Jiang Yanchuan slowly rose.
He slipped on his outer robe and shoes, the whole sequence flowing like clouds and water, making almost no sound.
Only after he had left the room completely did Jiang Yanchuan lower his voice and say, "Keep her safe."
Liaochen stayed in the room with Yu Xingmian and the others. He said nothing, merely tapping his knuckles twice against the door in acknowledgment.
With that, Jiang Yanchuan left without worry.
All the Upright Officials who had come on this trip had gathered in Jiao Hongmiao's room. When Jiang Yanchuan entered, they rose with solemn expressions.
Jiang Yanchuan raised a hand to stop the ministers from bowing and went straight to the seat of honor they had reserved for him. "What is it?" he asked gravely.
As Minister of Revenue, Jiao Hongmiao had an extraordinary fixation on gold and silver, but he would not abandon his duties over money and rashly come here when he had been ordered to remain in Capital City.
For several of them to come together, they most likely had urgent news that needed to bypass the Capital's countless eyes and ears and reach him directly.
Since none of them had mentioned a word while the little one was present during the day, Jiang Yanchuan already had a rough idea of what that news might be-
Jiao Hongmiao bowed with his hands clasped, his expression solemn. "You are most discerning, Master."
"Word has come from Green Smoke Alley. That household has been making frequent unusual moves lately, visiting the Mansions of various high-ranking officials. They enter carrying several red-lacquered wooden chests and leave empty-handed."
"Their people sneak in and out through the back gates, moving with extreme secrecy. Had our people not been watching them covertly all along, we might never have