Don't Ask Where People Go After Time Travel

Chapter 1716 Discretion
"Sir, please move to the Bo Yue Pavilion." The waiter called out, and Fang Zilan withdrew her gaze, her expression turning slightly cold. "I've heard that the three pavilions of Zui Yue are Bo Yue, Han Zui, and Xiang Lou, each catering to a different type of distinguished guest."

"Sir, your knowledge and insight are truly admirable," the waiter complimented. Fang Zilan raised the corners of her lips. "Bo Yue is a place for high-ranking officials and nobles. I am but a humble man with nothing but gold and silver; I'm afraid I cannot possibly be worthy of such a place."

The waiter said with a forced smile, "Sir, what are you saying? Our Drunken Moon Pavilion always judges people by their invitations, there's no mistake..."

Fang Zilan raised an eyebrow and interrupted the waiter without any politeness, "Is that so?"

The two seemingly light words carried an immense weight, exuding an indescribable power that made the waiter break out in a cold sweat. "This..."

Seeing the situation was turning sour, the shopkeeper behind the counter was about to step forward to say something when a clear voice suddenly rang out, "The Drunken Moon Pavilion is small and cramped; if there has been any inadequacy in our service, we hope our esteemed guest will forgive us. However..."

He stopped talking the moment he saw Fang Zilan. The shopkeeper, as if seeing a savior, leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Young Master, this distinguished guest has an invitation from Qianjinfang..."

"Young Master Ashi, it's been a long time." Fang Zilan nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Ashi composed himself and said, "The last time we met was in the capital."

"Ah, young master has a good memory." Fang Zilan said with a smile, "Where was it again, Wan Hua Lou or Xun Fang Lou..."

Upon hearing this, A Shi clenched his fist into a fist, his hand hidden in his sleeve. If he had only vaguely thought that the person in front of him was the former Duke of Yue, Fang Zilan, then now he was certain.

"Oh dear, I can't remember." Fang Zilan patted her forehead and laughed, "Anyway, I've left my name in all the brothels in the capital, it's time to go somewhere else."

Ah Shi pursed her lips, bowed, and gestured for us to follow her. "Please follow me, esteemed guest."

This time, Fang Zilan didn't say much and left with A Shi. The four people behind her quickly followed, leaving only a group of onlookers.

"Shopkeeper, what's the background of that young lady?" The carefree wanderer spoke first, followed by a high-ranking official who covered his face with a fan, wanting to hear more.

"Just an old friend from the business world," the shopkeeper quickly said, trying to smooth things over. "This man has always been quite outspoken, so please forgive him if he has caused any disturbance. The tea in the hall today is on the house, so please feel free to make yourselves at home."

The Fang family's business was renowned throughout the world, and their grand scale was common knowledge. It was not surprising that they had one or two friends with outstanding temperaments. In addition, with the manager's gentle and persuasive manner, everyone shifted their attention away from Fang Zilan and towards the various new teas at Zuiyuelou.

On the other side, after A-Shi led Fang Zilan and her group out of everyone's sight, she stopped and turned around to look at them, saying, "The sign."

Fang Zilan looked down at the house key in her hand, then obediently placed it in Ashi's hand, "Here you go, I..."

"What are you going to do?" A-Shi stared intently at Fang Zilan. She hesitated, but he didn't press her for details. Instead, he led her to the door of the room. "We're here."

Fang Zilan composed herself, walked to Ouyang Zirou's side, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, although I was not involved in the entire process of Miss Ouyang's improvement of the crossbow, I could still see her talent and dedication. If the armory is handed over to her, the military preparedness of the Great Capital will be promising. As a general who protects the country, I can rest assured."

"The Duke of Yue said so..." Li Shengxuan began, but was interrupted by the Imperial Censor who had just offered his advice, "Your Majesty!" The Imperial Censor knelt down with a thud and kowtowed deeply, "Your Majesty, this concerns the military preparedness of the capital; it must not be treated lightly..."

“Child’s play?” Li Shengxuan interrupted him, snorting coldly, “Imperial Censor Sun, don’t think that just because you’re old, you can act like an old man in front of me. If you remain so stubborn and confused, I grant you permission to resign from your post as Imperial Censor immediately and return to your hometown to retire.”

Censor Sun was taken aback. Su Yun, who was standing beside him, seemed to have finally come to his senses and quickly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, Censor Sun is advanced in years, and it is common for his energy to be waning. He..."

Su Yun was only halfway through her plea when Li Shengxuan raised his hand and said, "Considering the years of dedication of Censor Sun and everyone in the Censorate, I will give you face and also give the entire court an explanation so that Miss Ouyang can rightfully take over the Armory."

Su Yun frowned slightly, "Your Majesty means..."

"As I just said, military officers have the most say in matters of military preparedness. Since the opinion of the Duke of Yue alone is not enough to convince the public, let the powerful families guarding the four borders all give their opinions." Li Shengxuan said with an air of authority without anger: "Xiahou of Baiyue, the Southeast Camp, Dugu of the Western Border, Huangfu of the Northern Border, as well as the Duke of Yue and the Wei family in the capital, if more than half agree, Ouyang Zirou can take over the arsenal; otherwise, she will be forever barred from serving as an official in the court."

Fang Zilan suddenly realized why Li Shengxuan had said that now was the best time for her to help Ouyang Zirou; it turned out he was waiting for her here.

She was confident she could win over Zhou Lang of the Southeast Camp. As for General Xiahou of Baiyue, Li Shengxuan's request was guaranteed to secure his approval. With her vote, they would have three votes already.

The Wei family is waiting to see what Wei Ang thinks; this vote is likely uncertain. However, that old fox Huangfu Lin from the Northern Border might not be willing to commit, and abstaining is the most probable outcome. In other words, they must secure the Dugu family's vote of approval.

Fang Zilan kept calculating the vote count in her mind, and she was somewhat absent-minded until the court session ended. She didn't even respond when Ouyang Zirou called her.

"Lord Fang!" Ouyang Zirou tugged at Fang Zilan's sleeve, only then noticing the person beside her. "Zirou, what's wrong?"

“I…I’m a little worried…” Ouyang Zirou said hesitantly, “Although Lord Fang is helping, but…”

She sighed deeply, then changed the subject, "Given my mother's attitude, I would be content if she didn't even ask Lord Wei for help, let alone object to it. As for anything else..."

She didn't continue, remaining silent for a long while before lowering her eyes and whispering, "Lord Fang, do you think I'll never be able to serve as an official in the court again?"

"Do your best and leave the rest to fate." Fang Zilan's face was expressionless. "As long as there is an opportunity, we must seize it."

Ouyang Zirou bit her lip and nodded heavily. "I understand. Don't worry, Lord Fang, I will live up to your expectations." After saying that, she took her leave. Fang Zilan did not linger and immediately sent a message to the Southeast Camp after returning to her residence.

Zhou Lang acted swiftly, sending a memorial to the capital after receiving the letter, expressing his support for Ouyang Zirou. Along with his memorial, the Xiahou family's letter of greeting also arrived in the capital.

However, the document stated that all decisions were to be made by His Majesty, and the Xiahou family was merely responsible for following orders. Every word was spoken with utmost respect, yet the implication was clear: the Xiahou family had abstained from voting.