66: Send the Second Prince an alpaca! Li Yunrui's car-rushing plan!
Chapter 66: Sending an Alpaca to the Second Prince! Li Yunrui's Car-Crashing Plan! (Seeking first subscription!) (15)
After Li Chang'an returned to the capital, various influential figures came to visit him.
The political landscape was completely different from four years ago; the Crown Prince and the Second Prince were rivals, and The Eldest Princess was stirring up trouble behind the scenes.
Both the Crown Prince and the Second Prince also came to visit Li Chang'an. The Crown Prince's affection value was still fifty, and the Second Prince's was still eighty.
Li Chengze had been closer to Li Chang'an since childhood, loving Li Chang'an's poetry, and he also cherished the gifts Li Chang'an brought him from his travels across the world.
Name: Li Chengze
Age: 18 years old
Realm: None
Talents: Cuisine (Ninth Rank), Poetry (Eighth Rank), Schemes (Third Rank)
Abilities: Cuisine (Ninth Rank), Poetry (Seventh Rank), Schemes (Eighth Rank)
Affection: 80
Li Chengze's culinary appreciation ability reached Ninth Rank, making him a true god of food, and his scheming ability also surged to Eighth Rank.
It seems Emperor Qing's whetstone plan had also sharpened the Second Prince.
Now, Li Chengze stared at the little animal before him, his eyes full of curiosity.
"Uncle Prince Yong, this cute little creature looks like both a sheep and a camel. What kind of animal is it exactly?"
A mammal, the camel-sheep, Artiodactyla, Camelidae, Lama genus, also known as an alpaca.
"Chengze, it's neither a sheep nor a camel. Its true name is 'Cao Ni Ma,' but the herdsmen like to call it an alpaca."
Li Chengze stroked the tuft of wool on the alpaca's head, somewhat reluctant to let go.
"Cao... Ni Ma! Alpaca sounds much better."
Fan Wujiu unnaturally smoothed the hair on his forehead, as if he understood the origin of his own hairstyle.
A year ago, Fan Wujiu, who was at the Peak of Eighth Rank, had already defected to the Second Prince. Because of Fan Wujiu's scholarly demeanor, the Second Prince gladly accepted him.
From then on, Li Chang'an was able to promptly learn of Li Chengze's important actions.
On the Crown Prince's side, Wang Qinian had also placed a beautiful palace maid, whom the Crown Prince doted on greatly.
A Ministry of Works official who had pledged allegiance to the Net presented the Crown Prince with a maid who bore a striking resemblance to The Eldest Princess.
While surprised, the Crown Prince dared not accept her, yet he was reluctant to refuse.
Finally, he bought a secluded residence in the Suburbs of the Capital and kept her as a secret mistress.
That beautiful woman named Rui Rui was an elite spy trained by the Net, skilled in secret chamber arts.
Li Chengze spoke at length about the political situation in the court, with a clear intention to win over Li Chang'an.
Prince Jing's heir was part of the Second Prince's faction, and Li Chengze naturally wanted to gain the support of Prince Yong's Residence.
Li Chang'an naturally wouldn't take a stance; he wanted to increase his own power and wouldn't easily side with anyone.
Or rather, Li Chang'an could side however he wished, even repeatedly switching sides or playing both ends against the middle.
Anyway, compared to him, Emperor Qing's sons were all trash.
Despite his busy schedule, Li Chengze still pulled Li Chang'an into a discussion about poetry until he had dinner and then left.
After seeing off the Second Prince, Li Chang'an returned to his room. The night was quiet, perfect for Cultivating the Muscle.
Entering the room, Li Chang'an saw Qingwen bending over, meticulously tidying his bed, like a young wife awaiting her husband's return.
Qingwen had her back to Li Chang'an, and beneath her light blue long dress, her rounded figure was like an enticing peach.
Li Chang'an couldn't see Qingwen's face. If not for the System, he wouldn't be able to tell if it was Xiren or Qingwen.
