Chapter 124: Birds of a Feather; The Crown Prince Schemes for Wealth

Chapter 124: Birds of a Feather; The Crown Prince Schemes for Wealth

Lu Ma and Liang Jinzhu had already arrived. However, the rumors of witchcraft spreading like wildfire had terrified them. After all, they were merely merchants; no matter how much wealth they possessed, a minor county magistrate could destroy their families in an instant.

The two were so frightened they remained holed up in their inn, not daring to stir. Yet, money has its advantages; they had sent people out to gather intelligence. They had learned of the officials' impeachments during the morning court session, though they could not fathom what would happen next. Still, they held the Crown Prince in high regard—the mere mention of witchcraft was enough to make one tremble, yet the Crown Prince had resolved it with such composure. The two conferred and decided that since they had arrived in secret, the Crown Prince likely wouldn't be dwelling on them at the moment. They planned to pay a visit to Di Renjie’s residence, as he was the Crown Prince's top confidant and strategist, to let him know they were in town.

Of course, Di Renjie was on duty, so it was hardly the time for a social call.

However, Di Renjie was currently not at his post; he had been summoned by Emperor Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian for a reprimand. Regardless of whether it was for better or worse, thanks to the Crown Prince, a once-lowly legal clerk had been summoned by the Emperor twice in a short span of time.

Li Zhi asked gloomily, "Were those ideas of the Crown Prince's yours?"

"I contributed a portion, Your Majesty, but the sorcery had nothing to do with me."

Di Renjie did not believe those ideas had come from Li Wei himself. Wherever Li Wei went, his chambers were filled with books, but most were Confucian classics. Perhaps due to his concern for agriculture, there were a few versions of the *Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People* and other farming manuals. These were the extent of his miscellaneous studies. Neither the classics nor the farming books would teach one how to engage in ghost-conjuring or witchcraft. Moreover, the Crown Prince had clearly stated in the morning court that perhaps a rare few possessed such arts. Could there truly be a master hiding behind the Crown Prince?

Of course, this was the best possible news. Di Renjie firmly believed this in his heart, but he did not press for details. Such masters were hard to come by; if the Crown Prince hadn't mentioned it, it was likely because the master was indifferent to fame and fortune, and asking would only embarrass the Crown Prince.

This wasn't just idle speculation. After years of investigating cases, he preferred to be pragmatic, seeking a rational explanation for everything. Given the Crown Prince's recent displays, this was the only logical conclusion.

He glanced up at the figures above: besides Li Zhi, there was the stunningly beautiful Wu Zetian. He sighed inwardly. The Emperor and Empress were angry—genuinely angry; otherwise, they wouldn't be making things difficult for a minor temple official like him. The Empress, in particular, had gained the most from the framing, yet the status of bamboo paper had already been established; why pursue such grand righteousness? This made him feel deeply uneasy.

"You were originally just a legal clerk in a prefecture. I saw some talent in you and promoted you to the position of Senior Official of the High Court. Yet, instead of showing loyalty to the imperial court, you bewitch the Crown Prince and cause trouble. Are you not afraid that I will punish you?"

Di Renjie remained calm and composed. If Ming Chongyan had an aura of distinction, Di Renjie’s was only higher. Firm in the belief that he harbored righteous intent, he stood tall. He replied with composure, "I do not understand Your Majesty’s words. What is 'bewitching'? I have not bewitched anyone. It is Master Ming who is bewitching—using tricks of ghosts and spirits to deceive the two Sovereigns and the entire court. What utter treason that is! Now that His Highness the Crown Prince has exposed it, it is a blessing for the court. Furthermore, as a subject, how dare Master Ming falsely claim that the two Sovereigns and the Crown Prince are tainted by malevolent spirits? Where are these spirits? I see none. I only see two Sovereigns working diligently to manage the state—this is the greatest justice under heaven! I know not what these spirits are, but I suspect that even if they existed, they would flee far away upon seeing the two Sovereigns. The Crown Prince is benevolent, a rarity through the ages; he is filial to the two Sovereigns and kind to the common people—this, too, is the greatest righteousness under heaven. Would any malevolent spirit dare to touch such things?!"

