Seeing the teapot knocked over, the waiter serving on the second floor quickly grabbed two dry rags and rushed over.
He handed a clean rag to Huo Chong. Please wipe it quickly, sir. It is cold when your clothes get wet in winter.
Without any hesitation or disgust, Huo Chong wrapped the rag around his clothes to wring out the water, his mind racing frantically for an answer to Song Jinzhao's question.
After bowing and nodding to Song Jinzhao, the waiter swiftly picked up the dishes and began wiping the table.
The waiter carrying the hot pot broth upstairs saw Huo Chong standing by Song Jinzhao's table, a flash of confusion in his eyes.
Did he know the County Princess? Were they going to share a table?
He stopped in the aisle next to Huo Chong and asked in a low voice, Sir, should I still serve this broth?
The appearance of the waiter carrying the pot was like a timely rain for Huo Chong, and he nodded hastily.
Serve it, serve it! I am starving, please bring the food quickly.
After saying that, he smiled and said to Song Jinzhao, County Princess, I will go back to my seat first. Whenever you visit the Southwest, I will definitely host you well.
After returning to his table, Huo Chong did not even look across; he moved the long bench and sat with his back facing Song Jinzhao.
Seeing guilt written all over him, Song Jinzhao knew she had guessed right.
One was a former subordinate of the Wu family army, and the other was the son of a soldier from the Wu family army. With this connection, it was easy for them to join forces.
Judging by Huo Chong's reaction, they must have already made contact.
Zeng Qing worked for the Yang Clan, and Huo Chong worked for the Mu Clan, but it was unknown which of them was the one whose heart belonged elsewhere.
Sitting on the stool, Huo Chong felt like he had thorns in his back. No matter how delicious the hot pot was, he had no appetite.
He hastily dumped all the dishes into the clear broth pot, inhaled the tasteless food like a tornado, paid the bill, and left.
Looking down at Huo Chong's retreating figure as he ran off, Song Jinzhao curled her lips in amusement.
According to the original plan, we can send our people to the Southwest and Shuobei.
Qingshuang bowed and nodded slightly. Yes, this servant understands.
Meanwhile, in the Prince Ying's Manor, Xiao Rongyan held a small slip of paper in his hand and threw his head back, laughing heartily.
The person who stole the potatoes from the imperial estate is actually Xiao Rongche! He even plans to give the potatoes to the Shuobei Kingdom. If Imperial Father and the court officials find out, his merits in the Southwest will be completely ruined.
His subordinate gloated, Your Highness, before the potatoes are delivered to Gong Linjue, do you want to go and tell the Emperor right now?
Xiao Rongyan pondered for a moment, then raised his hand and shook his head.
Inappropriate. Xiao Rongche made a deal with Gong Linjue to cure his eyes. If Imperial Father finds out now, he might feel sorry for him and cover the matter up. It is best to wait until the potatoes fall into Gong Linjue's hands before exposing it. By then, even if Imperial Father wants to protect him, the court officials will not agree.
The subordinate was a bit worried. But what if the imperial physician sent by the Shuobei Kingdom really cures Prince Qi's eyes?
A cold smile appeared on Xiao Rongyan's lips, and he lightly drew his hand across his neck.
Once the person arrives at Prince Qi's Manor, we will have our people kill him. Xiao Rongche's eyes must never recover.
The subordinate's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously. This subordinate understands. I will go and send the message immediately.
After the Sang and Gou families were all beheaded, the Emperor did not let Fan Guanshan continue tracking the whereabouts of the potatoes. Instead, he ordered the local government offices to strictly inspect passing vehicles.
Especially at the borders, the imperial decree had already been sent to the Jinglei Army.
The people sent by the Ministry of War to track the diplomatic mission sent back news. After reading the letter, Wu Jianzheng went to the Imperial Study with a bitter expression.
He knelt down and said, Reporting to Your Majesty, the spies sent to track the Shuobei Kingdom's diplomatic mission sent a letter saying they found no trace of the potatoes. Gong Linjue and his group have been rushing all the way, and they will reach the border in twenty days.
Xiao Chengjing felt a fire pressing on his chest and his head throbbed.
Is there any news from the Southwest?
Wu Jianzheng shook his head. We have not yet received any memorials from the General of Xuanwei or the Provincial Administration Commissioner of the Southwest.
Xiao Chengjing closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling that nothing was going smoothly.
You may step down. Keep following them until the Shuobei Kingdom's diplomatic mission leaves the Dongzhao Kingdom.
Wu Jianzheng continued, Your Majesty, seeing that the imperial court is reluctant to dispatch troops, Huo Chong submitted a document to the Ministry of War yesterday requesting to leave the capital. Should we let him go?
Xiao Chengjing frowned in annoyance. Pacify him with a few words and tell him to scram. He just opens his mouth and expects me to send troops without offering anything in return. Not even a ghost would make such a losing deal.
Tell him to go back and inform Mu Ji'an to stop dreaming about the Binzhou salt fields. The remaining half belongs to the imperial court.
Wu Jianzheng kowtowed and took his leave. This humble subject obeys the decree.
After leaving the palace, Wu Jianzheng sent someone to relay the Emperor's words to Huo Chong.
Upon hearing this, Huo Chong pretended to be disappointed and lowered his head, then returned to his room and closed the door.
Just when Wu Jianzheng thought he would come to beg and struggle a bit more for the Mu Clan, Huo Chong took his people and left early the next morning.
He ran even faster than Gong Linjue, as if someone were chasing him to kill him.
