The Ming Dynasty's henchmen, working from nine to five

Chapter 32 This Princess is Rich

Princess Jing'an sighed, and said with some grievance:

"No matter what, he is a rank-one martial artist, a master that money can't buy. How can you just kick him out like that?"

"You risked your life to protect the Prince's Mansion. I don't have much ability to help you much, but I will definitely not hold you back."

"Now that the Prince's Palace is in deep crisis, more people mean more help."

"His presence here will help ease your burden."

Shen Lang's eyes widened in surprise, and a warm feeling slowly welled up in his heart.

Princess Jing'an, a person who values ​​her reputation so much, was willing to compromise herself because she was worried about him.

Princess Changning went so far as to use herself as bait, deliberately putting herself in danger in order to lure the thief into revealing a weakness and thus share his burden.

This mother and daughter hold high positions, yet they remain humble and unassuming. Despite the turbulent times they have lived through, they have always maintained a pure and innocent heart, which is truly rare.

Even though Shen Lang's initial intention was simply to complete his duties, he couldn't help but be moved when he saw the princess's genuine emotions.

Shen Lang's eyes flickered slightly, and he smiled gently, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

"Your subordinate will do everything in his power to bring that thief to justice as soon as possible."

Princess Jing'an waved her hand and said, "No need for further words, I have always trusted you."

"I must reiterate: you must remember that if things become unmanageable, you must immediately withdraw and not force yourself to continue."

Shen Lang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Understood, subordinate."

Princess Jing'an pressed her temples and said:

"I originally intended to spend more money to recruit a group of martial arts masters into the manor to strengthen its defenses and ease your worries."

"But Changning felt this was inappropriate, as the martial arts world is full of all sorts of people, and thieves could take advantage of the situation."

"How do you think this matter should be decided?"

After saying that, she quickly added, "They are all martial arts practitioners. You can't hire a master with money alone. I've already tried."

"As for expenses, you don't need to worry about them; just consider whether they can be of assistance."

"This princess is rich."

Shen Lang pondered for a moment and said, "I think the princess is right. The manpower in the Prince's mansion is sufficient."

"Adding a few more martial arts practitioners won't make much difference; it will only increase the variables, so it's unnecessary."

Princess Jing'an corrected, "It's not about adding a few more."

"I've done the calculations, and I estimate we can attract over a thousand people."

"If I weren't worried about His Majesty's wrath, I could actually have made even more."

"Hmph, those old men in the Imperial Clan Court are always meddling in other people's business. Otherwise, I would have gathered plenty of people and surrounded the entire Prince's residence. Let's see which thief can still get in!"

Shen Lang was speechless for a moment. It turned out that Princess Jing'an was not being modest; she was indeed very wealthy.

Perhaps because she had been mistreated by the Imperial Clan Court before, Princess Jing'an seemed to have opened a floodgate of words when she mentioned this matter, and said angrily:

"I only hired three thousand guards, and they're already going to His Majesty to complain all day long!"

"Are three thousand guards a lot?"

"With my beauty, it's no wonder I attract the attention of thieves!"

"With such a large residence as the Prince's Mansion, how can we ensure its safety without hiring more people?"

The maids chimed in, "Your Highness is right! Three thousand guards? That's not too many!"

"Yes, Her Highness is of such high status, how could she be without guards?"

"A mere three thousand men isn't even enough to enclose the inner quarters; it's simply not enough!"

"The Imperial Clan Court is full of senile old fools. They don't care when others bully the Princess Consort, but when the Princess Consort simply hired a few more guards, they go and complain to His Majesty. They are utterly despicable!"

The maids chattered amongst themselves, launching into a tirade against the Imperial Clan Court. Princess Jing'an listened, nodding repeatedly, her eyes brimming with tears, deeply empathizing with the situation.

Shen Lang was speechless. Three thousand guards were not too many?

With a little training, they could be used for siege warfare... His Majesty's decision not to punish them is already an act of extraordinary leniency.

Seeing that the topic was veerging further and further off course, he coughed lightly and interrupted:

"The princess is not fully recovered and needs to rest more."

"I'm going to check on the Princess. After that, I need to go out of the palace to investigate a case. Time is of the essence, so I won't be able to come back to report. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Princess Jing'an wiped her eyes and nodded, saying, "Go ahead, don't worry about me. I'll take good care of myself. I'll have the doctor come for a follow-up examination soon."

Then she added, "Pei Ci is on duty outside the Xiulou right now."

"When you go there, remember to vet this person for me and see if he is reliable."

Shen Lang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Understood, I will go find him now."

Just as he finished speaking, a voice came from afar.

"No need to look anymore, I'm here!"

A tall, upright figure appeared in the distance, walking slowly towards them.

He walked very lightly and slowly, but before he finished speaking, he had already arrived.

In the blink of an eye, they entered the side hall from outside the courtyard.

This bizarre scene left everyone present stunned.

Pei Ci stood proudly, holding his longsword in both hands, and sized up Shen Lang with a slightly provocative gaze before speaking:

"This must be Lord Shen from the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"My name is Pei Ci, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Shen Lang raised an eyebrow slightly and said with a smile, "I have long heard of the great name of Pei Gongfeng. Today I have the pleasure of meeting you. You are indeed skilled and your reputation is well-deserved."

"Of course, I..."

Pei Ci was about to speak when he was interrupted.

Princess Jing'an narrowed her almond-shaped eyes, her face showing displeasure, and said coldly:

"Pei Gongfeng has trespassed into the inner quarters without prior notice. Does he think the rules of the Prince's residence are just for show?"

Pei Ci's face stiffened, his imposing aura instantly diminished, and he awkwardly bowed to Princess Jing'an, saying:

"The matter was urgent, and I had no intention of offending you, Your Highness. I hope you will forgive me!"

Princess Jing'an snorted and persisted, "You came uninvited, hiding in the corner eavesdropping on my conversation. Is this how Marquis Yong'an taught you manners?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Ci's face flushed red, and he exclaimed excitedly, "I, Pei Ci, have always acted with integrity and uprightness. How could I have done such a despicable thing as eavesdropping?"

"You really didn't listen?"

"May Heaven bear witness, this is absolutely not true!"

Seeing that his words were sincere and not insincere, Princess Jing'an breathed a sigh of relief.

It's good that she didn't hear it, otherwise, if the person in question had overheard her saying something bad... she would have really wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.

Princess Jing'an tested her a bit, then felt reassured. She raised her chin high and said with a haughty expression:

"I'll let this slide this time, but if you repeat this offense, I will punish you severely!"

"Speak, what is it you want?"

Pei Ci took a few deep breaths to calm himself, and then said solemnly:

"Princess Changning is not feeling well; she seems to be suffering from hysteria. I have come to inform the Princess Consort!"

"Is Changning having a fit of hysteria?!"

Princess Jing'an immediately stood up, then put her hand to her forehead, swayed slightly, and almost fell to the ground. The maids quickly stepped forward to help her up.

Princess Jing'an struggled to break free, and said anxiously, "She was fine just now, how could this happen suddenly?"

"Say it!"

"What exactly happened?!"