"Let me think about it. You think carefully about what else you might have missed." Li Xi ignored his shouting and left with his token.
Inside the flower hall, the members of the Hidden Sect were holding a meeting. Chu Ran invited Li Xi in.
"Gentlemen, I know that some of you have some degree of hatred towards the Red Lotus Cult, but we have only captured one member so far, which is not enough to shake the entire cult." Old Sun had just overheard the conversation between Li Xi and Zhao Kuang.
He also harbored an irreconcilable hatred for the Red Lotus Sect. His wife died because of them, and his children and grandchildren had to go to live in a neighboring country, not knowing if they would ever have the chance to meet again.
Everyone knew that Elder Sun was right; the Red Lotus Cult's influence had spread throughout the country, and arresting one member was of no use.
"Old Sun, what should we do next?" Chu Ran asked.
"In my opinion, the only way is to cooperate from within and without. Only in this way can we have a chance to get close to the Red Lotus Sect," said Old Sun.
"Working together from within and without?" Chu Ran repeated.
“Yes, I have found the carrier pigeon that I use to communicate.” Old Sun pointed behind Chu Ran.
Chu Ran turned around and saw a black cylinder lying there quietly. "What's this?" Chu Ran asked.
"This is the carrier pigeon we use to communicate with people inside the Red Lotus Sect," Elder Sun explained.
"So, we can use this carrier pigeon to contact the people who are spies in the Red Lotus Sect?" Chu Ran asked again.
“Yes.” Old Sun nodded. “Old Sun, leave this to me.” Chu Ran patted his chest.
"Alright, then I'll leave it to you. Remember, be careful," Old Sun instructed.
Their hidden sect alone is not enough to eradicate the Red Lotus Sect; they need to unite with other powerful sects, and even the imperial court. It's just unknown whether any of these people are members of the Red Lotus Sect.
"You are only responsible for obtaining information from that person. Do not do anything else. This matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration."
Chu Ran was not a reckless person, and the sect leader's arrangement was reasonable. "Yes, sir." She withdrew to make arrangements.
The other disciples, having received their assigned investigations, all left. For a moment, only Li Xi and Elder Sun remained in the flower hall.
"Master, have Zhao Kuang's wife and children been taken care of?"
Old Sun flipped through the notes in his hand and pondered, "Don't worry, everything is arranged. No one can find them, and they will have no worries about food and clothing. But you, don't do anything reckless."
He knew that Li Xi carried a deep-seated hatred and that she might not be able to stay long after finally finding someone who might be involved in the matter.
"Don't worry, Master." Li Xi picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip to moisten her throat, and then said, "Zhao Kuang must still have some things he hasn't told us. I need to have a good talk with him. I won't rashly go to find the Red Lotus Sect's hideout."
Old Sun put down the note in his hand, looked at Li Xi, and slowly nodded: "Alright, since you have made the arrangements, then do a good job. Remember, don't put yourself in danger."
Li Xi stood up and bowed respectfully: "This disciple understands and will act with caution."
Old Sun looked at her, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: "Be careful in everything you do."
Li Xi turned and left, her figure disappearing behind the door. Old Master Sun watched her retreating figure and sighed deeply. He knew his apprentice's determination and courage, but he couldn't help worrying about her safety.
At one of the Red Lotus Sect's hideouts, the man in black robes waited for several days but Zhao Kuang did not return to report. He realized that Zhao Kuang's mission had failed. He then ordered his men to move away from there and to their next hiding place.
The man in black robes stood on the rooftop, watching his men bustling below. His eyes were resolute, and without hesitation, he ordered, "Go!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the group of people immediately sprang into action and hurriedly left.
At the same moment, Elder Sun also received the news, his expression grave. "It seems the Red Lotus Sect has sensed something is wrong and is moving away."
He stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky, and sighed deeply.
When Li Xi returned to Tingfeng Courtyard, everyone was talking about what would happen in three days, the opening day of the small market at the dock. Everyone was busy making preparations.
When Meng Zhong returned from his shift, Meng Zhelan also pulled him along to help adjust the herbal tea recipe, which included effects such as relieving summer heat and thirst, dispelling wind and blood stasis, clearing the heart and reducing fire, and strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lungs.
Ling'er was busy in the kitchen with her newly hired helper, a relative of the old woman in the house. The couple were honest, hardworking, and considerate.
They got the hang of it quickly, and in less than two days they had mastered the operation of the food stall.
Li Xi designed "pre-job training" for everyone, which is still quite important for new employee training in later generations, as it helps them better integrate into their work.
On a summer evening, the sky appears exceptionally vast and serene, the blue gradually darkening as if enveloped in gentle moonlight. A gentle breeze blows, and the leaves sway softly, as if whispering the stories of summer.
To encourage everyone, Meng Zhelan suggested that people set out meals in the courtyard, and for several days in a row, the kitchen staff did their best to prepare eight dishes and a soup.
As everyone enjoyed the delicious food, they shared their stories and feelings with laughter and joy. Meng Zhelan looked at them, her heart filled with satisfaction.
She knew that this banquet was not only for everyone to enjoy delicious food, but also to boost morale and let everyone know that as long as they worked together, they would definitely be able to live a good life.
Prince An's Mansion
"Your Highness, Prince Liang and the Crown Prince have been staying at their residences these past few days and have not gone out," Lu Er reported to Prince An.
They are now in a secret room beneath the study. The Crown Prince and the Prince of Liang have both planted spies in the Prince of An's residence, but the Prince of An, in order to reassure his two elder brothers, has not made an excuse to drive them away.
He deliberately pretended to be physically weak in front of them, and invited Meng Zhelan to his home for a medical consultation within a few days.
The secret chamber was one of the few places where he could be himself again. It was built when he left the palace to establish his own residence. It was quite large and extended all the way down to his bedroom.
"Alright, have someone monitor them. What has Doctor Meng been doing these past few days?" Prince An couldn't help but want to know more about Meng Zhelan, and he was also a little unsure whether the dream had influenced his opinion of her.
Qin Xiaolin has also been unwell lately. The emperor sent him to Yangzhou, which is only a few miles away, on official business, and he won't be able to visit Tingfeng Courtyard for quite some time. Shen Xu has also been dispatched to another region by the emperor, and he is still on his way.
As scions of prominent families, they were used to being treated like cattle by the emperor. Perhaps, on a whim, he might even bestow upon them an official position.
Li Xi had no idea where the two had gone, nor did she care. Her small market, which she had been busy with these past few days, was about to open, and she had been writing and drawing, recording bits and pieces of information.
President Wang finally had time to visit Tingfeng Courtyard today. She had gone on a long trip earlier and missed the banquet at Anzhai.
"Wow, President Sister, you finally have time to come to Tingfeng Courtyard! Look at your good taste, this house is truly delightful." Li Xi stepped forward and grabbed her arm.
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