I am a prince in Zhutian Films

Chapter 392 Open the skylight and speak frankly

With the face half covered, cicadas chirped outside the window. Although the sun was setting, the teahouse was still very hot and stuffy.

Sun Sanniang had just come back from serving tea to the guests, and she picked up the handkerchief beside her and started wiping the sweat off her face.

"Why is the weather getting hot so fast?"

Although Ge Zhaodi was also busy, she had obviously adapted to the temperature in Tokyo. She said without surprise: "This is how it is in the Central Plains. After April, the sun is shining brightly."

"No wonder the sour plum drinks are selling well these days." Sun Sanniang said, and suddenly remembered something, and turned to Zhao Pan'er and said, "By the way, Pan'er, should we buy some ice?"

Zhao Pan'er looked up from a pile of account books. After the weather turned hot, the teahouse business was worse than before. Although she knew that it was the off-season, she was still a little anxious.

"It has been ordered and will be delivered the day after tomorrow. Not only do we need to add ice to the tea, but we also need to put two icebergs in the elegant room. Otherwise, if the room is crowded with people playing and listening to the pipa, how can we have the time to enjoy the tea and appreciate the elegance?"

As she spoke, Zhao Pan'er thought of Song Yinzhang and looked out the window with some worry: "I wonder if Yinzhang's performance at the Xiangfu today will go smoothly."

Sun Sanniang comforted him bluntly, "Don't worry. General Xiang has also gone there. With him around, Yin Zhang will definitely not suffer any loss. Besides, the Xiang Mansion is not a dangerous place. How can he eat her?"

As he was talking, Gao Hui walked in from outside: "Madam Zhao, congratulations."

Zhao Pan'er hummed in confusion: "Madam Gao, where does your happiness come from?"

"Madam Song plays the pipa well and was given a jade pendant by Prime Minister Xiao. There are hundreds of people at the gate of Xiao's mansion who have heard the news. If you don't go to pick her up, I'm afraid she won't be able to come back."

Sun Sanniang and Ge Zhaodi were delighted when they heard this, and Zhao Pan'er stood up suddenly: "Sanniang, you guys watch over the store, I'll go take a look."

"That's great. I also need to pick up my dad. Let's go together."

The situation was urgent, and although Zhao Pan'er felt that the relationship between them was quite awkward, she still thanked him and got on Gao Hui's carriage.

Gao Hui bowed half a blessing to Zhao Pan'er in the car: "Thank you very much for the wet nurse thing. I'm sorry."

Zhao Pan'er quickly pulled Gao Hui back: "No need, she did all that in private, it has nothing to do with you."

Gao Hui shook her head: "But she also relied on my name. I should apologize to you. If you and His Highness hadn't come to me, I wouldn't have known that she had been doing so many evil things behind my back. She said it was all for me, but she knew that I hated being lied to the most, but she said it was for me. It's ridiculous, ridiculous!"

Seeing that Gao Hui was getting more and more excited, Zhao Pan'er subconsciously held her hand and gently comforted her.

"Not only her, but also Ouyang Xu." Gao Hui said as she took out a stack of letters from her sleeve and stuffed them into Zhao Pan'er's pocket. "I found these when I was sorting out his belongings. They were all letters between you and me. I was so blind that I actually believed his oath of love."

Although Zhao Pan'er had severed all ties with Ouyang Xu long ago, and Ouyang Xu was already dead, and the past was a thing of the past, she always felt that the Ouyang Xu she knew at the beginning was not the person she saw after entering the capital. She couldn't help but sighed: "Maybe he was not like that before, but was dazzled by the prosperity of Tokyo City, and by some strange combination of circumstances, he became that hateful person."

Gao Hui gritted her teeth, her eyes almost spitting fire: "No matter what the reason is, I only know that he cheated me, that means he is dead, otherwise I will make him pay the price."

Zhao Pan'er glanced at the letter in her hand and sighed: "The person is already dead, we still have to look forward."

The two chatted all the way, and it felt like not long had passed before the Gao family's carriage arrived near the Xiao Mansion. However, there was a crowd of people outside the back door of the Xiao Mansion, all of them were scholars who came here to admire the mansion. The Gao family's carriage was blocked outside the crowd and could not get in at all.

After saying goodbye to Gao Hui, Zhao Pan'er got off the carriage in a hurry. However, she found it difficult to get through the crowd blocking the back door, so she had to stand on tiptoe to look through the crack in the door.

Soon, the back door of the Xiao Mansion opened a crack, and the scholars guarding outside the mansion vaguely saw a graceful woman walking out, and they shouted excitedly: "Madam Song is out."

However, the scholar standing in front took a closer look and saw that it was Zhang Haohao who came out. He was immediately disappointed and complained without disguising, "Why is it her?"

Zhang Haohao's face darkened and he walked down the stairs with an unhappy look on his face, pushing aside the people who were blocking the door.

