Chapter 505: Trying To Mess With Private Advisor Long? You're Looking For Death!
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
Helian Wei Wei sat up straight. "Since he's just boasting, it means they are trying to defame our relevant department. In my opinion, it's not a good idea for this Bayview Seafood Restaurant to continue running their business here. Otherwise, the businessmen from other places will really think that the restaurant is under General Liao's protection. It will be hard to explain clearly in the future."
"Lord Wei is saying that Bayview Restaurant should be closed down?" Liao Qingtian could no longer put up a smile. Never had he thought that everything Wei said before was nothing but a foreshadowing for this sentence!
Helian Wei Wei slightly raised the corner of her lips and said, "As General Liao has mentioned just now, the boasting of the waiter from Bayview Restaurant knows no limits. It will definitely obstruct the development of the provincial capital if we let such an unruly and crafty restaurant go on with their business."
"I think Lord Wei is not aware of the reason behind the opening of this Bayview Restaurant." Liao Qingtian sneered and continued, "The seafood paid to the imperial palace as a tribute comes from this Bayview Restaurant. The Retired Emperor loves it very much. If Bayview Restaurant is closed down, who will bear the responsibility if the Retired Emperor were to condemn the incident!?"
Helian Wei Wei put down the teacup in her hand. "If the Retired Emperor knows how crafty this restaurant is, he will never allow it to continue running its business, isn't he?"
"Lord Wei, everything we do must be supported by evidence," Liao Qingtian said gloomily. "You keep saying that they deceive people, but it's too early to draw conclusions."
Helian Wei Wei looked at Liao Qingtian and laughed. "General Liao, based on your performance, I can't help but doubt the relationship between you and Bayview Restaurant. I think you must be on familiar terms with Bayview Restaurant."
Liao Qingtian's face turned black upon hearing this. He knew he had once again fallen into Wei's trap, his eyes darkened with an intensity of emotion.
Suddenly, he burst into laughter, looking somehow bloody. Then, he raised the wine glass in his hand and said, "Lord Wei is really good at speech, no wonder my brother is defeated by you." historical
"General Liao must be joking." Helian Wei Wei was not afraid of his terrifying evil aura. She then stood up steadily, holding a glass in her left hand and said calmly, "Magistrate Liao is defeated by his greed for money. The expenses that the imperial court has incurred on the officials are not for them to rest on their laurels and be greedy for money. His failure is just as it should be."
Liao Qingtian locked his gaze on Helian Wei Wei. He burst out laughing after a long while, "Good, very good!"
Since this Wei has no sense to appreciate my favor and wants to do it the hard way, I will let him have a good taste of the consequences for going against me.
The war between them had been officially declared. There was no sign of it on the appearance but it was like the roaring waves under the surface.
They finished their meal in an extremely weird atmosphere.
The officials who initially wanted to be on friendly terms with Helian Wei Wei, were not in the mood to do so when they saw this scene.
Needless to say, those who offend General Liao will never end well in the provincial capital.
Moreover, what kind of place Bayview Restaurant is? It's built under the instruction of the elder in the Capital. All the systems have been fixed in advance.
But now, Lord Wei is actually suggesting to close it down?!
What's the difference between this and bringing about his own destruction?
"I never expected that the Princess Consort would have openly offended Liao Qingtian so soon." Governor Chen changed his address toward Helian Wei Wei when only the three of them were left.
Helian Wei Wei randomly sat on a wooden chair in the yamen and casually said, "Since we are only staying here for less than two days, I don't have much time to play with him. How daring of him to take my silver, I will let him puke out the money that he cheated."
"But this Bayview Seafood Restaurant..." Governor Chen took a glance at Baili Jia Jue's side face as he said that. "I'm afraid it's not that easy to close it down as it involves the power of those in the Capital. It will be a waste of effort if we can't achieve the desired outcome after creating a big stir."
Baili Jia Jue did not say anything; he was holding a scroll in his hands. One was unable to tell his emotions by looking at his side face.
Governor Chen always knew that His Highness was unpredictable. But right now, he really wanted to find out what was on his mind so that he could at least know how things stood, and be more confident in handling them.
Of course, Baili Jia Jue knew what he was thinking and said calmly behind the scroll, "Governor Chen, what do you think we can do to punish a General, who has won in a war before but jeopardize the neighborhood, for the heavy offense?"
