Luring the Snake from Its Hole

Wu Zhihong's complexion was hardly any better than Qian Zhixiao's. Only after leaving the prison and standing in the sunlight for a long while, warmth finally returning to his body, did he come back to himself.

He looked weakly at Pan Yun. "Prince Lu... can this case still be investigated?"

Pan Yun was quite optimistic. She patted his shoulder and said, "He's only Prince Lu, not the Emperor."

In truth, even the Emperor was not frightening. What was frightening were the civil and military officials of the court.

Wu Zhihong still could not lift his spirits. "Prince Lu alone is naturally not frightening, but the Quanzhou Guard commander is involved too. What could they do if they're in cahoots like wolves and jackals?"

Just thinking about it sent a chill down Wu Zhihong's spine.

One held military power, while the other was imperial kin. Maritime trade smuggling had always been severe, and the court's disputes over lifting the sea ban had never ceased.

Wu Zhihong looked at Pan Yun.

She was one of the advocates for lifting the sea ban. Indeed, she had been the chief force behind its lifting. And now Prince Lu and the Quanzhou Guard had been exposed at such a time...

Pan Yun met his gaze and arched a brow at him.

Wu Zhihong immediately invited Pan Yun and the others to dine with him that evening and stay at his home.

Since his wife and children had returned to their hometown, the rear courtyard had stood empty. There were plenty of vacant rooms; if they squeezed in, there would be more than enough space.

Pan Yun politely declined the lodging but gladly accepted the dinner invitation.

She happened to have some questions for Wu Zhihong as well. In truth, the two sides simply exchanged information