Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Zhang Jingwei was in Ningxiang's room, enjoying a massage, with his shoulders pinched and his back pounded.

Ningxiang looked at Zhang Jingwei lovingly and said softly, "Let me give you a massage on your head, Mr. Zhang, to help you relieve your fatigue."

After saying this, she gently lifted the square hat from Zhang Jingwei's head. In an instant, Zhang Jingwei's slightly sparse short hair was exposed to the air. However, Ningxiang's face did not show the slightest surprise or strangeness. She only smiled slightly, and her slender hand, like a scallion, slowly raised and gently stroked Zhang Jingwei's temple.

Zhang Jingwei seemed a little uncomfortable at this moment. He said with a little embarrassment: "Does my short hair look weird?"

Ningxiang shook her head slightly, gazing at him with a firm yet gentle gaze, and softly replied, "Zhang Lang, please don't think like that. What I like is you as a person, Zhang Lang. No matter what you look like, I will always like you."

Hearing these affectionate words, Zhang Jingwei couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart, and his emotion was beyond words: "Ningxiang, it is really a blessing for me to receive such love from you!"

Ningxiang blushed after hearing this, and she lowered her head shyly, saying softly, "As long as Zhang Lang is happy, I'm willing to do anything!"

As she spoke, her hands became more and more gentle, as if she wanted to convey all her love to Zhang Jingwei through her fingertips...

Zhang Jingwei stared at the beauty in front of him, his heart full of doubts and curiosity, and murmured to himself: "Ningxiang...what kind of person are you?" His eyes fell on her slender fingers, as if he wanted to see through the thin skin to see through her hidden secrets.

Ningxiang was slightly startled and responded coquettishly: "What do you mean, Zhang Lang? Why do you suddenly ask this?" Her beautiful eyes moved, and a hint of uneasiness flashed across her, but it was quickly covered up.

Zhang Jingwei took a deep breath and said slowly: "There are calluses... on your fingers!" His voice was low and firm, leaving no room for doubt.

Ningxiang smiled lightly and explained, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Zhang Lang. I have been obsessed with the art of playing the zither since I was young. I practiced day and night, so it's normal to have calluses on my hands." As she spoke, she spread out her hands and showed them to Zhang Jingwei.

However, Zhang Jingwei shook his head and questioned, "I also know a little about music theory. If I was just practicing the piano, why would there be calluses on the sides of my fingers!" He stared at Ningxiang's eyes, as if trying to find the answer from her eyes.

Ningxiang's face changed slightly, and after a moment's hesitation, she replied, "That must be because my family was poor when I was young, and I had to work away from home. Although those days were difficult, now that I can serve Zhang Lang, it's all worth it."

Zhang Jingwei frowned, still feeling a bit unsettled. But looking at Ningxiang's pitiful appearance, he finally softened his heart and sighed, "But...never mind. No matter who you are, don't lie to me, okay? There aren't many people in this world I can trust anymore."

Ningxiang hurriedly stepped forward, held Zhang Jingwei's hand tightly, and said gently: "Don't worry, I am Zhang Lang's Ningxiang. There is only Zhang Lang in my heart. I will serve Zhang Lang wholeheartedly and will never say a word of falsehood." Her eyes were sincere and affectionate, which was irresistible.

Zhang Jingwei pulled Ningxiang into his arms and kissed her sweet lips deeply.

Zhang Jingwei and Ningxiang hugged and kissed each other. At this time, a gust of wind blew and blew down the osmanthus petals in the yard.

Petals fluttered down into their room like a rain of flowers. They were intoxicated by the romantic atmosphere and forgot all the troubles in the world.

After a long while, Zhang Jingwei gently let go of Ningxiang, stroked her face, and whispered, "No matter what your past is, I just want you to not hide it from me. If you really love me, just tell me in advance when you don't love me, okay?"

There was no way Ningxiang looked too much like his ex-girlfriend. He loved his ex-girlfriend so deeply that he never found another girlfriend since breaking up with her.

"No, I will love Zhang Lang forever!"

He seemed to have heard this sentence somewhere. His ex-girlfriend was not an artistic young woman. He thought he could stay with her forever, but he always failed in the face of reality.

A maid knocked on the door and announced, "Miss, there's an official outside looking for Master Zhang!"

Ningxiang looked puzzled. He looked at Zhang Jingwei and asked, "Official? Could it be that Zhang Lang is in trouble?"

"I have to go down and take a look." Zhang Jingwei looked panicked. He stood up and rushed downstairs without caring about Ningxiang in his arms.

Captain Yang was sitting on a bench downstairs, his brows furrowed and his face full of anxiety.

At this moment, Zhang Jingwei rushed over and shouted, "Captain Yang!"

Captain Yang looked up at the sound. Seeing that it was Zhang Jingwei, he quickly stood up and stepped forward to greet him. He lowered his voice and said, "Young Master Zhang, the meeting with the adults has concluded today. Tomorrow morning, all the important criminals will be taken to the execution ground for execution. However, Han Ye will be brought to the capital by Wang Lian for trial."

Hearing this news, Zhang Jingwei's face did not show much surprise, but just replied lightly: "As expected..."

Captain Yang then leaned close to Zhang Jingwei's ear and whispered, "But Magistrate Lu specifically asked me to convey a message to you. He said that within the borders of Yunzhou, Han Ye can be handed over to Wang Lian and his men safely. However, once he steps out of Yunzhou, no one can guarantee Han Ye's life or death!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingwei couldn't help but think to himself: Humph, this guy Lu Hui is really good at scheming. It's obvious that he wants to use me to get rid of Han Ye!

Seeing Zhang Jingwei remained silent, Captain Yang continued, "Young Master Zhang, those criminals will be executed at noon. I estimate that Han Ye will have to complete the handover today."

Zhang Jingwei came back to his senses, shook his head and said, "...No, I have to go find Gao Fei!"

After saying this, he looked solemn and frowned. He turned around without hesitation and walked away in a hurry.

At this moment, Captain Yang hurriedly shouted, "Wait! The magistrate has something else to tell you."

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei, who had already walked a few steps away, stopped his hurried steps, but did not turn back. He just said impatiently: "Hurry up and tell me!"

Captain Yang took a deep breath, collected himself, and then spoke carefully, "The magistrate said that you acted too rashly and impulsively this time. Such behavior is truly inappropriate. The court has always been rigorous in selecting officials, especially for something as important as the selection of filial and honest officials. Therefore, based on your performance this time, the court may reconsider whether to recommend you as a filial and honest official."

After hearing Captain Yang's message, Zhang Jingwei was stunned for a moment, then sneered and replied nonchalantly, "Hmph, go back and tell my teacher that I never took the selection of filial and honest officials to heart. I only seek to do things with a clear conscience and live up to my conscience. As for other false reputations, I don't care at all!"

After saying that, he took another big step and walked away, leaving Captain Yang standing there, looking at his receding back and shaking his head helplessly.