His words were impassioned.

"Moreover, Master Ming's insinuations are nothing more than calling the young lady of the Yang family a demon. Is that true? If the Crown Princess were truly lacking in virtue, she should be dismissed on moral grounds. Your Majesty is a wise ruler; why encourage these evil ministers to use witchcraft to depose the Crown Princess? And it isn't just the Crown Princess—perhaps the two Sovereigns say it is only her. When the witchcraft case of Emperor Wu of Han first began, did he ever imagine it would implicate the Crown Prince? Perhaps the two Sovereigns would say there is the precedent of the past. There are countless history books, and all such facts are recorded within. Even Emperor Yang of Sui was well-read, yet did he not see it? But when he made his mistakes, did he ever stop to think? When three people claim there is a tiger, the truth is obscured. If the two Sovereigns sit by and watch these treacherous individuals succeed in the court, the atmosphere will immediately turn sinister and crooked. When that day comes, will you truly be able to protect His Highness the Crown Prince?"

In his heart, he felt profound disdain. Even if I did offer some ideas, what of it? In the past, Zhangsun Wuji even manufactured auspicious omens for you. My suggestions were but a light drizzle by comparison.

"So, you are attacking me for the sake of a woman?"

Di Renjie remained imperturbable. "The affair of the Crown Princess is a small matter; keeping wicked people out of the court is the great matter. The reason I offered some strategies was not only for the Crown Prince but for this empire and this state. Does Your Majesty truly prefer a Crown Prince like A Dou [the incompetent Liu Shan] over a Crown Prince like this one?"

Of course, if the Crown Prince were truly like A Dou, Li Zhi would not be wary, but that would be even more troublesome.

With just that one sentence, Li Zhi was left speechless. He said, "You and that unfilial son of mine are truly birds of a feather."

Upon hearing these crude words from the Emperor's own mouth, several eunuchs standing to the side almost laughed.

"Your Majesty, that is incorrect. Perhaps I carry some 'odor,' but His Highness the Crown Prince carries not a hint; rather, he is redolent with an alluring fragrance that makes me bow in submission." Even Wu Zetian was amused to the point of anger. Di Renjie did not smile, but continued solemnly, "Sometimes, when I see the actions of the Crown Prince, I wish to request a month's leave from Your Majesty to go to Xianling [Li Yuan's tomb] and Zhaoling [Li Taizong's tomb] to weep, telling them that I have been fortunate enough to see a powerful dynasty with a worthy successor—first Emperor Taizong, then Your Majesty, and in the future, the Crown Prince. Generation after generation; this is the good fortune of the Great Tang, the good fortune of the imperial ancestors, and the good fortune of the millions of common people."

Having finished, he was choked with sobs.

Li Zhi found himself utterly helpless against Di Renjie. He had been lectured by his son at the morning court, and now he was being lectured by this minor official of the High Court, yet he could do nothing about it.

Wu Zetian said, "Official Di, you may go."

What else could he do? Should he pull out a handkerchief to wipe his tears and offer him comfort?

Watching his retreating figure, it took Li Zhi a long time to say, "How did my son discover him? This man is a truly loyal subject."

Though he felt strange and quite uncomfortable, he was nonetheless impressed.

***

"Please, Your Highness," Di Hao immediately drew well water, soaked a towel in the cool liquid, wrung it out, and handed it to Li Wei. Di Hui was brewing tea.

Di Renjie had also enjoyed such treatment, though the eagerness was slightly less pronounced. He couldn't help but feel resigned; girls always favored others, and besides, she was only an adopted daughter. He could only pinch his nose and stay silent.

