Chapter 24: Volume 1 Chapter 24 The Hidden Mastermind

People with culture and depth speak differently; recalling what the Crown Prince said earlier—he wants to face strong opponents head‑on and also wield distinctive weapons—it seems the Crown Prince has some plan. Yet their relationship is only the first stage of mutual testing, and Rong Luoge doesn't want to risk her life probing the Crown Prince's intentions.

Close‑combat weapons are abundant when the two armies clash; although this era now has gunpowder, it is mostly used for alchemy and for setting off fireworks during festivals to drive away the year‑beast.

Proper fire‑type weapons have yet to be developed, which is the greatest benefit she enjoys from having traveled from the information‑exploding modern age.

The first thing Rong Luoge thinks of is a rocket, forged from refined copper, a three‑foot barrel, a fire‑launching arrow that moves like a fire snake, with an effective range of three to four hundred steps, capable of striking several foes, easy to carry, and sufficiently intimidating.

Finding this useful, Rong Luoge entered the study and began drafting blueprints, recording data and the various materials for the creation, and she was busy until midnight.

Since this is a basic version, she finished it by midnight, stored it in a hidden compartment, and stepped out, smelling a strong aroma of rice.

I'm hungry.

Rong Luoge went out to eat, and Cang Yun hurried forward to serve, ladling soup and arranging dishes, then, with a hint of concern, said, "Miss, you mustn't stay up like this; it's bad for your health. Do things in the day and rest properly at night."

Rong Luoge smiled and nodded, "Alright, have you eaten yet?"

Cang Yun nodded, "I've already used it long ago, miss, eat quickly, then rest right away."

Rong Luoge, starving, felt the hunger in her belly but couldn't eat greedily, as that would be bad for her health. She looked at Cang Yun and asked, "How are things on Rong Dai's side?"

Talking about it revived Cang Yun's spirit. "I haven't had time to investigate personally, so I specifically asked the Jing Protective Institute for help. They reported back that the eldest young master of Guo Gong Fu had a horse‑scare accident and was injured; they say his leg is broken, and even if healed, it may leave lasting ailments."

Rong Luoge was startled, "I didn't expect that. How could a perfectly fine horse be startled?"

She always felt this incident couldn't be unrelated to Rong Dai; otherwise it's too coincidental that just as Rong Dai was about to claim her lineage, Rong Yan broke his leg. As the legitimate eldest son of Guo Gong Fu, becoming a cripple would naturally disqualify him from inheriting the Heir Apparent's title.

Rong Yu is still young; at a time like this, Rong Dai's brother Rong Lang has a chance to rise. If Protector Duke acknowledges Rong Lang, Rong Dai can then claim her lineage.

"I don't know the details, only that someone arranged for the eldest young master to go horse‑racing, and then the accident happened," Cang Yun said, frowning slightly at his lady, and added, "Miss, don't worry; the Jing Protective Institute has already investigated."

Rong Luoge let out a light laugh, looked at Cang Yun and said, "What is there for me to worry about? It's just dog‑eating‑dog; we can just watch the spectacle."

Cang Yun quickly nodded, "It's truly right that you didn't return. Earlier I thought that if you went back to Guo Gong Fu, at least the Guo lord could offer some protection. Now I see it's fortunate you didn't go back."

Rong Luoge looked at Cang Yun, "Not returning makes our days easier. You alone can't handle everything in the inner courtyard; tomorrow, call the tooth lady to hire a few maids to assist you."

Cang Yun originally thought it unnecessary, but then realized that while she's busy with other matters, no one would be attending to the lady. If a few maids were hired, she could stay near the lady, so she agreed.

"I'll go to the tooth shop tomorrow."

Rong Luoge poured another bowl of dried bamboo shoot and old duck soup, sipping it slowly, and, watching Cang Yun's smiling face, reminded, "The newcomers must be taught proper rules first; don't let them easily enter my rooms, especially the study."

"Yes, I'll remember, miss; rest assured," Cang Yun replied promptly.

After finishing her meal, Rong Luoge draped a goose‑yellow silk cloak and strolled in the courtyard to aid digestion, contemplating future matters. In the short term, relying on the Crown Prince's control over the Protector Duke's estate is feasible, but she doesn't intend to stay entangled with the Crown Prince long‑term; she must carefully consider how her path will unfold.

She prefers to forge a false household registration, leave the capital, and live a carefree life elsewhere; achieving this flawlessly still requires the Crown Prince's assistance.

However, their current interactions are still too superficial; her influence isn't yet enough for the Crown Prince to undertake such a task.

Rong Luoge sighed lightly; living in the past is overly troublesome, but one must eat each bite of food and walk each step of the road without haste.

After a sound sleep, she rose early the next day to find Jing Chu waiting outside.

After freshening up, Rong Luoge went out to meet him and laughed, "Do you have any leads on Rong Yan's horse‑scare incident?"

Jing Chu stepped forward to pay his respects, then laughed, "Miss, you're truly sharp; you guessed it right away."

Rong Luoge, not being pretentious, invited Jing Chu to sit before asking, "What exactly happened?"

"The one who invited the young master Rong to the horse race was a former schoolmate from the academy, the Grand Minister of Rites Lin Juezhi's son Lin Gao Xuan. However, I have examined the matter closely; Lin Gao Xuan suggested the race because someone was urging him from behind. Who exactly is still under investigation," Jing Chu replied.

"Lin Gao Xuan?" Rong Luoge found the name somewhat familiar; after thinking, she recalled that this person also served under Rong Dai and harbored some affection for her. "He probably has some connection with Rong Dai. Investigate whether they have had recent contact, and preferably obtain evidence that Rong Dai colluded with others to secretly harm Rong Yan."

As long as she has evidence, Rong Luoge won't fear Rong Dai brazenly causing her trouble again, and if the timing is right she can pass the information to Chu Ke, letting the two tear at each other.

"I will do my utmost to investigate," Jing Chu said solemnly.

Rong Luoge nodded, having finished that matter, and looked at Jing Chu, asking, "How is the recruitment of the protective institute progressing?"

"It's nearly complete; most recruits came from the escort bureau and are similar to my own situation," Jing Chu said. "If the miss objects, I can recruit another batch, though it will take longer."

Rong Luoge didn't mind, waved her hand and said, "They just can't escort caravans over long distances; serving as a protective institute is more than sufficient, that's enough."

Jing Chu breathed a sigh of relief in secret; because they can't escort caravans, some brothers have lost their place in the escort bureau, yet each must support a family, and finding work is difficult. This opportunity to help his brothers lifts them, and Jing Chu is deeply grateful to Rong Luoge.

Thinking of this, Jing Chu clenched his teeth and then said, "I have another matter I wish to report to the miss."

Rong Luoge, hearing this, looked at Jing Chu's solemn expression; he is usually jovial, but now serious, so she knew there must be something big.