The emperor pondered for a moment and then truly gave his consent. Lu Xunguang received the order and went to arrange the manpower on his own.
After such a chaotic half - day, the emperor felt extremely exhausted and his mind was in a complete mess. He didn't want to stay any longer. With a wave of his hand, he signaled everyone to retreat.
However, Li Ying wasn't in a hurry to return to the cabin. She waited until all the officials had left before slowly walking up to Princess Yongning.
The little princess also hadn't left. Only a trusted maid was left by her side to serve her.
Seeing Li Ying coming, the princess took a graceful step forward and a confident smile appeared on her face.
"Your Highness, you were waiting for me on purpose, weren't you?" Li Ying cut straight to the chase and revealed the truth.
Princess Yongning gave a charming smile, looked around, and softly said, "Why would you say so, Miss Li?"
All the events today seemed to be closely linked, but it was always this seemingly innocent Princess Yongning who dropped the clues and led to new discoveries.
At the mouth of the Jiangcheng River where there were many onlookers, she found the timid little girl Ye'er who was hiding. From Ye'er, she learned that Ye'er's father had died trapped in a stone cave.
Then she ordered a large - scale search for the body, settled Ye'er and her mother in the fishing village. Moreover, in front of the emperor, she brought up Yan Lianzhi to clear Li Ying's name.
Finally, she casually brought up the case of the Jiangcheng flood disaster through the goose - neck barnacles and offered to donate her salary, thus earning the emperor's appreciation and the people's gratitude.
Her plan was so well - thought - out and precise.
Ye'er's father died while harvesting goose - neck barnacles. Although it was a matter of life and death, he was just an insignificant commoner. Yet this news managed to reach the emperor's ears and alarmed him...
Li Ying even suspected that there were Princess Yongning's people in the imperial entourage, which was why they could smoothly lead the imperial procession to the seaside.
Previously, Li Ying had only regarded Princess Yongning as a noble and somewhat clever woman. But now it seemed that although the little princess was a few years younger than herself, her mind and scheming were far beyond ordinary people.
"Your Highness has gone to so much trouble. May I ask what your purpose is?"
Princess Yongning saw Li Ying straightening her back, looking as if she was facing a great enemy. She opened her lips and smiled charmingly.
"Why are you so tense, Miss Li?"
"I've said before that since you cleared my name, I will surely reciprocate."
Indeed, today's events showed that the princess had helped her and Lu Xunguang a great deal.
But...
Before Li Ying could speak, Princess Yongning continued, "Let's skip the formalities."
A strange glint flashed in her eyes. She lowered her voice and stared fixedly at Li Ying.
"Miss Li, I know you've been speculating about my intentions. And haven't I been secretly evaluating your abilities?"
After a pause, she added, "Today, let's be frank. I intend to cooperate with you. What's your opinion?"
Li Ying keenly sensed something strange from the princess's determined gaze. She simply pretended to be confused.
"What does Your Highness mean? I'm already cooperating with you, aren't I? I'm carefully managing the toothpaste shop in the capital for you. Rest assured, I'll do my best in everything."
Princess Yongning laughed and said, "Miss Li, don't beat around the bush. Although it's good for you to do business with my aunt, my ambitions are far greater than that."
As if afraid that Li Ying might misunderstand, she quickly added, "To show my sincerity, I might as well promise you that what I said that day still counts. I'm willing to tell Father Emperor that I definitely won't marry Lu Xunguang."
"Lord Lu is indeed a handsome and talented man, but for me, I admire you more, Li Ying."
Li Ying's face showed even more vigilance.
Fortunately, before she could think further, Princess Yongning said in a low voice, "When my aunt mentioned you to me before, I didn't take it seriously. I thought that it was only because of Lord Su and Lord Lu's protection that you were able to succeed smoothly in the capital. In fact, I thought you were just a good - looking but useless person."
She deliberately made things difficult for Li Ying with that so - called "bubble delicacy" just to test her capabilities.
If Li Ying could really present a delicious dish that would leave her speechless, it would be fine.
But unexpectedly, Li Ying not only passed this test but also answered questions fluently and handled the situation excellently.
Those toothpastes with different flavors and the versatility of baking soda were unprecedented.
Princess Yongning calculated that Lu Xunguang would be too busy to take care of Li Ying at that time, so she came to test her. Seeing Li Ying calmly handle everything, she finally believed that Li Ying truly had some extraordinary abilities.
Her aspirations were high, and she needed a partner who could stand shoulder to shoulder with her. Naturally, she couldn't be careless.
Although Li Ying's business in the capital was booming, there were also many people secretly saying that she had no real talents. Princess Yongning couldn't afford to be negligent.
After a series of investigations and tests, Li Ying proved to be a well - rounded person. Only then did the princess put away her suspicion and be frank with her.
Hearing that the princess no longer used the haughty "I (referring to the princess)" and every word was sincere, Li Ying finally believed her a little more.
"Your Highness believes in my abilities. I'm truly flattered. But I wonder what Your Highness wants to achieve by cooperating with me, and what benefits can I get?"
Princess Yongning gave a charming smile and whispered something in her ear.
Li Ying frowned and showed a thoughtful look.
Princess Yongning wasn't in a hurry. She laughed and said, "I know this matter will surely be difficult to handle. Miss Li may need to discuss it with Lord Lu. It's okay. I can wait."
"If this matter succeeds, Father Emperor will surely not obstruct your marriage with Lord Lu anymore. We'll each get what we want, and everyone will be happy. However, this can't be achieved by my efforts alone. The most urgent thing is to make Father Emperor see your and Lord Lu's strength as I do."
How could Li Ying not understand what Princess Yongning meant?
At present, the best way to impress the emperor was to solve the flood problem in Jiangcheng.
Relying on the officials to donate money and transfer rice from neighboring counties was only a temporary solution. It could relieve the urgent need for a while but couldn't solve the root cause.
She steadied herself and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, I do have a way to permanently eliminate the flood threat in Jiangcheng."
Before this southern tour, she and Lu Xunguang had privately discussed this and had already had this plan. Their original intention was to wait until the emperor smoothly arrived in the South Seas, saw the mulberry - fish ponds in the village with his own eyes, and then explain it to him in detail.
Now the flood disaster in Jiangcheng was actually a good opportunity.
There were too many people around, so Princess Yongning couldn't stay long. Seeing Li Ying so confident, she gave a hearty laugh and waved her hand, saying, "I trust the people I use. Miss Li has great wisdom, no less than a man. Since you already have a plan, just go ahead and do it. If you need manpower, just give orders."
She casually handed a butterfly - shaped white jade pendant to Li Ying. With this jade, she could order the people from the princess's mansion.
Li Ying took the jade, saluted Princess Yongning, and quietly took her leave.