Love Lock

Chapter 226 The Most Dangerous Chip

"Oh? You can use tools to sew clothes?" Emperor Jing immediately became interested.

He walked over, his slender fingers gently stroking the cold metal surface of the uniquely shaped M16 automatic rifle in Tang Xiaotong's hand, the sunlight reflecting off the gun surface to create a dark, lustrous sheen.

He had lived for over thirty years and had only ever seen embroiderers sew clothes by hand. He had never seen anything done with the aid of tools.

He narrowed his long, narrow phoenix eyes slightly and asked with great interest, "Chengchao, you said this object can be used to sew clothes? This is the first time I've heard of such a thing. Show me how you use it."

Wei Chengchao choked. How could he know? He had just repeated Tang Xiaotong's words casually.

A large bead of sweat appeared on his forehead. He secretly wiped it with his sleeve and looked at Tang Xiaotong beside him for help.

"Manager Tang, you are more familiar with this thing than I am. Please demonstrate it to His Majesty."

Tang Xiaotong started out as a peddler, going from street to street. He's managed to become the manager of Jinxiufang today because he's a shrewd and opportunistic person.

Seeing Wei Chengchao shift the blame to him, he remained calm. He took a deep breath, immediately stepped forward, his face plastered with a fawning smile, and began spouting nonsense with a straight face.

“Your Majesty,” Tang Xiaotong carefully lifted the automatic rifle, pointing to the trigger, “look here, thread the silk thread through here…”

His voice showed no sign of tension, and his fingers were gesturing haphazardly on the gun, but he could feel that his vest was already damp with sweat.

Just then, a sharp female voice broke the noise of the street.

"Your Majesty! Is Your Majesty really you?"

Everyone turned to look and saw a woman dressed in a light green ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) get off the carriage, lift the hem of her skirt, and stumble towards them.

Her hair trembled, a few strands of black hair hanging down beside her pale cheeks, and her eyes gleamed with a morbid fanaticism.

Emperor Jing's face instantly darkened, and he frowned in disgust: "Why are you here?"

Princess Chang Le stopped three steps away from Emperor Jing, panting, with tears in her eyes.

She had planned to visit her family's graves today. As her carriage passed through this area, she lifted the curtain to admire the street scene and happened to recognize the chief eunuch, Li Zhongxin.

Although the new Emperor Jing was watching Tang Xiaotong demonstrate the M16 automatic rifle with his back turned, his magnificent silk robes and imposing presence made him seem extraordinary. Princess Chang Le guessed that he was the newly enthroned Emperor Jing.

So she jumped off the carriage and rushed over.

"Your Majesty, I have tried to enter the palace several times to request an audience, but I have been stopped outside by those treacherous servants..."

Her voice choked with sobs, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes tightly, and the joyful smile on her pale face looked rather eerie.

Seeing someone come to the rescue, Tang Xiaotong's eyes lit up, and she quickly asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, do you think... we should continue the introduction?"

Emperor Jing waved his hand impatiently, his wide sleeves drawing a sharp arc in the air: "Step back. Go about your business!"

Tang Xiaotong felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He held the rifle, bowed, and retreated, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

"Since I ascended the throne, I have never bestowed the title of Princess Chang Le." Emperor Jing turned his head and stared coldly at the woman in front of him, his voice as cold as ice. "Miss, you should stop referring to yourself as a princess, lest you... tarnish the face of the imperial family."

Princess Chang Le was struck dumb upon hearing this, and staggered back half a step.

"Your Majesty! How can you not recognize me? My father is the Marquis of Champion, and my aunt is the Empress..."

Her voice stopped abruptly because she saw the murderous intent that suddenly burst forth in Emperor Jing's eyes.

"Insolence!" Emperor Jing roared, the air around him seeming to freeze, drawing stares from passersby. "When did my Empress become your aunt?"

Chief eunuch Li Zhongxin turned pale and hurriedly stepped forward to stop Princess Chang Le.

"Princess... no, young lady, please leave immediately."

He frantically tried to signal to Princess Chang Le with his eyes, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. After all, Princess Chang Le was his former master's niece, and he wanted to help her in some way.

Princess Chang Le ignored her and turned to Wei Chengchao, who was standing to the side, her voice filled with desperate pleading.

"Young Master Wei, it is I, Chang Le! What exactly happened? His Majesty claims not to know me! Please help me explain to His Majesty..."

She, who never lifts a finger, has long, sharp nails that dig deep into her palms, drawing blood.

Wei Chengchao's lips trembled slightly, but in the end he just lowered his head and remained silent.

Even a blind man could see that Emperor Jing clearly did not want to acknowledge Princess Chang Le's royal lineage, so how could he dare to speak up?
After all, he had heard about the affairs of the royal family from his father.