These two young beauties were hard to distinguish when dressed.
Li Chang'an was quite moved. He thought he should warm up properly before practicing martial arts.
Li Chang'an quietly walked over, and Qingwen let out a soft cry, "Your Highness... what are you doing...?"
Li Chang'an, fully aroused and poised, said, "Xiren!"
Qingwen was as docile as a lamb awaiting slaughter, "Your Highness is so biased... I am Qingwen."
Li Chang'an skillfully broke through the door, "It is Qingwen whom this Prince attacks."
...Half a month later, at Fan Manor's annex in Danzhou.
Fan Xian looked at the two stern, upright men, feeling somewhat helpless.
These two were said to be bodyguards sent by Fan Jian. Their cultivation was comparable to his own, and they hardly spoke unless spoken to.
Only when Fan Xian asked a question would they reply. "Old Zhao, Old Zhang, you both came from the military, right? Relax, this isn't a military camp."
Old Zhao replied, "We heard Young Master was assassinated when he was young, so we dare not be careless. We cannot relax for a moment."
These two were honest men, and Fan Xian felt very secure.
"Are you two specifically here to protect me?"
Old Zhang nodded, "That's right, primarily to protect Young Master.
However, we also have another mission: to bring you a message."
"Young Master, His Majesty intends to bestow a marriage upon you. You are going to the capital to complete the marriage."
Upon hearing about the bestowed marriage, Fan Xian's first reaction was resistance. He was very averse to such so-called arranged marriages.
In the era he came from, love was free. A bestowed marriage where he hadn't even met the woman seemed too hasty.
"Bestowed marriage? I know nothing about the woman, and there's no emotional foundation, yet I'm to marry?"
"Brothers, His Majesty is too hasty! How can a lifelong matter be decided so casually!"
Old Zhao, seeing Fan Xian agitated, quickly said, "Young Master, your betrothed is the current Prime Minister's daughter, Princess Yichen Lin Wan'er."
Fan Xian was indifferent, shouting anxiously, "I don't care if she's the Prime Minister's daughter or a Princess! If I don't like her, I won't marry her, even if it kills me!"
"Brothers, what can I do to make His Majesty change his mind and cancel this bestowed marriage...?"
As Fan Xian spoke, his tone suddenly softened, and his voice gradually lowered.
He changed the subject, probing, "Lin Wan'er... the name sounds familiar.
Could it be... the fourth-ranked beauty on Langya Pavilion's beauty list?"
Old Zhao seemed to have anticipated Fan Xian's reaction, so he took out a scroll from his satchel and slowly unrolled it before Fan Xian.
"That's right. Princess Yichen is kind and has an excellent reputation in the capital. Young Master is fortunate."
Fan Xian said no more, for he was staring at the portrait in a daze.
Just by looking at her face, he knew Lin Wan'er was a beauty!
He hadn't wasted his time in Danzhou, often inquiring about Jianghu news, and he knew about the Langya List.
Fan Xian couldn't help but swallow. His life as a bastard was too good; heaven had directly sent him a great beauty!
Seeing the portrait and the endorsement from the Langya Pavilion's beauty list, Fan Xian suddenly felt that this bestowed marriage was indeed a match made in heaven.
Old Zhao continued, "Our Master wants us to tell you stories of his youth, hoping to ignite your spirit and inspire you to go to the capital!"
Next, Old Zhao and Old Zhang, one after another, recounted some of the youthful exploits of Fan Jian, Emperor Qing, and Prince Jing to Fan Xian, naturally omitting the existence of Ye Qingmei.
After listening, Fan Xian could no longer remain calm.
Fan Jian had laid his cards on the table; he and His Majesty were old acquaintances, even milk brothers!
No wonder, a bastard could even be bestowed a marriage to the Prime Minister's daughter!
