There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 478 The Mastermind

Over the course of several months, the floral essential oils produced by the two major flower farms had accumulated to over three million taels of silver.

A small portion came from wealthy families in the capital, while the majority was taken by various merchant caravans.

Even Ruan Jingshang specially ordered a batch, specifying that it should be shipped to the most profitable Youmao City.

With the frequent comings and goings of caravans, the Happiness Inn became extremely popular, with its rooms fully booked every day and the lobby packed to capacity.

Looking at the daily revenue, Li Shuchen felt a surge of ambition and began to consider expanding the business and opening branch stores.

The initial location was chosen beside the official road leading from Youmao City to the capital, specifically to cater to traveling merchants.

this day

Ruan Jingshang, leading a caravan laden with essential oils, conducted a final inventory in the backyard of the Happiness Inn, preparing to depart for Youmao City.

Before leaving, he found Li Shuchen, who was busy calculating accounts behind the counter.

"Miss Li, business is booming!" Ruan Jingshang said with a smile.

"Thanks, thanks, Mr. Ruan will definitely make a fortune this time too," Li Shuchen said, looking up with a bright smile.

Ruan Jingshang hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Miss Li, when do you plan to hold your wedding with Brother Cheng?"

Li Shuchen paused in his calculations, raising an eyebrow at him: "Oh, when did Boss Ruan start caring about other people's marriages? Go ask Cheng Zhian."

“I asked him,” Ruan Jingshang said helplessly. “Brother Cheng said, ‘This matter is entirely up to Shu Chen to decide; whenever she says so, then it is so.’”

Li Shuchen's lips curled up slightly, secretly pleased, but he pretended to be puzzled.

"That's strange. What does the timing of my marriage with Cheng Zhian have to do with your schedule, Mr. Ruan?"

Ruan Jingshang rarely showed a hint of embarrassment; he touched his nose and lowered his voice even further.

"Well... to be honest, Princess Changning promised me that as long as... as long as you and Brother Cheng get married smoothly, she... she will agree to formally become engaged to me."

"puff--"

Li Shuchen almost burst out laughing, but quickly held it in and patted Ruan Jingshang on the shoulder.

"Mr. Ruan, you're quite good at finding 'catalysts' for pursuing your wife! Alright, you go and make your money first. As for this matter... I'll think about it again when I'm done with this busy period and in a better mood, and then I'll come back and talk to you!"

Ruan Jingshang knew he couldn't rush things, so he simply bowed and led his caravan away in a grand procession.

Just as Li Shuchen was busy counting money, expanding his shop, and occasionally pondering his marriage, Cheng Zhian and Liang Yuying's investigation made a breakthrough, yet also a chilling one.

Cheng Zhi'an, through a vast collection of old files in the Hanlin Academy, combined with the promotion and evaluation records of the prefect of Yunzhou over the years and the connections between his protégés and former officials, discovered an extremely hidden clue.

All the suspicious fund flows and personnel changes ultimately seemed to vaguely point to a high-ranking official of the Wenhua Hall with influence and protégés throughout the court.

This person's record of tribute and rewards from the early years of the Kingdom of Boyu has a subtle overlap in timing.

Meanwhile, Liang Yuying used military connections to extract a crucial testimony from an old servant of the prefect of Yunzhou who had long been dismissed but was unexpectedly found.

Once, a prefect, drunk, made a slip of the tongue, claiming that he had a "sky-high tree" supporting him, and even said, "Even that one in the palace..." He stopped abruptly, realizing his mistake.

Based on other information, Liang Yuying narrowed her focus to several top-ranking nobles who were qualified to participate in the cardinal council and could influence the palace.

The two of them, without prior arrangement, both thought of seeking Li Shuchen's advice.

Firstly, this place is safe and convenient; secondly, Li Shuchen is an insider and often has unexpected perspectives.

这日

Li Shuchen was in the Sanbao Hall, studying the map of the capital city and pondering the best location for a branch store, when Cheng Zhian and Liang Yuying arrived one after the other.

Cheng Zhian, with his gentle and refined manner, handed over a transcribed summary of the archives: "Shu Chen, I've made some discoveries and would like to ask for your consideration."

Liang Yuying, travel-worn, put down her sword and said succinctly, "I found something that might be related to 'The King'."

Li Shuchen glanced at the two women who appeared at the same time, especially at the subtle, almost imperceptible, aura between them temporarily suppressed by official business. His eyes darted around, and he deliberately drew out his voice.

"Oh, what brings you two busy people to my humble abode today? Please, have a seat. Grapes, bring tea, the best tea!"

Cheng Zhian and Liang Yuying sat down, with at least three people between them.

Cheng Zhi'an first recounted his findings in detail, pointing out the suspicions of the "high-ranking official of the Wenhua Hall".

After listening, Liang Yuying frowned and took out a simple relationship diagram from her bosom.

"My investigation revealed that the Prefect of Yunzhou had secretly received a 'distinguished guest' from the capital on several occasions. This person carried a token from the Prime Minister's residence, but acted in secrecy. The Prefect's old servant described the person's demeanor as being very similar to... an advisor to the Prime Minister."

"Prime Minister?!" Li Shuchen almost jumped up.

Cheng Zhi'an's eyes narrowed: "Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall and concurrently Minister of Personnel... is none other than the current Prime Minister, Meng Tianzi."

The Three Treasures Hall immediately fell silent.

The candlelight crackled, illuminating the solemn faces of the three people.

Liang Yuying looked at Cheng Zhian, her tone unusually carrying a hint of uncertainty as she sought confirmation.

"Cheng Xiuzhuan, the funds you uncovered ultimately flowed into several hidden properties, including... the 'Yufeng Pawnshop' in the west of the city and the 'Songtao Villa' in the southern suburbs?"

A sharp glint flashed in Cheng Zhian's eyes: "Indeed, General Liang also found out?"

"Both the hidden shares of Yufeng Pawnshop and the regular customer list of Songtao Villa have traces of connections to the Prime Minister's residence."

Liang Yuying said in a deep voice, "Moreover, the locations where goods were handed over mentioned in the secret letter from Boyu Kingdom were also near the villa."

The two exchanged a knowing glance, and the subtle tension from before temporarily dissipated in the face of the more important truth.

Li Shuchen looked at this, then at that, and slammed his hand on the table.

"Good heavens! Your 'matching' has produced a prime minister?! Your Majesty... Meng Tianzi... you've got some nerve!"

Cheng Zhian looked stern.

"Currently, these are still indirect leads, lacking conclusive evidence. The Prime Minister's protégés and associates are widespread throughout the court and the country, with deep-rooted influence. Moving one of them could have far-reaching consequences. Unless we are absolutely certain, we cannot touch him."

Liang Yuying nodded: "We need more conclusive evidence, preferably proof of his direct dealings with Bo Yuguo or Yifeng regarding the embezzled funds."

Li Shuchen stroked his chin, his eyes starting to dart around again.

"In other words, we need to find a way to sneak into this 'King's' hole and get something substantial out of him?"

Cheng Zhian and Liang Yuying both looked at her at the same time, their eyes filled with a familiar wariness.

"Shu Chen, this matter is of utmost importance, you must not..."

"I know, I know!"

Li Shuchen interrupted them and chuckled.

"I was just saying. This kind of highly technical work definitely needs the two of you, with your combined literary and martial talents, to continue digging deeper! As for me, I'll be responsible for providing you with financial support, intelligence relay, and... well, providing a few brilliant ideas when necessary."