Seeing Wei Han say this, Wei Qiang smiled warmly at Minister Zhao: “Minister Zhao, please sit. I rarely eat outside the palace. Being able to drink with Royal Uncle and Minister Zhao is also a rare occasion.”

As Crown Prince, he actually had much less freedom than ordinary imperial clan members, especially when it came to associating with important court ministers—this absolutely could not be done openly.

Today, because they had happened to meet at the wine shop and Prince Kaiyang was accompanying them, he need not worry about being the subject of gossip.

“Then this official will respectfully comply.” Minister Zhao cupped his hands, his beard trembling.

Wei Qiang laughed involuntarily.

Minister Zhao being this excited was something he hadn’t expected.

Since there was one more person, naturally they would add dishes and more wine.

“Bring two more portions of braised pork knuckle.” Wei Qiang was very fond of this braised pork knuckle dish. He felt that even two more portions wouldn’t be enough.

Minister Zhao had already seen the two plates with only sauce remaining at the bottom.

Based on his experience from eating here many times, with one look at the plates’ shape and pattern, he knew they were specifically for serving braised pork knuckle.

It was over—that was already two portions, and both eaten clean…

Minister Zhao said with deep regret: “The braised pork knuckle is limited quantity.”

“Limited quantity?” Hong Dou’s voice rose slightly as she stood to the side. “How can we limit it for His Highness the Crown Prince?”

Kou’er added with a beaming smile: “That’s right, it’s not as convenient for His Highness the Crown Prince to come drink as it is for other guests. Our proprietor said, we can limit it for anyone but not for His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Wei Qiang glanced in surprise at the young lady who had at some point returned to the main hall and was sitting by the counter.

There was actually preferential treatment for him?

Given Miss Luo’s impervious attitude just now, he hadn’t expected this.

Wei Qiang withdrew his gaze and, looking at Wei Han who wasn’t saying a word, was possessed by some impulse to ask: “When my royal uncle comes, is it also limited?”

Wei Han moved his eyebrows slightly.

Hong Dou had no thoughtfulness about catering to guests’ feelings and said matter-of-factly: “Of course it’s limited. Your Highness the Prince counts as other guests.”

Wei Qiang’s mood inexplicably improved somewhat as he smiled and said: “Serve the dishes.”

Just while waiting for the food, Minister of Works Qian and Grand Secretary Lin walked in one after the other.

Seeing the Crown Prince was also there, Minister Qian was startled and hurried forward to pay his respects.

“Minister Qian need not be so formal. In a wine shop, there’s no need to observe such formalities.”

“Yes.” Minister Qian replied while sneaking a glance at his old friend Minister Zhao.

Something was wrong—ever since he’d treated Minister Zhao to a meal here, he felt they were no longer friends.

“Minister Zhao is also here. This is—” Minister Qian spoke hesitantly, doubts rising in his heart.

Minister Zhao definitely couldn’t be the one treating—was he freeloading again?

Minister Qian felt deep jealousy and raised a profound question in his heart: They were both Ministers of the Six Departments, so why was Old Zhao always able to freeload meals?

Wei Qiang noticed Minister Qian was staring at Minister Zhao with somewhat excessive intensity. Puzzled, he explained: “It’s rare to meet like this. I’m hosting Royal Uncle and Minister Zhao for drinks.”

“Indeed quite rare—” Minister Qian sighed with meaningful tone.

What else could Wei Qiang say? He naturally smiled and said: “Minister Qian, please join us.”

Having just finished speaking, he saw Grand Secretary Lin walk in, so he invited him as well.

“Having Your Highness host is too embarrassing.” Minister Qian spoke politely while his heart was already cheering.

He had saved up for so long before gritting his teeth to come eat on a day when braised pork knuckle was available, originally planning to only order one portion of braised pork knuckle plus a pot of liquor.

Now he could eat his fill?

“It’s rare to have the opportunity to gather and drink together. Minister Qian need not be polite.”

Minister Qian sat down with a thump.

Being polite once was enough—if he declined further and ended up unable to eat, what then?

It wasn’t that he insisted on freeloading off the Crown Prince. The key point was that Minister Zhao had set the precedent.

