The young, handsome Prince of Nanzhao exuded nobility in every gesture. Though he appeared only in his early twenties, his status was worlds apart from his own.
Zhao Xiuyuan bowed, puzzled by Sheng Fengze’s earlier offering of the ribbon to Ji Yingying. Perhaps he was overthinking—Ji Yingying couldn’t possibly know this Nanzhao White Prince. If he were like Sheng Fengze and wanted Ji Yingying… seeing Deputy Governor Niu’s enthusiasm, he would probably find a way to present Ji Yingying to him.
At this thought, jealousy and desire swelled quickly in his heart. If only he hadn’t been born to a merchant family. Then he wouldn’t have had to curry favor with Deputy Governor Niu by marrying his ugly, cruel fifth daughter.
Thinking of Niu Wuniang made Zhao Xiuyuan’s chest tighten again. Yesterday, messengers came from the Niu family. Hearing that her father would personally accompany the Nanzhao White Prince, Niu Wuniang informed Madam Zhao and sent people to buy ingredients, planning to prepare some “small dishes” in Biwater Garden to accompany her father and the White Prince’s wine.
Madam Zhao felt it unnecessary and was angry—did they think the Zhao family couldn’t afford ingredients for a few small dishes, requiring outside purchases?
Niu Wuniang then said: “Since the Zhao family doesn’t lack ingredients, I’ll just send the menu to the kitchen.”
The kitchen matron brought the menu. One look nearly made Madam Zhao faint: three hundred bird tongues, a thousand fish whiskers, one bear paw, two jin of venison, fifty heart of Chinese cabbage, two liang of blood swallow’s nest. These were “small dishes”?
When people were sent to Biwater Garden, Niu Wuniang expressed surprise: “Can’t the Zhao family afford such ordinary dishes? The Nanzhao White Prince is here at Father’s invitation to bring honor to the Zhao family. As a Zhao family daughter-in-law, I naturally can’t shame the family. Yuyuan, go pawn my jewelry.”
Madam Zhao couldn’t lose face like this and immediately ordered people to purchase everything at great expense. The Zhao family could afford it, but it left Madam Zhao extremely frustrated, crying to Zhao Xiuyuan about it.
With Deputy Governor Niu’s high position, his salary clearly couldn’t afford such dishes. Zhao Xiuyuan understood that Niu Wuniang had anticipated his mother’s reaction and had done this deliberately. Spending the Zhao family’s money like water while making them feel grateful.
But the Niu family had indeed helped the Zhao family. Old Master Zhao was already calculating the benefits of receiving the Nanzhao White Prince. Building good relations with Sheng Fengze would give Zhao family brocades an advantage in Nanzhao, bringing enormous profits through trade. Remembering his grandfather’s instructions, Zhao Xiuyuan set aside his issues with the Niu family.
The Zhao family couldn’t let the noble Nanzhao White Prince select brocade in a shop. After seating Sheng Fengze in the main hall, they brought out prepared fine brocades like flowing water.
For a mere brocade household to casually produce over a hundred varieties of brilliant brocades… Seeing the Zhao family’s attitude, a hundred bolts of brocade before him were intended as gifts. The servants bringing the brocades were all young and beautiful, all wearing silk dresses. This showed Yizhou’s prosperity and wealth. Remembering how in Nanzhao during farming season, the king, army, and officials all had to personally work in the fields, Sheng Fengze felt indescribably complex emotions.
He recalled his brother Sheng Fengzuo’s words: “An inch of brocade is worth an inch of gold. Trying to strengthen Nanzhao through planting mulberries and raising silkworms to weave brocade won’t work in the short term. You spent three years seeking secrets and learning skills, gaining only a hundred bolts of fine brocade—a drop in the bucket. Brother Ze, Tang is no longer in the Zhenguan or Kaiyuan eras. The emperor is weak, eunuchs control the court, and military governors divide the territory. Yizhou lives in luxury, its governor is greedy and brutal, its walls long and unmaintained, and its soldiers weak in spirit—this is the perfect time for Nanzhao to attack Yizhou. Your compassion should be for Nanzhao’s people.”
The countless riches of families like the Zhaos should be used to fill Nanzhao’s treasury. Sheng Fengze once again firmed his resolve.
