Aoyama

Chapter 493 Eight Great Hutongs
Chen Ji stood in front of Zhongcui Palace and looked up at the Crown Prince on the stone steps: "I hope Your Highness will rescind your order. Now, only Princess Liyang remains in the Jing Dynasty delegation. If anything happens to her, I'm afraid it will ruin the whole situation."

Princess Liyang glared at Chen Ji. She hadn't expected that the Ning Dynasty court had agreed, but Chen Ji disagreed.

The Crown Prince gazed gently at Chen Ji, as if the two had never harbored any personal grudges: "The Marquis of Wuxiang County is too modest. Your Highness, you may not know this, but our dynasty has not conferred titles upon non-royal families for decades. The reason why the Marquis of Wuxiang County was able to be granted a hereditary title is not only because of his outstanding military achievements, but also because he saved me from dire straits in Guyuan on several occasions, ensuring my safety. With you here, Marquis of Wuxiang County, I am at ease."

Chen Ji ignored Princess Li Yang's gaze and the Crown Prince's words, and continued to say loudly: "Furthermore, the capital region is a crucial area, and we cannot allow the Jing Dynasty traitors to roam freely. If they were to draw a map of our capital region, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Princess Liyang whispered, "You're the one who's a traitor to the Jing Dynasty."

The Crown Prince said gently, "The Baron of Wuxiang County, now that I am negotiating on behalf of His Majesty, I have full authority to make the decision, so there is no need for me to decline."

Chen Ji remained silent for a moment, then said, "Your humble servant obeys."

Just as he and Princess Liyang were about to leave Zhongcui Palace, the Crown Prince suddenly said loudly behind them, "Your Highness, rest assured, the magistrate of Wuxiang County is a first-class military hero of our dynasty. He previously fought alongside Lord Li Xuan in Guyuan, slaying generals and capturing flags, and taking Yuan Zhen's head from among thousands of troops. He will definitely not let anything happen to you."

Chen Ji felt a chill run down his spine and exchanged a glance with Li Xuan.

The crown prince clearly knew that Yuan Zhen was Princess Li Yang's uncle, which is why he brought this up at this moment.

Princess Liyang looked at the Crown Prince, then at Chen Ji, and said with a smile, "I understand."

Walking along the palace path of the Eastern Six Palaces, Chen Ji remained silent.

Princess Liyang suddenly laughed out loud: "Lord Chen, are you worried that I'll avenge Yuan Zhen?"

Chen Ji glanced at her.

Princess Liyang recalled, "Yuan Zhen was my greatest reliance. It's not like I don't know how he died or where he died. You tested me outside Chongli Pass. At that time, in order to save my life, I said I would not avenge Yuan Zhen. Now the answer is the same. I cannot be left in the past by hatred. I must keep moving forward."

Chen Ji calmly said, "It would be best if Your Highness thought that way."

Princess Liyang smiled and said, "But you, Lord Chen, clearly saved the Crown Prince, so why does he still hold a grudge against you?"

Chen Ji said expressionlessly, "He was placed under house arrest in Zhongcui Palace because of me, and it's a fight to the death."

Princess Liyang covered her mouth and chuckled: "Lord Chen actually has such abilities. Now I feel more and more that meeting Lord Chen outside Chongli Pass is a stroke of luck. Perhaps we will be separated by two dynasties in the future, but we can help each other and achieve great things."

Chen Ji changed the subject, asking casually, "Where would Your Highness like to go? Or perhaps make contact with your people in our court?"

Princess Liyang walked through the shadows of the Meridian Gate: "How could that be? Wouldn't going to see me now directly expose them? I've heard of the fame of the Eight Great Hutongs of the Ning Dynasty and the Qinhuai River in Jinling while I was in the capital. I can't go to the Qinhuai River, but since I'm in the capital, how can I not go and see the Eight Great Hutongs? Oh, and the Jiaofangsi."

Chen Ji said irritably, "Just for this?"

Princess Liyang replied matter-of-factly, "Otherwise what?"

