Chapter 21: Bigger Than Sesame Seeds, Bigger Than Morning Light…
In the early morning light, Song Youning had just sat down at the dining table when Chuntao came in holding a food box.
When you open the lid, the aroma of a cup of steaming almond tea fills the air.
"Princess, this is sent by Lord Li," Chuntao reminded as she brought tea to the table.
Song Youning looked at Chuntao's hair bun. She had a green flower pinned to her head, which perfectly matched her green palace dress. "Chuntao, this green flower looks really nice on you. Why haven't I seen you wear it before?"
Chun Tao touched the newly pinned jade crabapple blossom in her hair and said with a beaming smile, "Your Highness, this is a gift from Lord Li. He said it's a reward for my good care of the princess. It's distributed throughout Zuixianzhai!"
Song Youning raised his eyebrows: This bribe has been given to her people?
She deliberately dragged out her tone, feigning ignorance: "Oh? Lord Li? Which Lord Li?"
Before Chun Tao could reply, a clear and bright voice came from behind her: "Your Highness, it is your humble servant."
Li Funing was wearing a moon-white long gown, holding a folding fan, and walked into the table leisurely.
"Your Highness, did you sleep well last night?"
Li Funing walked to the side and "accidentally" bumped into Xiao Lin who was peeling walnuts for her. The walnut in Xiao Lin's hand rolled twice on the table in struggle.
Along with the walnuts in the porcelain plate, they all fell down with a "thump thump" sound as if they were jumping off a cliff.
"Not bad! Where is Lord Li?" Song Youning looked up at him, and what came into his sight was a handsome face, as pretty as jade, wearing a light-colored robe.
In the sunlight, he looked like a banished immortal, and there was no trace of the terminally ill look he had yesterday.
Song Youning looked at the bowl of almond tea and asked, "Master Li, is this... a bribe to me?" She then looked at the jade crabapple in Chuntao's hair bun and said, "... a little shabby, isn't it?
Li Funing smiled and said, "Of course not. This is something I made myself. Your Highness, would you be so kind as to try it?"
Song Youning raised his eyebrows: "Oh? Lord Li also has this skill?"
"Lord Li, you bumped into me." Xiao Lin glared at him with a dark face, watching the walnuts he had worked so hard to peel all morning being wasted.
Li Funing pretended to be surprised: "The prince is here, please forgive my humble appearance, I thought only His Highness was here..."
"Please forgive me, Your Highness... I have a narrow vision and cannot see anyone other than Your Highness..."
Xiao Lin: “You…”
Xiao Lin stared coldly at Li Funing's affectionate eyes. Those eyes could shimmer with affection even when looking at a piece of wood, let alone looking at a person.
Since childhood, it was these two eyes that always fascinated Ningning, but he couldn't do anything about it.
He shook his hands in disgust and said, "Stay away from me..." as if he was avoiding something dirty.
Then, like a magic trick, he took out a green jade teapot from his arms and said softly, "Ningning."
He tapped the pot lightly with his fingertips, and the anger between his brows suddenly turned into a spring breeze. "This Mingqian Longjing tea was sent 800 miles from Jiangnan by express delivery. It's a good thing. Do you want to try it?"
That flattering look made him look like a peacock spreading its tail.
He poured Song Youning a cup like offering a treasure: "It's refreshing and sweet, it's very nourishing. I'm sure you like it."
Xiao Lin's eyes vaguely swept over Li Funing beside him, with obvious provocation in his eyes.
"Okay! I'm a little thirsty after eating walnuts just now, let me try some."
Song Youning patted the walnut crumbs on his hands and took it with a smile. Before he could taste it, Li Funing covered his lips and coughed softly, saying in a soft voice: "Your Highness, my spleen and stomach have been weak recently. I'm afraid I can't tolerate this cold green tea..."
Xiao Lin rolled his eyes at him and said, "It's not for you. Why is Lord Li so nosy?"
Li Funing's handsome face changed color in an instant. The corners of his eyes drooped slightly, and the corners of his eyes, which were already slightly red, became even redder. His peach blossom eyes were instantly filled with tears, and he looked like a little beast that had been wronged.