He didn’t intend to accept the Zhao family’s gifts. Though Nanzhao was poor, its mountains produced precious gems and ivory. Chihu brought forward a box and placed it on the table. When the lid was opened, various gems gave off a mysterious, dazzling light. Sheng Fengze smiled: “This prince cannot accept fine brocade for nothing. This humble gift, I hope Old Master Zhao will accept with a smile.”
What were gems exchanged for brocade had become mutual gift-giving? Old Master Zhao’s face glowed with excitement: “Thank you for Your Highness’s bestowment.”
After the meal, Sheng Fengze smiled at Deputy Governor Niu: “I hear Young Master Zhao is your prized son-in-law. The Governor must want to visit with your daughter. This prince and Young Master Zhao are of similar age—his company will suffice.”
Deputy Governor Niu had been wanting to see his daughter and immediately agreed.
Zhao Xiuyuan was eager for a chance to get closer to Sheng Fengze and invited him to have tea in the Wisteria Garden.
Entering the courtyard and seeing the two-story building, Sheng Fengze smiled: “This place is quite elegant. Is this Young Master Zhao’s study?”
“Indeed. When the wisteria blooms in early summer, the scenery is even more beautiful. Please come in, Your Highness.”
The two entered the main hall. Sheng Fengze looked up to see a painting hanging above the table. White walls, black tiles, and a Chinese parasol tree with lush branches in the courtyard. A window pushed open, and a young woman standing beside it. He recognized it as Ji Yingying’s side courtyard at a glance. Sheng Fengze asked, knowing the answer: “Pardon my presumption, but is the young lady in this painting Young Master Zhao’s beloved?”
Zhao Xiuyuan hesitated, thinking this was a good opportunity to get closer to Sheng Fengze. He smiled bitterly: “We grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Unfortunately, due to our different social status, we weren’t destined to be together. This crude painting is just a memento—I’ve made Your Highness laugh.”
“The painting captures her essence. The lady must be as beautiful as the young miss this prince saw on the street earlier. This prince is quite curious—with Young Master Zhao’s talent and looks, and as the Zhao family’s future master, even if she’s a pure jade, being your concubine would be her good fortune. Why wouldn’t her parents agree? Ah, this prince understands. Is it because of your wife? This prince feels an immediate connection with you. If you need this prince to speak with Deputy Governor Niu, just say the word.” Sheng Fengze deliberately steered the conversation toward Ji Yingying, provoking Zhao Xiuyuan.
If Sheng Fengze requested Ji Yingying from Deputy Governor Niu and then gifted her to him, would the Yang family dare refuse? The Yang family were mere merchants too. If this succeeded, Ji Yingying would never marry Yang Jingyuan! Zhao Xiuyuan’s heart pounded wildly at this suggestion. This was his obsession, and in his excitement, he stood and bowed deeply to Sheng Fengze: “I beg Your Highness’s help!”
He hasn’t given up on Ji Yingying. Sheng Fengze gently raised him: “Speaking to Deputy Governor Niu is nothing. It’s common for a man to have three wives and four concubines—Young Master Zhao needn’t bow so deeply.”
“It’s not the Niu family preventing it.” Zhao Xiuyuan’s face showed sorrow: “Your Highness doesn’t know. The young lady you offered the ribbon to earlier is the one in the painting. We grew up together, deeply in love. But our family’s status was very different, and my family arranged my marriage to Miss Niu. I respect Lady Niu, but I can never forget Second Miss Ji. I worry she won’t marry well.”
“What a coincidence! So it was that beautiful young lady.” Sheng Fengze feigned surprise, furrowing his brow: “So it’s not that the Niu family won’t let you take a concubine. Earlier at the arch, this prince seemed to hear she was already engaged. What’s this about?”
Thus, he heard Zhao Xiuyuan spin a tragic love story.
Sheng Fengze sighed: “Her family covets the Yang family’s primary wife position, actually betrothing her to a wastrel who only knows how to eat, drink, and play! And a useless illegitimate son at that!”
“Your Highness, she’s unwilling in this marriage. But marriage is parents’ command—she’s powerless to resist. The Yang family are mere merchants too. If Your Highness requests Ji Yingying from Deputy Governor Niu, for the sake of relations between our countries, the Deputy Governor and Governor will surely grant Your Highness’s wish. After Your Highness obtains her, you can gift her to me. I would be eternally grateful!”
Tsk tsk, this fellow’s mind works fast, and he’s ruthless enough! Sheng Fengze almost gave him a thumbs up and called him talented.