Although Jiang Suizhou let loose several harsh words inwardly, he also knew that the more Lou Yue thought highly of Huo Wujiu, the less he could do anything to ruin their relationship.
He listened to Lou Yue’s chatter the entire way, until they reached the entrance of the palace. It was only then that Lou Yue stopped babbling.
“Your Highness and this General truly have good rapport. Please pardon me for letting you listen to my gossip for so long.” He scratched the back of his head with some embarrassment.
Jiang Suizhou answered with a faint smile.
“General loves your daughter very much, so that’s all right.” He paused and then continued meaningfully, “However, General, it’s good to be comfortable with debt of gratitude and of enmity, but if one day you provoked others’ fear and hatreds, then not to mention a match made in heaven, even the safety of your loved ones may not be guaranteed by then.”
Lou Yue stiffened, and his smile froze on his face.
“What did you say, Your Highness?” he asked in shock.
Jiang Suizhou withdrew his gaze, looked around, lowered his voice, and said, “This Prince has some information in his hands, about you, General. I think you’re unaware that Pang Shao and others are already forcing your whole family to death.”
Lou Yue was aghast, then became furious. He lowered his voice and raged: “I knew it! That old thief has been showing weakness all these days, but he’s actually secretly playing tricks! Thank you for telling me, Your Highness. I won’t let him get away with it!”
Jiang Suizhou laughed.
Although Lou Yue was indeed an outstanding soldier in leading troops to war, he was upright and reckless. If he didn’t stop him now, he would most likely carry his weapons and smash the gates of Pang Manor.
“General, you don’t know yet what Pang Shao is up to.” He said, “If he intends to kill someone invisibly, what are your chances of winning, General?”
Lou Yue stopped in his tracks.
He was indeed impulsive. Listening to Jingwang’s words, he also realized that he was in the light and Pang Shao was in the dark. There was no chance of winning at all.
“Then…” Lou Yue hesitated for a moment, but his tone weakened. “What do you have in mind, Your Highness?”
Jiang Suizhou regarded him with a faint smile.
He was quite like a fox feigning innocence, but finally, he lazily showed a few inches of his tail to others.
“Not only does this Prince have ideas, but also has ways to help you, General,” he replied.
Lou Yue wanted to thank him, but looking at his expression, he felt a little lost: “Then Your Highness…”
“The Prince also has some favors that need your assistance.” Jiang Suizhou said, “But you don’t have to be nervous, General. Someone will send the time and place of our meeting to your manor later. By then, this Prince will lay down my chips, so why don’t you join this Prince and find a quiet place for a chat?”
Lou Yue naturally agreed to Jiang Suizhou’s proposal, but when the two of them parted, the look he gave Jiang Suizhou was more or less tainted with some complexity.
Of course, Jiang Suizhou sensed it, but he brushed it off.
Whatever Lou Yue thought, he could only do so for now.
If he were to offer assistance to Lou Yue blindly, Lou Yue would bear the righteousness of his family and country on his head. There might be room for maneuver, but it was difficult to really agree to his terms. Only by forcing him to a dead end and driving him into a dilemma, where picking between the two sides was his only choice, would he make up his mind and make some sacrifices.
As for how he would regard him…
Jiang Suizhou told himself inwardly, It does not matter. Leave it to him.
Even if it meant suffering discomfort from letting a person he’d been on friendly terms with misunderstand him.
He got in the carriage and hurried away. When he returned to the manor, he summoned Xu Du and Gu Changyun to his room, agreed with them on a suitable time and a secret venue, and then had a dead soldier under Xu Du bring the information into Lou Yue’s house covertly.
The time was set for tonight, and the place was arranged at the famous Golden Jade Pavilion Restaurant in Lin’an. Although there were numerous people there, there were often officials and merchants going in and out, so it would not be conspicuous. Moreover, Xu Du had already investigated. Pang Shao had a banquet at Mingfeng Tower tonight, so he would not meet any acquaintances of Pang’s party in Golden Jade Pavilion.
After making these arrangements and asking Gu Changyun to go to the restaurant and reserve a room in his name, Jiang Suizhou silently waited for the night to come.
Evening soon arrived.
He changed into his usual clothes, prepared the evidence he had collected recently, and got ready to go out together with Gu Changyun.
But then Wei Kai came.
The room door was pushed open, and when Jiang Suizhou raised his eyes, he saw Wei Kai standing in the doorway. He cautiously looked in his direction and informed him, “Your Highness, Madam Huo is looking for you.”
Jiang Suizhou was already properly dressed and ready to go out. The excuse he found today was to take Gu Changyun out for a drink and fun. Gu Changyun was now waiting nearby, and their carriage was already parked outside the royal residence.
Jiang Suizhou stopped for a moment and said, “Go back to Madam Huo, and if he has something to tell me, wait for my return.”
But at that moment, Wei Kai’s body swayed and a person behind him vigorously pushed him aside.
Jiang Suizhou looked, and saw Huo Wujiu sitting there.