"This..." The words lingered between Governor Chen's lips but he simply lowered his gaze and said, "I'm dull, I could not think of a method."
Baili Jie Jue knocked the paper with his long fingers and said with a faint smile, "Leverage his strength and hit back."
Governor Chen could not understand his words as he did not know the ins and outs of the incident. But there was one thing he could be sure of, based on the hot temper of Liao Qingtian, he would not take the incident that happened today well and he would definitely send edict to his head.
After all, Bayview Restaurant is not an ordinary restaurant.
I still have no idea what kind of disturbance will be created by those people up there...
Forgiving him for being old, his brain was not functioning as well as it ought to be when he worked for the Third Prince.
However, there was one thing that Governor Chen had guessed correctly.
Liao Qingtian had really written an edict, he even specified that the edict must be handed to the Elder Residence in the Capital. He wrote down every single word with his eyes full of hatred.
Four or five officials who were on Liao's side were standing next to General Liao, licking his boots. "General Liao, you're so clever to send the edict to the elders. I'm afraid this Wei will have to smack himself in the face. He's such a fool to flaunt his prowess even before investigating the background of our Bayview Restaurant!"
"He's just a villain holding sway." General Liao blew dry the ink stain on the brush. "He thinks he's the one in power simply because the governor of three provinces is supporting him, how dare he gets savage in front of me. I shall see how he will be frightened out of his wits and get lost when the elders come."
Some of them nodded in agreement. "Such a useless character will just hold us back. But General, shall we warn Bayview Restaurant and collude our confession to avoid messing things up?"
"We shall do it. This Wei is witty and we need to be aware of him. Better find a way to get him into a terrible fix and lose his position as an official. In that case, we can ask Chen to release my nephew and others as well." General Liao rolled the buddhist prayer beads in his hand, yet it was unable to suppress the evil aura coming from him.
The other officials exchanged glances with each other and said, "This is the provincial capital, Wei is merely an outsider. Although he stays at yamen, all the yamen runners are our men. There will be people reporting to us in an instant if we want to know any information, he will not get the edge on this matter at all. However, it seems like Lord Liao has taken him lightly before this. We have already heard about what he did when he was at Fuping County. Part of the reason he managed to arrest Lord Liao is that he has the support from Governor Chen and the other reason is due to the fact that he has a good private advisor with him. As long as we find a way to cause trouble to the private advisor, it will be more than enough to give him a headache!"
"Private advisor?" An elegant and tall figure, who looked down on General Liao, immediately appeared before his eyes. He sneered and said, "Let's do it then. Forget it if he is so arrogant, but even his private advisor doesn't know how to act according to the circumstances. Serves them right..."
Chapter 506: Complaint From The Adorable Little Seven
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
The imperial officers nodded, agreeing that the man, who went by the surname Wei, bit off more than he could chew.
Although General Liao had taken no action so far, he was distressed. Being a minor magistrate, General Liao was scared to even bear the consequences when the elders received the letter, not to mention him.
Let's see what will happen later.
The Capital will definitely respond to the incident that happened at the Bayview Seafood Restaurant...
That night, the glowing moon was hanging high in the night sky.
In a residence of the Capital.
The elder of the Helian Clan was sitting on the main seat. Despite being an old man, he gave out a rather inimical aura all because of his abstruse eyes. People would only feel disturbed after staring into his eyes for some time.
He was surrounded by the stewards of the family who were all smiling. "With less than five days left, Helian Wei Wei might not even be able to reach the doorway. Five days later, the Helian family will be completely in our hands. When the time comes, we will need the elder's help to choose a reliable patriarch."
"You don't have to worry. I have already chosen a candidate." Elder Helian took a sip of the white wine. "But, recently, some minor issues have arisen."
Some quick-witted stewards immediately recalled the case that happened in Fuping County two days ago after listening to Elder Helian's word. "Elder, you are concerned about the presence of County Magistrate Wei?"
"How can an unimportant county magistrate like him bother me?" Elder Helian scoffed and continued calmly, "But, Governor Chen, who supports County Magistrate Wei, works for the Retired Emperor. It will not be easy to deal with him."
The two men carried on with their conversation before they were interrupted by a servant.
The servant handed them an imperial edict.
