Xue Gui was greatly shocked. He collapsed on the chair and was extremely anxious.

"What exactly happened?"

Under Xue Gui's watchful gaze, the servant who had just returned trembled as he replied, "Today, Young Master and Young Master Zhang went to Yihong Brothel to drink wine after having dinner at the restaurant.

After that, Young Master and Young Master Zhang galloped back on horseback. On the way back, Young Master fell off his horse and landed on his head first.

Young Master Zhang and I rushed up to check on him and saw that his neck was broken. Young Master, he … he's not breathing. "

"How can this be?

How can this be?

Zhiqi's riding skills have always been good … even if he was a little drunk, it shouldn't be like this … "Xue Gui thought that someone must be trying to harm his son." Investigate … investigate … "

Xue Zhiqi's mother, Madam Zhao, rushed over after hearing the bad news. She couldn't believe it.

"My son … my son … how could he die before his mother?"

"Sob sob … Master, you have to uphold justice for our Zhiqi. It turns out that such a good child has been led astray by that brat from the Zhang family …" Xue Zhiqi was her only legitimate son. She was losing her mind.

"Huhu … that Zhang brat is fine, but my son is dead …"

"I'll get to the bottom of this and give Zhiqi an explanation."

Xue Gui was thinking about the possibility of Zhang Yingxiang murdering his son. However, Zhang Yingxiang's father, Zhang Jihe, was his confidant and had followed him for decades. Xue Gui knew that he had treated Zhang Yingxiang well, so it couldn't be the Zhang family …

"Huhu … Old Master, you have to investigate carefully. If that Zhang brat … you have to make him pay with his life …" Madam Zhao said fiercely. Her son was gone, and other people's sons wouldn't have it easy. It would be best if they all died with her son!

In the Zhang family's study, there was only Zhang Yingxiang and Zhang Yingxiang. The atmosphere was heavy.

"What exactly happened?

Why don't you tell me the ins and outs of this matter? "

Zhang Yingxiang was still in shock. "Father, I really don't know how this happened.

As usual, Young Master Qi and I went to the restaurant to drink tea and eat. After that, we went to Yihong Brothel to drink wine with prostitutes. We even invited two prostitutes to accompany us.

By the time we came out, it was already very late, so we rode a fast horse back.

Halfway through the journey, he saw Young Master Qi fall off his horse. At that time, the horse wasn't startled, so Young Master Qi must have been drunk … "

"So it's caused by drunkenness?

How's your alcohol tolerance? "Zhang Jihe asked his son.

Zhang Yingxiang also found it very strange. "Logically speaking, Young Master Qi's alcohol tolerance shouldn't be that bad, but Young Master Qi did fall off the horse himself. It's already late at night, and there's no one else on the road except for us …"

Zhang Jihe continued to ask, "Did anything special happen to you today?

Did you have any disputes or grudges with anyone? "

Zhang Yingxiang tried to recall. "No, nothing special happened.

Besides, who in the capital would dare to provoke the Xue family's Young Master Qi? "

Zhang Jihe asked again, "Son, think about it again.

Really nothing?

Did you see anyone? "

"No … Today, it was just me and Young Master Qi …" Zhang Yingxiang scratched his head as he tried to recall. "Um … Who did you see … Oh right!

Today, when we were eating dinner at the restaurant, we saw a pretty waitress downstairs. Young Master Qi was very interested and loudly teased her. Later, the waitress's owner glared at him.

After that, nothing happened …? "

"Oh … Do you know that person?" Zhang Jihe asked.

"I've never seen him before. He's a new face.

The man was about the same age as me, and he looked very cold and callous.

But judging from their clothes, they didn't seem like important people.

I promised Young Master Qi that I would help him get that waitress, but before I could send someone to ask, Young Master Qi fell off the horse.

I don't think this matter has anything to do with him … "Zhang Yingxiang said.

"Did you tell the Xue family about this?" Zhang Jihe frowned. He felt that something was wrong.

