To the First Emperor of Qin: The state has decreed this!

Chapter 281 Further into Shangdang County! A Thick Fog of Mystery!

Li Si's unusual behavior in court today was even more sinister!

That old fox is always cunning and opportunistic; he won't act without a reason!

Why would someone willingly step forward to get involved in this mess for the sake of a mere Zhang Fan, even at the cost of making an enemy of me in front of the entire court?

Zong Yu scratched his head, completely baffled.

Just as he was deeply puzzled!

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

A trusted spy strode into the hall, knelt on one knee, and clasped his hands in a fist salute to report:

"My lord, news has just come from the palace!"

"After leaving Zhangtai Palace, Young Master Fusu went straight to the Institute of Natural History to find Immortal Master Zhang Fan. Afterwards, he hurriedly left, returning to his residence to have his belongings packed!"

"Judging from this situation, it seems that Young Master Fusu will be going to investigate the Shangdang County coal case thoroughly with Zhang Fan!"

Hearing this!

Zong was taken aback for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up, and he couldn't help but throw his head back and burst into laughter:

"Ha ha ha ha!"

"I see! I see!"

The gloom in Zong Yu's heart vanished instantly, and he stroked his beard and laughed loudly:

"It seems I was worrying unnecessarily!"

"His Majesty is ultimately a wise and virtuous ruler! If His Majesty truly intended to protect Zhang Fan, he would surely have sent him alone to secretly cover up the evidence of smuggling."

"But now, His Majesty has sent the upright and incorruptible Prince Fusu to accompany him!"

"Who in the world doesn't know that Young Master Fusu is extremely righteous and intolerant of evil! With the eldest son keeping a close eye on him, even if Zhang Fan has extraordinary abilities, he can't possibly cover up the truth or pull any tricks!"

Zong Yu took a deep breath, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes:

"Very well! Since the Black Ice Guard cannot uncover the truth, then I will personally send people to investigate!"

After saying that, Zong Yu immediately turned around and walked to the desk.

With a flourish of his pen, he quickly wrote several top-secret letters and sealed them tightly with sealing wax.

Then.

He handed the secret letter to the spy, and in a chilling tone gave the instructions:

"Immediately send men with these secret letters via the fastest courier service, 800 li, to our spies in Shangdang and Kuaiji counties!"

"Pass on my death order!"

"Tell them, by whatever means necessary, to find out the true whereabouts of that coal! Whoever uncovers irrefutable evidence of Zhang Fan's collusion with the remnants of the Chu Kingdom will be richly rewarded!"

"Here you go!"

The spy took the secret letter with both hands, tucked it into his robes, and swiftly retreated.

……

a few days later.

On the wide official road leading to Changzi County in Shangdang Prefecture, a convoy was moving at a leisurely pace.

This was Zhang Fan, Fu Su, and Mo Feng's group.

Lifting the carriage curtain and gazing at the bustling scene outside, Zhang Fan couldn't help but secretly marvel.

Although it hasn't been long since the major case at Shantongtang, the changes in this place have been earth-shattering!

Not only was the leadership team of the entire county completely replaced!

Furthermore, thanks to the establishment of the First Steel Plant and the massive coal mine of Daqin, this place became a highly sought-after "heavy industrial base" of Daqin.

The once bumpy dirt road has now been repaired and is now smooth and wide, even paved with gravel, giving it a brand new look.

Along the official road, merchants speaking in various accents and caravans transporting goods came and went in an endless stream, creating a bustling scene that was several times more prosperous than before!

"Teacher, look!"

Fusu, who was traveling in the same carriage, gazed out the window with amazement and exclaimed sincerely:

"Since the last battle in Changzi County, which purged those corrupt officials, the new prefect here has truly become a capable and efficient minister!"

"In such a short time, thanks to the booming coal mines and steel mills, Changzi County has been brought to such prosperity, with its people living in peace and contentment, and merchants flocking to the area. It is truly a great blessing for the country!"

Hearing Fusu clapping and praising repeatedly!

Zhang Fan forced a smile and nodded perfunctorily.

I have no time to care about whether Changzi County is prosperous or not.

His mind was filled with plans on how to avoid being seen when he arrived at the destination and make contact with Mi Yueyao's people!

Not long after.

The convoy slowly drove into Changzi County and stopped in front of Zhang Fan's familiar mansion.

"Young master, immortal master, we've arrived!"

Outside the carriage, Luo Ying and Luo Li skillfully and quickly directed the servants to unload the luggage.

Push open the gate of the mansion.

The courtyard is paved with blue bricks, and the pavilions and waterside terraces remain as they were.

What's most surprising is that the house was spotless inside and out, with not a speck of dust on the window frames. Clearly, someone had been meticulously cleaning and maintaining it, ready to welcome the owner back at any time.

"call……"

A gust of autumn wind swept by, blowing down a few withered yellow leaves.

Autumn is deepening and the weather has turned noticeably cooler.

The slightly chilly autumn wind blew on Zhang Fan's face, but it made him feel irritable.

"Ugh, where do I even begin to clean up this mess..."

Zhang Fan sighed with a worried look on his face, feeling as if a cat was scratching at his heart.

He had to find out some "results" to report back to Zheng Ge, but he absolutely could not actually find out about Mi Yueyao. Finding the right balance was harder than walking a tightrope!

however!

In stark contrast to Zhang Fan's worried expression were the other two people in the courtyard.

"Oh, this sun feels so good!"

All that could be heard was an extremely pleasant groan.

Zhang Fan turned his head and his eyelids twitched violently.

Mo Feng, that heartless fool, had already brought out two rocking chairs and placed them in the sunniest spot in the yard.

Even more outrageous is!

The eldest son, Fusu, who always paid great attention to etiquette, was now imitating Mofeng!

He took off his cumbersome coat, lay sprawled out on the rocking chair, and closed his eyes slightly!

Basking in the warm autumn sunshine, Fusu hummed an unknown tune contentedly as the rocking chair swayed, feeling completely relaxed.

Seeing the two of them basking in the sun without a care in the world, Zhang Fan's lips twitched violently.

"So, I'm the only one here worrying about this, huh?"

It was evening.

As the autumn winds began to blow, bringing a chill, the main hall of Zhang Fan's courtyard was filled with warmth and steam.

Several people sat around a specially made round table.

In the very center of the table, a section had been hollowed out, with glowing red-hot charcoal underneath and a large, bubbling iron pot on top!

The red and white broth in the pot was bubbling, and the rich, spicy aroma instantly filled the entire room!

"Come on, everyone, don't stand, sit down!"

Zhang Fan greeted Fu Su and Mo Feng with a smile and invited them to sit down. Then, like a seasoned pro, he handed them the prepared "soul-dipping sauce."

Just then.

The two sisters, Luo Ying and Luo Li, came in carrying wooden trays and placed plates of washed vegetables and thinly sliced, clearly textured meat on the table.

Fusu glanced at the red and white slices of meat and suddenly froze.