Chapter 207: Forming an Alliance
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“This is my third time here. Every time I come, I have to wait in line for a long time. Even Empress Dowager Min’s older brother, the arrogant Guojiu Min, has to wait in line.”
Yuwen Chu carefully examined Mingzhu’s hand under the twilight, noticing the charcoal stains on her tender skin. However, he didn’t mind the dirtiness at all. He gently pecked her hand with his lips and said, “This place is a very mysterious existence. Even the nobles and aristocrats in the capital know very little about it. The food is exquisite and delicious, but in limited quantities. Its purpose is not to entice guests to keep coming back, not to find the entrance and queue up. Instead, it depends on the host’s interest. Visitors range from royal relatives to court officials, and even scholars and merchants… The chef is mysterious and self-assured, never showing his face. Yet he can still stay in this city, where the influential are as numerous as hairs on an ox, which is truly remarkable.”
Her hands were so dirty, yet he dared to kiss them. Mingzhu propped her hand on his face and pushed his face away forcefully. “And then?”
“And then, I found out that Geng Pingqiang, the son of your wet nurse, used to be a frequent visitor here, as well as the Wusun Wang. Even the merchant who supplies spices to the palace has been here. I couldn’t figure out who was behind all this, but I felt keeping it intact would be harmful, so I thought of destroying it as a warning to the person hiding behind the scenes. However, under the Emperor’s feet, there still needs to be a suitable reason to take action. So, if the precious and honored Ying Wangfei falls and is offended here, my outburst would be the best reason. As for the assassination and secret passages afterward, that’s another matter.” Yuwen Chu once again took Mingzhu’s hand into his palm. “We cooperate very well.”
Mingzhu frowned. “If you wanted to know who was behind it, why did you let that old man die?”
“Because he wasn’t important. What’s important is the escaped cook.” Yuwen Chu’s voice was light, and although his eyes were still on her hand, his gaze seemed far away, as if pondering something very difficult. But his distraction didn’t last long, and he quickly returned to focus. “I always feel that there’s someone hiding behind the scenes manipulating many things. From Yvwen Xue’s marriage to the poisoning incident involving you, there’s his shadow. Therefore, if one attempt fails, there will be a second. So, these things you must face. The earlier, the better. Pearls need to be cherished and protected, but they come from being polished by sand and gravel. Also, I need the most trustworthy assistant, and I hope that person is you.”
Zhongshan Wang. For some reason, the name suddenly popped into Mingzhu’s mind. She wanted to tell Yuwen Chu, but she felt she didn’t have any evidence. Yuwen Chu wasn’t her blood-related parent or sibling. While she could be careless with food, she couldn’t be careless with words and risk causing trouble for her parents and siblings. Mingzhu’s lips moved, but she held back, instead asking, “Your Highness thinks I can be your assistant? You don’t think I’m stupid and would only drag you down?”
“I never thought you were stupid or would be a burden to me. On the contrary, after marrying you, I feel happy and satisfied.” Yuwen Chu looked down at her and said softly, “Of course, if you really want to stay hidden and be treasured at home, that’s also possible. But are you willing?”
Of course, she wasn’t willing. If she only wanted to hide at home and be treasured, why did she marry him? It would be happier and more comfortable to stay with her parents. Mingzhu looked back at him, saying seriously, “What I dislike the most is being played with, betrayed, and kept in the dark. That’s what’s most unacceptable. If Your Highness hopes that I can be your most trusted assistant, I couldn’t ask for more. Similarly, I hope Your Highness can be my most trusted person.”
Rarely did she speak so seriously to him. Yuwen Chu smiled. “I’ll remember Wangfei’s words. So let’s work together. If there are similar incidents and opportunities in the future, I’ll ask Wangfei to help me, how about that?” There were things he couldn’t tell her yet, but he eagerly hoped she would grow quickly, look at him, think of him, and stand by his side happily and willingly. Perhaps one day, he could hold her hand and stand at the highest point in this capital, overlooking the vast land.
Similar incidents and opportunities? Like what happened with Jiang Shanshan? She couldn’t wait to do that. Mingzhu reached out and clasped Yuwen Chu’s hand, sealing their alliance. “Of course, but don’t deceive me.”
“Okay.” Yuwen Chu clapped his hands with her, taking her hand in his as he rubbed it gently.
Shortly after returning to the mansion, Yuwen Chu went back to Tingxue Building to handle the aftermath of the matter. Mingzhu wrote a letter and instructed Su Lan to send it back to Fu Mingzheng immediately, asking him to investigate what items the Changxing Marquis Mansion had been buying the most recently, and also to find out where Jiang Shanshan’s workshop was located and the status of the craftsmen.
Then, she called for Zheng Momo. “There’s something I need you to do right away. In the past, you were in charge of the mansion’s purchases, so you must know many reliable merchants.”
Zheng Momo nodded. “Thanks to Xiangye’s fortune, everyone wants to do business with the Xiang mansion.”
“In that case, find a few trustworthy merchants you know and have them start purchasing large quantities of foreign glass products and soap from tomorrow onwards. Tell them we want to sell them to other places in the capital. Try to negotiate for discounts and place several orders. The necessary funds will be obtained from Li Bochun. As for the rest, I’ll leave it to you.” Mingzhu instructed Zheng Momo before calling for Su Jin. “Go and invite Li Bochun.”
Li Bochun was carefully selected by her parents to manage her dowry. He was meticulous and loyal, and with him and Zheng Momo working together, there would be no mistakes.
Once everything was arranged properly and it was time to rest, Yuwen Chu had not returned yet. Su Lan applied ointment to Mingzhu’s hands and feet, gently advising, “Would the Wangfei like me to send some midnight snacks ahead?”
Mingzhu used to often bring late-night snacks to her father and was very familiar with the situation in the study. Based on her experience, at this moment, Yuwen Chu would be surrounded by a group of aides and would not dare to leave to eat or drink privately. Most likely, they would be hungry. It was a good opportunity to show her kindness and gentleness. Besides, she was not familiar with the people in his outer courtyard, so she needed to gradually get to know them. Not to mention, if they eat a lot of the food she sends over, they probably wouldn’t feel comfortable showing any displeasure on their faces, right?
Moreover, since it was all using Yuwen Chu’s money, why not? Mingzhu jumped up excitedly and said, “You reminded me well! I almost forgot! Of course, we should send some! And it should be made delicately delicious! Easy to digest, so it won’t delay the important matters. Make more, and see who’s following His Highness and is busy. Each person should get a share!”
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