"No, I just didn't think of it … If Dad didn't keep asking me, I wouldn't have thought of it either …" Zhang Yingxiang replied.

"Okay, since you didn't mention it at the time, don't mention it again if the Xue family asks. You don't want to complicate things." Zhang Jihe instructed his son, "Stay in the mansion for the next few days. Don't go out."

"Yes."

After his son left, Zhang Jihe felt that something was wrong.

A cold young man with an unfamiliar face, accompanied by an attendant … Who could this be?

Zhang Yingxiang was still young, so he didn't know many people. There were some important people in the capital that he hadn't met yet.

However, the Xue family was a big family. Normal people didn't dare to provoke them …

Zhang Jihe paced back and forth in the study. Young Master Qi's death had a great impact on the Zhang family.

Only his son was present when Young Master Qi died. The Xue family would suspect the Zhang family first.

However, his son didn't know anything. Zhang Jihe had been by Xue Gui's side for decades. He knew his temper very well. The Xue family would probably vent their anger on the Zhang family …

Sigh … As Xue Gui's confidant, he had probably reached the end …

Zhang Jihe woke up in a daze. Eh!

Wasn't he in the study thinking of a plan?

Then he seemed to have fallen asleep.

Where was this?

Zhang Jihe rubbed his eyes and realized that he was sitting on a reclining chair.

He was in an elegantly decorated room. The room was filled with sandalwood.

Zhang Jihe walked out of the room and saw a young man dressed like a scholar brewing tea. His aura and smooth movements were mesmerizing.

If it wasn't for the current situation, Zhang Jihe wouldn't have been able to help but cheer for him in his heart.

"Lord Zhang, you're awake …" The young man raised his head and looked at Zhang Jihe. His hands were still moving leisurely.

"Who are you?

Why am I here … "Zhang Jihe asked cautiously.

"Your humble servant is Zheng Jia. I took the liberty to invite Lord Zhang here. Please forgive me, Lord Zhang." Zheng Jia handed the brewed tea to Zhang Jihe. Lord Zhang, please. "Zheng Jia poured another cup of tea and took a sip himself.

The name Zheng Jia sounded familiar to Zhang Jihe. Wait … isn't Zheng Jia the number one strategist of the Crown Prince's palace? The third young master of the Zheng family who was also known as Little Zhuge.

Zhang Jihe took a sip of tea to hide the panic in his heart.

His son's words flashed through his mind. A cold young man with a pretty young servant. This … this can't be the Crown Prince, right?

Zhang Jihe also heard that the Crown Prince had a servant who he doted on a lot.

If it's the Crown Prince … then everything makes sense.

With the Crown Prince's personality, he wouldn't be afraid of the Xue family. Only the Crown Prince would be able to kill Xue Zhiqi without anyone noticing …

"I'm here today to help Lord Zhang. That Lady Xue wants your son to pay with his life …" Zheng Jia really admired the Crown Prince. He actually thought of killing Xue Zhiqi and driving a wedge between the Xue Gui and his confidant.

Of course, he didn't know that all of this started because of that Xue Zhiqi's whistle and one sentence, which led to the death …

Zheng Jia saw that Zhang Jihe was silent, so he continued, "I admire people who are loyal the most … but it also depends on who they are loyal to … After what happened to Xue Zhiqi, will the Xue Gui still treat you as his confidant?

Lord Zhang should know what will happen to you if he no longer trusts you and you know many of his secrets … "

Zhang Jihe drank the tea in his cup in one gulp. He was a smart person. After all these years, he was able to stand out from the Xue Gui's many subordinates and become the Xue Gui's confidant. Naturally, he had his own strengths.

He also understood what Zheng Jia was saying. The worst-case scenario for him was that the Zhang family would fall to the bottom, and he might even lose his life …

However, if he were to betray the Xue Gui and the Xue family, the consequences wouldn't be something that he and the Zhang family could bear …

"I also understand Lord Zhang's concerns, but the Xue family is already on the decline. Sooner or later, the Crown Prince will …" Zheng Jia paused meaningfully and said, "Lord Zhang, think about it carefully. I believe you can give the Crown Prince a satisfactory answer."

