Chapter 75: Finding out the truth will cost extra money.
The young man still couldn't keep his composure.
"I didn't mean to offend you last time." Luan Shuangbai's eyes were filled with sincerity and apology. "I came to the capital this time to ask after the young lady on behalf of Prince Yue on official business, but I also have other personal matters to attend to."
He finally couldn't help but tell the truth.
"Private matter? Could it be that the young general has finally thought it through and decided to marry into the princess's family?" Guizhier smiled sweetly, her eyes curved into crescents.
"Girl, stop making fun of me!" Luan Shuangbai was like a frightened deer, his muscles from shoulders to arms suddenly tensed up.
His originally heroic face instantly turned red.
Princess Yuhe was a beautiful and noble woman, but he was not worthy of her.
Luan Shuangbai suppressed his inner shame and anger and told the story.
"Miss, you may not know this, but Luan's ancestors became wealthy merchants by chance." His expression grew increasingly serious. "But three years ago, our family's benefactor was murdered."
"After extensive investigation, we discovered that the cause of our benefactor's death may be related to the current emperor."
So the young man mounted a white horse, carried a tasseled spear, and relied on his solid boxing and kicking skills to win the title of martial arts champion.
I came to Beijing just to find out the truth and seek justice.
"It's a pity that he was scared by Princess Yuhe and stationed at the border directly?" Guizhier's smile became cunning and she joked.
The girl's mind is as clear as a mirror.
The young general may not have lied, but he must have hidden part of the truth.
Guizhi'er was taking care of the stewed food in the pot while her mind was racing.
Just calling him a "rich businessman" is probably a bit modest.
Gui Zhi'er recalled the rare gold coin pendant that the young general had given her before, and guessed that their family was the owner behind Huitong Money House.
"Uh...I guess so." Luan Shuangbai said vaguely.
It's not that he intended to cover it up, but this shocking secret has too wide a scope of impact.
He was afraid that if he was not careful, he would implicate those who knew the truth.
Miss Gui is kind and innocent. Why should she be persecuted because of his private affairs? I just hope that the girl can be safe and sound.
Guizhier guessed most of what was going on when she saw Luan Shuangbai grunting.
"You wanted to find out the truth about your benefactor's death, and seeing that the capital was treacherous," Gui Zhi'er boldly speculated, "so you took the initiative to request permission to enter the northern border to fight the enemy."
As the braising pot rolls, the steaming aroma becomes more and more intense.
The aroma has a hint of sweetness, which is a perfect fusion of spices in the marinade, making people salivate.
"You already knew the identity of King Yue, and the two of you colluded... well, no, after working together, you made military achievements before entering the capital."
Guizhier coughed twice to cover up her mistake in speaking.
A mere champion in martial arts was constrained and not taken seriously in the capital.
But it is different for generals who have made contributions.
The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the courtyard. Luan Shuangbai was wearing a dark robe, his posture was upright but he looked a little tired.
He sat on a rattan chair, his head slightly tilted back, a look of helplessness on his face.
Guizhier is so smart that she can piece together the truth from clues.
"King Yue also arranged for insiders from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War to liaise with me." Luan Shuangbai tapped the armrest of the rattan chair unconsciously, his brows slightly furrowed.
“But I don’t trust them.”
"Why?" Guizhier asked curiously.
"Well, after all, I am a talented person who is always victorious in catching bandits." The young man's face was slightly red, his eyes were bright and sharp, revealing an air of confidence and pride.
He puffed out his chest, showing his white teeth.
"If King Yue deliberately distorted the truth in order to win me over to fight against the court, wouldn't my benefactor die unjustly?"
Hey, you got it installed!
Guizhier smiled.
The boy was only a young man, but he was able to lead troops to drive out the Tartars.
His youthful face has become tough after years of experience, and when facing the girl he likes, he still can't help but show off his handsomeness.
"In that case, I will introduce you to a broker who can gather information." Gui Zhi'er narrowed her eyes slightly. "He will definitely do his best."
Judging from the time, a customer who comes to the braised food store every now and then should show up.
Just as I said that, the gongs will be here.
Not long after, there was a loud knock on the backyard door. After it opened, a middle-aged man in a blue robe with a round collar and a double-breasted opening came in cautiously.
He had thick lips, dark circles under his eyes, and a shifty, expectant look.
It was none other than the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue—Ma Lu, the former prefect of Zhenbei!
"Excuse me, Miss Gui. I'm here to pick up the spicy stew that I ordered." Minister Ma didn't notice that there were other people in the courtyard. He just smiled flatteringly.
Speaking of Ma Lu, he is really good at making money.
Seeing that Guiji Braised Food Shop was becoming more and more famous, he immediately thought of a new way to generate income.
Before the cooking competition between Guiji Braised Food Shop and Cuiyuanlou was over, he launched the slogan "Eat Guiji for auspicious banquets".
Daliang was declining, and all businesses in the capital were also in recession.
But Minister Ma knew exactly how to make money from the rich.
"Young lady, just listen to me. If Guiji's dishes aren't served at any grand banquet, it will seem like the host family has no power or connections," Minister Ma said firmly. "As long as this idea is instilled in people..."
“Prices will naturally go up, and it will be hard to find vegetables.”
Guizhier was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
"That's right!" Minister Ma clapped his hands.
He increasingly felt that joining forces with Guiji Braised Food Shop was the right decision.
Regardless of whether Miss Gui had a shady relationship with the North, if he succeeded, he would be a founding hero. If King Yue failed, he would have made a fortune and would have no worries about having a way out.
Guizhier didn't care to whom Minister Ma sold the goods he took away secretly.
Anyway, he only cheats the powerful and wealthy, not the poor.
"Please wait a moment, sir. The stewed food is not out of the pot yet." Gui Zhier pointed at Luan Shuangbai, "You may not have seen this young man before."
Of course I haven't seen it. When the cavalry of the Qiyanwushi tribe invaded, Ma Lu, the prefect of Zhenbei at the time, retreated to the Twelve Forts with the directors of the mansion as soon as he received the news.
He ran away a long time ago.
"He came from the northern border and wanted to inquire about some secrets of the capital." Gui Zhi'er's words were vague. "The information is not free, and there will be a reward."
Upon hearing this, a look of surprise suddenly flashed across Minister Ma's face.
Immediately, he forced himself to calm down and muttered, "This... How can this be? Working for the Lord of the North is a blessing for me."
However, there was a barely perceptible tremor in his voice, revealing his inner desire.
Minister Ma pretended to refuse, but the look in his eyes when he looked at Luan Shuangbai seemed as if he was trying hard to suppress his excitement, revealing his greed.
When he heard someone coming from the north, he guessed that King Yue had accepted his surrender.
"Any amount is fine, but I want to know about...something." Luan Shuangbai pointed to the sky.
Minister Ma's expression froze, and his thick lips trembled a few times.
"That'll cost more money."
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