Chapter 186 (1/2)

Chapter 186: Misfortune

The issue started out simple: in the northern part of Northern Qi, there were merchants who had been found to be selling salt illegally. Salt is the foundation of the country. It was a major source of income for the treasury. Lately, however, illegal salt vendors had sprouted like bamboo shoots. In the beginning, their number was small, and their impact negligible. Now, though, it had become a serious problem.

This could either be really bad, or merely a small nuisance. If the issue was properly dealt with, it would be a great achievement. The fact that the emperor tasked Qi Chen with the responsibility was proof that Qi Chen enjoyed the emperor's favor.

Nonetheless, that was also where the problem lay. If the issue wasn't dealt with with a deft hand, people with malicious intents might used the failing as a way to attack Qi Chen. It was a big risk to take on.

Jun Huang read over the report again and again, her brows furrowed. What were the factors at play here? She must be careful. She was no longer at Qi Chen's side at all time. If she failed to take care of the issue properly, Qi Chen might doubt her loyalty, which would be troublesome.

”Does Your Highness have a hand in this?” Jun Huang asked casually.

Qi Chen cleared his throat and said hesitantly, ”I don't think this is too hard to deal with. I'm just debating over the wording…”

Qi Chen's reaction was all the confirmation Jun Huang needed. Qi Chen must have been involved. She slammed the report on the desk with a scowl. Qi Chen, who was preoccupied with his guilt, didn't scold her for forgetting about the rules of propriety between a prince and his subordinate.

”This gentleman knows that there is great profit to be made, but does Your Highness know what will befall Northern Qi if everyone does the same thing? If Your Highness yourself does not follow the rules, how can you make sure that people who were blinded by profit would stop their wrongdoings? How can you be a convincing leader?”

Jun Huang's tone was harsh and blunt. Her blatant disregard for Qi Chen's feelings put a dark expression on his face.

Jun Huang was reminded of another thing: Even though selling salt illegally could be profitable, it wasn't easy to run such an operation. Qi Chen would need a solid network of accomplices to avoid detection. There must be someone powerful making the arrangements for him behind the scene.

”I know what you mean,” Qi Chen tried to defend himself. ”At the time I didn't think too much of it. Now that the issue has grown serious, I don't have an easy way out anymore. I hope brother Feng can help me come up with a good solution.”

Jun Huang sighed and rubbed at her forehead. She was starting to feel weak because of the burden on her mind. ”This issue will lead to the depletion of treasury funds. Once it gets to that point, the emperor will conduct the investigation himself. There will truly be no way out for Your Highness then. You must cut your losses now.”

Meanwhile, in the garden of the manor.

”Have you heard?” Wei Lanying overheard a servant said. ”Gentleman Feng has returned, and he's now in the prince's room.”

”Yes, yes,” said another servant. ”I heard that gentleman Feng is a handsome and graceful man. Even other men can't help being attracted to him. Do you know Prince Nan Xun? He's known for being aloof to even the most beautiful woman. Now though, he has fallen under gentleman Feng's robe despite what the world deems appropriate.”

The two servants were young and had come to the manor only recently. They didn't know they should have lowered their voices. Wei Lanying's expression darkened. Her personal maid said in a quiet voice, ”This servant thinks they have a point. Gentleman Feng has gone to the prince immediately after his return. Who knows what he's doing in the prince's room? The favoritism the prince showed to gentleman Feng alone warrants suspicion. This servant speculates that gentleman Feng has seduced the prince to gain his privileges.”

Wei Lanying huffed and snapped the crabapple flower before her. Her maid backed away in fear and fell silent.

Wei Lanying knew what she was referring to. Jun Huang had always enjoyed Qi Chen's favor, while Wei Lanying had lost Qi Chen's affection because of her false pregnancy. She knew how much Qi Chen's att.i.tude towards her had changed. Of course she was suspicious as well. The servants' conversation was the last straw to tip her over.

”Don't forget that Feng Baiyu is the reason for the Wei family's downfall. Otherwise lady Wei wouldn't have suffered such terrible treatment from the prince now.” The maid choked out a sob before continuing, ”I know that Lady Wei wants the prince to love you genuinely. However, we have to be realistic. Maybe we should do what your mother suggested. Once you're pregnant, the prince will treat you with care.”

Wei Lanying thought back to what she had seen the last time she went back home. Her father had lost his position after Nan Xun found out about his corruption, and he had since been staying at home. The manor was unusually quiet and desolate. Everyone in her family was now relying on her.

After hearing about how she was treated at Prince Chen Manor, her mother had given her an aphrodisiac that would not harm the human body. Once Qi Chen took it, she would be able to become pregnant with Qi Chen's child. With this child, no one would dare to hurt her.