Chapter 243: Seizing the Opportunity to Send Out of the Palace

"Respectfully escort the Empress Dowager," Wan Tang lowered her head to bow, her posture deferential yet unable to hide the straightness of her back.

When the Empress Dowager's escort faded into the distance, Wan Tang glanced sideways at Xiao Luzi.

The young eunuch stared at the direction the Empress Dowager left, his gaze fierce; surely every word and sentence had just been transmitted unchanged into Chu Yunzheng's ears.

She lightly brushed the scar on her neck, a faint, ambiguous bitter smile flickering at the corner of her mouth.

Surveillance aside.

Without such "concern," how could today's safety have been secured?

The Empress Dowager's imperial carriage had just turned the palace wall, and Wan Tang's composure instantly turned to urgency.

She steadied Xiao Luzi's bleeding hand, her voice resolute beyond doubt, "He must be taken to the Imperial Medical Institute for treatment."

Xiao Luzi still tried to refuse, "This minor wound of a servant is no trouble."

"I said I will not let those around me get injured without cause," Wan Tang cut him off, turned and ordered the palace staff, "Send him to the Imperial Medical Institute immediately, say it's my wish."

Xiao Luzi looked up at Wan Tang, his eyes shining with a bright gleam.

With a trembling voice he said, "This servant, for the first time, feels cared for."

Wan Tang gave a bitter smile.

She said softly, "Go!"

As Xiao Luzi was helped away, Wan Tang immediately turned and hurried toward Li Ping'er's residence.

The courtyard was silent, with only Xiao Shunzi and Li Ping'er in the room.

"Sister?" Li Ping'er began, but Wan Tang raised her hand to stop her.

"Time is urgent," Wan Tang said at a rapid pace, "Xiao Shunzi, quickly."

Xiao Shunzi understood and swiftly retrieved a stack of Account Books from a hidden compartment.

Li Ping'er only then reacted, hurriedly standing to look out the door for wind.

"Master," Xiao Shunzi lowered his voice, "as per your order, we added night‑time barbecues, beer buy‑one‑get‑one, and business is booming."

"As for Fried Chicken and Milk Tea, although many shops imitate them, none capture the essence."

Wan Tang quickly skimmed the accounts, a slight lift at her mouth, "No problem, let them copy. What we seek is the long term."

Footsteps sounded outside the window, and Xiao Shunzi immediately returned the Account Books to the hidden compartment.

Wan Tang had regained her composed demeanor, as if she were merely visiting to see to a patient.

【Hahaha, no one can imitate it. They have no idea about the technology or ruthless tactics.】

【It's not just that; the point is, their oil is so precious! There's no rapeseed oil at all; the royal aristocracy uses animal fats, the best being sesame oil. Animal oil certainly can't be pressed for oil, can fragrant oil be used like that? As for the cheapest hemp oil, it really has flavor, but it's terrible.】

【Haha, still Tangtang is clever, got it in one go. Fully mastered the Palm Oil technique.】

【No one can match us, who can search intelligently.】

Wan Tang listened to the voice in her mind, her smile deepening.

When Xiao Shunzi whispered, "Now the Master's silver can sustain the Northern Border army's rations for three months," the tea cup in Li Ping'er's hand fell, and she staggered, collapsing onto the embroidered stool.

"Ping'er!" Wan Tang hurriedly steadied her, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Li Ping'er clutched Wan Tang's hand, her fingertips icy, "Sister… this, this is…"

Li Ping'er was naturally incredulous.

After all, such a thing is not something a single woman could accomplish.

Not even the Emperor…

Her market‑struggling master, when did he become so powerful?

Xiao Shunzi, smugly lowering his voice, "Where does this lead?"

"The Master's salt routes in Jiangnan and the horse guilds beyond the frontier haven't even been counted yet."

Tears suddenly welled up, and Li Ping'er buried her face in Wan Tang's palm, "Sister, finally… finally you truly believe in me."

Wan Tang gently wiped her tears, "I said we will keep getting better."

"If one day we can leave this cage…"

"Hmm!" Li Ping'er nodded heavily, turning tears into laughter.

Wan Tang turned to Xiao Shunzi, "Effective today, all enterprises are merged into 'Jinxiu Hall'."

"Tell Qi Qi, have him establish 'Ci'an Charitable Hall' under the title of Hall Master."

