A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1181: Laying a Trap

If anyone discovered that my own husband could actually frighten me, I would be the one utterly ashamed.

After taking several sips of tea to compose myself, I finally began to feel much better.

Xia Ruqing couldn't help but inquire.

"Your Majesty, what were you contemplating just now?"

Zhao Junyao paused for a moment before revealing his thoughts to her.

Although Xia Ruqing possessed limited knowledge of economic matters.

She was aware that a place engaging in such exploitative financial practices was bound to face severe repercussions eventually.

The minor players in Jinling City would undoubtedly be consumed.

The most influential figures would experience rapid enrichment.

By then, a vast fortune would be concentrated in the hands of a select few.

Not to mention the clandestine alliances and corrupt dealings between officials and merchants.

Based on her current understanding.

The only scenario that came to mind, necessitating such an immense sum of silver, was a rebellion.

"So... are there individuals plotting to revolt?!"

Zhao Junyao's gaze turned sharp.

"Your observation and mine align perfectly!"

If even Qingqing, with her limited reading, could grasp this, how could he remain ignorant?

Clenching his fists, Zhao Junyao turned and stood by the window, his hands clasped behind his back.

A deep frown creased his brow.

His mind raced, meticulously re-examining the intricate web of relationships among the court officials.

Carefully considering which individuals within the government were most likely to instigate a rebellion.

It was at this moment that Xia Ruqing interjected.

"In my opinion, you should confront those major players directly!"

"While this may tip them off, the common people are already suffering immensely, and we cannot afford further delays!"

Zhao Junyao turned to face her, his attention fully captured.

"What course of action do you propose?"

Xia Ruqing narrowed her almond-shaped eyes.

"Let us apprehend them and subject them to rigorous interrogation!"

"We must ascertain the whereabouts of all the illicitly gained silver!"

"If they refuse to cooperate, continue the beatings!"

Zhao Junyao was utterly perplexed by her line of reasoning, a strange mix of amusement and exasperation washing over him.

"Qingqing, that approach..."

He was about to voice his objections, intending to explain that arrests could not be made without concrete evidence.

However, a sudden thought occurred to him: perhaps she was indeed correct.

In this critical juncture, what was the real value of adhering strictly to procedural evidence?

Furthermore, that faction had secretly amassed immense wealth and engaged in numerous nefarious deeds.

They had inflicted such profound suffering upon the populace; they deserved a harsh reckoning.

Upon further reflection, the idea began to seem sound.

He nodded decisively.

"Your suggestion has merit! However, it lacks a crucial element of thoroughness!"

"We require at least a plausible pretext to justify their apprehension!"

Xia Ruqing wholeheartedly concurred.

"My Lord, it is remarkably simple to fabricate a pretext when 'anyone wishing to condemn a person can easily find a reason' exists!"

With that statement, she offered a sly smile, her eyes shimmering with shrewd intelligence.

Zhao Junyao found that particular expression strikingly familiar.

It seemed... akin to his own reflection?

He touched his nose, deciding it was best to refrain from further comment.

...

The following day.

Zhao Junyao personally drafted a secret edict for the Imperial Censor Zhou, who stood beside him, officially appointing him as an imperial envoy sanctioned by the court.

Subsequently, Imperial Censor Zhou, acting in his capacity as the court's representative.

Extended an invitation to the patriarchs of Jiangnan's three most prominent families—Master Lian Long, Old Master Song, and Old Master Rong—to a banquet at the most opulent establishment in Jinling City.

These three seasoned strategists were remarkably adept at navigating complex situations.

Despite never having encountered the individual known as Master Zhou Yu, they promptly accepted the summons.

Upon their meeting, they greeted him with effusive warmth, addressing him as Master Zhou this and Master Zhou that, as if they were long-lost companions.

After all, some had recently been elevated to positions of prominence by the Emperor.

It was imperative to maintain alignment with the Emperor's directives and adapt to the evolving circumstances.

If nothing else, the mere fact of his invitation, bearing the official seal of the court, warranted the utmost respect and endeavor to gain his favor.

