Chapter 57

For several days, all eyes in the court were focused on the incident of the Flower and Stone Convoy being robbed, especially those of the favored ministers. Whoever could resolve this matter for the Emperor would naturally be greatly appreciated.

In the Xie Fang Pavilion, Zhao Yougong sat with his legs crossed by the window. Nian Nu'er, her long hair loosely scattered, leaned lazily in the man's arms, her soft, tender little hand constantly playing tricks. "Sir, you staying here all day to tease me, I can hardly bear it!" Her voice was soft and weak, with a seductive allure.

These days, Prince Zhao of Xiaojun almost stayed in the Xie Fang Pavilion. It seemed as if he was infatuated with her, but Nian Nu'er never thought so. Perhaps something had happened, otherwise why would he hide here? In fact, Nian Nu'er was right. Not long after, news of the Flower and Stone Convoy being robbed began to spread in the capital. Who said Prince Xiaojun was timid? To dare to rob in Jiangning Prefecture, his courage was already sky-high.

The beauty in his arms looked like a cat basking in the sun, her rosy little face soft and smooth, truly irresistible.

"What, don't you want me to stay here with you?"

"Hmm... Sir, you always tease me. How could I not want you? I'm just afraid that your lady will come to the Xie Fang Pavilion again and torment me." Nian Nu'er's eyes were filled with spring, her voice moist and seductive. Her lips curled slightly, very mischievous.

"Ha ha, don't worry, that ancestor has moved to a side courtyard, so no one can disturb us anymore!"

He hugged the beauty, leaned down, and gently kissed her little mouth, which was fragrant and soft, intoxicating.

Zhao Yougong was meticulous, but he never thought that everything about him had already been seen clearly by Nian Nu'er. However, she didn't say anything, and no one knew why.

As for the answer, even Nian Nu'er herself found it hard to explain. She didn't know what the result would be if she revealed everything, nor did she know if this man was trustworthy. In the world of pleasure, trust was the hardest thing to find. Nian Nu'er wanted to find a man she could truly rely on, and as long as this man was devoted to her, she would stay with him until death. But was Prince Xiaojun reliable? She was afraid, afraid of making a mistake, of giving her heart to the wrong person...

Many people had already walked this path, but who had truly achieved a good outcome? Even the renowned Scholar Su, didn't he also give up his woman? And Liu Sanbian was even more laughable, a man who lived under the skirts of women, could he be relied on for protection?

In the pleasure quarters of Bianliang, there was never a lack of talented scholars, but what Nian Nu'er wanted was not a scholar. She wanted a man, a real man. This man could be a ruthless killer, this man could be despicable and shameless. Nian Nu'er never cared about these things. Perhaps this was the biggest difference between her and Li Shishi. Li Shishi pursued a realm of talent and preferred a simple life, so she was devoted to Zhou Bangyan. Ironically, she chose the wrong person. With just a word from the Emperor, that old man never dared to visit the De Yue Tower again. Ha ha, truly laughable.

People passed by outside the window, and several pleasure boats floated downstream. This was the bustling Bianliang, where cargo ships could be seen during the day and music and dance on the pleasure boats at night.

Under the same sun, some people were enjoying themselves, while others felt restless. Liang Shicheng was one of them. These days, he couldn't sleep well, didn't eat well, and seemed to lack the energy to do anything. The Emperor's face was getting increasingly grim. So much time had passed, and there was still no clue. How could he not be angry?

After some thought, Liang Shicheng changed into casual clothes and hurriedly left his residence.

Outside the Purple Bud Bridge in the eastern part of the city, there was a small street called Jin Fu Street. This street was very extensive, with elegant buildings, making it a gathering place for the wealthy in Bianliang. The sedan chair stopped by the Purple Bud Bridge, and Liang Shicheng walked alone toward Jin Fu Street. This time, he didn't let anyone follow him, walking alone on the street.

Stopping at a courtyard gate, Liang Shicheng gently knocked on the door ring. A slight sound, and soon a strong man in his forties opened the door. "It's Liang Chancellor, my master has been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Oh? Mr. Linghe knew I was coming?"

Liang Shicheng smiled slightly, surprised. His expression showed great respect for the person inside. This was a bit strange. Who was Liang Shicheng? Even Wang Fu would call him "Mr. Enfu." Who could deserve such respect from him?

The courtyard was elegant and ancient. Inside the gate, several jujube trees stood beside a rockery. The courtyard wasn't very large, but it was refined. Passing through an archway, Liang Shicheng followed the strong man to a side garden.

In May, the garden was already in full bloom, with various roses competing for attention, and butterflies fluttering around. A tall man stood bent over a peony flower. He wore a black brocade robe, his long hair loose and unrestrained. The man had a gentle face, with no beard on his chin, but the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes suggested he was at least thirty.

This man was the owner of the residence, named Gong Shuang, but he preferred to be called "Mr. Linghe."

