Chapter 170 Introduction
The carriage arrived at Tianxiang Tower.
Luo Xiangfu was standing at the door waiting.
"Young Master Zhao, you're back. Will Xiuzhi keep you company again today?"
Qin Jinzhi said quite naturally, "No need. I have guests today. Prepare a private room for me and some wine and dishes."
Luo Xiangfu waved her silk handkerchief and said, "No problem, I'll go and prepare it for you right away."
Qin Jinzhi turned around and said, "Brother Rong, please."
This was Xiao Zhen's first time entering Tianxiang Tower. To his shame, even as a prince, he couldn't afford it.
But when his great cause is accomplished, the whole world will be his!
The three of them walked through the lobby and headed to the top floor.
Suddenly Cui Ying stopped. Qin Jinzhi followed her gaze, a smile playing on her lips, and continued walking uphill.
Cui Ying withdrew her gaze and gave a cold laugh.
Her father's son, her beloved second brother, was nothing more than a vulgar man who couldn't escape the allure of women.
His friends were all notorious playboys in Beijing.
Why did she used to think that her second brother was different from these people?
Because her second brother would always comfort her when her talents were not recognized.
But what was the point of all that comforting?
Her policy essays were given by her father to her second brother so that he could become famous.
Her second brother is a beneficiary of the system.
He enjoyed the family's resources while also receiving her support.
Her second brother was nothing more than an mediocre person who accomplished nothing in the capital.
Family ties were merely a bond that controlled her.
Her father acknowledged her talent but abandoned her because of her gender.
In that case, Father.
Let's compare and see if your son can bring glory to the family, or if the family will have to rely on her, this daughter, to survive in the future.
Qin Jinzhi caught a glimpse of Cui Ying's expression and chuckled out of the corner of her eye.
Cui Ying, a woman from a prominent family, is different from ordinary women in this world.
The ties and long-standing constraints they carried prevented them from completely detaching themselves emotionally from their families.
Let her see through all this illusory and fleeting emotion.
These are her weaknesses, her Achilles' heel.
Having discarded all these things, Cui Ying's blade is finally ready to be sharpened.
Cui Ying directly had Luo Xiang apply the unique "Daughter's Fragrance" from Tianxiang Tower.
It has a smooth and creamy texture at first, but a surprisingly strong kick.
She guessed that someone of Xiao Zhen's status probably had never even been to Tianxiang Tower, let alone know anything about the wines there.
No one knew that she had a high alcohol tolerance, but Cui Ying's status did not allow her to drink to her heart's content.
Qin Jinzhi was unable to drink alcohol, so only Cui Ying drank with Xiao Zhen.
Xiao Zhen drank a cup of wine.
"Brother Zhao, have you come to the capital for sightseeing?"
Cui Ying casually said, "My father wants to move part of the business to the capital, so he sent my brother and me to scout it out."
Xiao Zhen's eyes darted around. Everyone says that there are many wealthy merchants in Suzhou. How big must a business be to expand into the capital?
"I wonder what kind of business Brother Zhao's family is in? I have some connections in the capital and can introduce you to a few."
Qin Jinzhi spoke up at the opportune moment: "Silk."
Cui Ying enthusiastically poured wine for Xiao Zhen, "Brother Rong, could you tell us brothers what kind of silk is selling best in the capital right now?"
Xiao Zhen raised an eyebrow. Suzhou silk is renowned throughout the world.
With the wealth of these two brothers, they must have been top silk merchants in Suzhou.
He patiently explained, "These days, the most popular item among young ladies from prominent families in the capital is the Flowing Cloud Brocade."
Cui Ying glanced at Qin Jinzhi. Ever since she appeared at the polo match in her flowing cloud brocade, the most popular brocade in the capital had become the flowing cloud brocade.
Xiao Zhen continued, "However, the most sought-after item in the capital recently is still Liu Juansi."
