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Xia Zheng, who had keen eyes, spotted the jade pendant in Xiao Linshuang’s hand and raised his eyebrows, "Ha, that kid actually gave you a gift? Not too shabby!"

When he asked about the jade pendant, Xiao Linshuang clutched it dearly, gave him a glare, and retorted, "Want it? Not giving it to you! Coward!"

Xia Zheng’s lips twitched as he pointed to Lao Fan, who was leisurely descending the stairs, "If we’re talking about cowards, I believe that person is the real deal, right?"

Lao Fan didn’t come out of his room all night. It wasn’t until Zhao Hongyan’s carriage had gone a long distance that he finally relaxed, coming downstairs with a spring in his step and his grizzled beard turning up happily.

Xiao Linshuang snorted, remembering how she alone had faced Eunuch Chang, that old fox, yesterday, which sparked a mischievous thought in her heart.

"Oh my, Eunuch Chang, what brings you back so suddenly? What’s that, you’re not leaving anymore? Planning to wait here for an old friend to return?"

Bang!

Before Xiao Linshuang could finish her sentence, she heard the stool Lao Fan was sitting on overturn, and saw Lao Fan himself had covered his head with his robe and had dived under the table...

Capital city.

Zhao Hongsheng waved his hand to dismiss the spy, showing little concern as he said, "Xiao Liuliu is but a child in temperament, spoiled by Consort Tian from a young age, nothing to worry about. The real issue is the third brother."

Zhao Hongsheng slammed his fist on the desk, shaking the cups and saucers atop it, "He actually persuaded our father to let him be in charge of this year’s imperial examination. As a result, all the newcomers entering court this session will become his proud supporters, what a steal for him!"

"Your Highness needn’t worry excessively," said a middle-aged man with a hoarse voice that had a creepy and sinister laugh, "Although the Third Prince is in charge of this year’s imperial exam, isn’t there still the Imperial Merchant competition which you, Your Highness, oversees?"

Zhao Hongsheng furrowed his brows unconcernedly, "Imperial Merchant? Humph, what’s the use! Mr. Yu, surely you don’t think we can really make something out of this Imperial Merchant competition?"

"Your Highness is mistaken," said the man known as Mr. Yu, his mouth twitching even though he had known Zhao Hongsheng for a long time, his smile still made Zhao Hongsheng uncomfortable.

Mr. Yu smiled and said, "Your Highness, is there anything in the world that can’t be bought with silver? Nothing. Therefore, loyal followers can also be bought with silver."

Zhao Hongsheng’s eyes narrowed for a moment, then he laughed heartily, slapping his hand in appreciation, "Brilliant! Haha, as long as there is silver, why worry about these talented individuals not serving me? Mr. Yu, you truly are insightful!"

Mr. Yu kept his hands inserted in his sleeves, without extending them to return the courtesy even amidst Zhao Hongsheng’s praise, but simply bowed slightly.

Zhao Hongsheng wasn’t displeased at all, remaining very happy, "No need for formalities, Mr. Yu, now, quickly send a message to Prefect Tang to have Tang Ruyan come to the capital immediately. She will assist in managing the Imperial Merchant competition this time."

Mr. Yu nodded, "With Miss Tang’s intelligence, managing this competition will be more than easy. However, Your Highness, if I may speak freely, although Miss Tang is bright and beautiful, she is truly not the best choice for your Main Consort, I hope Your Highness will think this over."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hongsheng gave a cool smile, "Tang Ruyan is indeed intelligent, but it’s a pity, her background is not prestigious. Rest assured, Mr. Yu, I have my own plans."

Yu Bin had already formed his own opinion on Zhao Hongsheng’s response; how would someone determined to achieve great things be fettered by personal affections?

Yu Bin had chosen to follow Zhao Hongsheng precisely because he saw a ruthless nature in him—that he could use anyone as long as they were beneficial to him.

Of course, if someone was detrimental to him, he would show no mercy.

Now that he had decided to manage the Imperial Merchant competition well, he naturally needed to be privy to some insider information

Yu Bin kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, his mouth twitched, and he let out a sinister laugh, "Your Highness, a few days ago, the Wu family of Jiangnan sent someone here."

"Oh?" Zhao Hongsheng’s eyebrows perked up with interest, "The Wu family from Jiangnan? I’ve heard that there are two prestigious families well-known for their embroidery in Jiangnan, one is the Wu family, and the other is the Chen family."

Yu Bin nodded and continued, "Indeed, both families possess their unique secret embroidery techniques and have been equal rivals for hundreds of years. During the struggle for the title of Imperial Merchant, neither gives way to the other."

"If I recall, the Chen family had the upper hand in the competitions over the past few years, right?"

Yu Bin nodded with a smile, "Exactly, hence, the Wu family couldn’t wait to come and pay respects to Your Highness."