Gong Shuang's appearance was ordinary; even on the street, no one would give him a second glance. However, Liang Shicheng didn't dare to underestimate him. This man was a disciple of the Mohist School of Fanggushan, with unfathomable talent. Despite his gentle and refined appearance, he was also a formidable fighter. No one under Liang Shicheng's command could match him.

"Is Mr. Gong well?"

"Ha ha, Chancellor Liang has come? I have been waiting for you for a long time!"

He turned and smiled, gesturing for Liang Shicheng to sit in the pavilion. The strong man brought a pot of tea, and the two of them slowly sipped it in the hall.

"Does Mr. Gong know why I am here?"

"If I'm not mistaken, Chancellor Liang is probably here for the Flower and Stone Convoy incident, right?" Although it was a question, Gong Shuang's face was full of confidence.

"Ha ha, Mr. Gong is truly wise. Yes, I am here for the Flower and Stone Convoy incident. The Emperor is very troubled by this matter."

"Chancellor Liang, don't be in a hurry. May I ask you a question first?"

Putting down the teacup, Liang Shicheng smiled and nodded. "Mr. Gong, please ask!"

"Chancellor Liang, do you want to help the Emperor recover the Flower and Stone Convoy, or do you want to make the Emperor happy?"

"This..." Hearing Gong Shuang's words, Liang Shicheng was momentarily stunned. Why did Gong Shuang ask this? Recovering the Flower and Stone Convoy would naturally make the Emperor happy, so why separate the two? Puzzled, Liang Shicheng fell silent, deep in thought. After a long while, he suddenly understood Gong Shuang's meaning. Was his enthusiasm really for recovering the Flower and Stone Convoy or finding the bandits? It seemed not. He was just trying to win the Emperor's favor. He was wrong, so wrong. Such a simple question, yet it took him so long to think about.

"Of course, I choose the latter. What advice does Mr. Gong have?"

"I wouldn't dare to give advice. If Chancellor Liang is willing to listen, I will speak boldly!"

Standing up, Gong Shuang placed his left fist behind his waist. When he straightened, he exuded an indescribable pride.

"The Flower and Stone Convoy being robbed seems very complicated, but in essence, there are only two possibilities. First, someone knew the details of the convoy and made arrangements in advance, waiting for the Suzhou Prefecture troops to fall into the trap. Second, someone in Guangde Army coveted the wealth and used their authority to enrich themselves. The root of both situations lies in Suzhou Prefecture, because only in Suzhou Prefecture could they know what was being transported."

After a moment's thought, Gong Shuang continued, "This way, the investigation can be much simpler. Chancellor Liang only needs to write a letter to Mr. Zhu to find out how many people knew about the convoy's contents!"

Listening to Gong Shuang, Liang Shicheng suddenly felt enlightened. No wonder the investigation had been fruitless for so many days. Most of the troops were focused on Jiangning Prefecture, so how could they find anything?

"Mr. Gong is truly a reincarnation of Zhuge Liang. I admire you. According to what you said, the problem lies in Suzhou Prefecture, which makes it easier to investigate. Mr. Zhu has already replied, and only three or four people were involved. Besides Mr. Zhu, there are the Prince of Yongning, the commander of Guangde Army, Yang Kaishan, and the deputy commander responsible for the escort, Qian Bin."

After recounting this, Liang Shicheng smiled and shook his head. "Ha ha, to think that our Prince of Yongning couldn't possibly do such a thing, so there are only two people left!"

"Hmm? Chancellor Liang, do you really think the Prince of Yongning has no possibility at all? Don't forget to follow the Emperor's heart."

Sigh, Liang Shicheng felt a chill. He had been too presumptuous. What was the Emperor's heartache? It was none other than this nephew. Therefore, no matter what, he had to start with the Prince of Yongning. It might be a waste of resources, but it was the safest and most loyal approach. Whatever the Emperor feared, he would investigate. This way, the Emperor would be pleased.

He must investigate Zhao Yougong, and use every means possible. Whether the Prince of Yongning was feigning madness or had robbed the convoy was no longer important. What mattered was showing the Emperor his loyalty. The Emperor was wary of the Prince of Yongning but couldn't kill him, so Liang Shicheng had to find a reason for the Emperor.

The Emperor cared too much about his reputation. If he were to kill, it had to be done openly.

How should he proceed? After a moment of joy, Liang Shicheng couldn't smile anymore. He couldn't find a good reason. The Prince of Yongning was skilled in drinking, gambling, and womanizing, but none of these could be a reason for punishment.

"Mr. Gong, do you have any specific ideas on how to proceed?"

If there was one thing to say about Liang Shicheng, it was that he was sharp and arrogant, but he was also respectful to those who could truly help him and never stingy with his wealth. Especially for a strategist like Gong Shuang, he was worth more than a thousand pieces of gold.