Chapter 61: Azhao, he is so scary... Forever friends...
Inside the residence of the Dali Temple Minister, in the study.
Several lights illuminated the room. Several maps were spread out on the large table, showing both border defense settings and sketches of the layout of the Jin Dynasty's capital and palace.
"These were given to me by Li Yulan. They are the layout maps he hand-drew last night and morning. In addition, he also made a detailed list and corresponding information." Lou Wanqiao's fingers fell on the paper on the table and tapped.
Though Li Yulan appeared pale and frail, his mental state occasionally unstable, he was no ordinary man, and the information he provided was uniquely valuable. From the daily routines of the Jin Crown Prince, the habits of his favorite concubines, the hidden scandals of several important officials at court, to the subtle loopholes in the rotation of the imperial guards, and the layout of the secret passages in the Crown Prince's residence... He was like the most patient hunter, patiently and dormantly acquiring a thorough understanding of everything over the years, and now, bit by bit, he fed everything he knew to Lou Wanqiao.
"The old Jin emperor is now gravely ill and demented, with the crown prince acting as regent. He's suspicious by nature, and undercurrents are surging within the court. This presents our best opportunity." She held the wolf-hair brush, circling the name "Shangjing" with the tip of her pen. "Li Yulan has been managing the country for many years. While he still lacks the power of the crown prince, he has his own pawns within the palace guards and elsewhere, ready to assist him when needed. He's reluctant to share this information with me, presumably to preserve his own value. As long as we don't fall out, it won't be a big deal."
Wen Xuechi frowned slightly.
Indescribable emotions filled his heart, sour and swollen, as if he had an inexplicable anger that had nowhere to vent, and he felt inexplicably uncomfortable and annoyed.
She then pushed a secret letter towards Wen Xuechi: "There are chess pieces I've planted here, and the strongholds can also be used. The rest is up to you."
Wen Xuechi took a quick glance and reached out to take it. "Leave it to me. Jianghu roads are all accessible. If the official roads are difficult, then what about the Jianghu roads? If you really want to come, I have a few acquaintances in the Jin Kingdom. They have wild connections and are better informed than the official roads. In addition, the canal gangs and escort agencies are a mixed bag, and they are also good channels for gathering information and transporting supplies." He pointed to several waterway and land route hubs on the map, "I'll open up these connections."
Lou Wanqiao nodded: "In that case, we can start the action. We will set off in three days."
Wen Xuechi hesitated to speak. Seeing him like this, Lou Wanqiao couldn't help but lean over to look at him: "What's wrong? Are you worried about something?"
Wen Xuechi hesitated for a long time, then held her fingers and whispered, "You...be careful."
Although his words were somewhat incoherent, Lou Wanqiao still understood the underlying meaning. She chuckled softly, then hooked her finger around his pinky and squeezed it. "I understand. But some things have to be done, and knowing the dangers, one must be careful. I know my limits and what not to do."
If you want to get the skin of a tiger, you must prepare a cage.
Li Yulan is certainly a strong partner, but he is also very unstable, like an arrow that can be released at any time and can turn into a sharp blade and hurt himself if you are not careful.
The most important thing is to keep all the initiative in your own hands.
…
Time and plans are moving forward, and everything is proceeding in an orderly manner in secret.
Lou Wanqiao would go see Li Yulan as promised. Thanks to the medication and Lou Wanqiao's "promise" to see him every day, his health had miraculously improved. His face, though still pale, had a hint of life in it, and his peach-shaped eyes were becoming increasingly bright.
Li Yulan would always dismiss his attendants before Lou Wanqiao arrived. He seemed to deeply enjoy spending time alone with her, always preparing tea or snacks. Even though Lou Wanqiao showed no interest, he didn't get annoyed. He simply smiled and enjoyed the meal, as if it were just an ordinary gathering of good friends, sharing his information with her over the meal.
His narrative was clear and coherent, even paying attention to the smallest detail. Sometimes he could predict Lou Wanqiao's next question and offer an answer without hesitation. His meticulous thinking and precise memory even surprised Lou Wanqiao.
"Azhao seems surprised?" After telling a piece of palace secret, Li Yulan held the teacup and looked at her with a smile.
Lou Wanqiao also praised: "Indeed, you are amazing."
"Ha, it's worth it to receive such praise from Azhao." His eyes were gentle and he moved closer to look at her.
Then a scent of tea lingered up, carrying the much lighter scent of magnolia on his body and the smell of herbs in the room, surrounding her.
Lou Wanqiao's expression remained unchanged as he stared at him intently: "Why do you say that?"
"Because obtaining this information is not easy..." He said with a melancholy tone, but only for a moment. He soon narrowed his eyes and smiled like a fox. "Do you want to hear more? Next time, you can exchange it for the osmanthus cake from the shop in the east of the city."
Lou Wanqiao shook his head. "If you want to eat, I'll have someone go buy it right now. We've almost finished the preparations these past few days, so it's time to go. What about you? Are you ready?"
