Chapter 37: Persuasion

Chapter 37: Persuasion

Rong Bi was unaware that the Crown Prince's first foray into designing jewelry for a woman was actually a set of pendants crafted for her. At this moment, she anticipated the unknown journey ahead more than any precious adornment.

She sat in the carriage en route to Ju Lu, lifting the window curtains to admire the unfamiliar landscapes outside. Beyond the window lay vast, icy plains and distant mountains. The cold air from the wilderness wafted into the carriage, though it offered no breathtaking sights, it did not evoke boredom.

She had been confined within the palace walls for far too long. Palace maids were strictly forbidden to leave, so the mere chance to venture out was an exhilarating novelty for her.

This time, she was heading to Ju Lu to meet with the young master of a security company for business negotiations. Hearing Bai Ying's report that the carriage was ready, she was momentarily stunned. Flipping through her notebook, she saw the Crown Prince's note: "Meet with Li Cunyi of Yongxing Security Company regarding investment matters."

The Crown Prince's records were always concise, such as his handling of the disturbance at the medicinal cuisine shop, which he simply recorded as, "Rioters at the medicinal cuisine shop were handed over to the appropriate authorities for punishment." Fortunately, there were many attendants around, allowing her to glean some understanding of the events through indirect inquiries with Hong Ying and Bai Ying. The Crown Prince's reticence made her worry about revealing any disparity in their personalities, so she dared not speak too much. Thankfully, Princess Yi Yang often provided her with more detailed explanations.

On this trip to Ju Lu, her ostensible reason was merely to personally procure medicinal ingredients and culinary items for medicinal cuisine. In reality, Princess Yi Yang had summoned her, giving her a thorough briefing and adding, "The specifics will be handled by Deputy Commander Song; you need not involve yourself directly. Your role is simply to oversee the procurement for the medicinal cuisine shop publicly. Ordinarily, with Hengzhi absent, there would be no need for you to go, but we wish for the people of the Jingbei Duke's Manor to grow accustomed to your frequent outings."

Rong Bi understood that this was Princess Yi Yang and the Crown Prince secretly fostering their own power base. Moreover, she would have the chance to venture out, which, after being confined in the palace for so long, filled her heart with excitement and longing for the world beyond.

From outside the carriage, Tang Youyu and Yu Twelve, upon noticing her raise the window, eagerly rode over to greet her. "Young Master Rong, we'll reach our resting inn in another two hours. I've scouted this route before; ahead lies a vast lake, now frozen, and it's stunning!"

Rong Bi looked curiously in the direction of their pointed whips. Deputy Commander Song Wensong had approached with a composed expression. "There are many bandits around this area. Don't encourage Young Master to disembark. Both of you, be more cautious."

Rong Bi glanced at Song Wensong, defending them, "They were merely showing me the sights and didn't ask me to alight. Commander Song, please don't blame them."

Song Wensong felt a tremor upon seeing Rong Bi's glistening, limpid eyes looking his way. He quickly lowered his head and said, "I dare not, but if Fourth Master wishes to alight and take a look, it's certainly acceptable."

Rong Bi observed Song Wensong's restrained demeanor and the utmost respect he showed her, feeling a slight sense of curiosity. When she first arrived at the Princess's residence, she had acquainted herself with its hierarchy. This Commander Song, in his thirties, was originally a guard to the former Prince Consort, hailing from Duke Ding's household troops, known for his astuteness and capability. After the passing of Prince Consort Song, he remained at the Princess's residence, continuing his service as the head of the guards. Princess Yi Yang had always held him in high esteem, and the security of the residence had long been under his command.

After five days on the road, Rong Bi finally arrived at Ju Lu, settling into a residence that her subordinates had pre-arranged. As expected, Song Wensong took off the next day to conduct some business, leaving Yu Twelve and Tang Duyu behind to accompany her in purchasing provisions.

Accompanied by her entourage, she spent a day visiting apothecaries and game dealers, where the variety of wild game and mountain delicacies was indeed abundant and reasonably priced. In addition to esteemed medicinal ingredients and culinary treasures such as ginseng, monkey mushrooms, bamboo fungus, bird's nest, black fungus, wood ear, lingzhi, saffron, caterpillar fungus, fritillary bulb, Cistanche, polygonum multiflorum, she also procured some rare items including deer tendons, antlers, tails, bear bile, tiger bone, bezoar, ram horns, donkey hide gelatin, wolf fat, horse oil, and musk. Furthermore, she instructed her attendants to acquire a selection of live creatures, including wild pigeons, pheasants, hazel grouses, and snakes, amassing a considerable and diverse haul.

After two or three busy days, the preparations were almost complete. Rong Bi inquired about Song Wensong's progress, to which he replied, "Young Master Li is overly cautious because his family and business were ruined due to a conspiracy when their escort agency lost a valuable shipment. He suspects our intentions and wants to see our capabilities; perhaps he wishes to use us to avenge his father. After all, he's young. He asked me to bring more men tomorrow for him to assess if we can handle the job. I'll take more people with me to talk things through and alleviate his concerns. Fourth Master should rest at the inn tomorrow, right?"

