"Jiujiu truly is the lucky star of Dong Chu!" the Empress Dowager exclaimed with a sigh as she returned the contract to the Emperor. freēwēbnovel.com
The Emperor and Empress deeply agreed with her sentiment. Thinking about all that Jiujiu had done, she indeed seemed like the lucky star of Dong Chu. It was the Empress Dowager and Momo who had the foresight.
"Does Mother believe that Jiujiu could win first place in all five categories?" The Emperor curiously asked.
The Empress Dowager cast an annoyed glance at the Emperor and spoke deliberately, "Jiujiu is steadfast and reserved by nature. She never speaks or acts on anything she is not sure of."
Thinking about it carefully, the Emperor found what his mother had said to be true and he agreed internally.
The Empress Dowager ignored the contemplative Emperor, "I must have Sister Chu count the silver, so Momo can help me place bets on Jiujiu’s victory. Then, I will really strike it rich, hehehe..." Her old face bloomed like a chrysanthemum with laughter.
"When we get back, I will also have Sister Liang count the silver quickly," said the Empress with a smile in agreement.
Coming back to his senses, the Emperor’s eyes brightened. Gambling was the quickest way to make silver, which was why so many people indulged in it. The Empress Dowager was indeed astute.
Not to mention that the three most distinguished individuals in Dong Chu were excitedly guessing how much silver they could earn this time, the imperial edict caused an uproar across the entire Capital as soon as it was issued.
The people of Dong Chu didn’t blame Yang Mengchen, especially since the imperial edict clearly stated (the Emperor had been cunning, but it was also true) that it was at the strong insistence of the Prince and Princess of Xiliang—and with the unanimous consent of the judges from each country—that Yang Mengchen participated in the competition.
Meanwhile, rumors that Yang Mengchen only knew Arithmetic and Archery Skill, and was clueless about everything else, quickly spread to every corner of the Capital, supported by solid evidence. The citizens deeply respected and supported Yang Mengchen, but when it came to their own silver, after much hesitation, they still bet on the more popular Princess Yashuang and Princess Feilan.
The teams of merchants from the three nations, along with some wealthy individuals, also placed their bets on Princess Yashuang and Princess Feilan.
Qi Zonghao was fuming with rage to the point of smoke pouring from his seven orifices, but alas, it was already too late to change anything, and he could only tightly confine Qi Qiuxin in the posthouse, forbidding her from venturing out.
Upon hearing the news, several families rushed to the Prince Mansion to console Yang Mengchen, telling her to do her best and not worry about winning or losing.
In the Lin family study room.
Butler Lin handed Lin Zheqi the secret letter he had just received, "Young Master, Lord has sent a message ordering us to secretly assist Duke Wu Mansion in elevating Prince Duan. Once Duke Wu Mansion and Prince Duan fail, we are to take over all their power and wealth."
"Father has already left Peng City with the family. Are you certain this is a secret letter from him?" Lin Zheqi asked indifferently, not accepting the letter.
As Butler Lin inwardly sighed with grief, he still nodded, "The letter has the Lord’s unique cipher. There can be no mistake."
"Then did Father mention where to send those powers and riches?"
"The Lord indicated that the power should be left to Young Master to deal with, and the wealth to be secretly transported to Jiangxia. Someone will come for it at the appointed time."
Gently tapping his pale fingers on the desktop, Lin Zheqi indicated that Butler Lin was to take charge of escorting the wealth. He entrusted the residual forces to Le Shui for management.
After hesitating a moment, Butler Lin lowered his voice and said, "Young Master, Prince Ke has not only agreed to cooperate with our Lord but has also secretly colluded with Duke of Wuguo. I fear he may also meddle in this affair. Prince Ke is notoriously cunning and duplicitous. Young Master must be extremely cautious and ensure you’re not schemed against by Prince Ke."
Prince Ke had always harbored a grudge from the failure of their last arranged marriage and might bring up the past again. Not to mention that Young Master and Commandery Princess Yanrou were related by blood as cousins, even if that were not the case, her conduct alone meant she was unworthy of the Young Master, especially now that Commandery Princess Yanrou had become a fool.
"I am well aware," Lin Zheqi nodded.
Although Butler Lin remained loyal to that person, he had never truly reported his abnormalities or the matters here accurately, sometimes even covering for him. Lin Zheqi was satisfied with this.
Not long after Butler Lin left, Le Shui walked in, "Young Master, the Emperor has decreed that Princess Chen compete in the contest." Then, he informed Lin Zheqi of the contents of the imperial edict.
"Qi Zonghao actually covets Jiujiu, that’s absolutely unforgivable!" Lin Zheqi exploded in fury.
After exchanging a glance, both Le Shui and Le Xing were confused; Qi Zonghao forcing Princess Chen to compete seemed to be an attempt to humiliate her, so why did the Young Master say Qi Zonghao coveted Princess Chen? Both were tactful enough not to ask questions, even if they did not understand.
Soon, Lin Zheqi’s anger subsided, and his eyes flashed with unfathomable brilliance, "What are the odds?"
"Twenty to one," Le Shui responded.
"Take a hundred thousand taels and place a bet on Jiujiu to win," commanded Lin Zheqi, his handsome face breaking into a faint smile, with a chilling aura subtly emanating from him. "Additionally, inform Jiujiu through Yue Ming that Duke of Wuguo intends to support Prince Duan’s ascent to power. There should be significant movements soon, and Prince Ke is likewise restless."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
