Golden Branch

In other words, Governor Li was the leader of all the water bandits in Yizhou.

As a greedy person, how much money can you make from "selling orchids"?

Or the robberies come faster and more frequently.

In the past two or three years, Lou Jin has been in charge of Hedong and even Yizhou, so the river bandits have not been so rampant.

Lou Jin was more brutal and needed more gold, silver, food, cloth, etc.

Governor Li did not dare to be too arrogant, but he still had to make some small moves.

Lou Jin is not someone who eats alone.

They took the lion's share, and left the remaining minced meat and broth to other forces.

Afterwards, Yang Chong and Lou Jin left one after another, and Yizhou no longer had a large-scale garrison. The power that Governor Li had secretly developed over the years wanted to take the opportunity to make a comeback.

As a result, Yang Rui came again!

If Yang Ruiruo only came to gild his reputation superficially, Governor Li could still tolerate it.

But...

"It's fine to just investigate hidden households and fields, but now they're trying to track down and eliminate the pirates... They're trying to uproot Ye Ye completely!"

Governor Li was both angry and afraid.

To be honest, the letters from the nobles in the capital could not really move him.

The ambition of an old horse waiting to be stabled, the passion to rule the country, are all just illusions, and require Mr. Li to gamble his entire fortune.

He doesn't want to gamble.

If Yang Rui had not been so aggressive, Governor Li would not have had any second thoughts.

Suppress bandits?

Who were the bandits that Yang Rui was suppressing?

It's clearly the life of Mr. Li and his entire family!

Since death is inevitable, you might as well give it a try. Maybe you can make a good future for yourself.

Governor Li thought about it over and over again and finally made up his mind.

……

"Reporting to the Crown Prince, Governor Li sent an invitation saying that the orchids in his mansion are blooming, and he specially invites you to come and enjoy them."

The servant stood nearby with his head bowed, holding an invitation in both hands, and replied respectfully.

"Appreciating orchids?"

Yang Rui raised an eyebrow, "I've heard that Governor Li is an elegant man who loves orchids the most."

The orchid viewing banquet held in the governor's mansion is a major event in Yizhou.

Officials in Yizhou, wealthy families, and poor families alike were all proud to be able to go to the governor's mansion to appreciate orchids.

Even the newly appointed Chief Secretary Wang Lin once "asked" for a pot of orchids at the residence of Governor Li.

Lou Yu watched silently, carefully observing Yang Rui's micro-expressions, and he knew: the man surnamed Li, his love for orchids was fake, his love for money was real!

"Prince, this might be a Hongmen Banquet!"

Lou Yu said softly.

Of course, even if he didn't say it, Yang Rui could guess it -

The Prince of Qi had just issued an order to track down and eliminate the bandits on the Yi River, and the Governor's Mansion was about to hold a grand banquet.

Even a fool knows that there is something fishy going on here.

However, Lou Yu was not sure whether Mr. Li was really so courageous as to attack Yang Rui.

Yang Rui is the prince of Qi and the eldest grandson of the current saint.

Although he was not named the Crown Prince, the Emperor still liked Yang Rui very much.

The saint was indeed afraid of Yang Chong, but this was a matter between them as father and son.

The sage is very kind to his grandson.

Moreover, it is not yet time for father and son to turn against each other.

The sage also had to rely on Yang Chong, Princess Jincheng and others to expand his territory and unify the world.

The dynasty was just established, and the world was still unsettled. However, Yang Rui was murdered by the imperial governor in his own fiefdom...

Whether for the sake of royal dignity, to appease the King of Qi, or out of his own regret, the saint would not spare Governor Li.

Confiscation of property and beheading are light punishments; even clan extermination may be possible!

Even if Governor Li had ambitions or a criminal record, he would not dare to risk the wrath of the world.

"Perhaps, he wants to hold a banquet to mediate, and beg you, Prince, to show some mercy!"

No matter whether they are local nobles or "water bandits", do not kill them all.

The powerful families and other forces will spit out the meat they have eaten.

Yang Rui obtained money, land and people, and was able to successfully complete the task of clearing the river.

Li, the governor, was able to complete his term of office peacefully and retire to his hometown.

This is the best outcome that satisfies both parties, or rather, all three parties.

Lou Yu tried to put himself in the shoes of Governor Li and analyzed the situation slowly.

Yang Rui listened with a smile.

After spending a long time with Lou Yu, Yang Rui liked this young man more and more.

He is really smart and willing to learn.

As a teacher, what I like most are students who are smart and eager to learn.

A month passed, and Yang Rui no longer had the initial "exploitation" attitude, but became more sincere.

To Lou Yu, he is a teacher, a friend and a father. Every time he sees Lou Yu's growth, he feels extremely gratified.

There is also that unspeakable sense of accomplishment that makes him even more satisfied.

