The Ming Dynasty's henchmen, working from nine to five

Chapter 13 Princess Changning

"Her Highness said that with you here, nothing will happen."

"Her Highness the Princess also said that you don't need to rush; you can take a detour through the city before reaching the Marquis of Anyuan's residence..."

The maid gave an awkward smile, curtsied, and ran away quickly before Shen Lang could reply.

"Princess Jing'an is really..." Shen Lang shook his head helplessly.

This was because they felt that other high-ranking officials and nobles were protected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but the Jing'an Prince's Mansion was not, which was embarrassing, so they arranged for some guards to impersonate the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Genius!

"Let's go."

Shen Lang smiled, said nothing more, and led the Imperial Guards away.

He himself is the most unruly person in the world, so naturally he wouldn't care about such trivial matters.

As for whether he would be discovered impersonating a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard... that was not within his scope of duty.

......

The group set off in a grand procession.

Shen Lang strictly followed the instructions of Princess Jing'an, circling the city once, and deliberately lingered for a long time in areas where powerful and wealthy people lived, such as Mingyufang and Jinchengfang.

After all this trouble, by the time they arrived at the Marquis of Anyuan's residence, it was already getting dark.

"It's almost time to get off work."

Shen Lang looked up at the sky and suddenly missed the grey parrot that was left at home.

This old fellow had traveled with him through time and was his only remaining relative in this world.

On my first day on duty, not knowing the situation yet, I left it at home as a precaution.

I should be able to come to work with him normally tomorrow.

Although this parrot speaks a lot of classical Chinese and likes to chatter, it is very accurate in telling the time and has never made a mistake. With it around, there is no need to worry about being late for the end of the workday.

Shen Lang surveyed his surroundings and then gave instructions to the palace guards disguised as Imperial Guards:

"You guys go over there and keep watch. You go to the alley entrance, and if anyone suspicious approaches, notify me immediately."

The guards whose names were called exchanged glances, then hesitated before saying, "Lord Shen..."

"Her Highness the Princess Consort specifically instructed us to line up in a queue at the entrance of the Marquis's residence and wait for the Princess."

"If we split up, we might not be able to explain ourselves to the Princess when we get back..."

Shen Lang was speechless. After a few seconds of silence, he waved his hand weakly and said, "Then forget it."

"You should all pay close attention to your surroundings."

Shen Lang walked to the side, holding his long sword, and waited quietly against the wall.

After a while, Princess Changning came out accompanied by several noble ladies.

"Princess Changning, you must come often in the future!"

"Yes, Changning, with you here, this garden seems to have become even more beautiful."

"When the second son of the Duke of Zhenguo heard that you were here, he specially sent someone to deliver a batch of the finest incense cakes and rouge powder."

"It's said to be a precious tribute from Ryukyu, something rarely seen. We're all here today thanks to you!"

"Please wait a moment, ladies. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to meet again at the Jing'an Prince's Mansion."

Princess Changning smiled gently and gave a graceful curtsy.

"My mother has sent someone to fetch me; I'll go ahead first."

She glanced in the direction of Shen Lang and the others before bidding farewell to the women.

"Shen Lang, a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, has been ordered to protect the princess."

Shen Lang led his guards and strode over.

Princess Jing'an treated him well, so he was naturally willing to fulfill her wishes. He deliberately didn't mention his identity as a captain, only saying that he was a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to save face for the princess.

"Greetings, Lord Shen; greetings, everyone."

Princess Changning returned the greeting with a slight smile, but when her gaze swept over the familiar figures behind Shen Lang, she was slightly taken aback.

However, she didn't ask any more questions, but simply tilted her head slightly and curiously looked at Shen Lang.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had very strict recruitment criteria, and the first thing they would examine was appearance.

A decent appearance, broad shoulders, a strong back, and mantis legs—these are the most basic requirements.

The reason is simple: the predecessor of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was the Ceremonial Guard, which was in charge of the emperor's ceremonial procession.

Although the system has been reformed and the focus has been shifted to investigation and prison administration, the functions of guarding and ceremonial guards still exist.

When the emperor traveled, the Imperial Guards were responsible for carrying flags and umbrellas, representing the majesty of the royal family, so their appearance was of great importance.

Shen Lang has handsome features, broad shoulders, long legs, and a strong and upright posture, both of which are far above the standard.

It's no exaggeration to say that even in the capital city full of noble young men, his appearance would be considered outstanding and exceptional.

Therefore, not only was Princess Changning secretly observing, but the other noble ladies were also somewhat stunned.

"Princess, please get into the carriage."

Shen Lang placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword and gestured with his left hand to lead Princess Changning onto the carriage.

He himself mounted his horse and led his troops back home.

Only after the group disappeared at the end of the alley did the noble ladies reluctantly turn their gaze away.

"This young man is really handsome!"

"Yes, he's handsome and masculine, a thousand times better than those pampered rich kids!"

"I don't know her name. I'll ask Princess Jing'an about it later."

......

The carriage drove out of the two streets.

Princess Changning couldn't help but lift the carriage curtain and ask in a low voice, "Fugui, Dahu, why are you wearing Lord Shen's clothes?"

The guard whose name she called immediately shrank back, awkwardly replying, "It was Her Highness's order..."

Princess Changning blushed slightly: "Mother is really..."

She looked at Shen Lang and said apologetically, "Lord Shen, my mother was being unreasonable and has caused you trouble."

Shen Lang smiled and said, "Princess, there's no need for that. The Princess Consort is pure of heart and straightforward in nature. I don't see anything wrong with her."

Princess Changning nodded slightly, revealing a faint smile.

It was dusk, and the carriage was traveling west when a ray of sunlight happened to fall on her face.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a contour on her, her skin as smooth as jade, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her eyes like stars, gentle and radiant.

Add to that her long legs and slender waist, just like Princess Jing'an's, and she is truly breathtakingly beautiful.

Even Shen Lang couldn't help but secretly praise her in his heart: the number one beauty in Yujing truly lives up to her name.

Just then, Shen Lang glanced at the street corner out of the corner of his eye, his gaze suddenly sharpening, and he shouted, "Stop the car! Protect the princess!"

Before he finished speaking, he leaped into the air and sped away.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The guards drew their swords and surrounded the carriage.

"What's wrong?"

"Princess, please don't come out!"

"Something happened at the Prince's mansion today. Thieves broke in, murdered two servants, and left a mark in the side courtyard."

"Lord Shen must have discovered something. Please hide it well, and we'll discuss everything when he returns!"

"Send two more men over there. Keep your eyes peeled, and kill anyone who gets close!"

The atmosphere suddenly became extremely tense.

The guards stood with their swords drawn, vigilantly observing their surroundings.

Fortunately, this place is far from the market and there are not many houses nearby, so there are few people on the streets.

If they were in a busy downtown area, their manpower would probably be quite stretched thin.

Princess Changning remained calm and composed, sitting regally in the carriage.

He was even gently comforting his pale-faced, terrified personal maid.