ebookland Chapter 205: It’s better to arrive early than to arrive at the right time
Chapter 205: It’s better to arrive early than to arrive at the right time
According to Chen Zhao, he and Chen Shuting arrived in the capital of Ye State eight days ago.
After arriving, for the sake of caution, they did not contact Shi Lidie immediately. Instead, they found a house to live in as merchants and went out early and came back late every day to inquire about news.
Only when they were sure that Shi Lidie was living well in the capital of Ye State, was not in any danger, and there were no major threats around her, did they plan to show up and meet her.
Of course, even if they wanted to meet, they couldn't go directly to the princess's house, so the two of them used the excuse of doing wine business to meet Shi Lidie through the shopkeeper.
So, today's scene happened.
After Shi Lidie finished listening to his story, she said:
"It's better to come at the right time than to come early. You came here at a really good time. I was worried that no one would help me. I was planning to send Wen Tan out, but I just happened to meet you."
"Let me ask you, how many people do you have in Kyoto that you can trust?"
Chen Zhao smiled and said:
"I won't say a lot, but there are at least 40 or 50 of them. Some of them are the guards I brought from the Chen family when I left the capital, and some are the subordinates and staff I recruited after I arrived in the south of Ye State. They are all trustworthy."
"In addition, Shu Ting also has someone in her hands. The Chen family knew that she ran away secretly. Although they were angry, they were helpless. Seeing that she insisted on not going home, they sent her maids and servants out in different ways."
"Now we are a pair of siblings whose parents died early. The elder brother inherited the family business and has a talent for business, while the younger sister is both talented and beautiful, and is an extremely favored young lady from a wealthy family."
"So, there are 40 to 50 people in the open, not including those in the dark."
The people in the dark are the secret guards sent by the Emperor of the Dayin Dynasty, as well as the bodyguards sent by the Chen family, a prominent family, to protect the children of the clan.
But those in the dark cannot move unless necessary.
Shi Lidie listened to Chen Zhao's words and nodded:
"In the past few days, I believe you have already found out everything that happened in the capital of Ye State. Now I want to tell you the truth, and then we can discuss the next plan."
Chen Zhao and Chen Shuting immediately became serious and listened attentively.
Then they heard—
Shi Lidie cured the illness of the Emperor of Ye State, but she poisoned him while doing so, causing the old emperor to become addicted to her medicine and become dependent on it. Once the medicine was cut off, he would be in excruciating pain and die suddenly within a few days.
Shi Lidie walked between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, deceiving both sides into thinking that the two brothers regarded her as one of their own. Then she wiped them out at once and drove them all out to build the imperial mausoleum.
Shi Lidie gave the Fifth Prince a booklet through the Fourth Prince, and then instigated Concubine Xian to accuse the Fifth Prince of treason, and implicated the entire Duke Dingguo's Mansion.
Shi Lidie gave advice to Concubine Xian and Xuanyilou, asking them to assassinate the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.
……
As Shi Lidie narrated the story one by one, Chen Zhao and Chen Shuting were already dumbfounded. They were so shocked that they didn't even notice that the tea in their hands had spilled.
After listening to it, the brother and sister were amazed.
Chen Zhao was silent for a long time before he asked:
"You just relied on your mouth to trick them?"
"Yes." Shi Lidie said, "To be honest, although it was going smoothly before, it is also true that I have no one to use. The people I brought from the Dayin Dynasty have a fixed number and are registered. They cannot be separated from any problems. So from the beginning to the end, apart from myself and Wen Tan, I basically dare not use anyone else. I can only rely on my mouth."
Even Fennel, although she was also a confidant, he only dared to let her be in charge of the tavern's business and accounts.
Chen Shuting gave Shi Lidie a thumbs up:
"I really made the right decision this time, Xiaodie, you're amazing! From you, I saw another kind of life for women. It's not just about marrying a well-matched husband and becoming a virtuous mistress of the house. There are other possibilities."
Shi Lidie also laughed.
After chatting for a while, Chen Zhao brought the topic back and asked:
"Princess, you just said that it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. Is there anything you need us to do?"
"There is one thing I need to ask of you." Shi Lidie said, "I have tricked Xuanyilou into rescuing the An family. Although we may not be able to save all of them, we will save as many as we can. After they are rescued, Xuanyilou will contact me and I will be responsible for picking them up."
"So, you want us to provide support?" Chen Zhao asked.
"Yes, the An family did not rebel. I know this better than anyone else. I have a certain responsibility for this matter." Shi Lidie said, "I am not a saint, but I think the An family may be useful in the future."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Chen Zhaoqiu asked.
Shi Lidie sorted out her thoughts and began to explain:
"First, the An family is a noble family of Ye State, and there are many capable people in the family. If we destroy Ye State in the future, such a large territory will eventually need someone to govern the place. If we send all the officials from the Dayin Dynasty, it may be difficult for them to integrate into the local community, so we need people who understand Ye State to assist us."
"If this day really comes, some of the An family members can be put to use."
"Secondly, the An family is the blood relative of Crown Prince Ye Zhaonan's mother. If all the An family members die, he will be left alone. Without a weak spot, he will also be unrestrained. If he goes crazy, he can do whatever he wants, but we have to be cautious."
"Therefore, the An family can also be used as a bargaining chip to contain Ye Zhaonan in the future."
Chen Zhao and Chen Shuting listened to Shi Lidie's explanation, nodded, and agreed with what she said, so Chen Zhao said:
"No problem, I'll arrange this."
The Chen family has always been reliable, so Chen Zhao is completely trustworthy, and Shi Lidie is confident in handing this matter over to him.
At this time, Chen Shuting also spoke:
"My brother is a wine merchant. In order to complete the show, he would leave with wine every once in a while, and take the opportunity to meet with the people sent by His Majesty the Great Yin Dynasty."
"But I can't be with him all the time. I need to stay in the capital of Ye State and be the middleman between my brother and you, passing messages between you. But I need an identity that allows me to settle down in the capital of Ye State."
Just being the daughter of a wealthy merchant was not enough.
The capital of Ye State is full of powerful and wealthy people. A wealthy merchant's daughter is nothing to be mentioned. Even if she does not leave with Chen Zhao, but stays here alone, others will find it very strange.
"So, I have an idea. I want to open a private custom shop." Chen Shuting said, "Xiaodie is proficient in clothing design. She can help me secretly. I will open a new shop in Yeguo Kyoto, modeled after your shop in Luoyun Town."
In this way, Chen Shuting not only had the identity of a private custom shop owner, but also could use various beautiful clothes to interact with the daughters and socialites of Ye State and get to know more information.
"This is a good idea." Shi Lidie agreed. "I have as many design drawings as you need."