"Ayu, you have some truth in what you say. However, you underestimate the greed and ugliness of human nature."

After listening to Lou Yu's analysis, Yang Rui began to correct him.

"Logically, Governor Li really shouldn't and wouldn't dare risk his entire clan. But A'Yu, you need to know that there are more unreasonable times in this world."

"At some point, greed blinds people's minds, and they can easily do stupid things that even they themselves find unbelievable after the fact!"

"People always have a sense of luck, always thinking they might be an exception. What if? What if they succeed? Then they won't have to face charges, their stolen goods won't be confiscated, and they can continue to live in prosperity and wealth while pretending everything is fine!"

"Furthermore, some people are so clever that they think they can get away with it with a little trickery!"

Yang Rui had a gentle expression and a soft voice, and he taught Lou Yu in almost straightforward terms.

Lou Yu looked suddenly enlightened.

He is indeed dark-hearted and eccentric, and he never assumes the worst of others.

But now he wants to learn from Yang Rui and be a humble gentleman.

He thought that Yang Rui's heart was also sunny and open.

Therefore, he will try his best to consider the problem from a positive and optimistic perspective and try to suppress the evil and hostility in his heart.

At this moment, Yang Rui told him that understanding and even mastering the evil of human nature does not conflict with the goodness of one's own words and deeds.

He needs to understand good and evil, and be able to consider issues from all angles.

As long as he can restrain the evil, he will still be a true gentleman.

What is scary is not the heart of a villain, but the actions of a villain.

Lou Yu was taught again.

"...I am still too paranoid, going from one extreme to another."

"'He' must have noticed something and was worried that I might go too far and become an inflexible nerd who doesn't understand the dangers of life, so he warned me."

Lou Yu thought secretly and made a note quietly in his little notebook.

"Prince, you are saying that the Orchid Appreciation Banquet is indeed the Hongmen Banquet, but the person dancing with the sword certainly cannot be Governor Li!"

Governor Li might take action secretly under the pretext of attacking the pirates. If he and his guests were attacked by the pirates, it would be best if he got injured while saving Yang Rui, so as to clear his suspicion.

The orchid viewing banquet is just the beginning.

Mr. Li might not necessarily take Yang Rui's life at the orchid viewing banquet.

He only needs to clear his suspicion and make himself the savior of the Prince of Qi. If the Prince encounters danger again in the future, he will not be the first to be held accountable.

If the operation is done well, Governor Li can not only get rid of Yang Rui, but also escape unscathed!

"Or perhaps, the orchid viewing banquet is just a deception, and Governor Li has other plans!"

When Lou Yu began to speculate about the evil of human nature, he was able to draw inferences from one instance to another.

He even thought of several strategies such as making a feint to the east and attacking in the west, luring the tiger away from the mountain, etc.

Yang Rui didn't say anything, but his smile grew brighter.

He knew that Ayu was a smart child.

I was so naughty in the past, but it was because I had no guidance from my elders that I went astray.

Now, with his guidance and discipline, he will surely embark on the right path and become a good man who is upright, honest and upright.

"…Everything you said is possible."

After a moment's silence, Yang Rui spoke up and continued to guide: "Then do you have any countermeasures?"

"Maintaining the status quo!"

Lou Yu became more and more confident. His brow bones were slightly high and his eye sockets were very deep, which made his eyes particularly deep and bright.

When he is confident and outspoken, his whole body seems to be glowing.

His method was simple. No matter what happened in the governor's mansion, no matter how many tricks Li came up with, Yang Rui only needed to take enough troops and not move too quickly, and there would be no danger.

Water bandits?

Private soldiers of a wealthy family?

How much can it add up to?

There are only about one or two thousand people at most.

Yang Rui had six hundred personal guards, and Lou Yu lent him one thousand Lou family soldiers.

Beside Lou Yu, there were dozens of songs that the fat girl had stuffed into his hands.

As long as it is not a large-scale regular army, I am not afraid at all.

As for Governor Li and some powerful families, even though they were extremely bold, they did not dare to really "rebel"!

They brazenly mobilized several thousand troops, did they really think the Zhechoufu in neighboring Qizhou was just a decoration?!

"Great! 'Adapt to ever-changing circumstances with constancy'."

Seeing such a flamboyant young man, Yang Rui felt inexplicably moved, as if his son had grown up. "Let's follow your plan. This time, you will be responsible for arranging the orchid viewing banquet at the Governor's Mansion!"

"Yes! I will obey your command!"

Lou Yu was full of confidence, like a tiger cub entering the mountains for the first time.

Although he is young, he is full of vigor and fearless in moving forward.

……

"Jiu Niang! Jiu Niang!!"

Wang Heng had just walked into Class A when she heard someone calling her from behind.

The chubby little face was a little sagging. Didn’t Zheng Chi already become Lu Jialan’s “close friend”?

The two of them often get together to talk and laugh.