The extravagant private chamber reserved for the occasion was Sky Room No. 1, situated on the uppermost floor of the establishment.

The intricately carved windows, the magnificent nanmu wood wine table, a lavish spread of exquisite and costly delicacies, accompanied by a troupe of female vocalists and dancers performing with enchanting grace.

All these elements unequivocally signaled the imperial envoy's considerable generosity and extravagant tastes.

Furthermore, Zhou Yu presented himself as genuinely amiable, engaging them in spirited drinking and feasting, indulging in revelry.

Before long, he appeared intoxicated, playfully interacting with women on either side, exhibiting the demeanor of a carefree libertine.

Observing this display.

The three elder statesmen exchanged knowing glances, their expressions conveying unspoken understanding.

"Such extravagance? Exceeding even our own enjoyments, could he be a dilettante from a distinguished family in the Capital?"

"A kindred spirit, indeed!"

"I concur; judging by his dissolute appearance, he must be easily manipulated!"

"Precisely! Let us cultivate a close relationship with him; perhaps we can even leverage his influence!"

With their minds made up, they initiated another round of insistent drinking towards him.

They offered flattery and showered him with compliments while urging Zhou Yu to consume more wine.

As Zhou Yu found himself in a state of drunken bewilderment.

Every aspect of Zhou Yu’s alleged background was meticulously scrutinized.

In truth, it was all a meticulously fabricated history, courtesy of Imperial Censor Zhou.

"My father serves as an Imperial Guards Commander, holding the Emperor's trust!"

"My father mentioned that upon earning military achievements, he would undoubtedly be bestowed a noble title!"

"At that juncture, I shall ascend to the status of a venerable Master Prince!"

Old Master Song appeared somewhat perplexed.

"Are the commanders stationed by the Emperor's side not typically surnamed Xu or Xia? I have no recollection of anyone named Zhou.—"

Imperial Censor Zhou, momentarily taken aback, interjected swiftly.

"Utter nonsense!"

"Is a Deputy Commander not also considered a Commander?"

The trio suddenly understood, exclaiming, "Indeed, that interpretation is also valid!"

How could someone so close to the Emperor be so easily unearthed by their inquiries? They had a faint recollection of a Zhou surname among the court officials.

Furthermore, Zhou Yu's complete and utter embodiment of a dandy persona was astonishingly convincing.

Such an authentic portrayal could only stem from years of dissolute living.

Coupled with his genuine official seal, their doubts were assuaged.

After careful consideration, the three were persuaded.

Consequently.

They proceeded to drink and feast with abandon, soon declaring each other sworn brothers.

In this era.

Officials were eager to associate with the affluent.

Wealthy individuals sought to gain favor with those in power.

You possess influence; I possess wealth—our union for mutual benefit is truly advantageous, is it not?

Such alliances were commonplace.

Therefore, they were not even surprised when this imperial envoy took the initiative to approach them.

On the contrary, they felt a sense of pride.

Behold, even officials from the capital, upon arriving in Jinling City, must first report to us?

Given the prevailing rates.

The feast laid out on this table, alongside the entertainment provided by the female dancers and singers, would undoubtedly exceed three thousand taels of silver.

To expend three thousand taels of silver on a single meal without the slightest hesitation—what else could he be but a bona fide prodigal son?

This esteemed individual is indeed one of us!

Once this realization dawned.

They imbibed even more heartily.

Before long, everyone was inebriated, each man entwined with his chosen companion.

Huh?

Something feels amiss?

Why this overwhelming drowsiness?

The countenances of the women began to waver, and the hand fondling a woman's chest lost its grip.

What is transpiring?

Before they could comprehend, all of them had succumbed to unconsciousness.

"Ah!"

The female singer emitted a piercing shriek!

With remarkable swiftness, Imperial Censor Zhou drew his sword, its tip pressing against their throats.

"Silence!"

His voice was now glacial, a stark departure from his earlier affable demeanor.

"If you value your lives, remain silent and depart from here immediately!" Imperial Censor Zhou commanded icily.

"Yes, yes, esteemed sir, we shall withdraw at once!"

With that, they scattered with a speed rivaling that of rabbits!