They still wore veils, as there were outsiders present. In truth, it wasn't just Di Renjie's teachings; they were afraid of being recognized, as many knew they had bought their freedom from the brothel. However, few knew where they had gone.

Li Wei didn't mind at all, but his subordinates were more sensitive...

As they sat down, Liang Jinzhu and Lu Ma immediately paid their deep respects.

Having found Di Renjie, he had not dared to be arrogant. The salt-drying project would resume next year, and fearing the spread of more bizarre rumors, he had to use others' mouths to implement this benefit to the nation. Thus, he had notified Li Wei.

However, Li Wei calculated the time and felt slightly displeased; it seemed these two merchants had only sought him out once the witchcraft rumors had vanished. Although he understood their predicament, his hesitation about making them his "second cave" grew.

He did not show it on his face, saying kindly, "This is the second time I have met you two."

Lu Ma had met him once at a restaurant, but at the time, Lu Ma did not know the Crown Prince’s identity.

"It is our honor, Your Highness."

"I am also pleased. I have heard of your charitable donations at the Daci'en Temple; you are indeed good merchants."

"Your Highness..."

"Do not be nervous. I have summoned you here because there is a matter that requires your assistance."

"We would die for your cause, Your Highness."

"There is no need for death; I am not that kind of person. This matter is just the beginning. Next year or the year after, there will be an even greater undertaking. If done well, it will be of immense benefit to the nation and the people. Although this is for my sake, it will also be of great benefit to you."

"We thank you for your favor, Your Highness."

"No need for formalities. But in our dealings, you must understand my predicament. My current status is somewhat awkward, so this must not be leaked. If you wish to refuse, I will not force you. But if you agree, you must keep it secret; otherwise, even if I am soft-hearted, I will hunt you down."

Killing Ming Chongyan was troublesome, but killing two merchants, with Li Wei's current status, power, and strength, would be as easy as crushing two chicks.

Di Renjie nodded. It needed to be kept secret anyway. Besides, the Crown Prince showing a firm character occasionally was not a bad thing. If he were always soft, it would not be desirable.

"Yes, Your Highness. Please rest assured."

"It is like this: you know of the milk candy workshop, right?"

"We do."

"While refining milk candy and cane sugar, the workshop developed a new method for cane sugar that far surpasses what we currently have. However, it needs a few more trials." Li Wei wasn't entirely certain; he didn't know the modern methods of sugar refining. Whether it was the bamboo paper, this sugar method, or the future salt-drying, they were all things he had luckily glimpsed in *The Exploitation of the Works of Nature*—some he remembered, some he didn't.

He felt quite ashamed; as a modern person who had traveled through time, he still had to rely on the ancients' methods.

The records were simple: crush mature sugarcane into juice, boil it into a yellow-black syrup, pour it into a vat to solidify into black sugar, and then place an earthenware funnel over another vat. Plug the funnel with straw, pour the black sugar in, and wait for it to set. Then, remove the straw and wash the sugar in the funnel with yellow mud water. The black dregs flow into the lower vat, leaving white frost on the funnel—the higher up, the whiter it becomes. This was the yellow mud clarification method. It was likely wasteful, but if high-quality white sugar could be produced, the profits would be enormous. There was also rock sugar: boil white sugar, mix in egg whites, and when the heat was right, insert bamboo strips into the molten sugar; it would crystallize into rock sugar overnight.

It sounded simple, but the ratios and heat required adjustment. Once this sugar was perfected, the quality of the milk candy would also improve.

Li Wei explained it roughly, and fearing they wouldn't remember, he took paper and wrote it down.

Before he could finish, Di Renjie pulled him aside and said, "Your Highness, this won't do. Salt could be called a benefit to the nation, but this sugar is clearly for profit. You are the Crown Prince..."

He didn't need to say more. How could a milk candy workshop think of using yellow mud to clarify sugar? This must be the idea of that "mysterious master" again. It was not good; why was he always teaching the Crown Prince to engage in commerce and make money?