Prime Minister

Chapter 224, Section 223: [All Out of the Nest]

The two took their seats one after the other, and Xue Huai asked meaningfully, "Your Highness has also heard of the name of Physician Xu?"

"Of course I've heard of it."

Jiang Li did not hide anything and said frankly, "I also know that you hid Xu Zhiwei in the official residence for nearly two months, and I also know that although Xu Zhiwei is a doctor, she has a stunningly beautiful appearance."

Upon hearing this, Xue Huai couldn't help but chuckle.

This princess is quite interesting. She almost lost control of her emotions when talking about her engagement with Shen Qingluan earlier, but now she can be so calm and slightly bitter when mentioning Xu Zhiwei. The difference between them is really intriguing.

Jiang Li glared at him and clicked her tongue, saying, "Lord Xue, with such behavior, it seems you are unwell? Should I summon the imperial physician who is with you to take a look?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I am in good health, so I will not trouble the imperial physician."

Xue Huai brushed it off, then exclaimed, "I never imagined Your Highness had such extensive connections, even having spies within the Jing'an Division."

Since Jiang Li could tell Xu Zhiwei's situation two months ago in one breath, it means that she has very good information channels.

Xue Huai knew that Jiang Sheng had once been a member of the princess's household, but Jiang Sheng had already revealed his true feelings to him. Moreover, Jiang Li had grand ambitions and would not sow seeds of trouble over such a trivial matter.

After temporarily setting aside her complex inner turmoil, Jiang Li quickly regained her usual rational and clear-headed state. She understood the deeper meaning behind Xue Huai's words and immediately said without hesitation, "They're just some insignificant spies. After all, the Jing'an Division is different from other places, and I don't want Han Qian to notice anything amiss. Therefore, that's all I know. I don't know why you've placed Xu Zhiwei under house arrest. Judging from your expression now, Xu Zhiwei should still be alive?"

"Your Highness will see you."

Xue Huai also made no attempt to hide anything, briefly recounting Xu Zhiwei's story and the strangeness of Jimintang, and finally said, "Xu Zhiwei's identity is somewhat special, and her aunt Liu Ying is an important figure behind the scenes, so I want to work with Xu Zhiwei to stage a play to lure Liu Ying and the others out."

Jiang Li pondered for a moment. She knew Xue Huai was always cautious, but she still couldn't help but remind him, "Have you secretly reported this matter to His Majesty?"

Xue Huai nodded and said, "Of course, on the very night Xu Zhiwei agreed, I wrote down the whole story in a memorial and asked Ye Qing to send it to the capital using the secret postal route of the Jing'an Division."

"Ah."

Jiang Li felt relieved, her slender fingers gently tapping the table, and then asked, "Will my stay in Yangzhou have a negative impact on you?"

Xue Huai did not deny it.

Regardless of the true nature of Jiang Li's relationship with the Emperor, she is at least outwardly a highly favored princess. This trip south was accompanied by a large number of guards. Now that she is temporarily staying in Yangzhou, it happens to be at a very opportune time, which could very well become a variable. The Emperor's carriage is bound to be heavily guarded, so would anyone hiding in the shadows dare to make any rash moves?
However, Xue Huai did not explicitly object. This had nothing to do with Jiang Li's complicated feelings, but rather because he always remembered the gap in their social status. He could stick to his bottom line and principles in front of Jiang Li, but he would not naively think that he could make decisions for her.

Jiang Li observed Xue Huai's expression and said leisurely, "This is really unfortunate. Oh well, you've already succeeded halfway in this game, and I can't waste your efforts."

Xue Huai smiled and asked, "What does Your Highness intend to do?"

"What else can be done?"

Jiang Li also smiled and said, "Anyway, I'm going to Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou on this trip. I can go to Daming Temple on the way back. I'll have my second aunt inform them that we'll rest here for the night and continue our journey south early tomorrow morning, so as not to ruin your plans."

Xue Huai was not grateful. Firstly, he did not place all his hopes on this scheme. If Liu Ying and the others did not take the bait, he had other plans. Secondly, he and Jiang Li were allies, and he would not interfere in such a trivial matter.

However, he soon saw an eager look on Jiang Li's face.

"Your Highness, you wouldn't be thinking of disguising yourself as a fish, would you?"

Xue Huai's probing immediately received a response from Jiang Li.

Her beautiful eyes gleamed as she softly said, "I traveled two thousand miles from the capital to Yangzhou, barely disembarking from the boat. Do you know how tedious the journey was? Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble, nor will I put myself in any danger. I just want to see who's behind the Jimintang. According to you, Jimintang has become a household name in Jiangnan. How could its powerful backers achieve such a feat so quietly? Shouldn't I, as a princess of the imperial family, be concerned?"

"No."

This was the first time Xue Huai had explicitly rejected Jiang Li.

What a joke! If Jiang Li were to suffer any mishap within his territory, would the Emperor and those princes let him off the hook?
Even if he isn't imprisoned, he'll at least be sidelined for several years or even more than a decade.

Most importantly, Xue Huai didn't think Jiang Li would completely follow his arrangements, which would undoubtedly increase many unknown risks.

"Xue~~Huai~~"

Jiang Li did not put on airs like a princess. Instead, she pleaded in an extremely soft and gentle tone, with the last syllable like silk, carrying an ambiguous atmosphere.