According to the order of seniority, Emperor Xin Jing was the eldest son, but unfortunately he was the legitimate son, which is why he missed the opportunity to become emperor a few years ago.

In other words, he watched helplessly as the second prince, the eldest son of the legitimate wife, became emperor. He, on the other hand, was only fit to be a vassal king.

He had always harbored resentment, and now that he had another chance to ascend to the throne, he naturally wanted to retaliate against all the past events related to the previous dynasty.

Princess Chang Le actually went to their door to make a fool of herself; she really couldn't see the situation clearly.

The new Emperor Jing simply refused to acknowledge her status as a princess; by not taking any action against her privately, he was already showing her the utmost respect.

Wei Chengchao recalled his father's warning in the study that night: "A new emperor brings a new court, and those relatives of the previous dynasty... the farther away you are, the better."

As Wei Chengchao was thinking, Emperor Jing sneered, his eyes flashing with cold light.

"Li Zhongxin, you're becoming increasingly incompetent in your duties. If this madwoman were to appear before me again..."

He didn't finish speaking, but the threat in his words made Li Zhongxin's knees buckle, and he almost knelt down.

“This servant deserves to die! This servant will…” Li Zhongxin trembled as he grabbed Princess Chang Le’s sleeve and dragged her forcefully toward the street corner.

Princess Chang Le struggled, her hair completely undone, her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Your Majesty! My father is the Marquis of Champion, my aunt..." Her cries drew the attention of passersby.

"Enough!" Emperor Jing shouted sternly, his imperial face contorted with rage.

This was, after all, a main street, and Princess Chang Le's shouting and making a scene was truly unsightly. He really didn't want to stay here any longer.

He turned to Wei Chengchao and said, "Chengchao, I've heard that a new hot pot restaurant has opened in the capital. Why don't you come with me to try it?"

Having said that, he flicked his sleeves and strode forward, the hem of his robe embroidered with golden dragons fluttering in the autumn wind.

Wei Chengchao hurriedly followed, and as he passed Princess Chang Le, he couldn't bear it any longer and whispered quickly, "Princess... take care."

Then, without looking back, he caught up with Emperor Jing.

Princess Chang Le collapsed to the ground, tears blurring her vision.

As she watched Emperor Jing's departing figure, she finally realized that she was no longer the high and mighty princess, and that her aunt was no longer there to protect her.

Her sobs were drowned out by the noise of the street, and no one paid any attention to her anymore.

Li Zhongxin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and gave the two guards a wink. The two immediately grabbed Princess Chang Le and quickly disappeared around the street corner. Inside Jinxiufang, Tang Xiaotong huddled in the shadows by the door until Emperor Jing and Wei Chengchao had completely disappeared at the end of the long street before he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

His back was already soaked with cold sweat, and his clothes clung to his skin, chilling him to the bone.

"They're gone... finally gone..." Tang Xiaotong wiped her face with her sleeve, her fingertips still trembling uncontrollably.

When Wei Chengchao asked him to demonstrate just now, he could almost hear his heart pounding against his ribs.

Tang Xiaotong looked around to make sure no one was watching before pulling out a brass key from his waist. The key made a soft "click" as it was inserted into the lock, but to him it sounded like a thunderclap.

He pushed open the heavy camphor wood door, and the sandalwood scent of the furniture mixed with the unique aroma of silk wafted out. Rolls of fabric were piled up like mountains on the shelves, a colorful sight to behold.

In front of the innermost shelf, Tang Xiaotong crouched down and lifted the silk quilt covering it. The cold, metallic outline of the M16 automatic rifle was faintly visible in the dim light.

He recalled that during his trip to Fufeng County, Zhao Ling'er had taken him to visit the military camp near the cement factory.

Young Master Hua was leading his soldiers in training, with the butts of their rifles resting against their shoulders.

The rapid "bang bang bang" sounds were even more intense than the firecrackers on New Year's Eve. A pottery jar dozens of steps away instantly shattered into dust, and the flying shards left many deep marks on the tree trunk next to it...

"This thing can penetrate heavy armor..."

Tang Xiaotong muttered to himself, being extra careful as he wrapped the gun with oilcloth.

The bullets were neatly stacked in the wooden box, their bronze tips sharp and smooth.

After counting the number of guns, Tang Xiaotong wrapped them all in oilcloth, covered them with silk, and finally locked them himself.

When he took these guns from Qingshui County, Han Lei specifically instructed him to keep them safe.

He had witnessed the firearm's destructive power and understood its importance to the prince and princess. Therefore, he was extremely careful and attentive to it.

He gripped the warehouse key tightly, the raised lines leaving deep marks on his palm.

This key now holds not only the clothes and fabrics filling the room, but also the most dangerous bargaining chip for the prince and princess to realize their plan...

It was already midday, and the sky over the capital was covered by thick clouds, with not a ray of sunshine in sight.

