Yuanpei acted swiftly. When Xie Yu hurried to the tavern, Gao Laoliu was already waiting in the private room.
His beard was neatly combed, he had changed into a carefully chosen robe, and even applied a bit of refreshing hair oil, leaving not a single strand out of place.
He actually looked like a decent, respectable man.
“Your Excellency,” he respectfully bowed, his eyes gleaming with intense excitement.
In their line of work, they both dreaded dealing with the yamen (government officials), yet yearned for it the most.
He was convinced that neither he nor his men had made any mistakes recently.
Not only had they committed no errors, they had even torn up the promissory notes of several poor families, to demonstrate that they were indeed running a legitimate, charitable business.
Therefore, when Yuanpei approached him, he felt no anxiety—only a sudden surge of excitement.
When he learned that this time the young marquis had summoned only him, he immediately realized that an opportunity for advancement had arrived.
Xie Yu disliked beating around the bush. After sitting down, he got straight to the point: “I know your operations include not only usury, but also several brothels, teahouses, and restaurants operated under other people’s names. Even a dock outside the city walls with a blue flag flying over it belongs to you.”
Gao Laoliu hesitated for a moment, then smiled even more humbly. “Nothing escapes the young marquis’s notice.”
“I want you to dig up someone’s secrets. Can you do it?” Xie Yu lightly wiped the badge at his waist.
He had traveled in haste, leaving a trail of dust.
Without hesitation, Gao Laoliu nodded. “I can.”
The young marquis had spoken so directly, proving he already knew everything about Gao’s background. He also understood exactly what kind of business operations and distributions were best suited for gathering intelligence.
Brothels, opera houses, taverns, restaurants, and especially docks with frequent passenger and cargo traffic—these were the easiest places for people to let their guard down, and also the most common places for information exchange.
Every day, countless bits of information passed through Gao’s hands.
Over the years, he had used this information to firmly establish himself in Kaifeng Prefecture, learning which officials were best dealt with using what methods, knowing exactly what to offer and when to make things most convenient…
He even generously donated to the yamen during disasters!
So much so that even Tu Yao, a man of refined manners, had complicated feelings about Gao Laoliu, the usurer.
Xie Yu nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Tian Song, former Minister of Revenue, and the Tian family he supports—within a month, at most a month, I want to know who he associates with, what properties he owns, and when and by whom those properties were given to him.”
Cats have their paths, and mice have theirs. Some things couldn’t be investigated openly, or shouldn’t be—but they could be thoroughly dug up in secret.
Tian Song had been a trusted minister during the previous emperor’s reign. Although he had fallen from grace after the current emperor ascended the throne, he had at least managed to withdraw safely, showing how deeply he could hide.
It wouldn’t be easy to bring him down.
In fact, even if Tian himself fell, as long as the Tian family remained, along with his disciples and political allies, it would only be a temporary solution, not addressing the root problem.
The emperor said there were no available personnel now—was that really true?
Perhaps not.
It was because the emperor was watching the ministers, while the ministers were also watching the emperor. Any slight move would provoke reactions from outside.
One misstep, and all previous efforts would be wasted.
With every word Xie Yu spoke, Gao Laoliu’s eyes grew brighter, until they seemed to burn with two fiery flames.
He especially enjoyed watching high-ranking officials fall into disaster.
Perhaps he wouldn’t gain any tangible benefit himself, but just seeing them fall from the heavens brought him indescribable pleasure—pleasure enough to make him eat three more bowls of rice.
Finally, Gao stood up, solemnly promising like a loyal old dog. “If I fail, I shall bring my own head to you.”
Officials and merchants were naturally opposed, yet neither could do without the other.
Gao had always wanted to find a stable patron, but he was an extremely cautious man, never willing to easily reveal his true cards.
Now, it seemed, his opportunity had arrived.
Some people were natural schemers, daring to dream of earning the credit of establishing a new dynasty, but Gao had never thought that way.
He absolutely refused to get involved in royal disputes. After all, even if he succeeded, he would know too much.
No matter how much wealth or status he gained, what good would it do if he couldn’t enjoy it?
The young marquis, however, was perfect.
His background and conduct ensured he would never fall into poverty, and no matter who eventually rose to power, he would inevitably become an influential royal relative and important official.
Gao Laoliu longed to become a knife in his hand, a tool.
Safe from danger, yet unshakable—that was ideal.
When Xie Yu returned to Kaifeng Prefecture, he suddenly felt a sense of coming home.
Speaking of home… Well, he’d visit another day.
From what his uncle said, his father seemed quite happy recently.
