Xie Zhaofan spoke with such righteous indignation that one might think she hadn't come to cause a scene, but was instead an emissary of heaven, acting as a great philanthropist punishing evil and rewarding good.
Prince Qin had indeed intended to reprimand this future sister-in-law for her audacity in using his name for influence, but the moment he heard the words “sister’s maid,” his expression shifted slightly.
“This Prince will have this matter thoroughly investigated.”
As soon as the words left his lips, he raised his hand and gave a sharp wave.
Drawing immediate understanding, the black-armored guards behind him dismounted and headed straight toward the City God Temple.
The Temple Manager and Daoist Ma, who were already weak in the knees from fear, didn't even have time to react before being hoisted up by two guards, one on each side.
“Your Highness, have mercy!”
Daoist Ma was truly panicking now.
When he had faced the Prime Minister’s estate guards earlier, he was afraid, but he felt there was still room to maneuver. After all, the stall was smashed and the silver had been paid; in the end, it was just a civil dispute.
But now that Prince Qin had personally intervened, the nature of the situation had completely changed.
He quickly cried out his innocence, “This humble one is merely unskilled, not intentionally deceiving the young lady! I beg Your Highness to investigate clearly! I beg the lady to stay her hand and spare my life!”
Xie Zhaofan felt a wave of satisfaction as she watched his miserable state.
This is what happens when you scam people.
However, she didn't kick him while he was down. After all, she just wanted to vent her frustration; she had no interest in actually causing the death of a common charlatan.
Prince Qin ignored Daoist Ma and turned his gaze toward Xie Zhaofan.
“Is your sister’s maid alright now? Does she need this Prince to send someone over to take a look?”
Hearing this, Xie Zhaofan almost couldn't hold back a laugh.
How was this concern for a maid? He was clearly worried that Xie Jinyi had been affected. It seemed this future brother-in-law really did care deeply for her sister.
Furthermore, Prince Qin’s words sounded quite different to the ears of the bystanders.
His Highness Prince Qin was actually taking the initiative to ask about a lowly maid?
When did the decisive, cold, and ruthless Prince Qin ever show such concern for others?
Combined with their earlier exchange, the curiosity and gossip among the crowd flared up almost instantly.
Specifically, the phrase “This Prince will have this matter thoroughly investigated” sounded exactly like he was providing backup for this noble lady.
Xie Zhaofan, however, was completely unaware that the people around her had already imagined over a dozen versions of her identity and relationship with the Prince. She just smiled brightly.
“Don't worry, everyone is fine. My sister’s medical skills are beyond divine; she has already cured the maid.”
Naturally, she wouldn't say anything about an evil spirit being exorcised.
While some people in this era believed in such things, it was another matter entirely to discuss them openly. Especially for a family of high-ranking officials like theirs; if such rumors spread, it would surely bring a mountain of trouble.
Prince Qin nodded upon hearing this. He naturally had more confidence in Xie Jinyi’s medical skills than anyone else.
“That is good then.”
Having said that, he glanced at Xie Zhaofan, his brow furrowing slightly again.
“In the future, do not be so impulsive and reckless. You are not acting alone; you must consider the face of your family elders and kin in all things. Furthermore, do not use this Prince's name as you please.”
The final sentence was clearly meant as a warning.
Xie Zhaofan didn't get angry at all; instead, she nodded obediently.
“Your Highness’s lesson is well-taken. I know I was wrong, and I won't be so impulsive again.”
As she spoke, her tone softened.
“But if I encounter this kind of scammer again and can't handle it myself, may I seek Your Highness’s help directly?”
For a moment, Prince Qin didn't know how to respond.
He had only meant to give her a light warning, but he hadn't expected this sister-in-law to admit her mistake so readily and even seize the opportunity to treat him as a reliable backer for handling future trouble.
Yet, the young lady’s voice was soft and gentle, devoid of any malice. Even through the veiled hat, one could feel her eyes gazing at him pitifully.
Prince Qin remained silent for a while, yet he didn't immediately refuse.
Finally, as if feeling somewhat helpless, he took a black token from his waist and tossed it to her.
Xie Zhaofan reflexively caught it.
It felt slightly heavy in her hand. The token was entirely pitch black, with a simple, ancient character for “Qin” engraved on it. The edges gave off a faint metallic sheen, showing at a glance that it was no ordinary object.
“If there is an emergency in the future, you may use this token to temporarily mobilize the guards of the Prince's estate.”
Prince Qin’s tone remained cold as he added, “However, you must not act willfully or recklessly, otherwise this Prince will certainly not treat you leniently.”
Xie Zhaofan looked down at the token in her hand, her eyes instantly lighting up.
This was great! While this item didn't increase any attributes, it was essentially an extra layer of protection during critical moments.
And it was protection from the Prince Qin’s estate at that. Her future brother-in-law was indeed generous!
“Understood. Thank you, Your Highness.”
She agreed very obediently.
As Prince Qin looked at her, his gaze paused for a split second.
This future sister-in-law seemed completely different from the rumors.
He had heard some of the talk in the capital regarding the Prime Minister’s second daughter—nothing more than that she was arrogant, willful, domineering, unreasonable, and narrow-minded. Some even said her character was vile, making her a classic negative example among the capital's noble ladies.
But through today's actual contact, he felt those rumors were likely exaggerated.
At least in front of him, this young girl seemed quite obedient and cute.
Naturally, Prince Qin would never imagine that Xie Zhaofan spent every night eavesdropping on his intimate conversations with Xie Jinyi in the room next door. He simply assumed his majesty had intimidated her and didn't think any further on it.
“Return home.”
Leaving behind those short words, he led the black-armored guards away.
Cloud-Treader broke into a trot, and the figure in xuan-colored robes soon disappeared at the end of the street.
Xie Zhaofan watched his retreating figure, then looked back down at the token in her hand, her mood soaring.
She had come out today, smashed a scammer’s stall, earned ten taels of silver for free, and even obtained a token from Prince Qin’s estate.
This retaliatory trip was an absolute win.
Only after Prince Qin had completely departed did the surrounding commoners resume their chatter.
Xie Zhaofan then turned her attention to the young official from the Court of Judicial Review, who was still standing in front of her carriage.
“Dear official, do you intend to continue blocking my carriage?”
She paused, her smile brilliant.
“Or do you plan to continue demanding so-called justice and fairness for that charlatan?”
The young official’s face became exceptionally awkward. By this point, he was basically certain he had misunderstood earlier.
Especially since Daoist Ma had just admitted to being unskilled and was even willing to pay compensation; there was no way the man was entirely blameless.
He remained silent for a moment before finally clasping his hands and bowing solemnly to Xie Zhaofan.
“Young lady, I apologize. This official made a rash judgment without investigating the facts, and my words were offensive, unfairly damaging your reputation. I hope you can find it in you to forgive me.”
Xie Zhaofan was a bit surprised. She had expected him to be as stubborn as a mule, but she hadn't expected him to actually apologize.
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