Chapter 220: Returning Home - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 220: Returning Home

Early on the third day, Liang Quanbin set out for Jinling City with dozens of attendants and carriages, hiring a group of bodyguards for protection.

At the same time, Feng Jinxu and Xu Lin, who had been investigating in Jinling City, were rushing back to the Eastern Capital.

The two parties almost crossed paths on the road. If Xu Lin hadn’t discovered Liang Quanbin’s group in time, Feng Jinxu’s departure might have been exposed.

After all, Xu Lin was Feng Jinxu’s superior, and they had both come from the Ministry of Justice, so they were familiar with each other.

Settling into the carriage, Feng Jinxu didn’t reveal himself again. By the time he arrived back in the Eastern Capital, it was the end of February.

The city, which had been desolate and bleak when he left, was now showing signs of spring’s warmth and renewal.

“Sir, we’re preparing to enter the city.”

Xu Lin spoke quietly from outside. He was skilled at concealing his presence, so no one had noticed their ordinary carriage and the small group of seven or eight people.

In the capital, everything was revitalized.

With the arrival of spring, the whole city seemed to come alive.

The streets were increasingly bustling. Feng Jinxu and his group chose the busiest lunchtime to enter through the south gate, avoiding drawing any attention.

They changed clothes at an inconspicuous residence and, after some disguise, posed as local villagers delivering firewood to the Bai family, entering through the back door.

Xu Lin and Fu Yi accompanied him until he entered Bai Xiang’s study, where they took up positions, one in the open and one hidden, to ensure no eavesdroppers were present.

Bai Chaoran was most excited to see his nephew return safely.

He nearly shed tears on the spot, but Bai Silang reminded him, making him swallow his emotions.

Bai Xiang looked at Feng Jinxu, who appeared slightly thinner than before, with a comforting expression. His children had grown up and could now support the family and weather the storm.

He smiled gently and asked, “Have you returned home?”

“Not yet. I came to report to my grandfather. After this, I will return to rest.”

“Alright, then let’s hear it. What have you discovered in Jinling City?”

Feng Jinxu detailed the evidence of corruption he found in Jinling City. Each revelation shocked those present more than the last, until Bai Xiang and his two sons fell silent.

Bai Sifu, who had always been a carefree person, was now profoundly shocked and could hardly speak. He cursed, “These are parasites! No, worse than parasites! While a pestilence might be curable, these greedy leeches suck the blood of the people time and again. If not for the rich resources of Jiang and Zhejiang, with this level of corruption, a famine would be inevitable!”

He was eager to draft a petition to expose these corrupt officials, hoping the people would denounce them and cast them into hell.

Bai Chaoran, now more composed, recognized that advancing in rank was essential. He saw the corruption case as a golden opportunity. Once Jiang and Zhejiang were cleansed, numerous positions would become vacant, all at or above the third rank.

If he were to rise in position, he would ensure he did not commit such inhumane acts against the people. Though he might not achieve the contributions of his father, he could still serve as a righteous official.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Bai Xiang and respectfully said, “Father, these matters should be organized and discussed with Elder Xu to determine the most opportune time to act.”

“That won’t do. Once it’s documented in black and white, Ah Xu would be implicated in treason. We’ll discuss it after the spring exams.”

“Understood!”

The spring exams were set for early March, when many scholars would emerge. By then, it would be possible to replace the entire Grain Transport Division with suitable officials, which was an excellent strategy.

There was still time before the new season’s grain collection, providing a period for adjustment.

After discussing with the Bai family, Feng Jinxu disguised himself again and left the Bai residence. He found a secluded place and said to Xu Lin, “Take me to see your master.”

Xu Lin hesitated but looked troubled.

Over the past month, he had come to admire Feng Jinxu greatly. Such a person would be a great asset to the prince and the Ding Wang Mansion.

However, revealing his identity without the prince’s approval worried him.

Before he could refuse, a familiar figure appeared in the air—one of the Ding Wang Mansion’s dark guards.

The guard whispered in Xu Lin’s ear, “The prince said to take him to see him.”

Hearing this, Xu Lin’s admiration for the prince deepened. The prince’s strategic mind and far-reaching decisions were impressive.

He respectfully said to Feng Jinxu, “Sir, you may follow me, but Brother Fu Yi cannot come.”

Feng Jinxu nodded and turned to Fu Yi, saying, “It’s fine. You should return home, reassure the madam and my parents, and say I am still at grandfather’s house.”

“Understood!”

Fu Yi, aware of his role, did not reveal Xu Lin’s true identity and agreed, leaving quietly while maintaining his disguise as a firewood deliverer.

Feng Jinxu boarded the carriage, composed himself, and after a few stops, arrived at a secluded courtyard.

Accompanied by Xu Lin, he navigated through the winding paths to the main room of the courtyard.

Xu Lin bowed and said, “Sir, you may enter. The prince is waiting for you.”

Suppressing his anxiety, Feng Jinxu stepped forward.

He opened the door to find a simple but elegantly arranged room. Every item was of great value, exuding an air of luxury.

Sitting at a desk, writing smoothly, was a man with a coal stove burning beside him and water boiling. The setting was one of welcoming a distinguished guest.

Feng Jinxu bowed and greeted, “Greetings, Prince Ding.”

Xiao Tingyi looked up at the sound of his voice, his eyes calm.

There was no tension of having been discovered or condescension from his high position. He looked at Feng Jinxu with the warm expression of an elder waiting for a family member to return.

“Master Feng has arrived. Was the journey smooth?”