She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Chapter 443: Forced into a desperate situation

Zhao Yi looked at the official who had barged in and tapped his finger lightly on the table: "What is the meaning of this, Lord Feng?"

Feng Zhihuan slowly stood up and said with a forced smile, "Your behavior is very suspicious. Ever since you came to Yongqing County, things have become quite unsettled here. Especially today at Nanting Garden, all the soldiers guarding the rioters were killed and the rioters were rescued. All the evidence left behind points to you."

He said in a grand and dignified manner, "I originally thought that Plum Garden was the residence of Marquis Shou'an, and that you were able to move in because you had a close relationship with Marquis Shou'an. Marquis Shou'an cares about the people and would never do something like killing soldiers to rescue rioters. I suppose you wouldn't do that either, so there must be some misunderstanding here."

“Now it seems you have no connection with the Marquis of Shou’an, so there’s no misunderstanding.” Feng Zhihuan waved his hand: “Men, seize him.”

Feng Zhihuan was not afraid of the people behind Zhao Yi. Whether it was the Marquis of Shou'an or the Prince of Guangling, they were powerless to help Zhao Yi.

He wasn't afraid of offending these two major forces.

First, he pinned the charges of assassinating government soldiers, rescuing rioters, and supporting the rioters' rebellion on Zhao Yi.

If the King of Guangling and the Marquis of Shou'an were any sensible people, they would not seek revenge for Zhao Yi, lest they become entangled in the matter.

Secondly, since the Prince of Guangling was a pawn to be discarded, he cut off the Prince of Guangling's left and right arms. Not only would the Emperor of Northern Qi not blame him, but he would also praise him.

At this moment, Feng Zhihuan felt that the Prince of Guangling and the Marquis of Shou'an were not worth fearing.

After all, the throne of Northern Qi would fall into the hands of the wise king.

His status will naturally rise accordingly.

Seeing that the soldiers did not rush in to arrest Zhao Yi, Feng Zhihuan looked sharply and saw soldiers in soft armor appear silently and subdue the soldiers.

His expression changed drastically. Before he could figure out what was happening, he heard a soldier report to Zhao Yi: "Your Highness, should we arrest the traitor?"

Feng Zhihuan was stunned. He turned his head sharply to look at Zhao Yi, his face full of shock.

Zhao... Zhao Yi is the Prince of Guangling?

Feng Zhihuan reacted quickly and hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, I was blind and failed to recognize your identity. Instead, I mistakenly thought you were the murderer who killed the soldiers."

"When I heard that you were coming to Yongqing County, I ordered people to wait for you at the city gate, but we have not been able to see you. You are a wealthy merchant, but you have an extraordinary demeanor. I had suspected that you were hiding your identity, so I secretly came to Yongqing County to find out the situation here."

“But your grain shop sells grain for thirty coins a catty, so I have dispelled my suspicion. After all, the Prince of Guangling cares about the people. If you were the Prince of Guangling, you would never sell grain at such a high price. You would definitely send someone to interrogate me.”

“Your identity is mysterious and your origins are unknown. Looking around Yongqing County, no one but you has the ability to kill the government soldiers and rescue all the rioters.”

At this point, Feng Zhihuan gave a dry laugh: "This humble subject has misunderstood you..."

Zhao Yi seemed oblivious to the underlying meaning in Feng Zhihuan's words, looking at him with a detached gaze and casually saying, "So, Lord Feng hasn't found the murderer?"

Feng Zhihuan hurriedly replied, "We're still investigating."

Zhao Yi nodded slightly: "They've traced it back to me."

Feng Zhihuan was terrified, thinking that Zhao Yi was going to punish him, but then he heard Zhao Yi say, "Since Lord Feng cannot find the murderer, this matter will be left to me to handle."

Feng Zhihuan's face turned ashen. If this matter were handed over to Zhao Yi to investigate, he would be doomed.

But now he has been forced into a corner and has no right to refuse.

If he refuses, Zhao Yi will definitely use force to arrest and imprison him.

He clenched his fists, and his chaotic mind suddenly calmed down.

After reviewing the entire incident once again, Feng Zhihuan became even more convinced that Zhao Yi had killed the soldiers and rescued the beggar.

Since Zhao Yi entered the city concealing his identity, he must have known that he was being surrounded and that he had arranged for many people to ambush him in the plum garden.

Therefore, Zhao Yi decided to play along, waiting for the victim to come to him, then taking the opportunity to reveal his identity and propose finding the murderer, thus seizing the initiative.

That's a brilliant move, like catching a turtle in a jar.

Thinking of this, Feng Zhihuan felt extremely frustrated, but he had no choice but to agree to Zhao Yi's request: "Then I will trouble Your Highness." After a pause, he added, "This humble subject will assist you in your investigation."

"The most urgent task now is to solve the food shortage." Zhao Yi raised his hand, signaling the soldiers to release the officials, and said unhurriedly, "Lord Feng should put more effort into this matter."

Feng Zhihuan understood the meaning behind Zhao Yi's words; he was simply asking Zhao Yi to exchange lead ore and silk for grain.

He was displeased, but dared not directly contradict Zhao Yi, so he respectfully agreed and took his leave with his men.

The moment he stepped out of the plum garden, Feng Zhihuan's eyes hardened, revealing a murderous intent.