nycdaug Chapter 50 The Crimson Iron Token Has Been Reclaimed
Chapter 50 The Crimson Iron Token Has Been Reclaimed
The news that the Red Iron Token had been revoked spread throughout Chang'an City in an instant.
The princes and noblemen were all very excited. Although they had lost a lot of money in the past ten days, they were hoping that the next round of gambling would allow them to recoup their losses.
Li Mao sat on the rooftop of the racecourse, overlooking the entire racecourse, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Your Highness, now that the Red Iron Token has been withdrawn, those princes are all eager to resume horse racing betting," the servant whispered from the side.
Li Mao nodded slightly and said, "Yes, proceed according to plan."
The servant smiled and said, "Yes, sir. However, I'm afraid Gao Chen won't let this go so easily."
Li Mao sneered and said, "It's alright, I have my own plans."
Just then, a guard rushed over, knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, Lord An Sishun requests an audience."
Li Mao's eyes lit up, and he said, "Please come in quickly."
Before long, An Sishun, dressed in a half-length robe, strode into the pavilion. He bowed to Li Mao and said, "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Shou."
Li Mao smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "Lord An, there's no need for such formalities. What brings you here today?"
An Sishun laughed and said, "Your Highness, the Red Iron Token has been withdrawn, and the racetrack is about to become lively again. I have come here today to discuss the matter of warhorse breeding with Your Highness."
Li Mao nodded slightly and said, "Lord An, rest assured, I have made all the arrangements. When the time is right, I will send the fine horse to Hexi."
An Sishun said with satisfaction, "With Your Highness's assistance, the strength of the cavalry of the Hexi Protectorate will surely increase greatly."
Li Mao smiled and said, "Lord An, cooperation and mutual benefit are the only long-term solutions. I also hope to join hands with Lord An to create a great cause together."
An Sishun's heart stirred; he knew that Li Mao's ambitions were not small.
He then bowed slightly to Li Mao and said, "Your Highness, the various forces are now in a complex situation. Your Highness must act with caution."
Li Mao's eyes turned cold as he said, "Of course I know. If those people dare to block my way, I will show them no mercy."
An Sishun nodded and said, "It is fortunate that Your Highness has such courage. However, Your Highness should also be careful not to be too flamboyant."
Li Mao frowned slightly and said, "What makes you say that, Lord An?"
An Sishun lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty is now suspicious of you. That eunuch Gao Chen has been secretly watching you. If you are too flamboyant, it may displease His Majesty."
Li Mao snorted coldly and said, "I know how to act. That Gao Chen is nothing but a clown and is not worth fearing."
An Sishun sighed and said, "Your Highness must not be careless. Although Gao Chen is a eunuch, he has been by His Majesty's side for many years and enjoys His Majesty's deep trust. If he wants to deal with Your Highness, he still has many ways to do so."
Li Mao remained silent for a moment, then said, "Lord An is absolutely right. I will handle this carefully."
An Sishun looked at Li Mao and said, "Does Your Highness have a plan?"
Li Mao smiled slightly and said, "I have my own plans. Lord An only needs to do his own job."
An Sishun nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll wait for Your Highness's good news."
After saying this, An Sishun got up to take his leave.
Li Mao watched his departing figure, secretly making plans in his heart.
at the same time.
Gao Chen, in his own residence, was also plotting how to deal with Li Mao.
"Eunuch Gao, now that the Red Iron Token has been withdrawn, those princes are starting to get active again. What should we do?" Xiao Xizi asked, looking troubled.
Gao Chen said with a gloomy face, "Hmph, do they think they're done for just because the Crimson Iron Token has been taken back? I won't let them get away with it so easily."
Xiao Xizi asked cautiously, "Eunuch Gao, what good plan do you have?"
Gao Chen sneered and said, "Go, send people to keep an eye on Prince Shou's racetrack and restaurant. Report to me immediately if you find anything unusual."
Xiao Xizi quickly replied, "Don't worry, Eunuch Gao, I'll arrange it right away."
After saying that, Xiao Xizi hurriedly left.
……
Business remains booming at all branches of the Shouwang Banquet restaurant.
The people praised Prince Shou's benevolent actions, and the poor and beggars were also grateful to him.
Wang Fugui stood at the entrance of the Shouwangyan No. 1 branch, watching the guests come and go, his heart filled with pride.
He knew very well that he owed his current position entirely to the protection of Prince Shou.
"Boss, business has been so good lately, we really have to thank His Highness Prince Shou properly," one of the shop assistants said.
Wang Fugui nodded and said, "Of course. When we have the chance, we will definitely repay His Highness Prince Shou properly."
As they were talking, a woman appeared at the entrance of the restaurant. She wore a gorgeous long dress, had a beautiful face, and a noble air. It was none other than Consort Wang, Li Mao's concubine.
Because Li Mao had sent some clothes and food to Yang Yuhuan before, it's possible that Li Longji's spies found out.
Therefore, he sent his concubine, Lady Wang, to pretend to be a loving couple with him.
Although Wang was somewhat dissatisfied, she ultimately obeyed orders and might be able to gain a place in Li Mao's heart.
At this moment, Madam Wang slowly walked towards the restaurant, a hint of worry in her eyes, and said, "Manager Wang, I have heard that the situation in the city has been complicated recently. Does Your Highness have any instructions?"
Wang Fugui immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, I have not received any instructions from the Prince. However, His Highness Prince Shou has always cared for the people, so there should be no problem."
Madam Wang nodded slightly and said, "Yes, you should manage the restaurant well, and report to the Prince in time if anything happens."
"Yes, sir," Wang Fugui said respectfully.
Wang glanced at the bustling scene in the restaurant and was filled with mixed emotions.
Now that everything is being managed perfectly by the prince, it would be difficult for me to do my part.
After leaving the Shouwangyan No. 1 branch, Wang went to Li Mao's study.
"Your Highness, I just visited the Shouwang Banquet branch and saw that business was booming. The people all praised Your Highness highly," Wang said gently.
Li Mao smiled and said, "My beloved consort, you've worked hard. Everything I've done is for the future."
Lady Wang walked to Li Mao's side, gently took his hand, and said, "Your Highness, I know you have great ambitions, but you must also be careful. Those people are not to be trifled with."
Li Mao was moved. He gently patted Wang's hand and said, "My beloved consort, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."
Wang asked worriedly, "Your Highness, Gao Chen is targeting you at every turn. What should we do?"
Li Mao pondered for a moment and said, "Do not act rashly. Everything is under my control. Just follow my orders."
Lady Wang nodded and said, "I will fully support Your Highness."
Li Mao looked at Wang Shi with gratitude in his heart, but also with some guilt.
Knowing full well the dangers of this journey, Wang still chose to come alone to help, a sentiment that is truly touching...
Just then, a guard rushed into the study, knelt down and saluted, saying, "Your Highness, news has come that Gao Chen seems to be plotting something in secret."