After parting ways with Qingluo, Hongzhou realized it was getting late and he feared he wouldn't have time to go to the palace, so he had no choice but to return to his residence. He had to postpone explaining the truth to the Thirteenth Prince until tomorrow.
The next day, Hongzhou rushed into the palace early in the morning and went straight to the Thirteenth Prince.
When Thirteenth Master saw that Hongzhou had come in a hurry, he originally wanted to brew him a pot of good tea, but Hongzhou was in a great hurry, so he spoke to Thirteenth Master, who was still brewing tea.
"Reporting to the Imperial Uncle, yesterday I sneaked into the Juxian Pavilion and discovered that the He family was actually connected with Fucha Argon. And it was Fucha Argon who told the He family my identity, all for the purpose of raising grain prices in the capital. Now that the Fucha clan is dead, could the Fucha family be holding a grudge?"
Hongzhou recounted everything he had discovered the previous day in one breath. He had come here today to seek advice from the Thirteenth Prince.
Upon hearing this, the Thirteenth Prince paused slightly in his tea-making, but continued with methodical ease.
“In that case, investigate the Fucha family immediately. Since you were able to find Fucha Argon, it means he’s not exactly meticulous. If you investigate now, you should be able to find something on him.” As he spoke, the Thirteenth Prince handed the brewed tea to Hongzhou.
Hongzhou finished his tea in one gulp and then said, "Uncle's tea-making skills are truly unparalleled. Since Uncle thinks so, I will go to Changchun Palace and discuss this matter with Consort Xi."
"This child, he's always in such a hurry," the Thirteenth Master chuckled, but even the usually composed Thirteenth Master wouldn't neglect important matters.
Thirteenth Prince and Hongzhou then split up. Thirteenth Prince went to the Prefect of the Capital to ask him to investigate the Fucha family. On the other hand, he began to buy grain from other grain merchants in the market, but only in small amounts, so as not to cause fluctuations in market prices.
Hongzhou arrived at Changchun Palace and had a maid announce his arrival. Consort Xi, who was inside the palace, was naturally overjoyed to hear that Hongzhou had come.
"Hongzhou greets Consort Xi." Hongzhou greeted Lanqin and then took his seat as instructed by Lanqin.
"Did Hongzhou come here today to have a heart-to-heart talk with me? It's been a while since I last saw him, and he seems to have matured and become more composed." Lanqin looked at Hongzhou with loving eyes, but her heart was filled with more tenderness.
Her son was forced to separate from her at a young age and was not raised by her side, so Lanqin always felt extra tenderness towards him whenever she saw him.
"Does Your Highness know that Fucha's father actually colluded with grain merchants, deliberately refusing to sell grain to the imperial court? He told the He family to raise grain prices as revenge against Your Highness," Hongzhou said.
Lanqin was shocked. She had plotted to get rid of Fucha Shi. Although the Fucha family hadn't made a sound at the time, Lanqin knew that Fucha Shi couldn't possibly remain indifferent. Now, they had finally shown their true colors.
"I see. Then send someone to keep an eye on the Fucha residence. Don't alert them yet. You should be able to get results." Lanqin looked at Hongzhou with a smile on her face.
Hongzhou nodded, and Lanqin continued, "Has the issue of food not been resolved yet?"
“Uncle Thirteen has already started buying, spreading it out and buying in small amounts,” Hongzhou said.
Lanqin nodded and said, "I have money here. Don't worry about the amount. Let's buy the grain first. We can't wait for the northwest."
Hongzhou nodded and immediately withdrew to begin preparing military provisions.
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