Throwing a stone to test the water
Since returning from the Seventh Prince's residence, Lu Qinglan had become increasingly quiet. The name of Hengwu Court, along with her cryptic conversation with Xiao Jingche within the palace, had remained largely secret. However, a strange atmosphere permeated the palace's servants—this future mistress seemed different than she had imagined.
Lu Qinglan welcomed the quiet, devoting more energy to the impending storm. Han Mingyuan's impeachment was like a stone dropped into a deep pond; while it didn't immediately stir up a wave, it stirred up undercurrents. At court, Grand Canal Commander Qiu Sheng submitted a fiery memorial in his own defense, accusing Han Mingyuan of "reporting on hearsay and slandering border officials." The two sides argued bitterly. The emperor withheld the memorial, maintaining an ambiguous attitude.
On this day, Lu Qinglan was in Hengwu Courtyard (she had asked someone to temporarily change the name of the plaque outside the study in Lan Courtyard to this one to show her determination) reading the recent business and travel records sent by Chen Xing, when Fu Yu led someone in quietly.
The visitor was a lean, sturdy man in his forties, wearing a half-worn silk shirt and a plain face, the kind you'd lose in a crowd. Seeing Lu Qinglan, he didn't offer a formal greeting, simply bowing and clasping his fists. He lowered his voice, "My humble servant, Shen Chong, greets Miss Lu." His voice was slightly hoarse, revealing the vicissitudes of life.
This person was Shen Chong, the leader of the canal merchant caravan that Chen Xing boarded.
"Mr. Shen, please take a seat." Lu Qinglan put down the book and looked him over calmly. This man had a clear and honest look and a steady demeanor, not the kind of cunning person he was. Chen Xing's judgment was pretty good.
"Thank you, Miss." Shen Chong didn't sit down completely, but only halfway up the chair, his attitude respectful but not humble. "Manager Chen sent a message saying that Miss is interested in entrusting a special shipment. I wonder what it is and where it's going?"
Lu Qinglan didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "I heard that Boss Shen often travels on the canal and is very familiar with the connections along the way. I'm sure he's heard about the recent turmoil on the canal, too."
Shen Chong's expression remained unchanged, but a hint of solemnity flashed in his eyes: "I dare not hide it from you, young lady. I did hear something. Censor Han impeached General Qiu, and now there is a panic on the grain transport route. Checkpoints at various locations have become more stringent, and the 'usual fees' required have also increased. Life is becoming increasingly difficult for us sailors." He spoke carefully, without complaining too much, and only stated the facts.
"If there is a way that may allow you to be exploited less in the future, or even... have a chance to make those exploiters pay the price, would you be willing to give it a try, Boss Shen?" Lu Qinglan's voice was not loud, but it had a strange penetrating power.
Shen Chong's body trembled slightly, and he suddenly looked up at Lu Qinglan, his eyes filled with suspicion and scrutiny. He was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Miss...what do you mean? I am just an ordinary businessman. How dare I discuss state affairs, let alone become an enemy of the emperor."
"I'm not asking you to become an enemy of the government." Lu Qinglan tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. "I just need Mr. Shen to keep an extra pair of eyes and a few more words of advice while you're transporting the goods."
She took out an unsigned letter and pushed it in front of Shen Chong. "This batch of goods contains some high-quality Jiangnan brushes, inkstones, and paper. The destination is Linqing Gate. When the goods arrive, there is no need to rush to sell them. Someone will take care of them. What you need to do is give this letter to a clerk named Cui at Linqing Gate. He has an old scar on his left index finger, which is very easy to identify."
Shen Chong's Adam's apple rolled as he looked at the thin letter. He knew full well that this matter was no small matter. Linqing Gate was currently at the center of public controversy, and this letter and this shipment were likely of considerable importance.
"Miss..." His voice was dry, "This matter is risky..."
"Risks and rewards coexist." Lu Qinglan interrupted him, her tone indifferent. "If this is accomplished, in the future, Yunshang Pavilion and even my other businesses, all goods related to the canal transportation will be given priority to your caravan for transportation, and the commission will be halved. In addition, I will pay you an additional fee of three times the freight this time." She paused, her eyes as sharp as a knife. "Of course, if you don't want to, you can leave now, just pretend you have never seen me today. However, the problems with the canal transportation still exist. Whether Boss Shen's ship can pass smoothly in the future depends on fate."