Recalling what she had seen and heard that day, Rong Bi said, "Just go ahead with your men. Tomorrow, I'll visit the nearby Fenglin Manor. I heard the owner raises many black chickens, pheasants, and has a breeding program. They claim these birds are easy to raise, so let's check it out and perhaps bring some back."

Song Wensong hesitated but knew that Rong Bi's decisions were final. After a moment's thought, he agreed and gave detailed instructions to Yu Twelve and Tang Youyu, ordering them to protect Lady Rong with a few others, accompanied by Bai Ying and Hong Ying. With everything settled, the following day unfolded.

True to her word, Rong Bi set out early in the morning with her entourage to Fenglin Manor. The manor owner not only raised thousands of black chickens and pheasants but also kept various other live creatures. Upon seeing that the guest was a young nobleman, they presented a charming and expensive Persian cat for her amusement. The snow-white feline with its silky fur and gem-like heterochromatic eyes captivated Rong Bi, who played with the kitten for a while before reluctantly putting it down without purchasing it. Considering her current circumstances, her body could change at any moment, making it an inconvenient time to keep a pet.

After inspecting the black chickens, mountain chickens, and pheasants, she ordered some chicks and arranged a delivery date before rising to return in her carriage.

Rong Bi had just boarded the carriage when she felt her headdress and hairpins become loose from the playful claws of the cat. As the prince was known for his cold demeanor and dislike of sharing a ride with others, the carriage was solely for her use, while Bai Ying and other attendants rode in another. Rong Bi didn't call for assistance and instead undid her headdress herself, taking out a jade comb to redo her hair. While she was in the middle of combing, the carriage suddenly came to a halt.

Startled, Rong Bi listened intently as she heard Yu Twelve and Tang Duyu shouting outside, "Stop! Who goes there? !" Followed by the clinking sound of swords being drawn from their scabbards.

Holding the comb, Rong Bi strained her ears to listen. An outsider's voice boomed, "Fourth Master Rong, you've come to Julu personally but refuse to meet me, instead sending your men to fend me off with mere coins. Do you think my humble household will be swayed by money? If you have no regard for our Yongxing Escort Agency, why waste your silver on us? What is your true intention?"

Outside, Yu Twelve responded, "Young Master Li, hasn't Manager Song explained the situation clearly? Our Fourth Master is unwell. Please discuss matters with Manager Song."

The voice laughed, tinged with resentment, "I, Li Cunyi, might be a small fry, but I have my pride. Today, I've come to seek an audience with Second Master Rong to understand why this insignificant escort agency has caught the attention of esteemed nobles, despite their disdain. Why would someone from the capital go through such trouble to visit this humble town?"

Before Rong Bi could ponder the situation, the carriage's interior brightened. She lifted her gaze to see a young man staring at her fiercely, his expression filled with anger and resentment. However, upon recognizing her, his surprise replaced his fury, and his demeanor softened, now tinged with confusion and apology.

Still holding her hair and the comb, Rong Bi looked at the young man's bewilderment and spoke softly, "Young Master Li, please allow me to compose myself. Then, we can find a place to sit down and talk, if that suits you?"

Li Cunyi hastily lowered the carriage curtain, his cheeks flushing, "Of course, forgive my rudeness." After a moment's hesitation, he suggested, "There's the Yuxing Tavern up ahead. How about we meet there?"

As Yu Twelve and the guards drew their swords to defend him, they noticed a group of fierce-looking guards approaching rapidly on horseback. Leading them was none other than Song Wensong, his face flushed with anger, "Young Master Li, you said you needed to assess our capabilities before considering cooperation. I brought my people for you to see, yet you deceived us and attempted to intercept our young master. How disrespectful! What do you intend?"

Li Cunyi, who had been guarded and wary towards Song Wensong, suddenly appeared relaxed, shedding his previous sardonic demeanor. He smiled and replied, "Manager Song, don't be angry. It's precisely because I value the partnership with your Fourth Master that I came to meet him personally. Now that Fourth Master has agreed to discuss matters at the Yuxing Tavern, please lead the way, Manager Song."

Song Wensong was exasperated. He rushed forward and whispered urgently, "Fourth Master, I can handle this. This man is inscrutable, with a radical personality and unclear intentions..."

Rong Bi spoke softly, "It's alright. Manager Song, make the arrangements. Let's discuss at the tavern ahead. It seems Young Master Li has doubts about our cooperation. It's better to sit down and talk it out, to clear any suspicions."

Song Wensong glanced at his own group of men, realizing that he had been careless for taking some of them to meet Li Cunyi earlier. Li Cunyi had pretended to assess their strength but instead led his men here to ambush Second Master. Now, with his men present, he should be able to ensure Lady Rong's safe departure. Reluctantly, he nodded and glared at Yu Twelve and the others, blaming them for being too young and allowing Li Cunyi to approach Lady Rong.

