Since that unpleasant meeting, Yinsi never contacted Yin and Yinyi again, and the two gradually forgot about the matter. However, Yin secretly ordered an investigation into the source of Yinsi's income.
"Fourth Prince, why have you been so irritable these past few days?" Qingyan noticed that Yin's brows were furrowed, as if he was thinking about something.
"Little darling, could you be more informed about things in Jiangnan?" Yin asked, looking at Qingyan.
Qingyan looked completely bewildered. What had happened to him this time?
“The silver that the Eighth Prince received may have been given by people from the Jiangnan Salt Commissioner’s Office. This is quite troublesome, as Father Emperor has been keeping a close eye on those people,” Yin said directly.
Upon hearing this, Qingyan felt a chill run down his spine. If it really was an official from the Salt Commissioner's Office, the consequences would be unimaginable. Emperor Kangxi disliked the Salt Commissioner's Office in Jiangnan the most.
"Do you want me to investigate the origin of this item?" Qingyan asked, looking at Yin.
Yin shook his head. He had investigated those matters himself, and in principle, he shouldn't have let Qingyan "interfere" in this matter.
"Can you help me find out who has ordered things from Linglong Pavilion in Jiangnan?" Yin said to Qingyan.
"I can help you take a look, but those ornaments still need to be checked. Not all ornaments were sent here," Qingyan said, looking troubled.
This was a huge undertaking, and since Jue Luo was a very cautious person, she would avoid anything that might reveal her identity.
"No need to look at the Jue Luo clan. This person is cautious and prudent. As long as we instruct the Jue Luo clan's mother, she should be able to figure things out!" Qingyan deliberately pointed out a clear path for Yin.
Yin nodded: "Okay, I will instruct my subordinates to keep a close eye on things."
Yin decided to look for other options. Yin Si was a very cautious person and would certainly not let the opportunity slip by so easily.
"Little darling, keep a close eye on things. If the Jueluo clan uses certain jewelry, someone must be plotting against them!" Yin said to Qingyan.
After exchanging information, the two immediately began to figure out how to defend themselves.
In Ninth Master's room, Yin received a message from the managers in the south, informing him that Yin Si had been using spies in Jiangnan to collude with the salt merchants. Upon hearing the news, Yin shuddered.
"Fujin, let's go to Fourth Brother's place right now!" Yin was glad that everyone lived together; otherwise, they would have to find all sorts of excuses to discuss things so intimately.
Ninth Prince Consort looked at Yin with a puzzled expression, but still followed his instructions and went with him to find Yin.
Inside the study, Yin and Qingyan exchanged a glance upon hearing that Ninth Master had arrived. They were both surprised and quickly had Yin and the others usher them in.
"Ninth Brother, what's wrong with you again?" Yin asked, looking at Yin.
"Fourth Brother..." Yin took out his message from his purse and showed it to Yin, who was standing nearby. "If the message is accurate, what about Eighth Brother..."
Yin's mind was in turmoil. He had always thought that Yin Si was a good person who would fight for his mother's position. Now, however, Yin was hesitant. Yin Si's methods of vying for the position were becoming increasingly sophisticated.
"Is this true?!" Yin feigned shock and nodded.
Yin understood that Yin Shi was anxious. If Kangxi found out, Yin Si would be finished, and Kangxi's people might expose everything.
Recently, Emperor Kangxi has been paying close attention to the officialdom in Jiangnan, with the tobacco administration being the most pressing issue.
"Fourth Brother... what should we do about this?" Yin was almost in tears. "All the spies here are my people..."
"Now, there's no way to hide these things. The best way is to go to Father Emperor and tell him everything!" Yin didn't have a better solution.
"Fourth Brother, could we keep Father from finding out?" Yin asked, looking at Yin.
"Why don't you want Father Emperor to know?" Yin asked curiously.
“My brother still has those people to rely on. They’ve been dealing with the salt merchants for a long time, and my brother needs their help in his business,” Yin said directly.
"Use people to deal with those over there, Yin..." Yin glanced at Yin and said lightly.
"Fourth Brother, I will definitely not do anything wrong again. This time, Father Emperor personally told us to do business with those people and see how many salt merchants got involved!" Yin still revealed Kangxi's secret decree. If it were anyone else, Yin would never have said it, even if it meant death.
Yin looked at Yin: "Ninth Brother, you've told me everything."
Yin shuddered; Yin's stern rebuke instantly brought him to his senses.
"Fourth Brother, I know I was wrong." Yin understood that Yin was warning him.
"Ninth Prince, you must be more careful in the future. Do you know what the consequences will be if Father finds out?" Yin asked, looking at Yin.
"Fourth Brother, you certainly wouldn't frame me, would you?" Yin asked directly.
"Weren't you careful?" Yin asked, looking at Yin.
"Fourth Brother, I know I was wrong. I won't say it again!" Yin's nerves tightened. "I was really wrong this time, Fourth Brother. If it were someone else, I definitely wouldn't have said it."
"This will not be allowed to happen again!" Yin said directly.
Yin was finally at ease; he was certain he wouldn't say anything more about it.
"Fourth Brother, are we really going to Father's place?" Yin asked. "Fourth Sister-in-law, haven't you heard anything from your side?"
Qingyan shook her head. Yin had instructed her beforehand that she absolutely must not reveal any information.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, are you really going to help my master this time?" Ninth Princess Consort asked directly.
"Alright, stop talking here. How could Fourth Brother not help?" Yin said, frowning.
"Ninth Brother, tell me everything you've learned, don't miss any details!" Yin said, looking at Yin.
Yin Si certainly wouldn't have come out alone; there must have been someone else helping him behind the scenes.
"Yes!" Yin nodded and spoke directly to Yin.
In fact, a week ago, Yin received a message from the shopkeeper saying that some princes in the capital had connections with the salt merchants.
"What about the others? What about the salt merchants' account books? Have you obtained them?" Yin asked, looking at Yin.
Yin shook his head directly, indicating that he hadn't received it, and a look of helplessness appeared on his face.
“We must remain silent. Without direct evidence, we cannot speak to Father Emperor!” Yin shook his head. What was needed now was evidence.
They had no evidence whatsoever. If they were to report back to Kangxi, Yinsi could turn the tables.
"Fourth Brother... do you think this is a trap that Eighth Brother set for Ninth Brother?" Yinzhi walked in from outside and asked directly.
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