The two guards, following Fan Jian's instructions, did not tell Fan Xian that Lin Wan'er was also an illegitimate daughter.
The rustic youth from Danzhou, Fan Xian, suddenly found that pie was falling from the sky. It turned out he had Transmigrated into a good life this time.
His father was Emperor Qing's childhood friend, an Assistant Minister in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, just a short time away from becoming a Second Rank Minister.
The Emperor had bestowed a marriage upon him, which was equivalent to giving him a Prime Minister as a father-in-law, the head of all civil officials!
His father-in-law was a First Rank chief official, his old father would eventually be a Second Rank high official, his Master was the head of the Third Department of the Surveillance Bureau, and he had the Great Grandmaster Wu Zhu by his side. The capital didn't seem so dangerous.
As for the Transmigrator behind Li Chang'an, it was impossible for him to know that he himself was a Transmigrator.
As long as he didn't provoke Li Chang'an, there wouldn't be any conflict between them. What was there to worry about?
Over the next ten-plus days, Fan Xian's mindset had clearly shifted.
In Wu Zhu's general store.
"Uncle, I want to go to the capital, to explore my mother's story, to live a better life, and to figure out who wants to kill me."
Wu Zhu nodded and said, "That's good. I vaguely remember that the Divine Sharp Weapon in the box can be opened once we reach the capital."
"If you have that Divine Sharp Weapon, even without my protection, you won't fear a Great Grandmaster."
Hearing Wu Zhu's words, Fan Xian's resolve grew even stronger.
"Uncle, come with me."
Wu Zhu shook his head, "Those Red Armor soldiers are very strong, enough to protect you. I need to go to Jiangnan, to the places Young Miss visited."
"By going to those places, perhaps I can recover some memories, remember where the box key is, and even recall the method to instantly kill a Great Grandmaster."
"If I recover my memories, I can protect you better and help you retrieve the peerless Divine Sharp Weapon.
This is what Young Miss would want to see. I'm leaving."
Fan Xian wanted to talk more, but Wu Zhu got up and left, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Fan Xian was protected by Supervisory Council secret agents nearby, and after his departure, he was escorted by the Red Armor Army, making him very safe.
Wu Zhu was determined to do his utmost to protect Fan Xian, so he was eager to retrieve his memories.
Half a month later.
After faking his death and disguising himself, Teng Zijing returned from Danzhou to the Net headquarters in the Suburbs of the Capital.
Jing Ni told him the hiding place of his wife and child, then let Teng Zijing find them himself.
"Lord Jing Ni, Your Highness is letting me leave just like that? Aren't you afraid I won't come back?"
Jing Ni said coldly, "You will definitely return. Both Your Highness and I believe that.
Because as vast as the world is, only the Net can truly guarantee the safety of your wife and child."
"You are about to Breakthrough to Ninth Rank. If you Cultivate diligently for a few more years, you might even be able to compete with Yan Xiao Yi."
"You were previously manipulated at will, but now your strength has greatly increased. Following Your Highness, you will achieve great things. Are you truly content to live in seclusion?"
"How many people in this world have the Opportunity to Breakthrough to Ninth Rank? Are you truly willing to waste such skill?"
Teng Zijing cupped his fists and said, "Your subordinate sincerely pledges allegiance to Prince Yong. I will definitely return."
Following Li Chang'an's instructions, Jing Ni did not say any threatening words and allowed Teng Zijing to leave.
Xu Yunzhang, from the Fourth Department of the Supervisory Council, unaware that Teng Zijing's mission had failed and he had "died," was still foolishly waiting for news.
By the time he sent someone to investigate again and learned that Fan Xian was still alive and had killed an assassin, Teng Zijing had already traveled hundreds of miles from the capital.
In the fourth year of Qingli, late spring.
In the evening, Fan Xian's carriage, entering the capital, stopped at a post station about ten miles outside the city.
The guard Old Zhang said to Fan Xian, "Young Master, it's late today. We'll rest here for the night and enter the city early tomorrow morning."
