"Crown Prince!"
Zhao Ling'er was stunned by Su Fan's words.
Xiao Yan was the Crown Prince?!
She never imagined that the husband who shared her bed was the Crown Prince!
"So, can you tell me where Xiao Yan is now?"
Su Fan continued to ask.
It was clear that this woman wanted to protect Xiao Yan, and might have some misunderstanding about their objective.
"Actually, I don't know where he is. I thought you were here to capture him, so I let him escape from the back courtyard. I don't know where he went."
Zhao Ling'er chose to believe Su Fan for now and told him what she knew, as no one would dare to joke about the identity of the Crown Prince.
"Escaped?"
Su Fan immediately felt dejected. Was it just a step away?
"Has he been with you all this time?"
Since Xiao Yan's whereabouts couldn't be found for the moment, Su Fan tried to track Xiao Yan's movements.
"Yes, he's been with me the whole time. We've known each other for over half a month."
Zhao Ling'er nodded and said.
Zhao Ling'er met Xiao Yan by chance. After that, Xiao Yan coincidentally met her often. After a few encounters, Xiao Yan became familiar with her. Later, Xiao Yan's meticulous care made her fall in love with this glib-tongued man.
She never expected Xiao Yan to be the current Crown Prince.
"Where do you think he might be now?"
Su Fan asked Zhao Ling'er.
"I don't know. We rarely go out. The only place we went out for fun together was Nangong Temple, which is also where we first met."
Zhao Ling'er told Su Fan, holding nothing back.
Su Fan's eyes lit up.
Although Xiao Yan wasn't found, he had found Zhao Ling'er, who was close to Xiao Yan. As long as Zhao Ling'er was here, Su Fan believed Xiao Yan would return soon.
Moreover, he had obtained a new clue: Nangong Temple.
"Captain Li, please send people to protect them. Make sure nothing happens to them."
Su Fan instructed Captain Li.
Since they were Xiao Yan's people, they couldn't be harmed.
"Understood, Commander. Rest assured."
Captain Li assured Su Fan, understanding the importance of these people.
"Report! The Second Prince has arrived!"
A guard rushed in to report.
Captain Li was stunned and glanced at Su Fan.
Su Fan was currently on a mission to find the Crown Prince, personally assigned by the Emperor. This meant Su Fan was either the Emperor's man or a supporter of the Crown Prince, and was at odds with the Second Prince.
"Hide them first."
Su Fan frowned and said to Captain Li.
Captain Li understood immediately and had people escort the three members of the Zhao family to the barracks to hide.
Then, he walked out of the tent with Su Fan to welcome the Second Prince.
"Your Highness, welcome. I apologize for not greeting you sooner."
Captain Li knelt and bowed upon seeing Xiao Zhiyi.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Su Fan cupped his fists and bowed to Xiao Zhiyi.
"Su Fan?"
Xiao Zhiyi looked surprised to see Su Fan.
In reality, he was not surprised at all; he had come specifically for Su Fan.
Yuan Jing knew when Su Fan came to the barracks. It was Yuan Jing who passed Su Fan's whereabouts to Xiao Zhiyi, which was why he was here now.
"I heard Brother Su has been favored by Father Emperor and promoted to Commander of the Imperial Guard. Congratulations, congratulations."
Xiao Zhiyi congratulated Su Fan in a sarcastic tone.
"It is all thanks to Your Highness's favor that I have achieved this today."
Su Fan did not dare to be presumptuous. Although he was now a fourth-rank official, he was still nothing compared to a prince. However, with the Emperor's backing, he truly didn't need to fear the other party.
Before, he feared that his life could be taken at any moment, but now he didn't have to. His position was personally appointed by the Emperor, and as long as he didn't commit any crimes, even a prince couldn't do anything to him.
Xiao Zhiyi's expression softened slightly upon hearing Su Fan's words.
"That's good. It saves me the trouble of painstakingly promoting you. You are now the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, a fourth-rank official. For someone your age, this is an exceptionally high position."
Xiao Zhiyi said to Su Fan with a smile.
His purpose in coming here was twofold: first, to win over Su Fan and remind him who had helped him rise.
Second, to see if there were any clues about the Crown Prince. If there were, he could prepare accordingly.
"Have you found any clues about my imperial brother?"
Xiao Zhiyi asked Su Fan.
"In the vast Tianlong City, finding one person is like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are no clues for now."
Su Fan shook his head in disappointment.
"Don't be discouraged. If you need any help, you can tell me. I have many people under me, perhaps they can assist."
Xiao Zhiyi patted Su Fan on the shoulder.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. If I find any clues, I will inform you immediately."
Su Fan said to Xiao Zhiyi.
"You too. Why would you go out without guards? What if something happens? You are different now. Coincidentally, I've brought Yuan Jing. Yuan Jing, you must protect Su Fan's safety at all times. If anything happens to him, I will hold you accountable!"
Yuan Jing stepped out from behind Xiao Zhiyi and immediately cupped his hands in acknowledgment.
Su Fan's face darkened.
This wasn't protecting him; it was clearly monitoring him.
"I won't disturb your work. Come to my residence to gather when you have time."
After delivering Yuan Jing, Xiao Zhiyi waved his hand and left the barracks.
"Captain Li, please escort them home."
Su Fan said to Captain Li before leaving.
With Yuan Jing by his side now, Su Fan couldn't say much, nor could he see Zhao Ling'er and the others. If the Second Prince knew about Zhao Ling'er's existence, he might use her to threaten Xiao Yan.
"Let's go, you leech."
Su Fan said speechlessly to Yuan Jing.
Yuan Jing's face turned red with anger, but he couldn't do anything to Su Fan.
"Find a carriage, we're going to Nangong Temple."
Su Fan instructed Yuan Jing.
He might as well use this enemy spy.
"I am here to protect your safety and will not leave your side."
Yuan Jing remained unmoved and said coldly.
Su Fan was speechless.
He had forgotten that Yuan Jing was supposed to follow him at all times.
"Fine, I'll go find a carriage, alright?"
Su Fan had no choice but to act himself, resigning himself to the idea that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
Su Fan found a carriage and headed straight for Nangong Temple.
Nangong Temple was located not far north of Tianlong City. When the imperial palace held sacrificial festivals, they were often held at Nangong Temple, which was known as the national temple. It was always bustling with visitors. Nangong Temple had two masters who were said to be very powerful, but no one knew exactly how powerful.
Su Fan arrived at Nangong Temple and was somewhat moved by the scene outside.
It was almost as crowded as the market at the foot of Baiyue Villa.
Truly a national temple.
It indeed had its merits; its popularity alone was not to be underestimated.
"Why are you here?"
Yuan Jing asked curiously.
"None of your business. You're a spy, just watch. Why ask so many questions?"
Su Fan glanced at Yuan Jing and said.
He had no self-awareness of being a spy, which was truly annoying.