The semiannual income of Bright Moon Pavilion was hundreds of thousands of taels of silver. However, due to transportation difficulties, the funds were converted into gold and sent to the Capital City.
Apart from this, Third Master Ji also owned a bank. He had called for the gold to be gathered in the Capital City due to the approaching year-end.
Based on past experience, many people would come to exchange their funds, while many others would deposit money. The Canal Gang was an especially notable group. They had many members and deposited a considerable sum each year.
However, by the end of the year, they would usually withdraw most of the funds to distribute among their members to take home to their families, allowing everyone to have a proper New Year celebration.
These anticipated withdrawals were all covered by the gold in those two crates.
"Search immediately! Send out all our men to find them. You, go to Shuntian Prefecture. Take my calling card and emphasize the importance of this matter, but do not, under any circumstances, reveal that the crates contain gold."
Third Master Ji silently rejoiced. Fortunately, the crates of gold entrusted to his loyal subordinate, Jin Ge, were crafted by his sixth brother, Ji Laoliu, and required a unique trick and a specially made key to open. As long as it wasn’t an inside job by his trusted subordinates, there was still a chance of recovering the gold!
"Master, rest assured. Jin Ge has already gone to Shuntian Prefecture with your card. I came to inform you because I thought that since Little Master Seven is a Divine Hunter and manages the Divine Hunter Tower, he might be able to help find them more quickly."
After hearing the shopkeeper’s words, Third Master Ji thought it made sense. He immediately went to Ji Youzhi’s courtyard, only to be told, "Little Master Seven left for the Palace early this morning with the First Princess."
Third Master Ji asked doubtfully, "Are you sure they went to the Palace and not the Divine Hunter Tower?"
This didn’t make sense!
Although Ji Youzhi managed the Divine Hunter Tower, it wasn’t part of the imperial bureaucracy, so he didn’t need to attend the morning court assembly.
The same applied to Ji Youze. Both he and Ji Youzhi were the young Emperor’s study companions. Since Ji Youze was secretly assisting the young Emperor, he also held no official position within the court and wasn’t required to attend.
It was currently time for the young Emperor’s morning court, yet Ji Youzhi had already taken his young niece to the Palace. This was indeed puzzling.
"It was at daybreak when His Majesty sent someone to invite Little Master Seven and the First Princess!"
The Maid finished her report and left Ji Youzhi’s courtyard.
With no other recourse, Third Master Ji returned to Bright Moon Pavilion, unaware of the other surprises awaiting him there.
「In the Palace, Ji Youzhi, holding Xiaosuisui, suddenly sneezed.」
"Seventh Uncle, why did you suddenly sneeze?" Xiaosuisui immediately took Ji Youzhi’s hand to check his pulse. "Huh! Seventh Uncle, your pulse is fine! Why did you sneeze?"
Ji Youzhi rubbed his nose. Just as he was about to say something, Eunuch Ling arrived.
"Lord Divine Hunter, First Princess, you’ve finally arrived! Princess Ata has awakened and specifically asked to see the Lord Divine Hunter!"
Ji Youzhi nodded, then asked Eunuch Ling in confusion, "Since Princess Ata specifically asked to see me, why was I also asked to bring the First Princess to the Palace?"
Eunuch Ling glanced at Xiaosuisui, whom he clearly adored, and replied, "Bringing the First Princess to the Palace was partly His Majesty’s intention. Additionally, Princess Ata mentioned that besides wanting to see you, she also wished to meet the person who removed the Gu Insect from her body."