As Wang Shouzhe’s carriage arrived at the gate of the Prince Mansion, the steward enthusiastically welcod him in. He rode a shoulder sedan through the main hall of the front courtyard, heading straight to the rear garden where only close acquaintances were allowed to enter.
In the rear garden, fruits and bowls were already arranged, well-prepared for the guests. Wu Dianshan warmly invited Wang Shouzhe to take a seat and introduced him to another guest.
He was a middle-aged man dressed in casual attire, with a dignified appearance and a sturdy stature. His deanor was calm and composed, exuding an aura as imposing as a great mountain, simply standing there gave an impression of an awe-inspiring presence, like that of Mount Tai.
His gaze swept across Wang Shouzhe, as if he could see through his thoughts.
Actually, without Prince Wu Dianshan’s introduction, Wang Shouzhe, with his astuteness, had already guessed who this man was.
Sure enough, Wu Dianshan said, "Young friend Shouzhe, let introduce you. This is the stabilizing force of Longzuo County—our Commandery Governor, Taishi An Kang."
Wu Dianshan’s attitude was very warm and amiable, as if he was quite close to Wang Shouzhe.
Before Wang Shouzhe could speak, Taishi An Kang humbly cupped his hands towards Wu Dianshan and said, "Your Highness, please do not put on a pedestal. Longzuo County is, after all, the hereditary domain of the Prince; I am rely the head steward of Longzuo County, and cannot bear the title of ’stabilizing force.’"
"Oh, not at all. Under the heavens, we are all favored by His Majesty’s grace. I, too, am just sharing a small part of the burden for His Majesty," Wu Dianshan replied, humility in his tone.
This conversation seed superficial, yet it was indeed a reflection of the power structure within the Daqian Kingdom.
Longzuo County was nominally the Prince’s domain, but in terms of actual power, it was the Commandery Governor, appointed by His Majesty, who held the greatest authority. Of course, the Governor could not act arbitrarily, as he was subject to the checks and supervision of Prince Wu Dianshan.
Add to that the external entity of Purple Mansion Academy, and the three ford a delicate balance.
However, these matters had little to do with Wang Shouzhe.
Neither the Commandery Governor nor the Prince were people he could afford to offend. Similarly, at this stage, he was far from being on equal footing with them.
Once their conversation ended, Wang Shouzhe stepped forward and saluted Commandery Governor Taishi An Kang, "Seventh-Grade Clan Leader of the Wang Family of Changning, Shouzhe, pays his respects to Lord Governor."
"No need for formalities, Patriarch Shouzhe." Taishi An Kang kindly steadied Wang Shouzhe and smiled, "I have heard of Patriarch Shouzhe’s great na long before. They say that Patriarch Shouzhe is young and talented, handso like jade, with a boundless future. eting you today, I realize that rumors are not to be trusted easily. Patriarch Shouzhe, you are not just young and talented; you are like an immortal descending to the mortal world, outstanding among the younger generation, making this old man regret eting you so late~"
Is this what it’s like to be a big shot? Speaking so elegantly!
A drop of cold sweat ford on Wang Shouzhe as he thought to himself, indeed, a big shot is truly a big shot. When the Lord Governor speaks nonsense, he doesn’t even blink an eye.
If he hadn’t lived two lifetis and seen so much, he might have been completely taken in by this flattery.
"Lord Governor, you are too kind~ Your deanor is what truly embodies grand and majestic, like a deep and towering mountain, as precious as jade," Wang Shouzhe replied with genuine expression, reciprocating the flattery. "Upon eting you, my heart brimd with admiration, as if a refreshing breeze swept through my mind, reminding of my late father..."
Commandery Governor Taishi An Kang’s lips twitched.
No wonder Wang Shouzhe could manage the Wang Family of Changning so well in such a short ti; his thick skin was unlike any ordinary person. It seems I have t a match.
"Alright, alright!" Seeing that Wang Shouzhe was about to continue his endless flattery, he quickly stopped him and said seriously, "Young friend Shouzhe, let speak frankly. Do you know who Cao Youqing is?"
"Yes."
Upon hearing this, Wang Shouzhe also put away his ’sincere’ expression and returned to his serious deanor.
"She is suspected of being a violent criminal who committed murder in public. I personally witnessed her committing atrocities, utterly lawless, ruthless, and defiant of the law! Is it that you have already apprehended her, Lord Governor? If you need to testify, I will not hesitate."
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