CHAPTER 733: CHAPTER 295: THE SWINDLER AGAIN (CONCLUSION)_2

Lin Ru Hai’s rank was low, but he had always been funneling silver coins to the Abdicated Crown Prince.

And with ample silver, the Abdicated Crown Prince dared to plot treason, for he had the means to back his audacity.

To round up, at least in the Supreme Emperor’s view, Lin Ru Hai was somewhat involved in the Crown Prince’s conspiracy of treason.

Lin Ru Hai:... "Had been wrongfully accused, have I not?!"

To say he bore a grudge would be too strong, but the Supreme Emperor left Lin Ru Hai in Yangzhou, allowing him to struggle in the perilous and insidious officialdom of Jiangnan.

Jia Min’s death could very well be related to those deranged, intertwined salt merchants.

Lin Ru Hai himself also exhausted to the last, nearly dying in office.

Neither the Supreme Emperor nor the Emperor was necessarily unaware of Lin Ru Hai’s grievance and hardship, but they still chose to turn a blind eye.

The Supreme Emperor had aged and abdicated his throne, becoming increasingly whimsical as time passed.

The reigning Emperor wanted to bring Lin Ru Hai into his fold, yet hesitated because he had once been a servant of the Supreme Emperor.

This time, Lin Ru Hai nearly succumbed to illness, yet mysteriously survived.

Perhaps after this ordeal, he had a great revelation, sending collected intelligence to the Saint in a secret missive, earnestly pleading to be relieved of his post.

The information provided by Lin Ru Hai was invaluable; following the clues he provided, the Saint quickly caught the Jiangnan Zhen Family’s weaknesses.

Just waiting for the Supreme Emperor to close his eyes, and then the Saint would make a thorough accounting!

In light of this intelligence, the Saint saw Lin Ru Hai as truly pitiable – over fifty years old, having lost his wife and son, with only a sickly daughter left!

Ah, let it be!

Lin Ru Hai had not committed actions harmful to the state, but merely served his own lord. There was no need to pursue him to the death!

The Saint granted Lin Ru Hai’s request to resign and awarded him a return to the capital to recuperate.

Once back in the capital, the Saint indeed made careful inquiries about his serious illness.

Hearing the name Jia Jing from him, the Saint took slight note.

Today, on the night of the Lantern Festival, an explosion occurred outside the city, somehow related to Jia Jing – the Saint could not help but take serious notice.

Dismissing the eunuch, the Saint summoned a Hidden Guard: "Go, investigate thoroughly. What exactly happened?"

Jia Jing knew how to practice Alchemy, and such things as furnace explosions during Alchemy seemed normal enough.

Know this, the gunpowder of Hua Country was first discovered during Taoist Alchemy.

And at that time, the court possessed gunpowder as well as firearms.

However, the power of the explosives was not great, and their stability was very poor.

Firearms and the like were also unsafe – their range and power were quite ordinary and did not exhibit a Miracle Effect in war.

"What in the world was Brother Jing trying to do?!"

In fact, not just the Saint was curious; the entire Jia family was also astonished.

Especially Madam Jia, who had eagerly awaited the visit of Her Highness, when their Jia family could finally have a moment of glory.

And what happened? Just as Her Highness had barely stepped into Grand View Garden, not yet having enjoyed the scenery, a loud bang sounded from afar.

The eunuchs and palace maids from the palace, fearing trouble had arisen outside that might offend the Nobles, hastily urged the Virtuous Princess Consort to return to the palace.

Jia Yuanchun:... "I just entered the door and hadn’t even walked around, then summoned the family to talk, only for this to happen—"

Even with her composure, Jia Yuanchun couldn’t help cursing in her heart.

She had endured hardships in the palace for over a decade, finally having the chance to return home in glory.

The stage was set, and she had arrived, only to be told: "Dear, it’s dangerous, hurry back to the palace!"

Perhaps angered, Jia Yuanchun, before leaving, repeatedly instructed Madam Jia: "Grandmother, make sure to thoroughly investigate today’s events!"

She wanted to see who was making her uncomfortable.

If it were truly rogues causing trouble, so be it, but if this was done by someone the Jia family knew, hmph, she, Jia Yuanchun, would never let it go!

Jia Yuanchun was angry, and Madam Jia was secretly seething with resentment as well.

Madam Jia was resolute in her command for an investigation without needing any special instruction from Jia Yuanchun as they respectfully sent off the Princess’s carriage.

Soon, there was a result—

"Third Master Cong set off fireworks in the mountains and accidentally blew up a peak!"

Hearing this news, Madam Jia, Jia She, Jia Zheng, and others were livid.

It was indeed a blunder by one of their own, which was even more detestable than if done by outsiders.

Yet, unable to find the person responsible, they had no choice but to target Jia Zhen.

Jia Zhen:... "Who the hell have I bothered?"

Didn’t he loathe Jia Cong too?!

Previously, when Zhang’s real father was secluded in Xuanzhen Temple, ignoring and bothering no one, Jia Zhen was left in peace.

But now? His real father would, from time to time, issue a demand, bringing him to attention without warning.