The two men carried on with their conversation before they were interrupted by a servant.
The servant handed them an imperial edict.
Elder Helian read the edict before he gave out a mirthless smile. "He is really conceited to put his oar in everything. Being a minor magistrate, he's trying to intervene in every affair."
The others took a glimpse at the edict while Elder Helian was reading it. "Do they intend to close down Bayview Seafood Restaurant?"
Then, they chuckled, "Perhaps the county magistrate is carrying his head around. He is so brash to meddle in the affairs of Bayview Seafood Restaurant."
"That's because he is backed by Governor Chen." Elder Helian carefully folded the edict. "Bayview Seafood Restaurant is a prestigious old brand that has been selling marine products for years. It was founded before the Retired Emperor succeeded to his throne. Therefore, it is impossible for them to close down the Bayview Restaurant. I fretted to contend with Governor Chen, but this provides me a good reason to fight him." After he finished his words, he lifted his head and ordered the servant who delivered him the edict, "Tell Qingtian to handle the case unsparingly. Other than Governor Chen, arrest everyone else who attempts to ruin Bayview Restaurant's reputation regardless of their official position. After I report the case to the Retired Emperor, I will meet them personally at the provincial capital."
"Noted." The servant bowed respectfully before he left the scene.
The night sky turned darker.
In a room of the palace, a little boy was holding his belly as he writhed in agony on his bed. The imperial physicians were on tenterhooks.
They were perturbed mainly because the Little Seventh Prince refused to let them diagnose his illness.
He was obviously sick. But, they could not comprehend the prince's reaction as he threw pillows at them whenever they attempted to go near him.
They reckoned that his massive force could easily annihilate all of them!
In fact, it was not an exaggerated statement.
The Little Seventh Prince's strength was extraordinary.
For him, beating people up was apparently his usual pastime.
"It's your turn."
"No, no, no. I'm very inexperienced. Maybe Imperial Physician Zhang should try and do it." You must be kidding me. Anyone who tries to approach Little Seventh Prince will definitely become his next target! I got slightly nearer to the Little Seventh Prince just now and was mercilessly hit by the pillow. Until now, my head is still spinning!
He felt the urge to ask the Little Seventh Prince the number of pillows he had hidden.
Since the moment they entered the room, the Little Seventh Prince had treated them as if they were some ferocious monsters. He would hurl the pillow at anyone who attempted to approach him.
If the situation persisted, they would never be able to check his pulse, not to mention to find out about his condition for they were separated from the prince by a screen.
Eunuch Sun was worried about the prince. He had been pacing up and down outside of the prince's bedroom since earlier in the day. When the imperial physicians left the room, he quickly went up and asked, "How is it? What's the diagnosis for the Little Seventh Prince?"
When they were asked, the imperial physicians appeared rather embarrassed. They scratched their heads and replied guilty, "Little Seventh Prince refused to let us check on him."
"What do you mean?" Suddenly, the Retired Emperor appeared. When he received the news about his severely ill grandson, he hurriedly rushed over to visit the boy without changing away his official garment. He even left the uncertified edicts behind.
Eunuch Sun was actually waiting for the Retired Emperor all this while.
However, the Retired Emperor did not have the time to stop and listen to the imperial physicians' defense and excuses. He entered the room and went past the screen.
The stubborn little boy was lying on the bed while staring at the ceiling. He put on a solemn expression as he pondered on what to eat later.
The Retired Emperor's heart wrenched when he noticed the grumpy pout on the pretty little face. His grandson had never ever fallen sick. He was always a healthy and strong boy. It was a rare scene of him lying down quietly.
The boy used to frolic within the mountains with absolutely no issue. It was shocking to see him falling ill after a mere visit to the provincial capital.
"Little Seven, tell Imperial Grandfather. Where does it hurt?"
The little boy answered succinctly, "My stomach hurts."
"Your stomach hurts?" The Retired Emperor reached out to stroke the soft and small belly. Puzzled, he lifted his eyebrows. Little Seven's stomach is not bloated. Perhaps, he is feeling hungry?
However, it was impossible for Little Seven to starve himself when he could even consume a living fish.
"What happened?" The Retired Emperor turned to look at Shadow, who had been following him closely.
Not knowing how to answer, Shadow's gaze wavered...
The little boy did not forget about the task his Third Brother assigned him. He said with a sombre expression, "Someone forcefully sold me a basket of prawns."
"Are you not full yet?" The Retired Emperor deduced according to his beloved Imperial Grandson's usual habit. "Send my order to the Imperial Kitchen. Tell them to braise the prawns!"
The boy smacked his lips, almost drooling when he heard about the braised prawns. However, he knew that he could not eat before he finished his job.
"I'm not hungry. The terrible restaurant served me putrid prawns. My stomach began to hurt after I finished the dish. However, when I tried to argue with them, they told me that they were backed by an influential figure."
The little boy wrapped himself with the blanket before he turned his back to the Retired Emperor. Then, he put on a pitiful expression as though he wanted to be left alone because the world had disappointed him.
This boy was such a good actor.