Seeing his expression, Song Youning's heart softened and he squinted his eyes and said, "Xiao Lin, don't stir up trouble..."
Xiao Lin was frustrated and thought to himself, who wouldn't pretend to be a foxy girl?
His tone gradually softened, his eyes drooped, and he was about to leave in a tearful manner: "Lord Li is weak, why don't you go back and rest early? This prince will take good care of His Highness for Lord Li, okay?"
Li Funing looked up at him, startled. He hadn't expected that Xiao Lin had become so much smarter after not seeing him for a few years. The smile on his face widened, and his eyes softened a little. "Your Highness is right, but Your Highness is here, wouldn't it be rude for me to leave?" Xiao Lin shook his head sincerely, "Your Highness won't blame Lord Li. Your Highness cares so much about Lord Li. If Lord Li is in trouble, Your Highness will definitely be distressed. Unlike this prince, who is always ignored..."
"Even though His Highness was seriously injured and nearly died, His Highness never showed any distress. But Lord Li is different..."
Song Youning almost spit out the tea in her mouth. She looked at the two men, each one a foxy charmer, and slowly said:
"Since Lord Li cannot drink green tea, then why not try a cup of ripe Pu'er tea instead. It warms the spleen and stomach. Prince Xiao is also suffering from a relapse of an old injury. Since you two are both weak, drinking a mild tea would be fine."
Song Youning changed the subject. She didn't want to offend either side...
Li Funing's eyes lit up slightly, and he looked delighted: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your consideration of me."
Xiao Lin still refused to give up. He pulled out a delicate porcelain jar from his sleeve and said, "Your Highness, this is the osmanthus honey we made this year. It goes really well with tea. Would you like to try it?"
"OK!"
"This is the first batch of freshly made osmanthus honey this year. I was worried about not being in the palace... The prince is very considerate." Song Youning took it, opened the lid, took a deep breath, and a burst of sweetness came over him.
"This osmanthus honey is truly a good thing... If paired with the sweet aftertaste of tea, it would have a unique flavor..."
"Brother Xiao is thoughtful, but it's a pity that I... am allergic to osmanthus. It's a pity to waste such a good thing..." Li Funing sat aside and sighed inappropriately.
Song Youning was immersed in the sweet aroma of beeswax and asked in confusion, "How come I remember that during last year's Double Ninth Festival, Lord Li praised the osmanthus cake I made myself? How come I'm allergic to osmanthus today?"
Li Funing: "..."
Xiao Lin sneered: "Master Li's illness is really getting better and worse."
Li Funing lowered his eyes, his fingertips gently stroking the teacup. Suddenly, he raised his eyes, with a hint of grievance in his eyes: "Your Highness, I just... don't want to embarrass you..."
Song Youning was puzzled
"Since this is the sweet-scented osmanthus cake made by Your Highness, I must finish it even though I am allergic to it, so as not to let Your Highness down. And today I am really tired. If it were before, I would definitely try Master Xiao's kindness..."
Xiao Lin: “…”
Song Youning looked at his aggrieved face and understood. Although Li Funing seemed to be a gentle and kind person, he was actually very tolerant and intolerant.
Judging from his expression, he must be feeling very jealous.
She suppressed her laughter and pretended to be serious: "In that case, Lord Li should drink some warm water to prevent the disease from recurring."
Li Funing lowered his eyes: "Yes"
Xiao Lin didn't bother to pay attention to him and took a sip leisurely. "It's really good tea. It's a pity that Lord Li doesn't have this good taste!"
After three rounds of tea, Chuntao came in with small steps and bowed. "Princess, His Majesty has sent some gifts, saying they are rare tributes from Nanzhao. Please come and have a look."
Song Youning wiped the tea stains from the corners of her lips with a handkerchief: "Why would my father suddenly give me something..."
Chun Tao shook her head: "I don't know."
She glanced between the two of them and said, "I'm going to receive your order. You two are both respectable people. You shouldn't engage in the bickering that children do in the market, right?"