Xue Huai's hair stood on end instantly, and his pupils dilated as if he had seen a ghost.

Jiang Li, both amused and annoyed, scolded, "Hey, what's with that expression!"

Xue Huai smiled helplessly and said earnestly, "Your Highness, you have a heavy responsibility on this trip. You cannot delay the important matter of praying for the Empress Dowager. Moreover, the people behind the Jimin Hall are mostly members of the Demonic Cult. These people are audacious. If they discover Your Highness's whereabouts, there is no guarantee that something unexpected will happen."

"As long as you don't tell anyone, who will know? Or do you think my confidant will leak the news?" Jiang Li shut Xue Huai down with one sentence.

Given her control over those around her, the situation Xue Huai was worried about would not occur; otherwise, it would be impossible for her to hide her actions in the shadows so perfectly.

Jiang Li noticed that Xue Huai's attitude had softened, so she continued, "Your plan this time is to lure the other party into a trap. So, apart from the government officials and the Jing'an Division, you can't directly use the Yangzhou Guard and the Canal Army. This kind of thing involves understanding people's hearts, and every detail will directly affect the final result. My men can quietly strengthen your forces."

Xue Huai fell into deep thought.

Jiang Li wasn't in a hurry. She said quietly, "Anyway, I've already made up my mind. Even if you disagree, I'll stay and watch this show."

"Your Highness."

Xue Huai shook his head and chuckled. She had laid out all the advantages, disadvantages, and even her determination all at once, clearly not giving him a chance to object.

He gazed into Jiang Li's eyes, his smile fading as he said earnestly, "If Your Highness insists on staying, I can grant your request, but Your Highness must also grant me one."

Jiang Li nodded quickly and said, "Okay, go ahead."

Xue Huai said solemnly, "For Your Highness's safety, I will arrange all your travel arrangements. Moreover, Your Highness cannot act on your own. Otherwise, even if I offend Your Highness, I will still send you on your way south."

"Okay, I promise you."

Jiang Li agreed without hesitation, and then said softly, "Now you can tell me the detailed plan, right? Let me help you think it over."

This sentence reminded Xue Huai.

After leaving the capital, he had been planning everything on his own for more than a year, at most discussing things with Shen Bingwen. But Shen Bingwen had to manage a huge family business and couldn't be his advisor forever.

Xue Huai had also considered finding a few advisors or secretaries, but the problem was that it was difficult to find suitable candidates in a short period of time. After all, he had high requirements for his advisors, who had to be both capable and virtuous. True talents would either enter officialdom or live in seclusion in the mountains, so who would be willing to be an unnamed advisor?

But there was one right in front of me.

Jiang Li is somewhat clumsy when dealing with personal matters, but she has a real talent for crocheting and design.

Xue Huai's smile deepened.

The two talked for a long time. With Jiang Li's help, Xue Huai's plan became more complete, and Jiang Li also pointed out several loopholes.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Erniang, who had been waiting in the corridor outside the hall, glanced at the sky, her eyes filled with complex emotions, which ultimately turned into a soft sigh.

……

The following morning, Princess Yun'an's fleet set sail to continue south. Because the fleet maintained a low profile and only Xue Huai knew that Jiang Li originally intended to stay there, the fleet's departure did not cause any disturbance.

People in the city only praised the princess's benevolence and then stopped. For the vast majority of Yangzhou residents, the day of the funeral of Dr. Xu from Jimintang was two days away, and this matter was obviously much more important.

In a solemn and melancholic atmosphere, Liu Ying and Hu Jiaoniang quietly appeared in a private residence in the city.

"Sister, we can't afford to fail this time."

Hu Jiaoniang wore a charming smile, but her eyes were as cold as ice.

Liu Ying looked somber. As the Holy Maiden of the Holy Sect, she could mobilize far more power than Hu Jiaoniang, the Inner Hall Protector. Therefore, she would definitely be in charge this time.

Looking out at the bright spring sunshine, she slowly asked, "Are you sure Zhiwei isn't dead?"

Hu Jiaoniang sighed, "Actually, I don't want to believe that girl would really betray you, but the information our men gathered from Shen Garden proves that Xu Zhiwei is indeed hiding in the East Garden where Shen Qingluan lives. This shows that Xue Huai staged a play at Daming Temple to lure us into making a move."

Liu Ying ignored the first half of the other person's sentence and said indifferently, "After nightfall tomorrow, take some men to Daming Temple to attract Xue Huai's attention. It would be best if you could get him to transfer all his men there."

Hu Jiaoniang hesitated slightly, then said with apparent kindness, "Sister, why don't you go to Daming Temple, and I'll take some men to Shen Garden for a good time? Otherwise... I'm afraid you'll feel bad if you see Zhiwei again."

"I'm not discussing this with you."

Liu Ying gave Hu Jiaoniang a cold look, the coldness in her eyes making Hu Jiaoniang slightly startled.

She could only force a smile and say, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say, sister."

Liu Ying then stood up and walked to the window, as if to make Hu Jiaoniang understand her determination, or as if to convince herself, and said word by word: "Nineteen years ago I gave her the chance to live, and even if I want to take it back, I have to do it myself."

(End of this chapter)