"This is ridiculous!" The Retired Emperor was enraged. He reckoned that he was unbiased as he defended his grandson. After all, other than being a glutton, his favorite Little Seven had never caused trouble to anyone else. He was appalled to discover that someone actually fed the boy with rancid prawns!
Upset, he ordered Shadow in a frigid tone, "Shadow, where did Little Seven have his meal?"
It was a simple question. Shadow dropped his head and answered, "Little Seventh Prince had it at the Bayview Seafood Restaurant which is located in the provincial capital..."
Chapter 507 - Arresting ‘Private Advisor Long’?
Bayview Seafood Restaurant?
The Retired Emperor frowned. Isn't it the restaurant that supplies seafood to the royal family?
The reputation of the restaurant was quite good among the ministers.
The franchises of the restaurant could be found in almost all coastal cities.
When he was young, he had been to the Bayview Restaurant before and was rather pleased with the visit. They served big and fresh lobsters and their service was excellent. He had also disguised as a commoner to interview a few of the locals regarding the restaurant and they were all satisfied with Bayview Restaurant.
How is it possible for a reputable restaurant like this to serve rancid prawns?
Is what I learned about this restaurant all wrong?
Is someone manipulating the management of the restaurant?
Are restaurants these days involved in politics too?
The Retired Emperor was furious. He gently massaged his Imperial Grandson's belly and said, "Little Seven, you can tell me about the story that happened in Bayview Restaurant later. Now, let the imperial physician check your pulse and prescribe medications for you."
"I don't want to take any medicine," the headstrong little boy continued to refuse. That's impossible. The imperial physicians will expose me when they check on me and everyone will find out that I've been lying about my bad stomach the whole time. Hmph! I will never give in!
The
Retired Emperor tried to coax his grandson, "My good boy, how can you not take any medication when you are sick? Don't worry, the medicine doesn't taste bitter at all."
To pretend to be sick, the little prince had been lying in a prone position. Coupled with his always mischievous expression, he actually looked rather adorable in his current state. After he heard the Retired Emperor's words, he answered willfully, "Imperial Grandfather, despite my young age, I am able to use my common sense. All medicine is bitter."
Retired Emperor was fl.u.s.tered.
"What do you want then?" Only a moment ago, the Retired Emperor was feeling sorry for the boy. But now, the Retired Emperor had the urge to beat his Imperial Grandson up.
After some deliberation, the little boy said in a serious tone, "Third Brother told me that the celestial crane carries a celestial aura. Consuming it can enhance one's strength and improve one's health. Perhaps Imperial Grandfather can order the imperial kitchen to boil soup with the celestial crane. Imperial Grandfather can have it and share the benefits too."
Eunuch Sun was completely bewildered by the prince's request. Is Little Seventh Prince still coveting the Retired Emperor's celestial crane at this instant?
Has the prince forgotten how he got expelled?
The shadow guards pretended to not hear the conversation as they stared blankly at the ceiling in synchrony.
The Retired Emperor's expression changed as he snarled, "You little brat!"
"Please calm down, Retired Emperor. Stay calm!" Eunuch Sun hurriedly went up to hold the Retired Emperor back. "Your Highness, the little prince is still sick..."
The Retired Emperor took a deep breath and said, "He doesn't look sick!" After all, the boy was still asking for food in spite of his upset stomach.
"Well… Your Highness, you know about the little prince's attitude." Eunuch Sun had no choice but to make up an excuse for his young master.
Sulking, the boy said bitterly, "Imperial Grandfather, you are no longer a young man. It's not healthy for you to get angry so often."
Who is this boy trying to annoy? The Retired Emperor was agitated, but there was nothing he could do. He glared at the boy and questioned him, "Tell me honestly. Is your stomach really hurting?"
"It's true." The little boy stuck out his bottom. "When I follow uncle around, I have never had any putrid meat." He was speaking the truth. Everything he had was freshly prepared.
The Retired Emperor used to be so occupied that he missed the opportunity to care for the Third Prince. To compensate for that, he paid all his endearments to Little Seven. However, understanding that the imperial palace was an extremely dangerous place, he expelled Little Seventh Prince from the palace in order to keep the little prince safe.
The boy was different from the other princes. He was never a picky eater and that made him an easygoing person.
The Retired Emperor heard that the kids in the White Academy hardly got to eat meat.
Then, he felt sorry for the boy again when he heard Little Seven's rant.
"You can't have the celestial crane now as you're having a bad stomach. You should have some soft food." The Retired Emperor gently rubbed the little prince's bald head. Before he could summon the servants from the imperial kitchen, a eunuch entered the room with an edict in his hands, saying that he had an important message to deliver.
The Retired Emperor received the edict before he briefly scanned through it. Then, he snickered and said, "No wonder they said that the restaurant is manipulated by someone! It's true. Little Seven, tell me everything that happened at the Bayview Restaurant."
The bald boy gave a firm nod before he narrated the entire incident that happened in the provincial capital. He then began to rub his stomach after he finished the story.
A loud thud resonated across the room!
The Retired Emperor slapped the edict on the table and his eyes were filled with complete iciness. "Eunuch Sun, pack our things. We'll leave the palace first thing tomorrow."
