According to the agreement Lu Ming had made with his father back then, once his three-year term ended, he would go to Green Mountain if something happened to Jing Jiu, and return to Chaoge City if Jing Jiu came out.
There was still no news of Jing Jiu. He should have continued waiting outside, but in the end, he could not resist wanting to go home to see his wife and visit his father.
He returned to Chaoge City without notifying anyone, only to be stopped before he even had time to go home.
The man who stopped him was Gu Pan, his deputy during his service in the Divine Guard Army, who could be considered a representative of the Zhongzhou Sect's outer disciples in the Imperial Court.
Regardless of Lu Ming's reaction, Gu Pan kept smiling and simply refused to let go, insisting on treating him to a meal. Lu Ming saw that something was afoot, smiled, and went along with him.
In Chaoge City, banquets were generally either for discussing business or making acquaintances.
So when Prince Jing Xin emerged from behind the beaded curtain, Lu Ming was not particularly surprised and bowed respectfully in greeting.
Prince Jing Xin proved very approachable, merely eating, drinking, and talking about the scenery of the outlying commanderies. Only when the wine began to take effect did he slowly set down his chopsticks.
At some point, Gu Pan had already withdrawn.
"There is no question of my loyalty to my imperial father, nor of my ability. Otherwise, I would never have gained the support of the Teachers of One-Thatch Studio."
Looking into Lu Ming's eyes, Prince Jing Xin said earnestly, "What I don't understand is why my imperial father's attitude toward me hasn't changed. Does he wish to continue testing me?"
*Your