"Of course!" Xiao Lin answered first. Song Youning looked at Li Funing, and only after he nodded did she feel relieved and accepted his order.
When the aquamarine figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, the pavilion was so quiet that one could hear the sound of a silver needle falling to the ground. Li Funing slowly turned the celadon cup, and Xiao Lin occasionally knocked on the agarwood table.
After a moment of silence, Xiao Lin sneered and said, "Are you tired of acting, Lord Li?"
Li Funing put down his teacup slowly and nonchalantly, "Isn't it the same for Prince Xiao?"
Xiao Lin looked in the direction where Song Youning disappeared, leaned closer, and lowered his voice: "Master Li, do you really think His Highness believes this?"
Li Funing chuckled: "Believe it or not is not important, what's important is..." He raised his eyes and said: "Your Highness is willing to indulge me, but the Crown Prince does not have such treatment..."
Xiao Lin was furious: "You..."
Just as Xiao Lin was about to refute, Song Youning appeared in their sight.
Song Youning was really worried about the two of them being alone together, so she went and came back in a hurry, not giving them any chance to quarrel. After hearing the order, she returned with the maids carrying the rewards.
She glanced at the two of them. Xiao Lin's brows seemed to be locked, and he looked bitter and resentful. He asked, "What were you talking about just now? Why were you so serious?"
Li Funing instantly recovered his previous weak state and said softly, "Brother Xiao is discussing... the tea ceremony with me."
Xiao Lin followed suit: "...Yes, I've been quite curious lately. I haven't seen Lord Li's tea art in just a few years, so how come he's so proficient? Could it be that he's learned from a master somewhere?"
He added nonsensically: "If there is a chance, I would also like to learn..."
Li Funing raised an eyebrow and took a sip of tea. "Your Highness, there's no need to learn... I don't think you have the talent... There's no need to waste time. You might as well learn the acrobatics on Suzaku Street. I think His Highness would like it too..."
Xiao Lin jumped up from the stool: "You..."
It seemed that the two were about to start a war again during this conversation.
Song Youning had no choice but to throw the secret letter in his sleeve directly onto the table.
Forget it, let’s talk business! She glanced at the two of them and said, “My father sent me a secret letter.”
Li Funing's originally frail complexion quickly regained its rosy color. He picked up the secret letter in front of him and slowly unfolded it:
"My son Youning:
Yuzhou is a prosperous city with outstanding people and beautiful scenery. As a father, he wanted to do his best to support it and make it become the next Jiangnan, to benefit the people and revitalize the country. However, the money transferred back by the secret spies was exploited by people at all levels and embezzled. What's more, some people took advantage of Yuzhou's convenient location to open casinos, making Yuzhou gradually look like a "gambling city", causing the people of Yuzhou to live in poverty and even make a living by gambling!
I am fully aware that this case has far-reaching implications. A hasty and thorough investigation could unleash unrest within the government and the nation. With so many forces now intertwined within the court, a thorough investigation is difficult. However, if we fail to crack down on corruption, it will only intensify and ultimately undermine the very foundations of our nation. You and Funing are in Yuzhou, so you must conduct a secret investigation and gather solid evidence. However, please be cautious and avoid alerting the enemy. When the time is right, I will personally purge the situation with all my might and restore order to the court!"
Song Youning seemed to know something, slapped his thigh, and stood up from the stool: "Oh! No wonder I was in Yuzhou the moment I opened my eyes. It must be a trap set by my father."
She looked at Li Funing who was sitting opposite her: "Master Li, do you have any ideas?"
Li Funing stared at the letter, pondering for a moment before slowly speaking, "Yuzhou's biggest industry is its underground gambling dens, and the Yuzhou Governor is apparently colluding with them. It must be rotten from the very root. Why not start from the deepest root, starting with the Yuzhou Governor?"
If you want to exploit them further, send spies to investigate first, and then wait until the evidence is solid..."
“No!”
Song Youning interrupted: "Yuzhou is a place where the governor has absolute control. If we wait for the spies to slowly investigate, I'm afraid the evidence will have been burned! This method is too slow..."
