The waste prince is so fierce

"However, the power struggle in the court is not simply black and white. The conflicts of interest and human relationships involved are extremely complicated. The two princes have their own merits, which shows how complicated the situation in the court is."

She paused and continued, "In fact, I invited you two here today not only to discuss state affairs, but also to ask for a favor."

Li Jinnian and Master Liu said in unison: "Please speak, my lord. We are willing to do our best to help you."

Princess Pingyang sighed and said, "Although I am a princess, there are many things that I cannot control."

"Recently, I learned a secret that concerns the reputation of the royal family. If this matter is spread, it may have a great impact on the royal family. I would like to ask the two gentlemen to secretly investigate this matter and find out the truth to save the reputation of the royal family."

Li Jinnian and Master Liu looked at each other and saw a solemn look in each other's eyes.

They understood that this matter was probably not simple, and once they were involved in it, it would likely involve more court disputes.

However, they also knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if they could successfully solve the secret, it would have a profound impact on their future careers.

Li Jinnian pondered for a moment, then bowed and said, "We are honored by the princess's trust. However, this matter concerns the reputation of the royal family. We must do our best to find out the truth and live up to the princess' trust."

Young Master Liu also nodded and said, "Brother Li is absolutely right. We will do our best to help the princess relieve her worries."

Princess Pingyang heard this and showed gratitude on her face. She stood up and bowed, saying, "I would like to thank you two gentlemen in advance. If this matter can be successfully resolved, I will definitely reward you handsomely."

Li Jinnian and Master Liu quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Your Highness, your words are too kind. It is our honor to serve you."

The three chatted for a while, and then Princess Pingyang arranged for someone to send Li Jinnian and Master Liu away from the Princess's Mansion.

After leaving the Princess's Mansion, Li Jinnian and Master Liu did not go directly back to their residence, but found a secluded place to discuss the matter.

"Brother Liu, what do you think about this matter?" Li Jinnian asked.

Young Master Liu frowned and said, "I'm afraid this matter is not simple."

"Since Princess Pingyang has found us, it means that she can no longer guarantee the absolute loyalty of those around her. That's why she found us so-called outsiders. This trip is probably extremely dangerous."

Li Jinnian nodded and said, "Brother Liu is right. However, this is also an opportunity for us. If we can successfully solve this secret, our status in the court will surely rise. Moreover, I always feel that there is a bigger secret hidden behind this matter."

"So what should we do next?" asked Master Liu.

Li Jinnian pondered for a moment and said, "The first thing we need to do is to investigate the whole story and make sure that what Princess Pingyang said is true."

Hearing Li Jinnian's words, Liu Mou's heart skipped a beat.

"Brother Li, what do you mean?"

A sly look flashed across Li Jinnian's eyes, and he said softly:

"Brother Liu, although we have agreed to Princess Pingyang's request, we cannot completely believe her one-sided words."

"After all, this is about the secrets of the royal family. The power struggles and interests involved are extremely complicated. We must first investigate on our own and confirm the truth before we can make a wiser decision."

After hearing this, Liu Mou couldn't help but nod in agreement: "Brother Li is absolutely right. So how should we start the investigation?"

Li Jinnian thought for a moment and said, "We can start with the secret that Princess Pingyang mentioned. Since this matter concerns the reputation of the royal family, there must be some rumors within the palace."

"We can use our family's spies in the court to secretly gather information and find out the truth of the matter."

"But we must also be careful to protect our identities. After all, this is a royal secret. If we are discovered to be investigating, it may cause unnecessary trouble," Liu Mou added.

Li Jinnian nodded in agreement: "Brother Liu is right. We must be careful to find out the truth and ensure our own safety."

......

While the two were conducting an intensive investigation, Li Quan had already met Li Hao.

"Haha, Fifth Brother, long time no see! How come you came to Yangzhou City without telling me! And you didn't even give me a chance to go out of the city to greet you."

As Li Quan walked, he opened his arms and gave Li Hao a big hug.

Li Hao said with a wry smile: "How dare I trouble you? You are now the governor of Jiangnan Road appointed by our father. You are in charge of the entire Jiangnan Road. You are a very busy man!"

Li Quan seemed not to hear the sting in Li Hao's words, and still smiled: "Fifth brother, what are you talking about? No matter how busy you are, you can't forget the brotherhood. By the way, Fifth brother, what is the important matter for coming to Yangzhou this time?"

Li Hao glanced at Li Quan and said calmly, "It's nothing serious. I just came to Jiangnan Road on the order of my father to inspect and understand the people's sentiments."

"Oh? Patrolling Jiangnan Road?"

A barely perceptible light flashed in Li Quan's eyes, "Has Fifth Brother discovered anything wrong?"

Li Hao chuckled: "Under your governance, the people of Jiangnan are living and working in peace and contentment, and commerce is thriving. What could be wrong? I'm just here to take a look, and I'll be back in the capital in a few days to report."

Li Quan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but his face remained enthusiastic: "In that case, Fifth Brother, you must stay in Yangzhou for a few more days and let me treat you well."

Li Hao smiled slightly and did not comment.

That night, Li Hao was alone in his study, flipping through the files he brought from the capital, his brows furrowed.

His visit to Jiangnan was ostensibly for an inspection, but in reality he was following his father's secret order to secretly investigate whether Li Quan, the governor of Jiangnan, had done anything wrong.

Li Hao had always been wary of Li Quan. He knew very well that his younger brother was ambitious and was not satisfied with being merely the governor of Jiangnan Road.

Jiangnan Road was one of the richest regions in the Tang Dynasty.

Its strategic position and economic value are extremely important and must not be lost.

Just as he was lost in thought, there was a slight noise outside the window. Li Hao immediately raised his head alertly, and saw a man in black climbing in from the window. He was agile and obviously a well-trained master.

"Who are you? How dare you break into the palace at night!" Li Hao shouted sternly.

The man in black did not answer, but took out a letter from his arms, threw it to Li Hao, and quickly climbed out the window and left.

Li Hao opened the letter in confusion, only to find that it contained records of the accounts and evidence of interest transfer between Li Quan and some local officials and wealthy businessmen.

He was shocked. These evidences were enough to prove that Li Quan had a huge network of interests in Jiangnan Road, and might even have threatened the rule of the imperial court.

Li Hao knew that the real purpose of his visit to Jiangnan Road had been achieved.

He must immediately send the evidence back to the capital and report it to his father.

However, he did not expect that his every move had been secretly monitored by Li Quan. Just when he was about to leave Yangzhou City secretly, Li Quan suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Fifth brother, are you still going out of town so late?"

Li Quan looked at him with a half-smile, "I wonder what urgent matter Fifth Brother has that requires you to travel overnight?"