Elder Helian read the edict before he gave out a mirthless smile. "He is really conceited to put his oar in everything. Being a minor magistrate, he's trying to intervene in every affair."
The others took a glimpse at the edict while Elder Helian was reading it. "Do they intend to close down Bayview Seafood Restaurant?"
Then, they chuckled, "Perhaps the county magistrate is carrying his head around. He is so brash to meddle in the affairs of Bayview Seafood Restaurant."
"That's because he is backed by Governor Chen." Elder Helian carefully folded the edict. "Bayview Seafood Restaurant is a prestigious old brand that has been selling marine products for years. It was founded before the Retired Emperor succeeded to his throne. Therefore, it is impossible for them to close down the Bayview Restaurant. I fretted to contend with Governor Chen, but this provides me a good reason to fight him." After he finished his words, he lifted his head and ordered the servant who delivered him the edict, "Tell Qingtian to handle the case unsparingly. Other than Governor Chen, arrest everyone else who attempts to ruin Bayview Restaurant's reputation regardless of their official position. After I report the case to the Retired Emperor, I will meet them personally at the provincial capital." historical
"Noted." The servant bowed respectfully before he left the scene.
The night sky turned darker.
In a room of the palace, a little boy was holding his belly as he writhed in agony on his bed. The imperial physicians were on tenterhooks.
They were perturbed mainly because the Little Seventh Prince refused to let them diagnose his illness.
He was obviously sick. But, they could not comprehend the prince's reaction as he threw pillows at them whenever they attempted to go near him.
They reckoned that his massive force could easily annihilate all of them!
In fact, it was not an exaggerated statement.
The Little Seventh Prince's strength was extraordinary.
For him, beating people up was apparently his usual pastime.
The imperial physicians stood by the bed awkwardly as they gazed at each other in silence.
"It's your turn."
"No, no, no. I'm very inexperienced. Maybe Imperial Physician Zhang should try and do it." You must be kidding me. Anyone who tries to approach Little Seventh Prince will definitely become his next target! I got slightly nearer to the Little Seventh Prince just now and was mercilessly hit by the pillow. Until now, my head is still spinning!
He felt the urge to ask the Little Seventh Prince the number of pillows he had hidden.
Since the moment they entered the room, the Little Seventh Prince had treated them as if they were some ferocious monsters. He would hurl the pillow at anyone who attempted to approach him.
If the situation persisted, they would never be able to check his pulse, not to mention to find out about his condition for they were separated from the prince by a screen.
Eunuch Sun was worried about the prince. He had been pacing up and down outside of the prince's bedroom since earlier in the day. When the imperial physicians left the room, he quickly went up and asked, "How is it? What's the diagnosis for the Little Seventh Prince?"
When they were asked, the imperial physicians appeared rather embarrassed. They scratched their heads and replied guilty, "Little Seventh Prince refused to let us check on him."
"What do you mean?" Suddenly, the Retired Emperor appeared. When he received the news about his severely ill grandson, he hurriedly rushed over to visit the boy without changing away his official garment. He even left the uncertified edicts behind.
Eunuch Sun was actually waiting for the Retired Emperor all this while.
The faces of all the imperial physicians turned pale as they knelt before the Retired Emperor.
However, the Retired Emperor did not have the time to stop and listen to the imperial physicians' defense and excuses. He entered the room and went past the screen.
The stubborn little boy was lying on the bed while staring at the ceiling. He put on a solemn expression as he pondered on what to eat later.
The Retired Emperor's heart wrenched when he noticed the grumpy pout on the pretty little face. His grandson had never ever fallen sick. He was always a healthy and strong boy. It was a rare scene of him lying down quietly.
The boy used to frolic within the mountains with absolutely no issue. It was shocking to see him falling ill after a mere visit to the provincial capital.
"Little Seven, tell Imperial Grandfather. Where does it hurt?"
The little boy answered succinctly, "My stomach hurts."
"Your stomach hurts?" The Retired Emperor reached out to stroke the soft and small belly. Puzzled, he lifted his eyebrows. Little Seven's stomach is not bloated. Perhaps, he is feeling hungry?
However, it was impossible for Little Seven to starve himself when he could even consume a living fish.
"What happened?" The Retired Emperor turned to look at Shadow, who had been following him closely.
Not knowing how to answer, Shadow's gaze wavered...
