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Since the banquet at the Zhang family, Bai Tang and Wu Xuemei have been overwhelmed with orders, selling out all the goods they brought back from the Dream of the Red Chamber world. Many people, while purchasing Embroidered Handkerchiefs, discovered that other crafts were also quite good—classically exquisite—and bought them on a whim. As the online store was about to open again, Bai Tang tidied up and prepared to head back to the Dream of the Red Chamber world.
On the outskirts of City D, there is a not-so-large wholesale market. Bai Tang took a taxi there—she didn't buy a car mainly because she is directionally challenged and finds road rules troublesome, so she decided not to drive herself. Bai Tang purchased a thousand mirrors, a bunch of imitation crystal bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. Although cheap, they looked crystal clear and stylish, likely to be favored by ancient young women and brides. She also bought twenty of the cheapest Music Boxes, along with two large bags of nail clippers, folding scissors, stainless steel thermos cups, and a whole bunch of practical tools. She bulk bought several large packs of one-yuan Lighters; since she bought in bulk, the seller even gave her a discount of ten cents.
Upon returning to the forest outside Yangzhou City, Bai Tang keenly heard a commotion outside. Curiously, she walked out of the woods and discovered a line of prisoner transport carts parked on the Official Road, with soldiers escorting prisoners resting under the trees.
"Stop! Who are you?" A Constable shouted loudly upon seeing someone emerge from the forest, while others quickly drew their half-sheathed swords.
"Just passing by!" Bai Tang replied calmly. Her demeanor stunned the group of Constables and eased their tension. How could such a noble-looking person possibly rob a prisoner transport? They all sheathed their swords.
"What crimes have these prisoners committed?" Bai Tang curiously asked Officer A and handed over a hundred-tael silver note. "It's fate that we meet; you all have worked hard on this journey. This hundred taels is for everyone to enjoy some tea and refresh yourselves."
The soldiers were greatly pleased; Officer A quickly accepted the silver note and tucked it into his sleeve.
"Young master must be new to Yangzhou? You may not know that these prisoners are from the largest salt merchant family in Yangzhou, the Zhen Family. They have been involved in selling illegal salt, plotting against princes, murdering court officials, and oppressing common people... their crimes are serious! The emperor specifically ordered them to be transported to the capital for trial; once they go there, they won't be coming back!"
"The Zhen Family? What is their relation to the Jinling Zhen Family?"
"The Yangzhou Zhen Family is a branch of the Jinling Zhen Family," Officer A replied.
Bai Tang calculated the time; wasn't it still too early for the Zhen Family's downfall?
"Doesn't Jinling Zhen Family care?"
"There’s nothing we can do. The evidence is conclusive; the Fourth Prince and Lord Lin were almost killed. The Emperor is shocked, and who would dare to protect them now? They brought this upon themselves, thinking that being wealthy makes them untouchable. They are simply audacious and deserve to have their homes raided and families exterminated!" Officer A scoffed. Those salt merchants were running rampant in Yangzhou City, relying on their wealth, not even daring to provoke the Prefect Master. The previous Prefect met a tragic end for offending the Zhen Family, which shows just how arrogant these salt merchants are! Hmph, they’ve finally hit a wall this time; they deserve it!
"Lord Lin? Is that the Salt Patrol Envoy Lin Ruhai?"
"Do you know Lord Lin?"
Bai Tang nodded. "Is Lord Lin injured? Is he alright now?"
The constables' attitudes improved even more as they respectfully replied, "Lord Lin's injuries are not serious, but the Fourth Prince was severely injured and in critical condition. It is said that Lord Lin offered his ancestral elixir to save the Fourth Prince's life!"
What elixir? It must be the Peiyuan Pill he left for Lin Ruhai, right? Will this Fourth Prince become the new emperor in the future? The social and court structure of the Dream of the Red Chamber world is set up according to the current situation of the Qing Dynasty. The Kang Yuan Emperor also ascended to the throne at six years old and went through struggles with ministers and pacifying the three vassal states, experiencing events very similar to Kangxi, with a comparable number of sons as well. The Fourth Prince is silent and steady, a practical person, sharing many similarities with Yongzheng. Bai Tang speculated that if nothing unexpected happens, the next emperor should be the Fourth Prince. Lin Ruhai has certainly made a good impression in front of the future emperor!
"I’m in a hurry to get going; I’ll take my leave now!" Bai Tang nodded to the constables and turned to leave. She thought about going to Yangzhou City to see Lin Ruhai; it would be even better if she could catch a glimpse of the Fourth Prince.
"Young Master!" Officer A hurriedly called out to Bai Tang, "If you’re looking for Lord Lin in Yangzhou, there’s no need; Lord Lin has already left Yangzhou."
"Left?"
"Yes, because of Lord Lin's merit in saving the Fourth Prince, the Emperor has transferred him to the capital as the Minister of Rites. Yesterday, the Lin family has already departed from Yangzhou by land and water to the capital," a constable explained.
What bad luck! Bai Tang took out a silver note and handed it to Officer A. "Thank you for your guidance. Use this to treat your brothers to some drinks!"
The constables were overjoyed, exclaiming how lucky they were to encounter such a generous young master. Two hundred taels of silver—enough for them all to drink for ten days!
Bai Tang walked into Yangzhou City, buying many delicious local specialties along the way. Finding a secluded spot, he activated the already lit skill "Divine Travel," and in the next moment, Bai Tang appeared on the outskirts of the capital.
Walking along the Official Road, more and more pedestrians filled the streets. People chatted as they walked, discussing the latest happenings in the capital. The most talked-about topic was the recently concluded border war, where the Great Shun Dynasty achieved a resounding victory. Bai Tang heard the name Jia Zhu; her cheap apprentice had shone on the battlefield, leading his side of ten thousand to defeat an enemy force of fifty thousand and capturing their leader, earning great merit. Upon learning of Jia Zhu's accomplishments, Kang Yuan Emperor recalled Jia Daishan, who once shielded him from harm, and sighed that the Duke of Rong had capable successors. With a flourish of his brush, he awarded Jia Zhu the title of Duke Dingyuan. The second branch of the Jia family finally stood up again; Madam Wang's dark clouds over them were dispelled by Jia Zhu. Jia Zheng was as happy as a smiling Maitreya; he had come to terms with things—his son was so promising, why should he care about other trivial titles? It was good enough to enjoy his time at home as an old man. He now had plenty of time and would supervise his two sons, ensuring that Jia Baoyu and Jia Huan kept up with their studies. Without Madam Wang's favoritism, Jia Baoyu had made significant progress; although he still disliked economics and political theory, he had become quite proficient in the Four Books and Five Classics and wrote well in essays. He had already passed the Tongsheng exam and was preparing for the Scholar exam. Freed from Madam Wang's covert persecution, Jia Huan was no longer the frozen cat from the original story; this child was active by nature and disliked studying but preferred martial arts, idolizing his elder brother and dreaming of becoming a General when he grew up. Initially dissatisfied, Jia Zheng later thought that once his son joined the military, they could look after each other, so he no longer forced Jia Huan to study but instead requested Jiao Da from Ningguo Mansion to teach Jia Huan martial arts.
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