Deng Cunli looked hesitant and seemed to be hesitant to speak.

Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows and said, "Just say what you want to say. No need to be hesitant in front of me."

Deng Cunli heard this and no longer hesitated.

He bowed and said, "The Minister of the Imperial Household and Marquis Cheng'en, Zhu Ci, have always been at odds. If Madam wishes to deal with Marquis Cheng'en, perhaps the Minister of the Imperial Household can help."

Gu Jiu thought for a moment, "The Shaofu family commander is cunning and treacherous. He might not be willing to help if it's not beneficial and would offend others. But if I ask him for information about Lord Cheng'en, he probably won't refuse me. Do you think Princess Huyang can handle Lord Cheng'en?"

Deng Cunli's face changed when he heard the words "Princess Huyang".

That expression is hard to describe.

He asked, "Madam, do you want to use Princess Huyang again?"

Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Princess Huyang is a troublemaker. We can't let her only harm her own people. She should also harm outsiders when appropriate."

"But in terms of seniority, Princess Huyang should call Uncle Cheng'en her great-uncle. Since she is a junior, it might not be appropriate for her to take action."

Gu Jiu chuckled softly, "Do you think Huyang cares about seniority? And it's the Zhu family? How many years has the Zhu family stayed away from the court to protect themselves? I believe you when you say Huyang is concerned about the Xiao family. After all, the Xiao family is Huyang's maternal family.

But what is the Zhu family? The Zhu family is the emperor's uncle's family, that's true. However, the Zhu family may not have much respect in front of the emperor.

Deng Cunli opened his mouth but said nothing.

Gu Jiu smiled and continued, "I once read an unofficial history book that mentioned an incident that happened in the eighth year of Kaiyao.

The book states that the previous generation, Cheng En Bo, angered the emperor and was eventually demoted. The empress dowager was still alive at the time, and she fell seriously ill because of this incident and died two years later.

Because the empress dowager passed away, the emperor was also cursed by the people of the world as unkind, unjust, disloyal and unfilial.

At that time, the title of the Zhu family had been vacant for two years, with no one to inherit it. It was not until the Queen Mother passed away that the Emperor issued an edict to let the youngest son, Zhu Ci, inherit the title.

When the Queen Mother was still around, the Zhu family was still disgraced. Now, the Queen Mother has been dead for decades, I don’t believe the Zhu family can still stir up trouble in the court.”

Deng Cunli warned, "Madam, don't be careless. Over the years, the Zhu family has always been law-abiding, never interfering in the affairs of the court, and concentrating on business. The emperor is also very satisfied with this."

This dispute, in your Majesty's eyes, is very serious. However, when it comes to Your Majesty, it's just a trivial matter of buying and selling a house. I am worried that a fight with the Zhu family will only lead to mutual destruction. After all, your Majesty is a junior. When a junior fights an elder, regardless of whether they are right or wrong, it is considered unreasonable in the eyes of the world.

Gu Jiu snorted, "You said it was a small matter, then this lady will make it a big thing, isn't it."

Deng Cunli was speechless.

Without waiting for his advice, Gu Jiu continued, "The resettlement of refugees is a major issue concerning the national economy and people's livelihood. If Marquis Cheng'en Zhu Ci dares to move the refugees' houses, it is tantamount to undermining the court's system and destroying Your Majesty's rule."

For his own selfish gain, he watched the refugees become homeless and their bodies lie exposed in the wilderness. Zhu Ci deserves death. Even if I bring this case before the Emperor, I am confident that he will bring the consequences to Zhu Ci, the Earl of Cheng'en."

Deng Cunli frowned slightly, "Madam, you've made such a big fuss, are you sure you can get away with it?"

Gu Jiu laughed.

Deng Cunli was away during the fight against the Li family last year, so he had no idea how dangerous the situation was. If Huyang didn't handle it well, all his efforts would be wasted.

With the experience of fighting the Li family, Gu Jiu is confident that he can compete with Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci.

She considered her words carefully. "Don't you think that in business, harmony brings wealth? Forgive others when you can."

Deng Cunli did not deny it, he really thought so.