The little boy did not forget about the task his Third Brother assigned him. He said with a sombre expression, "Someone forcefully sold me a basket of prawns."
"Are you not full yet?" The Retired Emperor deduced according to his beloved Imperial Grandson's usual habit. "Send my order to the Imperial Kitchen. Tell them to braise the prawns!"
The boy smacked his lips, almost drooling when he heard about the braised prawns. However, he knew that he could not eat before he finished his job.
"I'm not hungry. The terrible restaurant served me putrid prawns. My stomach began to hurt after I finished the dish. However, when I tried to argue with them, they told me that they were backed by an influential figure."
The little boy wrapped himself with the blanket before he turned his back to the Retired Emperor. Then, he put on a pitiful expression as though he wanted to be left alone because the world had disappointed him.
This boy was such a good actor.
"This is ridiculous!" The Retired Emperor was enraged. He reckoned that he was unbiased as he defended his grandson. After all, other than being a glutton, his favorite Little Seven had never caused trouble to anyone else. He was appalled to discover that someone actually fed the boy with rancid prawns!
Upset, he ordered Shadow in a frigid tone, "Shadow, where did Little Seven have his meal?"
It was a simple question. Shadow dropped his head and answered, "Little Seventh Prince had it at the Bayview Seafood Restaurant which is located in the provincial capital..."
Chapter 507: Arresting 'Private Advisor Long'?
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
Bayview Seafood Restaurant?
The Retired Emperor frowned. Isn't it the restaurant that supplies seafood to the royal family?
The reputation of the restaurant was quite good among the ministers.
The franchises of the restaurant could be found in almost all coastal cities.
When he was young, he had been to the Bayview Restaurant before and was rather pleased with the visit. They served big and fresh lobsters and their service was excellent. He had also disguised as a commoner to interview a few of the locals regarding the restaurant and they were all satisfied with Bayview Restaurant.
How is it possible for a reputable restaurant like this to serve rancid prawns?
Is what I learned about this restaurant all wrong?
Is someone manipulating the management of the restaurant? historical
Are restaurants these days involved in politics too?
The Retired Emperor was furious. He gently massaged his Imperial Grandson's belly and said, "Little Seven, you can tell me about the story that happened in Bayview Restaurant later. Now, let the imperial physician check your pulse and prescribe medications for you."
"I don't want to take any medicine," the headstrong little boy continued to refuse. That's impossible. The imperial physicians will expose me when they check on me and everyone will find out that I've been lying about my bad stomach the whole time. Hmph! I will never give in!
The Retired Emperor tried to coax his grandson, "My good boy, how can you not take any medication when you are sick? Don't worry, the medicine doesn't taste bitter at all."
To pretend to be sick, the little prince had been lying in a prone position. Coupled with his always mischievous expression, he actually looked rather adorable in his current state. After he heard the Retired Emperor's words, he answered willfully, "Imperial Grandfather, despite my young age, I am able to use my common sense. All medicine is bitter."
Retired Emperor was flustered.
"What do you want then?" Only a moment ago, the Retired Emperor was feeling sorry for the boy. But now, the Retired Emperor had the urge to beat his Imperial Grandson up.
After some deliberation, the little boy said in a serious tone, "Third Brother told me that the celestial crane carries a celestial aura. Consuming it can enhance one's strength and improve one's health. Perhaps Imperial Grandfather can order the imperial kitchen to boil soup with the celestial crane. Imperial Grandfather can have it and share the benefits too."
Eunuch Sun was completely bewildered by the prince's request. Is Little Seventh Prince still coveting the Retired Emperor's celestial crane at this instant?
Has the prince forgotten how he got expelled?
The shadow guards pretended to not hear the conversation as they stared blankly at the ceiling in synchrony.
The Retired Emperor's expression changed as he snarled, "You little brat!"
"Please calm down, Retired Emperor. Stay calm!" Eunuch Sun hurriedly went up to hold the Retired Emperor back. "Your Highness, the little prince is still sick..."
The Retired Emperor took a deep breath and said, "He doesn't look sick!" After all, the boy was still asking for food in spite of his upset stomach.
"Well... Your Highness, you know about the little prince's attitude." Eunuch Sun had no choice but to make up an excuse for his young master.
Sulking, the boy said bitterly, "Imperial Grandfather, you are no longer a young man. It's not healthy for you to get angry so often."
