Chapter 272 Fireworks in March in Yangzhou

The three of them discussed it for a long time in the room and finally decided to go to Yangzhou in three days.

Before leaving, Princess Shou Kang hosted a banquet at Songhelou Restaurant in Suzhou for all the ladies and young ladies of noble families in the city, including the Ye family.

At the banquet, Princess Shou Kang and Princess Yongxin greeted everyone with smiles, making them seem approachable and friendly.

As everyone knows, the three noblemen did a very good job in Suzhou, and Suzhou did not allow them to find out anything shameful.

After the banquet, Song Zhimian whispered a few words to the old lady of the Ye family.

"The rainfall in Suzhou this year has been good, so the crabs should grow even better."

Your Majesty also loves to eat crabs, especially the crabs from the Ye family, which Your Majesty loves even more.

When the Mid-Autumn Festival comes, if the old lady sends crabs to the capital, she will remember to send a few baskets to the Imperial Household Department as well.

I thank the old lady for her guidance!

After Song Zhimian finished speaking, she gave a slight curtsy to the old lady of the Ye family.

Upon seeing this, the old lady of the Ye family quickly stepped aside to refuse Song Zhimin's greeting.

"You are too kind, Lady Song. It is my honor, and the Ye family's honor, to be able to do something for His Majesty."

"This autumn, I will definitely select the best crabs from the Ye family's pond and send them to the palace," the old lady of the Ye family said quietly.

Song Zhimian smiled and said nothing more.

To others, these were just two polite words exchanged between Song Zhimian and the old lady of the Ye family.

...

Soon the day to depart for Yangzhou arrived. Before leaving, the nobles and common people of Suzhou watched as the carriages from the capital left Suzhou.

Even though the people of Suzhou know that nothing serious is happening in Suzhou, they still worry about it every day.

Now that all the dignitaries from the capital have finally left, they can finally rest easy.

"Actually, I think it's unnecessary for the capital to send people to Jiangnan. The charitable institutions in Jiangnan are the least likely to have problems."

"Who can argue with that? What charitable organizations in Chongqing can compare to those in Jiangnan!"

The charitable institutions in Jiangnan are supported by the Chamber of Commerce; how could the Chamber of Commerce be short of money?

"I feel like something's not quite right."

Logically speaking, although His Majesty has only been on the throne for a short time, he did visit Jiangnan last year when he was still the Minister of the Censorate!

They went to the charity hall at the time, so it's impossible that they weren't aware of the Jiangnan Charity Hall's affairs.

But they still sent Princess Shou Kang and her entourage to Jiangnan to inspect the charitable institutions. Is there something else going on here?

"Who knows! Even if the real intention was not what it seemed, it's too late now."

There's nothing in Suzhou that would warrant such a grand investigation from the dignitaries.

I think their real target is Yangzhou, not Suzhou.

"Yes, the real destination is definitely Yangzhou, otherwise why would these distinguished guests choose Yangzhou as their last destination!"

"Could it be... that those nobles are actually investigating the Xia family of Yangzhou?"

"Probably not! Although the Xia family is a bit arrogant, they wouldn't dare to do anything too outrageous in the Jiangnan region!"

Even if they investigate, what can the Xia family find out?

"Who knows? Anyway, the nobles have gone to Yangzhou now, and it's the nobles and officials in Yangzhou who will be on tenterhooks."

However, if the people of Yangzhou have any grievances, this is also a good opportunity!

...

Song Zhimian and Princess Shou Kang and Princess Yongxin rode in the same carriage.

The three of them felt it would be better to ride in one carriage, as it would make it easier to talk.

In addition, the new empress Ye Yunshu treated her half-sister fairly well, and the imperial palace made a spacious and comfortable carriage for Princess Shou Kang.

Even with three people sitting inside, it doesn't feel crowded.

"So our trip to Yangzhou this time was actually to find something to do."

"And then, logically, we'll expose the truth, won't we?" Princess Shou Kang asked.

Song Zhimian and Princess Yongxin both nodded immediately.

"Yes! That's exactly what we'll do!"

"Then why does it have to be me doing this?" Princess Shou Kang asked, somewhat puzzled.

Song Zhimian remained silent, but Princess Yongxin spoke her mind frankly.

"That's because...you're the most suitable person for this job!"

Princess Shou Kang, the Emperor Emeritus's most beloved daughter, has always been known in the capital for her unruly and domineering nature. It's no surprise that you're causing trouble in Yangzhou.

See, besides you, who else can cause trouble, me or Song Zhimian?

Although I am backed by the Korean government, I can never be considered a true member of the Korean government.

Song Zhimian, she is His Majesty's personal female official.

If she causes trouble, wouldn't that be... a slap in His Majesty's face?

"So, you're the most suitable person for this job," Princess Yongxin said with a smile.

Princess Shou Kang chuckled twice.

According to Princess Yongxin, this job is indeed the most suitable for her!

"How do we handle matters within Yangzhou? We can't just go up to someone and whip them every time we see them!"

"You should at least make sure the cause you're looking for is reasonable!" Princess Shou Kang was a little worried.

Upon hearing Princess Shou Kang's words, Song Zhimian quickly spoke up.

"Your Highness need not worry. The princess and I have already discussed it and will certainly not let you get angry for no reason."

Here, this is a solution we've come up with after discussing it for almost two hours. Take a look.

"If there's anything we don't agree with, let's discuss it further." Song Zhimian quickly took out a piece of paper.

Seeing the dense writing on the paper, Princess Shou Kang also went closer.

"The Xia family of Yangzhou...is there something wrong with them?"

...

The carriage headed towards Yangzhou City.

It's the end of March now, and as the ancients said, "In the third month of spring, amidst the fireworks, one should go down to Yangzhou."

Before even entering Yangzhou City, and just upon reaching the territory of Guazhou, Song Zhimian and her companions witnessed a bustling scene.

Late March in Yangzhou is truly a time of blooming flowers.

It is said that Emperor Yang of Sui built the Grand Canal so that he could come to Yangzhou to admire the magnolia flowers when they bloom.

Song Zhimian and the others felt that Yangzhou had much more to offer than just the Qionghua flowers; there were so many other attractive things about Yangzhou.

Yangzhou is home to Wanhualou, the number one brothel in Chongqing!

Song Zhimian only learned on the way that Wanhualou could be considered the private property of the Ye family in the capital. Before Ye Yunshu became emperor, the women who served him were all sent by Wanhualou.

Those women... were all exceptionally beautiful and talented; any one of them could easily become the most sought-after courtesan in the capital's brothels.

After listening to Princess Shou Kang and Princess Yongxin's story, Song Zhimian immediately felt the urge to visit Wanhua Tower.

Beautiful women... are not only something men enjoy looking at, but women enjoy looking at them too.