The golden wind is killing
Xiao Jingche received Lu Qinglan's concise and insightful note and read it three times, his eyes flashing. "A stable border ensures national security..." He murmured these seven words, his mind suddenly enlightened. Indeed, if the reform of the grain transport system is solely focused on eliminating dissidents and installing trusted aides, the scope is too narrow. If he could seize this opportunity to firmly link the grain transport system with border military supplies, he would not only secure a legitimate position in the court but also win the unwavering support of the border commanders! This strategy would kill two birds with one stone!
He immediately adjusted his strategy. In subsequent personnel arrangements and revisions to the grain transport regulations, he explicitly stated the principle of "prioritizing military supplies and safeguarding the border." Using this as a pretext, he strongly recommended officials with good relations with border troops or a reputation for integrity and competence. He also rejected several candidates proposed by the Third Prince's faction who clearly intended to maintain control of key positions in the grain transport system. This move indeed won the favor of some border commanders, led by Wei Zheng, and even led some neutral officials to support him.
The winds of change at court were subtly shifting, and the Seventh Prince's image as someone who understood the broader situation and took the overall situation into account became increasingly clear.
Meanwhile, Lu Qinglan's plans were quietly underway. Under Chen Xing's management, Yunshang Pavilion, capitalizing on this favorable wind, not only saw its business flourish, but also became a small information hub. The newly approached families of officials would, in their casual conversations, reveal details of their fathers and brothers' experiences in the government, or the goings-on in the inner chambers of their respective families. Fu Yu, through his work, gradually pieced together these fragmented pieces of information, allowing Lu Qinglan to piece together a clearer picture of the court situation.
Su Yueming's status within the poetry club soared, and she seemed to deeply enjoy the feeling of being needed, even subtly feared, by everyone. She managed the club's affairs with impeccable efficiency and was extremely attentive to Lu Qinglan, practically obedient to his every word. However, Lu Qinglan observed her from the sidelines, noticing her frequent, whispered interactions with the woman who had previously offered her tentative words. Su Yueming seemed to be using the poetry club's platform to carefully cultivate her own network of connections.
"Miss, Su Yueming has recently withdrawn 30% more money than usual in the name of purchasing expenses for the poetry club. The accounts are clean, but from my observation, some of the expenses are quite vague." Fu Yu reported in a low voice.
Lu Qinglan was not surprised, and said lightly: "Let her go, just remember it. No matter how high the grasshopper jumps, it can't escape from the palm of your hand." Su Yueming's ambitions and methods were all within her expectations. Keeping her for the time being will still be useful.
Lu Qinglan was even more concerned about Lin Wanru. Since their last private conversation, Lin Wanru had become increasingly silent in the poetry club, but her gaze was more resolute than ever. She no longer studiously avoided discussing matters of family and country, occasionally chiming in when Wei Linlang complained about the shortage of food at the border, offering insightful analysis that betrayed the depth of a daughter of a military family. Lu Qinglan could see that she was striving to break free from the constraints imposed by her family and find her own voice.
On this day, Zhao Tieshou passed on a crucial message through Fu Yu.
"Miss, we've finally found some clues about the Western Region caravan and Manager Hu you were keeping an eye on!" Fu Yu's tone was filled with suppressed excitement. "The other day, Zhao Tieshou smelled a faint, cold fragrance similar to the one you described at the Mule and Horse Market in the West City! He followed the scent and discovered it was emanating from the leader of a caravan who had just returned from the Western Regions! The caravan wasn't large, but their guards were elite, and they were based at the Yuelai Inn west of the city."
"Have you found out the leader's name? Who is he in contact with?" Lu Qinglan's heartstrings instantly tightened.
"The caravan leader uses the alias 'Sabiel', and his exact origins are unknown. But Zhao Tieshou discovered that late the previous night, an unmarked carriage quietly approached the back door of the Yuelai Inn and picked up someone. The driver... wore a leather glove on his left hand, but the way he gripped the reins made it look like he was missing a pinkie!"
Manager Hu! It really is him!
A cold glint flashed in Lu Qinglan's eyes. The Western Region caravan, the mysterious Leng Xiang, the fingerless Manager Hu, and the "royal relative" behind him... these clues finally connected! Although the specific identity of this "royal relative" was still unknown, the scope had been greatly narrowed.
"Have Zhao Tieshou continue to monitor the Yuelai Inn and the carriage. Make sure to find out where the carriage went and who Sabir contacted! But be extremely careful. It's better to lose them than to expose them!" Lu Qinglan ordered solemnly. This clue related to the cause of her death in her previous life, so she had to be extremely cautious.
"yes!"
October is a golden autumn, a time of harvest and celebration, but the atmosphere in the capital is particularly grim due to the aftermath of the canal transport case and the vague clues about the Western Regions that have surfaced. It's as if an invisible net is slowly tightening.
That day, Lu Qinglan received an unexpected invitation—from Madam Gu, the mother of Prime Minister Gu Zhao. The invitation was heartfelt, expressing gratitude for Lu Qinglan's life-saving grace at the flower viewing banquet. The chrysanthemums in the mansion were in full bloom, so they had arranged a special family dinner as a token of gratitude, and they asked her to be present.
A family dinner at the Gu Mansion? Lu Qinglan's fingertips brushed across the elegant calligraphy on the invitation. What was Gu Zhao's intention? Was he simply expressing his gratitude on behalf of his mother, or... did this unfathomable prime minister have new considerations?
She was now the future consort of the Seventh Prince, and was vaguely connected to the Grand Canal case. As a prominent official in the court, Gu Zhao's attitude was crucial. This family dinner was likely more than just a simple chrysanthemum viewing.
"Reply to the Gu Mansion that Qinglan will definitely attend the appointment on time." Lu Qinglan put down the invitation with a calm look.
Since the storm is coming, then we should stand against it. To know the depth of the Gu Mansion's water, we must go there in person.
She walked to the window and saw several chrysanthemums in the yard in full bloom, standing proudly against the frost.
The golden wind brings coolness, but also a sense of solemnity.
The road ahead is shrouded in fog, but the chess pieces in her hand are growing. Now is the time to make a move without regret.
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