Golden Branch

Wow!

Wang Heng stood up from the water and placed her hands on the bathtub.

She stuck her head out and looked carefully at the pearl diver kneeling on the ground: "Lift your head!"

Ah Zhu was stunned for a moment. She was still thinking about answering Wang Heng's question about "good water ability" when she heard Wang Heng's instructions.

This noble lady was young and her voice was soft, but she still had an aura that made her feel in awe.

She would obey almost subconsciously at every instruction.

Ah Zhu raised her head.

Wang Heng looked carefully and saw that there was blood on his forehead. He kowtowed too hard.

Ah Zhu has a small face with delicate features and the pretty beauty of a beautiful girl from a small family.

But the skin is a little dark and rough, probably because of being at the seaside all year round and being exposed to the sun and water frequently.

However, the flaws do not outweigh the virtues.

If she dresses up, she is still a cute little beauty.

She is not petite, but has the tall and slender figure of a northerner.

The maids in the governor's mansion all wore the same green, chest-length skirt, which concealed her figure.

Wang Heng's eyes swept over her exposed neck and hands. Well, she wasn't exactly pampered, but she shouldn't be too delicate either.

Moreover, as pearl divers, they go to the sea all year round.

As Amian said, swimming is the best way to keep fit.

According to Amian's standards, the pearl divers should be considered "good swimmers".

So, this Ah Zhu is not only good at swimming, but also has good physical fitness!

Wang Heng's mind moved slightly: "This person should meet Amian's requirements!"

"Azhu, how good are you at swimming?"

After seeing Ah Zhu's face clearly, Wang Heng continued to ask, "How long can you hold your breath underwater?"

Ah Zhu raised her head and saw a beautiful girl lying on the edge of the bathtub.

When we came in to serve just now, according to the rules taught by the Governor's Mansion, servants like Ah Zhu were not allowed to look up and look directly at the noble.

Ah Zhu did not see the true appearance of Princess Langya.

At this moment, she raised her head and instinctively looked towards Wang Heng. Ah Zhu couldn't help but feel a little surprised:

I, did I see a fairy?

This noble lady is actually so beautiful?

Long hair like a waterfall, snow-white skin and red lips... like a lotus emerging from the water, stunningly beautiful... Ah Zhu is illiterate and does not know so many words to praise a beautiful woman.

She simply thought that the noble man was so good-looking!

The noble person’s voice is also very pleasant to hear!

Just like a fairy on a fairy island in the sea.

Ah Zhu was stunned for a moment and did not answer immediately.

Ah Man warned coldly, "Ah Zhu! The princess wants to ask you, how long can you stay underwater?"

Ah Man's words startled Ah Zhu awake. She quickly lowered her head and replied respectfully, "My Lord, I can stay underwater for the shortest time I can stay underwater for half an incense stick, and the longest time I can stay underwater for half a cup of tea."

She thought for a moment and added, "If I borrow some tools, the slave can stay longer."

As a pearl diver, she has been undergoing cruel training since childhood.

Diving is just the basics.

The length of diving time affects their family’s livelihood for the whole year.

The deeper she dives and the longer she dives, the greater her chance of finding the best pearls, and she will be able to complete the taxes and tasks assigned by the government as much as possible.

Among the many pearl divers in her area, Ah Zhu's swimming ability may not be the best, but she is firmly in the top three.

She was also one of the best at collecting high-quality clam pearls... This attracted the attention of the fishing tyrants and eventually led to the destruction of her family.

When Ah Zhu thought of the tragic deaths of her parents and siblings, tears welled up in her eyes, hiding her deep resentment.

She must avenge her family!

Pinching her palms tightly, Ah Zhu gathered her thoughts and served Wang Heng carefully.

Wang Heng grew up by the river and is very good at swimming.

So, she understood the value of diving for half a cup of tea.

She roughly estimated and nodded slowly: Half a cup of tea is enough!

She didn't continue talking to Ah Zhu, but looked at Ah Man: "Send someone to ask and see if what Ah Zhu said is true!"

"If there's a real grievance, let someone deal with it!"

Wang Heng didn't need to say more, Ah Man understood what her master meant: Jiu Niang has taken a liking to Ah Zhu and wants to take her in as her disciple!

Knowing the master's thoughts, Ah Man would make arrangements without the master having to explain everything.

For example, when talking to Ah Zhu: The master is not helping you for free, he needs you to be his slave.

For example, investigate Ah Zhu's background, verify what she said, and make sure that there is no problem with this person before signing the indenture contract!

For another example, after Ah Zhu confirmed that everything was correct, she went to communicate with the governor's office to punish corrupt officials and bullies, and bring peace to the local people!

...Wang Heng didn't need to ask about these trivial matters. She just needed to express her intention and authorize Ah Man.

Ah Man will take care of everything with her business card.

When Wang Heng returns to Beijing one day, there will be one (or more) pearl-diving girls with excellent swimming skills in his entourage!

……

Lou Yu went downstairs and came to the lobby, where Governor Cui had been waiting for a long time.

Hearing the sound of light footsteps coming from the stairs, Governor Cui hurriedly stood up.

"I have met the Duke of Qi!"

Lou Yu was a founding county duke, of the second rank.

Cui Shi was a governor of a lower state, and only of the sixth rank.

