Treasure Exchange Banquet (2)

Hong Lian and Han Fei are really generous.

But for Ye Qingcang, it really wasn't necessary.

Giving up shops is going too far. Although it's just a temporary stay and not a gift, so the loss isn't that great, most of the shops Hong Lian owns were part of King An of Han's dowry that he had prepared for her in advance. It's not something a friend should do to delay someone from making money.

On the other hand, since they are friends, why bother about such a small amount of money?

But conversely, if one feels guilty about staying there, it's better not to stay at all.

At that point, it's not good to give money or not.

Give it to me; it will hurt our feelings.

If I don't give it to them, I'll owe them a favor.

Although most friendships in this world are built on debts.

But how much is owed?

What debt do I owe?

There's a lot to say about that.

Therefore, although Hong Lian insisted on this, in her view, it was just a shop. Let alone borrowing it, even if she gave it to Ye Qingcang, it wouldn't matter. She also had a fine manor outside Xinzheng City. Although she had never been to see it, her father had indeed given the manor to her, including the many serfs and craftsmen under it. In short, even if she married a useless good-for-nothing in the future, she could still rely on the income from the manor and the many shops in the city to support her daily expenses and save some money.

A woman's food, clothing, housing, and transportation.

If you really want to be high-class.

Ordinary families cannot afford to support this.

Just like the rouge that Hong Lian kept in the palace, a small box of rouge the size of a palm could be worth ten or even a hundred gold coins.

And small boxes like these.

Hong Lian has many, many things in her hands.

Although the gold of this era wasn't real gold, but rather an alloy similar to pure gold—that is, gold mixed with some copper—so its purity wasn't high, its purchasing power was still quite considerable. This is because the value of something depends on the market. Take jade, for example. Those who recognize its value can sell a piece for hundreds of thousands or even millions, while those who don't won't even bother to look at it, considering it just a pretty-looking stone. In comparison, they prefer shiny gemstones.

That's why.

Although the gold at this time is not pure gold.

But its purchasing power is about the same as pure gold.

Despite not wearing gold and silver, Hong Lian is actually a very wealthy woman, making a fortune every day.

Although her income is not high.

At least compared to Ji Wuye, Emerald Tiger, Blood Garbed Marquis, and Tidal Nymph.

That's just a drop in the ocean.

It's worth mentioning that among these people, the richest is definitely Emerald Tiger, but the second richest is not General Ji Wuye, but Blood Garbed Marquis. This is because Blood Garbed Marquis has a White Armor Soldiers under his command, which is his Private Troops. Its equipment is all set up according to the highest standards of the time. Therefore, the daily consumption of this army is a number that can make people's hearts jump. In comparison, Ji Wuye, who only supports Night Curtain, does not consume much.

But Hong Lian was willing to give it.

I don't care about these things.

Han Fei, however, was a man of great discretion.

He understood what Ye Qingcang meant.

I also know that favors shouldn't be incurred in this way.

So, after much persuasion and with Ye Qingcang's encouragement, they finally managed to dissuade Hong Lian from her wasteful thoughts and made the final decision. "How about this... After I see my father, Brother Ye and I will look for a suitable place to stay. It's been many years since I've been back, so it's good to revisit familiar places and get back to know the area. Also, I can show Brother Ye the way... As for you, Hong Lian... um... go back and pack your things first, change your clothes, and tell your Ninth Brother about the changes in Xinzheng over the years. It's been four or five years since I started my studies..."

"No problem!"

Hong Lian cupped her face in her hands and looked at Ye Qingcang.

Seeing that Ye Qingcang agreed.

Although he didn't say anything.

But she still secretly pouted in dissatisfaction.

He thought he was being discreet, but in reality, Ye Qingcang and Han Fei saw right through him, leaving the two who instinctively looked at each other speechless with amusement.

"Okay then."

"I'll trouble you to wait a moment, Brother Ye."

"Brothers, this is a friend of mine."

"I'll stay here for a moment."

"Is it alright?"

Han Fei smiled and cupped his hands to Ye Qingcang. Before they knew it, the group had arrived at the Palace City. When he took out his token and handed it to the guards under the palace gate, who were the imperial Imperial Guards stationed in the palace, he changed the subject and started to get close to the two guards without any formality.

Of course.

Han Fei needed to get close to him.

There's no need for Hong Lian to try and get close to her.

Because Hong Lian has a more advanced mechanism.

Face recognition!

Call it arrogance or unruliness, Hong Lian's name and her face are firmly etched in the minds of all the Imperial Guards, who fear that one day they might inadvertently offend her and be arrested and punished by the doting Han King. In fact, punishment would be considered lenient; if they were unlucky, it wouldn't be impossible for them to lose their heads.

This is the helplessness of people at the bottom of society.

A single sentence from a big shot.

A small person's life.

In addition, Princess Crimson Lotus has secretly slipped out to play more than once or twice.

They didn't know that at first.

It was discovered a second time.

They then realized how bold this princess was.

He dared to disguise himself as a man and sneak out to play.

Of course, the Imperial Guard Commander who dragged the Princess out is currently feeding horses in the Logistics Department. Although he is dutiful and everyone knows he is, it doesn't stop King An of Han from being furious when he heard about this. He rebuked a mere guard commander for having the right to keep his daughter out of the palace and not let her go home, and for having the right to scold his daughter.

So from then on, the Imperial Guards became smarter. They would ask before leaving if the Imperial Guards needed protection, and again upon returning to make sure she was alright.

As for what the princess went to do...

The person who asked the question is now feeding horses.

If you don't want to feed the horses.

Anyone with a normal mind knows what to do.

Therefore, let alone not entering the palace, even just waiting outside the palace, or even letting Ye Qingcang into the palace, there is still room for maneuver. Even if this Ninth Young Master who has returned from his studies is not of enough importance, adding Princess Crimson Lotus would definitely be enough to make an exception.

"It's alright, it's alright..."

"Since you are His Highness's friend, it's fine for you to stay here as long as you like."

"Your Highness, please come in."

"Please come in, Your Highness Hong Lian."

The relatively older Imperial Guards, who looked to be about thirty years old with a thick beard, waved his hands repeatedly, not daring to accept Han Fei's courtesy. He gave a look to the young recruit who looked to be about twenty years old, and then stepped aside, gesturing for Han Fei and Hong Lian to come in.

Han Fei and Hong Lian didn't stand on ceremony either.

He went straight to the Inner Palace.

Guided by two imperial guards, Ye Qingcang parked his carriage to the side and chatted casually with them.

Startled Salamander sat Jing Jing on the trailer.

Wearing Bamboo Hat.

He was wearing a black robe.

Ordinary people cannot see her face.

There's no need to worry about beautiful women causing trouble or anything like that.

Furthermore, even if there really is such a thing as a femme fatale, the one who should be worried is not Ye Qingcang, but the one playing the villain. After all, Startled Salamander is not just a pretty face, but one of the few Grandmaster in the world, and also the Heaven Ranked Assassin of Net.

This is a rose with thorns.

They're not so easy to pick.