Seeing Xiao Shunzi's puzzled expression, she patiently explained, "Each month allocate thirty percent of Jinxiu Hall's revenue to purchase winter clothes, medicinal herbs, and grain, and under the name of Ci'an Charitable Hall send them directly to the Northern Border, hand them personally to General Xu."

Xiao Shunzi's eyes lit up, "This… this is more than the military supplies allocated by the Ministry of War!"

"Let him fight with peace of mind," Wan Tang's gaze was resolute, "We will be his strongest backing."

"There's another matter," Xiao Shunzi added, "General Huang Hu has been lingering at Yunlai Tavern for days, saying he wants to meet the proprietor, claiming he can't understand something and hopes the proprietor can clarify."

Wan Tang smiled lightly, "Three days later at the hour of the Rooster, have him wait in the tavern's private room. I will disguise myself as the traveling shopkeeper to meet him."

She lightly tapped the table with her fingertip, "Remember to set up a chessboard in the private room."

When Xiao Luzi arrived, the Side Hall was already a scene of tranquility.

Xiao Shunzi stood quietly beside, pouring tea for the chess match between Wan Tang and Li Ping'er.

Black and white pieces lay scattered on the board, as if the game had been going on for a while.

"Finally found the lady," Xiao Luzi let out a long sigh, a thin sheen of sweat on his brow, "I guess you're probably at Yuan Bin's side."

He quickly turned to Li Ping'er, bowing and asking with concern, "Is Yuan Bin's health now stable?"

Li Ping'er's hand holding the pieces paused slightly, a faint smile, "Your concern is appreciated, she's much better now."

"How could I claim credit," Xiao Luzi said with a courteous smile, "it's because the Virtuous Consort constantly keeps you in mind."

He turned to Wan Tang, "The Emperor just sent a message, saying that at dinner we should invite General Su to sample the lady's cooking, and make sure General Su is truly amazed."

Wan Tang, composed, placed a piece, her brows and eyes smiling, "If that's the case, I'll go prepare it now."

She lightly patted Li Ping'er's hand back, "This game, continue tomorrow."

Walking into the courtyard, Yín xìng leaves were rustling down.

Wan Tang stopped, looked up, letting a golden leaf sweep past her temple.

Xiao Luzi whispered urging, "Mother?"

She withdrew her gaze, a perfectly timed anticipation at the corner of her lips, "Go to the little kitchen."

The main hall of Changle Palace was brightly lit, and the evening meal was ready.

Su Guiren, upon seeing Su Yanci, immediately had red eyes, and, like in childhood, grabbed his sleeve: "Brother…"

Chu Yunzheng sat in the main seat, smiling as he watched the scene.

Wan Tang's hand, which was arranging the dishes, paused briefly, then, as if nothing, pinched the Jadeite Shrimp onto the Emperor's plate.

"Brother's back, why don't you quickly bring out my Peach Blossom Brew?" Su Yanci laughed, rubbing his sister's crown.

Su Guiren stammered, twisting her handkerchief, not daring to look up.

Wan Tang timely defused the situation: "Sister Su had prepared it early; she kept saying she would reserve it for brother in early spring."

Chu Yunzheng also laughed: "This girl always thinks of you the most."

Seeing Xiao Luzi go to fetch wine, Su Guiren hurriedly stood up.

A hint of panic already in her eyes: "I'll get it!"

【What are you taking? There's only damn Peach Blossom Brew.】

【Indeed, to please the Emperor, Su Guiren has already taken out the last bottle of Peach Blossom Brew.】

【Unfortunately that night, the Emperor was indeed attracted by the Peach Blossom Brew. However, Li Ping'er suddenly committed suicide, leaving her empty‑handed.】

【She even wasted a bottle of Peach Blossom Brew.】

Wan Tang listened, slightly frowning.

She hurried away, and when she returned she tightly embraced a wine jar,

She poured only a full cup for Su Yanci, and, willfully said, "This is especially for brother."

Su Yanci guarded the wine jar, beaming with pride: "This was brewed by my sister herself, the first batch of Peach Blossom in early spring."

He showed off to the Emperor: "Your Majesty wants to drink, why don't you find a sister to brew it!"

【What a drink? No shame.】

【Yeah, they even poured some random wine into a bottle that had held Peach Blossom Brew.】

【The most disgusting part is that there's only a tiny bit left from what they drank.】

Wan Tang looked into Su Guiren's eyes, seeing more disgust.