"Yes." Eunuch Sun carefully picked up the edict. He was dumbfounded when he read the edict and could now understand the reason behind the Retired Emperor's fury.
It was a complaint lodged against Governor Li.
Worse, 'Lord Wei' was mentioned in the text. According to the edict, Lord Wei abused his power to exploit the restaurant and the public was incensed by his misdeed.
Eunuch Sun, who served the Retired Emperor attentively, certainly knew the true identity of 'Lord Wei'.
Lord Wei was none other than the princess consort!
Even without taking her identity as a princess consort into account, within the past two days, she had done more for Fuping County than the ineffectual officials who were posted at the county.
The Retired Emperor was extremely pleased when he received the edict that came from Governor Chen.
In fact, it was rather logical as the Retired Emperor appeared obviously concerned when the dry season arrived every year.
Due to the shortage of rice, the people flocked to the Capital to beg for food. For the Retired Emperor, that was the most distressing scene to watch.
It was a great creation that would benefit the whole War Dragon Empire!
As His Highness and princess consort had yet to return, it was irrational for the Retired Emperor to unveil their identities. Otherwise, the Retired Emperor would have celebrated her success and officially conferred the title of princess consort on her.
How can she be accused of groundlessly?
The more Eunuch Sun dwelled on the thought, the more furious he got. Eventually, he began to pack everything at a faster rate.
Although the Retired Emperor appeared calm, he had the intention to annihilate the whole Helian family.
In fact, he would be less angry if Elder Helian did not send him the edict.
Nonetheless, the balance of power was very important for the imperial court. It was disagreeable to push anyone too hard.
But, it's just a small restaurant.
How dare they make up such a big lie about it?
Hah. Seafood is my favorite?
Even I have no idea about this little fact of myself!
On the contrary, Liao Qingtian, who was in the provincial capital, was thrilled when he received the edict. "I was right. The County Magistrate Wei was looking for trouble when he decided to disturb the Bayview Restaurant! The elder has delivered the edict to the Retired Emperor. The Retired Emperor will probably be here by noon tomorrow."
"General Liao is such a discerning man." The imperial officials who were sitting by the side gave a thumbs up. They laughed gleefully and said, "County Magistrate Wei must be regretting deeply now!"
"Regret? The Retired Emperor will not tolerate this if he finds out about the incident," Liao Qingtian put on a chilling grin as he said, "He will definitely be removed from his position. Arrest the private advisor who follows Wei Wei around!" Since the elder allowed him to manage the affair unsparingly, he would carry out his task with no scruples.
Chapter 508 - Calling Wei Wei A Country Bumpkin
Later that night, the dim moonlight shone on the trees that were swaying in the wind.
Helian Wei Wei was never a person who would attend a war unprepared.
Since she was going to fight against Liao Qingtian, she had to take her opponent's identity into consideration as she planned her strategy.
Knowing that he was a general, she had no option but to pay a visit to Wei Ze World.
As the owner, Helian Wei Wei was delighted when she thought of her franchise. As a result, she was smiling throughout the entire journey to the shop.
Baili Jia Jue threw a glimpse at her and immediately understood the reason behind her grin. She was thrilled thinking about the money that was collected by the store.
Undeniably, Wei Ze World's business was excellent.
Many people visited the shop to customize their martial arts. Normally, the other martial arts stores would send the customers back and only notify them when everythi
ng was done.
However, things were different in the Wei Ze World. They provided good service by setting up a teahouse within their store that served tidbits and snacks. Customers were allowed to loiter in the teahouse as they waited.
The tidbits were free but Wei Ze World charged for the beverages and snacks.
Helian Wei Wei had her meal only a moment ago and was not keen to have any food. She simply ordered the staff to serve her a glass of plain water.
At this moment, a lady and her servant, who were both dressed exquisitely, passed by the table which Helian Wei Wei was seated at. With their furrowed brows, they glanced at her disdainfully when they overheard that Helian Wei Wei was asking for plain water.
The girl, who seemed to be the maid, said in a muffled voice, "Miss, let's take a seat somewhere else. They might spread their niggardness to us."
The young lady looked at Helian Wei Wei arrogantly before she hastily walked past Helian Wei Wei. Then, she commented nonchalantly, "I don't want to see these country bumpkins."
"Don't worry, Miss. When Master Wang arrives, he'll definitely chase them out after he learns that they have upset you," the maid said as she carried a bowl in her hand. "They made a fool out of themselves by asking for a cup of plain water in Wei Ze World. Apparently, the man who is dressed elegantly is faking his status. I reckon that they can't afford martial arts from Wei Ze World at all. They're only here to take advantage of the facility."
The lady let out a contemptuous sneer, "They're so stingy."
"Yes, they are." The maid scoffed as she gazed at Helian Wei Wei and her servant mockingly.
Finding it absurd, Helian Wei Wei put on a half-smile as she casually played with the cup in her hand.
Obviously wanting to flaunt their wealth, the lady, accompanied by her maid, ordered an abundance of dishes when the staff approached them.
"Hey, send some snacks to them and tell them to move somewhere else. They shouldn't be ruining Wei Ze World's atmosphere." The mean lady made a disrespectful statement.
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