Familiar with the way, he arrived at the herb garden, only to find it packed with people.
Huo Ping, Zhuang Peng, A De, Wang Heng and two apprentices, Lady Zhao and her two maidservants—groups of two or three, each with a huge wooden basin in front of them.
The kind of wooden basins used by commoners to bathe children or wash the family’s clothes.
Inside the basins were piled high with deep purple eggplants!
Xie Yu: “…”
What on earth was going on?
Hearing footsteps, Ma Bing, who was chopping meat, looked up and smiled. “Back already?”
Xie Yu was taken aback, a strange feeling suddenly welling up inside him.
It felt… like the greetings his mother used to give when his father returned from court…
Ma Bing watched helplessly as Xie Yu’s expression suddenly became flustered. For some reason, he couldn’t meet her gaze, and the tips of his ears turned faintly pink.
Maybe she had imagined it.
After all, the young marquis had fair skin. Perhaps it was just sunburn.
Xie Yu stood still for a moment, calming himself, forcibly suppressing the wild thoughts in his mind before walking forward casually. “What exactly is going on here?”
Ma Bing curiously glanced at him but kept chopping. “Making eggplants.”
Back at Fuyun Temple, she had thought vegetarian dishes were fine, but upon returning to Kaifeng Prefecture, the rich aroma of meat from street vendors and restaurants reminded her instantly:
Meat was just better!
Her life couldn’t do without meat!
Coincidentally, eggplants were now abundant, fresh, and cheap, so she had bought a lot.
Xie Yu stared at the towering piles of eggplants and fell silent.
He had eaten eggplants before, but never had he seen anyone eat them like this!
Although Lady Zhao was present, she wasn’t actually helping, just holding a fan and joking around.
Seeing this, she chuckled, fanning herself. “She said she’s making stuffed eggplant patties.”
Xie Yu looked puzzled. “Stuffed eggplant patties?”
Lady Zhao nodded with a smile. “It’s a kind of street snack. Sounds not too bad.”
“Not too bad?!” Yuanpei washed his hands at the well and joined the eggplant-washing team. “It’s absolutely delicious!”
As he approached, Wang Heng naturally stepped back, slumping into a large armchair nearby and rubbing his aching waist.
No good anymore. He really couldn’t keep up with the young anymore.
Just washing eggplants for a short while had nearly broken him.
Except for Wang Heng, who had reluctantly retired due to old age, all the men were busy. Xie Yu hesitated slightly before rolling up his sleeves.
Ma Bing glanced at him but didn’t stop him.
People should be self-reliant.
With so many eggplants and so many mouths to feed, if it were left to her alone, she’d be stuck at this until the monkeys’ year and the horse’s month!
She wasn’t even a chef!
“Minister Xie,” she called. “You can help slice them.”
Making stuffed eggplant patties required slicing the washed eggplants into thin slices—specifically, two connected slices of moderate thickness.
It required considerable knife skills.
Who knew this was the first time the golden-spoon-born young marquis had ever held a kitchen knife? He felt quite at a loss at first.
But he had always been a quick learner. After a few pointers from Ma Bing, his movements quickly shifted from clumsy to proficient.
By the end, he could slice without even looking, lifting his hand with practiced ease.
As soon as Xie Yu stood at the cutting board, Lady Zhao left to chat with Wang Heng.
Ma Bing chopped several scallions, then added some vegetables and minced ginger.
It wasn’t scallion season, the outer layers were dry, and after peeling a few layers, they looked thin and long.
In the middle of this, she couldn’t help glancing secretly at Xie Yu but said nothing.
A while later, she stole another glance.
“Why not ask?” Xie Yu suddenly asked.
Ma Bing felt somewhat embarrassed. After thinking for a moment, she honestly replied, “Asking might seem too eager.”
Xie Yu chuckled softly, looking quite cheerful.
“The emperor has agreed, but it’s a serious matter. For now, it can only be investigated secretly.”
Ma Bing’s eyes widened slightly.
The emperor actually agreed?!
If a thorough investigation were really carried out, the late emperor’s reputation would be completely ruined.
Would he really allow someone to trample on his own father’s dignity?
Ma Bing felt her blood boiling, her heart racing, her skin burning.
No, she silently warned herself. She mustn’t place all her hopes on others.
Helping is kindness; not helping is normal.
Or, he might help today but not tomorrow…
When a person fully trusts someone else and completely places their hopes on another, they become incomplete, like a parasitic plant clinging to another for survival.
She didn’t want to be like that.
But… Ma Bing paused mid-chop. “Was he angry?”
