Business and Falsehood
In a dark room of the clinic, Consort Lin, the Imperial Consort of Qiankun Kingdom, clutched her hairpin, attempting to fight the Crown Princess Chen Yun in this dim, fiery red space. Chen Yun, however, had already prepared her weapon, the chain knife in her hand like a torch, ready to devour the greedy person in front of her.
Concubine Lin said, "Crown Princess. Since you won't let me go, I must pay you with my life!"
"No, the advantage is mine."
Chen Yun showed no mercy and swung the weapon in his hand wildly, extinguishing the torch, scratching the wall, and scratching Concubine Lin's feet, causing her to almost fall and half-kneel on the ground.
Chen Yun swung the knife again, and the knife cut through Concubine Lin's carefully arranged hairstyle. Finally, his hand was scratched and the hairpin fell off unconsciously.
Chen Yun ran over and knocked Concubine Lin unconscious with the handle of the knife, then turned around to look at the men, women, and children behind him - the captured family members of Nanny Lan.
Chen Yun led everyone out of the clinic, including Concubine Lin who was knocked unconscious and was carried out by Nanny Lan's family.
Inside the clinic, Li Lin and the doctor saw these people emerge from the back door. Knowing they could no longer conceal their true intentions, they collapsed to their knees and desperately begged for mercy: "Prince, spare us! I was not aware of this!"
Chen Yun said: "Let's stop talking nonsense and return to the palace."
After returning to the palace and reporting everything, Li Lin and Chen Yun left first.
The next day, Chen Yun and Li Lin were summoned to the morning court. As they walked together, Chen Yun was captivated by the aroma and couldn't help but sniff it a few more times.
She said unconsciously, "What a familiar smell. Li Lin, is this your new sachet?"
"This was given to me by my fifth sister's servant. There's no need to waste their kindness."
"Hmm? I want to climb into your bed?"
"Don't talk nonsense. This scent is the scent of marigolds. I used it because I thought it smelled good. Don't let your imagination run wild."
At this time, the fifth princess Li Changyan and Nanny Lan's family arrived at the scene, and everyone saluted together.
Li Lie'ao said, "Crown Princess, the Third Prince and Concubine Lin were conspiring with another country. Although they didn't cause any serious consequences and were deceived, they cannot escape punishment. They are being exiled to the south to open up the land. The Third Prince's residence will be abolished, and his family will be relocated to Concubine Lin's family home. I wonder if I have done anything wrong?"
Chen Yun knew that Li Lie'ao favored Li Linhao and Concubine Lin, but by questioning him directly, wasn't he trying to demonstrate his impartiality? Furthermore, there was a hint of harshness in his words, clearly an attempt to rein him in. Perhaps there was also the Crown Prince.
Thinking of this, Chen Yun responded, "Father is following the laws of the Qiankun Kingdom and will not favor anyone. He is truly fair. My daughter-in-law is just an ordinary woman in the inner court. She doesn't understand and dares not make any slanderous remarks."
One official sarcastically retorted, "You can't say it, right? We can't even solve our internal and external troubles, and yet you bring in the metal mining issue."
Li Lie'ao said, "My dear minister, please don't make trouble out of nothing."
"Your Majesty, this humble servant is not just hearing rumors. I recently learned that there is a decree from the Crown Princess outside the palace. This has led to a large amount of metal being lost abroad. The thought of this is extremely terrifying!"
Li Changyan said, "The Crown Princess is unworthy of her position! She slaughters innocent people and pretends to be pitiful. Now she's even ruining the country's business. She's absolutely lawless!"
Seeing Li Changyan's aggressive and resentful expression, Chen Yun couldn't help but interrupt her outspokenness, saying, "There's only one possibility for what she just said: she's been wrongly accused. This person must be from the palace, otherwise how could they have obtained my seal or handwriting?"
Li Lin said, "Why not investigate?"
"I'm afraid the investigation has been suppressed. Everyone knows how many spies your people have planted in the palace. Besides, how can a mere woman have the knowledge of men?" Zhai Ji said sarcastically.
