Qian Yuanbao's jaw dropped, unable to close. He asked again, disbelievingly, "Did you see clearly?"
"Your subordinate saw very clearly."
Qian Yuanbao's mind raced, calculating the time between when he sent the person to Dali Temple and when Dali Temple reported that 'Qin Lang' had escaped.
Quite a long time had passed, meaning Li An had likely gone to the old place.
Not finding any trace of Qin Lang at the old place was why Li An had fallen unconscious.
This meant Li An had been testing him.
"Let's go."
Qian Yuanbao's reaction was already swift, but he hadn't yet walked out.
Li An had arrived with his men.
"What does Lord Li mean by this?" Qian Yuanbao's face darkened.
"I was about to ask Young Master Qian the same question. Qin Lang is a wanted criminal by Dali Temple. How did Young Master Qian get entangled with him?" Li An asked calmly.
"You knew he wasn't Qin Lang?" Qian Yuanbao seized on the key point.
Li An nodded. "Of course, I did. After all, I was raised by Qin Lang, in a way. I know him very well. While your man's build and appearance are very similar to Qin Lang's, a fake is still a fake. It might fool others, but it can't fool me."
Qian Yuanbao wailed inwardly. He had been so sure it wasn't Li An, but reality had slapped him in the face so quickly.
So, Li An wasn't without ambition; on the contrary, his ambition was immense. Otherwise, with an emperor as his biological father, even if he couldn't hold the status of a prince, his wealth for life would have been secured. Yet, he was colluding with Qin Lang, and their relationship was extremely close. Anyone could see what he was after.
Li An had an excellent reputation among the common people.
Therefore, this was all deliberate.
Furthermore, when the Emperor confirmed his identity, he must have investigated him thoroughly. The people around the Emperor were no ordinary individuals. If they couldn't find any flaws, it was a testament to Li An's ability to conceal himself.
"What do you want?"
"Young Master Qian is a smart man, surely you can guess?"
"I am merely a humble merchant. All I think about daily is making some silver. How could I possibly guess an official's intentions?" Qian Yuanbao knew he couldn't escape easily, so he stopped rushing.
"Our Great Feng's imperial merchants, half of Great Feng's profitable businesses are in your hands. To say your Qian family's wealth rivals the nation might not be enough to describe the Qian family's fortune." Li An pursed his lips. "Money is a powerful thing. What doesn't require money? Food, drink, and daily necessities all need money. To appease people, money is needed. For military campaigns, even more so. Isn't that right, Young Master Qian?"
Qian Yuanbao's heart sank. Li An had his sights set on the Qian family's assets.
"My Qian family is merely wealthy. After all, as you know, 'imperial merchant' is just a fancy title. Moreover, those businesses, while appearing to belong to the Qian family, actually belong to the Emperor. Ninety percent of the silver earned goes into the Emperor's private treasury."
"I know that, of course. He has praised you to me often enough. So, Young Master Qian, there's no need to be modest. After all, I am aware of your capabilities."
"The Emperor is a wise ruler."
"He is not young anymore."
"The Emperor is in very good health and in his prime."
"A person's health can deteriorate quickly, and it is also easy to do so."
"He is your own father."
"The kindness of upbringing is greater than the kindness of birth. You must have heard this saying, Young Master Qian, haven't you? Besides, my mother's untimely death was all thanks to him." Li An let out a cold snort, a crack appearing in his calm demeanor, revealing a fierce glint.
Qian Yuanbao didn't know what to say for a moment.
"Young Master Qian is a man who understands the times. I'm sure you know what to do without me having to say more. Right?" Li An's expression quickly returned to normal as he looked at Qian Yuanbao with a half-smile.