly prison is heavily guarded; he must have an insider." Jiang Xiaomu said firmly.

Huo Yunsheng set down his tea cup, interlaced his fingers on the table: "In this court, corruption has long been rampant; it's not a matter of just a day or two. Wang Shouren has many followers; it's no surprise someone helped him."

Jiang Xiaomu nodded, indicating agreement.

"The plan now is to apprehend him as soon as possible, otherwise future troubles will be endless."

Huo Yunsheng understood; Jiang Xiaomu's visit this time must be to seek his help.

After all, they have been opponents for over a decade, knowing each other well: "Lord Jiang, what are your superior ideas?"

"Lord Huo, to be frank,"

Jiang Xiaomu lowered his voice: "This matter I need you to lend a hand."

Huo Yunsheng raised his eyebrows with interest:

"Oh? Lord Jiang, you are now the emperor's favorite, able to command the Embroidered Uniform Guard at will—who else do you need my Grand Marshal's Residence to help find?"

It seems he truly never acts without profit; Jiang Xiaomu smiled: "Lord Huo, do you still remember what you asked me to do at our last meeting?"

"You say, given your many years of distinguished governance, plus the merit from this investigation of the traitorous minister Wang Shouren, the position of Prime Minister..."

Huo Yunsheng fell silent for a moment, then said slowly: "Lord Jiang, you may not know, though my Grand Marshal's Residence oversees the security of Jingcheng, to find a single person in this vast capital is like seeking a needle in the ocean."

He paused, his gaze sharp as he fixed it on Jiang Xiaomu: "However, if your Ghost Face Army were to come assist, I believe even if Wang Shouren dug three feet underground, we could drag him out."

Jiang Xiaomu's heart jumped—apparently Huo Yunsheng had investigated him thoroughly, even the matter of the Ghost Face Army had reached his ears!

He forced a light laugh:

"Lord Huo, you jest—the Ghost Face Army is merely a rabble; how could it compare to the elite troops and strong generals of your Grand Marshal's Residence?"

Huo Yunsheng neither affirmed nor denied, merely lifting his teacup and taking a gentle sip.

"Lord Jiang, there's no need for modesty; I have heard somewhat of the Ghost Face Army's strength. Ye Ying's archery is unrivaled in the martial world."

Huo Yunsheng even knows Ye Ying's name! Jiang Xiaomu inwardly gasped—apparently his investigation of me far exceeds what I imagined.

He steadied himself and said: "Since Lord Huo knows so well, I will no longer conceal it. The Ghost Face Army can indeed help capture Wang Shouren, but they obey only me. So..."

"Are you asking my Grand Marshal's Residence to take orders from you, Lord Jiang?" Huo Yunsheng looked at Jiang Xiaomu with a half-smile.

Jiang Xiaomu did not answer directly, but instead countered:

"Lord Huo, do you think Wang Shouren's escape is more beneficial or more harmful to you?"

Huo Yunsheng blurted out:

"Naturally, the harm outweighs the benefit. As long as Wang Shouren is not removed, my position as Prime Minister will remain unstable, and my heart will never be at ease."