Looking down on me?!

"It's Gu Honggang, the crown prince's personal attendant!"

Xu Wenjun drew a deep breath. The crown prince really had come, aboard that ship in the distance.

The thought of such a powerful figure appearing here, and coming to steal their credit at that, left him unsettled.

"Eunuch Gu, His Highness is here in person? Then I must pay my respects, no matter what."

Before Yang Ling could speak, Xu Zhiyuan said this with a smile.

Gu Honggang seemed only just to notice Xu Zhiyuan, looking surprised.

"Xu Zhiyuan, what are you doing here? Weren't you pursuing your studies at the Imperial Academy?"

"The Ministry of War and the Iron Garment Division joined forces to capture Fire Jiao Island, and our Zhao Kingdom has now established the Sea-Calming Division.

Since I grew up by the sea and know maritime affairs well, the grand secretary appointed me its chief."

Xu Zhiyuan continued, "I never expected to encounter His Highness just after setting sail. What incredible good fortune."

Gu Honggang gave him a hollow smile.

"Oh, so that's what happened. Then congratulations, Lord Xu. You've gone straight from holding no office to the third rank."

He paused. "But His Highness wishes to see Yang Ling today. He may have some private words for him, so you should pay your respects another time, Lord Xu."

"Eunuch Gu, I haven't seen my cousin the crown prince in years either."

Zhao Yingying suddenly spoke.

"You're here as well, Your Ladyship..."

Gu Honggang froze briefly, then smiled.

"Your Ladyship, that isn't for me to decide. Before we came, His Highness said he would see only Yang Ling."

Zhao Yingying's expression shifted slightly. She had not expected such a categorical refusal, which indirectly revealed something.

The crown prince had a very clear target.

Director Yang!

"Director Yang, come