Even Hu Xiaotian had not expected the fellow to dare step forward and bid. Fuck, he's got some balls! He dares bid right in front of the Prince of Zhou? But Hu Xiaotian immediately understood Xu Qinglian's intentions. Most likely, the old turtle wanted to buy the landscape painting and then present it to Long Yefang. He was trying to curry favor with the Prince of Zhou.
Xu Qinglian did indeed have that in mind. He had hesitated for a long time before making his decision, and immediately added, "I am willing to pay five hundred and fifty taels for this painting and present it to Your Highness, the Prince of Zhou."
Hu Xiaotian sighed inwardly. This old turtle really has no fucking shame. He hasn't even won the auction yet, and he's already sucking up to the Prince of Zhou. Those words amounted to telling everyone present outright: don't compete with me. Competing with me means competing with the Prince of Zhou.
The smile at the corners of Long Yefang's lips deepened. The Prince of Zhou was not a vain man, but being treated with such respect still gave him a secret thrill.
Hu Xiaotian had expected Long Yefang to bid from the outset. He had not imagined that the prince could remain so composed, and it made him see the Seventeenth Prince in a new light. Long Yefang was royalty, after all, and his sights were set high. He had probably known from the beginning that someone would give him the painting. Even if others bid, what did it matter? Once he had shown such keen interest, who would dare keep it for himself?
After Xu Qinglian's declaration, most people began beating a retreat. No one needed to offend Azure Cloud's county magistrate over a painting.
Hu Xiaotian