Even if the Crown Prince felt the pinch, the law doesn’t punish the multitude.

“Grand Secretary Lin, please sit as well.” Toward Grand Secretary Lin, whose students were everywhere under heaven, Wei Qiang’s attitude was even more polite.

Grand Secretary Lin only hesitated for an instant before sitting down.

Eat then—happening to meet and sharing a meal together couldn’t be construed as him currying favor with the Crown Prince.

What Wei Qiang hadn’t expected was that after Minister Qian and Grand Secretary Lin sat down, meritorious nobles and important ministers successively walked in.

Could a Crown Prince show favoritism openly? Absolutely not.

Wei Qiang’s finances weren’t actually that ample.

Since entering the Eastern Palace and severing ties with Prince Pingnan’s manor, he naturally couldn’t use the manor’s wealth. All he had at his disposal was the Crown Prince’s allowance.

Wei Qiang saw the main hall was full at just six tables—he’d treat them all then.

Calculating ten taels of silver per table, at most it wouldn’t exceed one hundred taels.

At first, Minister Zhao and the others still had some consideration that since the Crown Prince was treating, they couldn’t eat too aggressively. But unexpectedly, today’s braised pork knuckle was exceptionally fragrant, and it wasn’t limited—

After several slices of knuckle went down their bellies and two cups of liquor were drunk, no one remembered the Crown Prince was treating.

It wasn’t as if they’d forced the Crown Prince to treat. Besides, this table had several gluttons—who could prove it was him eating?

Everyone thought this way. Everyone ate their fill.

They kept eating until the wine shop was about to close, and the Crown Prince couldn’t sit still any longer.

If he didn’t return soon, the palace gates would be locked.

He truly hadn’t expected these ministers who usually appeared refined or steady or noble to be such big eaters!

“Ahem, I’ve been out for quite a while and should return. Gentlemen, please continue.” Wei Qiang raised his wine cup and lifted it.

Everyone put down their chopsticks and returned the toast to the Crown Prince.

“Thank you for Your Highness’s hospitality. We have already enjoyed ourselves to the fullest.”

They wouldn’t leave together with the Crown Prince—what if he made them split the bill?

“Then settle the account.” Wei Qiang smiled and instructed Hong Dou.

Hong Dou efficiently produced the bill and recited: “Thirty braised pork knuckles, fifty plates of braised beef… sixty pots of liquor… altogether, the total comes to five thousand six hundred and twenty taels of silver.”

The total is five thousand six hundred and twenty taels of silver?

Wei Qiang’s smile froze at the corners of his mouth. At this moment, his heartbeat nearly stopped.

Had he heard wrong?

“Will Your Highness pay now or have it put on account?” Hong Dou asked thoughtfully.

Wei Qiang’s face darkened.

Never mind paying now or putting it on account—first explain how it came to five thousand six hundred and twenty taels!

He slowly surveyed the main hall.

Minister Zhao and the others wore serene smiles on their faces.

Can’t panic. Must make the Crown Prince understand this wine shop’s prices were just like this.

They had long been accustomed to it, long thought nothing of it—absolutely not taking advantage of someone treating to eat voraciously.

Seeing everyone’s unchanging expressions, Wei Qiang felt momentarily bewildered.

Could it be that five thousand six hundred and twenty taels was normal?

“Your Highness?”

Wei Qiang barely controlled his churning emotions and forced a smile: “Your establishment’s pricing is somewhat more expensive than I anticipated.”

Hong Dou’s mouth quirked: “That’s because this is Your Highness’s first time eating here. If you don’t believe me, ask these regular customers. Everyone knows what our wine shop’s prices are.”

Wei Qiang surveyed everyone again.

Everyone nodded in unison.

That’s right, they all knew.

Outrageously expensive, outrageously delicious…

After a long silence, Wei Qiang gritted his teeth and uttered two words: “Put it on account.”

“Very well.” Hong Dou slapped down the bill, then suddenly remembered something important. “Oh my, Your Highness lives in the Eastern Palace—how do we collect the debt?”

A faint voice came through: “No matter. I’ll visit the Crown Princess another time and can bring the bill along then.”