After school and on weekends, the two would make appointments to visit each other's homes or go out together.

It has been several days, and Zheng Chi has never come to disturb her, simply ignoring the chubby Wang Heng.

what is it today?

Wang Heng couldn't help but look up at the sky - the sun was rising from the east, not setting in the west!

Wang Mian noticed Wang Heng's little action, and did not ignore the astonishment and speechlessness in her eyes, and could not help wanting to laugh.

Jiu Niang is so cute, everything she is thinking is written on her face.

However, Zheng Chi is indeed a little abnormal. Jiu Niang is simple and only sees good people in her eyes.

As Jiu Niang's best friend and little follower, she has an even greater responsibility to protect Jiu Niang when the little pervert is away.

Thinking this, Wang Mian deliberately took a step forward and followed Wang Heng closely.

Wang Heng seemed unaware of Wang Mian's actions. She turned her head and looked at Zheng Chi calmly, greeting him politely: "Fourteenth Lady!"

After saying hello, Wang Heng pursed her lips.

She was the one who was called, and the fact that she turned around and answered was a sign of her upbringing and courtesy, so she would not initiate a conversation.

A hint of disgust flashed in Zheng Chi's eyes. This Wang Jiu was just not likable.

I took the initiative to greet you, but you don’t know how to greet me politely?

Taking a deep breath, Zheng Chi thought of Lu Jialan's request, forced a smile, and said softly, "Why haven't you come to the fort these days?"

"My cousin is not here, but I'm still here! We can play together!"

Zheng Chi didn't want to make an invitation directly, so he found a topic first and laid the groundwork in advance.

Wang Heng is well-behaved but "straightforward".

After hearing Zheng Chi's words, she seemed to have no idea what social etiquette was, and she replied stiffly: "Brother is not here, I don't want to go to the fort!"

She went to the Lou family's fortress only because Lou Yu was there, and Lou Yu was a domineering and naughty child.

If she didn't go to find Lou Yu, Lou Yu would run to Wangjiazhuangzi.

Rather than letting him bring disaster to his own family, it would be better to send him to the fort.

Furthermore, Lou’s Fort is bigger and has more things, so it’s more fun to play there.

Wang Heng seems to be unconcerned about everything, but in fact she is very "spoiled".

Zheng Chi: ...You are indeed a little fool, you can't even say polite words!

After being choked a little, Zheng Chi's face became a little stiff.

She finally understood that Wang Heng was just a fool who didn't understand the ways of the world and couldn't understand subtle hints - stupid and fat!

She simply stopped being polite and said directly, "Well, after a couple of days of rest, let's go swimming in the river together."

Wang Heng looked at Zheng Chi, her eyes looking at a fool: Sister, we are not familiar with each other, right?

You dislike me and I don't like you, so why do you have to look so displeased and still invite me to play with you?

Even if she wants to go swimming in the river, Wang Heng will go with her favorite friends such as Wang Mian.

Being in the same room with Zheng Chi, Wang Heng was worried that it would affect her appetite.

"Lu Jialan, and the young ladies from the Cui, Zhao, Xiao and other families will also be there."

Zheng Chi was worried that the "straightforward" Wang Heng would say something that would make her feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, so he quickly added.

"By the way, we've also arranged for the kitchens of each prefecture, some from the northern border, some from the southern border, and even some Hu people to roast lamb and Hu cakes on the spot."

Zheng Chi also learned from Zheng Shisan's experience and used food as a bargaining chip when he tried his best to persuade Wang Heng.

Wang Heng: ...You know what, she was actually a little moved.

These days, she is getting a little tired of Amian’s fresh delicacies.

It’s not that Amian has run out of ideas, but that there is a shortage of food again.

A good cook cannot cook without rice. Amian has a lot of recipes but can't make them.

Crayfish and the like are not something you have to eat. Even Wang Heng, a foodie, couldn't understand why Amian was so obsessed with this delicacy.

She simply told Amian that it was hot recently and she didn't feel like eating greasy or spicy food, so she wanted to try other dishes.

Amian was researching rice wrappers and rice noodles. While busy, she mentioned casually: These are delicacies from the southern region.

The gluttony in Wang Heng's stomach was awakened, and when she heard Zheng Chi's words, those gluttony became even more rampant.

But Wang Heng would not be easily tempted——

"To show your courtesy for nothing is to be either an adulterer or a thief!"

Beside my ears, A Mian's soft voice reminded me, "Jiu Niang, this might be a Hongmen Banquet."

Although Wang Mian didn't know why Zheng Chi was plotting against Wang Heng and how she would do it, she had a bad feeling.

Wang Heng: ...The Hongmen Banquet?

Amian, we are just a group of little girls in their teens.

Even if they fell out, it would just be some pulling of hair and pushing and shoving, it wouldn't get to the point of a "Hongmen Banquet"!