Chapter 215 Fun
"Yes, yes, yes... I will immediately order someone to purchase the necessary items and repair the drum today..."
Luo Yan thought Princess Chang Le was about to throw a tantrum, but after she finished speaking slowly and deliberately, she lifted her skirt and walked in without saying anything more. Only then did Luo Yan breathe a sigh of relief.
He thought to himself, "That makes sense. How old is Princess Chang Le this year? How much could she possibly know? She's just relying on her tiny achievements in the capital, which the Princess dotes on her, and thinks she's exceptionally capable, even wanting to meddle in Lancheng's affairs."
If this princess is smart, that's fine; but if she's young, arrogant, ignorant, and fearless, then don't blame them for being ruthless and deceiving their superiors.
They entered the government office, where the officials were all dressed in faded white robes and hurried about, not stopping for Luo Yan to bring in a beautifully dressed young girl.
They all look like good officials.
Qi Yuxuan remained unmoved, standing still and waiting for Luo Yan to go in and report.
A short while later, the middle-aged man whom Luo Yan called Lord Yao led a group of officials from the Lancheng government office to stand in front of Princess Chang Le and bow to her.
They already knew the purpose of Princess Chang Le's visit. Lord Yao and Luo Yan, who were in charge, exchanged a glance, and then personally led her inside.
"The princess's carriage is indeed extraordinary, and it arrived so quickly. In order to find the files the princess needs, the servants came early this morning to tidy up the storeroom. However, I didn't expect that some minor official got the order wrong when taking the tags, and most of the files are out of order. It will probably take a while to tidy them up. Why don't I accompany the princess to the back for some tea and wait a moment? Once they are tidied up, I will accompany the princess to look them up!"
Qi Yuxuan raised her hand and said, "As the chief secretary and county magistrate, Lord Yao must be very busy with official duties. Why bother with such a trivial matter? I think Lord Luo is quite good. Let him accompany me."
Lord Yao's shrewd eyes glanced discreetly at Luo Yan beside him, then he gave Princess Chang Le a perfectly timed respectful smile:
“Your Highness’s consideration is very wise. Then, Military Advisor Luo, please lead Your Highness to the backyard! I shall take my leave now.”
Qi Yuxuan nodded, and seeing Luo Yan nervously take two steps forward, she smiled awkwardly and led her to continue walking. She asked, "How old is your Lord Yao this year? He looks very energetic. It seems he can serve the Qi Kingdom for many more years."
Luo Yan quickly replied, "Lord Yao is already forty-seven years old. He takes good care of himself, so he looks younger than his peers."
Although he sees his superior every day, he can't really tell how he is feeling. But since Princess Chang Le said so, he just goes along with it. He still remembers the subtle glance his superior gave him earlier, which was clearly a warning, implying that he had been too eager to take credit from Princess Chang Le and had stolen his superior's thunder!
Qi Yuxuan muttered in a low voice, just loud enough for Luo Yan to hear, "Really? I thought such a thrifty official must be so busy that he wouldn't have time to take care of his appearance. How come his face is so well-maintained, but the gate of the official residence is so old and worn..."
Luo Yan: "..."
Soon they arrived at the back of the government office, which looked small but turned out to be a hidden gem.
Inside, there was light singing and dancing, quite a lively scene. But when Qi Yuxuan saw clearly what was happening inside, her expression immediately changed.
Because the people she saw dancing weren't glamorous and beautiful dancers, but... scantily clad men?
The backyard of the government office in front of us was a large plum grove in full bloom, with snowdrifts neatly laid on both sides, revealing a winding pebble path in the middle. At the end of the path was a palace that looked warm and cozy, and next to it was an octagonal pavilion. The dancing men were in the pavilion, watching the sword dance with seductive eyes in the icy snow.
Qi Yuxuan had considered using coercion and bribery, but she never imagined that seduction would also be used.
The two maids who followed her in saw the scene inside. Although they hadn't reached the central palace yet, they recognized the dancing man, and their faces turned completely dark.
Especially Lanxin, who was sent by the eldest princess to serve the princess. Before leaving the capital, her godmother, Aunt Meng, instructed her that no down-on-his-luck scholars or playboys should be allowed to get close to the princess. There was absolutely no way any of them would come from respectable families. But now, a bunch of even more disreputable people have come!
Her anger was rising steadily. If it weren't for the fact that writing a letter back to the Princess's residence and giving it to her godmother wouldn't be of much use, she would have liked to write ten letters denouncing the absurdity of the Lancheng government!
Luo Yan had always been the one following behind, and had never had the chance to personally lead guests in. But when he saw the dancers that Lord Yao had arranged in such a unique way, his lips twitched for a moment.
"Princess, the official residence is simple and there is no good tea to serve you. Please come inside and warm yourself by the fire."
He was bowing and scraping, his posture low enough, as he secretly observed Princess Chang Le's expression.
A young girl of this age, and a princess at that, what kind of fun couldn't she have? Even if she couldn't have fun under the watchful eye of the princess in the capital, wouldn't she be curious once she came to Lancheng? As for the so-called reputation and etiquette, there are plenty of ways for male prostitutes to provide pleasure without ruining a girl's reputation; even he, a proper man, knows that.
If she continues to feign modesty and refuse, then there's no point in her ever leaving the backyard.
Fortunately, Princess Chang Le was only stunned and bewildered for a moment before revealing a meaningful look in her eyes.
"Lord Luo is too modest. If such a beautiful plum grove is considered simple, then the Princess's residence can only be described as barely providing shelter from the wind and rain."
Upon hearing her praise, Luo Yan knew that this trip had been worthwhile.
He couldn't help but imagine the Princess Chang's mansion that Princess Chang Le was comparing it to. Prices of goods and land in the capital were high, and he was afraid that the Princess Chang's mansion didn't have enough space to build such a large plum grove. That was why Princess Chang Le was so happy.
After pondering various thoughts, Luo Yan immediately led his men forward. He glanced at the maid behind Princess Chang Le, then feigned hesitation:
"Well, the government office is small. If Your Highness trusts me, why don't I arrange for these two young ladies to rest elsewhere? That way, Your Highness won't be disturbed."
The implication of her words to send the maid away was too obvious. Qi Yuxuan did not object and nodded silently. In Luo Yan's eyes, this meant that she was eager to broaden her horizons.
Luo Yan sneered inwardly. This princess was at least sensible. She didn't beg and plead to check any files. Instead, she obediently enjoyed herself here, took the money, and left. That way, even if they had leverage over her, they wouldn't be in any real trouble.
Thinking this, the two unwilling maids had already been led away by the guards. Princess Chang Le did not wait for Luo Yan and walked alone towards the path.
"Princess, please don't be in a hurry. The room is warm and cozy, and there's nothing more comfortable here. Let me introduce everything to you..."
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