Who is this boy trying to annoy? The Retired Emperor was agitated, but there was nothing he could do. He glared at the boy and questioned him, "Tell me honestly. Is your stomach really hurting?"
"It's true." The little boy stuck out his bottom. "When I follow uncle around, I have never had any putrid meat." He was speaking the truth. Everything he had was freshly prepared.
The Retired Emperor used to be so occupied that he missed the opportunity to care for the Third Prince. To compensate for that, he paid all his endearments to Little Seven. However, understanding that the imperial palace was an extremely dangerous place, he expelled Little Seventh Prince from the palace in order to keep the little prince safe.
The boy was different from the other princes. He was never a picky eater and that made him an easygoing person.
The Retired Emperor heard that the kids in the White Academy hardly got to eat meat.
Then, he felt sorry for the boy again when he heard Little Seven's rant.
"You can't have the celestial crane now as you're having a bad stomach. You should have some soft food." The Retired Emperor gently rubbed the little prince's bald head. Before he could summon the servants from the imperial kitchen, a eunuch entered the room with an edict in his hands, saying that he had an important message to deliver.
The Retired Emperor received the edict before he briefly scanned through it. Then, he snickered and said, "No wonder they said that the restaurant is manipulated by someone! It's true. Little Seven, tell me everything that happened at the Bayview Restaurant."
The bald boy gave a firm nod before he narrated the entire incident that happened in the provincial capital. He then began to rub his stomach after he finished the story.
A loud thud resonated across the room!
The Retired Emperor slapped the edict on the table and his eyes were filled with complete iciness. "Eunuch Sun, pack our things. We'll leave the palace first thing tomorrow."
"Yes." Eunuch Sun carefully picked up the edict. He was dumbfounded when he read the edict and could now understand the reason behind the Retired Emperor's fury.
It was a complaint lodged against Governor Li.
Worse, 'Lord Wei' was mentioned in the text. According to the edict, Lord Wei abused his power to exploit the restaurant and the public was incensed by his misdeed.
Eunuch Sun, who served the Retired Emperor attentively, certainly knew the true identity of 'Lord Wei'.
Lord Wei was none other than the princess consort!
Even without taking her identity as a princess consort into account, within the past two days, she had done more for Fuping County than the ineffectual officials who were posted at the county.
The Retired Emperor was extremely pleased when he received the edict that came from Governor Chen.
In fact, it was rather logical as the Retired Emperor appeared obviously concerned when the dry season arrived every year.
Due to the shortage of rice, the people flocked to the Capital to beg for food. For the Retired Emperor, that was the most distressing scene to watch.
However, the princess consort had actually invented a water pump!
It was a great creation that would benefit the whole War Dragon Empire!
As His Highness and princess consort had yet to return, it was irrational for the Retired Emperor to unveil their identities. Otherwise, the Retired Emperor would have celebrated her success and officially conferred the title of princess consort on her.
How can she be accused of groundlessly?
The more Eunuch Sun dwelled on the thought, the more furious he got. Eventually, he began to pack everything at a faster rate.
Although the Retired Emperor appeared calm, he had the intention to annihilate the whole Helian family.
In fact, he would be less angry if Elder Helian did not send him the edict.
Nonetheless, the balance of power was very important for the imperial court. It was disagreeable to push anyone too hard.
But, it's just a small restaurant.
How dare they make up such a big lie about it?
There must be a lot of people from the imperial court who are working together to help the restaurant with the lie. Even I fell for the lie!
Hah. Seafood is my favorite?
Even I have no idea about this little fact of myself!
On the contrary, Liao Qingtian, who was in the provincial capital, was thrilled when he received the edict. "I was right. The County Magistrate Wei was looking for trouble when he decided to disturb the Bayview Restaurant! The elder has delivered the edict to the Retired Emperor. The Retired Emperor will probably be here by noon tomorrow."
"General Liao is such a discerning man." The imperial officials who were sitting by the side gave a thumbs up. They laughed gleefully and said, "County Magistrate Wei must be regretting deeply now!"
"Regret? The Retired Emperor will not tolerate this if he finds out about the incident," Liao Qingtian put on a chilling grin as he said, "He will definitely be removed from his position. Arrest the private advisor who follows Wei Wei around!" Since the elder allowed him to manage the affair unsparingly, he would carry out his task with no scruples.