"Greetings, Ninth Prince."
"Greetings, Princess Ximing."
The officials bowed to Xia Siheng and Xia Wanwan.
Minister Liu stood out among them. A closer look revealed that his eyelids kept twitching.
Oh no. I only scolded him to clear myself of suspicion. Who would have thought the Ninth Prince would hear every word?
Scolding the Ninth Prince was one thing. After all, he would be my son-in-law someday.
But I scolded Wanwan too. Xia Siheng would never be so forgiving about that.
I'm finished, finished!
Minister Liu closed his eyes, bracing himself for Xia Siheng's overwhelming retaliation. Yet what came next was entirely unexpected.
Xia Siheng calmly told them to rise, then said in a gentle tone, "You gentlemen have worked hard on the Bombing Criminal's case these past few days. Tomorrow, I will host a banquet at the Emerald Mist House to reward your efforts. Please take the trouble to join me."
At those words,
the officials all looked utterly bewildered.
Could the Ninth Prince need a favor from them?
His tone was courteous, but his words sounded more like an order than a question.
They were still trying to work out what could have prompted the normally aloof Ninth Prince to personally host a banquet.
But Xia Siheng gave them no time to react before continuing, "The invitations will be delivered to your residences tonight."
Once he had finished,
Minister Liu was the first to respond. "I will certainly attend."
"Yes, I will attend as well."
Although they had no idea what medicine the Ninth Prince was hiding in his gourd,
Old Liu was going. Given his character, he surely would not lead them into a trap.
With that, they could rest a little easier.
A smile lingered at the corners of Xia Siheng's mouth as he carried