Chapter 42: Reporting
Yu Huatang turned around, still worried about the Yan family, and said, "Madam Hua treated me to palace cakes today. I think what the master said before was right. Master Yan must be colluding with someone."
Zhao Yan asked her to sit down while listening, observing her expression. Seeing that she didn't show any expression about what was happening outside, he said with relief, "It seems that Lord Yan went to inform the governor of Fuzhou, otherwise these snacks would not have reached him."
Yu Huatang pondered for a moment, "But why did they ask me to make a lantern? And they even built a mechanism underneath it. Madam Hua even specifically asked me to carve a peony flower."
"If they had already tipped off, why did they still make the lights?"
Zhao Yan also thought for a while and said, "The lamp should have been given by Yan Quan to Jiang Shi. He should have contacted the governor of Fuzhou before telling Jiang Shi. The governor of Fuzhou is named Jiang Huaxiang, and peony is the flower minister."
"I understand. Lord Yan had already informed Jiangzhou Mu in advance and passed the information to Jiang Cheng via lanterns. No one would pay attention to what happened in Fuzhou, but in a small place, as long as there is any disturbance, it will be noticed. That's why they went to such great lengths to send lanterns."
Zhao Yan also said in a deep voice, "Since Yan Quan has already tipped off the matter, I will no longer hesitate. We need to immediately investigate the source and whereabouts of the bridge funds."
Yu Huatang looked at him and asked, "Since they've already informed each other, this matter will be extremely difficult to handle. Aren't you afraid of being imprisoned, sir?"
Although she had never been an official, she knew that officials protected each other, and sometimes some honest officials ended up in jail.
"Don't be afraid," he said. "Everyone says I have a father who was the Left Prime Minister. Others might not be able to do it, but I am the most suitable candidate for this matter. The governor of Jiangzhou has already bribed all the officials in Quanzhou. Even if someone came to plead for the people, it would be difficult for them to move forward here."
"But I'm different. Even if I fail, I can still save my life and I won't lose my official position. So I have nothing to fear."
Yu Huatang understood and smiled, "I sincerely thank the people here for having an official like you. I understand your wishes and believe you can accomplish them. If you need me to do anything in the future, please feel free to ask."
Zhao Yan was immediately shocked. She said she knew his aspirations and was also clear about his character. Instead of scolding him for being arrogant and ignorant like others did, she said she knew his aspirations and was also clear about his character.
My father and others always said that he had read so many books, but he didn't know how to be an official, nor did he know what he should and should not do.
They all hoped that he would be able to, with his father's favor, advance step by step, enter the cabinet again, and become prime minister again.
To allow the glory of the Zhao family to continue, but no one has ever thought about whether he is willing to be such an official.
Is the glory of the Zhao family really more important than millions of ordinary people?
He thought he had found the answer.
"I still need your help with something." He suppressed the enthusiasm in his heart and said.
"Please speak, sir."
Zhao Yan took out a letter and said, "This is a memorial I wrote. It reports that the governor of Jiangzhou colluded with officials from Quanzhou to cover up the truth and falsely report the money spent on bridge construction. It records the relevant amounts and cases of construction in recent years."
"This is just one of them. I suspect Jiangzhou Mu may have other private property and business connections, but we can't wait that long. I'd like you to help me deliver it to the Fuzhou Jiedushi."
After hearing this, Yu Huatang also understood the importance of this memorial, "Why did you choose me, sir?"
Zhao Yan looked at him. "I know this is dangerous, but now no one will suspect anything unless you go to Fuzhou. As soon as my people leave here, they will notice. I also don't feel comfortable if anyone else goes."
Yu Huatang understood and said, "Since Your Excellency is willing to trust me, I am willing to give it a try. Your Excellency is the father and mother of Quanzhou. It is our blessing to be able to eliminate these termites for us."
Zhao Yan smiled and said, "Your praise for me has given me the courage to fight with all my strength."
Then he immediately said, "I'll wrap it up with other things and give it to you. Wait here for me."
"Okay." Yu Huatang nodded.
When he came out after wrapping it, Yu Huatang was already waiting for him outside the door.
He handed it over and looked at the sky outside. "It's late today. Grandma Xu is probably asleep. Why don't we eat here?"
Yu Huatang shook his head. "No need. It's quick to make some simple dishes."
Zhao Yan had no choice but to send her under the osmanthus tree.
At this time, the sky is full of stars and the bright moon is clearly hanging on the branches, casting some hazy moonlight. Occasionally, you can hear a few dogs barking and the croaking of frogs coming from afar, which seems very comfortable.
Zhao Yan turned his head to look at Yu Huatang. Seeing that she didn't say anything, he knew that she would reach the gate of the courtyard in a few more steps.
After thinking for a long time, he said, "As I said before, Bai Yi got married not long after you left."
Yu Huatang looked at him in surprise, "Oh."
"Although she was the concubine my mother prepared for me, I didn't have that intention and never entered her room. I just treated her as an ordinary maid." He continued to explain.
"It's all in the past, sir, you don't have to tell me about it," she said.
He said anxiously, “No, this needs to be made clear.”
Yu Huatang didn't say anything else. After taking a few more steps, he took out the key to open the door and said, "Master, please go back."
Seeing that she had ordered them to leave again, Zhao Yan couldn't help but say, "I didn't pay attention to this before. If I could go back to the past, I would definitely send Bai Yi away early and explain it to my mother."
Yu Huatang ignored him, walked into the room, turned around and smiled, "I understand, sir. It's getting late, sir, you should go to bed early."
After saying that, he closed the door, separating Zhao Yan outside.
Zhao Yan looked at the closed door and felt that all the words in his heart were blocked. He stood alone for a while, his heart gradually becoming sad. Helplessly, he had to leave.
After returning to the room, Anfu was putting the food on the table. "Young Master, eat it while it's hot. It's not good for your health if it gets cold."
Zhao Yan looked at the food in front of her, and then thought about how she still had to cook for herself, and she didn't know when she would be able to eat it. For a moment, she felt bored.
Seeing his son's silence, An Fu thought that An Yuan hadn't done his job well today, so he said, "Master, you know that An Yuan's mind is only on martial arts."
Zhao Yan didn't even think about punishing them. He said calmly, "Tell An Yuan that next time Miss Yu comes to see me, she should be invited in and treated well."
An Fu breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I'll go talk to him right away."
The next day, Yu Huatang told his senior brother Li Ruotong that he was going to Fuzhou to meet an old gentleman, which would take about two days.
Li Ruotong agreed to her request for leave and told the shop, "If you want Madam Qiaodeng's lanterns, you have to wait a few days."
Two days later, Yu Huatang arrived in Fuzhou. According to Zhao Yan's words and instructions, he gave the things in his hand to the servant who came to greet him.
In less than a moment, the servant replied, "The Jiedushi has already known about this matter. Please trouble the young lady to deliver the letter. Please rest here."
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