Chapter 44
The emperor put the crown prince in charge and gave him command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The Embroidered Uniform Guard was originally the emperor's henchmen, dedicated to monitoring officials. However, as sons of nobles and those with connections flocked to the guard, its personnel expanded rapidly.
By this dynasty, the Imperial Guard in the capital numbered over ten thousand, but only seven thousand were actually present. Of the Northern Garrison Commanders, fewer than eight hundred were capable of carrying out their duties. The rest were either ceremonial guards, or nominally employed but actually receiving salaries, and some even held the rank of centurion while running silk shops in Dashilan.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard was overstaffed and bloated, but its combat effectiveness and oversight were far inferior to the Eastern Depot. Moreover, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who was originally a confidant of the emperor, secretly colluded with civil officials and became a tool for factional struggles. The emperor was furious, which is why he sent the crown prince to cause trouble for the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
A new broom sweeps clean, and the crown prince's first act was to target the Embroidered Uniform Guard Commandery.
Located southwest of Chengtian Gate in the Imperial City, adjacent to the Five Military Commands and not far from the Six Ministries, was the headquarters of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. High-ranking officials of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, including the Commander, Assistant Commander, and Vice-Commander, handled daily administrative affairs here, such as approving memorials and appointing or dismissing personnel.
Since redundant personnel need to be reduced, it is necessary to review the roster of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and verify the records of the distribution of rations and salaries.
Wei Luo assigned several officials from the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Finance to have a professional accountant investigate these matters. He also ordered all departments of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to conduct their own investigations, especially those who were nominal officers, elderly or weak captains, and those who were receiving salaries without working.
Reducing redundant staff is never something that can be done overnight; it involves too many interests and disputes. Wei Luo is merely following the emperor's decree to make a start, and plans to proceed gradually.
Auditing the accounts would take time, so Wei Luo left a few eunuchs from the Eastern Palace to audit the accounts with the officials from the Ministry of Revenue, while he changed into plain clothes and, accompanied by his trusted confidant Liu Heng, headed to Dashilan.
Despite the freezing weather and withered vegetation, Dashilan was bustling and lively, full of the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.
This was Wei Luo's first time here. After getting off the carriage, he jumped around like a child, rushing to wherever there were crowds, completely disregarding Liu Heng's worries.
After all, he was the master, and Liu Heng had no choice but to follow behind Wei Luo, keeping his eyes wide open and paying close attention to safety.
As the group strolled from the outside to the inside, they indeed saw many men dressed in women's clothing and with rouge on their faces, looking exactly like playboys from brothels and theaters.
They searched all the way and came to a shop with a flag at the door that read "Red Powder Beauty Club". Several women dressed in women's clothing were sitting and chatting outside.
They were clearly sons of noble families, and Wei Luo could smell their arrogant and dissolute air from afar. He hated these kinds of people the most. They were protected by their families but had no ambition. They spent their days idly and causing trouble.
Wei Luo frowned and walked over.
Upon seeing Wei Luo arrive, the men immediately picked up a piece of women's clothing, handed it to him, and said with a smile, "Brother, what is your surname?"
"His surname is Wei."
Wei Luo took the women's clothing and looked it over with her eyes down.
"Brother Wei, you have an imposing presence and are clearly a scholar. I wonder if you have any official rank or title?"
Although the playboy was indeed a playboy, he still had a knack for judging character. Even though Wei Luo was dressed in plain clothes, his refined and noble air remained undiminished. During their conversation, a bold woman even stepped forward to present him with flowers.
Throughout history, handsome men have always been popular. Women like them, and men like them too.
Wei Luo, interested in joining them, lied and claimed to be studying at the Imperial Academy. Those who could study at the Imperial Academy were either sons of noble families or possessed genuine talent and learning. The leader of the Red Powder Beauty Society was studying at the Imperial Academy, and thus widely recruited scholars to join the society.
Wei Luo was handsome and of extraordinary status, which made him exactly the target of this group. The two sides hit it off immediately, registered their names and ages, received membership badges, and Wei Luo officially joined the society.