Zhang Jihe still wanted to say something, but suddenly, his vision turned black and he lost consciousness.

When he woke up again, he found himself back in the study room. It was as if he had just had a dream and never left.

In the blink of an eye, it was the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Laba Festival. Of course, the Laba Congee Festival was indispensable. A few days ago, Xuanyuan Hancheng handed the task of presiding over the Laba Festival and sending out the Laba Congee to Lin Jiabao. Mama Qiu would assist him from the side.

Lin Jiabao happily accepted this task and seriously checked with Mama Qiu the palaces to be sent to the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, as well as the Crown Prince's subordinates and important officials of the imperial court.

Lin Jiabao also personally checked the ingredients used to make the Laba Congee. The Laba Congee made in the palace was more exquisite.

Lin Jiabao remembered that in the past, at home, he only needed to gather eight ingredients.

However, it was different in the palace. The white rice had red dates, lotus seeds, walnuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, longans, ginkgo, red beans, peanuts, and so on … There were no less than 20 ingredients in total.

Early in the morning of the Laba Festival, he ordered people to cook the Laba Congee in a big pot.

After the Laba Congee Congee was cooked, Lin Jiabao presided over the worship ceremony.

Under Mama Qiu's guidance, Lin Jiabao successfully completed the ceremony.

Next, it was time to send the Laba Congee to the various palaces. First, it was sent to the emperor and the Empress. Then, it was sent to the princes and the emperor's other concubines.

Then, it was sent to the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace. Finally, it was sent to the Crown Prince's subordinates and some officials. All of them had to be sent out before noon.

When Lin Jiabao was done with his work, Xuanyuan Hancheng had just returned from court.

"Guai Bao, you did a great job!

Thank you for your hard work, darling … "

"It's not hard at all. I just gave some instructions. Mama Qiu was the one helping me.

I'll have to trouble Mama Qiu for the small family banquet tonight, so I chose the menu … "Lin Jiabao humbly said to Mama Qiu.

"Young Master Lin, you flatter me. This is what this old servant should do." Mama Qiu tactfully retreated after bowing to the Crown Prince.

Xuanyuan Hancheng kissed Lin Jiabao as if no one else was around. "Guai Bao, you don't have to worry about these things. You just have to know how to make the decision. Leave the rest to Mama Qiu and the others …"

"Yes.

I always want to do what you ask me to do … "Lin Jiabao said coquettishly.

Xuanyuan Hancheng loved how Jia Bao acted coquettishly towards him. "As long as Guai Bao is happy, darling, you've already done very well …"

"Alright, let's go eat lunch first, then take a nap together …" Xuanyuan Hancheng hugged Lin Jiabao and said, "Tonight, we'll take advantage of the Laba Festival to let you meet someone.

You don't have to think too much, okay? "

"Okay." Lin Jiabao obediently leaned against Xuanyuan Hancheng and went to eat lunch together.

The Song Clan accepted the Laba Congee and thanked the Crown Prince for his kindness.

When they found out that it was sent from Pingle Park, they had mixed feelings.

After hearing the words of the young eunuch who sent the Laba Congee, they found out that there would be a family banquet in Changle Palace Hall tonight. Thus, they asked the head palace maid beside them to give him some rewards. "I understand. You can go and report back."

It seemed that the Crown Prince treated Servant Lin differently.

The Song Clan thought about how they were two years older than the Crown Prince. How could they compete with that young and beautiful girl for his favor … Sigh …

When the Yu Clan found out that the Laba Congee was distributed from Pingle Park, they were furious.

It seemed that this Servant wasn't as stupid as he looked. He was actually able to get the Crown Prince to let him host the Laba Festival … One had to know that the Crown Princess hosted the Laba Festival in the past!

When the Yu Clan heard that there would be a family banquet in Changle Palace Hall tonight, they immediately asked the palace maids to dress her up. They wanted to surpass Lin Jiabao tonight!

