Adhere to the gentleman's principles

Chapter 222: Blood feuds should always be repaid

Zhao Junning and Yuan Xinghui boarded the carriage and headed for Yangzhou. Along the way, Yuan Xinghui couldn't help asking, "Junning, do you have any plans for this trip?" Zhao Junning smiled and answered confidently, "As far as I know, the officials in Yangzhou may have fallen into the trap set by Qin Zhuoyuan. Fortunately, Uncle Song, the current governor of Yangzhou, has a good relationship with us, so I plan to start with him."

The carriage gradually moved steadily and soon arrived at the gate of Yangzhou. After entering the city, Zhao Junning did not return to his own residence or Guangping Marquis Mansion like ordinary people, but rode straight to Song Mansion without stopping. Obviously, he had already made a plan in his mind, and if he wanted to solve the current dilemma, he had to act quickly.

"Master, Young Master, Miss Yuan and Miss Jun Ning request to see you." The butler said respectfully.

After hearing this, Song Ciqiu and Song Changjue looked at each other, nodded, and signaled the housekeeper to invite them in. After a while, footsteps were heard in the hall, and Zhao Junning and Yuan Xinghui walked in quickly. Both of them were filled with joy, because they saw old friends they hadn't seen for a long time, and with Song Ciqiu's help, things must have been mostly successful.

"Jun Ning, Xing Hui, you are finally back! Please take a seat, and someone, serve the tea!" Song Changjue greeted them warmly.

Zhao Junning and Yuan Xinghui thanked them and slowly sat down. Song Ciqiu looked at them, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and asked, "Why are there only two of you here? Where is Li Ziyan?"

Zhao Junning sighed softly and replied, "Your Majesty led the army in person and handed Pingliang over to the Crown Prince. But we were worried that Pingliang would fall into chaos, so we headed to Jingzhou. Zi Yan accepted your Majesty's order and stayed in Jingzhou on standby."

Yuan Xinghui continued what Zhao Junning said, pretending to be worried, "Alas, although the prince is in power in Pingliang now, it is actually the current young master who is manipulating the situation behind the scenes. He secretly colluded with his cronies and tried to sideline the prince and take the opportunity to seize power." Having said that, Yuan Xinghui deliberately paused, his eyes drifting towards Song Ci Qiu, as if conveying some message to him.

Song Ci Qiu nodded in understanding and said, "Father, I have also heard about this matter. Since Zhuo Yuan became the Junior Tutor, his power has been growing day by day. I heard that he now has close ties with officials in Cangzhou, Yizhou, and our Yangzhou."

After listening to this, Song Changjue glanced at the three people in front of him. He was in charge of Yangzhou affairs on weekdays, and he also noticed that some officials in Yangzhou said one thing in front of him and another behind his back. On the surface, they obeyed his orders, but secretly they often sang against him.

Song Changjue stared at Zhao Junning and asked directly, "Junning, what do you want your uncle to do?"

Zhao Junning knew that Song Changjue wanted to solve the problem directly, so she responded: "Uncle, I'm sure Brother Ci Qiu has already told you the news of my mother's death. And just recently, my grandfather also passed away."

Song Changjue and Song Ciqiu looked at each other in amazement, and asked in unison: "Why is your grandfather like this?"

Zhao Junning answered with a sad face: "My grandfather was poisoned to death."

Song Changjue asked in astonishment, "Who is it? How could he kill a person like the Marquis of Zhenxi?"

Zhao Junning said firmly: "This person is Qin Zhuoxi!"

Hearing this name, Song Changjue was silent for a long time before he slowly stood up, patted Zhao Junning's shoulder gently and said, "Junning, since it has happened, what are you going to do next?"

Zhao Junning answered with a firm look in his eyes: "Uncle, you are the highest-ranking official in Yangzhou. If you are willing to use your authority to intimidate those officials in Yangzhou, then they will definitely obey your orders. Moreover, I have something here that can ensure that these officials will obey you obediently."

After saying that, Zhao Junning took out a piece of paper from his arms and handed it to Song Changjue.

Song Changjue took the paper suspiciously and unfolded it, his face suddenly became solemn. He looked at the confession in his hand, nodded and said, "I see... Jun Ning, I didn't expect you to have such important evidence. This confession proves that Qin Zhuoyuan was trying to seize the throne, and his mother was a spy from the Handan-Chi royal family."

Song Changjue carefully studied the confession, pondered for a moment, and expressed his support to Zhao Junning: "Good Junning, since you already have a plan, just go for it. Uncle will do his best to help you realize your wish."

Zhao Junning was so grateful that she immediately knelt down and kowtowed to express her gratitude: "Junning would like to thank uncle for his help! If it weren't for your support today, I'm afraid I would not be able to accomplish such a great task."

Song Ciqiu quickly helped Zhao Junning up, while Song Changjue gently stroked Zhao Junning's hair and comforted her, "Child, why do you have to be so distant with your uncle? It is only natural that you want to avenge your blood feud. After all, she owed your mother and the lives of your entire family, and you should pay it back!"

Song Ci Qiu nodded slightly to show his agreement: "Jun Ning, if you have any needs, just tell me at any time."

Zhao Junning responded gratefully: "Uncle, Brother Ci Qiu, thank you very much! But for now, I plan to let those officials in Yangzhou secretly turn against me, and when the time is right, I will seek revenge."

Hearing this, Song Changjue cast his gaze towards Zhao Junning, his eyes flashing with admiration. He patted the other person on the shoulder and said, "Well, very good! Then wait patiently for the news that your uncle will bring you." After saying this, Song Changjue seemed to have seen the beautiful scene after the successful implementation of the plan.

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