A cold light flashed in her eyes. "Fortunately, Xiao Lin is still here. How about... I go with him in person, disguised as a guest, and go to his mansion to test his strength? How do you think?"
Li Funing frowned, "Your Highness, the Yuzhou Governor dared to amass wealth so blatantly. I'm sure the Yuzhou officialdom is in turmoil. If we rashly go there..."
"What I want is to catch them off guard and create chaos so that I can take advantage of the situation to fish in troubled waters." She stood up suddenly.
Xiao Lin glanced at the two of them and suddenly remembered the gossip he'd overheard at breakfast at the next table. He said awkwardly, "This prince... I was just drinking tea and heard someone say that the governor's family is holding a sixtieth birthday party for his mother this week, and that many officials from Yuzhou will be attending."
"Why not start from this point and disguise yourself as someone celebrating a birthday and sneak into the mansion to investigate secretly?"
“No!”
Li Funing suddenly stood up, his usually restrained tone tinged with anger, "Princess, how could you...if..."
"What if? Princess?"
Song Youning's face darkened, and his dark eyes were bottomless: "Li Funing, do you think I am still a child following you for protection?"
Li Funing explained: "That's not what I meant..."
Song Youning interrupted: "This matter is settled...I will make my own decision."
"Princess..." Li Funing's face turned pale.
At this moment, Xiao Lin's voice came: "How about the birthday party for Governor Zhou's mother in three days? It's a good opportunity to sneak in."
Song Youning's eyes lit up: "Do you think it's feasible?"
"Although I am not proficient in military tactics, my father once said that seeking victory amidst danger is the best military strategy."
Xiao Lin clasped his fists, his eyes blazing, "I am willing to dress up as your Highness's guard and go with you."
Li Funing looked at the two of them looking at each other in tacit understanding, and slowly clenched his hands in his sleeves.
Over the years, he knew her too well...
"Never mind, never mind."
"In that case..."
Li Funing relaxed his tone and said, "The princess and I will go there disguised as retainers."
Three days later, the governor's mansion
The birthday banquet at Zhou's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful lights. On the vermilion lacquered gate, a golden beast held a copper ring as big as a bowl in its mouth, and expensive, famous peonies were placed on the white jade steps.
The door is shiny and glossy. It is not made of ordinary pear wood, but red sandalwood shipped from Southeast Asia.
The plaque on the door was inlaid with four large characters "Diligence and Frugality" in gold, which was really ridiculous.
Song Youning sneered, "Oh, this governor lives an even more extravagant life than this princess. The most extravagant thing I've ever done is buying a Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Compared to them, what am I?"
Song Youning was seen standing in front of the mansion wearing an indigo men's suit, a jade crown tied up his hair, a short sword at his waist, and a folding fan in his hand.
Behind her were two "brothers".
Xiao Lin was dressed in a red suit with a sword at his waist. He looked more like a chivalrous knight than a retainer. Li Funing wore a plain robe with wide sleeves, held a folding fan in his hand, and wore a bamboo hat. He looked like a noble counselor.
Li Funing has been in officialdom for a long time, so he wears a bamboo hat, while Song Youning and Xiao Lin have not returned to the palace for many years.
Few people have seen her, let alone officials from such a remote place, so there is no need to worry about her.
"The three gentlemen look unfamiliar."
The Zhou residence's housekeeper came over tactfully, squinting his eyes to look at the three people.
Song Youning opened his folding fan, revealing the word "Chen" on the inside: "The Grand Tutor sent us here to congratulate the old lady on her birthday."
"Are any of you disciples of Grand Tutor Chen? Please come in!"
The housekeeper came forward with a wrinkled face and his waist bent almost in half. "The master is entertaining guests in the front hall. I will go and tell him."
"No rush."
Song Youning unfurled his folding fan and said, "I heard that Master Liu got a South China Sea red lotus that's in full bloom."
"Before leaving, the Grand Master specifically instructed me to bring back a flower bud as a souvenir. I wonder if I could see it?"
