Jiuxi

Chapter 711 709 [Weeds]

The capital is more prosperous than ever.

As the property of Jinlin Li family, Fanlou has always been a place for entertainment for dignitaries in Beijing, second only to Moyuan, which was managed by the current emperor before he ascended the throne.

Here, the inside and outside are separated, creating a unique world with a quiet and elegant environment, accompanied by beautiful women who are as pretty as flowers and well-educated. It can be said to be the most gentle place in the world.

In the private room of "Xuting", a group of young men of power and nobility in their twenties were drinking and chatting happily.

Among them were Chen Wenxue, the son of Chen Chun, the left vice minister of the Ministry of Rites, Ding Guoyan, the nephew of Ding Hui, the minister of war, and Cen Shaosong, the son of Cen Jingsheng, the Earl of Pingcheng.

Sitting in the main seat was a young man with a thin face and a dignified demeanor.

He was Li Yunyi, the youngest son of Li Shizhi, the then Minister of Personnel and Hanlin Academician.

He was once called Li Sanlang.

Because of the assassination of Lu Chen on Qingfeng Street, the third prince Li Zongjian was stripped of his title by the previous emperor, and Li Yunyi, as an accomplice, was naturally not spared.

The late emperor spared his life for the sake of his grandfather Li Daoyan, and only exiled him to the border of Taiping Prefecture.

When the new emperor ascended the throne, he issued a general amnesty. Originally, Li Yunyi was not among them. However, because Li Shizhi became more and more favored by the emperor, he was finally pardoned and returned to the capital a few days ago.

After two years of separation, we meet again, so of course we need to celebrate.

During the banquet, everyone toasted each other, and the topic was mostly focused on Li Yunyi. Although the late emperor had confiscated his birth certificate and he would probably never have the chance to be an official in this lifetime, these playboys did not take him lightly at all, and still centered themselves around Li Yunyi like a star surrounding the moon.

Since he could return to the capital, he would still be the third young master of the Jinlin Li family. Not to mention that his father was now increasingly appreciated by the emperor and was a favorite of the emperor no less than the two prime ministers.

These playboys may not be good at doing serious work, but they are good at flattering others. Amid the constant compliments, Li Yunyi's expression was indifferent, which was very different from before.

Everyone knew that no one could maintain a cheerful mood if they were exiled to a bitter and cold place like Taiping Prefecture for two years.

Chen Wenxue relied on his close relationship with Li Yunyi and said with a smile: "Sanlang, are you satisfied with the things I sent you?"

Hearing this, Li Yunyi's indifferent eyes became a little warmer, and he nodded and said, "I am very satisfied. You are thoughtful."

"That's a strange thing to say."

Chen Wenxue held the wine cup and said with emotion: "I just regret that I can't do more."

Li Yunyi raised his lips, glanced at the others, and said slowly: "When I first arrived at Wulin Village, I thought I would stay in that place where life is worse than death for the rest of my life. It's amazing that you all still care about me and have sent me things. It shows that the friendship we had back then was not false."

Everyone sighed.

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat depressing, Ding Guoyan changed the subject and asked, "Sanlang, where is the counselor who followed you before? I remember his name was Gu Quanwu, why is he not here today?"

Li Yunyi sneered and said, "Dead."

The place suddenly became quiet.

Li Yunyi drank the remaining wine in the cup and said quietly, "I didn't know that Gu Quanwu was from the Weaving Department. No wonder many things could not escape the eyes of the late emperor. It's a pity that he died on the way of exile, and I couldn't chop off his head with my own hands."

Although he did not say it explicitly, these playboys already understood that Gu Quanwu's identity must have been exposed and he died quietly.

In fact, they are not unfamiliar with this kind of thing. Whose house doesn't have a few spies from the Weaving Bureau?
If they find out the identities of those secret agents, they will either assign them to an idle task or give them a few hints and they will withdraw. Generally, they will not take overly drastic measures. Only the Jinlin Li family has such confidence.

Chen Wenxue forced a smile and said, "Such a traitor should be killed. Sanlang, what are your plans after returning to Beijing?"

Li Yunyi said calmly: "I am now a commoner, but I am just living off my family and waiting to die. I hope you brothers will support me in the future."

Everyone smiled apologetically and said they dared not.

Li Yunyi's expression eased a little, and he asked, "Who knows the current situation of the Duke of Shanyang?"

This title made everyone feel mixed emotions.

In the past, Li Sanlang would probably only say "that bastard Lu Chen", but perhaps the two years of exile have polished his temperament and he seems to be much more mature.

Chen Wenxue had a say in this. He sighed and said, "After my father resigned as the governor of Dingzhou, His Majesty ordered the Imperial Censor Xu to take over the position. I heard that Xu was not able to suppress the prestige of the Duke of Shanyang. Now in Dingzhou, his words are the final word and no one dares to disobey him."

Cen Shaosong sneered and said, "Although this person has made contributions to Da Qi, he has evil intentions and will definitely be a threat to Da Qi in the future."

Li Yunyi asked with great interest: "What does Shaosong mean by this?"

Cen Shaosong briefly recounted the recent debate in the court about the Northern Expedition, and said in a cold voice: "When Lu Chen was not yet successful, he was so enthusiastic about the Northern Expedition. Now he is pretending to be so, isn't it just to bargain with the court and try to gain more power! He doesn't even think about it. Without the logistical support of the court, what will his more than 100,000 troops eat and drink? If he doesn't get paid for a month, he, the commander-in-chief, will be eaten alive by those fierce soldiers under him!"

Others echoed.

