"Yes, since Princess Su was able to discover such a devastating event, it shows that she is very thoughtful and insightful. Moreover, the princess cares deeply about the people. If you receive Your Majesty's permission, I will definitely live up to your trust and uncover the truth."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's face darkened slightly, and his tone was filled with displeasure: "Nonsense! Princess Su is just a woman, how could she easily take risks and show her face in public?"

Chen Jingxi knelt on the ground and spoke earnestly, "Father, although I am the Princess of Su, I am also a citizen of Daxia. I am supported by the people, so I should put the people first and work for their welfare."

"Since this matter has been discovered by your daughter-in-law, I am willing to step forward, investigate this matter, and deal with the illegal vendors one by one. I ask for your permission, Your Majesty!"

The emperor hesitated for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Okay, Princess Su is concerned about the country and the people, and you want to share my worries. I approve. But remember, you must be careful. Although the Dali Temple cannot intervene, you can go to the Jingzhao prefect if necessary."

Chen Jingxi quickly thanked the emperor for his grace: "I, your daughter-in-law, will obey your order and will not let you down."

After receiving the imperial decree, Chen Jingxi immediately took his leave.

"Your Majesty, Princess Su is truly as capable as any man." Jiang Fu said in a low voice.

The emperor raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

Han Yu stretched his neck to look, and saw Chen Jingxi's figure. He hurried over and said happily, "Princess, you are finally out. I was so worried."

If she let Chen Jingxi disappear in the palace again, she would have no reason to live.

Chen Jingxi patted Han Yu and said, "It's okay, go back."

It was getting dark.

After Chen Jingxi returned from the palace, the more she thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong.

The emperor didn't give her any soldiers or money. If she wanted to deal with that group of profiteers, she could only use people from Prince Su's Mansion.

No matter what she did at that time, she would have offended those noble families and merchants, and her Prince Su's Mansion.

But the emperor can get everything.

Thinking of this, Chen Jingxi jumped up suddenly.

She was being used as a pawn by the emperor.

It's all her fault for being too impatient.

That's why he was plotted against by the emperor and his men.

"How treacherous." Chen Jingxi cursed.

…

As soon as the sun rose, Ji Yunzhou came to Prince Su's Mansion with dark circles under his eyes.

When Chen Jingxi saw the dark circles under his eyes, she immediately smiled and said, "It seems you have already guessed it."

Ji Yunzhou looked at Chen Jingxi, who was in high spirits, and said dissatisfiedly, "Can you sleep?"

"Eat when you should, drink when you should, and don't take things to heart."

Ji Yunzhou cupped his hands in admiration, "What are you going to do, Princess?"

"What else can we do? Just arrest them all, sentence those who deserve it, and fine those who deserve it."

“Isn’t this too crude?”

"What else do you want to do? Slow down their work and try to persuade them with kind words?"

Ji Yunzhou shook his head.

Chen Jingxi continued, "It's just right to use simple methods to deal with complicated things."

Ji Yunzhou frowned slightly, "Uh... wouldn't this be too harsh? Wouldn't it make people think we're bullying? After all, we also have to consider the reputation of the Prince Su's Mansion."

Chen Jingxi smiled softly. "Reputation? How much is a pound of reputation worth? In this world, what truly protects us is not those illusory reputations, but the power and strength in our hands."

"Besides, how much of the Su Palace's reputation do you think is left? These past few days, rumors have been flying everywhere. I'm afraid even three-year-old children are laughing at Chu Jinghuai's incompetence."

Ji Yunzhou nodded. "Princess, you are right. I was just overthinking it."

Chen Jingxi turned around and strode out of the study. There was no time to waste, so she asked the butler to gather hundreds of guards from Prince Su's Mansion.

Soon, Ling Feng had gathered twenty secret guards with extraordinary skills.

Chen Jingxi nodded and immediately gave the order: "Ling Feng, you will divide these twenty secret guards into ten teams with the imperial guards. Each team must be led by a captain."

Ling Feng took the order and quickly organized a team.

Chen Jingxi walked up to each captain and handed them the slips of paper in his hand one by one.

"Follow the information on the list and seal off these shops one by one. Make sure to kill every shopkeeper and waiter. But remember, no innocent people should be harmed. Do you understand?"

"I understand!" everyone answered in unison.

Chen Jingxi nodded with satisfaction.

The butler wanted to ask something, but when he thought of his aching butt, he could only step aside silently.

Following an order, a group of people walked out of the palace in a mighty procession. Their steps were in unison and their momentum was as high as a rainbow.

This attracted the attention of people on the street, who began to murmur in low voices.

"What's going on? Why are there so many guards?"

"It seems to be someone from Prince Su's Mansion. Judging from their aura, it doesn't seem like a trivial matter."

"Is the one leading the charge Princess Su?"

"Let's go and take a look."

As soon as they arrived at Xuanwu Street, the ten teams dispersed.

"Who is this about?"

"Of course I'm following Princess Su. They're just following orders. What's the point of following them?"

——

A crowd of people thronged the Yongxing Grain Shop. The shopkeeper stood on the steps and announced loudly, "We only have 100 dan of rice in stock today, and it's sold out while supplies last. If you want to buy, you'd better hurry up. First come, first served!"

"Here's my silver. Weigh it for me first, thirty pounds!"

Immediately afterwards, more noises came one after another, mixed with pushing and scrambling, and everyone raised their wallets.

"Give it to me first! Give it to me first!"

The shopkeeper saw this and smiled from ear to ear. He waved his hand in a calm manner and said, "Take your time, everyone. There's a share. There's no rush."

"Catch him." Suddenly an order came.

A well-trained team stormed into Yongxing Grain Shop and overpowered the shopkeeper.

"Who are you? How dare you come to Yongxing Grain Shop to cause trouble?"

"What...what's going on?" The people around were frightened.

Chen Jingxi stepped forward and said loudly, "I am the Princess Su. I have come here by order of the Emperor to investigate the price gouging of grain."

The shopkeeper hurriedly said, "Princess Su, you've misunderstood. Our Yongxing Grain Shop has always upheld the principle of fair trade and has never engaged in price gouging."

Chen Jingxi sneered, "The price of grain has increased fivefold, and the shopkeeper still wants to quibble?"

"Princess, you are being wronged! The price of grain is rising because of a food shortage, so prices naturally rise. What do you think is wrong with this?"

Chen Jingxi glanced at him and said, "Food shortage? I see that Yongxing Grain Shop sells rice every day, and there's no sign of a shortage."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "We have rice for sale every day in our grain store because we limit the amount we sell. This is just to ensure that everyone can buy the food they need and avoid chaos caused by panic buying."

Chen Jingxi applauded, "Yes, if we sell out in one day, how can we make money? Buying a little every day is just to trick the people into thinking that food is scarce, so that they are willing to accept your ever-increasing prices."