Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

Chapter 406: To My End*
"Why not?" Zong Shouqing said, "But you also know that the servants of noble families are always very tight-lipped. After Chen Xingqi came back, the Chen family was even more airtight. No one can find out what's going on in his family."

Meng Changqing added: "There are more ways to verify an incident than just confession. If the Chen family really did something illegal, with so many eyes watching in the capital, it's possible that they can't find any traces, right?"

Zong Shouqing took a sip of tea and said, "He is being appointed by the Crown Prince. Apart from the Third Prince's party, who else in the court dares to wade into this muddy water?"

Among these cunning people in the court, there is really no one who just wants the truth.

I haven't seen Chen Xingqi for about half a year. Now when I hear about him from other people, I feel that the person in my memory has become much more unfamiliar.

Meng Changqing thought that the news of her return to Beijing had already been sent to the palace by Chu Mufeng, and maybe she could meet Chen Xingqi in Beijing.

"Does the prince know about Lord Chen's affairs?" Meng Changqing asked.

"I don't know about that." Zong Shouqing said this insincerely, but he changed his tone after he finished speaking, and leaned closer to Meng Changqing and said: "I'm not saying this to ask you to say anything in front of the prince. No matter which generation of my family, we must strictly follow the ancestral teachings and serve the emperor wholeheartedly."

Meng Changqing understood what he meant. Seeing that the topic was becoming more and more sensitive, Meng Changqing turned to ask about other new things happening in the capital.

Zong Shouqing thought for a moment before saying, "There is something new, but it is also related to the Crown Prince. Do you want to listen?"

Meng Changqing joked: "Why? You can't listen to this easily?"

"If it's not easy to hear, how could it reach our ears?" Zong Shouqing said with a smile: "Since the beginning of spring, the granddaughter of the Minister of War, Master Shi, has often come to the palace to accompany Concubine Xiao."

Meng Changqing quickly searched for the person in his mind and remembered that Shi Wanshan’s granddaughter was Shi Chongbai, whom he had met several times before.

"I remember that Miss Shi is the same age as the prince. In my opinion, they are a good match."

Meng Changqing took into account Zong Shouqing's exposed attitude, and his words also carried his own distinct attitude, "I thought earlier that the imperial concubine would definitely choose a girl from the Xiao family to be given to the prince, why did she think of Miss Shi's family?"

"It shows that there are still sensible people in the Xiao family." Zong Shouqing said, "Even if the Xiao family wants to stick close to the prince, they are still concerned about the third prince. They know that they should try to attract as many helpers as possible for the prince." "Based on my previous understanding of Master Shi, I am even more surprised that he would agree to this matchmaking."

Just as he was talking about this, someone outside the door said, "Master, the master has woken up and wants to see Master Meng."

Zong Shouqing stood up first and said to Meng Changqing, "Let's go. I'll take you there."

Before he could take two steps, the servant at the door said, "Master, the master said that he only wants Lord Meng to come over."

"My father." Zong Shouqing laughed, "You should go over quickly."

Meng Changqing followed the Zong family's servant into the courtyard where the Zong elder was recuperating.

Unlike yesterday, the elder had put on his coat and was leaning on the couch waiting for him.

Meng Changqing went over to pay his respects and asked with concern: "Master, do you feel better today than yesterday?"

Zong Ruwen nodded, "Come and sit down."

Hearing that he was still short of breath when he spoke, Meng Changqing knew that it would not be easy for him to recover from this illness. The disease would go away slowly, and as long as he got better day by day, it was not worth worrying too much.

Zong Ruwen's eyes fell on Meng Changqing, and after a long while he spoke, "Being soft-hearted is not a good thing."

Meng Changqing smiled and apologized: "Changqing is not soft-hearted to everyone. Master taught me a lesson. If I have no feelings for you, am I still a human being?"

Zong Ruwen shook his head. "My health is getting worse day by day. Whether I live or not depends on luck. At this point, I really don't have the energy to care about others."

Meng Changqing followed his words and said, "Master has served the court for most of his life. It is time for him to enjoy his old age."