Someone in the crowd was not very perceptive and asked, "Madam Zhang, when will Madam Song come out?"

Zhang Haohao answered loudly and angrily: "I don't know."

After saying this, she was about to quickly get on the carriage that was coming to pick her up, but she didn't expect to hear a familiar voice.

"Madam Zhang, Madam Zhang..."

Zhang Haohao looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhao Paner jumping outside the crowd and greeting her. She couldn't help but smile and walked towards Zhao Paner.

"Madam Zhao, why are you here?"

"I'm here to take the lead chapter. Hasn't the lead chapter come out yet?"

Zhang Haohao was stunned and shook his head: "No, but don't you know that His Royal Highness the King of Han will send her back?"

Zhao Pan'er's eyes lit up and she asked happily, "Is His Highness here too?"

"Yes, it will probably take a while. Do you want to go in and take a look? With your status, just let them know."

Zhao Pan'er thought about it, shook her head and said, "No need, I'll just wait for them here."

"Then those who get on my carriage, we will go to the front gate; they will go out through the front door."

If it was just Song Yinzhang, he would naturally not be qualified to go through the front door. But today, Xiang You first stood up for Song Yinzhang, and then Zhao Wei came forward, and Song Yinzhang would go with Zhao Wei, so it was naturally impossible for him to go through the back door.

Xiao Mansion, main hall.

The birthday banquet was gradually coming to an end, and those who were not on good terms with Xiao Qinyan had already stood up and prepared to leave.

For example: Cao Wei stood up and prepared to leave, and at the same time asked Zhao Wei a question.

"Your Highness, would you like to have a couple of drinks at my house?"

"No hurry, I have something else to do, I will visit you tomorrow."

Zhao Wei was not in a hurry to leave because he knew that Xiao Qinyan would definitely have something to say to him later.

Of course, if not, then he would have something to talk to Xiao Qinyan about.

More importantly, he was going to meet Zhao Paner, so he definitely would not go to Cao's house to drink today.

Sure enough, after a while, after Xiao Qinyan sent away most of the guests, he asked his butler Zhong Shu to find Zhao Wei and invite him to the side hall to discuss.

As soon as Zhao Wei sat down, Xiao Qinyan did not come, but Xiao Wei walked in instead.

"Your Highness."

Zhao Wei was stunned for a moment. Before he could finish his words, Xiao Qinyan walked in. Seeing Xiao Wei, his face darkened: "What are you doing here? Why don't you go and entertain the guests?"

Although many people left, many people still stayed. Therefore, Xiao Wei never expected that Xiao Qinyan would come so soon. His whole body stiffened involuntarily. He replied "yes" and left the side hall as if escaping.

Xiao Qinyan sighed and said with a wry smile: "My son is so rude. I'm sorry to make Your Highness laugh at me." "No problem."

Zhao Wei shook his head and smiled, glanced at the seat next to him, and motioned for Xiao Qinyan to sit down.

Xiao Qinyan smiled and sat down next to him, pouring a glass of wine on his own initiative: "I hope Your Highness will forgive me for my poor hospitality today."

Watching Xiao Qinyan drink it all in one gulp, Zhao Wei also drank up the wine in the glass.

"In fact, when I first returned to the capital, I wanted to see Your Highness. Unfortunately, Your Highness was in the palace and I never had the chance. Today, I finally got my wish. Your Highness, you must drink a few more cups today."

"Of course, I have admired Xiao Xiang for a long time."

Xiao Qinyan's words were very pleasant and his attitude was warm and humble, but Zhao Wei remained vigilant.

Xiao Qinyan is an old fox. As one of the leaders of the Hou Party, he was able to defeat Ke Zheng and later even brought down Qi Mu. His power was overwhelming in the court, which was enough to show how powerful he was.

Faced with such a shrewd guy, Zhao Wei was not afraid of him, but he would not let his guard down. After all, Xiao Qinyan was a real villain who could do anything.

As the host, Xiao Qinyan kept smiling throughout the whole process and toasted with Zhao Wei, but he never told Zhao Wei the reason why he came.

Zhao Wei also remained calm. Since Xiao Qinyan didn't say anything, he was not in a hurry, as if he was just drinking with Xiao Qinyan.

Xiao Qinyan had been observing Zhao Wei the whole time. Seeing that so much time had passed and Zhao Wei still didn't show any sign of impatience, he started to think more highly of Zhao Wei, but at the same time, he also became more wary of him.

While pouring wine for Zhao Wei, Xiao Qinyan said, "Your Highness, I heard from my subordinates that you went to Qiantang, Hangzhou a few months ago. I was working there at the time. It's a pity that I didn't meet Your Highness."