Suzhou willow silk is renowned throughout the world for its thinness, like a cicada's wing. When worn close to the skin, it can cool you down. When made into an outer garment, it feels like floating clouds cling to your body, making you appear ethereal and graceful as you walk.
However, it takes a very long time to produce and is extremely expensive.
Due to extremely limited production, even a single piece is hard to find.
Qin Jinzhi calmly replied, "My family is in the business of selling willow silk. We have recently improved our skills and greatly increased our production. I wonder which cloth shops in the capital sell willow silk?"
Xiao Zhen thought for a moment, "Now only Rongxiuzhuang supplies Liujuan silk."
Qin Jinzhi said thoughtfully, "I see."
Xiao Zhen smiled and said, "However, Brother Zhao, the capital is full of powerful forces. If you don't have a background, it's not easy to get a share of the pie in the capital."
Qin Jinzhi nodded, "That's natural. It's just that our family has lived in Suzhou for generations, and we don't really have any connections in the capital. We've been planning to visit some important figures in the capital these days."
While pouring wine, Cui Ying said, "Brother Rong is a good person, so righteous, and a native of the capital. Why don't you tell us about the situation in the capital? That way, we won't be like headless flies when we visit him."
Xiao Zhen smiled slightly, "Power is everywhere in the capital, mostly controlled by aristocratic families. If you want to pay respects to powerful figures, the five major aristocratic families in the capital are the first choice."
Following his words, Qin Jinzhi asked, "Brother Rong, do you mean there are other options?"
Xiao Zhen drank a cup of wine. "Brother Zhao is a smart man. Besides aristocratic families, the royal family is also a good choice."
Cui Ying pretended to be regretful and said, "Our Zhao family has been merchants for generations. Although we have some spare money, how can we possibly establish a relationship with the royal family? To be honest, even the aristocratic families you mentioned are difficult for us to visit, let alone the royal family."
Xiao Zhen put down his wine cup. "I hit it off with both of you Zhao brothers at first sight. If you trust me, I will introduce you to someone tomorrow. After you meet him, we can discuss it further."
Qin Jinzhi and Cui Ying exchanged a glance. "I wonder who Brother Rong wishes to introduce us to?"
Xiao Zhen laughed heartily, "Allow me to keep you in suspense for now. I promise I won't disappoint you two tomorrow."
Cui Ying smiled and said, "Then thank you in advance, Brother Rong. Let's have a drink."
Xiao Zhen stood up and said, "I won't drink. Tomorrow's guest is quite important, so I need to go back and make preparations. I'll come to pick you both up at noon tomorrow. What do you two think?"
Qin Jinzhi stood up and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Rong."
Xiao Zhen got up to take his leave.
Qin Jinzhi opened the upstairs window and watched as a carriage took Xiao Zhen away.
Cui Ying stood next to Qin Jinzhi, holding a wine pot and wine cup.
"Who do you think he's meeting with us tomorrow? The Second Prince?"
Qin Jinzhi shrugged. "Not necessarily."
Luo Xiangfu pushed the door open and came in. "So, gentlemen, are you staying at Tianxiang Tower tonight?"
Cui Ying finished her drink. "They said they'd pick me up tomorrow, so I'll naturally stay here tonight. I want to experience what this den of iniquity is like."
Qin Jinzhi looked at Luo Xiangfu and said, "Chengzhi sent me a letter a few days ago, saying that you haven't replied to him for a long time."
Luo Xiangfu waved her silk handkerchief, "I've been busy lately. I have to manage so many of your businesses. I have to earn money for my son to get married!"
Qin Jinzhi raised her chin. "I'll go back now."
Luo Xiangfu said nonchalantly, "When I have time..."
Qin Jinzhi interrupted her directly, "Go back now, or I'll bring him to see you tomorrow."
Luo Xiangfu hesitated for a moment, but finally had to compromise, "I'll go back, I'll go back right now."
Qin Jinzhi finished her warm tea. "Luo Xiangfu, don't do anything foolish."
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