Yu Twelve looked aggrieved. They hadn't used lethal force because they recognized Li Cunyi as the person Lady Rong was planning to collaborate with. No one dared to act without her permission. Recently, Lady Rong had been decisive and stern, treating her subordinates like soldiers. Any mistake was met with immediate punishment. Her only demand was obedience; they must follow her orders without question. Since she didn't give an order in this situation, they assumed she had other plans. Besides, Li Cunyi wasn't hurt, right?

Each person held their own thoughts as they hurriedly arrived at the tavern. Red Baiying and White Baiying, from the second carriage, got down and waited by the carriage to serve.

Recalling the fleeting glimpse of Rong Bi's enchanting gaze and her flowing black hair, Li Cunyi now observed these two refined maidservants. He confirmed in his heart that indeed, despite being young and dressed in male attire, this Rong Young Master possessed an exquisite appearance, undoubtedly a female noble.

Rong Bi stepped down from the carriage, nodding slightly and bowing to Li Cunyi. Li Cunyi warmly led the way, acting as the host, saying, "Please, Fourth Master Rong, follow me. This tavern is renowned for its superb bear paw stew. As you've come from the capital, you must not have tasted such local flavors. Today, allow me to treat you, to welcome you and apologize for my rash behavior."

Rong Bi replied politely, "Young Master Li, you're too kind."

The two ascended to the top private room and sat down. Soon, dishes, fruits, and snacks were served, including honey-glazed bear paw, fish and mutton soup, and diced wildfowl.

Li Cunyi also ordered sweet wine, explaining, "This is premium glutinous rice honey wine. It won't intoxicate. Fourth Master Rong may enjoy some, or if you prefer, we can have tea."

Rong Bi observed him pour the wine and did not decline. Taking the cup, she drained it in one swift gesture. "I've been in Ju Lu for several days but haven't had the chance to meet Young Master Li. It's my fault; please forgive me."

Li Cunyi saw her face flush with a rosy glow after just one sip, like the hues of a sunset. Her radiance was captivating, and he couldn't bear to look directly at her, feeling his own cheeks warm. "I suppose there must be a good reason behind your absence, Lord Rong IV."

Rong Bi took the opportunity to acknowledge it. "Indeed, there are circumstances beyond our control. But when it comes to collaborating with Young Master Li, we are sincere. I've heard about the misfortune that has befallen your family, and I wish to assist you in reclaiming your honor."

Li Cunyi's anger and sorrow had been swirling within him, overwhelmed by his own powerlessness. Hearing this gentle comfort from the beautiful woman before him, a surge of resentment welled up. His nose tingled, and all the pent-up frustration since his father's death seemed to find an outlet. He fought back tears, regaining composure. "I believe Lord Rong IV's sincerity and understand your predicament. However, I'm still puzzled. Your group all have accents from the capital, suggesting you're from noble backgrounds. Why would you choose to support a small escort agency like mine in this remote, desolate place? And what do you hope to gain? Even at its peak, the income of Xingyuan Escort Agency barely covered the monthly wages of our martial artists."

Rong Bi pondered for a moment. "After my mother passed away, our family's assets were seized by those who coveted them. I need to reclaim my inheritance lawfully. Due to certain reasons, I cannot openly reveal myself, but I require vast sums of money and capable people. Although Ju Lu is remote, it connects to Bei Xi, leading to ports and riverbanks. The convenience of both sea and canal transport is why your escort agency thrives. We can also leverage these advantages to achieve our goals." In her mind, the prince, once the rightful heir, had been manipulated by Empress Luo. What she was proposing wasn't deceitful; he merely wanted what was rightfully his.

Seeing her sincere words and clear, honest gaze, along with her masculine attire, Li Cunyi imagined a tragic past of a heiress forced into anonymity, plotting to regain her lost inheritance. A pang of sympathy crossed his face, and he nodded slightly.

Rong Bi continued, "It's precisely because Ju Lu is distant and harsh that it can remain inconspicuous, allowing us to grow steadily. My adversaries... they possess great power and many informants. That's why I must resort to such secrecy. Young Master Li, rest assured that our collaboration will be mutually beneficial, with no danger to you."

Li Cunyi, moved, stood up. "Since Lord Rong IV has been so candid and has your reasons, I won't press further. I hope our future cooperation will indeed prove advantageous for both of us, as we strive for what we deserve."

Before leaving, Li Cunyi watched her climb into the carriage and couldn't resist asking, "If there's anything I can do to help, Lord Rong IV, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll lend my full support." He had wanted to inquire about when they might meet again, but aware of her situation, he deemed it too forward and settled for a more subtle expression of willingness.

Rong Bi smiled at him. "Thank you, Young Master Li, for your generous offer. For now, let us bide our time and plan for the future."

Indeed, a wise move for the future. Li Cunyi understood that the other party would not entrust him with anything significant or reveal their true identity until his abilities were proven. He vowed solemnly, "I shall bear any humiliation and give my all."

Song Wensong, who had been guarding nearby, observed how Li Cunyi had gone from being guarded and cautious to being ready to lay down his life at a moment's notice. He was speechless. Glancing at Rong Guan, now disguised as a man, he pondered over the princess's choice. This person possessed both captivating beauty and exceptional talent, truly a formidable figure.