Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Became a Different Person

Translator: 549690339

“But later I heard that the newly appointed Magistrate of Shouguang, Du Yingwei, had always had disputes with Magistrate Xia in the past, and he has a close relationship with Mr. Wei, who is a core member of the Crown Prince’s party,”

Du Yingwei is corrupt and reckless. There might be instigation from higher levels, even if there isn’t, Du Yingwei is likely helping Mr. Wei to embezzle. When the eldest prince is acting, he should weigh this situation, and make a judgment in his heart,”

“Besides…”

Fan Wenxuan paused before he said, “If the Eldest Prince has time, he could also look into Magistrate Xia’s case. Although Xia Xiujie is not successful at present and only holds a leisurely position, he is clever and capable. Given opportunity, he might be able to unfold his grand plan.”

Chu Jinnian smiled faintly, “Are you suggesting that I need more manpower, Mr. Fan?”

“The Eldest Prince needs more hands for his strategic planning in the capital city. Thanks to the Eldest Prince’s care for me, naturally, I need to help him think things through,”

Fan Wenxuan chuckled and put away his previous seriousness. He rubbed his hands together and said, “By the way, I could also pave the way for my student. If he could join the Eldest Prince, his future would surely be smooth sailing.”

Chu Jinnian glanced at Fan Wenxuan, “Mr. Fan, you are devoted to literature and you’ve always disliked the intrigue in the officialdom during recent years. It’s quite strange to hear that you want to find an official post for Xia Xiujie.”

“It’s not strange at all.”

Fan Wenxuan laughed, “As the Eldest Prince knows, I have few students and even fewer who can fit my teaching styles. Besides Jinzhou, the one I care about the most is Xia Xiujie. He is upright and values loyalty. If I can abandon my dignity to help this poor student build a future, it would be as if I had accumulated a great deal of merit.”

“Besides, I have some ulterior motives.”

“I won’t hide it from the Eldest Prince. Previously, Mr. Wei falsely accused others to promote his own students, even if it meant creating vacancies by framing people. Among those framed by Mr. Wei, there was one named Zhou Xiangwen. I wonder if the Eligest Prince still remembers him?”

“I do remember him. He served in the Ministry of Revenue, was diligent and insightful, and also attained high results in the imperial examination, attracting the Emperor’s attention. Many people used to say that he would certainly have a promising future.”

Chu Jinnian said, “Unfortunately, in the end, he was accused of a crime involving a plot to harm others for his own gain. It’s really quite a pity. Moreover, if I remember correctly, he was also a student of yours, Mr. Fan, and received a lot of guidance from you.”

“Exactly.”

Fan Wenxuan nodded, his face was covered with a layer of melancholy, he sighed heavily and then said, “Zhou Xiangwen was a rare talent in learning. Unfortunately, all I could teach him was knowledge, and I could not impart any wisdom for him to be an official. As a result, his brilliance made him a target, and he died young with resentments.”

“So, I recommend Xia Xiujie to you, Eldest Prince. Firstly, I hope to protect this young student of mine from harm and help him build a future so that he can unleash his talent. Secondly, Xia Xiujie and Zhou Xiangwen were close friends and classmates in the past, and he considered Mr. Wei to be his enemy. If he could be taken under the Eldest Prince’s command, I believe he would do his utmost to serve the Eldest Prince.”

“And Xia Xiujie, like me, is stubborn. If you hastily try to court him, I fear he will not easily confide in the Eldest Prince. But if you can clarify Magistrate Xia’s case, Xia Xiujie will be eternally grateful to the Eldest Prince and perform his duties wholeheartedly.”

“Moreover, if you can clarify the case of Magistrate Xia and add another crime to Du Yingwei, you may be able to follow the clues to Mr. Wei. Even if you can’t harm Mr. Wei’s foundation, you will be able to cut off a part of his power. Gradually, the Eldest Prince’s strategies will certainly succeed.”

“This can be considered a win-win situation for everyone, so I specifically came to the Eldest Prince to propose this.”

“I have to admit…”

Chu Jinnian nodded slightly, “You make a good point. The deal is fair and reasonable, with both give and take. Very well.”

“After I go to Shouchun, I will act according to Mr. Fan’s words and thoroughly investigate this case.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Eldest Prince,” Fan Wenxuan clasped his hands.

“Thank you for your help, Mr. Fan.” Chu Jinnian stood up and returned the courtesy.

“I should check on Jinzhou who must be almost finished with his homework.”

“Please proceed, sir.”

Chu Jinnian raised his hand, watched Fan Wenxuan leave his study.

Ning Feng came in and replaced the tea cup with a fresh one.

Chu Jinnian took a sip and saw that Ning Feng was still there. He put down his tea cup, “Speak your mind.”

“I don’t have anything particular to say, but…”

Ning Feng, however, could not help but confess his suspicion, “I just felt that Mr. Fan… He seemed to behave differently…”

He wasn’t himself at all.

The usual Mr. Fan behaved in such a way that you couldn’t pin him down, when you talked about one thing, he talked about another thing, and he always joked around endlessly. He even led Chu Jinzhou to do some outrageous and extraordinary things.

If Ning Feng didn’t know that Fan Wenxuan was indeed a great scholar, he would have doubted if he is really the renowned literary master.

But Mr. Fan’s words just now were well reasoned and his strategies were airtight. Even Ning Feng couldn’t help but admire him, which completely overturned the previous impression of Mr. Fan in his mind.

When he heard Ning Feng’s question, Chu Jinnian could not help but laugh out loud and shake his head slightly.

Ning Feng took a careful look at him, “Did I… Did I say something wrong?”

“No, you didn’t.”

Chu Jinnian waved his hand, finally suppressing his laughter, “I just think Mr. Fan usually pretends to be carefree and he’s quite pleased with it. If he knew that you had seen through his disguise and undermined his years of hard work, I’m afraid he would vomit blood.”

“You mean, the Eldest Prince…”

Ning Feng’s eyes widened in surprise.

Could it be… the Fan Wenxuan he saw was not the real Fan Wenxuan?

And what could make Fan Wenxuan suppress his true nature and behave so wildly and unrestrainedly on the surface, there must be a major event behind it, right?

Ning Feng held his mouth shut, feeling a little sympathy for Fan Wenxuan, and even regretted his previous contempt and disgust towards him.

“This matter… should not be spread, keep it to yourself,” Chu Jinnian reminded.

“I understand,” Ning Feng responded quickly, nodding his head.

With many eyes on Qingzhuyuan, Ning Feng naturally understood the implications. After serving Chu Jinnian for many years, he also knew what it meant to keep things under wraps.

“You can go now,” Chu Jinnian raised his hand.

A moment later, Chu Jinnian raised his hand again, “Wait a moment,”

“Does the Eldest Prince have any orders?” Ning Feng halted.

“I remember the kitchen prepares a delicious almond tofu dish, that is one of the cook’s specialties. I haven’t been home for a long time, and I’ve been thinking about that dish.. Prepare it for tonight, I’d like to try it,”