"Crown Princess, it's time to prove your ability. Tufan has severely restricted the supply of metal resources, and local merchants are unwilling to lower their prices, causing the price of our metal resources to soar. What can we do? Or..." Li Lie'ao looked at Li Changyan, "Imperial merchants like the Fang family are even unwilling to lower their prices. I wonder if they don't care about the court or do they have ulterior motives?"
Li Changyan remained silent. She knew that he was trying to indirectly blame her mother, Concubine Fang De's family, and it just so happened that Concubine Fang De's family was very wealthy.
Chen Yun asked, "Do you normally have a reserve of metal raw materials?"
"Yes. However, our country has a great demand for metals, and Tufan has abundant metal ore resources. We still have a certain dependence on metal procurement from other countries."
"Three points. First, cooperative bargaining. If possible, seek to establish cooperative relationships with suppliers or other relevant parties to achieve win-win results through cooperation and reduce the risk of raw material supply. Second, if cooperation is not possible, innovate value by developing other products to reduce the demand for raw materials and promote the supply of the other party's backlog. Third, publicize that the current value is not the actual value, and then use buyers' bargaining to lower the supply source, put pressure on suppliers, and encourage competition. Create more suppliers to suppress other suppliers, which will inevitably put pressure on the court and suppliers. These three points create conflict, generate competition, promote demand, and generate unrest. In this way, a closed business loop is formed."
Li Changyan frowned and looked around, as if trying to find an explanation for his words from different people. Li Lie'ao and Li Lin, however, applauded. Zhai Ji was speechless.
Li Lie'ao said, "This business philosophy is worth learning for all officials. Now I need the help of Concubine Fang De's family. Changle, help me coordinate the price control of minerals!"
Li Changyan said, "Father, I came here specifically for this matter." Then she looked at Chen Yan, secretly pleased with herself, "Just wait and see how I, the princess, will defeat you miserably."
Li Changyan pulled a stack of indentures from her sleeve and presented them to Li Lie'ao. "I will not pursue the matter of Nanny Lan, but Father, these indentures were personally inscribed by the Crown Princess. They were signed with numerous workshop and mine owners, offering high sales prices and rebates, and there are records of their shipment."
Chen Yun thought about it. He had never worked with any merchants or miners, so where did the written contract come from? Li Lin also came over to take a look, and his face darkened. He turned to Chen Yun and said, "It's your handwriting."
Li Changyan said: "The Crown Princess is a disciple of Yuan Tianpai, so these price wars were all planned by her."
Li Lie'ao asked, "Crown Princess, what explanation do you have?"
Chen Yan thought about it, then smiled, and then laughed louder and louder.
Just as everyone looked at Chen Yun in confusion, Chen Yun said, "In that case, there's no point in saying more. Who are the owners of the contract? Let's go meet them."
Zhai Jie questioned: "Can the Crown Princess prove herself?"
“Not only can it prove itself, it can also resolve internal and external troubles at any time.”
When the civil and military officials heard this, they burst into laughter.
Li Lin stood up and said, "If the king says yes, then yes. Smile, the king allows it, but if it succeeds, will you fine yourselves one month's salary as an apology?"
Zhai Ji stepped forward and said, "This matter has been discussed for a long time in the court. Can you really solve it by yourself?"
"Don't waste court time. I will leave the palace with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess this afternoon. Changle, you will come with us."
Chen Yun asked, "These officials haven't responded yet? If the issue can be resolved, will they fine themselves one month's salary?"
The court was in complete silence. Li Lie'ao said, "Are you a man? You are presumptuous enough to be an important official of the court! I will decide for you. This matter has indeed been unresolved after many days of court meetings. Now that it can be resolved, all salaries of those present, except the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, should be deposited into the treasury free of charge!"
Chen Yun: "One thing at a time."
Then Chen Yun knelt before Nanny Lan's family and said, "I have done something wrong. I do not ask for your forgiveness, but I do ask for your permission to apologize. I was impulsive and acted without investigation. I am wrong, and I am willing to accept the punishment."
Nanny Lan's family quickly helped Chen Yun to his feet. "The Crown Princess is so kind. If it weren't for you rescuing us, we wouldn't be buried anywhere. Lan Qiao was murdered by a traitor, not directly by you. Your Majesty, please don't punish the Crown Princess."
