By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 251 Jing

With the intervention of the imperial court, the Tongzhou matter was quickly resolved.

Once the officials from the Ministry of Personnel arrived, Wen Zongji was liberated.

"Lord Wen, the Crown Prince wants you to return to the capital as soon as possible."

This means that Wen Zongji no longer needs to continue his inspection tour.

Before leaving, Xiao Linggao sent someone to deliver an invitation, inviting Wen Zongji to a banquet at Xiao's residence.

The Tongzhou Guard, led by Xiao Linggao, played a significant role in making this matter go so smoothly.

Xiao Linggao was not the kind of martial artist who only knew how to wield swords and spears that Huang Yecai thought he was. In just one year since he came to Tongzhou Guard, he had already established his own confidants and controlled half of the guard's troops.

That's why, after those who were bribed by Huang Yecai were taken into control, the guards were so easily taken over by Xiao Linggao.

After this incident, Tongzhou Guard has been completely taken over by Xiao Linggao.

Xiao Mansion

Xiao Ling raised his glass and said, "I owe this incident to Zongji's reminder, which allowed me to atone for my sins... I dare to call you Zongji, are you alright?"

Wen Zongji clinked glasses with Xiao Linggao: "Of course, Lord Xiao is an elder."

Even if they are elders who are somewhat distant from the truth, they are still elders, and it's never a bad thing to make more connections with them.

Mei, who was standing nearby, asked, "Is Zongji going back to the capital?"

Wen Zongji nodded: "I'll leave tomorrow."

The people sent from the capital to handle the aftermath have already arrived, so there's no need for him to stay any longer.

I've been away from Beijing for several months, it's time to go back.

Madam Mei said, "I have prepared a wedding gift for Lan'er. I would like to trouble Zongji to give it to Lan'er for me."

"Don't worry, Madam, I will definitely deliver it."

"It's a pity that Jiangnan is too far from the capital, so I can't personally send Lan'er off to her wedding."

Ms. Mei was Mei Yilan's aunt, and naturally wanted to witness her wedding.

Wen Zongji said, "I will convey your wishes to Madam."

Thank you.

Xiao Linggao said, "Zongji, although Huang Yecai and his men were all captured this time, the girls who were arrested came from various places. Huang Yecai alone doesn't have that much power. There are probably other people involved behind the scenes. You've already taken the credit, so don't get involved in the rest."

Everything has two sides!

The Tongzhou incident was a rare political upheaval in Shun'an's reign, but for some, it was a rare opportunity for advancement, since it was clear to everyone that the case was not yet over.

Huang Yecai must have had accomplices.

Wen Zongji has already taken the greatest credit; if he were to take charge of the follow-up investigation, it would be somewhat like he's hogging the credit.

Xiao Linggao's words were an advice to him not to eat alone.

Wen Zongji nodded: "I understand."

Xiao Linggao laughed and said, "I knew you were smart. Come, let's drink. Consider this a farewell."

Xiao Linggao was genuinely grateful to Wen Zongji. If it weren't for Wen Zongji, when Huang Yecai's incident occurred, it would have been time for him, the commander, to pack his bags and leave.

It's no exaggeration to say that Wen Zongji saved his career.

Mei served them food, listened to their conversation, and occasionally glanced at Wen Zongji.

Since learning of her niece's engagement to Pei Shirong, Madam Mei had been paying attention to Wen Zongji.

A rising star in the imperial court who gained fame because of the Beijing Gazette!

This is how most people describe Wen Zongji.

Of course, after the Tongzhou incident, people's evaluation of Wen Zongji will rise even further.

Mei had only heard of Wen Zongji's good reputation before, but now that she had seen him in person, she couldn't help but admire the Princess's discerning eye in choosing such a good husband for her daughter.

Mei also heard some rumors about Pei Rujing and Wen Zongji before their marriage.

But rumors are inherently subject to change.

As Wen Zongji's reputation soared, he became not only the illegitimate son of the Marquis of Zhongyong, but also a promising talent with outstanding abilities.

In this way, the rumor that Wen Zongji was incredibly lucky to marry Pei Rujing disappeared, and it was replaced by the fact that Pei Rujing had high standards and took a liking to Wen Zongji at first sight.

Clearly, Ms. Mei also thought so.

……

Xiao Linggao was a martial artist after all, and had an excellent capacity for alcohol. Wen Zongji couldn't handle it after a few drinks with him. He had to set off tomorrow, so he couldn't get drunk.

In the end, Xiao Ling became a high-ranking official, while Wen Zongji was left to his own devices.

The next day, Wen Zongji packed his bags and set off to leave Tongzhou City.

Yu Jiacheng cupped his hands in greeting: "May you have a safe journey, sir."

Wen Zongji sat in the carriage and lifted the curtain: "Do your job well, and always act in accordance with your conscience. If I find out that you are abusing your power and doing whatever you want, no matter what my official position is at that time, I will personally clean up your house."

Yu Jiacheng said solemnly, "Please rest assured, sir."

Wen Zongji nodded and then lowered the curtains.

Chang Dong immediately raised his voice: "Let's go!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the convoy started moving.

The surrounding people, seeing this, quickly made way for the distinguished guests in the carriage, afraid that if they were too slow, they might offend the important people inside.

Significant changes have occurred in Tongzhou, which could not be kept secret from the city's residents. Even the events orchestrated by Wen Zongji were leaked out.

For a time, the people began to have awe for the Tongzhou branch office, no longer regarding it merely as a place for distributing the Beijing Gazette.

Meanwhile, rumors about Wen Zongji in Tongzhou also began to circulate.

There are all sorts of rumors, and without exception, they all talk about Wen Zongji's mystery and power.

With the added boost of these rumors, Wen Zongji's image in the hearts of the people became even stronger, naturally inspiring even greater awe.

Now that such an important figure was leaving Tongzhou, no one dared to offend Wen Zongji, and they all made way for his entourage in the market.

Chang Dong chuckled and said, "Young Master is very popular with the people."

Wen Zongji's lips twitched.

He wasn't blind; he could see the awe in the people's eyes.

However, there's no need to delve into this matter.

Wen Zongji instructed, "Leave the market quickly, so as not to disturb others."

Having received instructions, the driver quickened the pace of the caravan, and soon they left the market and approached the city gate.

Because the Tongzhou government was wiped out, the Tongzhou Guard is now in charge of guarding the city gates.

When Wen Zongji's carriage approached, the guards at the city gate let it pass without asking any questions.

The coachman was about to stop the carriage for inspection, but seeing this scene, he was somewhat bewildered and drove the carriage away from the city gate.

By the time they realized what was happening, the convoy had already left Tongzhou City.

That's a bit outrageous.

Wen Zongji was much calmer: "Let's go to Yangzhou Wharf and take the waterway back to Beijing."

This time, there's no need to inspect other places; the entire journey back to Beijing can be done by waterway, and it should take about half a month to reach the capital.