"Oh, hehe, you're welcome."
Li Rong forced a smile.
Master Gu bid farewell to Master Gu and left the Li residence.
After Mr. Gu and his entourage left, Li Rong hurriedly threw all her belongings out of her room and then set a chair on fire.
After sitting down in the chair, Li Rong looked at the grease all over his hands and body and shook his head. The grease was so disgusting that it made him want to vomit.
"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey! How can you spit it out? It's such bad luck."
Li Rong quickly patted her mouth with her hand.
Just then, footsteps could be heard from outside.
"Who is it?" Li Rong asked immediately.
"It's me."
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Li Rong's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly ran towards the door.
"Young Master Li, I have prepared bathwater for you. I will help you there now."
As she spoke, a maidservant approached Li Rong.
Li Rong nodded, letting the maid help him into the bathtub.
After entering the bathtub, Li Rong lay down inside and enjoyed the warm water.
"You've had a tough time these past few days, Xiaoxue," Li Rong said to Xiaoxue.
"It's no trouble at all, Young Master Li. This servant will help you take a bath."
Xiaoxue quickly replied.
"No need," Li Rong refused, because Gu Sang was already in his heart.
Gu Sang was the most beautiful woman Li Rong had ever seen.
Gu Sang was tall and slender, with delicate features, smooth and delicate skin, almond-shaped eyes, long and curled eyelashes, and a slightly upturned nose. Below her lips were two luscious, luscious lips, the corners of which were gently curved upwards, making her pretty face even more charming. Her skin was very fair, with a rosy glow.
Li Rong felt a pang of guilt as she recalled her rudeness towards her over the past few days. How could she have done such a thing? It was so disrespectful.
Seeing that Li Rong was unwilling to let her serve her, Xiaoxue did not insist, but instead withdrew from the bathtub.
At this moment, Li Rong's body trembled slightly, because he had forgotten that he was not dressed.
"Young Master Li, shall I find you some clothes to change into?" Xiaoxue said.
"No need."
Li Rong waved his hand, not wanting Xiao Xue to see his naked body.
Seeing this, Xiaoxue stopped talking and simply turned and left.
At this moment, Li Rong thought of something and called out to Xiao Xue, "Stop, Xiao Xue."
"Young Master Li, is there anything else you need?" Xiaoxue turned around.
"Do you know how Li Rong got arrested and imprisoned?" Li Rong asked.
“This servant knows that Li Rong was framed,” Xiaoxue said.
"Framed? Who framed him?"
“It was the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. He couldn’t stand Li Rong’s philandering and wanted to use someone else to do his dirty work,” Xiaoxue said truthfully.
Why did the Vice Minister of Justice frame him?
"This servant does not know either."
Xiaoxue shook her head, indicating that she didn't know either.
"Alright, you can go now. I want to be alone for a while. You can go and rest," Li Rong said to Xiao Xue.
"Yes, Young Master Li."
Xiaoxue nodded, turned and left the room.
Seeing Xiaoxue leave, Li Rong quickly jumped off the bed, dressed, went to the table, poured a cup of tea, drank it all in one gulp, poured the rest into the trash can, and then went to the window and opened it.
Night had fallen.
Looking out at the dark scene outside the window, Li Rong sighed inwardly, "It's still more than 20 miles to the capital. I wonder how my father is doing. I hope everything is alright for him."
Li Rong sighed and then closed the window.
He was filled with worry, unsure whether his trip to the palace would go smoothly.
His only goal was to become the Crown Prince's right-hand man. His purpose in entering the palace this time was to gain the Emperor's trust. This mission was also his most dangerous mission so far. He not only needed to help the Emperor manage the salt industry in Jiangnan, but also assist the Emperor in handling state affairs. His responsibilities were much heavier than those of his cousin, Li Yun. His cousin's responsibilities were much lighter because his father had entrusted him with something. Moreover, Li Yun was his uncle, and Li Yun was the son of his father, Marshal Li. Li Yun was also Marshal Li's nephew. Li Rong could not do anything that would harm the country, but Li Rong was different. He was just an illegitimate son in his family. As long as he could gain the Emperor's trust, he could obtain wealth and honor.
Li Rong stood by the window for a long time. Finally, he decided to set off for the palace early the next morning. He had been waiting for five years. Now, he was finally going to leave. Moreover, he needed to gain his father's trust during these five years so that he could get everything he wanted in the court in the future.
The next day.
Li Rong was woken up early in the morning because today was the time to go to the palace to pay homage to the emperor.
After Li Rong finished washing up, she went out.
He arrived at Gu Sang's house and knocked on the door. Not long after, Gu Sang opened the door.
"Li Rong, what brings you here?" Gu Sang asked in surprise.
"I'm going to the palace, so I've come to visit your home beforehand. Please don't take offense," Li Rong said with a smile.
"What are you saying, Li Rong? You're too kind. Please come in."
Gu Sang quickly stepped aside to let Li Rong into the house.
Once inside, Li Rong looked around.
The Gu family's house is simply furnished, yet it exudes a rustic and simple charm.
"How is it? Doesn't this room seem rather simple?" Gu Sang said with a smile.
"Yes, it is indeed a bit shabby," Li Rong said with a smile.
Li Rong genuinely believed this, because although Gu Sang's house was better than his courtyard in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, it was still inferior to the Li family's courtyard.
“Actually, this was left by my mother. My mother was an ordinary rural woman. After she married my father, she lived in this dilapidated little courtyard, which is why her house became like this. My mother was a good person, so you must take good care of my family, okay?” Gu Sang said to Li Rong.
"Don't worry, Gu Sang, I definitely will. No matter what your family's situation is, I won't look down on you," Li Rong said to Gu Sang.
"Li Rong, you're so kind, how can I ever thank you enough?"
"Gu Sang, you don't need to thank me. I did this for myself. I love you, and I can only marry someone I love, right?"
"You fool," Gu Sang said.
Li Rong looked at Gu Sang and felt a little flustered.
He dared not continue talking to Gu Sang, for fear that he would say something else.
"Gu Sang, I'll take my leave now."
"Okay." Gu Sang nodded, without saying anything to persuade him to stay.
Li Rong left the Gu family.
That evening.
Li Rong arrived at the palace gate.
He arrived at the palace gates, where a guard asked, "Who are you?"
Li Rong replied, "Reporting to your Excellency, my name is Li Rong. I am Gu Sang's friend, and also..."
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