Page 1042

If Wu Jiangtao is a vile character, then Wu Zhengqing is a consummate hypocrite, a hypocrite to the marrow.

"What Young Master Wu says is true. His Highness handles matters impartially, and we naturally dare not harbor any dissatisfaction," Chen Ruochu said in a bland manner. It was an utterly common statement, but it sounded exceedingly harsh to the listeners.

Chen Ruochu sneered inwardly and stood up with a salute, "His Highness gathered our two families from Jiangnan here to dissolve the generational grudges between us. Unfortunately, I fear I must disappoint His Highness. I’m but a humble concubine’s son of the Chen family and can’t decide on behalf of my father.

I hope for Your Highness’s understanding. "

Having said this, without waiting for Zhao Hongsheng to speak, Chen Ruochu took the initiative to bid farewell, "Having come to the capital city, I am unaccustomed to the local climate and am feeling unwell.

I will not stay longer with Your Highness and the two young masters of the Wu family today, kindly permit me to take my leave first."

With things put so forthrightly, it would seem petty if Zhao Hongsheng insisted on keeping him.

"Since Young Master Chen is unwell, then I won’t insist. Someone, see Young Master Chen out."

Immediately, a young servant at the door opened it and invited him out.

"This way, please, Young Master Chen."

Chen Ruochu glanced somewhere, then said, "I feel somewhat uncomfortable and would like to use the restroom first."

The young servant hesitated, then changed direction, "Then please, Young Master Chen, this way."

This time, Chen Ruochu did not refuse and quickly walked downstairs.

Once Chen Ruochu had left, Wu Jiangtao again showed a displeased expression. Before he could open his mouth to curse, he was silenced by a fierce glare from Wu Zhengqing and obediently closed his mouth.

"Not talking about it anymore, I’ll just drink, okay?" Wu Jiangtao muttered quietly, covering his mouth with his hand, fearful that his younger brother might hear.

Zhao Hongsheng aptly raised his wine cup, covering the smile at the corner of his mouth. He was indeed not mistaken; it truly was the second brother who called the shots in the entire Wu family.

After Zhao Hongsheng had finished a cup of wine, Wu Zhengqing smiled warmly and toasted him, "Your Highness, the Wu family could attain the name of Imperial Merchant largely thanks to your vigorous support. This cup, I toast to you."

"Fair spoken."

Having the financial support of the Wu family of Jiangnan naturally filled Zhao Hongsheng with delight.

After downing a glass of wine, Zhao Hongsheng said regretfully, "It is just a pity that I couldn’t resolve the grudge between the two families."

He finished, glancing meaningfully at Wu Zhengqing.

Wu Zhengqing, clear as a mirror inside, had long discerned Zhao Hongsheng’s intentions behind this dinner.

It was nothing but pressure on the Wu family; if they disobeyed, he could still rely on the Chen family.

Although Chen Ruochu was arrogant, his attendance today showed that they were still under pressure from the Second Prince.

Thinking this, Wu Zhengqing immediately voiced his thoughts aloud, "Your Highness is too serious.

The feud between our two families has lasted a hundred years.

It is not something that can be resolved overnight.

However, regardless of what the Chen family thinks, our Wu family from Jiangnan fully supports Your Highness, and I hope Your Highness would not mind our modest offers. "

Such an overt declaration naturally pleased Zhao Hongsheng, who laughed heartily, and his drinking became much more enjoyable.

Now, he not only had Drunken Immortal Tower and Drunken Immortal Residence in his hands, but also the financial backing of the Wu Family of Jiangnan.

Even if Zhao Hongde invited Lin Yuan into the capital city, he had no concerns.

While they were drinking, Shopkeeper Ling entered with a gloomy face, holding a plate of drunken shrimp.

Seeing him like this, Zhao Hongsheng frowned, sensing that something was amiss.

Indeed, Shopkeeper Ling hesitated before speaking, "Your Highness, that, that lady also invites you to try a dish."

As he spoke, he pushed the plate of drunken shrimp closer to Zhao Hongsheng, who was momentarily puzzled, "Drunken shrimp? What do you mean?"

Shopkeeper Ling chuckled dryly, daring not to say a word.

However, Wu Zhengqing, having glanced at it, suddenly laughed.

Zhao Hongsheng raised his eyebrows, "What is it, Young Master Wu knows?"

Wu Zhengqing composed himself and shook his head, "I was just thinking, could that lady be wishing Drunken Immortal Tower to be as prosperous as the shrimp in this dish?"

Wu Zhengqing shook his head and spoke nonsense with a serious face.

A joke, to speak the true thoughts would be to risk losing one’s head!

Zhao Hongsheng wasn’t foolish; had it truly been the case, Shopkeeper Ling wouldn’t be hesitating like this.

Before he could inquire further, he heard the clearly drunk Wu Jiangtao burst out laughing, pointing at the dish of shrimp and shouting, "Drunken shrimp! Drunken shrimp! She’s calling you the blindest, right? Haha."

"Big brother! You’re drunk, lie down and sleep some more!" Wu Zhengqing swiftly and dexterously pressed Wu Jiangtao’s halfway raised head back down onto the table.

"Your Highness, my brother is drunk and spouting nonsense, please forgive him," Wu Zhengqing grimaced, truly wishing he could drag his trouble-making older brother outside and throw him down.

Zhao Hongsheng’s expression darkened, his grip tightening around his wine cup to the point of nearly crushing it.

Wu Zhengqing bowed his head, the fierce glint in his eyes flickering momentarily.

Meanwhile, the targeted Lin Yuan and others were happily dining on the second floor. Xiao Linshuang chuckled, devouring the shrimp merrily, "Big sister, why do I feel the food today tastes so good? Haha."

Lin Yuan chuckled, giving her a playful scold with her eyes.

Dong Qing however giggled, leaning close to Xiao Linshuang and winking, "Of course it’s delicious, today’s meal is paid with someone else’s money!"

Xiao Linshuang clapped her hands and laughed, "Right, right, food paid with someone else’s money tastes better! Little Servant, another plate of drunken shrimp! I want to see if it really can get me drunk!"

Lin Wei added a piece of Dongpo pork to Xiao He’s plate and suddenly felt as if a figure flashed by outside, appearing familiar.

"What’s wrong, Weiwei?" Xiao He curiously looked in the direction she indicated, but saw nothing.

Lin Wei blinked, shrugged her shoulders, "Never mind, must have seen wrong. Come on, let’s eat!"

The meal was joyous, and the money Cheng Yuexiu had given was all spent. Dong Qing eagerly volunteered to take everyone shopping, and the group excitedly descended the stairs.

Just as they stepped out of Drunken Immortal Tower, they heard a rapid succession of galloping horse hooves approaching swiftly, abruptly stopping in front of them.