无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Jiang Ning laughed and said, “Since we can’t suppress the Marquis of Yuandong from the front, let’s start with his children. This is called pulling the firewood from under the pot.”

“Amazing, amazing!” Jiang Eighth Son clapped, “If Seventh Sister were an official, she would definitely be more capable than Second Uncle.”

“Just average, just average.”

Jiang Ning modestly replied.

Jiang Fourth Son asked, “But I’m curious, how do you know about the affairs of Princess Ling’an and the Crown Prince?”

“Of course, I bought the information with money.”

“You bought it with money?”

“Never underestimate the power of so-called lower-class people,” Jiang Ning laughed.

“What kind of lower-class people?”

“Peddlers, foot soldiers, and the Beggar’s Gang. You see people on the streets, carrying sedan chairs, selling things – who would usually pay attention to them? Would you?” Jiang Ning asked back.

Jiang Eighth Son shook his head, “Indeed, we wouldn’t.”

Jiang Ning said, “You are all noble children, used to being served and attended to. Do you think your daily words and actions can escape their eyes?”

They looked at each other and said nothing.

Jiang Ning continued, “When Princess Ling’an has secret meetings with her lover, someone has to pass messages, prepare a carriage or sedan chair, and provide food and drinks at teahouses and restaurants. All these attendants have eyes, you know.”

Jiang Shan said, “I guess this is what they call ‘If you don’t want others to know, you’d better not do it yourself’.”

“That’s right!” Jiang Ning clapped. “You see that beggar at the street corner? He’s been there every day, every month, every year, and seems to have a miserable life. You probably can’t imagine how much the people and things he sees every day and the clues he gathers are worth.”

They looked down from the teahouse and, sure enough, there was a beggar on the corner, dirty all over but stretching out comfortably in the sunshine.

His expression was not one of suffering, but rather contentment.

“Did you buy your information from him?” Jiang Yan asked softly.

“No, I was just giving an example,” Jiang Ning laughed.

Jiang Fourth Son’s face was full of admiration, “It’s amazing that you thought of this.”

Jiang Ning laughed, “Probably because I came from poverty too?”

“You’re not poor at all,” Jiang Eighth Son said. “But if being poor gives you such abilities, I’d be willing.”

“You idiot.” Jiang Shan patted his head, “If that’s what you think, then every poor person should be as smart as Seventh Sister.”

Jiang Ning said, “Speaking of which, I have a word of advice for you all: don’t break the law with your debauchery, or you’ll end up like those in the Marquis of Yuandong’s mansion.”

“Don’t worry, Seventh Sister. Our Jiang Family is not like the Marquis of Yuandong’s,” Jiang Fourth Son laughed, “Your father is the Prime Minister, and your Uncle is the General of the Southern Territory. One civil, one military, who can shake us? Let’s stop talking about this. Once this matter is over, I’m still waiting for your cooking, Seventh Sister.”

“No problem.”

Jiang Ning laughed.

After leaving the court, Jiang Ruobai was all smiles and even walked with a bit more spring in his step.

“Father, what’s making you so happy?” Jiang Ning asked.

“Hahaha, even that old bastard, the Marquis of Yuandong has his day! He’s finished now!”

Jiang Yuan came in her wheelchair, her face excited, “I heard that Princess Ling’an was beaten up and her brother was arrested too? What the heck happened? Did father deliberately take revenge for me?”

“Ah, well…” Jiang Ruobai coughed lightly.

He had no idea what had happened.

Jiang Yan covered her mouth and laughed, “Fifth Sister, you’ve misunderstood father.”

“What?”

“It has nothing to do with father.”

“Then what happened to the Marquis of Yuandong’s mansion?”