When doing business, more friends mean more paths.

There is no need to make enemies.

Gu Jiu smiled and said, "If it's a one-time deal, then this idea is correct. I will also hold back my anger and not argue with Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci. After all, he is an old man.

But the project outside the South City Gate is not a one-time deal. It is my five-year plan, or even a ten-year plan. This project will require an investment of several million taels, or even tens of millions of taels.

It's barely the beginning, and someone's already daring to take a chance on my project. If I back down and choose to keep quiet, how many more people will try to get involved in Phases 2 and 3? How many opponents will I face then?

While everyone else is waiting and watching, I will kill a chicken to scare the monkeys and shock everyone. Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci is that chicken, and I must kill him.

This is not just a small dispute over interests, but also an attitude.

She wants to tell the world with a tough attitude that if anyone dares to touch her project, they must be prepared to have their hands and feet chopped off by her.

If you are not mentally prepared, just go back to where you came from and don't cause her any trouble.

Deng Cunli took a deep breath and said, "Since Madam has made up her mind, I can only fully cooperate."

Gu Jiu smiled, "That's good. We, the master and the servant, will advance and retreat together. Make good use of those group leaders and don't waste them. You know how to use them, right?"

Deng Cunli nodded expressionlessly, "This old servant knows how to use those group leaders. However, does Madam really intend to use Princess Huyang as the first mover?"

"this……"

Gu Jiu was still a little hesitant.

The Zhu family and the Li family are different and cannot be dealt with in the same way.

When Gu Jiu was worrying, he never expected that Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci would take the initiative to offer him an opportunity.

The new eunuch was called Xu Yousi, and he had spent two years as a student in the inner study. He had a bright future in the palace, but his misfortune had caught up with him during two major purges, which cost him his job and made him feel very depressed.

When Gu Jiu went to the Shaofu to ask for someone, Xu Yousi took out his only savings and used his connections to finally get an interview opportunity.

Then, because of his intelligence and talent, he was noticed by Gu Jiu, who brought him under his care and slowly trained him.

Xu Yousi stood in the small study and bowed, saying, "Madam, I have received an invitation from the Earl of En's Mansion."

"oh?"

Gu Jiu was shocked and confused.

She was discussing with Deng Cunli how to deal with the Zhu family, but she didn't expect that Cheng Enbo would take the initiative to send an invitation.

She took the invitation, opened it and saw that the handwriting was pretty good.

The invitation invited her to come to his house for tea in two days and left her name as Earl Cheng En.

Gu Jiu threw the invitation to Deng Cunli, "Look, Zhu Ci, the Earl of Cheng'en, invited me. What do you think his purpose is?"

Deng Cunli considered it for a moment before saying, "It's either coercion or bribery, or proactive overtures?"

"Which is more likely?"

"Show goodwill!"

Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows and motioned Deng Cunli to continue.

Deng Cunli cleared his throat and said, "Although the Zhu family is a count, they are actually businessmen at heart. Merchants pursue profit and believe that harmony brings wealth.

Cheng Enbo sent people to buy houses outside the South City Gate, simply to make money as a landlord. In the end, we cut off his outstretched hand.

With his business mindset, if one path didn't work, he would inevitably choose another. For Cheng Enbo, the best path was to cooperate with his wife to develop the land outside the South City Gate.

The Zhu family of the Cheng En Marquis's mansion is not short of money. Cheng En Marquis is good at calculating. He may have estimated that the money in his wife's hands was not enough, so he wanted to invest money to seek cooperation. "

Gu Jiu nodded. "We're on the same page. Guess how much money Cheng Enbo will invest?"

Deng Cunli thought for a moment and said, "I would venture to guess that Lord Cheng En's investment would be no less than 500,000 taels."

Gu Jiu laughed, "I guess it's one million taels. Unfortunately, the Zhu family has such a big appetite and is used to giving orders. If the Zhu family invests in us, they will definitely interfere in the project outside the South City Gate."

If the Zhu family hadn't previously offered their hand to the first phase of the project, I might have agreed to cooperate with them for the sake of money. But now, no matter if it's 500,000, 1 million, or 3 million, there's no chance of cooperation."

