They had barely taken a couple of steps before being surrounded by guards from the Prince Ning Mansion.
The shopkeeper at the lead, who was about to leave, had a livid expression, his eyes filled with rage as he shouted, seemingly with some grievous injustice: "Young Master is dissatisfied and wants to resort to violence? If today's matter gets out, I'm afraid no one will dare to work for Prince Ning Mansion."
Ah Chen stood up: "Speaking so loudly can easily land you in jail."
"Turn them over to the authorities." Ah Chen waved a hand, simultaneously instructing Qing Zhu, "Quickly replace them with those previously chosen, any issues?"
Qing Zhu hurriedly replied, "Young Master, they are all ready."
The shopkeepers seeing Ah Chen was serious, were somewhat panicked. Some were scared and immediately kowtowed to admit their mistakes, while others stubbornly held their heads up, seemingly having some backing.
"It's too late; it was you all who first failed to keep your promises." Ah Chen smiled lightly, completely unmoved by their pleas for mercy.
All the shopkeepers were thus escorted to the government.
Even if some had backing and would eventually be rescued, they would have to cough up everything they had devoured.
Her evidence was indeed substantial.
Are these really worth the considerable cost of saving them?
Speaking of those replacing the shopkeepers, it goes back to the time when she was settling accounts. She called over those obedient guards, brought their families into the mansion, and could always pick out some individuals for urgent training. She had her own method for training a competent shopkeeper, at least sufficient for the short term.
Subsequent events unfolded exactly as Ah Chen had anticipated. After the shopkeepers surrendered the embezzled silver taels, they were imprisoned, filled with regret. The evidence she provided was too compelling; for now, many were still observing Prince Ning Mansion, reluctant to interfere.
Seeing Ah Chen handling matters so decisively, others were even more afraid to act.
Some conspirators were even speculating whether Prince Ning was truly mad or feigned madness, suspecting Prince Ning's possible involvement. Consequently, some of Prince Ning's loyalists came probing again, but found nothing.
However, upon leaving the Prince Ning Mansion, they were certain of one thing: the Heir of Prince Ning was not a simple person.
So is it true that a dog that bites doesn't bark?
The recent events occurring at Prince Ning Mansion had become a hot topic in the Capital City, yet it did not affect Ning Chen.
"Your Majesty, it seems the Heir of Prince Ning is indeed not simple, having swiftly gained control over Prince Ning Mansion's assets," said Hou Rongfa. "However, it appears he hasn't interacted much with Prince Ning's loyalists. Whether this is genuinely the case or they've been meeting in secret, regardless, this person has deep schemes. We cannot allow him to become powerful, otherwise..."
Hou Rongfa's voice gradually softened, for he noticed that His Majesty had drifted off again.
Since returning from the Ping Mountain Hunting Ground, His Majesty often appeared distracted. Hou Rongfa was curious, but dared not inquire further.
After a while, Ye Ji snapped back to attention, recalling what Hou Rongfa had said, "As long as that person doesn't rebel, ignore him." Then he added, "It's not too late to kill him once he's more influential; that would be more interesting."
Hou Rongfa wore an honest look: Alright.
Currently, His Majesty was no longer the newly enthroned and restricted monarch. The mere Heir of Prince Ning couldn't turn the world upside down. Since His Majesty rarely found entertainment, let him be.
"What has he been up to recently?" Ye Ji couldn't help but ask.
He knew he shouldn't care, but once those eyes came to mind, he couldn't stop thinking about them, as if poisoned. The more he tried not to think, the more he did. Ye Ji clenched his fist, closing his eyes. Though he had no intention of taking a consort or concubine, he certainly shouldn't have an infatuation, right?
How could he be so twisted, thinking of a single encounter to the point of sleeplessness, even fantasizing about embracing him daily, just to gaze at those beautiful eyes?
Truly mad.
If that person were a woman, he'd have no hesitation, placing her by his side to watch at any time.
"Since taking control of Prince Ning Mansion, there's been little activity, but news came early today that the Heir of Prince Ning went to visit his second sister. Not sure if he's returned to the mansion yet." Hou Rongfa vaguely sensed that his monarch was not quite right. Serving the Emperor personally for so many years, it was hard not to notice, despite being afraid to speculate in that direction.
Ye Ji hummed, suppressing further thoughts, deciding to keep busy and possibly forget about many things, including that person.
Hasty footsteps approached; it was the messenger Eunuch.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Marquis An requests an audience."
Jiang Changtong, the Marquis An, upon meeting Ye Ji, knelt down with a thud, sobbing and wailing about his grievances.
After listening for a while, Ye Ji finally understood the situation; it was indeed related to that person.
Despite trying so hard not to think, that name stubbornly echoed in his ears.
Torturous.
Afraid that one day, he'd lose control and bring him into the palace.
Doing so would surely frighten him, wouldn't it?
Ye Ji quickly regained composure, his face dark. That person had a lot of courage, unlikely to be easily startled. Yet, as soon as the thought arose, he couldn't help but imagine. Thinking of capturing him, yet fearing intimidation.
Jiang Changtong sensed the icy aura emanating from above. Clearly terrified, he was inwardly delighted. His Majesty and Prince Ning never saw eye to eye; Prince Ning going mad, punishing the Heir of Prince Ning should be easy, right? Now that brat had dared to cause trouble at the Marquis Mansion, even assaulting his third son, wasn't it a perfect excuse for His Majesty to discipline Prince Ning Mansion?
Just watch him completely ruin that brat.
With countless schemes flashing through his mind, Jiang Changtong failed to notice the uncontrollable gleam of delight in the eyes of the one above, as though anticipating something.
"Prince Ning, what do you have to say in response to Marquis An's accusations of you beating people and abducting them at the Marquis Mansion?" Ye Ji leisurely inquired while observing the expression of the one below.
Wondering if this person's heart was flustered.
Feeling his heart pounding heavily, Ye Ji maintained a calm face, striving for serenity, his expression appearing even more inscrutable.
He was anxious.