"Sir, please don't be alarmed. I didn't want the money. I just... I've made quite a bit of money recently, so I came to take a look."

"Earn money? That's not enough, Your Highness. When will you stop being so extravagant?"

Zhu Yunwen thought for a long time and realized that he hadn't wasted money, so why did the gentleman say that?

"We're already exceeding our budget for three meals a day, not to mention all the other expenses combined!"

The accountant showed the ledger to Zhu Yunwen, and indeed, the biggest expense was the cost of meals.

"You've already done more than enough; you've already paid them their wages. Let's eat separately!"

Zhu Yunwen certainly understood that not eating together was a good choice, but how could they be called a family if they didn't eat together?

"Sir, we should still eat together. If necessary, I won't arrange such good food anymore. What do you think?"

Knowing he couldn't persuade this guy, the accountant shook his head.

"Well, we still have money coming in from the restaurant tonight, that should be enough to get through tomorrow!"

"I'll find a way to get some money in a moment, sir, please don't worry!"

Zhu Yunwen walked out of the accounting office, his heart filled with groans.

It was time to make those people bleed again, so he ordered the cook to bring out all the ingredients he had asked them to prepare for making candied hawthorns.

The cooks have mastered the secret to making candied hawthorns, and today they can be sold in the capital!

Although this little thing doesn't fetch a high price, it can still help supplement the income.

Just as Zhu Yunwen was getting anxious, Zhao Qingzhu rode his horse into town.

"Your Highness, we have guests from the Eastern Palace!"

"Guest? Who is it?"

"It's Young Master Yue!"

Young Master Yue is the eldest son of the ruler of the Ming Dynasty's vassal state, which is now a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty. Young Master Yue is destined to inherit his father's position.

Young Master Yue served as a hostage in the Ming Dynasty for a period of time. Due to his special status, only Zhu Yunwen was on good terms with him.

Although this small country has not been loyal over the years, it has been subservient. Unable to develop its military power, it has simply started to engage in commerce.

I've heard he's incredibly wealthy!

Zhu Yunwen had some fragments of Yue Gongzi's memories in his mind, but not many.

After all, the two of them hadn't seen each other for quite some years.

The relationship between the two was mostly based on mutual exploitation. Young Master Yue must have come with a purpose. Zhu Yunwen sighed.

As people grow up, they become somewhat powerless to control their own destiny. The two young men in blue robes from back then have changed!

However, upon hearing that the other party had plenty of money, Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but be tempted!

Upon returning to the East Palace, they found a handsome young man dressed in white standing outside their gate.

"Young Master Yue, why don't you come in and sit down?"

The handsome young man was none other than Young Master Yue, who happily went to greet Zhu Yunwen.

Although the two hadn't seen each other for many years, they weren't estranged at all.

"The Crown Prince!"

"I never expected you to actually become the Crown Prince. It seems I'll have to call you Your Highness from now on!"

"This is getting a bit too formal. What brings Young Master Yue to the Ming Dynasty this time?"

"It's nothing serious, I just came to visit and catch up with you all!"

"I'm taking you to a great place today. I've heard the drinks there are absolutely amazing!"

Zhu Yunwen naturally knew it was his own restaurant, but he didn't say anything more.

Actually, what he really wanted to go to was the Drunken Red Courtyard next to the restaurant, because he heard that the courtesan there sang very beautifully.

"I do have a good place I'd like to show you around?"

Young Master Yue rarely comes to the Ming Dynasty, so he naturally follows Zhu Yunwen's arrangements.

The two arrived at the Drunken Red Courtyard, never expecting that a brothel in the Ming Dynasty would look like this!

The place was packed with people, just as crowded as the restaurants next door, but it was even more lively.

The hall was already full of guests, but there were empty seats on the second and third floors.

Zhu Yunwen pulled Yue Gongzi upstairs, but they were suddenly stopped by the shop assistant.

"Gentlemen, the upstairs area is reserved for our distinguished guests. Do you have our sign?"

The so-called brand was only for VIPs in the store. Zhu Yunwen had never been to this place before, and just shook his head.

"No problem, just one hundred taels of silver per note. From now on, you'll be our most honored guest, and we'll reserve the best seats for you upstairs!"

One hundred taels? Isn't this blatant robbery?

On the opening day of his own restaurant, demanding 100 taels of silver for a jar of fine wine was already excessive enough, but Zuihongyuan took it to another level!

"It doesn't matter if you're reluctant. As long as you spend a hundred taels of silver here today, you can sit upstairs."

Zhu Yunwen thought this was quite reasonable, but he didn't have that much money on him at all!

Young Master Yue was very generous, and he tossed out a two-hundred-tael silver note.

The waiter immediately changed his attitude upon seeing that the customer was spending lavishly.

"The two young masters will each occupy a room in the top-tier section!"

Soon, two girls came up to greet them.

"This way, young master!"

Zhu Yunwen waved his hand, indicating that he did not need these beautiful women to serve him.

Stepping into the private room, Zhu Yunwen was once again amazed.

The doors and windows of the private room are specially made so that people inside can see clearly outside, but people outside cannot see what is happening inside. Before the two people have even finished drinking a cup of tea, the drinks and snacks have already been placed on the table.

"Young Master Yue is so generous?"

"But how come Your Highness can't even come up with a mere few hundred taels?"

Zhu Yunwen looked worried.

"Don't even mention it! My grandfather gave me a small town, and now I'm so short on money, I'm almost driven crazy with worry!"

Young Master Yue smiled but did not speak.

Zhu Yunwen thought to himself, "Since you're so rich, why don't you give me some financial assistance?"

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