Deng Cunli asked again, "Madam, are you really going to give up the Zhu family? Even if the Zhu family can inject one million taels?"

Gu Jiu nodded heavily, "You heard me right, I will refuse."

Deng Cunli smiled and said, "I never thought that Madam would have such a problem with money."

Gu Jiu shook his head and waved his hands, "I do things according to principles."

Deng Cunli laughed and said, "I once heard Madam say that you never despise money, but only people."

Gu Jiu said confidently, "Yes! I despise the Zhu family, and I also despise the Zhu family's money. The Zhu family is not a family of officials. The Zhu family has been businessmen for generations, and their mindsets are filled with businessmen.

They invested so much money, it's impossible for them not to seize power. However, I, the wife, will never give up the power in my hands, let alone the project I built. If the Zhu family changes their identity, as long as they are not businessmen, I will never refuse this money.

Deng Cunli understood.

Gu Jiu is afraid of the Zhu family.

The Zhu family is rich, knows business, and has big appetites, but there are still conflicts between the two families.

Cooperating with the Zhu family in doing business is undoubtedly courting disaster.

If something unexpected happened to Gu Jiu, or if he was tied up with other things, such as confinement, the Zhu family would definitely take advantage of the machine gunners' power grab, interfere with the project's operation and management, and place their own cronies there.

Gu Jiu added, "I will attend the banquet, and I will bring Princess Huyang with me. If you are interested, you can come too."

Deng Cunli laughed and said, "Why not bring Bai Zhong, Ma Xiaoliu and the others along so they can broaden their horizons?"

"Okay!"

That’s settled.

We will gradually improve the specific actions we will take.

…

After Liu Zhao left the yamen and returned to the east courtyard of the palace, he did not rush to the upper room, but went back to the Wenshuyuan to wash up first.

He was covered in sweat and was afraid of stinking Gu Jiu, so he decided to wash himself before going over.

He was taking a bath in the bathtub and had no one to serve him.

The bathroom was filled with mist and it was difficult to see clearly.

He soaked in the hot water, feeling relaxed and comfortable all over.

Suddenly, his ears moved, but he didn't open his eyes.

He walked carefully, probably because he was barefoot, and thought there was no noise, but in fact, nothing escaped Liu Zhao's ears.

When footsteps approached and a pair of hands slowly reached out, Liu Zhao moved.

Bang!

Throw a punch.

ah!

A scream rang out.

"What's the matter? What's the matter?"

When the eunuch Lin Shuping heard the noise coming from the bathroom, he was frightened to death, fearing that something had happened to the young master.

Without wasting a moment, he ran in with his men.

The situation in the bathroom left him a little confused.

It was not what he had imagined.

"Young Master?"

Liu Zhao's face was filled with frost as he looked at the barefoot maid huddled at the foot of the wall. "Drag her out."

The barefoot maid covered her face, and Lin Shuping didn't recognize her for a moment.

When the eunuch was dragging the person away, he cried out, "Shiqin, why is it you?"

Shiqin's arm was in so much pain at this moment that she couldn't even lift it up.

Liu Zhao acted swiftly and with a wave of his hand, half of her life was lost.

She covered her face and cried, feeling too embarrassed to face anyone.

Lin Shuping looked at Liu Zhao.

Liu Zhao narrowed his eyes, seething with anger. "How did you get in? Without my permission, who allowed you in?"

Shiqin sobbed and didn't say a word.

Liu Zhao stood in the pool, extremely angry. "They even dared to disobey my words. It seems that this Wenshuyuan needs to be cleaned up from top to bottom."

Lin Shuping shuddered, no longer sympathizing with Shiqin. He waved his hand and ordered someone to drag the man out quickly.

Shiqin burst into tears, "Sir, I was wrong. I just wanted to help you wash up, and I have no other intentions."

"Shut her mouth and drag her out."

The eunuch sighed, "I'm sorry, Sister Shiqin."

He took out a rag to cover the man's mouth and dragged him out neatly.

