The General Said She Would Not Take a Wife

Chapter 36: The Informant

Beichen Ling furrowed her brows in frustration, her expression weary. She massaged the space between her eyebrows with two fingers, pondering her next move. The former subordinates of Duke Zhengguo were notoriously stubborn and difficult to handle, their intransigent tempers having drained much of Beichen Ling's patience and energy.

Yunyan had just managed to establish contact with one of these old subordinates in an attempt to infiltrate their ranks and open channels for higher-level negotiations. However, an unexpected mishap had occurred on their side. Not only had Sui Liang become embroiled, but even another golden key had vanished without a trace.

Beichen Ling was troubled by this turn of events and had not rested well for nearly half a month.

Yet for the moment, no viable solution came to mind. She let out a soft sigh and shook her head before giving an order to the figure behind her.

"See if you can find a chance to meet with Sui Liang."

The man dressed in black knelt reverently. After Beichen Ling finished speaking, he responded in a deep, muffled voice, "Understood," and prepared to leave.

"Wait."

Beichen Ling suddenly called out, halting him in his tracks.

"Have someone re-investigate the events of that year—the Xíngbei Queyang Linping Village case, and the extermination of Duke Zhengguo's family in the capital. Thoroughly reexamine these two matters to see if anyone survived back then."

The words left the man in black visibly stunned. He knew that Beichen Ling had long been obsessed with the annihilation of Duke Zhengguo's household. Over the years, the case had been revisited many times without yielding new discoveries, and it had gradually faded from discussion. Why, then, was she suddenly intent on reopening the old case?

Even if the tragic events surrounding Duke Zhengguo warranted further scrutiny, what did they have to do with Xíngbei Queyang? Moreover, both incidents had occurred over a decade ago, making any investigation now exceedingly difficult.

Still, Beichen Ling's commands were not to be questioned. The man bowed even lower, answering respectfully, "Understood."

As Lin Aoxue emerged from Beichen Ling's quarters and walked along the path within the Prince's Residence, she was intercepted before reaching the gates. A man stepped out and raised his hand to block her way.

"Lin Qianhu, please stay."

His voice was calm and formal, devoid of emotion.

Lin Aoxue glanced at the man, dressed in the Prince's attendant robes, and sighed inwardly. Today seemed particularly troublesome. She had just met with Beichen Ling, only to be summoned by Beichen He immediately afterward. She couldn't help but wonder what schemes the father and daughter pair were each plotting.

She stopped, her gaze inquisitive, though the attendant's expression remained impassive and businesslike.

"The Prince has requested your presence."

With that, Lin Aoxue turned and followed the cold-faced attendant to another part of the residence. Upon reaching Beichen He's study, the attendant left after escorting her to the door.

Lin Aoxue stepped forward and gently knocked. A deep, steady voice came from within.

"Enter."

Pushing the door open, Lin Aoxue entered, kneeling on one knee and bowing her head in salute.

"Lin Aoxue greets Your Highness."

Beichen He's face softened with a kindly smile as he rose from behind his desk and approached her, personally helping her to her feet.