Chapter 41 Making Some Money: The Crown Prince's Reward Money Isn't Easy to Earn

When Jin Suiqing was feeling down, someone brought her food and water. Just then, Gong Dagou walked into the studio with a憨厚 smile: "Hehe, everyone's here."

"You've come at the perfect time," Jin Suiqing jumped off the stool, squeezed between Gong Xiaoyang and Hui Hong, pushed Gong Xiaoyang aside, and waved to Gong Dagou, "Just in time for a meeting."

Without hesitation, Gong Dagou plopped down between Gong Xiaoyang and Huihong. His mountain-like physique blocked Gong Xiaoyang's view. Gong Xiaoyang looked left and right but couldn't see Huihong, so he rested his chin on his hand and looked sullen.

Gong Dagou grabbed the cup in front of Huihong and drank the tea in one gulp, saying, "There's some news I have to tell you now."

Jin Suiqing gestured for him to speak, and Gong Dagou said, "The black market sent word that of the two groups that came looking for you some time ago, one group has disappeared without a trace, while the other group is spreading the word that someone is willing to pay a large sum of money for your blueprints. In the past two days, he has been casting a wide net, saying that as long as you can pass the message to Zhufeng, you can get five taels of silver."

Gong Xiaoyang: "Hey, I thought there were more."

“I haven’t finished yet,” Gong Dagou said. “I tried it myself and it’s true. Regardless of whether the message is delivered or not, I will still give you the silver. What’s more, if the delivery is genuine and Zhu Feng responds, I will add this amount to the amount.”

Gong Dagou then made a five.

Gong Xiaoyang: "Fifty taels?"

Gong Dagou shook his head: "Fifty taels of gold."

Huihong and the little lambs exclaimed in unison, "How much?!"

"It's not over yet," Gong Dagou continued, "If you can meet Zhu Feng, you can get five hundred taels of gold."

Jin Suiqing almost cursed, but she managed to suppress her shock and frowned, asking, "Has anyone received five hundred taels of gold?"

Gong Dagou hesitated, and the three of them remained silent, not daring to speak. After a long while, Gong Dagou sighed, "They did have some, but they vomited it all up. Not only did they vomit it up, but they also lost their lives, their bodies left to rot in the wilderness. The reward of five hundred taels of gold was indeed tempting, luring a few people into setting up a scheme to pretend to attend the banquet. They got the gold that very night, but before the next day, someone discovered their bodies. The gold patron acted as if nothing had happened and continued to spread the news, displaying gold bars stained with blood in public."

Huihong exclaimed in alarm, "Young Princess, you must not get involved in this mess! The newcomers are up to no good!"

Jin Suiqing pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "I have to get involved in this mess."

Huihong wanted to say something more, but Gong Xiaoyang persuaded her to stop and gestured for Jin Suiqing to continue.

Jin Suiqing absentmindedly calculated on the abacus, then blurted out some earth-shattering words: "The hefty reward, seemingly only seeking Zhu Feng's favor, is actually a public announcement that he will interfere in Zhu Feng's affairs from now on. Today he had the ability to kill the person impersonating Zhu Feng, do you think he will target Zhu Feng's business partners in the future? His style is so ruthless, if we don't confront him, we can forget about surviving in the capital."

Gong Dagou stroked his chin: "Judging from what the young princess is saying, she has probably already guessed who the other side is?"

Jin Suiqing smiled mischievously: "Of course it's my dear Crown Prince brother."

She was all too familiar with this tactic. The smiling tiger Huangfu Li was best treated with courtesy first, then force; he wouldn't give up until he achieved his goal. It was probably because Jin Suiqing stopped selling his paintings after the Red Thread Festival, and Huangfu Li, having failed to find the person, resorted to this insidious method.

When Huangfu Li was mentioned, the three fell silent. After a long while, Gong Xiaoyang said, "I've wanted to ask you for a long time, what does His Highness the Crown Prince want with you?"

Jin Suiqing said narcissistically, "Recruiting talent is the real reason. After all, Huangfu Ying is the one who actually controls the Magic Weapon Sect. Huangfu Li can't get involved in such an important organization. If they don't have one or two core magic weapon masters, how will they fight against *#@ in the future..."