Liu Zhao looked at Lin Shuping with a cold look in his eyes.

Lin Shuping shuddered for a moment.

"What are your instructions, sir?"

"How did she get in? Who let her in? Find out."

"I obey your command."

"Also, this matter has been kept secret from Madam. Anyone who dares to gossip about it in front of Madam will be punished by this young master."

"This old slave will issue a gag order now."

Liu Zhao was no longer in the mood to take a bath, so he simply got up from the tub, wiped himself clean, changed into some light cotton home clothes, and set off for his room.

Gu Jiu was thinking about how to deal with Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci. When Liu Zhao arrived, he found that he had already washed himself and smelled delicious.

She smiled and said, "You seem to be in a good mood today. You only come here after washing."

"You think I stink too much, so I washed myself and came here to avoid stinking you."

Gu Jiu pursed her lips and smiled, then leaned over and kissed Liu Zhao on the cheek.

Liu Zhao's eyes softened instantly.

"Is the child making a fuss today?"

"They're not very noisy during the day, but very noisy at night. I've heard that children who are noisy at night are more difficult to take care of after they are born. They always have to be woken up at night to be fed, and they cry and make a fuss all the time."

"Everyone, hire a few more wet nurses."

"Speaking of wet nurses, have you checked the ones sent by the Shaofu? Are they safe?"

Liu Zhao held her hand and said, "If you feel that the person sent by the Shaofu is unreliable, should we look for someone outside?"

Gu Jiu shook his head. "At least the people from the Shaofu can ensure cleanliness. If they come from outside, I'm worried that it will cause more trouble."

Liu Zhao said, "I have ordered Qian Fu to investigate the several wet nurses sent by the Shaofu. I will check five generations back and ensure that no clues are left unturned."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jiu felt relieved.

"I trust Qian Fu to do things."

He said, "Is there something you haven't told me?"

Gu Jiu rolled his eyes and pulled out an invitation from Marquis Cheng'en Zhu Ci from the drawer. He handed it to Liu Zhao, "Qian Fu has already told you. The one who bribed the refugees and ruined my plans was Marquis Cheng'en. He also invited me to tea, and I plan to bring Aunt Huyang along."

"Do you need me to help you out?"

"unnecessary."

Gu Jiu refused bluntly, "You are not suitable for this kind of occasion. I alone, together with Aunt Huyang, are more than enough to handle that old fox, Uncle Cheng En."

Liu Zhao laughed. He knew his little Jiu was very capable. He only said one thing: "Don't suffer any loss."

Gu Jiu smiled sullenly, "Don't worry, I won't suffer any loss. At most, I'll suffer a small loss and gain a big profit."

"Don't make the Zhu family of Cheng'en Marquis' Mansion suffer too much, or the Emperor might sympathize with them."

Gu Jiu deeply agreed.

After all, Cheng'enbo Zhu Ci is the emperor's uncle.

If she made Zhu Ci suffer too much, the emperor would naturally side with Zhu Ci. After all, she was the younger generation, and Zhu Ci was the elder, and an elder of a frighteningly high generation.

Liu Zhao added, "Tell Aunt Huyang to be more careful with her words. Uncle Cheng'en is the elder after all, so be careful not to give others a chance to talk."

Gu Jiu was a little annoyed.

"Just because he's the elder, he can bully the younger generation at will. How shameless! I want justice, but I have to consider his face. It's so frustrating."

Liu Zhao hugged her and said, "You are so irritable now because you are pregnant. You don't really want to fight to the death with the Zhu family of Cheng'en Marquis' Mansion."

"I know, just leave me alone. I just want to let off some steam."

"I'll accompany you to vent."

Gu Jiu rolled his eyes and ordered him around as if it was his right.

…

Two days later, Gu Jiu brought Princess Huyang to the appointment.

Princess Huyang and Gu Jiu were riding in the same carriage, feeling extremely excited and happy.

She had been lonely for a long time and finally waited for Gu Jiu to assign her a task.

When she heard the news two days ago, she was so excited that she couldn't sleep well all night.

It's so exciting.

"My nephew's wife, do you think my outfit today is suitable?"