Yes, Madam Prime Minister

Page 374

Her legs were hidden under her skirt, and only a pair of white cloth boots could be seen on her feet. It was unclear whether she was wearing stockings underneath.

She must have been wearing it.

After all, Seris also has monster natural silk, and its effects are similar to those of monster natural silk from the West.

I just don't know what kind of legs she has. They're definitely not the long and thin kind. They're definitely white, but whether they're round and plump or firm and muscular is anyone's guess.

Lunch was quite simple. Apart from a medicinal chicken soup with two old hens, a whole ginseng root from Northeast China, and some other nourishing ingredients, the rest were typical Cantonese home-style dishes, which were quickly finished.

After finishing the meal, it's time to get down to business.

“I wanted you to stay. In the current situation, do you have any support in the court? What would be the point of transferring you there? Besides, it’s not just you. Your three sons are all very talented and capable of great things. To put it bluntly, after things are done, you can just say that your third son was a spy who infiltrated the rebel gang and made great contributions. Isn’t that a simple matter?”

Ronan was telling the truth.

Lu Jianling's eldest son was able to understand the intricacies of the prescription, which undoubtedly made him a talented individual. His second son had some talent in cultivation, but that wasn't anything special. His third son was currently at the sixth level, which would place him well within the top two hundred in Seris.

“I know, but the third brother is, after all, the murderer who killed Liu Tongzhi. Liu Tongzhi was kind to you, and Madam Zhao is temporarily under your care. Although no one else knows about this yet, Madam Zhao will inevitably feel embarrassed, which will put you in a difficult position.”

Lu Jianling said.

“Mrs. Zhao’s situation is rather complicated, and it wouldn’t be very helpful to explain it to you here. How about this, I, Dinia, and Yingqi, you and your third son, we’ll go to Mrs. Zhao together and explain things to her in detail.”

"Alright, I'll take my leave now." Lu Jianling agreed and then left.

After Liu Menglong died, Madam Zhao sold the house and moved to a small courtyard not far from Luo Nan's house, so that it would be convenient for Zhao Yingqi to come over.

And Lu Jianling's residence is not far from here.

So soon, the group arrived at Madam Zhao's residence. Madam Zhao temporarily entrusted the child to the care of the servants and then entertained Ronan and his party in the courtyard.

Madam Zhao sat on a stone bench covered with a blanket, wearing a reddish-brown fox fur cloak. She was actually five years younger than Zhao Yingqi, but having given birth to two children and gone through similar experiences, she looked more mature and fuller-figured than Zhao Yingqi. "I've said it before, I can't speak for anyone in expressing forgiveness for my late husband's death, but I won't blame anyone, and I certainly won't cause you any trouble. However, I won't be leaving anytime soon."

It seems he didn't want to talk to anyone much, so he said everything he could in one go.

Lu Jianling was embarrassed and didn't know how to respond.

Before Ronan could speak, Zhao Yingqi immediately grabbed Ronan's arm so tightly that it seemed as if he wanted to dig his five fingers into Ronan's flesh, forcing Ronan to speak up. "If you don't want to see some people, you can go to the countryside in Shunde for a while. The conditions there are not bad, and Yingqi can come and keep you company. If anyone comes to Foshan to look for you, we can just deal with them."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao's eyes lit up, and Zhao Yingqi stopped making a fuss.

"Isa and the others will help you with the cooking in a couple of days. That's all for now, we won't bother you any longer." With that, Ronan got up and left.

As for why Isabel and her family were chosen, it was because all her servants, and anyone who might cause trouble once they arrived, had to be physically eliminated to prevent anyone from gossiping.

That's how this matter came to an end.

After leaving Madam Zhao's residence, Lu Jianling thanked her son and then parted ways with Luo Nan and his group. Luo Nan and his group went straight home, but they didn't expect to learn about the incident as soon as they arrived.

The door to my house was broken.

