Clues
The afterglow of the tea party had yet to dissipate, but beneath the seemingly calm surface of the Seventh Prince's residence, undercurrents were surging. Lu Qinglan knew that Madam Gu's visit was like dropping a huge rock into a tranquil lake, and the ripples would inevitably spread to the court. Sure enough, the next day, rumors began to spread. Several officials, who had previously maintained an ambiguous and neutral stance, softened their stance on Xiao Jingche's investigation of the Ministry of Revenue.
However, Lu Qinglan didn't let this temporary success get to her head. She continued to swiftly rectify government affairs, dismissing or punishing several stewards with clear evidence of corruption but shallow backgrounds, thus firmly establishing her authority. Meanwhile, she focused even more on Zhao Tieshou's leads regarding Steward Hu and Prince An's Mansion.
That day, she was checking the records of seed and farm implement withdrawals for spring plowing at several farms under the palace's name when Fu Yu led a capable man dressed in coarse cloth, dressed like an ordinary servant, quietly into Hengwu Courtyard through the corner gate. It was Zhao Tieshou himself.
"I pay my respects to the princess." Zhao Tieshou bowed, his voice low. Although he had changed his attire, his weathered eyes were still sharp.
"Master Zhao, there's no need to be so polite, but do you have important news?" Lu Qinglan put down the account book and looked at him calmly.
"Yes." Zhao Tieshou nodded and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his bosom. On it was a crude route map and some markings drawn with charcoal. "I followed the princess's instructions and withdrew my direct investigation of Prince An's Mansion. Instead, I focused my full attention on Manager Hu. He's extremely cunning and has a strong ability to resist tracking. He changed his base three times before finally settling on an inconspicuous courtyard near the city wall in the West Market. The courtyard may look ordinary, but there are people secretly guarding it day and night. They must be secret agents of Prince An's Mansion."
He pointed at a few markings on the blueprint. "Manager Hu usually stays at home, but every three or five days, he'll go out late at night in that unmarked carriage. I've followed him twice. Once, he went to the back gate of Prince An's Mansion, stayed for about a quarter of an hour, and then left. The other time, he went to... Yongquan Temple in the west of the city."
Yongquan Temple? Lu Qinglan's eyes narrowed. This was a relatively unremarkable Taoist temple in the capital, not very popular, and located in a remote area. "What was he doing there?"
"I didn't dare get too close. I only saw him from a distance as he entered and was led into the backyard wing by a middle-aged Taoist priest. He stayed there for about half an hour before emerging." Zhao Tieshou paused and added, "I've checked. The middle-aged Taoist priest's name is 'Qingxu'. He's not the temple's master. He usually stays in the backyard and rarely sees guests. It's said... he's proficient in alchemy."
Alchemy! Alchemy again! Prince An's obsession with alchemy, and Manager Hu's private contact with a Taoist alchemist... these two threads seemed to overlap faintly. Lu Qinglan's mind raced. Was the mysterious Xuanji Zhenren from his previous life hiding in this Yongquan Temple? Or was he connected to this Taoist Qingxu?
"There's one more thing," Zhao Tieshou continued. "I've discovered that Steward Hu recently had contact with a purchasing clerk at the Third Prince's residence. Although it was just a 'chance encounter' and a few pleasantries, I don't think it was a coincidence."
The Third Prince's Mansion! Lu Qinglan's heart was filled with alarm. Prince An, the Third Prince, Western spices, the alchemist... these seemingly unrelated points were being connected by an invisible thread. If Prince An and the Third Prince were secretly colluding, then their ambitions must be significant!
"Master Zhao, thank you for your hard work. This information is crucial." Lu Qinglan said solemnly, "Next, we must focus on clarifying two things: First, the details of Taoist Qingxu of Yongquan Temple, especially his specific connection with Prince An's Mansion, and whether he has any connection with a Taoist named 'Xuan Ji'. Second, keep a close eye on any contact between Manager Hu and the Third Prince's Mansion, but do not let it get out."
"I understand!" Zhao Tieshou responded solemnly, put the drawings back into his arms, and retreated quietly as he came.
After seeing Zhao Tieshou off, Lu Qinglan sat alone in his study, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the desk. Clues piled up, but the mystery only grew thicker. Why was Prince An, a disengaged prince, colluding with the sought-after Third Prince? A quest for the throne? But Prince An was the Emperor's younger brother, not a prince, so his claim to power was unjust. If it wasn't for the throne, what earth-shattering secret lay behind this covert collusion? And what role did the cold fragrance of the Western Region Ice Soul Roland play in this?
