Yesterday's events were, after all, a royal scandal, and the Emperor had ordered that they not be spread. Although many ladies and relatives had seen it, he believed they wouldn't dare to speak ill of it outside. That left only the Seventh Prince. He was furious. It would have been bad enough if he hadn't ruined Bai Chuxiao's reputation, but he had also gotten himself into trouble. Yesterday's incident with Changyun must have been the Seventh Prince's doing.
Chu Tianling was in a bad mood. Everyone's eyes seemed to say that he wouldn't even spare his own cousin and would steal his brother's woman. They all looked at him as a perverted scumbag, which was unbearable for the usually proud Chu Tianling.
He exuded a chilling aura, his sinister gaze fixed on the crowd. Those on the first floor, seeing his murderous look, quickly shut their mouths and hurried away. They dared not linger and discuss him any longer; after all, he was a noble prince, backed by Consort Wei and the Duke of Zhenguo. Dealing with them was as easy as snapping his fingers.
After finishing her meal, Bai Chuxiao sat by the second-floor window, watching the crowd rush out, and couldn't help but ask, "What's going on with the people downstairs?"
Chu Tianze poured him a cup of tea. "It seems the person in question has arrived..."
As soon as he finished speaking, sure enough, Prince Qi arrived on the second floor with his guards. Chu Tianling saw them there, staring at them with a sullen face, seemingly lost in thought.
Bai Chuxiao felt his gaze and sneered. Chu Tianze ignored her, and they continued drinking their tea in silence.
The Prince of Qi, feeling ignored, was naturally furious and didn't know what to say for a moment. One of the guards behind him couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, we..."
Seeing the strange atmosphere between Prince Yan and Prince Qi, the people on the second floor couldn't help but believe the rumors a little more. Could it be that the rumors about Miss Bai yesterday were really orchestrated by Prince Qi to cover up his own despicable deeds? That would truly be unfair to Miss Bai, who had suffered an undeserved calamity. This Prince Qi, who always prided himself on being noble, was... truly a scoundrel.
Feeling the furtive glances from everyone, Chu Tianling could no longer bear it. His face contorted with anger, he flung his sleeve and turned to leave the building. The guards behind him dared not utter a sound and hurriedly followed.
After he left, Chu Tianze asked, "Didn't you say you wanted to introduce me to a friend?"
"Yes, they should be here soon."
A moment later, Zhao Sifang, dressed in red, entered. She looked somewhat surprised to see the Prince of Yan, as the messenger hadn't mentioned it. "Greetings, Your Highness Prince of Yan. Xiaoxiao, what brings you here?"
Bai Chuxiao smiled and said, "I thought you two could get to know each other; you're both trustworthy."
Zhao Sifang raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness, aren't you curious about how Xiaoxiao and I met?"
Chu Tianze said nonchalantly, "Xiaoxiao will tell me if she wants to. If I remember correctly, this Tianshui Tower belongs to Brother Zhao, right..."
Bai Chuxiao tilted her head back, a hint of arrogance in her voice, "Hmph, isn't Tianshui Tower nice? It's all my idea, so I'm not kidding when I say I'm protecting you."
"Our Xiaoxiao is so amazing, then I'll be counting on you from now on," Chu Tianze was indeed a little surprised, but Xiaoxiao was no ordinary woman, and whatever she did was perfectly normal, so he indulgently agreed.
Zhao Sifang got goosebumps at the sight. Was this still the stern and unsmiling Prince Yan he remembered? Who was this person looking like a spoiled little husband? However, Xiaoxiao was a sister to him, even closer than his own sister, and he didn't want her to suffer.
"Your Highness, Xiaoxiao didn't marry you to suffer. If you can't treat Xiaoxiao well and give her a good life, even if you are a prince, I won't be polite to you."
Hearing this, Bai Chuxiao was also somewhat moved. Zhao Sifang was loyal and devoted; he was truly exceptional to her.
Although the words weren't very polite or friendly, Chu Tianze didn't mind. He was happy that Xiaoxiao had such a sincere friend. "Don't worry, Brother Zhao."
"I called you here today to say that we can make money together. The Prince of Yan's mansion is vast and powerful; we'll have plenty of money in the future," Bai Chuxiao said to him bluntly.
Seeing her so quickly making plans for the Prince of Yan's residence, Zhao Sifang felt heartbroken. "Xiaoxiao, I never expected you to betray your friends so soon. You truly value romance over friendship..."
Chu Tianze chuckled and asked, "Besides Tianshui Tower, what other businesses does Xiaoxiao own?"
"I'm far away, and I don't get to sneak back to Kyoto often; it's just to Tianshui Tower and Qiuyue Lane."
Chu Tianze praised, "Xiaoxiao is being modest. Both of your places are the most profitable in the capital."
That's absolutely true. Qiuyuefang is the favorite clothing and jewelry shop of young ladies from powerful and wealthy families. The prices there are quite high, and ordinary people can't afford it. And Tianshuilou goes without saying; its business is never slow.
Zhao Si, listening nearby, started pounding his chest and stamping his feet again, "What a spendthrift! What a spendthrift! He's just squandered his family's wealth like this!"
Seeing his unserious behavior, Bai Chuxiao glared at him in annoyance.
Chu Tianze took a sip of tea and said with a faint smile, "Brother Zhao, there's no need for that. Look at Qingyi Pavilion across the street; that belongs to me. Since you're Xiaoxiao's friend, I won't avoid you when I acquire businesses in the future. How about I pave the way for you in your business endeavors..."
Zhao Sifang snorted coldly. His Zhao family was the richest in the Great Xia Dynasty. Although Qingyi Pavilion was not bad, he looked down on it. Was the Prince of Yan trying to trick him into helping him with business in the future? Merchants had low social status, and having a prince protecting them was indeed good, but in terms of power in the capital, the Prince of Yan was not even ranked.
For the Zhao family to maintain its position, it must remain neutral, neither becoming close to nor offending anyone, and maintaining a facade of respect. Zhao Sifang wouldn't truly submit to the Prince of Yan based on just a few words. However, with Xiaoxiao's connection, he could cooperate with the Prince of Yan on some business, but it had to be done secretly and discreetly. It couldn't be brought into the open; if others found out, it wouldn't benefit the Zhao family.
Bai Chuxiao had just returned to the manor when she was summoned by the old lady. The old lady had long wanted to know what had happened, but with Prince Yan present that morning, she didn't want to disturb him. She had also heard that her granddaughter had gone out with Prince Yan again, so she waited until now.
Upon entering Furong Courtyard, Bai Linan was surprisingly seated in the main seat, along with Madam Xie and Bai Chuwan. Seeing her enter, the old lady quickly and kindly said, "Xiao'er, come here quickly, Grandmother wants to speak with you."
Bai Chuxiao was surprised. Why had the old lady's attitude towards her improved so much? Wasn't she somewhat displeased with her just a few days ago because of the Crown Prince? "Grandmother, what is it?"
The old lady laughed, "You silly girl, you never even let us know you're safe. What happened yesterday worried your grandmother so much. How are things between you and Prince Yan?"
It's no wonder the old lady was like this; she disliked Xie Shi. However, the Crown Prince and Wan'er's relationship had been quite promising recently, and she was naturally happy that the family would produce a Crown Princess—it would be a great honor for the family.
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