Protect Our Chief

Chapter 1054 - 66: Dominating the Trending List! The Immortal Lord Orchestrates a Storm

Daqian Kingdom has eleven princes, but only two Dukes.Even if His Majesty meets Duke Dingguo, he wouldn’t dare to show neglect openly; instead, he would display cordial politeness to show respect.

"Ancestor, you have finally emerged from seclusion." Patriarch Yuchang breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly performed a salute with Zhouhui, Zhouhua, and Wang Shouzhe.

This time, Yinda Ancestor’s seclusion exceeded the expected period slightly, but fortunately, he emerged at the most critical moment.

"Are you Shouzhe?" Duke Dingguo ignored the younger generation and looked amiably at Wang Shouzhe, "I have met Liyao and Zong’an, both are exceptionally rare talents. I have long wondered what kind of manner Shouzhe, who raised such outstanding children, possesses."

"Today, upon seeing you, Shouzhe’s elegance is extraordinary, beyond what the old man imagined."

"The Duke praises too much, I dare not accept." Wang Shouzhe saluted with proper demeanor, "Changning Wang Family’s Shouzhe, greets the Duke."

"No need for formality, calling me Duke is too distant, call me Yinda Ancestor instead." Duke Dingguo smiled warmly, full of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, evidently showing some progress from his seclusion.

"Shouzhe greets Yinda Ancestor." Wang Shouzhe followed suit smoothly.

Meng Yuanbai and his companions exchanged glances; they had heard about Duke Dingguo’s seclusion, which was why they seized the opportunity to take action. They did not expect Duke Dingguo would emerge at this critical moment.

Even so, they saw no reason to give up.

Among those present, Meng Yuanbai, a Third-Grade Official, had the highest rank, and he could only muster courage to step forward: "Duke, we are merely following the legal procedures, as Duke, a pillar of the nation, please don’t make it difficult for us who serve the Kingdom and His Majesty."

"Don’t try to impose a hat of national interest on this Duke." Duke Dingguo swept cold eyes over them, "Changning Wang Family is a Sixth-Grade Noble Family, even if they are suspected of a crime, it should be within county jurisdiction. For one Sixth-Grade Noble Family, you involve the Central Three Departments causing upheaval, who exactly are you serving? Do you believe this Duke doesn’t understand?"

Meng Yuanbai was frightened enough to swallow his saliva, yet he had some courage, saying rigidly: "Duke, regardless of the situation, Wang Family has significant suspicion of smuggling and collusion. According to the law, we have the authority to summon Changning Wang Family’s Patriarch Wang Shouzhe."

"Fine, you talk law, right?" Duke Dingguo sneered, "Do you know, as Duke, I can unconditionally protect people? You want to take someone, get His Majesty to issue a decree in person, otherwise, it’s useless no matter who comes."

"Duke, please reconsider." Meng Yuanbai was somewhat anxious, "You, as Duke, naturally have the right to protect people, but if Wang Shouzhe’s crimes are confirmed, you will also be implicated—at least for not discerning clearly and harboring a suspect, which would undoubtedly affect your reputation."

"Humph, could this Duke actually watch you frame my Wang Family?" Duke Dingguo’s face turned cold, "I trust Shouzhe, he will not have the crime of collusion and smuggling. Now get out~"

"Wait!" At this moment, Wang Shouzhe interrupted, saluting, "Shouzhe thanks the Duke for protection, but Shouzhe believes in his innocence, unafraid of being interrogated."

"Shouzhe, I trust your integrity, but Zhao Family’s henchmen should not be trusted." Duke Dingguo’s expression eased significantly, "Who knows how many dirty tricks they have up their sleeves."

"Duke, Yuanbai will enforce the law impartially." Meng Yuanbai argued.

In the stalemate, Patriarch Yuchang came forward to mediate: "Everyone here is a prominent figure in officialdom and noble families; surely none would resort to dirty tricks. Since Shouzhe claims he hasn’t smuggled or colluded, let’s meet halfway. Anything you wish to inquire according to regulations, do so here at Duke Dingguo’s Mansion."

Meng Yuanbai and others hesitated slightly; seeing Duke Dingguo’s attitude, it seemed unlikely they would take Wang Shouzhe today.

However, the case was clear, interrogating Wang Shouzhe was merely accelerating the confirmation of the case. Once the investigation team captures solid evidence, not even His Majesty could effectively protect the Wang Family, let alone Duke Dingguo.

Immediately, the three exchanged brief glances. Meng Yuanbai spoke up: "In that case, today we’ll give face to Duke Dingguo. Patriarch Shouzhe, do not disappoint the Duke’s expectations. Honestly confess if you have issues; there might still be a chance for your Wang Family."

Afterward.

The Three Talents Department, Criminal Law Department, and Inspectorate conducted inquiry and examination of Wang Shouzhe within Wang Family’s Main Residence. Wang Shouzhe naturally spoke truthfully, refusing to admit things he hadn’t done.

Quite naturally, the Three Ministries returned defeated.

Nevertheless, even with Duke Dingguo’s protection, until the investigation cleared the case, Wang Shouzhe needed to stay temporarily at Duke Dingguo’s Mansion.

Wang Shouzhe had no objection to this; after all, he was quite the homebody, enjoying gardening or cultivating Wang Lixian.

Four Seasons Garden, at night.

Several maidservants entered Wang Shouzhe’s temporary study.

When there was no one around, their gazes toward Wang Shouzhe were filled with fervent admiration.

"Meet the Immortal Lord."

Under the lead of the foremost one, they were to perform a full five-body prostration ceremony.

"Wang Mei." With a casual wave of Profound Qi, Wang Shouzhe held them up, frowning slightly, "If you have something to say, speak it, let’s not engage in such empty ceremonies." Even His Majesty didn’t encourage prostration, neither would he.

Moreover, every time he heard "Immortal Lord," goosebumps would rise all over him, thanks to Wang Mei’s enthusiasm for this.

"Immortal Lord." Disguised as a maidservant, Wang Mei said with a somewhat ethereal gaze, "Okra and Winter Bamboo Shoots are girls meticulously selected by me, raised and nurtured into talent. Their loyalty is beyond question..."

"While the Immortal Lord is temporarily stranded, and Lady Ruolan isn’t by your side, they can accompany and serve you. They’re skilled in many arts, their singing, playing, and reciting are exquisite, guaranteeing they won’t disappoint the Immortal Lord."

A drop of cold sweat emerged; Wang Mei, what kind of mindset is this? Just because Ruolan isn’t around doesn’t mean he can behave recklessly. Immediately, he coughed twice and sternly said, "Wang Mei, my bond with Ruolan is as strong as gold, I don’t need these."

"Immortal Lord, understood." Wang Mei said eagerly, "How about waiting an hour, I can transform..."

"Enough, enough." Wang Shouzhe said with a dark face, "I called you for serious matters this time."

Wang Mei’s gaze showed slight disappointment, but she quickly composed herself and said energetically, "Immortal Lord, please instruct."

"Unexpectedly during the plan execution, Yinda Ancestor emerged suddenly, disrupting the rhythm, slightly lacking in timing." Wang Shouzhe said with a solemn face, "But he cares for me; naturally, he can’t be blamed. Now, use all available forces to hype Wang Family’s alleged, no, smuggling and collusion affair."

"If necessary, include the Duke Dingguo’s Mansion’s alleged sheltering in the hype."

"Yes, understood." Wang Mei’s gaze was fervent, "May I ask the Immortal Lord, how much buzz?"

"Cover the entire hot search."

...