With the system working its magic, Jin Suiqing still couldn't bring herself to say the name Huangfu Feng. Frustrated, she ate all the jujube cake on her plate. She wiped her mouth hard and mumbled, "Anyway, I can guarantee that this person is Huangfu Li."

The three looked at each other, shaking their heads helplessly. Ordinary people had no interest in the royal family's endless power struggles, so Gong Dagou asked, "What does the young princess plan to do?"

“Since my brother the Crown Prince wants to see me so much, of course I’ll go see him in person.” Jin Suiqing winked slyly. “It’s five hundred taels of gold, might as well take it.”

*

Ten years ago, Zuixianlou was accidentally burned down, and nearly a hundred people mysteriously perished in the fire. It was said that they were all wanted criminals with murder on their hands, and were regarded as an omen of bad luck by the people of the capital, turning into a bizarre urban legend.

Ten years later, on another night, opposite the former site of Zuixianlou.

Jin Suiqing, the culprit behind the urban legend, looked out of the rhinoceros carriage and clicked his tongue at the Zhanxing Tower, saying, "Goodness, compared to Zuixian Tower, this Zhanxing Tower is even larger."

With its stronger background and greater strength, Zhanxing Tower was larger and more spacious than Zuixian Tower, with winding corridors and soaring eaves, exuding extravagance. At night, the tower was brightly lit, and the sounds of music and laughter filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

Gong Xiaoyang, who was standing next to her, tugged at his clothes uncomfortably. Jin Suiqing asked him to wear women's clothing. Since Sister Huihong was present, Gong Xiaoyang had no choice but to reluctantly change.

To make it seamless, two more oranges were stuffed into his chest. Gong Xiaoyang, carrying the bamboo tube and holding the oranges, was extremely ashamed and indignant. She whispered, "You're even sighing now. Hurry up and leave, my chest is going to fall off!"

Jin Suiqing, dressed in the exact same ruqun as him, was disguised by Ji Saiyu's ingenious disguise skills, using a similar body shape to impersonate her twin sister. She and Ji Saiyu, along with two others, wore veils and went to the appointment together.

Having already disguised himself and then put on a veil, Jin Suiqing's actions were by no means superfluous; he had his own reasons.

The novel is a fictionalized version of the Tang Dynasty. Those wearing veils are mostly palace maids or noble ladies, and all three women's veils are made of ivory-white silk, a precious material that is easily recognizable to outsiders and further confuses the public.

Jin Suiqing thought that Huangfu Li was suspicious. Whether he believed it or not, he would probably search the palace thoroughly when he returned. The women in the palace were the most capable and had many spies. News spread quickly and would surely alarm Huangfu Feng.

This is a good opportunity to give my brother the Crown Prince something to do, so he won't cause her trouble all the time.

Before getting out of the car, Jin Suiqing said, "According to the plan, Gong Dagou will be the backup. If I sense anything is wrong during the discussion, I will use the excuse of going to the toilet to make a quick escape, and you can then find a way to leave."

Jin Suiqing's plan was not out of cowardice or fear of death, nor was it to abandon his companions in order to survive.

Instead, as a technically skilled person who gets out of breath after running two steps, if he doesn't take the initiative, he will become the biggest burden to everyone.

Jin Suiqing still had some self-awareness.

“Especially you,” Jin Suiqing instructed Gong Xiaoyang, “you are the same height as me and wear the same clothes, so you are more likely to be targeted if anything happens. Be careful when you run. Did you bring the zipline?”

Gong Xiaoyang picked up an orange, rolled up his sleeves, revealing the grappling hook on his wrist: "Don't worry, I'm a professional at escaping, better than you."

Jin Suiqing quickly said, "Pah, pah, pah, don't make such a promise."

Jin Suiqing always liked to say strange things, and Gong Xiaoyang asked in confusion, "What is Buddha... Lai Ge?"

"It's a prophecy; be careful it doesn't come true."

