stonecrandall Chapter 1129 Target: Li Yunrui, Talking Chapter!
Chapter 1129 Target: Li Yunrui, Talking Chapter!
"Your Majesty, Lord Di has arrived!"
A low voice cut through the clatter of spatulas and shouts. Gao Yao paused almost imperceptibly for a moment. The iron wok in his hand traced a final, smooth arc before landing steadily back in the stove.
Immediately, a silent figure stepped forward and took over the still sizzling pot. The whole process was seamless, as if it had been rehearsed a thousand times. Gao Yao took off his coarse cloth apron, which was covered in oil stains, and casually draped it over the back of the chair, revealing a set of fine but inconspicuous dark blue casual clothes underneath.
Without the slightest hesitation, he walked through the billowing steam and bustling crowd, lifted the curtain leading to the back, and stepped onto the narrow wooden staircase. The staircase creaked, and after a few steps, the noise was shut out below, and the second floor became unusually quiet.
"See Your Majesty!"
The door to the private room closed silently behind him. The three people inside were already bowing their heads, their postures extremely respectful. Gao Yao walked straight to the rosewood stool at the head of the table and sat down, raising his hand in a gesture of support: "Alright, this isn't the imperial court. There are ears everywhere, so let's skip the formalities."
The three men straightened up, but still dared not look directly at each other. Gao Yao's gaze swept over them—they were all trusted confidants he had gradually planted in this realm, with ordinary faces but sharp eyes. He took the warm tea offered by one of them, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Tell me, what's going on?"
Since Gao Yao intentionally extended his reach into this world named "Younger Man's World," his plans have been quietly unfolding, like spring rain seeping into the soil. What began as a few inconspicuous restaurants and warehouses gradually wove into a network for collecting information and circulating goods. Meanwhile, in his original world of "Huaxia," the imperial ship had already sailed smoothly. Xiao He oversaw domestic affairs, Cao Can supervised the laws, Zhuge Liang coordinated all sides, and countless other talents, either personally promoted or awakened from the annals of history, each fulfilled their respective duties.
Technology is developing rapidly in its established direction, economic networks are extending to every town that is beginning to take shape, the population is growing steadily, and the spark of civilization is gradually spreading like wildfire.
The throne remained in his name, but he had long since handed over specific powers and responsibilities, like dividing a carefully crafted pastry, to his sons who were growing up and showing different talents.
The eldest son was steady and composed, overseeing the people's livelihood and education; the second son was ambitious and enterprising, leading workshops and emerging technologies; the third son was meticulous and attentive, coordinating commerce and warehousing… He did not designate a crown prince, but allowed each to operate within their designated areas, providing both checks and balances and opportunities for growth. With those seasoned veterans at the heart of the court, major chaos was unlikely. Only in this way could he extricate himself and focus more attention on the world below.
"The conflict between Fan Xian and Li Yunrui has escalated to a point of no return, even to the point of life and death. On the surface, it is still Princess Li Yunrui who holds the upper hand."
Di Renjie reported his findings directly, but Gao Yao shook his head upon hearing them, which puzzled Di Renjie.
"Your Majesty, what do you mean?"
"Gaining the upper hand?"
"Then you really underestimate Fan Xian. The one who actually has the advantage right now is Fan Xian, because you have overlooked the most crucial question: who is standing behind Fan Xian?"
"Isn't it just Fan Jian? What does Your Majesty mean?"
"Of course, it's not just Fan Jian. Would an organization like the Overwatch Council, which is directly under the royal family, allow just anyone to enter?"
"Furthermore, Fan Xian has a connection with Emperor Qing. Otherwise, do you really think Fan Xian could have easily escaped from the hands of the Eldest Princess and the Crown Prince after entering the capital of Southern Qing?"
Hearing Gao Yao's words, Di Renjie quickly understood the intricacies of the situation and was quite shocked.
"Go ahead and tell Li Yunrui that I want to see her!"
"Here"
After Di Renjie hurriedly left the restaurant, Gao Yao stood alone by the window on the third floor, gazing at the night view of Kyoto.
Amidst the myriad lights of the city, undercurrents were swirling in the capital of Nanqing. He knew that tonight's meeting would be a crucial game, not only concerning his foothold in this unfamiliar world, but also the future direction of the entire Southern World.
Gao Yao turned and walked to the other side of the room, where hot water for a bath had already been prepared. He took off his outer robe and stepped into the warm water. Amidst the rising steam, his thoughts drifted back to the plot he had watched before his transmigration.
“Li Yunrui…” Gao Yao murmured the name. This eldest princess’s influence in the Southern Qing court far exceeded what was on the surface. She held the treasury’s finances in her hands, and the crown prince and the second prince were both secretly controlled by her. If it weren’t for Emperor Qing’s guilty conscience and Li Yunrui’s truly outstanding abilities, such power would probably have already brought about her death.
After Gao Yao finished bathing, he changed into an exquisite brocade robe with dark patterns, sat in the main seat of the private room, and waited quietly.
The eldest princess arrives
As night deepened, the streets of Kyoto gradually quieted down. The third floor of the Gao Family Restaurant was brightly lit by candlelight, yet exceptionally tranquil.
As the door was gently pushed open, the first thing that caught the eye was a figure draped in black veil. Behind the veil, the figure was elegant and composed, exuding a cold, aloof air. Li Yunrui entered the room, the black veil obscuring most of her face, revealing only a pair of sharp, eagle-like eyes. Her steps were small, yet each step carried an undeniable authority.
Behind her, a man dressed in plain clothes followed closely in. The man appeared ordinary, but Gao Yao could tell at a glance that he was no ordinary person—his aura was as restrained as a deep pool, his steps were as light as a feather, and the air seemed to freeze wherever his gaze fell. This was probably a top-notch guard by the princess's side, perhaps even a ninth-rank high-level guard, or higher.
Li Yunrui's gaze fell on Gao Yao, lingered for a moment, and she frowned slightly. She had no memory of this man; he seemed to have appeared out of thin air. This made her wary, yet also intrigued.
"Your Highness, please have a seat." Gao Yao stood up, bowed respectfully, and gestured to the seat opposite her.
Li Yunrui did not sit down immediately, but slowly walked to the window and looked outside. After a moment, she turned around and gracefully sat down. Beneath the black veil, she seemed to be scrutinizing the man before her who called himself Gao Yao.
“Boss Gao,” Li Yunrui spoke, his voice clear and cold as a spring, “you sent someone to deliver a message mentioning the Grandmaster matter. I’m very curious, how could a restaurant owner know such a secret?”
Gao Yao smiled slightly, not answering directly, but instead raising his hand to pour tea for Li Yunrui: "Your Highness, there are some things in this world that are not only known to those in the court. Just as Your Highness controls the Imperial Treasury, you may not be clear about the flow of every penny."
Li Yunrui's eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not react; he simply waited quietly for what was to come.
Gao Yao continued, "Your Highness, you may know that while things appear calm on the surface in Nanqing, there are undercurrents beneath. The conflict between Fan Xian and Your Highness has reached an irreconcilable point, and while His Majesty appears neutral, he has already laid out his plans."