After Kang Zhibo left with the officials from the Ministry of Rites, the deputy envoy looked toward Cao Mo.
"Secretary Cao, where is our Prince's room?"
For hundreds of years, the Dongzhao Kingdom and the Shuobei Kingdom had clashed in battle so many times that one could not count them all on their fingers and toes.
Gong Linjue looked as though he might murder someone at any given moment. Hosting the Shuobei diplomatic mission for the first time, Cao Mo naturally felt a bit apprehensive.
He extended an arm to lead the way. "This way, Your Highness. The room arranged for you is the largest and most magnificent in the State Guest House."
"Cotton roses are planted right outside the window. They are currently in full bloom, offering a delightful view the moment you open the window."
His words hung in the air for a long time without a response; there was not even a flicker of a reaction in their eyes.
Cao Mo licked his lips, feeling a trace of awkwardness, unsure if he should continue speaking.
Stepping into the courtyard, the cotton roses were in full bloom, with clusters of pink flowers hanging heavily on the branches, filling the air with a faint, elegant fragrance.
Pushing open the door and taking a brief look around, Gong Linjue said to Cao Mo, "I wish to rest. You may take your leave, Lord Cao. I will attend the evening banquet on my own later."
Cao Mo bowed his head and cupped his hands. "I shall take my leave."
As the door closed, Gong Linjue ordered his deputy envoy, "Go and find out who the woman standing with Chu Liuyun today is, and what their relationship is."
The deputy envoy's eyes suddenly sharpened. He nodded in compliance.
"I will investigate at once."
An hour later, the deputy envoy knocked on the door.
"To answer Your Highness, that woman is named Song Jinzhao. Three years ago, Helan Xiao, the commandant of the military office, and the spies we planted in Xining City were all defeated by her hands."
"Song Jinzhao is now the Princess of Linghui, personally titled by the Emperor of Dongzhao. I heard she has exquisite medical skills and is known as a divine doctor in the capital. She is the one who brought the Duke of Zhenguo back from the brink of death."
"As for her relationship with Chu Liuyun, it is merely that of a life-saving grace; there is nothing else between them."
Gong Linjue stood up and walked to the window. The pink cotton roses suddenly looked like an eyesore to him.
"So it is her. To become a titled princess so quickly, this Song Jinzhao is indeed capable."
The deputy envoy lowered his voice, "I heard Song Jinzhao was granted the title because she presented a type of crop called the potato at the Emperor of Dongzhao's fiftieth birthday banquet."
Gong Linjue turned around and asked, "What is so special about this potato?"
The deputy envoy replied, "The commoners in the capital say this potato yields an extremely high harvest, capable of producing thousands of pounds per acre. Furthermore, it has very low soil requirements and can survive anywhere it is planted."
Gong Linjue's expression changed abruptly, revealing a trace of surprise.
"Is this true?"
The deputy envoy nodded. "Absolutely true. All the commoners in the capital are talking about it."
Gong Linjue's thoughts temporarily shifted from Chu Liuyun to the potatoes.
"If such a divine crop exists, why have I never heard of it in the Shuobei Kingdom? I haven't seen it in any restaurants or inns along our journey either."
The deputy envoy explained, "The number of potatoes Song Jinzhao presented was not large, and the seeds were not enough to distribute to the commoners of Dongzhao for planting, so it hasn't become widespread yet."
Gong Linjue pressed on, "Then where can this thing be found now?"
How could such a divine object be enjoyed solely by Dongzhao? He had to bring it back.
"They are all at the Court of Agricultural Affairs. Judging by the time, the quantity should already be quite abundant. I heard that by next spring, the people of Dongzhao will be able to purchase potato seeds with money."
Gong Linjue chuckled softly. Clasping his hands behind his back, he murmured, "This trip has truly not been in vain."
After leaving the State Guest House, Minister of Rites Kang Zhibo headed straight for Prince Ying's manor, reporting Gong Linjue's every word and action to Xiao Rongyan.
"Your Highness, Gong Linjue is by no means a kind soul. You must be careful at the evening banquet tonight."
Xiao Rongyan waved his hand dismissively.
"No matter how formidable he is, he is currently on our Dongzhao soil. Imperial Father has stationed so many Imperial Guards at the State Guest House; why would I fear his mere two dozen men?"
A surge of helplessness welled up in Kang Zhibo's heart as he said, "That is not what I meant. As an envoy, Gong Linjue certainly wouldn't clash with Your Highness at this time."
"It is just that this man is deeply scheming and covets Dongzhao. Your Highness must keep your lips sealed in his presence."
"Especially regarding the matter in the southwest. If he asks about it, you must downplay it."
Hearing this, Xiao Rongyan lifted his eyelids and cast a cold glance at Kang Zhibo.
"I do not need you to teach me how to do things, Minister Kang. Since my return to the capital, you have rarely stepped through the doors of my Prince Ying's manor."
"What, now that Imperial Father has other princes, you no longer take me seriously?"
Kang Zhibo hurriedly knelt down, feeling a bit panicked inside.
"I am truly wronged. Your Highness must have also seen the Emperor's intentions. It is not that I do not wish to associate more with Your Highness, but I truly dare not offend the imperial majesty. The Minister of War is a prime example."
"Although I have outwardly reduced my interactions with Your Highness, my heart is still with you. In the future, if Your Highness ever needs me, I will certainly not hesitate to die ten thousand deaths for you."
Xiao Rongyan waved his hand with a cold attitude.
"I certainly hope that is what Lord Kang is thinking."
After leaving Prince Ying's manor and getting into his sedan chair, Kang Zhibo sighed. He was not only physically exhausted but mentally drained as well.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Prince Qi and Prince Ying no longer enjoyed the Emperor's favor as they once did.
With so many princes in the palace, who would ascend the throne in the future had become a total mystery.
He naturally could no longer openly side with Prince Ying, but he did not want to offend him either.
Kang Zhibo leaned his head back against the sedan carriage and closed his eyes to rest.
As things stood, he could only maneuver and stall, hoping that Prince Ying would not need him in the future, so he would be spared the trouble.
