Lin Qinghe narrowed her eyes, appraising Lin Zhilan from head to toe.
As expected of the female lead, she was indeed beautiful.
Lin Qinghe surreptitiously glanced at You Rong, seeing his indifferent expression and his gaze fixed straight ahead. She then withdrew her gaze and unhurriedly said, "Princess Chang'an, your journey back to the capital must have been arduous. There is no need for such ceremony. Rise."
Lin Zhilan replied, "Yes, this humble sister thanks Your Majesty."
With Lin Zhilan's arrival, many officials in the great hall began to whisper amongst themselves. Lin Qinghe could guess what they were saying with her toes, likely about how her mother, when she was alive, never favored this Princess Chang'an. She had finally managed to send her away to Jiangnan, out of sight and out of mind. Why had she brought her back now?
Lin Qinghe cleared her throat and said, "Princess Chang'an's return to the capital is for the matter of ancestral rites and praying for blessings. Our Dongli royal bloodline sincerely implores the heavens so that Dongli may henceforth have favorable weather and national peace!"
The civil and military officials responded in unison, "Your Majesty sincerely prays for Dongli's blessings. Dongli will surely have favorable weather and national peace in the future!"
Lin Qinghe nodded slightly, "Very well, if there is nothing else today, we shall adjourn the court."
As Lin Qinghe turned to leave, she cast another glance at Lin Zhilan and You Rong before departing. Once outside the Hall of Political Affairs, Lin Qinghe immediately stopped and said in a low voice, "Wang Jiang, find someone to keep an eye on Princess Chang'an. See if she goes to find Prime Minister You."
Wang Jiang responded, "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will attend to it immediately."
Meanwhile.
As You Rong walked out of the Hall of Political Affairs, a sweet voice called from behind him, "Prime Minister You, please wait."
You Rong paused and turned to see Lin Zhilan. His eyes flickered slightly as he cupped his hands in greeting, "Princess Chang'an, may I know what business Princess Chang'an has in calling this subordinate?"
Lin Zhilan smiled faintly, "When I was in Jiangnan, I heard of Prime Minister You's great talent. Today, I am finally fortunate enough to meet you."
"Princess Chang'an flatters me. This subordinate dare not accept."
"Ah, Prime Minister You is too modest. You are the prized student of Lord Huo. Everyone knows this. Your talent in the capital is second to none, and that is also known by all."
Mentioning Huo Guanzhong, You Rong, not being foolish, naturally caught the subtle hint in Lin Zhilan's words. He did not respond directly but said, "Princess Chang'an has had a long journey. Having just arrived in the capital and met His Majesty, you must be tired. I shall not delay Princess Chang'an from returning to the guesthouse to rest. This subordinate will take his leave."
Seeing You Rong about to leave, Lin Zhilan was no longer as calm as before. She bit her cherry lips and called out, "Prime Minister You, wait! This princess has long admired Prime Minister You. May I have the honor of inviting Prime Minister You to a small gathering at a teahouse for a good chat?"
You Rong responded with a detached expression, "Princess Chang'an thinks too highly of this subordinate. This subordinate's talent is ordinary, merely exaggerated by others. Furthermore, this subordinate is overwhelmed with official duties and truly cannot accompany Princess Chang'an for tea and conversation. I believe many young gentlemen of great talent in the capital would be happy to chat with Princess Chang'an. This subordinate will take his leave."
With that, You Rong turned and left.
Lin Zhilan watched his retreating back, her expression tinged with annoyance. However, she ultimately said nothing and returned to the guesthouse with her retinue.
Guesthouse.
As soon as Lin Zhilan sat down, the old nanny beside her asked in confusion, "Your Highness, why did you lower yourself today to invite You Rong? Your status is noble, you don't need to do this!"
Lin Zhilan took a small sip of the clear tea in her cup and said softly, "What do you understand? You Rong is a person worthy of this princess lowering herself to win over. Not to mention his exceptional talent and ability, if this princess is to succeed in seizing the throne, he will surely be able to assist this princess in managing the court. Moreover... he knows about the plot that Lord Huo and my uncles were planning. If he reveals it to Lin Qinghe, it might be difficult for us to act in the future."
The nanny said, "But didn't Lord Huo mention in his letter that even if You Rong is unwilling to participate in our affairs, for Lord Huo's sake, he would not reveal a single word to Lin Qinghe? From now on, we only need to keep our actions hidden from You Rong."
"Lord Huo is You Rong's mentor. While that may be so... one must always be cautious." A glint flashed in Lin Zhilan's eyes, and she then asked, "Have the hidden guards that my mother left in the capital been contacted?"
"Upon entering the capital, this servant ordered someone to take your token to the Mingyue Money House. Once that person returns, we will know if they have been contacted."
Lin Zhilan nodded, "Understood. After that person returns, have them see this princess immediately. Also, I will write a letter. Be careful, avoid the eyes and ears of others, and send it to Lord Huo at the Imperial Academy."
"Yes, this servant understands."
Lin Zhilan finished writing the letter, blew on the ink to dry it, and put the paper into an envelope, handing it to the nanny to take away. After the door closed, she lowered her eyes, her expression somewhat complex.
You Rong was as handsome as could be. It was not surprising that Lin Qinghe was fond of him. However, how could a man as talented and ambitious as You Rong be deceived by Lin Qinghe's sweet talk?
Lin Zhilan felt a sense of regret. If You Rong were willing to assist her, he would surely be a great help.
-------------------------------------
Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.
The letter Lin Zhilan had ordered sent out just moments ago had already been sent into the palace. At this very moment, Lin Qinghe was holding it, looking at it nonchalantly.
Lin Zhilan would never have imagined that besides the people she brought with her to the guesthouse, every inch of the place was filled with Lin Qinghe's informants. Lin Qinghe knew precisely how many strands of hair Lin Zhilan shed, let alone sending a letter to the Imperial Academy.
Reading Lin Zhilan's letter to Huo Guanzhong, her words revealed wisdom and composure. She reassured Huo Guanzhong, telling him not to rush and that great endeavors require long-term planning. The letter also subtly probed Huo Guanzhong's complete plans, including his vigilance towards You Rong, who might be unwilling to go along with them midway.
Lin Qinghe believed that after Huo Guanzhong read it and replied, Lin Zhilan would be able to understand many things clearly, including You Rong.
Lin Qinghe praised, "Tsk tsk tsk... As expected of the female lead, her intelligence is online. She has both tactics and schemes..."
The hidden guard looked puzzled, "Your Majesty, what are you talking about?"
Lin Qinghe snapped back to her thoughts, clearing her throat, "Ahem... it's nothing. You shall continue to deliver this letter to Huo Guanzhong."
The hidden guard looked even more confused, "Your Majesty, you... you still want to send Princess Chang'an's letter to Huo Guanzhong?"
Could it be that they were truly going to watch them collude and rebel?
Lin Qinghe could see the hidden guard's thoughts but could not explain her intentions. Lin Qinghe could only make up an excuse, "I am casting a long line to catch a big fish. When the time is ripe, we will catch them all in one net. Not a single one will escape. Do you understand?"
The hidden guard seemed to understand, "So that's how it is! This subordinate understands! Your Majesty indeed has foresight! This subordinate admires you!"
Lin Qinghe smiled slightly, feeling a bit guilty. "Go and do your work. Remember to intercept Huo Guanzhong's reply and show it to me first."
"Yes, Your Majesty, this subordinate understands!"
After the hidden guard withdrew, Lin Qinghe propped her chin with one hand, a look of amusement on her exquisite face.