C10 Give Me a Proper Burial

Yuu Buyi still couldn't figure out how Xiao Chen discovered the secret he'd guarded for three years.

"Su Xuanjing from the Flower Tower across the street will be looking for you soon. You know what to do."

Xiao Chen stood up. "I'm leaving now."

Yuu Buyi's mouth twitched. "I cooked for you, and you're not even going to pay for the meal?"

The screen painted with landscapes slowly moved aside as Xiao Chen disappeared into the hidden passage.

Yuu Buyi's handsome yet slightly roguish face darkened a bit. He turned his head and looked through the clear glass window directly at the Flower Tower.

Su Xuanjing...

The window opposite was shut tight by Xue Ji, yet the piercing light still managed to shine through the lattice, dazzling the eyes.

Beside the jade table, Xue Ji occasionally glanced at the window. "To have a foothold in the capital, who do you think Yuu Buyi is backed by?"

Su Xuanjing, dressed in white, picked up the bone china teacup from the table and took a small sip.

"There are no real gods in the capital. Many who shine one moment find themselves in the depths the next."

Xue Ji: "So, you think Yuu Buyi relies on his own strength?"

"What does the Flower Tower rely on?" Su Xuanjing replied with a question.

Xue Ji laughed. "Confidence, of course."

Though the Tea House is a place of leisure, it's also the hub for all kinds of news in the capital. Regardless of truth, anyone seeking information is unlikely to leave the Flower Tower empty-handed.

Behind the Flower Tower, there was no one to rely on; over the years, it was Xue Ji who navigated among the high-ranking officials and slowly built up connections.

"Even though Yuu Buyi has a reputation, the capital is deep waters, and he may not navigate it well."

Xue Ji poured tea, her tone lightly mocking, "Just look at those who were just mentioned. They might be notable, but the capital is full of such figures."

"I can't shake the feeling that Yuu Buyi opening the Golden Prosperity Building right across from the Flower Tower is somewhat deliberate."

Su Xuanjing's concern didn't faze Xue Ji.

"Food and pleasure are basic desires. I think he chose the location quite well."

Su Xuanjing chuckled, "Perhaps."

"Yesterday, word from the palace was that the Third Prince's mother has already mentioned to the Emperor about arranging a marriage for him. The shortlist includes County Princess Yu Nuo from the Duke's Mansion and County Princess Yu Xi from the King’s Mansion, and then there's County Princess Wen from the South Control Marquis Mansion..."

Xue Ji glanced at Su Xuanjing with a half-smile, "Your woman might be hard to keep."

Su Xuanjing's expression was indifferent, "Even if the Third Prince is bold enough to propose, the South Control Marquis might not dare to agree."

Xue Ji seemed to enjoy the unfolding drama, "I only said she was your woman, never mentioned Wen Wan."

Su Xuanjing pressed his lips together and politely lifted his teacup. "I hope I'm not making a fool of myself, Ms. Ji."

"In today's times, the South Control Marquis holds an unparalleled position and reputation at court. But that might not be a good thing. The higher the tree, the more it catches the wind. With such power, the Marquis Mansion can't risk marrying a daughter to any prince, no matter who he is."

"You're right, Ms. Ji. It shows that the Third Prince and Consort De aren't the type for grand schemes. Revealing their ambitions so early is a sure way to a short path." Su Xuanjing set down his cup. "What worries me now is..."

Xue Ji raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"The Third Prince is just a pawn in someone's hand. You know what they say about a single stone causing a thousand ripples. Who knows what kind of waves they're planning to stir with him..."

Hearing this, Xue Ji's eyes narrowed slightly.

The emperor of our time is nearing sixty, and as the princes grow older, a bloody battle for the throne has quietly begun.

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