Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 1054: Chapter 66: Dominating the Trending Searches! Immortal Master’s Scheme Stirs the Winds and Clouds (Vote for Monthly Pass)_5 Chapter 1054: Chapter 66: Dominating the Trending Searches! Immortal Master’s Scheme Stirs the Winds and Clouds (Vote for Monthly Pass)_5 Great Qian Land had eleven princes, but only two Dukes.

Even the Emperor wouldn’t dare to openly neglect the Ding Duke when meeting him, and would rather offer warm pleasantries to show respect.

“Old Ancestor, you have finally come out of seclusion.” Master Yuchang let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly paid his respects, along with Zhuohui, Zhou Hua, and Wang Shouzhe.

This time, Old Ancestor Yin Da’s seclusion had slightly exceeded the expected period, but fortunately, he emerged at the most critical moment.

“So you are Shouzhe?” The Ding Duke ignored the younger generation and instead looked warmly at Wang Shouzhe, “I have seen Li Yao and Zong’an, both of whom are rare Immortal Material Jade. I have long wondered, what kind of man must Shouzhe be, to raise such children.”

“Now that I see you today, Shouzhe’s elegance is even above my imagination.”

“You overpraise me, Ding Duke, I am not worthy.” Wang Shouzhe said with proper etiquette, “Changning Wang family’s Shouzhe, greets the Ding Duke.”

“No need for such formalities. Calling me Ding Duke is too distant, just call me Old Ancestor Yin Da.” The Ding Duke laughed heartily, his face glowing with health and vigor, a sign that his recent seclusion had brought some progress.

“Shouzhe has seen Old Ancestor Yin Da,” Wang Shouzhe said agreeably.

Meng Yuanbai and the other two exchanged looks. They had also heard that the Ding Duke had not yet emerged from seclusion, which is why they had seized the opportunity to come and take someone into custody. However, they had not expected that the Ding Duke would come out of seclusion right at this critical moment.

But even so, they had no reason to back down.

Among those present, Meng Yuanbai, a Third Grade official, held the highest office. He had no choice but to step forward bravely, “Ding Duke, we are only acting according to legal procedures. As a pillar of our nation, please do not make it difficult for us, who are carrying out tasks on behalf of the Emperor and the Great Qian Land.”

“Spare me the grand talk of national laws and righteousness,” the Ding Duke swept the group with a cold glance, “The Changning Wang Clan is a Grade Six Prominent Family; even if they are suspected of committing a crime, they should be governed by local jurisdiction. Just for the sake of a Grade Six Prominent Family, you mobilize the central Three Talents Section and come in full force. Who exactly are you serving? Do you think I am not aware?”

Meng Yuanbai gulped, startled, but still managed to say with some confidence, “Regardless, the fact that the Wang family has a major suspicion of smuggling and colluding with the enemy is a reality. According to the law, we have the right to interrogate Changning Wang family’s Family Head Wang Shouzhe.”

“Oh, you want to talk legalities, do you?” the Ding Duke scoffed, “Do you not know that as a Duke, I can protect anyone unconditionally? If you want to take someone, go ask the Emperor to issue a personal decree; otherwise, no one will be effective.”

“Please reconsider, Ding Duke,” Meng Yuanbai said anxiously, “As a Duke, you naturally have the right to protect people, but if Wang Shouzhe’s crimes are confirmed, you too could be implicated, at the very least with the crime of negligence and harboring a suspect which will inevitably affect your reputation.”

“Hmph, do you really think I, as Duke, would stand by and watch you frame a member of my Wang family?” the Ding Duke’s face turned cold, “I trust Shouzhe; he will have no crimes of collusion or smuggling. Now, out with you!”

“Wait!” At this point, Wang Shouzhe intervened, “I appreciate the protection of the Duke, but I consider myself innocent and am not afraid of interrogation.”

“Shouzhe, I trust your character, but Zhao Clan’s parties cannot be trusted,” the Ding Duke’s countenance relaxed a bit, “Who knows what kind of filthy tricks they have up their sleeves.”

“Ding Duke, Yuanbai will surely enforce the law impartially,” Meng Yuanbai said in defense.

