She didn’t respond but continued to walk until she was by his side. Her black eyes moved to his face, and she asked him in a serious tone. “Do you think Old General Li’s purpose has to do with the Emperor’s birthday?”
“I don’t know, but it might be possible.”
“In fact…” Ji Yunshu hesitated. She chose her words carefully before continuing. “When Shi Zijin came back yesterday, she happened to pass by the convoy which were transporting the goods into the capital. By accident, her sleeve was stained with sulfur. At that time, I thought it was firecrackers, but now that I heard your conversation, I am not so sure.”
His expression became solemn. He asked her in a grave tone, “Do you mean that those carriages might be the ones transporting the lanterns from Fangshui?”
“Correct.”
“Those lanterns contained sulfur. In other words… they are transporting explosive powder!” Jing Rong concluded – even he was surprised by his conclusion.
Ji Yunshu paused then added, “It’s only a guess.”
Although it was only a guess, he believed her because he knew how intelligent she was. Her analytical mind was much more thorough and nimble than a normal person. Not to mention how sharp her nose was.
“In a moment, I’ll go see Zhang Bo and inform him about the lanterns. If there is really a problem with them, we will do as planned.” He stated.
“Do what?”
He calmly said, “This will depend on Old General Li’s attitude.”
His words were unclear, but Ji Yunshu didn’t probe him further.
She was about to say something else, but Jing Rong cut her off. “I will handle this. You don’t need to get involved.” This wasn’t up for discussion – It was an order.
Ji Yunshu nodded obediently.
Following her agreement, Jing Rong looked at her puzzled, “You said that Shi Zijin went through the gates, where did she go?”
When he asked her, he watched attentively if she didn’t mind the question. Ji Yunshu couldn’t tell him she sent Shi Zijin to follow Su Ziluo, so she lied. “I sent her out to buy me some roasted sweet potatoes.”
“Roasted sweet potatoes?” Jing Rong was astonished.
“Yeah. The roasted sweet potatoes from the grandma at the gates is delicious.”
“I didn’t expect you to have that kind of taste.”
She didn’t respond.
Jing Rong’s expression quickly changed to a flirty one, sporting a charming smile. “Why did you come at this time? Did you miss me?” he uttered, full of affection.
Ji Yunshu rolled eyes at him. “I came to pick something up.”
“What thing?”
“Paint.” She blurted out.
He didn’t believe her. “Why didn’t you send Lang Po instead of coming yourself?”
Oi, oi, oi! Are you done? Ji Yunshu refused to answer his question. She turned around and went to East courtyard, not without saying, “Why don’t you hurry and go to Zhang Bo before they set up the lanterns? If there is a problem, it won’t be too late to resolve it.”
Jing Rong’s eyes were filled with tenderness as he watched her leave.
Very good! If he could bicker and stay like this with her for the rest of their lives, it would be perfect.
Soon after, Jing Rong went to the Dispatch Bureau to meet Zhang Bo.
“Prince Rong, what may I do for you?” Zhang Bo asked.
Jing Rong didn’t like to speak in a roundabout fashion. He directly went to the main topic. “This Prince heard the lanterns from Fangshui had arrived. Is that true?”
“Yes, your Highness. The cargo came yesterday.”
“Is it possible to let me see?”
Zhang Bo didn’t understand Jing Rong’s sudden interest in the lanterns. “Why does your Highness want to inspect the lanterns?”
Were the lanterns that pretty? Could it be that the Rong estate doesn’t have any lanterns?