The Scapegoat
Fortunately, Xiao Ke has come out. Zhao Ruxi sold him the information and dumped the succession struggle and war on him, so she can now rest easy, make some money, paint some pictures, and live her leisurely life.
It's important to know that the battle two years later was won because the supplies failed to arrive, causing 100,000 soldiers to suffer from cold and hunger at the border until they couldn't hold on any longer, which led to the invasion by foreign enemies and the annihilation of the entire army. Marquis of Pingnan and Fu Yunkai also died in that battle.
If Zhao Ruxi hadn't known the inside story, it wouldn't have been so bad, but she did. Her conscience wouldn't allow her to watch those soldiers who were protecting their country die in vain. If Xiao Ke hadn't appeared, she would have had to rack her brains to resolve this matter, and it was hard to say whether she would even be able to save her own life.
She's naturally carefree and has the least patience for this kind of thing; otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen design instead of becoming a civil servant or politician in her past life. She's also very selfish, wanting only to live her own life and not wanting to sacrifice herself for others.
Her abilities are too weak; if she wants to achieve her goal, the process will definitely be extremely difficult.
But she couldn't bear to watch the tragedy unfold.
Now, the savior has arrived! Xiao Ke has appeared! The natural scapegoat has arrived!
Thinking about how she could pass the heavy burden on to Xiao Ke and enjoy life with a carefree attitude, Zhao Ruxi felt that the sky was bluer, the water was clearer, the wildflowers by the roadside were so vibrant, and the air was so fresh.
Ah, life is so beautiful!
Most importantly, he could make a fortune while shifting the blame, which was incredibly satisfying, especially since he had tricked his mortal enemy, Xiao Ke.
Heaven truly loved her!
Zhao Ruxi arrived in Beining in a cheerful mood by carriage, while Uncle Lu drove the carriage familiarly to Gathered Treasures Studio.
The gatekeeper Gao Xing to see Zhao Ruxi and bowed to her obsequiously, saying with a smile, "Our manager has been talking about you every day, saying that if you didn't come soon, he would send someone to the academy to look for you. What a coincidence that you've arrived today!"
During the days Zhao Ruxi was imprisoned at the Earl of Suiping's Residence after the Wei Qiu incident, she drew many jewelry designs. After resuming her studies, she sent Qingfeng to deliver them to Shopkeeper Wang. Shopkeeper Wang adopted her suggestion and, apart from releasing a batch of novel jewelry at the opening, released a few new designs every month thereafter.
Therefore, she estimated that the jewelry designs she had drawn would be enough for Gathered Treasures Studio to use for quite some time. She was busy during this period and did not come over again.
Hearing what the waiter said, she quickly asked, "What happened?"
Before the shop assistant could speak, Shopkeeper Wang came out to greet her upon hearing the report. He smiled at Zhao Ruxi and said, "It's nothing, I just haven't seen you in a long time and missed you. Our Gathered Treasures Studio is so successful now, all thanks to the jewelry designs you drew. You're busy these days, but please don't forget about Gathered Treasures Studio in your busy schedule."
Zhao Ruxi gives a thumbs up to Shopkeeper Wang for his character and conduct.
As expected of the top manager of the Prince of Zhennan's Residence, his words and actions are truly comforting.
"Is there a man called Fifth Master here?" she asked.
Shopkeeper Wang paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I've been here for a while. After going upstairs, I specifically asked the shop assistant to show him the jewelry you designed, young lady. I just bought two pieces, worth three thousand taels."
Otherwise, he would have thought he had encountered a bad person.
The thing is, when that person came to the jewelry store, he was wearing a hooded cloak and had covered his face with a handkerchief, leaving only his eyes visible. If he were a female customer, it wouldn't be so bad, but some women are particularly concerned about these things and don't want to show their faces in front of outsiders.
But this guy, judging from his build and the way he walked, was clearly a grown man, and the way he was dressed made Shopkeeper Wang suspicious.
Therefore, he specifically instructed the shop assistants to call over all the resting staff and guards to strengthen the defenses of the jewelry store; he also instructed the doorman to call over the patrolling constables to stand guard at the entrance.
When the man entered the house, he still didn't show his face. He asked the man to bring the jewelry inside, and after looking at it, the man readily took out a silver note and bought two pieces of high-end jewelry.
However, he didn't leave immediately after making the purchase. Instead, he sat in the house drinking tea and eating snacks, and would occasionally take out the jewelry he had bought to play with. This kept Shopkeeper Wang on edge.
Thinking about the anxiety he had endured during the meal, Shopkeeper Wang looked at Zhao Ruxi, carefully choosing his words, and cautiously asked, "Is this someone you know, young lady? Did you introduce him to buy jewelry?"
"I suppose so, we know each other," Zhao Ruxi said. "I have something to discuss with him. Could you have the staff keep watch and prevent anyone from disturbing us?"
Shopkeeper Wang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Since that person was someone Zhao Ruxi knew, he couldn't be a bad person.
"Alright." His smile grew even more sincere. "Rest assured, I will not allow anyone to disturb the young lady's conversation."
He instructed the waiter to prepare the best tea and snacks in the shop, and then personally led Zhao Ruxi upstairs and knocked on the door of that room.
Wang Tong opened the door and saw Shopkeeper Wang and Zhao Ruxi behind him. He then stepped aside, revealing the figures sitting inside.
Seeing Xiao Lingyan, who was covered up completely, Zhao Ruxi almost burst out laughing.
"Qingfeng, Ma Sheng, you two stay outside," she instructed.
Although Xiao Lingyan was well-covered, Qingfeng and Ma Sheng knew what was going on and recognized him at a glance.
Although they didn't know how their young lady had gotten involved with this Fifth Prince, and their meeting that Wushi hadn't seemed pleasant, it wouldn't be good for a man and woman to be alone in a room together. But Qingfeng and Ma Sheng weren't the type to meddle, so they agreed and immediately stood guard at the door.
As soon as Zhao Ruxi went in, Wang Tong and Xiao Liuzi voluntarily withdrew.
Shopkeeper Wang had originally intended to have the waiter brew fresh tea and replace the pastries. Seeing this, he wisely kept quiet and slipped out. However, he didn't go far, but stayed nearby to prevent anyone from disturbing Zhao Ruxi.
In the past, although Shopkeeper Wang respected Zhao Ruxi, he wouldn't have gone so far as to let her meet the mysterious person here without asking any questions.
Two days ago, the Princess of Zhennan summoned him and instructed him to treat Zhao Ruxi with the utmost respect, as if she were his own young mistress. That's why Shopkeeper Wang didn't ask any questions today and provided Zhao Ruxi with all the necessary assistance.
After Zhao Ruxi closed the door, Xiao Lingyan took off the handkerchief covering his face and his cloak.
"Phew." He couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.
Zhao Ruxi couldn't help but laugh.
"Do you know how hard it was for me?" Xiao Lingyan glared at her, his tone resentful.
"No, please don't. It's not because of me." Zhao Ruxi quickly waved her hands. "Don't try to pin the blame on me."
Xiao Lingyan snorted, "If it weren't for you, would I, a prince, be able to disguise myself like this? I wouldn't need to avoid anyone wherever I go. People should be avoiding me."
"So what if you're a prince?" Zhao Ruxi rolled her eyes. "What's so great about someone who won't even survive three episodes?"