Chapter 480 - Four Hundred and Seventy-Eight: What Was Done to Him
Hong Wu ordered two kinds of fruit and, as usual, paid thirty large coins. Gritting his teeth, he tossed the boy a piece of silver, "Do your job well, off you go."
Oh, this errand had proved to be not only taxing on the mind but also on the wallet. To make this meal appear as a coincidence, he had mobilized all his underlings to deceive the subordinates of the Protectorate General. In the private room next door, he had arranged this casual drinking session for Shen Yongzhen.
The silver needed for official business could, of course, be withdrawn from Uncle Wan, but the money to reward the boys... that had to come out of his own pocket. Earning money was not easy.
Bearing the heartache of financial loss, Hong Wu instructed one of his servants, "Withdraw the people keeping an eye on Hongen Pavilion; there’s no need to watch it anymore."
Everyone was in place, and the outcome now depended solely on Bai Jingtang and the others’ performance. Having too many people around was useless. Old acquaintances around the head were of no use either.
In this matter, not only was Shen Yongzhen inexperienced, but even General Zhenyuan, Prince Fu, Shen Qixiang, and even Bai Jingtang and Xiao Cheng were not to be underestimated as they were all insightful individuals. Withdrawing the people earlier meant that, should anyone investigate afterwards, there would be fewer traces left behind.
The people from Prince Yu’s Mansion feared no one, yet there was no need to ask for trouble, was there? Moreover, carrying out a task flawlessly showcased the doer’s capability. It’s embarrassing to set up a scheme only to have it traced back to you afterward.
Hong Wu’s seat was on the route Shen Yongzhen would take to go home. If the trap succeeded, Prince Yu’s Mansion would not need to deploy anyone for this matter. He had to stay here and see the outcome and then report back to Sixth Master.