Fan Xian had become quite familiar with the two guards and immediately agreed, "Old Zhang, I'm new here and don't understand anything, so I'll listen to you."
"It's getting late, don't disturb the family's rest."
As Fan Xian spoke, he got out of the carriage and rested with the Red Armor Army at the post station.
In the capital city.
Jing Ni had just figured out Li Yunrui's plan to use palace maids to ambush Fan Xian's carriage and reported everything to Li Chang'an.
Li Yunrui's plan was to first send several palace maids to ruin Fan Xian's reputation, then arrange for a common girl, disguised as a palace maid, to file a complaint with the Kyoto Prefecture.
This way, no matter how the Kyoto Prefecture ruled, Fan Xian's reputation would be completely ruined.
Li Chang'an, with his foresight, had some understanding of Li Yunrui's plan, which had faltered midway.
The first step of this plan failed when several palace maids were all killed by the Imperial Guards.
He didn't want Lin Wan'er to marry Fan Xian, and Lin Wan'er also didn't want to marry Fan Xian, so he could give Li Yunrui a push.
However, Li Chang'an knew that this matter would not unfold as Li Yunrui expected.
Because when Fan Xian entered the capital, all parties were paying attention, and the restless little alpaca would also make a move.
"Jing Ni, for tomorrow's events, do as I say and help those palace maids."
"Mei Zhili, the Kyoto Prefecture Governor, is my uncle's student. Go and warn him tonight. Whether he understands or not is up to him."
Li Chang'an gave detailed instructions, and Jing Ni, clad in a night suit, vanished into the dark night.
With Jing Ni's Ninth Rank Upper Level lightness skill and stealth techniques, it was estimated that only Li Chang'an, Hong Sixiang, and Emperor Qing in the city could detect her movements.
In Mei Zhili's residence, a candle flickered. Mei Zhili, who was reading documents, suddenly felt a chill on his neck.
"Don't speak. My Master wants to ask you a few questions."
Mei Zhili was considered one of the Crown Prince's men and had seen experts before. There were also Seventh Rank constables on duty in his residence.
The woman behind him had arrived without a sound, and a long sword was already pressed against Mei Zhili's neck.
Mei Zhili was so nervous he could barely breathe. If the other party's hand trembled, he would immediately lose his life.
"Heroine... what are your Master's orders? Let's talk it over."
Jing Ni's voice was cold and emotionless, "My Master asks you, before His Majesty ascended the throne, who held the position of Kyoto Prefecture Governor?"
Mei Zhili, the Assistant Minister of Personnel and Kyoto Prefecture Governor, was naturally familiar with personnel appointments. "It was held by a Prince of our Great Qing."
Jing Ni then asked, "If so, why did His Majesty abolish this custom after ascending the throne?"
Mei Zhili replied, "Because Prince Jing has always disliked state affairs, and Prince Yong was still young at the time."
Jing Ni's long sword moved slightly, scaring Mei Zhili into a cold sweat.
"My Master says you, Mei Zhili, are a muddle-headed fool with no intelligence."
"His Majesty's intention is clear: the capital is an important place, and no imperial clan members are allowed to interfere!"
"But you, on the other hand, appear to be mediating on the surface, but in reality, you've sided with the Crown Prince.
With His Majesty's wisdom, do you think he doesn't know?"
"My Master said that what happens tomorrow will determine how long you live. You'd best look out for yourself!"
The long sword was withdrawn. Mei Zhili, in a panic, immediately got up and knelt on the ground, but Jing Ni had already vanished without a trace.
Mei Zhili wiped the sweat from his brow, pondering Jing Ni's words, wondering who her Master truly was.
This was a warning for him to keep his distance from the Crown Prince. Was it an expert under the Second Prince, or someone from His Majesty?
If it was someone from His Majesty, then this was a final ultimatum.
What major event would happen tomorrow!
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