Chen Ji said in a deep voice, "Does Your Highness know that such reckless behavior could cost you your life? Countless spies from the Military Intelligence Bureau are watching you, just waiting for the right opportunity to take your life. The reason the Crown Prince allows you to move around freely is also to use the Military Intelligence Bureau to kill me."

Princess Liyang slowly suppressed her smile: "Lord Chen, I am now surrounded by experts who would love for them to come and die. The Military Intelligence Bureau is Lu Jin's foundation, and it cannot be left unresolved. Although I am afraid of death, I am not lacking in the courage to use myself as bait."

Chen Ji was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and asked, "Go now?"

Princess Liyang smiled and said, "Of course not now. I need to change my clothes first, otherwise I'll be looked at like a monkey wherever I go."

……

……

Outside the Imperial Guard Commander's Mansion, Imperial Guards were scattered around on guard.

Chen Ji crossed his arms over his chest, leaned against the door frame, and closed his eyes to rest.

He pondered carefully and concluded that the most likely people to take action against Yuancheng and Princess Liyang were Si Cao Gui and Si Cao Ding, along with their group of military intelligence agents.

Since no one knew where the Secret Service had hidden Yuan Cheng, they had no choice but to turn their attention to Princess Li Yang.

Chen Ji wanted to capture Si Cao Ding, but that wasn't his plan for now.

He first had to deal with Si Cao Gui, the key figure who knew his identity. Once this man decided to take revenge on him, or fell into the hands of the Secret Service and was interrogated by Meng Ji, his identity as a military intelligence agent would be exposed.

The others around him were not confident that they could kill Si Cao Gui.

Chen Ji felt as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff, with a biting mountain wind blowing.

The next moment, he opened his eyes and instructed Duobao, "Go to the Chen family on Fuyou Street and call Xiaoman here for me."

Duo Bao acknowledged the order and left. Chen Ji no longer held any official position in the Imperial Guard, which was more like his own inner circle.

Before long, Duobao led Xiaoman to the gate of the Governor's Mansion. Chen Ji stepped forward and whispered, "Where is the place in the capital where the lanterns are passed around and received?"

Xiaoman's eyes darted around: "Huh? I don't know."

Chen Ji emphasized, "It's urgent."

Xiaoman quickly replied, "At Bianyifang."

Chen Ji pondered for a moment: "Go to Deng Huo and tell them that we need to discuss the matter of exonerating General Qing Wentao. Ask them to send someone who can make the decision to me."

Xiaoman turned and ran away. Just then, Chen Ji heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw Princess Liyang, dressed as a man, walking down the stairs.

Wearing the purple, diagonally collared coat that Duobao had lent her, her hair was tied up on top of her head like a man's, making her look much cleaner and neater than before.

Princess Liyang said with a smile, "Back in the Jing Dynasty, I wished I were a man day and night, so that my younger brother wouldn't have to suffer."

Chen Ji said casually, "Since Your Highness describes the struggle for the throne as suffering and hardship, why drag your younger brother into it?"

Princess Liyang said softly, "As a prince, how can I turn back? Lord Chen, of the ten thousand paths in this world, this is the only one from birth where there is no way back... Let's not talk about these unpleasant things. Take me to the Eight Great Hutongs."

Chen Ji led her to the carriage in front of the gate, accompanied only by twelve plainclothes Imperial Guards, with Li Xuan and Qi Zhenzhuo on horseback to protect her.

The carriage swayed and rattled as it headed south of the city.

As soon as the carriage moved, the cloud sheep and the bright rabbit hidden in the crowd also moved, following at a distance at a leisurely pace.

Chen Ji lifted the curtain slightly, intently watching the pedestrians on the street, searching for a figure wearing a straw hat.

Princess Liyang teased, "Why is Lord Chen so cautious?"

Chen Ji glanced at her sideways: "Better safe than sorry. What does Your Highness want to see in the Eight Great Hutongs? Baishun Hutong is mostly top-class brothels, frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles; Shanzhou Lane is mostly out-of-town brothel owners; Yanzhi Hutong is mostly teahouses, small and exquisite; Hanjiatan is mostly young male entertainers; and there are also Anhui opera troupes..."

