Ren Anle's lips curled up, and this Zhong Liwen truly possessed a delicate and astute mind. With just a few words, he blocked Han Ye's retreat, provided shelter for the oppressive merchant clans within the Mu Tian prefecture, and even obtained a legitimate opportunity to pocket the disaster relief funds.
Everyone knows that the officials of the Mu Tian Prefecture collude with the merchants, united in their corrupt practices.
"What Zhong daren said is correct. Once the disaster relief funds arrive, we will proceed as planned. It will alleviate the urgent needs of the common people. Zhong daren is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the people. Once the disaster relief funds arrive, Gu will return to the capital. At that time, Gu will surely explain the true situation of the Mu Tian prefecture to Fu Huang.
(fù huáng) - Imperial Father (referring to the emperor)
Zhong Liwen's face revealed a delighted expression, repeatedly bowing to Han Ye and saying. "To receive Your Highness's great favor is this humble official's blessing."
A trace of contempt flickered in the lowered gaze. It seems that Mu Wang is being overly cautious of the Crown Prince. However, a mere pretentious assassination has scared this delicate and precious prince.
Zhong Liwen stood up and met a pair of unrestrained and straightforward eyes. His heart sank, and after observing Ren Anle for a moment, he hesitated before saying. "Could it be that you are..."
Before him, there stood a person donned in robes, yet it was difficult to conceal the valiant spirit of a woman. Her brows and eyes carried a slightly mischievous aura, radiating an imposing air of authority.
"Oh, Gu forgot to introduce, this is Ren Anle daren, the Grand Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
(dàlǐsì): the Court of Judicial Review
(dàrén): an honorific term for a person of high rank.
"So it's Ren daren after all, truly living up to her reputation." Zhong Liwen cupped his hands as a gesture of respect and smiled, eyes darkening slightly.
This Ren Anle is really not someone who can be easily dismissed. He heard that both the Marquis Zhongyi and the Left Minister have suffered losses because of this woman. One must be cautious.
"Your Highness, the merchants of the Mu Tian prefecture have heard of your esteemed presence. They have arranged a banquet tonight at the Linjiang Tower and hope to have an audience with Your Highness, to catch a glimpse of Your Highness's countenance."
Zhong Liwen noticed the weariness on the Crown Prince's face and hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"If Your Highness is fatigued..."
These merchants, who had already climbed up the tall tree of Mu Wang, were still unsatisfied. When they learned that the Crown Prince was arriving, they set their sights on him. They were actually pleased about it because if the Crown Prince had a corrupt character, it would become a bargaining chip for them to help Mu Wang seize the throne.
"No harm, since the local gentry welcomes gu so warmly, Gu naturally wants to meet them..."
Han Ye's words were not yet settled, when Jian Song hastily came in from outside the hall. He walked to his side with a solemn expression and said, "Your Highness, the commoners outside the city have heard of your arrival and are seeking an audience with Your Highness...
They say that Your Highness has brought relief grain and they want to personally see it enter the city."
The officials in the hall suddenly became flustered. The disaster relief funds would only arrive after eight days, and there was no money to buy grain. Where would the grain for the people's relief come from? If the people, filled with hope, were to breach the city, the consequences... simply unimaginable!