Bao Li thought hard for a long time and decided to let his trusted subordinates receive the goods when the merchant ship arrived tomorrow. He would use the excuse of welcoming the Fourth Prince to detain him.

At least tomorrow will pass peacefully.

Thinking of the mess in the Imperial Household Department in Beijing, Bao Li made up his mind to keep this batch of opium in his hands and transport it to the capital after the crisis was over.

Otherwise, if something happens to him again at this critical juncture, the emperor will probably turn his attention to his colleagues who have been sent out. If that happens, he will be blamed for his death.

Paulie looked up at the increasingly dark night outside the window and wanted to go back to the backyard to take a shower and go to bed. However, just as he had the thought, he heard a few messy footsteps coming from the door.

He frowned. Could something difficult to solve have happened in the middle of the night?

Whatever he thought came true, the first thing his confidant said when he saw him was,

"Master, Lord Wanyan was beaten by the Fourth Prince!"

When Baoli heard the words "Lord Wanyan", his eyebrows jumped violently. He Cun was the confidant of the Fourth Prince and came from a high family. It took him nearly two years to chew this tough bone, so naturally he didn't want anything to happen to him!

"Do you know why the Fourth Prince wanted to attack He Cun?"

"I don't know the details. We didn't dare get too close. I only know that before Lord Wanyan entered, the room was very quiet. But after Lord Wanyan entered, we heard his shouting within half a cup of tea."

"Are you sure it's He Cun's voice?"

"Our people have confirmed repeatedly that it is Lord Wanyan."

Bao Li's face turned pale for a moment. Could it be that his attempt to win over He Cun was exposed?

But that shouldn't be the case. Every time he met He Cun, he was extremely secretive. Even the eyes he sent to the Fourth Prince's residence to keep an eye on them were unaware of it.

If he had not instructed that the news about the Fourth Prince should be spread in a timely manner, he would probably not have heard any news about He Cun tonight.

Bao Li walked around the room twice and wanted to go to the Prince's Mansion to check the situation in person, but as soon as he lifted his foot, he put it down again.

If this matter had really been exposed, his visit now would be tantamount to a provocation.

Let’s wait until tomorrow!

"Send someone to keep an eye on the Prince's Mansion. You must know everything that happened tonight, no matter how big or small."

"yes!"

The attendant responded and quickly disappeared into the night.

The next morning, when Yinzhen was having breakfast, Baoli came to his door eagerly.

But he did not come alone, but brought almost all the Manchu officials at the dock.

According to Yinzhen's idea, since Hecun's body was broken and he became like that because of opium, Baoli's condition should be worse than his. However, the reality was completely different from what he expected.

Looking at Baoli, whose face was rosy and steps were steady, a hint of doubt flashed in Yinzhen's eyes.

My second brother clearly said that opium corrodes the bones, and anyone who smokes opium will gradually become weak and eventually die.

Is it that the second brother’s understanding of opium is not comprehensive enough, or is it that Paulie has never smoked opium at all?

If it's the former, it's fine, but if it's the latter...

That means Paulie must know the dangers of opium!

He knew it and still dared to plot against his colleagues. Even if he had ten lives, they would not be enough for him to be beheaded!

Thinking of this, he glanced at the others calmly, and sure enough, he saw a few people who looked listless and tired.

It seems that Paulie must know something about the inside story, otherwise he wouldn't be so healthy.

Yinzhen's mind was full of thoughts, but there was no trace of flaw on his face.

Last night, after punching He Cun, he kicked him twice in anger.

But He Cun's behavior was very strange. It seemed that he couldn't accept that he suddenly became so "weak and powerless". He even asked the people around him in horror why he became like that.

As soon as Yinzhen saw it, he knew that he had been fooled by the servant who was practicing with him. He even suspected that the people around Hecun had been bribed by Baoli.

He no longer had any hope for that idiot, but this Paulie...

Yesterday he was just a little wary of him, but after meeting him today, he knew that this man was no ordinary person.

After a few pleasantries, Paulie also told the purpose of his visit today.

"Your Excellency has been exhausted from the journey, and I didn't receive any news yesterday. Today, I have set up a table at the Sifang Pavilion. I beg Your Excellency to do me the honor of welcoming you."

Welcoming party?

Haha, that sounds nice, but I’m afraid it’s not some Hongmen Banquet to hold him back!

However, since Paulie wanted him to attend the banquet so much, why not just go?

Yinzhen pretended to hesitate for a moment, not seeming very happy.

"My Lord is here to check the accounts. It won't take a few days..."

Paul's heart tightened slightly, and he quickly advised,

"This servant's banquet will be held in the evening after the shift is over. It won't delay the prince for long!"

"Then... okay, I accept this afternoon's banquet!"

"Thank you, Lord Beile, for your kindness! I'll go and prepare it right away!"

Paulie breathed a sigh of relief and left happily.

But just as he reached the door, he ran into Shen Chang.

Shen Chang was stunned. He really didn't expect to run into such a large group of people at this time, but he quickly came to his senses and saluted Bao Li respectfully.

"This humble official greets Lord Bao."

Shen Chang secretly curled his lips in his heart.

The rank of the person in front of him was even one level lower than his, but he was appointed by the emperor. Not to mention him, even He Cun had to bow his head when he saw him.

Paulie bowed with a forced smile and said,

"It's Lord Shen. Are you here to pay your respects to Lord Beile? I have something important to attend to, so I'll be leaving first!"

"Sir, take care..."

After watching Bao Li leave, Shen Chang rolled his eyes slightly, then put his hands in his pockets and slowly walked towards the mansion.

"Bah! You bastard, you're trying to harm me!"

"I'll show you my true colors tonight!"

The barely audible sound drifted in the slightly cold wind, and no one knew about it.