As the standoff continued, Master Yuchang intervened to mediate, “Everyone here is a prominent figure from either the officialdom or the noble clans, and I believe they truly would not resort to dirty tricks. Moreover, Shouzhe himself has claimed his innocence concerning smuggling and collusion. Considering this, why not find a compromise? You can ask any questions you have according to the procedures at our Ding Duke’s Mansion.”

Meng Yuanbai and the others hesitated momentarily but seeing the Ding Duke’s attitude, they recognized that they likely wouldn’t be taking Wang Shouzhe with them today.

Nevertheless, the case was clear, and interrogating Wang Shouzhe was merely a way to hasten the confirmation of the case. As long as the audit team got solid evidence, not only would the Ding Duke be unable to protect the Wang family, but even the Emperor might find it difficult to do so.

Right away, after a brief exchange of glances, Meng Yuanbai spoke up, “In that case, let us give the Ding Duke face today. Family Head Shouzhe, I hope you do not disappoint the Duke’s expectations of you, and confess truthfully to any questions. Maybe then, your Wang family might still have a sliver of hope.”

Afterward, Within the main residence of the Wang family, the Three Talents Section, the Penal Law Section, and the Inspectorate questioned Wang Shouzhe. Naturally, Shouzhe spoke truthfully about everything and categorically denied any deeds he had not done.

Unsurprisingly, the three authorities returned empty-handed.

However, although Ding Duke ensured Shouzhe’s release, he was to remain under temporary house arrest at Ding Duke’s Mansion until the case was thoroughly investigated.

Wang Shouzhe had no objections to this; after all, he was quite the homebody, someone who enjoyed gardening and nurturing “Wang Lixian.”

In the Four Seasons Garden at night, Several maids entered Shouzhe’s temporary study.

When they were alone, their gazes towards Shouzhe were filled with fanatical admiration.

“Immortal Master.”

Led by the head maid, they prepared to prostrate themselves in deep respect.

“Wang Mei,” Shouzhe said casually, summoning a surge of Mysterious Energy to stop the three of them in their tracks, his brow slightly furrowed, “Just speak, no need for such empty formalities.” Even the Great Emperor disdained kowtowing; he cared even less for it.

Moreover, every time he heard the term “Immortal Master,” he got goosebumps; Wang Mei, for some reason, really enjoyed using it.

“Immortal Master,” Wang Mei, disguised as a maid, said with a faint glint in her eye, “Autumn Okra and Winter Bamboo Shoot were among the girls I selected with great care; I raised them from a young age myself, nurtured them to be talented, and they’re absolutely loyal…”

“While the Immortal Master is temporarily ensnared in shallow waters, and with the mistress not by your side, they could keep you company and serve you. They are skilled at many things – blowing, plucking, playing, and singing most exquisitely – they certainly won’t disappoint the Immortal Master.”

A drop of cold sweat formed on Shouzhe’s brow, thinking, ‘Wang Mei, what are you suggesting?’ Without Ruolan by his side, did she think he would misbehave? He quickly coughed twice with a stern expression, “Wang Mei, my love for Ruolan is as solid as gold; I don’t need these distractions.”

“Immortal Master, I understand,” Wang Mei said eagerly, “Or how about, if you wait just two hours, I can also change…”

“Enough, enough,” Shouzhe said with a darkened face, “I called you here for serious matters.”

Her eyes showing a hint of disappointment, Wang Mei quickly regained her spirit and said, “Your command, Immortal Master.”

“The plan this time was disrupted somewhat by the sudden emergence of Old Ancestor Yin Da, which threw off the rhythm and made the preparation somewhat inadequate,” Shouzhe said gravely, “but the old gentleman cares about me, so naturally, I can’t blame him. Now, use all the power at your disposal to stir up the issue of the Wang family’s alleged, no, actual smuggling and collusion with the enemy.”

“If necessary, even Ding Duke’s Mansion’s act of harboring and protecting the guilty can be brought to light.”

“Yes, I understand,” Wang Mei replied, her eyes burning with zeal, “May I ask, Immortal Master, how much of a stir do you want to create?”

“Top trending.”

…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com