And the Office of Inspection was the gathering place of the 'pure party*' in the court — much like Xu Ling, they were unwilling to cling to power and nobility, and disdained to join with the merchants and businessmen filled with the stench of money. They regarded themselves as being loyal only to the ruler and regarded what Yan Wang did as drinking poison to quench thirst. In addition, there were dirty rumors everywhere. They always thought that Yan Wang was a power treacherously playing the Emperor in his hands.

*清流, qingliu, lit. pure stream, a term associated with the grouping of orthodox scholar-officials who were well known in social circles or in the academic field.

Xu Ling went south with Yan Wang this time, investigating and dealing with corrupt officials was one thing, more importantly, taking advantage of when the noble family and the new officials were fighting into a pair of black-eyed chickens, the two offices had planned to join hands to uncover Yan Wang's crime as the one who started it all.

Xu Ling's purpose for this trip was not simple. On one hand, it was due to Emperor Long An who did not feel assured of Yan Wang Li Min, on the other, it was for the two offices wanting to seize evidence of Yan Wang's traitorous intent —

There was someone here exhausting himself for the devastation of Jiangbei and Jiangnan, even though his means had been a bit tough, while they were in the court waiting to catch his error. In the end, who on earth was truly the one bringing harm to the country and the people?

Xu Ling couldn't help but get choked up: "Your Highness..."

Chang Geng raised his eyebrows slightly, "Master Xu, What's wrong?"

Xu Ling could not speak for a moment.

Gu Yun silently led the way in front. Xu Ling, a scholar, thinking he was whispering in a low voice, in fact, when Marshal Gu's ears were not deaf, he could hear every word in the wind.

He caught a glimpse of a guard fuming with anger upon hearing it, then glanced at Ge Chen whose expression was pale. He could almost come to understand the origin of this 'accident' causing them to fall into the enemy's territory.

Gu Yun bowed his head slightly, and when he thought about it, he already understood who was meant to watch this trip down south.

To some extent, Gu Yun, who grew up in the deep palace, knew Li Feng better than Chang Geng.