Ji Huali did not restrict Ye Jiu and Yun Jia from meeting, but she did not allow Yun Jia to move around alone. She had to be accompanied by one of her people, which was tantamount to house arrest.
Fortunately, this situation did not last long. After Ye Jiu stayed with Ji Huali for seven days, Yun Jia was freed.
Ji Huali stepped in to handle the casino matter, at the cost of giving her 20% interest. Although it was a bit painful, it was still reasonable after weighing the pros and cons.
Firstly, the identity of the eldest princess Ji Huali gives her many followers in the court. Even if the other two factions don't give her face, they won't openly challenge her. Just based on this casino, the outcome is assured.
Furthermore, Ji Huali needs money, and she will do her best to protect the casino.
The current situation is that Ye Jiu has become Ji Huali's employee. She doesn't need to keep watch at night, but she has to stay by Ji Huali's side at all times during the day.
Ye Jiu scratched his head. Why can't I escape being a corporate slave even in ancient times?
——
The situation was constantly changing under the rising sun. Thanks to the medicine that Ji Huali had found, the Empress's complexion was noticeably better than before, and she looked more energetic. The three factions all restrained themselves and dared not act rashly, but it was unknown how long this would last...
When the Left Chancellor mentioned the floods in the south, the ministers all had different expressions. Ji Huali was already prepared to "take on the mission in a time of crisis," but unexpectedly, the Third Princess and the Sixth Princess openly argued about this matter during the morning court session!
Ji Huali lowered her eyes and looked down. She had originally thought that only the Sixth Princess would be eager to use this matter to prove herself, but she did not expect that the Third Princess would also get involved...
"What kind of decorum is this, arguing openly in the court!" The Empress slammed her hand on the table. "Third Prince, go! This matter is settled. Don't mention it again. You must handle this matter well for me!"
The matter was decided in a single sentence.
"If you have something to report, please do so; otherwise, the court may adjourn."
After the court session, Ji Huali's expression was complicated. The disaster relief she had been planning for so long had unexpectedly not fallen to her. However, this was a good thing. Disaster relief would take several months, far from the capital, and she wouldn't be able to find out what happened in time, which would be too disadvantageous for her...
The fame she gained from disaster relief had a negligible effect on her.
Once she comes to power, she'll have plenty of time to let the people see what kind of person she is.
Ji Huali narrowed her eyes, concealing the sharpness within them. She knew that when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits; she had to keep herself hidden.
——
Ye Jiu sat opposite Ji Huali, forced to listen to her scheme.
"Now that this matter is settled, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you for protecting me these past few days." Ji Huali raised her wine cup. "A toast to you."
Ye Jiu clinked glasses with her, saying, "Your Highness is too kind."
It wasn't hard work, just a bad life. If she hadn't been so foolish as to go and look, none of this would have happened...
However, it seems to be a blessing in disguise for now. She put in some effort, gained money, and secured the right to operate the casino, except for sacrificing a bit of Yun Jia's freedom...
"This matter is now settled, and you no longer need to follow me around all the time."
Ye Jiu was overjoyed. Could she finally return to her ordinary life?! For the past two weeks, she had been leaving early and returning late every day, spending very little time with Yun Jia. Finally, she could go back to be with him!
Ji Huali spoke again, "However, I have another request."
When Ye Jiu became dejected, she knew things weren't that simple.
The contrast in his expression was so striking that it made Ji Huali laugh. "You don't need to be so dejected. This is the last time, I promise."
"Because of the floods in the south, His Majesty plans to go to a temple to pray for blessings. It's not Yong'an Temple, but Lianyin Temple, which is much farther away. The royal family has always chosen to pray for blessings there."
"Since His Majesty is going, I will naturally follow. There will be more people and eyes around outside the capital, providing more opportunities to strike..."
Ji Huali didn't finish her sentence, but Ye Jiu understood: it meant she would have to work overtime, even the night shift.
Ye Jiu sighed, "Add more money."
This is my important rest time, so I need to pay extra.
Ji Huali smiled with relief. It was easy to set conditions, and even easier to talk about money.
Those in positions of power often prefer subordinates who are eager to ask for favors, and their love of money is the easiest thing to address.
Ji Huali opened her lips and uttered three words, "Three hundred taels."
Seeing that Ye Jiu hadn't changed, he casually added two more words: "gold".
You should have said so earlier!
Ye Jiu slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Your Highness, rest assured, I won't let even a mosquito get near you!"
"The prayer trip will take about five days. We will depart in seven days. You will wait for me in front of my residence at 5:00 AM on the seventh day after the trip."
"Your subordinate will certainly not fail in your trust!"
After seeing Ji Huali off, Ye Jiu hummed a song as she left the restaurant. On her way, she passed by Yu Ling Xuan and immediately decided to go in to buy Yun Jia a hairpin.
He only ever wore a few different styles of hairpins, so she bought him a few more.
Yu Ling Xuan is the largest jewelry shop in the capital, offering everything from gold and silver to jade.
As soon as Ye Jiu stepped inside, her eyes were drawn to a white jade hairpin on the shelf. The hairpin was pure white without a single blemish, and upon closer inspection, several magnolia flowers were carved on the head of the hairpin, making it both elegant and exquisite.
Upon seeing Ye Jiu's appearance, the waiter immediately began to introduce her to the customer.
"Sir, you have excellent taste. These are our new arrivals today. This white jade hairpin is the most exquisite in this batch. Look at this hairpin; its shape is smooth, and the end is polished to a rounded finish. And look closely at this magnolia flower; isn't the carving excellent?"
"Moreover, this hairpin is only available here in the entire capital, and there's only one of its kind! Your husband will absolutely love it if you buy it!"
This item becomes incredibly valuable once it's labeled "limited edition." Ye Jiu had originally been thinking of taking another look, but now she was determined to buy it.
"Okay, wrap it up for me. What other good stuff do you have? Can you tell me more?"
The shop assistant's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Then take a look at this gilded hairpin with me. This kind sells the best in the capital. It's all the rage now, and your husband will definitely like it too."
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