Chapter 214: Chapter 214: Here We Go Again

Shen Hao subconsciously rubbed his forehead, feeling a little headache.

After so many years in the Xuanqing Guard, he’d never dealt with princes, barely even heard people mention them. But this year was weird—first the Fifth Prince, Prince Shou, who ended up with the label of "despised one." And now another, the Seventh Prince.

Is it the season for princes to pop up everywhere?

"The Song Family runs gambling dens, and they’re connected to the Seventh Prince?" Shen Hao was skeptical. Gambling dens only make dirty money, have a lousy reputation—would a prince really mix with that?

Wang Yiming explained, "The Seventh Prince loves entertainment, he’s involved with both the gambling dens and the Flower House. That’s not even a secret over in the Imperial City. In the early days of the Flower House, you could even see the Seventh Prince himself showing up for the opening."

He came to give face at the Flower House opening?!

Shen Hao was stunned by what he heard. This Seventh Prince is really something! Not afraid the Advisors will impeach him to death?

Guessing Shen Hao’s expression, Wang Yiming explained, "Sir, the Seventh Prince has always been like this. Even the Advisors just turn a blind eye—they can’t do much with him."

Isn’t that just like a dog no one wants to bother with?

Shen Hao nodded then waved for Wang Yiming to leave.

An unconventional and unruly prince?

As for the Song Family—clearly not simple either. There’s no way they could’ve built up their business on the prince’s coattails alone; there must be a vast network built around the Seventh Prince as a base. Now this net wants to snatch up Wuliangye too...

...

Honghe Restaurant.

This new place had already made a name for itself in Fengri City. Rumor had it the head chef was an apprentice of the Imperial Chef; every dish was first-rate, both in selection and taste.

In a first-class room on the third floor, Song Zhizhou sat back in his chair with one leg crossed, wine cup in hand, sniffing before taking a small sip.

Sitting next to him was a Deputy from the Government Office with the surname Chen, there for company.

"Lord Chen, I hear this Hundred Households of Shen is very hard to deal with?"

"Heh, Song, you must’ve heard of him, right? Even Prince Shou came here and scolded that Shen fellow—now Shen is pretty much infamous, stinks up the street. Bad temper, stubborn as hell. I reckon you coming this time is his lifeline—he should understand that."

"Hopefully so. Still, folks from the Xuanqing Guard are always a pain to deal with. Let’s just hope this Hundred Households is smart enough to know which way the wind blows."

Song Zhizhou poured himself another glass mid-conversation.

Why the hell is such good wine saddled with a tacky name like ’Wuliangye’? Wasted on Shen, who’s supposed to be some literary talent. The man can’t name things for crap.

Lately, Wuliangye made its way to the Imperial City and became a treasure, wrapped in rumors. People say it’s better than Immortal Brew, sparking endless debate. As more tried it, the reputation exploded. Just one hundred taels for a jar, tastes similar to Immortal Brew, but supplies are limited—even with money you might not get any. People who are hooked on it are suffering.

Even weirder, it’s only sold inside Fengri City, no branches anywhere else. Everyone spotted a roaring business opportunity. But a little digging reveals the Zhang Family with the recipe is backed by a Xuanqing Guard Hundred Households.

Hundred Households Officer—the rank’s not high, but within the Xuanqing Guard, it’s not low either. And he’s from the Black Banner Battalion, right in his own jurisdiction. Forcing things wouldn’t work. Rumor is, this Black Banner Battalion Hundred Households is tough as nails—even the local Households Officer can’t handle him.

But recently, things changed. Prince Shou dropped by, and that Hundred Households even offended him and got shunned. Looks like things could get rough.

In Song Zhizhou’s view, opportunity knocks. If he could get the Wuliangye recipe, Song’s family’s new entry into the restaurant business could quickly get traction, maybe become a name brand and expand fast.

After a short wait, there was a knock—door opened and in came a young man in a black Brocade Robe with a Yanji Saber at his waist.

Damn, he’s young! Song Zhizhou stood up with a smile, but he couldn’t help thinking the guy was even younger than expected.

"Ha ha, Lord Shen, a pleasure! I’m Song Zhizhou, manager of the Song Family’s restaurant. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

"Shopkeeper Song, you’re too polite."

Shen Hao had come straight after his shift. After a bit of small talk with Song Zhizhou, he never once looked at the Chen Deputy sitting by the side—simply ignored the guy.

Soon as they sat, Song Zhizhou called for the attendant to pour wine all around, laughing: "Back in the Imperial City, I had the good fortune to try Wuliangye. Instantly knew the world had gained a phenomenal wine. I hear you improved it, Lord Shen?"

"That’s right, I even gave it the name Wuliangye. My butler mentioned Shopkeeper Song came for this wine?" Shen Hao spoke while picking up food, very casual, never so much as glancing at Song Zhizhou during the conversation.

Song Zhizhou raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Exactly. The Song Family is just preparing to venture into the restaurant trade—need something to open the market for us. Wuliangye is perfect. I hope you’ll lend us a hand, Lord Shen."

Shen Hao popped food into his mouth, found it tasty, grabbed another bite, sipped some wine, and only after a long while replied, "So, Shopkeeper Song, how exactly do you want my help?"

"Ha! Simple. As long as you agree to give us a copy of the Wuliangye recipe, we’ll pay you one hundred thousand taels in Patterned Silver—and if you ever have a need, we can introduce you to His Highness the Seventh Prince. That should solve a lot of your current problems."

"Tch tch, a hundred thousand taels? Wuliangye’s daily sales outstrip that already. Shopkeeper Song, are you joking with me? Your humor is pretty lousy." Shen Hao kept eating, sneering inside: Song Zhizhou obviously thought he’d pick up something cheap—but sadly, his brain was lacking. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Song Zhizhou didn’t back down, instead going on: "Lord Shen, a hundred thousand Patterned Silver isn’t much, true—but compared to your future, shouldn’t the choice be obvious?"

"Oh? My future? Shopkeeper Song, you work inside the bureaucracy too? Trying to talk ’future’ with me?"

"Lord Shen, why play dumb when you know the truth? Prince Shou despises you, life’s about to get tough, right? If you want to bounce back, you need a big tree for shade. The Song Family works under the Seventh Prince. With our introduction, all your beef with Prince Shou can vanish overnight. Just lose a little money, that’s all. Not exactly a bad deal for you."

As they spoke, Shen Hao had already plowed through a big bowl of rice. With a wave, he asked for another, and focused on eating.

On the side, an impatient Song Zhizhou frowned and was just about to speak when Shen Hao finished the second bowl, laid down his chopsticks, and finally turned to look at him.

"Shopkeeper Song, do you know why I agreed to come have this meal?"

Song Zhizhou frowned but didn’t reply.

Shen Hao carried on: "Because my butler told me that when you sent your calling card, your words were disrespectful. I’m a petty guy, so I came here to see what kind of animal thinks he can act so cocky in front of me."

"Lord Shen, what do you mean by that?"

Shen Hao lost all interest, stood up directly, and as soon as he stepped out, a troop of Xuanqing Guard Black Robes stormed in and tied up the two people inside without a word.