Chapter 507 Another Chef
At dawn, the morning light fell on the deep courtyards of Xiushuifang.
As a well-known wealthy residential area in Xunyang City, the grand mansions of Xiushuifang were not only inhabited by local wealthy merchants and officials.
Many wealthy and influential people from Jiangnan, Lingnan and even the north came to purchase residences for their trips south to worship Buddha or to escape the summer heat.
Xunyang City in Jiangzhou is a place of great natural beauty, where famous mountains, rivers, and lakes converge, and it is also adjacent to Mount Lu, a world-renowned summer resort.
It also boasts famous temples and monasteries in Jiangnan, including Donglin Temple. After all, with the current sage leading the way, the Buddhist worship is prevalent in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Even on ordinary days, not only on special festivals, there are always devout people from all directions coming to worship Buddha and fulfill their vows.
Therefore, what the noblewoman surnamed Pei said earlier was correct and true. The mansions and courtyards in Xunyang City are indeed easy to sell and are among the best assets in Jiangnan Province, especially the mansions and courtyards in Xiushuifang, where the Xunyang Prince's Mansion is located.
Wei Shaoqi set off early this morning, accompanied by his guards. After walking only a few steps, he arrived at the gate of Jingyiting.
The Wei family had several vacant houses in Xiushuifang, which Li Li and others had lived in before. However, after learning that Miss Qin was living in Jingyiting, the third young master of the Wei Prince's Mansion spent a lot of money to buy another house, which was located directly across from Miss Qin's house.
It's very convenient to come and find someone in the morning, just like now.
"You may all leave now, and stop circling around my carriage."
"I've told you so many times, you need to be more discreet when you go out. Let the dogs on the street pee if they want, there's no need to slap them. After all, this street isn't ours, is it? Why bother arguing with a dog?"
"Go away, all of you stay away from me. Just leave two bodyguards. Miss Qin doesn't like such a grand display..."
"Yes, Third Young Master."
Seeing the Xianbei guards surrounding the carriage disperse, Wei Shaoqi nodded in satisfaction. He glanced at the honest, peasant-like, burly coachman wearing a hat, lowered the carriage curtain, and let out a long breath.
However, when he looked down at his hand, which was still bandaged, Wei Shaoqi's expression darkened.
The weather is fine today, and it's another day of hunting with Lady Qin.
Hopefully, I won't run into a hedgehog this time.
He glanced at a treasure box on a small table in the spacious carriage, opened it, and took out a pair of soft gloves.
Wei Shaoqi touched the soft gloves; they were cool to the touch, and he wondered what strange material they were made of.
"I specially had someone retrieve a pair of ice silk gloves from the treasury of the Prince of Luoyang. These gloves can protect against ordinary knives and spears. This time, no matter how skilled you are at hunting, or if you throw a porcupine at me, I will not be afraid."
He sneered and rubbed his hands together, eager to learn a lesson today.
Just then, the deep voice of the burly coachman wearing a hat came from outside:
"Third Young Master, someone has gone out."
Wei Shaoqi lifted the carriage curtain and saw a carriage with the character "Xie" on it driving out of Jingyi Courtyard and leaving, its destination unknown.
"It's alright, it's not Miss Qin, it's that noble lady Xie. She must have gone to find her cheap senior brother. According to Wang Lengran, she goes to the Jiangzhou main hall every morning to see Ouyang Lianghan."
"It's still early. Miss Qin hasn't come out yet. Let's wait a little longer."
As he spoke casually, he glanced at the Jingyiting plaque with a slight frown.
The private relationship between Qin Xiaoniangzi and Xie, the noble lady, made Wei Shaoqi frown.
Xie Xun's faction within the Xie family of Chenjun has always aligned itself with the Prince of Xunyang's mansion. This noble lady from the Xie family should also be on the side of the Prince of Xunyang's mansion, and it just so happens that Miss Qin has settled in this mansion in Xunyang City.
Living under the same roof as Qin Xiaoniangzi, I wonder if this noble lady from the Xie family has influenced Qin Xiaoniangzi to speak ill of the Wei family.
"I just read in the newspaper that Lin Cheng and Hu Fu are going to the Jiangzhou Hall to find Ouyang Lianghan early this morning?"
"Yes, Third Young Master."
Wei Shaoqi nodded slowly, squinting his eyes and remaining silent.
Just as he was lost in thought, another understated yet luxurious four-wheeled carriage drove out from the Jingyi Courtyard ahead. It had no flags and the curtains were tightly closed, but judging from the faint purple and patterns on the curtains, there should be a woman of great wealth and status inside.
The car slowly drove past Wei Shaoqi on the street and disappeared into the distance.
Wei Shaoqi immediately spoke sternly:
"Who is this? Besides Lady Qin and Lady Xie, there are other important figures in Jingyi Court."
The burly carriage driver lowered his head: "I don't know. This carriage looks unfamiliar. It might have stayed here last night. I've never seen it before."
Wei Shaoqi said with dissatisfaction:
"From now on, we'll have people keep watch every night, without interruption throughout the day. We need to prevent the people from the Xunyang Prince's Mansion from contacting Miss Qin, especially that brat named Li Fusu."
