Chapter 217 - Chapter 217: Chu Lans Test_1 (1/2)

Chapter 217: Chu Lan’s Test_1

Translator: 549690339

Given the circumstances at the time, Chu Lan couldn’t easily trust anyone, even Yuan Zhengqin, the magistrate, Chu Lan couldn’t entrust himself to him.

Compared to that, Fan Chengxu was somewhat more trustworthy.

Because Fan Chengxu was more of an outsider, Chu Lan didn’t know what Fan Chengxu’s family, the Fan Family, was planning, but Fan himself was an anomaly. From their school days, he was someone who spent all day thinking about how to make money.

Although Fan Chengxu studied with many princes, he never got close to any of them, preferred not to get involved in any conflicts, and was not close to Chu Lan either.

There was a time when Chu Lan, Fan Chengxu, and the other princes who went to school together played a game of riddles, each using a pseudonym. Cuiping was the pseudonym Fan Chengxu used at the time, and Zongyu was Chu Lan’s.

Therefore, Fan Chengxu not only recognizes Chu Lan’s handwriting but also confirms that the letter was written by Chu Lan once he saw the signature as Zongyu.

Because the letter only mentioned borrowing money, Fan Chengxu, after thinking it over, didn’t make a big deal about it. He simply sent the silver note over and offered as much help as he could.

As Chu Lan expected, Fan Chengxu did not tell anyone, including his influential uncle.

After thinking for a while, Fan Chengxu accepted the box of jewels.

“I humbly thank Your Highness for your grace.”

Having received the gift, Fan Chengxu quietly waited for Chu Lan’s next question.

He knew that if it were only to “repay the debt,” Chu Lan would not have come in person. Since he had come, he must have other matters to discuss.

But Chu Lan didn’t mention it, neither did Fan Chengxu actively ask.

After a long silence, Chu Lan asked, “Do you have any information about the attack on me this time?”

“Forgive me, Your Highness, I only know about your injury. Before I received your letter, I only knew that you were missing after the attack, I knew nothing else.” Fan Chengxu immediately denied any involvement.

“As a prominent figure in Taizhou prefecture, you should have many informants here.” Chu Lan said.

“Although I’ve been in Taizhou prefecture for several years, I’ve mostly been focusing on running my business, I don’t know much about other matters.” Fan Chengxu answered, leaving no room for suspicion.

“Who do you think might have wanted to kill me?” Chu Lan asked again.

His sharp eyes were studying Fan Chengxu as if trying to discover a flaw.

“Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare to make wild guesses about such a serious matter.” Fan Chengxu replied with a smile, still not revealing any information.

“Do you know that recently someone presented a handwritten testament of the late Duke of Xu to the Emperor, and it might overturn the verdict for him.” Chu Lan suddenly brought up a name that hadn’t been mentioned publicly for a long time.

“The handwritten testament of the Duke of Xu? How is that possible? It’s been eighteen years, the Duke of Xu’s mansion was thoroughly searched, if there were a testament, why would it appear only now…”

Fan Chengxu looked surprised.

Fan Chengxu added, “Besides, it’s been eighteen years, everyone related to the Duke of Xu is dead, who would want to overturn the verdict for his family?” “Don’t forget, the Empress Xu gave birth to a child at the Jing’an Temple.” Chu Lan replied.

“Your Highness, don’t joke. The ninth prince was buried on Longhuan Mountain west of the Capital City, and the Emperor even had a royal tomb built for him.”

The treatment was only for the ninth prince. There were also princes who died prematurely before, but none of them had this treatment.

“But the recent rumors say he is still alive.” Chu Lan said.

“That seems unlikely…”