The person who beat the man was a servant of the governor. This servant did not introduce himself when he came. When the gatekeeper of Ronan's household asked for money, he refused and beat the man directly. Only after beating him did he reveal who he was. But even after beating him, he did not wait for Ronan to return and left immediately. This was clearly not in line with the professional ethics that a servant of the governor's household should have.

Without a doubt, it was the top official, the governor, who ordered Ronan to come to his door.

Chapter 867 This is no ordinary governor; three moves, confidence.

The governor was initially a temporary official with considerable supervisory power and the authority to act arbitrarily. Later, he gained more military power and began to be localized. Still later, some of his military power was reduced and given to the military commander, while judicial power was given to the provincial judge. He became the head of the provincial government and was completely transformed into a local official.

However, one thing about the position of governor has never changed: the four rules must be followed. First, a local cannot be the top official in the same locality. Second, officials from the same large region cannot be the top official in the same large region. Since they are all from the Jiangnan area, there is no difference. Third, the two governors cannot be from the same hometown or classmates. Fourth, the next generation cannot go to a place where a direct relative has been the top official.

In short, the top official, the governor, must be an outsider who doesn't have much local influence.

"However, we still don't know what the other side's position is."

Isabel said, sounding slightly anxious.

This governor has been in office for several years now. In that time, he could have won over and colluded with some people. It's not impossible for him to try to stay and resist the court, just like others. It's also understandable if he wants to be a loyal minister.

As someone who's used to intelligence work, I always feel uneasy if I don't know the other party's position.

“Isa, you’ve been walking the dark path too much, and your vision has become narrow,” Ambrina mocked, then looked at Falek, who had no intention of speaking, “Falek, tell her whether this governor’s position is important to me.”

Having been called out, Falek could only speak. Although she had switched to scientific research, she was still the former Queen Mother of the Suleiman Empire and a female Sultan, and her political acumen remained intact.

"It's not that important. If he wants to be a loyal subject, he's undoubtedly our enemy. If he doesn't want to be a loyal subject, are we supposed to take orders from him? Impossible. Then he's even more of our enemy."

Falek's two sentences summed everything up.

Isabel didn't mean to argue, but said, "It's not a question of whether he's an enemy or not, it's a question of how we deal with him."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Ambrina asked.

“Let’s go and test the waters first, while secretly gathering information before deciding how to deal with him,” Isabel said.

Ambrina shook her head. "It's too passive."

Isabel sneered, "Then give me an idea, tell me?"

Ambrina peeled a late-ripening winter orange, ate a segment, and said, "Do you have a bad memory? When do I, the king, need to come up with ideas? I'm only responsible for evaluating whether an idea is good or not."

"You, you really have no shame!" Isabel was furious. Ambrina offered her a segment of orange, but she turned her face away. "I don't want it."

“Isa’s plan is prudent, but Anri’s words also make sense. If this governor really wanted to invite me, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths. He’s clearly planning to play a three-step game, which means he doesn’t have good intentions.”

Ronan sighed.

"What three-step game?" Falek asked, having arrived late and not knowing the answer.

As an older woman, Elena explained to Falek, "It's about hosting a dinner party, beheading someone, and having your men act like dogs."

“That old man, we have to give him a surprise,” Agustina added immediately.

"What surprise?" Falek asked again.

Ronan smiled confidently, "The surprise is that I, Master Luo, am back in action, ready to have some fun with this governor."

It can only be said that when a person wears an official hat for too long, gets used to being fawned over, and gets used to thinking they are no longer human, it is hard for them not to be stupid and arrogant.

In any case, this is no longer an ordinary governor; we must take strong measures.

Falek was immediately intrigued. Since joining this family, she had heard more than once that Ronan was very good at fighting. Coincidentally, she was also very good at it, but unfortunately she had never seen it. The various rumors she had heard about Ronan in Suleiman's court painted an image of a builder who was good at implementing new policies, developing industry and commerce, and enriching the country and strengthening its military.

In fact, her feeling was not wrong. After returning from the colony and marrying Ambrina, Ronan never played the role of the underdog again. Instead, he created momentum, then used the momentum to unite the majority and attack a small group. He used this tactic for decades in the kingdom, and it was not really about fighting against people.