Being near the emperor was like walking on tiger’s back—even a good emperor was still an emperor.
Emperors had tempers. When angry, they might even kill their own sons without hesitation, let alone their nephew, the son of a sister.
He had taken a tremendous risk by going to the palace this time.
He didn’t have to do this.
Xie Yu looked over, his eyes rippling. “Worried?”
Ma Bing’s face flushed. She quickly averted her gaze, chopping even harder.
The loud chopping almost drowned out her words.
“He’s your uncle, after all. What’s there to worry about…”
Xie Yu hummed, continuing to slice eggplants.
Ma Bing quickly glanced at him.
Was he angry?
She looked around to confirm no one was watching, then pursed her lips, summoning her courage to whisper quickly and softly: “A little…”
Xie Yu’s lips curved upward, his heart brimming with joy.
There had always been people who worried about him—his parents, his uncle, Minister Tu…
But this time felt completely different.
Those simple words felt like a seed had been planted in his heart, instantly taking root, sprouting, and spreading wildly.
A brand-new emotion took complete control of his mind and body.
Suddenly, Xie Yu thought eggplants were truly a wonderful vegetable!
After a while, the eggplant patties were already stuffed with meat filling. A De carried a large iron tray from the kitchen, poured oil into the wok, and heated it up.
Ma Bing rolled the stuffed eggplant patties in the egg-flour batter, carefully placing them into the frying pan once fully coated.
“Sizzle~”
The aroma of eggs mixed with wheat and oil quickly spread, attracting even Tu Yao, who had returned home unable to find his wife, to follow the scent.
“So fragrant!”
“Your Excellency!”
Everyone stood up to greet him, but Tu Yao waved them off with a smile. “No need for ceremony. I’m just an uninvited guest.”
Everyone laughed.
Tu Yao asked Xie Yu about the case at Fuyun Temple, and upon learning he had been to the palace, inquired about the case files.
Xie Yu replied, “I recused myself this time, so I can’t directly retrieve the files from the Ministry of Justice, but the emperor has already agreed to have the Ministry organize them. At the latest by tomorrow morning, they will be delivered to Kaifeng Prefecture. Then Minister Tu will need to personally review them.”
Fang Bao wasn’t someone who spoke recklessly. Since he had mentioned it, it proved there were indeed suspicious points in the previous cases.
Unfortunately, Fang Bao hadn’t returned from Fuyun Temple yet, so who knew how long it would be delayed. For now, they could only have Minister Tu help take a look.
He had long been “battled-hardened,” with a unique perspective—perhaps he could make new discoveries.
Tu Yao nodded. “Alright.”
It had just rained, and the breeze carried a noticeable coolness, making it very pleasant.
As time passed, the aroma of the fried eggplant patties gradually overpowered the rose fragrance, drawing everyone’s attention.
Even when speaking with Xie Yu, Tu Yao kept getting distracted.
Lady Zhao chuckled. “After work, let’s not talk about official matters anymore. That would be like burning a zither for fuel—utterly spoiling the mood.”
Tu Yao laughed and nodded. “Alright, I’ll follow my wife’s advice.”
Minister Xie’s knife skills were exquisite. The eggplant slices were cut very thinly and were soon fully cooked.
A De and the others helped serve the first batch, then placed the second batch into the pan to slowly fry. Ma Bing went to wash her hands and face before sitting down to eat first.
Everyone let her eat first.
“The chef has worked hard. It’s only right she eats first,” Minister Tu joked.
Come to think of it, this was the first time he had been so close to a young lady. No wonder his wife liked her so much—she was indeed poised and graceful.
Still hot, Ma Bing fanned furiously with a palm-leaf fan before carefully bringing it to her lips.
Freshly fried food always had a crispy outer shell, and the stuffed eggplant patties were no exception.
The batter contained eggs, golden and especially beautiful.
At the edges where the eggplant slices were joined, abundant juice seeped out, soaking the shell into a beautiful dark brown.
The moment her teeth pressed down, she could hear a faint crackling sound—”Crunch~”
Someone couldn’t help swallowing loudly, the sound echoing clearly.
The meat juice had completely soaked into the eggplant slices. As she bit through, oil, meat juice, and vegetable juice burst into her mouth.
It was a bit hot, but she couldn’t bear to throw it away.
Ma Bing blew hard, puffing out white vapor. “So hot, so hot! So fragrant, so fragrant!”
The aroma of wheat, meat, vegetables, and eggs…
This was indeed a dish unworthy of elegant banquets, yet incredibly delicious!
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