"Forget it, all of you get up. In that case, Eunuch Lin, arrange for someone to take Nanny Lan's family to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to collect the funeral gifts and monthly salary." Li Changyan wanted to say something to Li Lieo, but Li Lieo stopped her and asked Nanny Lan's family to leave first.
After Nanny Lan's family left, Li Lie'ao spoke up, "Nanny Lan's family has decided not to pursue the matter. Does anyone have any objections?" There was no objection, so he continued, "In that case, the case of the imperial heir being poisoned has come to a close. Next up is the review of memorials. The Crown Princess may return first."
Chen Yun came outside the hall, ordered the Anbu Seven Stars Group to investigate, and then left.
"I'd like to know why Li Changyan, a princess who can't ascend the throne, is targeting me?"
In the afternoon, they arrived at the smelting plant. The mine owner was so frightened by the soldiers' sudden intrusion that his hands were shaking and he could hardly move his hands.
"I wonder how many of you would like to visit my humble workshop..."
Chen Yun came up to him and took out a stack of papers. "I am the Crown Princess of Qiankun Kingdom. Is this letter from your shop? Give me a clear answer. Anyone who is vague or deceitful will be killed without mercy."
The mine owner lowered his head and glanced at Li Changyan behind Chen Yun. He then said evasively, "It seems... the words were written by me. But I was forced to write by someone I don't know, who said I would be killed if I didn't. I was only concerned about saving my own life."
"Is it a man or a woman who threatens you?"
"A man."
Chen Yan immediately turned around and said, "You're lying. Kill him!"
Li Changyan immediately said, "Crown Princess, you can't be so violent and wanton!"
Chen Yun lifted Li Changyan's chin and said, "My dear, am I not a violent concubine? No, I will not do anything without evidence. If I hadn't investigated it long ago, I would definitely believe it. Speaking of which, Fifth Sister, your ability to handle affairs is worthy of recognition. As soon as the third brother got into trouble, you prepared the means to frame him in one day."
The smelting place was filled with the scent of sandalwood mixed with rust. Chen Yan extended his chain knife and lightly swept it across the boss's throat: "I will count to three, one--"
"It's that servant over there!" The shopkeeper sank to his knees, pointing at the maid behind Li Changyan and kowtowed. "This girl came here with her own private seal, saying she wants to stamp it on every contract! I said that every contract must be signed by the person himself, but she's claiming to be the imperial court's order and demanding I carry it out. I'm unaware of this. If I did, I wouldn't have the guts to do it!"
Li Changyan narrowed her eyes, her dissatisfaction written all over her face. She said with some preparation, "That doesn't prove it wasn't the Crown Princess's doing."
At this time, several guards ran in, holding a ledger. "Your Majesty, we found a ledger from the bank registered in the Crown Princess's name. It dates back three months, and the amount is tens of thousands of taels."
Chen Yun was startled for a moment, then looked at Li Changyan and felt that everything made sense. Li Lin walked over to Chen Yun, and Chen Yun smiled slightly and patted Li Lin's arm, indicating that everything was fine.
"Could it be that such a huge sum of money was squeezed out in someone's name?"
Hearing Li Changyan's sarcasm, Li Lieo was very confused. He wanted to believe the Crown Princess, but the facts were before him and he absolutely could not be partial, otherwise, Li Changyan's mother's family would increase their influence on this business war.
Chen Yun's fingertips lifted the sachet from Li Changyan's waist. His chain knife cut through the brocade, and dozens of marigold seeds fell. "The earthenware gift that the third brother asked someone to bring you before he was exiled? That shouldn't be it, right?" Chen Yun picked up the marigolds on the ground, kneaded them, and said, "The Fang family's unique fragrance is marigolds. And marigolds are found in everything they do, including their belongings, servants, and surroundings. So everything about them has that scent. So, the place where the shopkeepers keep their money should also have the scent of marigolds."
Li Changyan never expected that Chen Yun would use this as a breakthrough point to counterattack, and she refuted on the spot: "This sachet is owned by many ladies in the capital. There is no way to prove that it belongs to me!"
"But you are the only one in the palace who possesses such a fragrance. That is why all your belongings smell of marigolds."
