Chapter 451: Chapter 422, Yan Ying_2
Daohua probed, “They are all looking for the gold mine, right?”
Xiao Yeyang did not hide anything and nodded.
The color drained from Daohua’s face as she asked, “Are they looking for themselves, or are they helping the Emperor?”
Xiao Yeyang’s eyes flashed, “That, only they would know.”
Upon hearing this reply, Daohua’s heart involuntarily skipped a beat. She fell silent for a long while before looking at Xiao Yeyang, “Since both the Jiang Family and Prince Duan are searching for the gold mine, then you all should stop looking.”
“No!”
Just as Daohua finished speaking, a somewhat frail voice came from outside.
Daohua and Xiao Yeyang turned their heads and saw Wu Jingyi being supported by a subordinate as he walked in. He had barely sat down when he said, “We must not only search, but we also need to find it faster than them, especially before Prince Duan does.”
After Wu Jingyi settled down in the hall, Gu Jian also arrived.
Glancing at Daohua and Xiao Yeyang, Gu Jian then shifted his gaze to Wu Jingyi, “What do you mean by what you just said?”
Wu Jingyi glanced at Daohua, and seeing that neither Gu Jian nor Xiao Yeyang intended for her to leave, he began, “The gold mine here in Ningmen Prefecture had already been discovered by Prince Duan. He had intended to claim it for himself and mine it privately, but unfortunately, his people leaked the news.”
“Now that the Emperor and the Jiang Family both know about it, Prince Duan realizes that it is impossible for him to keep the gold mine. So, he plans to present the mine to the Emperor and, with the merit from this deed, return to the Imperial Court.”
Upon hearing this, both Xiao Yeyang and Gu Jian’s expressions changed. Daohua, unfamiliar with the affairs of the court, sensibly sat quietly on the side without saying a word.
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Wu Jingyi continued, “The situation is unstable in the north, with frequent warfare, but the national treasury cannot afford the military provisions. If Prince Duan were to openly present the gold mine, it would be like solving an urgent need for the Imperial Court.”
“At such a time, if Prince Duan’s supporters suggest that he should return to the court, it would be difficult for the Emperor to refuse.”
“Prince Duan has ambitious designs on the throne and has been coveting it for years. Even though he has been assigned to guard the Imperial Mausoleum, he has not stopped setting traps for the Emperor. If he were allowed back in the court, it would spell disaster for Daxia.”
Xiao Yeyang, puzzled, “Since Uncle Prince Duan knew about the gold mine early on, how are we going to stop him?”
Wu Jingyi’s lips curled into a sneer, “Though Prince Duan has been gathering followers all these years, the Emperor is a wise ruler. Many of those who follow him have started to waver.”
“The one who discovered the gold mine did not report the news directly to Prince Duan but wished to present it to the Emperor, hoping to defect. Unfortunately, an accident occurred on the way, and they were captured by the people from the Jiang family.”
Gu Jian narrowed his eyes, “So, it means now there are three factions looking for the gold mine: the Jiang Family, Prince Duan, and the Emperor’s men.”
Wu Jingyi nodded, “Old Gu is correct, however, if the gold mine were to be found by the Jiang Family, knowing how shrewd the Empress Dowager is, they likely would not dare to conspire to usurp the throne. Like Prince Duan, they would choose to surrender the mine, and that would surely increase the Jiang Family’s prestige in the Imperial Court.”
“If Prince Duan finds it, it would be even less in line with the Emperor’s wishes. That’s why I said we need to find the gold mine before them.”
“Prince Duan’s men have already arrived at Ningmen Prefecture. To stop them from finding the gold mine, I have already clashed with them several times.”
As he spoke, Wu Jingyi looked at Daohua with a smile, “I haven’t had a chance to thank you yet, miss. If it weren’t for you yesterday, I’m afraid I would have been finished.”
With that, he untied a Jade Pendant from his waist and handed it over.
“If you ever find yourself in trouble, just speak up. Whatever I can do, I will certainly help you.”
Daohua glanced at Gu Jian and Xiao Yeyang but did not take the Jade Pendant.
Gu Jian, “What trouble could she, a young girl, possibly get into?” Saying this, he glanced at Daohua, signaling her to accept the Jade Pendant.
A promise from the Commander of the Five Armies carried weight. Regardless of its usefulness, it was better to take it first.
After receiving a cue from her master, Daohua stood up and took the Jade Pendant.
Afterward, Wu Jingyi discussed the search for the gold mine with Xiao Yeyang. Daohua did not continue to listen and left the room. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw a Hidden Guard standing in the courtyard.
“Subordinate Hidden Seven greets the master.” After speaking, he knelt on one knee before Daohua.
Daohua was startled, “You know you’ll be following me from now on?”
The Hidden Guard nodded, “Eunuch Fu has already informed this subordinate.”
Daohua fell silent for a while, then said thoughtfully, “Following me might not be as promising as following Xiao Yeyang, but don’t worry, I’ll compensate you with silver.”
Hmm?
The Hidden Guard was taken aback, then looked up at his new master with a trace of surprise. He had not expected his first instruction from the new master to be about this.
Being reassigned here, he had no objections in his heart.
As a Hidden Guard, one lived every day with their head hanging by a belt; there was nothing to speak of in terms of career prospects. Serving a master who required little of them, to be blunt, was their good fortune as Hidden Guards.
If other Hidden Guards knew about his situation, no doubt many would be envious.
Seeing the Hidden Guard kneeling, Daohua said, “Stand up when you speak.”
The Hidden Guard quickly glanced at Daohua and stood up.
Daohua, “Your name is Hidden Seven?”
The Hidden Guard nodded, “That is this subordinate’s code name.”
Daohua, “Then what is your real name?”
The Hidden Guard shook his head, “This subordinate only has a code name, no real name.” His tone was very calm, as if he had resigned himself to this reality.
They had been trained collectively from a young age, and they remembered nothing of parents or relatives. How could they have a name?
Daohua remained silent for a long while, “From now on, you’ll be called Yan Ying.”
The Hidden Guard looked at Daohua again then bowed, “Thank you for the name bestowed by my master.”
Hearing movement behind her, Daohua said, “You may leave.”
The Hidden Guard nodded and, with a ‘whoosh’, disappeared into the yard.