The autumn wind, carrying a chill, swept through the streets and alleys, swirling up a few withered yellow leaves. This kind of weather, neither as scorching as summer nor as bitter as winter, is the perfect time for hot pot.

The area in front of the Lao Yi Lao hot pot restaurant was bustling with people.

Under the shaded canopy set up at the entrance of the shop, a long line of diners waited.

Some of them were eating the candies and melon seeds prepared in the store, some were craning their necks to look into the store, and several children were chasing and playing around the adults, their laughter mingling with the noise inside the store.

"This 'Lao Yi Lao' hot pot restaurant is even more popular than Tengyunlou?"

Emperor Jing stood across the street, squinting slightly as he surveyed the shop, which was not luxuriously decorated but was bustling with customers.

He has lived in Xuzhou for many years and has not returned to the capital.

This time when I returned to the capital, I was busy dealing with all sorts of complicated matters and didn't even have time to go out for a stroll.

In his memory, Tengyunlou was the most popular restaurant in the capital, attracting wealthy merchants and powerful figures, and was always packed.

Unexpectedly, the business of this hot pot restaurant is even better than that of Tengyunlou, and the street in front of it is almost blocked.

The chief eunuch, Li Zhongxin, followed behind with a hunched back. Upon hearing this, he whispered, "Master, this hot pot restaurant only opened in the last six months. It is said that the soup base recipe is unique, and everyone who has eaten there raves about it."

The guard commander, Yu Sheng, stood on the other side, warily looking around, his hand always on the short sword hidden at his waist.

"Sir, this place is too crowded and noisy; it's really not suitable..."

Wei Chengchao frowned and echoed, "Yes, why don't we have the manager send the hot pot back to...our home to enjoy?"

"It's alright." Emperor Jing waved his hand, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Now that I'm out today, I naturally want to see these novelties of the common people. Li Zhongxin, go and make the arrangements!"

"Yes!"

Li Zhongxin responded and quickly crossed the street, squeezing into the bustling crowd.

A short while later, he came out of the shop with a smug look on his face. "Sir, everything has been arranged. The manager said there are seats reserved for distinguished guests."

Upon entering the store, we followed the waiter through the noisy lobby.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, and more than a dozen square tables were filled with diners. Red oil was bubbling in the pots on the tables, and the spicy aroma was irresistible.

Emperor Jing couldn't help but cough twice, but he was secretly amazed to see that all the diners around him were calm and chatting happily.

"This way, please!"

The waiter led them to a square table in the corner that had just been cleaned up, and quickly wiped the tabletop again with the white cloth draped over his shoulder.

"This is our restaurant's special spicy hot pot base, made with our own unique Sichuan peppercorns and fresh local chilies. We guarantee you'll want to come back again and again!"

"What are Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers?" Emperor Jing looked at the waiter with a bewildered expression.

The waiter replied with a smile, "Sir, these are two kinds of spices, which taste excellent when added to the pot."

Emperor Jing looked at the bright red broth bubbling in the copper pot on the table. A thick layer of red oil and dense peppercorns floated on the surface, and the steaming broth emitted a rich and spicy aroma.

He had never seen this way of eating before and couldn't help but ask, "How...how is this eaten?"

Speaking of this, Wei Chengchao was very familiar with it; he was a regular customer. Since this hot pot restaurant opened in Beijing, he and his group of friends had rarely frequented Tengyunlou anymore.

Wei Chengchao picked up the long chopsticks on the table and demonstrated: "Sir, you see, just put the sliced ​​meat or vegetables into this boiling soup and cook them for a while, then dip them in the sauce in this small bowl before eating."

As he spoke, he picked up a slice of mutton as thin as a cicada's wing, gently swirled it in the red broth a few times, and after the slice changed color, he took it out, dipped it in a dish of minced garlic and sesame oil, and respectfully placed it in the small blue-and-white porcelain dish in front of Emperor Jing.

Emperor Jing followed the example of the other diners and put a piece of mutton coated in chili oil and minced garlic into his mouth.

In an instant, the spicy and savory flavor exploded in my mouth.

The tenderness of the mutton and the spiciness of the seasoning blended perfectly, and the hot sensation spread from the tip of his tongue to his throat, making him widen his eyes involuntarily.

"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Emperor Jing exclaimed repeatedly.

As soon as Emperor Jing put a piece of mutton into his mouth, he gasped from the spiciness, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"This flavor... is spicy with a numbing sensation, numbing with a fragrance, and fragrant with a hint of freshness. I... have never tasted anything so delicious before!"

Upon seeing this, Li Zhongxin quickly offered them a warm towel and some tea.

"Please enjoy your meal, sir. This hot pot is delicious, but it is spicy and stimulating. Since this is your first time trying it, you should not eat too much."

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