Chapter 1670: Chapter 1670: Long-Planned Plot

At the West Gate, Jiang Fula waited in front of the Palace Gate, standing on tiptoes and looking inside. Upon seeing his master, he quickly opened a bamboo umbrella to shield him from the scorching sun.

"In the future, let Fugui and the others handle these things when picking someone up. The heat is unbearable; be careful you don’t get heatstroke too," Song Zhiyuan said.

Jiang Fula felt as refreshed as if a cool spring had flowed down his throat. He replied with a smile, "I always stay in the shade, so I’m not hot. Besides, those youngsters aren’t very alert; I can’t feel at ease."

"You’re the Grand Steward, managing more than just one affair. When you spread yourself too thin, trivial matters like these don’t need your personal involvement. Your main role is to guide them. Without giving them opportunities, how can they grow? Everyone ages, including you, and eventually, someone will have to take over your duties, just like how I coach others."

Jiang Fula quickly agreed, "The Prime Minister’s words are wise; it seems I should emulate you and cultivate talent more diligently."

Song Zhiyuan patted his shoulder, climbed into the carriage, and sat down, saying, "You can leave the door open; it’s too stuffy otherwise."

Jiang Fula complied, also jumping onto the carriage, sitting at the back. He began to report affairs outside the palace, mentioning a situation in which refugees besieged the mansion, and Song Ci had appeared. Song Zhiyuan’s face turned cold.

"Have any troublemakers been caught?"

"Two groups were captured, including two from the Zhao Family and one who was a close maid of the second Young Madam from the Guangning Marquisate."

These people had ties to Prince Xiao’s Mansion and Prince Zhou’s Mansion.

Song Zhiyuan said coldly, "Kill them and send their heads to the gates of the two mansions."

The tone was chilling and unwavering, leaving no room for hesitation.

Despite knowing Jiang Fula for many years, he couldn’t help but perspire on his forehead as he respectfully agreed.

He had no sympathy for these people, believing that if they dare act, they must bear the consequences. Fortunately, Song Ci was unharmed; had there been any conflict, it would not be just a matter of a few heads.

It could only be said that these people had overstepped their bounds.

"And the madman?"

"We’ve traced him. I’m not sure if you remember the second year of Shengping, when you were still the Magistrate in Guangning and you judged a case of ’evil spirit seizing soul.’"

Song Zhiyuan furrowed his brow, memories of the past surfacing. He said, "This madman, is he that so-called half-immortal?"

At that time, the half-immortal was discovered in an illicit affair and murdered when the husband found out. He concocted rumors of ’evil spirit seizing soul,’ which were unraveled by Song Zhiyuan, who imposed a heavy sentence. The half-immortal’s wife then vanished with their child.

"Was this person granted special pardon?" Ever since the Emperor’s ascension, there had been two general amnesties, including a pardon upon the Crown Prince’s establishment. Could he possibly be out of the maximum-security prison? "

"Yes."

Song Zhiyuan focused on who was orchestrating things rather than the mere occurrence. Why had this person shown up and clung to a folk tale? It mustn’t be mere coincidence.

Compared to coincidence, he was more inclined to believe it was a long-planned scheme.

Jiang Fula said, "This Iron Half-Immortal, after receiving pardon, started making a living by running a stall on the outskirts two years ago. Recently, as refugees increased, he reunited with his former wife and child, who had since started a family. He took them back home for settlement. According to his spouse, Iron Half-Immortal unexpectedly handed her five silver notes worth a hundred taels each one day, instructing her to live well with her family before leaving. I tasked someone to investigate the nearby cool tea shop where Iron Half-Immortal was staying, and we indeed found something unexpected."

"Tell me."

"Two months ago, Jing Shui, formerly Bai Shuilian’s maidservant, who serves the Young Master Five in our estate, consulted Iron Half-Immortal for fortune-telling."

Song Zhiyuan’s gaze sharpened instantly.

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