At night, when Xuanyuan Hancheng brought Lin Jiabao to Changle Palace Hall, the Yu Clan and the Song Clan had already arrived with their daughters.

When they saw the Crown Prince, they bowed and greeted him. "Your Highness …"

"Rise …" Xuanyuan Hancheng brought Lin Jiabao to the main seat.

"Today is the Eastern Palace's family banquet. There's no need to stand on ceremony."

Xuanyuan Hancheng and Lin Jiabao introduced the members of the Song Clan and their eldest daughter, Kang 'er, as well as the members of the Yu Clan and their second daughter, An' er.

Kang 'er wasn't as lively as she used to be. She looked at Lin Jiabao timidly, her heart filled with fear.

Xuanyuan Hancheng first asked the Song Clan and the Yu Clan about their daughters' health. Then, he announced the start of the banquet.

The palace maids brought in the exquisite dishes. Xuanyuan Hancheng held Lin Jiabao's hand under the table. His darling looked a little nervous.

Lin Jiabao felt Xuanyuan Hancheng's encouragement and slowly relaxed.

Lin Jiabao had also familiarized himself with dining etiquette over the past few days. When he ate, it was very pleasing to the eye.

Today's menu was chosen by Lin Jiabao. Of course, he chose dishes that Xuanyuan Hancheng and himself liked.

Lin Jiabao wasn't a picky eater. He had a good appetite, so he ate with relish.

Xuanyuan Hancheng's appetite also increased when he saw his darling's expression …

The members of the Yu Clan looked at Lin Jiabao with disdain in their hearts. They thought that Lin Jiabao was really inexperienced.

The members of the Yu Clan ate a few mouthfuls and stopped eating.

Today's steamed shad was very delicious. Lin Jiabao ate it happily.

Xuanyuan Hancheng gestured for Shu Ya, who was at the side, to pick up more food for Darling. Shu Ya understood and picked up another piece of fish for Little Matriarch Lin. After carefully picking out the bones, she served it to Little Matriarch Lin.

The fish meat was very delicate. Lin Jiabao savored it in his mouth.

When the members of the Yu Clan saw Lin Jiabao's expression, they covered their mouths and chuckled.

"Young Master Lin, you probably haven't eaten shad shad before, right? Haha …"

"That's right …" Lin Jiabao nodded honestly.

Xuzhou was an inner city area. Fish was more expensive. The Lin Family usually ate chicken, duck, and pork. They rarely ate other fish, shrimp, and crabs.

It was only after they entered the palace and became the Crown Prince's personal attendant that they were lucky enough to eat many delicacies that they had never heard of before.

When the members of the Yu Clan heard this, they couldn't stop laughing. They wanted to say something, but when they saw the Crown Prince looking at them coldly, they immediately shut up.

From beginning to end, the Song Clan was like an invisible person. They watched as the Crown Prince defended Lin Jiabao and the Yu Clan arrogantly provoked him.

After the meal, the members of the Yu Clan spared no effort in flirting with the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, you haven't come to my place in a long time. Qinqin misses you …"

Xuanyuan Hancheng was indifferent to the Yu Clan's behavior. "Let's end it here for today … You can all leave now …"

Xuanyuan Hancheng and Lin Jiabao returned to Pingle Park. After the two of them finished washing up, they lay on the bed. "Okay, you've seen the people you wanted to see.

Guai Bao, you must be tired today … "Xuanyuan Hancheng hugged his darling in his arms.

"I'm not tired …" Lin Jiabao whispered to Xuanyuan Hancheng, "Can I not see them so often in the future?" He didn't like the Yu Clan. He didn't like the way the Yu Clan looked at Xuanyuan Hancheng.

"Of course, Guai Bao.

You won't have many opportunities to see them in the future. "Xuanyuan Hancheng knew that it was difficult for his darling to face them.

"Am I very bad? I also don't want my husband to see them …" Lin Jiabao said gloomily.

"My Guai Bao … I like how bad you are …" Xuanyuan Hancheng happily kissed the Jia Bao. His darling finally wanted to have him …