After chatting for a while and drinking a few cups of tea, Wei Luo had almost figured out the identities of the members.
The core members were sons of noble families, and the expanded members were all scholars, mostly students and scholars, with some even holding the title of Juren. As for the common people recruited by handing out money on the street, they were not considered members of the organization; at most, they were just there to "make up the numbers" and expand its influence.
Having gathered enough information, Wei Luo got up to leave. Several people saw him off, but before he left, one of them called out to Wei Luo, "Brother Wei, there's an event here tonight called 'Tiger's Wedding.' You must come and watch."
Not only was Wei Luo stunned, but Liu Heng was also dumbfounded. It was always humans who got married, never tigers.
The man spoke mysteriously, and after he finished, the others echoed him. Wei Luo couldn't help but be curious and asked with a smile, "What's this about a tiger getting married?"
"It's a tiger dressed in women's clothes, all dressed up beautifully, marrying a kitten."
Unheard of, unseen.
Besides, it was a tiger, and tigers can hurt people!
When Wei Luo inquired about safety, the group assured him that there were chains and ropes securing the area, preventing any harm and telling him to come and watch without worry.
As they stepped out of the shop, the sky had already turned somewhat overcast. As always, Liu Heng urged Wei Luo to return to the palace.
Wei Luo was annoyed by the news, so he used the tiger's wedding as an excuse to stay and watch. Liu Heng was terrified and tried to dissuade him, even pulling in the plainclothes guards to persuade him as well. Wei Luo ignored them all and continued to do as he pleased, strolling around and having fun.
It can be summed up in two words: "willful".
The Crown Prince was difficult to serve, especially Wei Luo after he left the palace. He was like a completely different person, and no one's words carried any weight. There was nothing they could do; Wei Luo was their master, and they couldn't very well beat him up. They could only obediently follow behind and act as his guards.
*
As the sun set, Shen Yao, having spent the day busy in her study, planned to find a small shop to eat at before heading back.
The evenings in Dashilan are even more lively than during the day, with large red lanterns hanging in front of each shop, illuminating the cobblestone path with a warm glow.
As Shen Yao walked down the street, the aroma of various foods filled her nostrils: freshly roasted chestnuts, sizzling grilled meat, and the scent of wine wafting from somewhere.
Dashilan is known for its delicious food. Since arriving here, Shen Yao has been taking her maid to restaurants every day, trying her way through every eatery in Dashilan.
Today, they are going to a restaurant to eat roasted duck, which is an early form of Peking duck. It is roasted with fruitwood charcoal, and the skin is crispy and the meat is tender, with a fragrance that can be smelled from afar.
The restaurant was bustling with noise, and waiters were bustling about.
As soon as Shen Yao entered, she was greeted by a mouthwatering aroma that whetted her appetite. They were led to a private room on the second floor, where the window seats offered a view of the street.
"Three roasted ducks, a few seasonal side dishes, and a pot of..." Shen Yao hesitated for a moment, "...a pot of Daughter's Red wine." She originally wanted to drink tea, but then thought that drinking tea with meat would be a disservice to the meat, so she changed her mind.
While waiting for the food to be served, Shen Yao rested her chin on her hand and looked out at the street scene. Suddenly, her gaze sharpened as she noticed the person entering the restaurant—Wei Luo!
Liu Heng was following behind him.
Wei Luo was walking down the street, considering which restaurant to go to for dinner, when he suddenly looked up and caught a glimpse of Shen Yao sitting by the window.
What a coincidence. So, he came looking for Shen Yao!
*
The two sat facing each other in the private room, while their entourage stood guard outside.
Shen Yao looked at him and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Wei Luo's gaze was fixed on her face. After not seeing her for several days, seeing the beauty again made his heart suddenly beat very fast, and his voice became hoarse.
"I've come to take care of some business."
Wei Luo poured himself a cup of tea to moisten his throat. When he looked up, he saw Shen Yao's big, bright eyes staring at him intently. His mind went blank for a moment, and some images flashed through his mind.