“Little Fabregas, are you interested in coming with me?” Ronan asked.

“I would like to, but I have a crucial project to work on,” Farek said. “Your method of achieving immortality is too difficult; it’s not meant for anyone to learn. If I don’t distill some simpler formulas and provide reference diagrams, how many people can actually learn it?”

Formulas are used for rational modeling and construction, while reference diagrams are used for understanding.

Currently, only Falek can do this; even artificial intelligence cannot, because artificial intelligence can and cannot see a person's soul.

Of course, Faith's assistance was also indispensable.

The methods of achieving immortality, whether it's soul liquefaction or soul transfer, require both rational analysis and intuitive imagination. Of course, the latter is much simpler, while the former is much more difficult.

However, neither can be dispensed with. So far, only the specially constructed Caterpillar and the exceptionally talented Astrid have truly mastered it. The others rely on the crystal skull skeleton that Ronan and Dinia obtained in the New World.

This thing can only be made by second-generation AI, and now only Wen Jin is left with second-generation AI. Moreover, it requires a lot of souls to refine. If it weren't very necessary, Ronan wouldn't ask Wen Jin to make such a thing.

“It’s crucial, but this project isn’t urgent,” Ronan said.

"Are you really not in a hurry? You wouldn't touch a woman who has no hope of immortality, would you?" Falek retorted. "And as far as I know, you need to use the women you can during the day, and you also need to use them at night, to gain their trust, wouldn't you?"

She was almost about to announce his name when Ronan's expression froze.

Ashley, Golan, Elena, Agustina, and the others were all secretly laughing.

Ronan is that kind of person; a woman he hasn't slept with can't gain his trust.

"Uh, you go ahead and handle this. I'll try to deal with this governor, otherwise even the guys from Foshan won't listen to me," Ronan said.

In the past, Ronan led the Foshan group to make a fortune, and with Liu Menglong above them, Ronan was needed to mediate, so they naturally listened to him.

But these are extraordinary times. Liu Menglong is gone, and making money is not the priority. What matters most is their own official positions.

If Ronan cannot demonstrate any ability to influence their official positions, then in their eyes, Ronan is merely a collaborator.

This is really detrimental to future business operations. Although these corrupt officials will eventually be the targets of revolution, in the initial stages, it is still necessary to unite them.

Dinia, who had been waiting for Ronan to explain his specific plan, had already switched her legs three times while crossing them. "Just tell me what you're going to do," she said.

“Stealing, fabricating stories, false accusations,” Ronan said.

Dinia was stunned. "Are you out of your mind? The other party is the highest-ranking official in a province. He arrested himself?"

"Don't worry," Ronan said confidently.

Chapter 868 Family Affairs, National Affairs, and World Affairs Amidst Outrageous Opinions

Lu Jianling and her third son, Liu Chongyu, returned to their family's residence.

Her residence was similar in number of rooms and area to the six-courtyard house where Ronan's family lived, except that it lacked a charming little garden that blended Chinese and Western styles, and a large bathtub with hot water readily available.

This house certainly cost a lot of money, but Lu Jianling was rich.

In the previous month, she sold her estate, salt fields, and fishing boats to wealthy tenants. These wealthy tenants were not extravagant guests, but rather local respectable people who rented these "means of production" from her, much like landlords.

As soon as Lu Jianling entered, she hadn't taken more than a few steps when a tall, attractive woman came to greet her.

"Xiao Hong, when you have time, take some money and hire a few more servants," Lu Jianling said.

"Although we have a lot of gold and silver at home, we only spend it and don't earn any more. A few servants to do odd jobs are enough. I'll take care of serving you," Shan Xiaohong said softly and respectfully.

Shan Xiaohong was the widow that Liu Chongyu had seduced. She and her daughter were among the poor people who were forcibly relocated to the area outside the Great Wall. However, with Liu Chongyu's care, she was fine. Later, Liu Chongyu even sent her away to her mother's hometown.

Later, she came to Guangdong with her second son.