Gong Xiaoyang understood this time, spat several times, and even lifted his veil to slap himself.

Seeing the two bickering, Ji Saiyu remembered something, flicked her finger, and pulled out a small pill, handing it to Jin Suiqing: "This is Soul-Dispelling Incense. It is colorless and odorless, and it dissolves in water. After taking it, one will faint and only regain consciousness after an hour. Once awake, one will be no different from an ordinary person. If the antidote is not taken within three hours, one will die suddenly. This method of delaying the onset of the poison is used to dispel suspicion. If the young princess encounters danger in the building, use this to protect herself."

Jin Suiqing nodded solemnly and hid the poison pill in his sleeve.

The three alighted from the rhinoceros-horn carriage, with Ji Saiyu leading the way and Xiao Yang Suiqing following behind as her servant. The servants, who had been waiting outside, came forward and, without saying a word, respectfully led the three into the building.

Jin Suiqing was very familiar with this process, which was no different from the reception she received by the palace servants in Ziwei City.

This actually matches her guess.

At that time, Zuixianlou had just collapsed, and Zhanxinglou rose rapidly, located right across from Zuixianlou, almost instantly swallowing up Qin Xianglan's business. After ten years of operation, the person in charge had never been seen. Even sending Gong Dagou to investigate couldn't uncover anything. Their identity was so well hidden; they were most likely the Crown Prince's brother.

Or, if things go smoothly enough, she might be able to see Huangfu Li today.

The servant keenly noticed Jin Suiqing's probing and glanced back at her. Jin Suiqing was not afraid; her veil swayed slightly as she nodded to him.

The servant was slightly taken aback during the exchange.

This masked girl was poised and elegant, someone who had seen a lot. Judging from her clothes, mannerisms, and demeanor, she was completely different from the group of people who had fraudulently claimed gold a few days ago. Could she really be from the palace?

After careful consideration, he dared not be negligent and respectfully led the people to the private room, saying softly, "Please wait here for a moment, distinguished guests."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and a group of beautiful men and women came one after another, carrying wine and dishes. After setting them on the table, they left together, leaving only a fragrant room.

The door to the private room was finally closed.

Gong Xiaoyang lifted the curtain and stared wide-eyed: "Good heavens! I've never seen anything like this before."

Ji Saiyu lightly flicked his veil, and Gong Xiaoyang obediently lowered it. He held up the two oranges on his chest with his hand and heard Ji Saiyu say, "They're testing us. Stay calm and don't give anything away."

Last night, Gong Xiaoyang was puzzled as to how that group of people had been exposed. But after seeing them today, the question was answered without any problem.

People from all walks of life mingle in the world, mostly relying on hearsay. When they see such extravagant displays, and after a few sips of wine, they feel so high that they can even find their way around.

Gong Xiaoyang shivered, his nonchalant attitude vanished, and he sat up straight. Jin Suiqing patted his shoulder at the right moment and whispered in his ear, "Don't be too nervous, or you'll be more easily discovered."

Gong Xiaoyang nodded, swallowing hard repeatedly.

The veil served a second purpose: Jin Suiqing had anticipated that Gong Xiaoyang would be nervous, and it conveniently provided some cover.

Before Gong Xiaoyang could tremble for long, the door to the private room was pushed open, and a portly, richly dressed, glittering white-faced man swaggered into the room.

His eyes lit up when he saw Ji Saiyu. He quickly moved over, grabbed Ji Saiyu's hand, and asked eagerly, "Are you Zhu Feng?"

Jin Suiqing recognized him. Ji Saiyu brought back a portrait of her sugar daddy, which depicted Li Han, a fat man with a face full of fat and a pair of small glasses squeezed between his bulging cheeks.

Ji Saiyu gracefully withdrew her hand from Li Han's grip and straightened herself: "Hello, Boss Li."

Li Han was offended but not angry. He smiled and invited the group to sit down, then called a servant to pour wine.

All the guests this time were handsome men, their faces fragrant. When pouring wine, they deliberately leaned towards Ji Saiyu. Ji Saiyu didn't even flinch when she put her veil on her head. She pushed away the wine cup offered by one of the men and said, "Mr. Li, we're here to discuss business today. If we're going to drink, let's talk another day."

