Chapter Nine: The Luo Mansion, More Luxurious than the Imperial Palace

In a moment of contemplation, the crowd arrived outside the grand Luo residence, where the members of the Hundred Riders had already been disarmed and left outside. Only Cheng Yaojin accompanied Li Shimin into the Luo residence.

At this moment, Li Shimin's eyes were as wide as copper bells

Luo Yi glanced at Li Shimin and said, "You are indeed not an ordinary person. The governor has mentioned that if you choose not to fight, you will certainly choose to meet him. He specifically instructed us to take you to his residence for the meeting. Please, this way."

This fellow actually sent my troops to surround me, how outrageous this is!

It is indeed regrettable that Luo Tong engaged in corruption and even colluded with the Loulan people

On the road, Li Shimin began to ponder how to deal with Luo Tong.

Fighting is futile, and it could even lead to loss of life. Whether it is the death of the hundred riders or that of the soldiers, they are all under the command of Li Shimin.

This trap was deliberately set for him

Even the imperial palace is not this extravagant

As soon as the words fell, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the hall

The artificial hill in the courtyard is carved from precious blood jade

Indeed, that large artificial mountain is actually made of blood jade, which made Li Shimin exclaim in his heart about the waste of such a precious resource

Surrender

At the salt mine, Li Shimin looked grimly at the soldiers surrounding him, his mood at an all-time low

Such a precious item, even he, as the emperor, would not dare to be so extravagant

Send it out

The impression that this mansion gives to Li Shimin can be summed up in two words: opulence

Luo nodded slightly: "Indeed, your actions in the city over the past few days have been under the control of the Prefect. The Prefect remarked that you do not appear to be a good person, which is why he specifically devised a plan to capture you"

From the steps at the entrance of the mansion to the entire ground in the courtyard, everything is made of white jade, and the pure white radiance nearly blinded Li Shimin's eyes

Even the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun have arrived

That brat Luotong, what are you doing with so much embezzlement? If you are going to embezzle, then just do it, but why make your residence so extravagant? Now that the Emperor has seen it with his own eyes, this is going to be a big problem

Luo Tong, you have arrived

All the chairs in the hall are made of Huanghuali wood, and the teapot and teacups on the table are exquisitely crafted, adorned with numerous intricate patterns. The patterns are densely arranged, and the底釉 has a slight bluish tint. Even though Li Shimin had encountered many porcelain items, he was still astonished by the teapot and teacups at this moment

At this thought, Li Shimin felt a mix of love and hate towards Luo Tong

At this moment, Luo Tong's image suddenly elevated significantly in his heart

I was just boasting with Cheng Yaojin and the librarian, saying that the Loulan people brought them here to avoid their entanglements. It now appears that these Loulan people are clearly collaborating with the Luotong individuals to surround them here

At this moment, Li Shimin's murderous intent emerged

It is not acceptable; one must persuade His Majesty. If His Majesty truly intends to execute Luo Tong, the Luo family will face extinction!

Li Shimin shook his head, stating that today this matter cannot be resolved through fighting, nor can they surrender; they can only go to meet Luo Tong

Now even the salaries within the imperial palace are being cut, and the entire Tang Dynasty advocates for frugality. You, Luo Tong, actually dare to extort the people's wealth here; you must be executed according to the law!

That Rotonna kid doesn't seem like a good person

White jade, blood jade, golden silk nanmu, Huanghuali, and that unknown blue-and-white porcelain—how much has Luotong embezzled to afford these items

After Luo Yi left, Li Shimin began to survey the environment of the hall

First, meet with Luo Tong. If possible, it would be best to deceive him so that he can continue to stay in Huizhou to investigate the evidence of Luo Tong's corruption

If this matter were to get out, it would be quite embarrassing

But soon, Li Shimin's expression changed, and he instantly became sullen.

