Chapter 1305 - 1262:
Yuan Li’s gaze was deep, but he said lightly, "It doesn’t matter, we are skilled, those are just small fry. When the time comes, we will keep Grand Tutor Xun in the middle, and since he and Yu Hong are friends, Yu Hong might not act against him."
"But didn’t Zheng Quan just say they want to target you and Grand Tutor Xun together..."
Yuan Li looked at him coldly, and Shi Si immediately stopped talking, lowering his head and saying, "I understand, sir."
Yuan Li said coldly, "Don’t do unnecessary things."
If Xun Fan survives, it’s his good luck; if he dies, it’s Yu Hong’s fault, and no one else can be blamed.
The old officials surrounding the Little Emperor were mainly established by the Xun brothers, Xun Fan and Xun Zu, with Xun Fan having the highest prestige among them.
If he dies, Xun Zu won’t be able to control this force, and the Little Emperor’s influence will surely be reduced, making it easier for the Lady to advance.
Yuan Li made his plan and deliberately met with Yu Hong the next day while investigating cases.
As expected, Yu Hong mentioned, "When I was rechecking the accounts for last year’s dike repairs, I found a discrepancy in the funds. The records here in the Governor Mansion note five thousand square feet of bricks, but the dike’s accounts only show three thousand square feet used. The whereabouts of the remaining two thousand square feet of bricks are unknown. Last year’s Yellow River major repairs were personally overseen by Minister Fu. If the Chief of Staff finds out about this, wouldn’t it be..."
He sighed deeply, saluting repeatedly, "Please, General Yuan, help clarify the truth. Speaking of it, these issues are all related to the current flood disaster..."
Yuan Li took the account book and looked over it carefully; after a moment, he closed it, "I’m aware of this matter."
Yu Hong asked, "General Yuan, do you want to take a look at the dike? The foreman who oversaw the Yellow River repairs last year lives by the river and is considered knowledgeable."
"Let’s go in a couple of days. First, I need to investigate the grain issue. This matter is counted as another issue."
Yu Hong was a bit anxious, fearing that with Yuan Li’s current speed of investigation, he might get to the bottom of it in two days. By then, both he and Zheng Zhi might be arrested.
"If there’s really a problem with the dike, it could cause endless troubles. After the flood, epidemics often occur among the people. I wonder if the foremen will stay home. I believe it’s better to address this sooner rather than later."
Yuan Li frowned slightly, "But the Great General is already urging for the resolution of the grain price issue. General Zu has set a date to return to the capital, and Ming Zhongshu also needs to return. Right now, only Grand Tutor Xun is still here, and there are some ministers who love to overthink. Therefore, the Great General urges me to conclude this matter as soon as possible, to escort Grand Tutor Xun back to the capital safely."
Yu Hong: ...
Yuan Li glanced at him and said, "Just right, I wanted to tell you. Tomorrow I’ll visit your residence to see Grand Tutor Xun, so I can report back to the Great General."
Hearing this, Yu Hong’s heart, which had fallen to the bottom, lifted immediately. He said joyfully, "Very well, I wonder when the General will visit, I’ll make sure to prepare food and drink in advance to entertain you."
"No need to entertain; I’ll stay for an hour at noon and have a meal with Grand Tutor Xun," Yuan Li, worried that too many people might complicate matters, emphasized, "Yu County Magistrate, it’s best not to have musicians and dancers show up, or else be careful, I’ll report you for bribing the Angel."
Yu Hong was displeased internally, but he put on a smile, "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare."
Who is he mocking? Who hosts a banquet without inviting musicians and dancers?
But as long as Yuan Li comes, that’s enough. Even without musicians and dancers, there will be ways to get him to drink wine then.
Thoughts surged in Yu Hong’s mind, and he decided to make arrangements once he returned.
No, he couldn’t arrange it himself. He could tell Zheng Zhi to arrange it.
Yu Hong lowered his eyelids to conceal his thoughts and went to find Zheng Zhi after leaving.
The next day, Yuan Li only brought along Shi Si and four trusted aides, carrying some fruits bought casually from a street vendor.
"These are for Grand Tutor Xun."
Yu Hong didn’t mind the modest gift and with Zheng Zhi brought them smilingly into the house, "Grand Tutor Xun is already waiting."
Xun Fan was puzzled, looking at the approaching Yuan Li, unable to comprehend why he, who had always refused to get too entangled with Yu Hong, suddenly decided to attend the banquet.
Zheng Zhi had prepared a table of food and wine, warmly inviting Yuan Li to sit down and personally pouring wine for them, "General Yuan’s visit is truly beyond our expectations, we must especially thank Grand Tutor Xun for this..."
At that moment, Zhao Shen, who had rushed all the way, had already entered the city. He revealed his identity at the city gate, and after learning where Yuan Li was staying, he rushed to that ramshackle place.
"What, he went to the Governor Mansion for a banquet?" Zhao Shen swept his gaze over the few unremarkable attendants in the courtyard, squinting as he asked, "Didn’t he bring two hundred soldiers? Where did all the people go? Why are only you few injured ones left?"