Not to mention, Lou Yu is also the confidant of the supreme father and son, the Saint and the Prince.

Governor Cui naturally had to be extremely respectful to Lou Yu.

"You're too polite, Governor Cui!"

Lou Yu smiled lightly, like a spring breeze blowing on your face.

He had a gentle temperament and elegant manners. He walked up to Governor Cui and sat opposite him.

"Duke Qi has come to Dengzhou on official business? If you need anything, please feel free to ask!"

"Some official business has been handled!"

Lou Yu left the capital actually for personal matters.

However, Lou Yu has always been very careful in his actions.

When he left the capital, even though he was angry and anxious, he did not lose his mind.

He went to the Eastern Palace specifically and reported his whereabouts to the Crown Prince.

And found a job for himself——

The shipyard in Yizhou has been incorporated into the Eastern Palace.

The treasure ships built in the shipyard once made great contributions when crossing the river.

Afterwards, Wang Mian organized a fleet for deep-sea voyages and discovered many novel things in the "New World" along the coast, as well as many valuable treasures such as jade, spices, etc.

After the prince knew this, he also felt that the sea was indeed vast, and there was not only one Dayu in the world.

His gaze began to drift towards the vast ocean.

Train sailors, organize fleets, open up shipping routes, and develop islands like Yazhou...

The prince has a series of plans regarding maritime affairs.

Coastal prefectures such as Dengzhou and Jiaozhou are also included in the plan.

Lou Yu came to Dengzhou under the pretext of building a new port and preparing to construct a new shipyard.

In fact, Dengzhou had already made plans, but they had not yet been implemented.

Lou Yu's trip will enable further progress.

As a local official, Cui Shishi had to take part in many construction projects such as ports and shipyards.

Therefore, even if Governor Cui did not take the initiative to come to him, Lou Yu would still go to the Governor's residence to pay a visit.

Now that Governor Cui had arrived and was asking questions, Lou Yu took the opportunity to tell him everything.

Governor Cui was slightly startled: Build a port? Build a dock?

Didn’t the Duke of Qi come to Dengzhou in such a hurry just for Princess Langya?

According to information obtained by Governor Cui, the Duke of Qi arrived in Dengzhou on a fast horse last night.

As soon as I arrived, I rushed to the dock without taking a rest.

At the dock, the fleets owned by the two noble ladies, Wang Mian and Wang Heng, became busy.

After a whole night of activity, the entire dock was brightly lit and bustling with people.

This morning, just after daybreak, the wind direction and climate at sea were determined, and the fleet set out at an auspicious time.

In the morning, Governor Cui received news that another group of people had arrived at Dengzhou Wharf.

Soon after, news came from the inn that the newly-appointed Princess Langya by the saint was there.

Governor Cui was the cousin of Wang Heng's previous stepmother, and Madam Cui of the Lou family was also his aunt.

He had more or less knowledge about the past of the Wang and Lou families, and the relationship between Wang Heng and Lou Yu.

He also heard rumors in the capital about the marriage between Wang and Lou, and the news that the Turks and Tubo sent envoys to propose marriage.

Putting all this information together, Governor Cui easily recovered the truth:

In order to avoid the marriage, Princess Langya secretly ran away to Dengzhou.

Maybe she still wants to take refuge at sea for a while.

As for Lou Yu, whether it was for official business or for personal reasons, he resolutely followed.

He just wanted to "hunt down" Princess Langya.

This is clearly a private matter.

However, Lou Hanzhang is indeed a big shot, and he actually found an official business to cover up for himself.

Governor Cui narrowed his eyes slightly. He could make a judgment based on just a few words from Lou Yu:

First, Lou Yu is indeed smart, thoughtful and cautious.

Second, the prince really valued and trusted Lou Yu. Even though he knew that Lou Yu was doing this for personal reasons, he was still willing to find excuses and cover up for him.

These two conclusions made Governor Cui pay more attention to Lou Yu.

When talking to him, I was extremely cautious.

"It's been taken care of. The Duke is indeed young and capable."

Governor Cui was not stingy with his praise.

"You are too kind, Governor Cui. It is just a small matter."

"Yu will have to stay in Dengzhou for a few more days, so I'll have to trouble Governor Cui!"

Lou Yu greeted him politely.

Just at this moment, there was a footsteps sound on the stairs.

"Lang Jun!"

Ah Man came closer and bowed.

"But does the princess have any instructions?"

In front of others, Lou Yu always respectfully addressed Wang Heng as Princess.

He always remembered to improve Wang Heng's status.

Sure enough, upon hearing the word "Princess", Governor Cui subconsciously straightened his back and his expression became serious.

"Someone has hidden among the servants of the Cui family and is complaining to the princess!"

"The princess was furious when she heard this and ordered us to investigate..."

Ah Man briefly told the story of Ah Zhu.

What pearl divers, what fishing tyrants, and what collusion between officials and bandits... Governor Cui broke out in a cold sweat after hearing this.

He stood up suddenly and, before Lou Yu could speak, he angrily said, "Is this really true? Duke Qi, please rest assured. I will send someone to investigate right away. If the situation is true, we will act according to the law!"

Inspector Cui acted righteous and awe-inspiring, but he couldn't help but wonder in his heart: Is this Princess Langya actually a female judge?