"Of course, of course. So, it's to look at the flowers!"
The butler's Adam's apple rolled as he suddenly led the way warmly, "Sir, please come this way. The flowers are grown in the pond in the backyard!"
Xiao Lin wanted to follow, but Song Youning covered his lips with his fan and coughed softly: "My two brothers, please enjoy the paintings here. The painting "Night Banquet of Han Xizai" is quite artistic..."
In fact, he secretly instructed: "You two are here to gather information for me, I will be back soon."
Li Funing stood in front of the "Night Banquet" with his hands behind his back, his fingers slightly bent under his wide sleeves, with a limit of "half a quarter of an hour"
Song Youning followed the housekeeper to the backyard. After passing through three doors, a burst of steam wrapped in a decadent sweet fragrance hit his face.
Song Youning squinted his eyes and looked at the South China Sea red lotus in the pond. It was gorgeous and so red that it looked like it could bleed. It was indeed the best red lotus!
There was a rustling sound, but Song Youning looked back and heard no sound.
The old housekeeper looked panicked: "Sir, look at the flowers, look at the flowers..."
Song Youning looked at the lotus in the pond and glanced at the old housekeeper who was always by her side. No, she had to find a reason to get him away.
"Oh, look, I came here to pick lotus flowers but I didn't bring any containers."
She turned around and asked, "Butler, could you please find a box for me?"
"This..." The butler hesitated to speak.
"This South Sea Red Lotus will wilt if it leaves the water. If it's left without water, it will wilt in a short time. If Grand Tutor Chen gets angry, not only you servants, but even your master won't be able to bear the consequences. Why don't you hurry up and go?"
Song Youning's voice was deliberately heavy, not allowing for refusal.
"I'll go right away, right away." The old housekeeper saw that Song Youning was angry, so he didn't dare to offend him, and went to find the jar in a hurry.
While he was away, Song Youning looked around. Apart from the occasional chirping of cicadas, there was no other sound.
She pulled out the map of Zhou Mansion that Li Funing had bought from Fang Yazi from behind her back. "This Governor Zhou is obsessed with official duties and can't rest. He spends all day in his study. In that case, why not go to the study first and take a look?"
Song Youning determined the location of the study on the map, stuffed the map into his sleeve, and walked towards the study.
In just a moment, Song Youning was already standing in front of the study.
"How can I explain to the adults if those women don't eat or drink?" Hearing someone coming, Song Youning quickly hid in the study and hid behind the screen.
"They have to be stuffed in. Otherwise, how can we present them to Prime Minister Li when they are so skinny and hungry? But it's strange. Prime Minister Li is also strange. He doesn't want so many beauties, but he actually likes this married woman."
"What do you know? Married people are more loving?" another person responded.
The tone was vulgar, causing Song Youning to feel a chill behind the screen.
"Prime Minister Li, Li Funing's father?" Song Youning frowned.
Before coming, they had inquired and heard that Governor Zhou was a neutral official and hadn't heard of any faction he affiliated with. Furthermore, Li Funing hadn't mentioned any connection to Prime Minister Li.
"Everyone says that Lord Li is an honest official and an upright person, but I didn't expect that he is like this in private..." Xiao Si, who was serving the food, spoke in a vulgar and obscene manner.
“Who says it isn’t?”
Another young man lowered his voice and continued, "The Li family father and son appear noble on the surface, but in secret, I don't know how much of the people's money they have embezzled."
"Then Lord Li was able to sit on the position of Minister of Revenue at such a young age, wasn't it all thanks to his father's connections? If you ask me... they are birds of a feather."
"Shhh, shhhh, no wonder the princess would rather run away with Prince Xiao on the day of their engagement than marry him. I guess she must have heard about it before."
Song Youning's brows furrowed, her fingertips unconsciously clenching. If she wasn't afraid of alerting the enemy, she would have rushed up and punched the two men. She didn't understand Li Xiang, but didn't she also understand Li Funing? Li Funing was greedy for the people's money. These powerful officials should not be allowed to live any longer. None of them are clean.
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