Princess Liyang perked up: "Let's see some things that I can't see in the Jing Dynasty."

"got it."

When the group arrived at the Eight Great Hutongs, no one made a move. It was likely because there were too many skilled fighters following them, and the Military Intelligence Bureau dared not take action.

As dusk fell, the carriage arrived at a small alley. Chen Ji got out first, and only after confirming it was safe did he lift the curtain: "You can get off now."

Princess Liyang looked around curiously: "Where is this...?"

Chen Ji casually replied, "The Eight Great Hutongs, Plum Blossom Ferry."

Princess Liyang alighted from the carriage and gazed at the red walls and lanterns of Hanmei Tower and Hongmei Tower in the distance. From the paper windows, she could still hear melodious singing. She couldn't help but tilt her head back and take a deep breath, saying longingly, "I have never seen such a sight in the capital."

Chen Ji glanced at her: "Aren't there brothels in the capital?"

Princess Liyang smiled and said, "The capital is solemn, but it can never compare to the prosperity and splendor of the Southern Dynasty."

Chen Ji walked towards the back door. The man guarding the door recognized him and whispered, "Master."

Princess Liyang paused for a moment, then suddenly became interested: "I never imagined that such an upright man as Lord Chen would own such businesses. Appearances can be deceiving. I wonder what the girls at Plum Blossom Ferry are like? Are they skilled in singing and dancing? Are there any singers who can perform 'The Story of the Eastern Tombs'? I read the storybook of 'The Story of the Eastern Tombs' when I was in the capital and was completely captivated by it. It's a pity that our dynasty doesn't allow singers to perform Southern Dynasty songs, so I've never been able to..."

Chen Ji led her toward Mei Rui Tower, interrupting her expressionlessly, "I don't know if they're good at singing and dancing, but they're good at other things."

As he spoke, he pushed open the brightly lit door of Meirui Tower, and saw that all the accountants inside looked up and stopped what they were doing with their abacuses.

The salt market has just closed today, and the accountant is checking the books; ordinary people are not allowed to enter.

Princess Liyang hesitated and said, "You...you're not from the Eight Great Hutongs, are you?"

Chen Ji walked through the accountants: "Yes, but there are plenty of businesses in the Eight Great Hutongs, and His Highness didn't say he had to do anything specific. His Highness previously said he wanted to see things that couldn't be seen in the Jing Dynasty... Has His Highness ever seen this scene in the Jing Dynasty?"

Princess Liyang looked at the dazzling array of salt water labels hanging on the wall: "I've never seen them before."

Chen Ji led Princess Li Yang up to the second floor, where the Pao Ge and Er Dao were already waiting, and a feast was laid out on the table.

Just then, Xiaoman ran upstairs and winked at Chen Ji: "Young Master, the person has arrived."

Chen Ji whispered to the gang leader, "Use all the drinking games and other games you're good at to her. I just ask that she stays here quietly and doesn't cause any more trouble."

The man nodded in agreement: "I thought it was something important, but it's not difficult."

Chen Ji nodded and followed Xiao Man downstairs to meet the important figure in the lanterns, leaving Princess Li Yang on the second floor.

Princess Liyang's eyes widened: "How could Lord Chen treat me like this?"

Chen Ji calmly said, "Your Highness also said that I am your biggest backer in Ning Dynasty. In that case, it is better to listen to my arrangements."

After Chen Ji left, Er Dao scratched his head, looking at the Pao Ge with a head full of questions: "What does the boss want us to do?"

The man lamented, "Our boss is using us like male models."

Erdao: "..."

Chen Ji followed Xiaoman out of Meirui Tower and walked towards the shadows behind the tower. He saw an old figure with his back to him in the distance. When the footsteps got closer, the person turned around.

Chen Ji frowned and asked, "Who are you?"

The old man, his face full of wrinkles, smiled and said, "Didn't you call me here?"

Chen Ji was taken aback. Beneath that unfamiliar, aged face was the voice of Aunt Ping Zhao. He had only ever seen such masterful disguise on Manager Yuan of Luo City before.

(End of this chapter)