Cen Shaosong added: "Your Majesty is wise and brave, how could he be coerced by such a power-hungry person? If he refuses to lead the army to the north, Marquis Yongyi and General Liu can still take up the responsibility!"

"well said."

Li Yunyi showed approval and raised his glass, saying, "We should toast to your majesty, Marquis Yongyi, and Governor Liu."

Amidst the cheers, everyone drank to their heart's content.

Li Yunyi raised his glass again and said, "Thank you all for coming to the banquet today. I just returned to Beijing and I can't be too reckless. Let's stop here today and meet again another day."

Although everyone felt that they were still not satisfied, they also knew the seriousness of the matter and all smiled and said, "That's right."

After the banquet, Li Yunyi and Chen Wenxue returned home together. Both mansions were in Pingkangfang.

Riding his horse on the sun-drenched street, Chen Wenxue sighed, "Sanlang is no longer the same as he was before." "Really?"

Li Yunyi smiled and said leisurely: "I just feel that things and people have changed."

Chen Wenxue looked at his expression and said sincerely, "But some people and some things will never change."

Li Yunyi nodded and said, "I know what's going on."

Chen Wenxue understood what he meant, and from then on they only talked about the romantic affairs in the capital. The two of them walked through the bustling streets, chatting happily all the way, and the vague sense of alienation disappeared.

"Sanlang, do you know that in the past two years since you were away from the capital, the smiles on the faces of those courtesans have become fake. More than one person has privately asked me when you will be back. This shows the status of Sanlang in their hearts..."

Chen Wenxue's face was full of envy, but when he turned around he saw Li Yunyi holding the reins and looking towards a shop on the street.

He looked over and saw a woman coming out of the shop, followed by a maid and two capable, sturdy and sharp-eyed young guards.

The moment he saw the woman, Chen Wenxue was stunned for a moment, not only because he was stunned by her extremely beautiful appearance, but also because he knew this woman.

The former courtesan of Fanlou, a cash cow cultivated by Li Yunyi himself.

Gu Waner.

Li Yunyi looked solemn. Gu Wan'er also noticed his presence. She was slightly startled before turning around and leaving.

The two guards also noticed the two young men of power and wealth who were riding tall horses and followed by many followers, but they were obviously accustomed to this situation. Seeing that Li Yunyi and Chen Wenxue did not disturb them, they followed Gu Wan'er away without saying a word.

"Those are the personal soldiers of Duke Wei's Mansion."

Chen Wenxue had been staying in Beijing all the time, so he was naturally familiar with these details.

"hehe."

Li Yunyi laughed expressionlessly, and then said: "No wonder you don't even take me seriously, it turns out that you have Li Tianrun as your backer."

Chen Wenxue was a little worried. He knew that Li Sanlang had countless beauties around him. Although Gu Wan'er was the most beautiful woman, she was just a cash cow in his eyes before. He was not greedy for her beauty.

It was just that they met by chance today, and the other party didn't even say hello, so Li Yunyi couldn't help feeling unhappy.

To his surprise, Li Yunyi did not chase after him to show off. He seemed to calm down quickly and said calmly, "Let's go."

Chen Wenxue didn't dare to ask more questions.

After returning to Pingkangfang, the two parted ways.

Li Yunyi returned to the mansion and went straight to the outer study room. He bowed respectfully and said, "Father."

After the big case, Li Shizhi looked up at his youngest son's face and said calmly, "Did you feel good at the banquet?"

Li Yunyi described the entire process of today's banquet in detail, without missing any important details, and finally said: "Father, these people's attitude towards Lu Chen is very clear, which shows that their fathers also have similar views, which are roughly the same as your expectations."

"Ah."

Li Shizhi responded and said slowly: "Back then, I asked you to make friends with these people because their fathers were not close enough to the Li family, so it was most appropriate for you to come forward. In the future, you must control your temper and maintain good relationships with these people. There will always be a time when you can be useful."

"Yes, father."

Li Yunyi bowed his head and said, "I have a sudden question."

"Go ahead."

"When will Lu Chen die?"

It was not until this moment that Li Yunyi revealed some of the hatred and ferocity hidden deep in his heart in front of his father.

Li Shizhi narrowed his eyes slightly and asked leisurely: "Why do you suddenly ask about this?"

Li Yunyi then told Gu Wan'er about his chance encounter with her after the banquet.

Li Shizhi couldn't help laughing and said, "I see. I know you have a problem, but there are some things you shouldn't ask about."

Li Yunyi said respectfully: "My son was reckless, please forgive me, father."

Li Shizhi was silent for a moment, then said, "If you like that Gu Wan'er, just ask Li Liangyu for her. She is now staying at the Duke's Mansion, and she has no deep relationship with Li Tianrun. It's just that you gave this courtesan to Lu Chen, and she was intercepted by Li Bingxue halfway. After all, she is just a prostitute. If she can help you relieve the hatred that has accumulated in your heart, then that is her value."

Li Yunyi could hardly believe his ears. He never expected to hear these words from his father.

Just as his father said, it's not like he hasn't seen beautiful women before. He didn't harm Gu Wan'er in order to make money, so why would he suddenly be obsessed with her now?
I just want to vent my anger.

He asked anxiously, "Father, can I really do this?"

"not now."

Li Shizhi looked deep and said meaningfully: "Many things in this world need to be done step by step. When the time is right, you can give it a try. But before that, don't act recklessly."

Li Yunyi didn't understand what he meant, so he lowered his head and replied, "Yes, father."

Li Shizhi smiled slightly and said softly, "I really want to see if a person can still have such a high bottom line when he is unable to take care of himself."

(End of this chapter)