"Even if you're not ready, you have to set off." Li Yulan sighed softly, and as if very tired, he lay down beside the bed and looked up at her. His soft black hair was scattered on his back, and his white clothes were draped loosely on his body, revealing half of his shoulders and most of his chest. "Azhao, can you help me?"
With just a glance, Lou Wanqiao's eyes swept across his cheek and back, and he quickly turned his head away: "How can I help you?"
"Help me get ready." He spoke softly, supporting his head with one hand while raising his other hand to gently grasp the corner of her clothes. "Azhao, your mentality can sometimes be the key to success or failure."
Lou Wanqiao's gaze fell on the fingers on the hem of her clothes, and he asked again, "How can I help you?"
Li Yulan's Adam's apple moved slightly, and the fingers holding the corner of her clothes slowly moved upwards: "Just like that... You don't have to do anything, just stay by my side..."
Pop.
She suddenly grabbed his wrist and slowly moved it away under Li Yulan's expectant gaze.
"Your Highness," Lou Wanqiao said in a calm tone, "this is inappropriate. You just said you wanted to eat osmanthus cake, right? I'll go get some for you right away."
After she finished speaking, she no longer looked into his eyes and turned away almost at the speed of light.
The sun was shining brightly outside, and the brilliant sunlight made her squint. Li Yulan's room was dark, the doors and windows tightly shut, barely allowing a ray of light to seep in through the cracks. It felt even colder than an ordinary guest room.
Lou Wanqiao shook his arms and felt goose bumps all over his body.
But I have to say that the information I got from him these days is quite useful, at least it can help in many aspects.
After all, they are about to set off, and there are still many unknowns in the future. Who knows what will happen when they really arrive in the Jin Kingdom. When that time comes, they have to hope that Li Yulan can be more stable so that they can feel more relaxed.
In the evening, Wen Xuechi came back from outside, exhausted, and brought a more detailed map than before and several secret letters.
Lou Wanqiao's eyes lit up with approval. "Well done, Yan Gui! You've come much faster than I expected. The time is almost here. We must leave for the Kingdom of Jin as soon as possible, or else something unexpected will happen."
Through the observation and intelligence gathering over the past few days, a bold and meticulous plan took shape in her mind, just waiting for the right opportunity to put everything into practice.
"You should prepare well. I will go to the palace later and discuss the matter with His Majesty and the other lords. This way, we will have no worries."
Wen Xuechi nodded and moved closer to her. "Azhao is very thoughtful. I'll go with you and wait for you outside."
…
"Hmm? Jin?" Li Su, who was reviewing memorials, raised his head and looked at the person standing at the desk. "Are we leaving tomorrow? Are there any dangers? Is there anything I can do?"
He did not ask the purpose of this trip. Perhaps to him, some things were more important than everything else.
Lou Wanqiao rubbed his chin. "As for danger... I'd be lying if I said there wasn't any, but with all the careful planning, there shouldn't be any major problems. As for Your Majesty—there are some matters within the Imperial City that I do need to discuss with you. Marquis Pingyuan and I have also left some personnel on hand, ready to be dispatched at any time."
"Thank you very much." Li Su's eyes curved as he smiled, looking very gentle. The bright yellow dragon robe on him did not look too serious. "Then I hope you return safely."
"Don't worry. Even if it's for Dali, I will survive to the end." Lou Wanqiao said in a relaxed tone, "Why thank me? You are His Majesty now."
Li Su restrained his expression and said "Oh", as if he was suddenly reminded by her, and burst out laughing in the silent eye contact.
Lou Wanqiao was infected and laughed along with him for some unknown reason.
"No matter who I am, I will always be your friend." Li Su looked very happy. "Don't worry about anything else, Zizhao, you can always come to me at any time."
Hearing this, Lou Wanqiao's mood also became cheerful: "Okay, I will talk to you about other matters next..."
It was already evening when Lou Wanqiao returned to the mansion. He had someone call in Li Yulan. He hadn't left the house in a long time, and his already pale skin had become even paler. His frail body looked as if it could be blown away by a gust of wind when he walked. Seeing him like this, Lou Wanqiao felt a little worried.
These past few days, she had been watching him drink his medicine, partly to keep him alive, and partly because she hoped he would be able to perform at a crucial moment. Having fought Li Yulan before, she knew he was no ordinary man. Although he wasn't in good spirits, who knew he might be able to be of use at a critical moment.
"Azhao, I heard you were looking for me?" He raised his eyes to look at her, with a faint smile on the corner of his lips. His eyes swept over Wen Xuechi beside her without any expression, and then he walked slowly to her side with his arms folded.
Wen Xuechi took a step forward, his eyes cold as he warned in a low voice: "Stay away from her."
Li Yulan seemed to be suddenly frightened and fell on her like a boneless person: "Oh, Azhao, this is so scary..."
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