Use both soft and hard tactics, with clear advantages and disadvantages.
Beads of sweat formed on Shen Chong's forehead. Having been a sailor for years, he knew the entrenched problems of the canal transport system. Without strong external support to break the impasse, these rootless merchants would forever be exploited. This Miss Lu, though a woman, possessed an extraordinary bearing, her words revealing a profound insight into the state of affairs. She even had connections with the Seventh Prince and even deeper networks behind her... Perhaps this truly was an opportunity, a chance to break the deadlock!
He took a deep breath, no longer hesitating, and took the letter. He carefully placed it in his arms, stood up and bowed solemnly: "Thank you for your kindness, Miss. Shen... is willing to do my best to serve you! I will definitely see to it!"
"Very good." Lu Qinglan nodded. "Chen Xing will explain the details to you. Remember, safety comes first."
"I understand!"
After seeing Shen Chong off, Lu Qinglan walked to the window and gazed at the sycamore trees in the courtyard, which were beginning to shed their leaves. The letter contained no specific accusations, merely mentioning, from the perspective of a "friend who admires Censor Han's character," that inspections at Linqing Gate had been unusually strict recently, with what appeared to be a heavy security presence. He also "accidentally" heard soldiers complain that they were awaiting the passage of a "special" batch of grain ships, suggesting that the number of ships "sinking" might be far greater than usual. The letter didn't specify a time or ship number, making it seem like nothing more than groundless speculation.
But this was enough. The clerk surnamed Cui was Han Mingyuan's spy at Linqing Gate. Even after Han Mingyuan was demoted in his previous life, he persisted in gathering evidence, later playing a crucial role in the Cao case. Upon arrival, this letter would be delivered to Han Mingyuan through special channels. Given Han Mingyuan's temperament, he would never let go of any clues and would intensify his investigation in secret.
All she needs to do is wait for the right opportunity and give a gentle push at the critical moment.
After handling this matter, Lu Qinglan returned her attention to the poetry club. At the fifth gathering, she distinctly sensed a change in the atmosphere. Su Yueming was increasingly attentive, taking care of nearly every detail, and possessing an uncanny grasp of the ladies' preferences. Lin Wanru remained silent, but the gloom between her brows seemed to deepen. The occasional glances she gave Lu Qinglan carried a complex, hesitant expression.
Wei Linlang made no secret of her affection for Lu Qinglan, pulling her aside to discuss her brother Wei Zheng's recent situation at the border, mentioning the delays in the transportation of grain and fodder, which had already caused complaints within the army. Lu Qinglan listened quietly, occasionally offering words of comfort, but in her mind, she connected this information to the issue of the grain transport. The instability at the border was also a crucial bargaining chip in the court's maneuvering.
Midway through the elegant gathering, Miss Liu, who was somewhat related to the Third Prince's wife's mother's family, casually mentioned, "I heard that the Seventh Prince has been paying close attention to the Ministry of Revenue's Canal Transport Bureau's files recently, and has even personally summoned several veteran river workers for questioning. He's truly diligent."
As these words came out, the expressions of the noble ladies varied. Su Yueming paused slightly while writing. Lin Wanru looked up at Lu Qinglan.
Lu Qinglan held the kettle to refill Miss Liu's tea, her expression calm. "Your Highness is devoted to the court and diligent in government affairs; this is the duty of a minister." Her tone was calm, lightly brushing off the topic. "Miss Liu's dress, the Suzhou embroidery with the butterfly-in-love pattern, is truly exquisite. I wonder which master created it?"
She cleverly diverted attention, but her mind was clear as a mirror. Xiao Jingche had indeed taken action. He accepted her advice and began working on the technical and archival aspects to prepare for the future "cleaning up the mess." The Third Prince had clearly noticed his movements and was using the women as a tool to pressure and test him.
Throwing a stone to test the waters, all forces have begun to make their moves.
This game of chess is becoming more and more interesting.
Lu Qinglan lowered his eyes, hiding the cold smile in his eyes.
Let the storm come even harder. She has already prepared her boat, waiting to ride the wind and waves.
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