Staying in the Palace

Normally, there's no need for a high-ranking eunuch like Eunuch Xie to deliver messages.

But since the matter was of great importance, and he was afraid that the young eunuch would not be able to explain it clearly, he simply went himself to Gan Lun's residence to deliver the oral order.

Despite the freezing weather, Gan Lun didn't go out, and was startled to see Eunuch Xie. After hearing Eunuch Xie's words, he dared not hide anything and directly told him about Zhao Ruxi's mathematical abilities.

"Is it Fifth Miss Zhao?" Eunuch Xie was taken aback.

He still couldn't believe it and asked again, "Are you talking about that Layperson Zhiwei of the Earl of Suiping's Residence?"

"Exactly."

Eunuch Xie was still somewhat skeptical.

Having served the emperor for so many years, he had seen countless talented people. He knew that those who were good at painting and writing poetry were generally not good at mathematics and were not good with numbers.

People like Zhao Ruxi, who are good at painting, writing, and mathematics, are truly rare.

He dared not delay, so he sent Gan Lun into the palace while he himself went to the Earl of Suiping's Residence edict.

Zhao Ruxi was practicing calligraphy to earn points, so she was quite surprised to hear the summons.

This was a matter of great importance. She knew this was an opportunity to expose the Third Prince's conspiracy. Since the Emperor had come to her, and as someone who knew the truth and had the ability to do so, she naturally had no choice but to step forward. Besides, this was something she couldn't do whether she wanted to or not.

She immediately changed her clothes and followed Eunuch Xie into the palace.

Zhao Yuanxun went to the government office at this time. When the old lady Lady Zhu learned of this, they were very worried.

"It's a good thing that the imperial court has taken notice of Miss Xi's mathematical abilities, don't be afraid," the old lady said, patting Lady Zhu's hand.

Lady Zhu nodded, still looking worried.

When Zhao Ruxi followed Eunuch Xie into the palace, Gan Lun had already arrived before the Emperor.

"What? Zhao Zhiwei? You're not mistaken?" Xiao Ge was also surprised.

"Exactly."

Xiao Ge was momentarily dazed, then nodded.

There are many extraordinary people in the world, and even more with astonishing talent. It may seem unbelievable that someone as outstanding in every way as Zhao Ruxi exists. The appearance of such a person is a blessing for the Great Jin.

"This is a serious matter, don't put pressure on her yet. When she arrives, don't bring her before the Emperor; go to the side hall first and calculate the numbers," Xiao Ge instructed. "Lord Gan, you and Lord Qi together should list out all the aspects to consider in the calculations, for Zhao Zhiwei's reference."

"Yes." Gan Lun and Qi Xugu bowed and went to the side hall.

The grain and fodder originally collected in the capital had been loaded onto carts, and the replenishment of grain and fodder in case of shortage was handled by the Prefect of the Capital, so Qi Xugu did not need to keep an eye on it. However, this matter was extremely important at the moment, not only because the amount of grain and fodder in the capital was incorrect, but also because it might involve the amount of grain and fodder in the major cities and prefectures in the north. Therefore, Xiao Ge left Qi Xugu in the palace.

Gan Lun had spent his entire life in the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Revenue also supplied grain and fodder to the border every year. He was familiar with all the aspects that needed to be considered in the calculations. Qi Xugu, as the Minister of Ministry of Revenue, had also climbed up from a minor official Ministry of Revenue, so he naturally knew what needed to be considered in the calculations as well.

When Zhao Ruxi arrived, she saw the two of them huddled together, writing and discussing.

"Zhiwei, hurry up, you calculate these data." As soon as Zhao Ruxi entered the side hall, Gan Lun pushed a stack of papers over to her.

Zhao Ruxi greeted Qi Xugu and Gan Lun, then sat down and began calculating.

There were palace maids and eunuchs serving in the side hall. At this moment, someone quickly came up to pour tea for Zhao Ruxi.

Eunuch Xie had received instructions from the Emperor, so he did not leave but instead went to a corner and sat down.

He will accompany the three of them throughout the entire process, both to take care of their living needs and to serve as a supervisor.

At this time, Xiao Lingyan naturally sent people to keep a close eye on Xiao Ge's side. As soon as Zhao Ruxi entered the palace gate, the news was reported to him.

After considering the situation in the capital and all other aspects, Xiao Lingyan instructed, "Send ten more secret guards to protect Miss Zhiwei's safety."

With Zhao Ruxi's intervention, these figures could naturally be calculated. However, she ruined the Third Prince Third Prince's plans, and he might try to harm her.

The number Guo Jitong had calculated was enormous and the situation was complex, requiring consideration of many factors. Even with Zhao Ruxi's strong calculation skills, she and Gan Lun and others spent until 7 PM in the side hall calculating the final number before handing it over to Eunuch Xie.

Xiao Ge had already fallen asleep. Hearing Eunuch Xie's report, he quickly got up and exclaimed in surprise, "So fast?"

When he summoned Zhao Ruxi to the palace, it was already Wushi. Only half a day had passed; how could this not surprise him?

You should know that even a seasoned expert Guo Jitong took a whole day and night to calculate it.

Eunuch Xie chuckled, "It's only because Lord Qi and Lord Gan made mistakes in their considerations that Miss Zhiwei had to calculate it again and again; otherwise, it could have been even faster."

Xiao Ge didn't say anything more. He compared the final data calculated by Zhao Ruxi with the data in the Ministry of War's memorial and found that they were exactly the same.

This wasn't just one number, but a set of twenty or thirty. It included the total amount of grain, the amount of grain collected by various cities and prefectures in the north, and the amount distributed to major grain storage points after being transported to the border. Even if Qi Xugu had seen this memorial, Xiao Ge believed that he might not have been able to remember these numbers clearly.

Furthermore, Eunuch Xie was watching over the calculation process.

The two sets of data are now identical, but completely different from the amount of grain calculated by Guo Jitong. Guo Jitong's grain was eight cartloads short in the capital, and a certain amount was also missing in the various prefectures in the north. The total amount added up is enormous.

Xiao Ge slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Damn it!"

He turned to the Imperial Guards and asked, "I ordered you to investigate Guo Jitong's master; have you found out?"

"We've found some connection between him and the Crown Prince," the Imperial Guards said. "Further investigation will take some time."

Upon hearing the name "Crown Prince, "Xiao Ge's heart sank to the ground.

He had no expectations for this son, but hearing the news still made him feel sad.

"Investigate, keep investigating. I want to see what they're really plotting," he said in a deep voice.

"Yes."

Xiao Ge raised her eyes and looked at Eunuch Xie: "Where are Miss Zhao and the others?"

"The keys to all the palaces have been locked. This old servant has arranged for Miss Zhiwei to go to Noble Consort Cen, while Lord Qi and Lord Gan have gone to the Nurturing Talent Palace."

Xiao Ge nodded and praised, "This arrangement is excellent."

The affairs of the border are inescapable for all the princes except the Second Brother and fifth. If Zhao Zhiwei were placed elsewhere, she might be found dead at dawn. Sending her to Noble Consort Cen would ensure her safety. Firstly, there is no conflict of interest, and secondly, by entrusting her to Noble Consort Cen, Noble Consort Cen would be responsible for her safety. Noble Consort Cen has been in charge of the Empress for many years; protecting Zhao Zhiwei should not be a problem for her.

At this moment, Zhao Ruxi was still a little confused when she suddenly saw Xiao Lingyan's mother in Great Jin, her future mother-in-law.