It was that day, those wonderful things she did~
Wei Luo felt even thirstier.
So Shen Yao saw that Wei Luo barely said a few words, focusing only on drinking tea.
He drank cup after cup, and soon the pot of tea was empty. Shen Yao thought he was tired from his official duties, and was about to ask the waiter to bring another pot when he pressed her hand down and said, "No need, I'm done."
Shen Yao blinked and softly hummed in agreement.
His hand was still holding those soft hands, burning with an intense heat, gripping them tighter and tighter, his gaze growing increasingly ardent. Shen Yao knew something was wrong.
This guy probably has something else in mind.
"Let go."
Shen Yao glared at him, trying to pull her hand back, but Wei Luo was, after all, a man, and in the face of absolute power, her struggles were utterly insignificant. In fact, to Wei Luo, her blushing face and words of "let go" were actually a form of coy resistance, which only fueled his desire to attack.
He hadn't intended for it to turn out this way; it was all her fault, Wei Luo thought.
"Ah Yao, have you missed me these past few days?"
Shen Yao was taken aback, and quickly said, "No."
"You're lying. You clearly came here because you missed me." Wei Luo lied through his teeth.
"Who cares about you? My opening of this study has nothing to do with you whatsoever."
"A study?" Wei Luo frowned, asking in confusion, "Why open a study?"
"It's none of your business."
Taking advantage of Wei Luo's hesitation, Shen Yao swiftly withdrew her hand, glanced down, and saw that it was red from Wei Luo's pinch.
She glared at Wei Luo and said hatefully, "Shameless."
Wei Nu was scolded, but instead of getting angry, she laughed heartily. Why is it that even when she's scolding someone, she's so adorable? I really want to pull her into my arms and tease her a bit!
Just as Wei Luo was about to do so, the door opened, and the waiter came in carrying several plates of roasted duck. The ducks were roasted to a golden brown and crispy perfection, glistening with oil and exuding a wonderful aroma.
The waiter placed roast duck, vegetables, fruit, and a pot of Shaoxing wine on the table, said some nice words, took the tip, and then left the room.
Because of Wei Luo's instructions, Liu Heng was not allowed to enter and serve. He only secretly glanced at the two of them while the waiter was serving the dishes. Seeing that the two of them were sitting upright on both sides and did not overstep their bounds, he was relieved.
Wei Luo picked up the wine pot, poured two cups of wine, handed one to Shen Yao, and drank the other himself.
As he drank, he asked, "What kind of wine did you order?"
"Daughter's Red"
Shen Yao also had a cup; the rice wine had a low alcohol content, so she wouldn't get drunk even if she drank a lot.
After Shen Yao finished her drink, Wei Luo poured her another cup. This time, however, he got up and sat down next to Shen Yao, effectively trapping her inside.
"What are you doing... Don't do anything reckless."
Shen Yao pointed to the street outside and said nervously, "People might see us here."
Wei Luo was taken aback, put down the wine pot, and immediately laughed, "It's just drinking, what are you thinking?"
Shen Yao snorted, her lips moving slightly. "You think I don't know what you're planning? Let me tell you, give up now. Last time was an accident, but this time you can forget about it..."
The rest of his words were silenced by Wei Luo's mouth.
He took her lips into his mouth and licked them with the tip of his tongue, licking her upper lip and then her lower lip. After days of longing, his body felt like it was on fire, craving the woman's sweetness. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling their bodies even closer.
Shen Yao's mind exploded. The scent of wine on the man's lips and the warm touch of his skin enveloped her completely. Her body froze, and her eyes darted around.
Why don't you close your eyes?
Wei Luo tasted her lipstick, his eyes crinkling with laughter, his voice filled with triumphant joy, "Didn't that make you feel good?"
“You…” Shen Yao blushed suddenly, and the rouge on her face became even more alluring.
This can't go on, this can't go on. After realizing what was happening, Shen Yao pushed him away with her hands against his chest, but his body remained as still as a mountain.
"Your Highness, please don't do this. This is an affair, and it's wrong."
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