Li Han adjusted her glasses: "Discussion is discussion, and drinking is drinking, we can do both." As she spoke, she beckoned the handsome man to move closer, as if to force Ji Saiyu to remove her veil.

Seeing this, Jin Suiqing gracefully stood up, moved closer to Ji Saiyu, put his arm around her shoulder, and said in feigned annoyance, "A lady's hands are for holding a pen and drawing, not for drinking with you."

Ji Saiyu understood, patted Jin Suiqing's hand, and reassured her, "It's alright, one or two cups won't hurt."

Li Han joked, "This young lady really cares about you."

Following Jin Suiqing's instructions, Ji Saiyu said, "She has been raised and educated by my side since she was a child, and we are already as close as daughters. It is normal for her to care about her."

Li Han's mouse-like eyes darted around, and as if thinking of something, he pointed at Gong Xiaoyang, who was sitting upright, and asked, "Where is that one?"

Ji Saiyu: "There are many well-mannered girls, but the two I picked out were the most approachable. The girl in the picture doesn't like to talk."

Under the cover of the veil, Gong Xiaoyang's tense and motionless appearance transformed into one of calm composure and ease. Coupled with her curvaceous figure, she attracted Li Han's attention a few more times.

With just a few words, he portrayed the identities of the three people who came from Ziwei City quite accurately.

“Madam, you are indeed someone of great importance, but…” Li Han waved his hand, and another string of handsome men entered carrying trays piled high with gold, making the room gleam. Li Han’s eyes sharpened, and he smiled and said, “We would like to befriend this person. This is five hundred taels of gold, not a penny less. How will you prove that you are Zhu Feng?”

Just as Ji Saiyu was about to speak, Jin Suiqing subtly tapped her on the back of her head with his fingertips. Ji Saiyu changed her mind and said indifferently, "Just gold? Not sincere."

Li Han's expression changed: "Madam, what do you mean by this?"

Following the rhythm of Jin Suiqing's tapping, Ji Saiyu said, word by word, "You should know that many merchants have spent thousands of taels of gold just to meet Zhu Feng, but Zhu Feng has never shown up. Yet today he has come to Zhanxing Tower, and naturally, it's not for five hundred taels of gold."

Jin Suiqing tapped out the rhythm, fast and slow. She had taught several people Morse code, but only Ji Saiyu mastered it quickly. This was also the reason why Jin Suiqing chose Ji Saiyu to be the "Wind Chaser" at today's banquet.

Ji Saiyu spoke each word with exceptional clarity: "If the person who truly wants to see Zhu Feng doesn't appear, then whether Zhu Feng is real or not is irrelevant to prove."

Ji Saiyu raised her hand, and Gong Xiaoyang took off the bamboo tube from his body and handed it to Ji Saiyu. Ji Saiyu smiled and said, "If you really want to see me, show yourself and I will give you the drawings in the bamboo tube, how about that?"

Li Han opened her eyes wide and quickly reached out to take the bamboo tube.

As the gold fragments fell from her fingers, Ji Saiyu raised her hand, barely half an inch from Li Han's sweaty hand, and sneered, "It's not you."

Li Han plopped down in her seat.

After a long pause, he slowly got up, his voice suddenly becoming shrill: "Well, you still saw through me. After all these days, we've finally met the real master. I'll call my masters for you."

Jin Suiqing thought to himself, "He's a eunuch."

Li Han led a group of handsome men out the door, and soon, along with the sound of footsteps outside, came the laughter and chatter of Huangfu Li.

Huangfu Li stepped into the private room with a folding fan in hand. Instead of facing the three people inside, he boasted to the person behind him, "You really do have an extraordinary demeanor. See, I wasn't wrong."

The man behind him casually closed the door to the private room and chuckled, "Indeed."

Upon hearing his voice, Jin Suiqing's knees buckled, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

Damn it!

Kim Si-ok!

Author's note: No rankings this week, here's a 7000-word post.