"Yes, Third Young Master."
"Send someone to follow it and see where that carriage went."
"Yes, ma'am."
The burly coachman immediately dismounted and went to a nearby outpost to arrange for the tracking.
Wei Shaoqi glanced at the sky, suppressed his impatience, and straightened his appearance.
Just then, the sound of guards' hurried footsteps came from outside the carriage.
"How many times have I told you, when I see Miss Qin, you all better get the hell away from me. You think my words don't count anymore? You've all grown too bold, haven't you?"
Wei Shaoqi's face turned furious, and he was about to explode.
The four guards who rushed over immediately bowed their heads and begged for mercy. One of the guards cautiously said:
"Young master, an important secret letter has arrived urgently. You previously instructed that no matter what you are doing, any letter from this person must be delivered immediately. We men..."
Wei Shaoqi paused for a moment, then regained his composure. He first glanced at Jing Yiting, who remained motionless, and then extended his palm:
"I did say, fine, I'll spare your lives this time. Give me the letter."
"Thank you, Third Young Master... Thank you, Third Young Master..."
Upon receiving the envelope, the guards were deeply grateful, clasped their hands in respect, and departed.
Wei Shaoqi took the envelope, casually tore off the wax seal, and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
He lowered his eyes and began to browse.
At one moment, his pupils contracted slightly, then suddenly brightened.
"good."
Wei Shaoqi slapped his thigh, his hand gripping the letter waving up and down in the air, and exclaimed in admiration:
"What a brilliant move to undermine our foundation! I knew I hadn't misjudged you. Hahaha, just the right time to deliver a pillow when you're sleepy. You ask if the Wei family agrees? Of course I do!"
"Besides, asking like that is too formal. We're all family, no need to be so polite, hahaha..."
The burly, hat-wearing coachman, who was returning, looked back with some curiosity, puzzled.
"Third Young Master..."
Wei Shaoqi's smile suddenly vanished, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he waved his hand, saying:
"Where's Wang Lengran? Call him over."
"Yes, Your Excellency. Please wait a moment, Third Young Master."
The burly coachman, wearing a hat, got off the carriage again...
A short while later, Wang Lengran's car stopped at a street corner not far from Jingyiting.
The governor of Jiangzhou trotted up to Wei Shaoqi's carriage. Through a carriage window, he looked up, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and asked:
"What are your orders, Third Young Master?"
"Wang Lengran, look at this for yourself! This is a surprise!"
Wei Shaoqi threw the thin book in his hand into Wang Lengran's arms and laughed arrogantly:
"Open your dog eyes and take a look! This is the kind of talent our Wei family values, the kind of good cook Uncle Wang cherishes. What right does your good-for-nothing son have to covet my Wei family's daughter? And you old codger, you dare to dream of a marriage alliance! My Wei family wants wolves, not sheep and idiots!"
Having spent these past few days together, Wang Lengran had already figured out the personality of the third young master of the Wei Prince's Mansion, who was sometimes crazy and sometimes kind. He wiped the spittle that had been sprayed on his face, nodded vigorously, and followed his words.
"Yes, yes, the Third Young Master is right. Um, this is He Xin..."
Wang frowned and looked down at the letter.
He had only read a few sentences when he exclaimed in surprise:
"Lin...Lin Lingtai Lang?"
"He was one of ours all along? Of the three things the Third Young Master said he came to Xunyang City to do, the last one was to bring Princess Anhui to Jiangzhou to see him..."
Wang Lengran suddenly realized, and his expression immediately turned serious as he lowered his head to continue browsing.
After reading the letter, he was amazed:
"This move to turn the tables is a bit too ruthless..."
"The worst is yet to come, hmph."
Wei Shaoqi looked westward toward the twin peaks, his eyes like those of a hungry wolf.
Wang Lengran suddenly remembered something and asked:
"Didn't I hear people say this morning that he and Envoy Hu went to the main hall in Jiangzhou to discuss returning to the capital with Ouyang Lianghan? How come they suddenly pulled such a ruthless move..."
Wei Shaoqi waved his hand and said:
"What's there to discuss? They're just messing with that brat Ouyang Lianghan. His teacher is the deputy director of the Imperial Observatory, and he has connections to speak on behalf of His Majesty. Lin Cheng has already submitted a memorial to Luoyang and written to his teacher as well. In any case, it's impossible that he only informed our Wei family!"
He sneered, his tone full of emotion:
"Lin Cheng is cautious and meticulous in his work. He is good at understanding the emperor's mind, taking advantage of the situation, and connecting various forces. He is like a superb chef. As long as you give him meat, he can make a dish that suits the tastes of most officials and nobles, including the emperor. Uncle Liang's comments back then were absolutely correct!"
"Since he chose to use a trick against Ouyang Lianghan, he won't give Ouyang Lianghan any chance to turn the tables. He only made his move when he was at least 80% certain of success. Just you wait and see!"
Wang Lengran hesitated, as if he wanted to speak but then stopped himself.
