Several days later, in the capital, at the Eastern Palace.

As dusk settled and palace lanterns were lit, Xiao Chengjing, having just finished dealing with the last batch of official business, wore a hint of weariness in his brow, but more so, the relief of impending departure. He unfolded Yingqi's secret report, his gaze sweeping over the contents concerning the recent situation of the Jiangnan tea estate and An'an's amusing anecdotes, a gentle smile still playing on his lips. However, when he read, "The son of the Li family, silk merchants from Suzhou, brought imperial-supplied Lion Peak Longjing tea to the door, claiming it was a gift for a beautiful woman, his eyes burning with desire… Furthermore, the Zhao family, rice merchants in the west of the city, and the second son of the retired Wang Hanlin, have also sent matchmakers to inquire…" his smile instantly froze.

A nameless rage surged within him, reaching the very top of his head. The words on the secret report seemed to distort, transforming into covetous faces that flickered before his eyes. He could almost see their greedy gazes fixed on her, on the teahouse she had built with her own hands! She, Shen Yuewei, was etched into his very bones, the path he was about to abandon everything for! How dare these people?!

"Bang!" He slammed his palm down on the hard, iron-like ebony desk, causing the purple-tipped brush on the brush holder to tremble violently. Gao Fu, the trusted eunuch standing to the side, was so frightened that he almost knelt down.

"Very well, very well indeed!" Xiao Chengjing's voice was as cold as if it had been carved from an ice cellar, with a hint of gritted teeth. "The scenery of Jiangnan is so beautiful, it has attracted many suitors!"

He abruptly stood up, paced a couple of steps in the hall, and the oppressive aura emanating from him made Gao Fu dare not breathe. Suddenly, he stopped, a glint of almost childlike, ruthless calculation flashing in his eyes.

"Gao Fu!"

"Your servant is here!"

"Issue my decree!" Xiao Chengjing spoke each word with unwavering authority and a hint of vengeful ruthlessness. "Immediately open the Eastern Palace's private treasury! Pack up my 'Sky Blue After Rain' tea set made in the imperial kiln of the previous dynasty, the twelve-panel sandalwood screen inlaid with mother-of-pearl and flowers and birds, the pair of three-foot-tall coral trees, all the rare ancient books, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, the Nanjing brocade and Suzhou embroidery presented as tribute by the Jiangnan weaving bureau... Oh, and the box of Hepu pearls that Father Emperor bestowed upon me last year! Pack them all up! In the best boxes! In the most conspicuous red silk!"

Gao Fu was stunned, cold sweat pouring down his back: "Your Highness... this, this is..."

"Use the fastest ship to transport me to Chenji Shuyue Tea House in Jiangnan!" Xiao Chengjing's voice rose, carrying an almost willful declaration. "Once we arrive, there's no need to enter the mansion! Just stroll along the busiest streets of Suzhou and Hangzhou! Let everyone see clearly! Understand perfectly! This Jiangnan, this tea house, this 'Chenji' silk shop, this Shen Yuewei... who is protecting them!"

Gao Fu's legs went weak, and he knelt down with a thud: "Your Highness... this... this is too much... it might cause controversy..." This is hardly a gift delivery; it's clearly His Highness the Crown Prince asserting his dominance from afar, a thunderous rage from a spilled jealous pot!

"Dissent?" Xiao Chengjing sneered, his phoenix eyes narrowing, sharp as knives. "I want all of Jiangnan to know! Anyone who dares to harbor thoughts they shouldn't should think twice about their own worth!" He took a deep breath, suppressing his surging jealousy, his tone softening slightly, but still resolute, "Do as ordered! Immediately! Right now!"

"Yes...yes, Your Majesty!" Gao Fu scrambled out, his back soaked with sweat. The Crown Prince, usually as composed as a mountain, was utterly...earth-shattering when jealous!