Su Yanci loved her so much, how could she bear it?

If she had such a brother, Wan Tang would certainly present the best of everything before him.

Amid everyone's smiles, Su Yanci tipped his head and drank it all.

The wine entered his throat, and his complexion changed slightly.

"How about trying the fine wine of my palace?" Wan Tang promptly defused.

Su Yanci, however, affectionately pinched his sister's nose: "When the peach blossoms bloom next year, leave an extra batch for brother, okay?"

Su Guiren's tears suddenly slipped down.

Su Yanci clutched the wine jar, his voice gentle: "But this year, brother must drink it all, not a drop left."

Su Yanci took in his sister's grievance with his eyes, yet calmly poured another cup of wine.

Su Guiren, seeing her brother like that, her nose tinged even more sour, couldn't help glowering fiercely at Wan Tang.

Wan Tang received that resentful gaze, her brows slightly furrowed, but ultimately said nothing.

She silently placed a chopstickful of the Emperor's favorite Steamed Seasonal Fish for him.

Chu Yunzheng was evidently in a good mood, and drank several more cups.

Now showing signs of drunkenness, he propped his forehead with his hand, his gaze slightly hazy.

Xiao Dongzi, seeing this, hurried forward and softly asked, "Your Majesty, would you like to rest for a moment?"

"Hmm." Chu Yunzheng replied vaguely, and Xiao Dongzi helped him stand up.

Su Guiren's eyes brightened, and she immediately rushed forward, pushing aside the palace staff who had intended to help.

She said gently, "Your Majesty, I will support you."

She carefully steadied the Emperor's other arm, almost half‑embracing him.

She guided the Emperor toward the Sleeping Hall, and before leaving, she didn't forget to turn back and give Wan Tang a subtly smug glance.

In an instant, the noisy hall was left with only Wan Tang and Su Yanci, the air seemingly solidified, with only the candlefire crackling.

The hall fell silent for a moment, only the candlelight flickering.

Wan Tang lifted the wine jug, refilled Su Yanci, and also poured herself a cup.

The two drank opposite each other; the wine entered their throats, yet both tasted a hint of bitterness not belonging to the Peach Blossom Brew.

"She is in this palace…" Su Yanci set down his cup, his expression unusually solemn, "How exactly has she been living?"

Wan Tang's fingertips brushed the rim of the cup, her gaze fixed on the flickering candle.

She whispered, "A maiden's feelings are always poetic. She carries the Emperor in her heart."

Su Yanci let out a faint, cold snort from his nose, clearly disapproving.

"If she persists," Wan Tang raised her eyes to look at him, tone calm, "With the Su family's current influence and your recent military merits, helping her attain a consort rank is not difficult."

"I don't care about the Su family's influence, and I certainly don't want her to use this method to obtain any consort rank!" Su Yanci

His tone suddenly turned cold and rigid, his eyes showing undisguised disgust and rejection.

"I only wish her peace and happiness, a lifetime of stability."

She is still young, dazzled by the palace's splendor, not knowing what truly matters; someday she will understand.

Wan Tang looked at the genuine worry and helplessness in his eyes, fell silent for a moment, then finally nodded slowly and drained the remaining wine in the cup.

The unfinished words dissolved into this silent assent.

"If you truly do not wish her to be trapped in this four‑cornered world," Wan Tang's voice grew softer, "this military merit is a perfect chance to ask the Emperor for a favor."

"She has not yet received favor; leaving the palace now is still timely…"

Before the words finished, the pearl curtains were suddenly flung open.

Su Guiren left and returned, standing in the doorway, eyes sharp as knives: "What are you discussing?"

Wan Tang lifted her gaze, expression neutral: "Why is Su Guiren not attending the Emperor?"

"Heh," Su Guiren sneered with a smile, "the Emperor, even while drunk, keeps chanting Virtuous Consort, how could Subject dare to disturb?"

"Virtuous Consort truly has clever means, did you pour the soul‑confusing soup?"

Wan Tang stood, adjusted her sleeves: "Since the Emperor needs me, I shall go attend."

She looked at Su Yanci, and in their exchanged glances there was an unspoken understanding.

Su Yanci's expression was complex; finally she clasped her hands, her tone heavy: "I am indebted to Virtuous Consort for the trouble."

PS: I've been swamped lately and just saw the babies' comments. Love you all. Thanks to Baizi for the reminder talisman, keep adding more and more.