In truth, Bai Chuxiao's chess skills weren't that bad. Sometimes, the chessboard is like a battlefield, relying on tactics and understanding human nature. Bai Chuxiao was well-versed in military strategy and was skilled in tactics, so naturally, she wasn't bad at chess. It's just that she used to always lose to her maternal grandfather in Dingzhou, which dampened her confidence, so she rarely showed off her skills anymore.
Watching the old man on the opposite side effortlessly capture several pieces on the chessboard, Bai Chuxiao was secretly alarmed. The person who could build the Zhao family into the richest family was certainly no ordinary person; he was indeed a cunning old fox.
Grandpa Zhao said softly, "Your chess skills are not bad, but you are not focused. How can you win?"
Bai Chuxiao gave an awkward laugh. She hadn't been paying attention; after all, she was still thinking about going to Chunfeng Pavilion.
"Old Master Zhao's chess skills are superb; Zui'an admires him greatly and humbly admits defeat."
Old Master Zhao retrieved the chess piece and said with a faint smile, "Enough, no need for such flattery in front of me."
Changing his tone, he looked at Zhao Sifang and said, "Sifang, you're not getting any younger. Shouldn't you start thinking about settling down?"
Zhao Sifang was taken aback by these words. He was of marriageable age, but he had never considered it. He thought back to when he met this man a few years ago… it seemed… However, he knew that Zui An only considered him a brother and friend, so he didn't dwell on it. He said in a deep voice, “Grandpa, I want to focus on managing the Zhao family's business first. Let's talk about marriage later.”
Old Master Zhao sighed, "Fine, you decide for yourself. This old man can't interfere anymore."
He no longer worries about the Zhao family; his only concern is the marriage of his eldest grandson and granddaughter. Unfortunately, neither of them gives him any peace of mind. His grandson has never brought any friends to meet him before. Having roamed the martial world for many years, he immediately recognized Su Zuian as a woman, but he chose not to reveal it.
Then, looking at Bai Chuxiao kindly, he said, "Zui'an, come visit the Zhao family whenever you have time. If you don't mind, you can also come and play chess with this old man. Since you have things to do today, you can go ahead and don't need to keep this old man company."
Bai Chuxiao quickly agreed, but she didn't know what Old Master Zhao was thinking. Just thinking about Zhao Xin'er's eyes, she thought she might have to disappoint the old man's kindness. Maybe she should just avoid coming to the Zhao residence in the future...
Dressed in red, the dashing Zhao Sifang led the handsome young man in white, Su Zuian, towards Chunfeng Pavilion, attracting the attention of many young ladies along the way.
Zhao Sifang made an exaggerated expression, "Zui'an, no way, you actually dragged your brother to a brothel?"
Bai Chuxiao pouted, "Stop pretending, I don't believe you haven't been here."
As he reached the door, Madam Xu from Chunfeng Pavilion rushed over, "Oh, Young Master Zhao, what brings you here today? It's been a while since you've been here!"
Zhao Sifang pointed at Bai Chuxiao and said, "Today I've brought my little brother Su here to broaden his horizons."
Looking at Bai Chuxiao, who was dressed in white and exceptionally handsome, Madam Xu smiled broadly, "Oh my, no wonder he's Young Master Zhao's friend. Look at how dashing Young Master Su is, how could any of the young ladies take their eyes off him once he goes inside?"
Bai Chuxiao waved her folding fan, a smile on her face, showing no signs of being a first-timer at a brothel. "Alright, Madam Xu, this young master has come to see the beauties today."
Madam Xu was surprised. This young master Su looked young, but judging from his behavior, he must have frequented brothels. She would have to serve him well in the future; he seemed to be a wealthy man.
So they quickly ushered them in, and said with a smile, "Yes, yes, Young Master Su is right. I wonder if either of you gentlemen has a lady you wish to see today?"
Zhao Sifang raised the corner of her mouth, "Aunt Xu, is that even a question? Of course, we should call Miss Ziyan over."
Zi Yan was the top courtesan of Chunfeng Pavilion, renowned throughout the capital and surrounding areas, and was undoubtedly the most famous courtesan.
Madam Xu quickly explained, "Young Master Zhao, that's unfortunate. We have some distinguished guests today, and Ziyan went to keep them company."
Bai Chuxiao smiled faintly and remained silent. She knew these distinguished guests well. Zhao Sifang raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Oh? Could Madam Xu reveal a little something?"
Then Xu's mother leaned close to Zhao Sifang's ear and whispered, "It's the Crown Prince, the Prince of Xiang, the Prince of Qi, and the Prince of Yan."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Sifang glanced at Bai Chuxiao with amusement before saying, "It's nothing. Go and inform them that they will see me."
Mrs. Xu quickly agreed and went to report it.
Zhao Sifang then joked, "Zui'an... don't worry, we'll keep an eye on him today, he wouldn't dare do anything to betray you, otherwise your brother..."
Bai Chuxiao looked up at him, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Brother Sifang, I'm glad you said that. Why don't you tell me what you'll do..."
Zhao Sifang immediately deflated, "Brother... I'll cut off his source of income for you, turn him into a pauper, and make him beg on the streets from now on..."
Bai Chuxiao rolled her eyes at him as if he were an idiot.
Madam Xu quickly came over happily to relay the message, "Young Master Zhao, Young Master Su, this way please."
The large private room on the second floor was extremely lively. Prince Xiang, Prince Qi, and Prince Yan were all there. Inside, the courtesan Zi Yan was sitting and playing the zither, with a group of girls dancing behind her.
Upon seeing them enter, it was Prince Xiang who spoke first, "Brother Sifang, how have you been? Come and sit down."
Zhao Sifang chuckled, "Greetings, Your Highnesses. This is my first time here, and I, Su, would like to meet Miss Ziyan. I hope Your Highnesses do not mind."
The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Brother Sifang, you're too kind. Since you're my friend, you're naturally our friend too."
In fact, among these princes, except for Chu Tianling, this was the first time they had openly visited a brothel. They all seemed to have gathered here today for some unknown reason.
Chu Tianling snorted coldly and remained silent. His two older brothers certainly knew how to flatter him; he hadn't even realized when they'd become friends with Zhao Sifang.
Chu Tianze, holding his wine cup, felt that this young man, Su, looked somewhat familiar, and since he was with Zhao Sifang, he had some guesses but wasn't sure. So he smiled and asked, "Brother Sifang, I've never seen this friend of yours before. Young Master Su is quite handsome. May I ask which family he comes from? I'd like to get to know you and make friends."
The Crown Prince, Prince Xiang, and Prince Qi were somewhat suspicious. Their seventh brother never easily made friends with just anyone. Apart from the Yu family, they hadn't seen him have any other friends in the capital. Even they, his own brothers, had never seen him show him any kindness. Yet now he was being so friendly to a stranger. So they all scrutinized this young master Su, wanting to see what was so special about him.
Bai Chuxiao waved her folding fan, neither humble nor arrogant, "My name is Su Zuian, and I have met Your Highnesses. I come from Jiangnan and am new to the capital, which is why I wish to meet the renowned Miss Ziyan."
Chu Tianze took a sip of wine and smiled, "Brother Zui'an, you're too kind. Why don't you come and sit here?"
Zhao Sifang and Bai Chuxiao found seats next to the Prince of Yan.
Chu Tianze sneered, "Zi Yan, so many people have come here today for you, you'd better make a good impression."
Zi Yan smiled charmingly, "Yes, I am truly honored to see so many Your Highnesses today. Then, I will make a fool of myself in performing."
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