She felt as if she was standing on the edge of a huge spider web. She could only see a few trembling silk threads, but could not tell what kind of behemoth was lurking in the center of the web.
Just as she was concentrating on thinking, Lin Wanru asked to see her.
"Princess," Lin Wanru said after entering, looking a little uneasy. "I've noticed that Sun Liangyuan and Su Yueming have been seeing each other quite frequently lately. Yesterday, I personally saw Su Yueming secretly slip a purse into the hand of Sun Liangyuan's maid."
Lu Qinglan raised his eyebrows: "Do you know what's in the purse?"
"I did some research, and the maid said Su Yueming asked her to pass it on to Sun Liangyuan. Inside were some new-style velvet flowers, not worth much." Lin Wanru frowned, "But I don't think this is that simple. Su Yueming is such a shrewd person, how could he show his favor to Sun Liangyuan for no reason? Sun Liangyuan is also known for her superficiality, so I'm afraid she'll be easily exploited."
Lu Qinglan sneered: "One can't help but want to win favor, and the other is eager to find a backer and a springboard, so they get together. No problem, let them get in touch. You just need to pay attention to what they talk about specifically, especially... whether they inquire about things outside the mansion, or news from His Highness's study." She was worried that Su Yueming was too obedient, and now that she couldn't help herself, it gave her the opportunity to follow the clues.
"Yes, I understand." Lin Wanru nodded in agreement. After a moment's hesitation, she added, "Princess, there's one more thing... I heard that His Highness has been arguing with several senior officials over the Ministry of Revenue recently, and he seems unhappy. What do you think..."
This was a reminder for her that it was time to appease Xiao Jingche and consolidate the relationship between husband and wife (alliance). Lu Qinglan glanced at Lin Wanru and saw that her eyes were clear and indeed out of concern, so she softened her tone: "I understand. Thank you for reminding me, sister."
At dinner time, Lu Qinglan specially ordered the kitchen to prepare a few light dishes that Xiao Jingche liked, and personally carried the food box to the outer study.
In the study, Xiao Jingche was staring at a memorial with a frown in deep thought. Seeing her come in, he was a little surprised, and the gloom between his brows dissipated a little.
"Your Highness is busy with state affairs, so you must also take care of your health." Lu Qinglan placed the food box on the small table beside her and said gently, "I have prepared some light meals, Your Highness, please enjoy some."
Xiao Jingche put down the memorial and rubbed his brows: "Thank you, Princess." He walked to the small table and sat down, watching Lu Qinglan serve the dishes, and suddenly said, "In the court today, there was an endless debate about the appointment of subsequent officials for the grain transport. The candidate recommended by my third brother... Humph." There was obvious anger in his unfinished words.
Lu Qinglan poured him a cup of tea and spoke calmly, "Your Highness, why get so angry? The fact that you're arguing means the matter hasn't been resolved. Your Highness has a suitable candidate, so just argue your case. As long as the person you recommend is talented and beneficial to the country, Your Majesty will make the decision." She paused, then casually mentioned, "I've heard that a distinguished monk has been giving a lecture at Yongquan Temple recently, and it's quite effective, attracting a lot of visitors. If Your Highness feels bored, why not go there someday to relax and unwind?"
She casually mentioned the three words "Yongquan Temple." If Xiao Jingche was interested, he would have paid attention; if he wasn't, he would have just taken it as an ordinary suggestion.
Xiao Jingche paused slightly with his chopsticks in his hand, glanced at her with a deep gaze, and did not respond, only saying: "Princess, you are thoughtful."
After finishing her meal, Lu Qinglan excused herself. She knew that some seeds only needed to be sown gently and waited for to sprout.
Back at Hengwu Courtyard, it was already dark. Standing by the window, she gazed at the moonlight half-obscured by dark clouds, her mind racing. Steward Hu, Prince An's Mansion, the Third Prince, Yongquan Monastery, Su Yueming, Sun Liangyuan... countless clues and characters swirled in her mind.
The spider web has appeared, and she, a butterfly trapped in the web, needs to find the key to breaking out before she is completely bound.
And the key may be hidden in the green smoke curling from the alchemy furnace in Yongquan Temple, or it may be tied to the hand of Manager Hu that is missing a finger.
She had to be faster and more cautious.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