The general Cheng Yaojin beside him sensed a different aura from the emperor, and could not help but feel a sudden shock in his heart

Li Shimin let out a cold laugh: "No matter who he is, I will deal with him according to the law. As for whether he will recognize us, you need not worry. He was still young when he saw us back then, so it is impossible for him to recognize us."

"My lord, should we strike out?" Cheng Yaojin suddenly asked in a low voice

The floor is not paved with that kind of marble, but with white jade

Luotong, you have embezzled far too much; I may no longer be able to save you

Li Shimin snorted coldly: "I am not blind; can I not see that I am surrounded?"

Even if you are the only son of Luo Cheng, I will not spare you

Is it because this fellow Luotong's residence is even more luxurious than the imperial palace

This visit is a discreet inspection, and it has now been discovered that Luo Tong is involved in embezzlement and collusion with the Loulan people. If my identity is exposed, it will certainly be impossible to continue the investigation

In this lifetime, what he detests the most are corrupt officials and embezzlers

Looking up at Luo Yi, Li Shimin changed to a merchant's demeanor: "Your esteemed governor is too overly concerned; in fact, I am merely a merchant. I have come this time solely to discuss a significant business deal with him. How about this, you take us to meet him!"

Such individuals, if utilized by the court, will undoubtedly become pillars of talent in the future

Only by continuing to maintain the identities of merchants and bibliophiles can one remain in Huizhou to ascertain the extent of Luo Tong's embezzlement

Cheng Yaojin asked softly, "Your Majesty, what kind of person is that fellow Luotong? Will he recognize us when we meet later?"

If one cannot be deceived, then one should make their identity clear

Even the pillars of the entire mansion, both the hall and the corridor, are made of golden silk nanmu wood

Under Luo Yi's leadership, the two were astonished as soon as they entered the Luo residence, taken aback by the opulence of the mansion

Without mentioning anything else, the silk stockings, salt mines, and those sharp weapons produced by Luotong in Huizhou, combined with the intelligence he has demonstrated, are sufficient to indicate that Luotong is a clever person

"My lord, we are surrounded!" Cheng Yaojin stood before Li Shimin with a troubled expression

The only person who can handle this matter now is Luo Tong

I do not appear to be a good person

Not to mention that group of soldiers who seem rather formidable, even just the Eighteen Riders of Yanyun would be enough to give them a run for their money

Let us not fight, as it seems that only surrender can prevent both sides from coming to blows

Li Shimin squinted his eyes and said, "Is this trap set by you, the governor?"

These individuals must have seen that there were quite a few people on his side, and since they could not completely take control during the fabric store incident, they lured them here, especially since there are many soldiers in this area

Is it possible that Your Majesty has developed murderous intent?

By this time, he could no longer be oblivious to the fact that these Loulan people had deliberately lured him here

His principle is singular: one must never reveal one's identity

Upon this thought, Li Shimin waved his hand, and Cheng Yaojin along with the men of the Hundred Riders laid down their weapons. Subsequently, they followed the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun and that group of soldiers towards Huai Prefecture City

Li Shimin's lips twitched

At this moment, Luo Yi stepped out from among the soldiers, coldly staring at Li Shimin and asking, "Who exactly are you, and why are you inquiring about our governor's affairs?"

Clearly, he is a pillar of talent; why would he collude with the Loulan people

This is not an act of surrender, but rather an emergency measure to prevent both parties from escalating into a conflict

Li Shimin was furious; he wished he could appear before Luo Tong right now and give him a good lesson!

Upon entering the living room, Luo Yi glanced at Li Shimin and Cheng Yaojin: "You two wait here, I will go inform the governor to come over"

Li Shimin was taken aback, not expecting that his actions had actually been anticipated by Luo Tong

Li Shimin glared at him upon hearing this

With the surge of murderous intent, the aura surrounding Li Shimin instantly transformed.

Observe the soldiers before me, clad in armor that is entirely black, exuding a sense of heaviness that strikes at once. The long spears glint with a cold light, unmistakably indicating that they are no ordinary weapons