In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

"Yes!" Cao Wei accepted the order and left.

Li Yuanchang then looked at the shopkeeper: "Besides me, has anyone else inquired about this?"

The shopkeeper shook his head: "No more."

"Don't touch this room yet. If anyone comes asking about it, send someone to the Prince of Han's residence to inform him, understand?"

The shopkeeper dared not utter a single word of refusal; after all, that was the Prince of Han's residence!

"Yes, yes!"

"..."

The previous recruitment and the takeover of Liangzhou affairs have now come into play.

In just half a day, Cao Wei's side had directly locked down Wang Xiu's identity and background through relevant files and some county records!

"Your Highness, we've found it. If the clues are correct, this is the only family in the entire Liangzhou that fits the criteria."

"He was a wealthy merchant in Huabi County, surnamed Wang. Due to business failure, he sold more than 30 properties, including farmland and ancestral homes. However, the old man eventually couldn't bear the blow and died from vomiting blood. Subsequently, he faced debt collection and his family gradually fell apart."

"The roster of places of origin clearly lists a woman named Wang Xiu, who comes from Huabi County."

Li Yuanchang put down his chopsticks and looked at Cao Wei outside the door.

Is Luoma Post Station in Huabi County?

Luomayi was where Lü Jie was located, and Huabi County was suspected to be Wang Xiu's home, so he couldn't help but make the connection.

"Your Highness, they are not there. The two places are more than 150 li apart."

"However, Luoma Post Station is a transit hub for goods in Liangzhou. Almost all post stations pass through there, so it is also a frequent destination for most merchants," said Cao Wei.

Li Yuanchang then asked, "So how did the Wang family fail in their business ventures?"

"Your Highness, I don't know. After all, it's a matter between ordinary people, and the records couldn't possibly be that detailed."

"If needed, I can go there immediately to inquire."

Li Yuanchang was about to nod.

Suddenly, Situ Lan, who was having her meal nearby, said softly, "Your Highness, I have a more convenient way."

Li Yuanchang was stunned for a moment, thinking he had misheard.

"you?"

He didn't look down on Situ Lan; rather, she and these things were from completely different worlds.

Situ Lan nodded seriously.

"I have a close female friend whose family has been merchants in Liangzhou for three generations, specializing in the tea-horse trade and selling to the north."

"Although the business is not large, it has a wide network of connections. Since the Wang family was once a merchant in Liangzhou, I think they might know each other."

"Perhaps it can be of some help to Your Highness."

"It's at least better than traveling to and from Huabi County."

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow. Best friend?

Having these resources is better than running all over Liangzhou.

Where is she?

"I will send someone to invite him right now."

"The Qin family."

"Why don't I send Qiuyue to invite her over? She just returned from out of town and wrote me a letter, which I haven't had a chance to reply to yet."

Li Yuanchang asked doubtfully, "She's a woman in the family, how much could she possibly know?"

When Situ Lan brought up this matter, she immediately smiled broadly: "Your Highness, you may not know this, but her situation is different. She has a very outgoing personality and has always loved to travel since she was a child."

"She probably knows more than her father."

"You can't go wrong by going to her."

Li Yuanchang paused for a moment, then said, "Alright then."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Madam."

"Your Highness, you mustn't say that," Situ Lan scolded, displeased, but even so, her tone remained gentle.

"Hahaha, I understand, it's only right, it's only right."

Situ Lan gave her a reproachful look, then turned around to give her instructions.

It was already evening, almost dark. Li Yuanchang had thought he would have to wait until the next day, given the strict rules of ancient times.

It is obviously taboo for an unmarried woman to go out in the middle of the night.

As it turned out, Situ Lan's best friend really did come over that night.

When Situ Lan sent someone to report, Li Yuanchang was even preparing to return to the East Courtyard to rest.

Upon receiving the news, he quickly left his study to personally greet the messenger.

As they walked along the corridor, they heard Situ Lan chatting happily with a woman.

"Sister Situ, this Prince's mansion is no good. Why is it so shabby? Everything is old."

"Is the King of Han really that poor?"

A rather quirky voice nearly made Li Yuanchang slip and fall to the ground, his forehead covered in black lines.

I was too embarrassed to go outside.

To be honest, it is indeed a bit shabby.

Even worse than the Situ family, many of the household's expenses still rely on Situ Lan's private savings.

"Sister Qin, you can't say that!" Situ Lan's voice was clearly displeased.

"Sister Situ, it's my fault, it's my fault. I shouldn't have talked nonsense. I was wrong, please don't be angry."

"I was wrong!"

Situ Lan's expression softened somewhat.

At this moment, Li Yuanchang walked out smiling: "What's wrong?"

"Your Highness!"

Everyone bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."

The scene was brightly lit, and Qin Keyu couldn't help but look at Li Yuanchang.

Li Yuanchang also turned his gaze towards her, his eyes lighting up slightly. Even he couldn't help but sigh inwardly at how beautiful the woman was.

With curved eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and crimson lips, he was handsome no matter how you looked at him.

Compared to most women in the Tang Dynasty, Qin Xiaoyu was less dogmatic and reserved, possessing a confident and flamboyant charm with red lips and white teeth.

She is very young, very fair-skinned, and almost flawless.

The only problem is his attire... he's actually wearing men's clothes!

In ancient times, this would have been punishable by law; both women and men dressing as men were considered highly inappropriate.

Historically, there are rumors that Li Chengqian dressed in women's clothing and Turkic attire, which infuriated Li Shimin.

"This must be Miss Qin?"

"Your Highness, I am Qin Keyu." She smiled politely, but her manner was clearly unconventional.

"Thank you for making the trip so late. Why don't we talk inside?" Li Yuanchang invited.

"With the King of Han's invitation, how could I, Ke Yu, dare refuse?"

"If you don't comply, my sister Situ will sever all ties with me." Qin Keyu teased, winking and making faces.

"You little brat!" Situ Lan said, feigning anger.

It's clear that the two have a very good relationship, even though they are completely different people.

"Hahaha."

Li Yuanchang laughed loudly: "Let's go first."

"Yes."

He walked at the front carrying a lantern, and didn't forget to turn back and reach out to help Situ Lan over the steps.

Situ Lan felt a strong sense of security from being pampered.

Upon seeing this, Qin Keyu teased, "Sister Situ, are you perhaps pregnant?"

One sentence instantly made Situ Lan blush.

Li Yuanchang walked into the hall with a smile on his face. Qin Keyu's quirky and unconventional personality was indeed rare in ancient times.

"Your Highness, I'll go prepare tea and pastries. You two chat first." Situ Lan didn't forget the important matter and made sure to leave some space.

"Okay, then take it slow," Li Yuanchang said.

Situ Lan smiled and nodded, then looked at Qin Keyu with gentle eyes, as if to say, "Don't talk nonsense."