Lu Jianling smiled, feeling somewhat gratified, but mostly genuinely amused. "My daughter-in-law is a practical person, but you still have to take care of the children. We should hire a few more people; it won't cost much."

This daughter-in-law comes from a poor background and doesn't understand the principle that rich people's money increases the more they spend.

The word "daughter-in-law" made Shan Xiaohong blush, and she felt a surge of joy. She was just an ordinary person, a widow, and had a child to support. Her mother-in-law, who looked much more beautiful than she had been years ago and held a high position, was willing to acknowledge her. She felt it was worth dying for.

Seeing that her daughter-in-law remained silent for a long time, Lu Jianling stopped and turned to look at her, "Why don't you say something?"

"Yes." Shan Xiaohong responded repeatedly, then took out a small notebook from her pocket. "Grandma, this is the bill for renovating the house."

Lu Jianling waved his hand, "Leave it with you for now."

Dan Xiaohong hesitated and remained silent. Liu Chongyu, who had been seemingly invisible, finally spoke up, "If I told you to put it away first, then put it away first."

Lu Jianling glared at her son. "Speak properly."

"Hehe, Mother is right." The third son, Liu Chongyu, chuckled, as if he were still that mischievous and obsequious youngest son.

The management of the household finances has been temporarily handed over to the third daughter-in-law; there's nothing we can do about it.

Because the second son was still a bachelor, while the eldest son brought back a thirteen-year-old girl. If this girl were a well-bred young lady from a respectable family, trained in this area, and had a bunch of maids, then naturally she should have come. But she wasn't; she was just a little girl who had eloped.

If everything were normal, neither of them would ever have entered her house.

Just then, a small figure called out, "Grandma!" and ran over from the courtyard.

Lu Jianling squatted down, picked up the little girl with one hand, and placed her on his shoulder. The little girl moved, straddled Lu Jianling's neck, and excitedly shouted "Woohoo!" as she flew up.

Lu Jianling jogged around in circles to cooperate with her granddaughter.

She was originally a member of a village community centered around a collective farm, and having lost both parents at a young age, she was not greatly influenced by clan matters. Later, her husband also died young, so she had no intention of rejecting this little girl who was not related to her son by blood. On the contrary, she cared for her very much.

"Get down!" Shan Xiaohong shouted sternly when she saw this.

Lu Jianling put her granddaughter down, saying, "It's just children playing around, nothing serious."

Shan Xiaohong bowed her head and agreed.

Lu Jianling didn't say anything more. She knew that this woman, who came from a humble background and was a widow, felt that she absolutely could not be disrespectful to her elders. And since she was not Liu Chongyu's biological daughter, she naturally couldn't be even more disrespectful.

Shan Xiaohong took her daughter away.

Lu Jianling arrived at the main hall, where her eldest and second sons were waiting for her.

"It seems that Mother's matter has been resolved smoothly," said Liu Chongsi, the second son, with a grin.

The eldest brother, Liu Chongjin, added, "That's right. This Mr. Luo has grand ambitions. With Mother and the third brother as supporters, how could she possibly let go? However, whether he is truly worth following is another matter."

The second son, Liu Chongsi, picked at the snail meat with a toothpick, saying as he ate, "What's the big deal? He's just trying to instigate a rebellion. Afterwards, even though he, a foreigner, can't hold a high position, he'll definitely reap huge benefits."

Upon hearing this, the third brother, Liu Chongyu, laughed. "Second brother, you've been here for a while now, and you still don't know who this Mr. Luo is?"

Liu Chongsi frowned, and Liu Chongjin was equally curious.

They had already learned from the third brother that Ronan himself was a seventh-level being, and that he and the white-haired Lady Di had defeated the leader of the rebels.

The third brother, Liu Chongyu, laughed and said, "He is the biological father of that French king in the West. France rose again under his rule and far surpassed its former glory. He himself is already immortal. Wealth and honor are nothing to him. What's the point of simply supporting someone to rebel and take the throne?"

"Then tell me, what is he going to do?" the eldest brother, Liu Chongjin, asked.