The guards quickly found the money in the box and smelled it, and sure enough, it smelled like marigolds.
Li Lin suddenly drew his guard sword, and with a cold flash, he split the mine owner's clothes, revealing a plum blossom mark on his body. This mark was the mark of the third prince Li Linhao's Anbu.
Li Lie'ao was horrified, then pointed at Li Changyan and cursed, "Fifth Princess! What's your explanation for the Anbu mark?"
"Father! These contracts are clear..." Li Changyan suddenly fell silent, his face pale as he watched the Seven Stars emerge from the darkness. Seven men were escorting a shackled painter, whose face lingered with the scent of marigold pollen.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Three imitations of the Crown Princess's seals were found in the Fang family compound. There are also three merchants from Tufan who were unable to produce the written documents."
Chen Yun picked up the private seal and smelled it, then smiled slightly: "As expected. The seal smells like marigolds."
Li Changyan staggered and rubbed her hair. She didn't want to believe it. "This is impossible... I clearly..."
"Changle, the Empress is going to teach you a lesson today. As long as you've done something that leaves a trace, you can definitely pull it out from under the trace and reveal the truth. You're foolish enough to use something that leaves a trace to slander me."
"You...you are plotting against me!" Li Changyan's hair was disheveled, and her golden hairpins clattered to the ground. She suddenly rushed towards the emperor, "Father! I am just afraid that the Crown Princess will bring disaster to the country..."
"Shut up!" Li Lie'ao shook her hand off, the golden python pattern on his dragon robe gleaming coldly as it vibrated. "Concubine Fang De has failed to educate her daughter properly, and Li Changyan has disrupted the economy, violating the laws of Qiankun State. Both are confined to the palace from today and are not allowed to leave unless summoned! The Fang family will be fined 10,000 taels and confiscated by the state treasury. All family members and servants will be expelled from the capital and prohibited from returning for two years. The scope of their business will be reduced to the capital."
"Your Majesty, please hand the Fifth Princess over to me. I have some very interesting torture instruments and I can help you understand the motive behind the crime!"
Then Li Changyan was taken away with Chen Ying's evil smile.
Because of this incident, Concubine Fang De, as the emperor's concubine, was held accountable by Li Lie'ao. Of course, Concubine Fang De was meticulous and was not caught in the act. She could only endure this punishment silently.
That night, Li Lin and Chen Ying had a big fight over the matter of reporting Mi'er, so Chen Ying asked the Queen to visit her parents the next day, but that is a story for later.
The next day, the atmosphere in the palace was so low it felt like water could be squeezed out. Zhai Jie stumbled out, holding the letter from Tufan. "Your Majesty! Tufan has issued an ultimatum! The Crown Princess's 'game of fortune' is ultimately just empty talk!"
"Zhai Pushe, stop talking nonsense. Let me show you something good."
The servants handed a pile of letters to the emperor. Chen Yun continued, "The Tufan Kingdom's strategy hasn't been implemented yet, so we can ignore it. The internal metal mine problem has subsided, and the mine owners have re-issued summonses, demanding the return of minerals and the return of metals. These are the certificates of entry and exit for imperial merchants."
"So what? We've only solved the metal mine problem. The spy problem remains. Don't forget you still have your military orders."
After hearing what Zhai Ji said, Chen Yin sneered and said, "I have already questioned the Fifth Princess about everything. All the incidents involving the Eighth Princess, the Third Prince, the Seventh Prince, as well as Consort Sun Shufei and Consort Lin Guifei are related, and they all point to a certain person. I cannot reveal who it is right now, but I can confirm that it is not a court official. Please, Father, take a look at the evidence."
Li Lie'ao picked up a piece of tiger skin paper and said with wide eyes, "Is someone spreading rumors?"
"Indeed, tiger skin paper is expensive, and at first glance, it can be concealed as a sweater. Furthermore, it is only used for confidential purposes in other countries. Such a conspicuous fur coat, so expensive, is unlikely to be used by officials in the court. Please quickly notify Yanyou and Louhuang countries, as well as our most peaceful neighbor, Tufan. Have them come to Qiankun country and let them know what is happening in their country."
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