"Third Young Master, Brother Lin was indeed impressive this round, but Ouyang Lianghan is truly cunning and should not be underestimated..."
Wei Shaoqi interrupted:
"Don't worry, Lin Cheng won't make such a low-level mistake of arrogance. However, Wang Lengran, I've figured it out, are you scared out of your wits? No wonder you let Ouyang Lianghan run around Xunyang City for so long, so timid and hesitant, you're such a coward."
"Third Young Master, the main problem is that this boy is sometimes too bewitching..."
Wei Shaoqi interrupted, flicking his sleeve and pointing directly at the letter in Wang Lengran's hand, saying without further ado:
"From now on, you will fully cooperate with Lin Cheng in all matters concerning Xunyang City. You will listen to him and be treated the same as me, understand? He is the future son-in-law of the Wei family!"
"Yes, Third Young Master."
Wang lowered his head and couldn't help but glance at the letter that was written so fluently and densely.
Wei Shaoqi slapped his thigh in admiration and burst into laughter:
"Hahaha, you're quite the shrew, Lin Cheng! You've delivered a generous gift to the Wei family without a word. You're quite the character, aren't you? Hahaha, consider it your betrothal gift to the Wei family! I'm very satisfied with you as my brother-in-law..."
Just then, the gate of Jingyiting opened not far away, and Qin Xiaoniangzi, dressed in a dashing Hu-style outfit, rode out on horseback with a bow on her back.
"Alright, you can leave now. Go find Lin Cheng."
Wei Shaoqi waved his hand to shoo people away.
"This humble servant takes his leave."
Wang Lengran tucked the letter into his pocket and hurriedly left.
Wei Shaoqi straightened his appearance, stepped forward, and greeted Qin Ying with a smile.
Good morning, Miss Qin.
Good morning, Young Master Wei.
Qin Ying asked again, "Are you still going? Is Young Master Wei alright?"
"Alright, no one is better than me."
Qin Ying glanced at Wei Shaoqi's expression and asked with some curiosity:
"Is there some happy occasion today, Young Master Wei, that makes you look like this?"
Wei Shaoqi looked up, squinted at the sunlight overhead, and then flashed Qin Ying a smile even brighter than the sun:
"Didn't Lady Qin often say that I should learn from Chief Secretary Ouyang and do things that would benefit the Great Zhou Dynasty? Coincidentally, I will soon have the opportunity to do so."
"What opportunity?" she asked.
Wei Shaoqi smiled slightly but did not answer.
Under Qin Ying's curious gaze, he mounted his horse and rode out of the city first.
...
The main hall of Jiangzhou, the council hall.
After Lin Cheng left.
The lobby was completely silent.
Khufu looked around and cautiously asked:
“Chief Secretary Ouyang, what did you just say about something incredibly foolish and about fighting to the death? It’s not that serious, is it? Does Lin Cheng mean to take credit for himself and ask you for benefits? If you don’t give it to him, he’ll submit a memorial to the emperor to relocate the site and cause trouble?”
The bearded eunuch silently nodded, seemingly pondering for a moment for Ouyang Rong, then sighed with a worried expression:
“Hey, this kind of extortion and bribery is actually quite common in the palace. I noticed a while ago that this fellow was being very suspicious by delaying his return to the capital. I even gave him a heads-up before, but I didn’t expect him to be so greedy. How about we promise him some benefits and I’ll help pass on the message…”
Rong Zhen suddenly interrupted: "Eunuch Hu, Lin Cheng dares to interfere in the Donglin Buddha, which is openly led by Prince Xunyang. It is clear that he wants more than just gold and silver. The person who gives him confidence will not be limited to this kind of return."
Ouyang Rong ignored him and first waved his hand:
"Sixth Brother, come here."
He whispered a few words in Yan Liulang's ear.
Immediately, Hu Fu and Rong Zhen saw Yan Liulang with a serious expression walk out quickly, and they didn't know where he went.
Ouyang Rong turned his head, and Chao Rongzhen sighed:
"Before today, I thought Lin Cheng just wanted to take your place. He had been saying that the feng shui of Shuangfengjian was bad for his luck. Now it seems that he may not have been lying, but his appetite is not small at all."
Rongzhen turned her head away, remained silent for a moment, and then answered:
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Lin Cheng can't take my position. He's not qualified to be noticed by me. He knows his own limitations."
"So this time... Lin Cheng is targeting you and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion. Ouyang Lianghan, if the two plans are similar in cost and there is no need for further delay, His Majesty will definitely be tempted. Lin Cheng is confident in this, which is why he dared to step in and intercept the deal."
Ouyang Rong nodded: "I know."
Seeing his calm expression, Rongzhen couldn't help but ask, "Do you have a plan?"
"Not at the moment."
"Then what should we do? Take a step back?"
"Not an inch will be retreated." He shook his head.
"Not retreating an inch?"
No refund.
What if I insist that you back out?
After a long silence, Ouyang Rong quoted a single word:
"What my heart desires, I will not regret even if I die nine times."
(End of this chapter)
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