Zhao Wei chuckled, "It was my fault. I thought Prime Minister Xiao was busy at the time, so I didn't come to bother him. However, I did meet a very promising young man in Qiantang, but I didn't expect that he was Prime Minister Xiao's son."

Xiao Qinyan's eyes flashed with pride, and he said with a smile: "I am not bragging, Qianfan is indeed very good, he is the most outstanding among my children. Although he cannot be compared with you, Your Highness, he is also a rare talent. I hope Your Highness will take care of him in the future."

His relationship with Gu Qianfan seems very secretive to outsiders, but if someone is interested in investigating, they can still find clues.

Especially for a prince like Zhao Wei who has power in his hands, it is not surprising that he knows the relationship between him and Gu Qianfan.

"I would like to take care of him, but unfortunately Deputy Envoy Gu doesn't think highly of me. Prime Minister Xiao needs to persuade him more."

"I will try to persuade him." Xiao Qinyan's face was bright as he poured a glass of wine for Zhao Wei. "Your Highness, may I ask you one more question? What are your plans for Qian Fan?"

"How about joining the army?" Zhao Wei asked tentatively, and sighed: "The border is unstable now, and it is a time when we need talents. With Deputy Envoy Gu's ability, I believe he will soon be able to make achievements at the border."

Xiao Qinyan was startled, and suddenly said: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will treasure the gift that Your Highness asked General Xiang to send today. No matter whether Your Highness conquers the Dingnan Army or the Liao people in the future, I will definitely support you."

"Hahaha, I just like talking to smart people." Zhao Wei laughed and said, "If Prime Minister Xiao supports it, it's not impossible for Deputy Envoy Gu to stay in Tokyo."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Xiao Qinyan cupped his hands, then sighed, "Speaking of which, Your Highness and Lord Ke are both not afraid of the bitter cold at the border. Compared to Your Highness and Lord Ke, I am really ashamed of myself."

"Prime Minister Xiao, you are too kind. Prime Minister Ke has gone to the border to take charge, and I respect him very much. But Prime Minister Xiao has also devoted himself to the court and done his best, which I also admire."

"Really? Haha, compared to Lord Ke, I am really far behind. My greatest wish in this life is to emulate Lord Ke and do my best for the court and the world."

Xiao Qinyan looked like he was concerned about the country and the people, as if Ke Zheng was really a colleague he admired.

"It's a pity that my enthusiasm is always misunderstood by the world. They all say that I am a disaster to the country and the people, and call me a traitor. They try every means to get rid of me, but I am not afraid, because I know very well why I do everything. Everything I do is for the Song Dynasty, for the people of the world, for the emperor and the queen. I am not afraid of misunderstandings, I just hope to do better."

As she spoke, Xiao Qinyan couldn't help but shed tears, which gave Zhao Wei goosebumps.

With such acting skills, it would not be an exaggeration for him to win an Oscar in future.

Although he had known that Xiao Qinyan was shameless, when he actually saw it, Zhao Wei couldn't help but sigh that he was really too shameless.

When Xiao Qinyan compared himself with Ke Zheng, he did not raise his own level, but lowered Ke Zheng's level.

However, although Zhao Wei felt disgusted, he still cooperated with his performance.

"Prime Minister Xiao's broad-mindedness is far beyond my reach."

Xiao Qinyan wiped his tears with a handkerchief, suppressed his grief, and said aggrievedly: "Your Highness, you don't know that on the way back to Beijing, I encountered several assassination attempts. If it weren't for the servants of the mansion who swore to protect me, I would have died on the way."

As soon as these words came out, Zhao Wei immediately slammed the table and stood up, angrily saying: "What? Who is so bold? How dare you assassinate an important official of the court? You really don't know how to live impatiently!"

Zhao Wei was so filled with righteous indignation that he just cursed twice and nothing else happened.

Xiao Qinyan couldn't help but his eyes twitched. Zhao Wei's difficulty was beyond his expectations. He had performed so well, but Zhao Wei remained unmoved and even disrupted his rhythm.

"Your Highness, although I am already in Tokyo, I am still surrounded by enemies. I am always worried and don't know when I will be assassinated again. Your Highness, are you willing to help me?"

Zhao Wei frowned slightly, thought for a long time, and said slowly: "Prime Minister Xiao, I have only encountered assassination on the battlefield. I have not encountered it since returning to Tokyo, so I really don't know how to deal with it. However, Tokyo City is the capital of our Great Song Dynasty. It is heavily guarded. There are also guards from the Palace Front Department and the Imperial City Department. The assassin should not dare to assassinate in the city, right?"

"Your Highness, your words are wrong."

Xiao Qinyan shook his head and said with some anger in his tone: "Those assassins are so daring that there is nothing they dare not do. Moreover, I suspect that the mastermind behind the recent hat monster case and the one who sent people to assassinate me are probably from the same force."

"what?"

Zhao Wei slammed the table again and said angrily, "Prime Minister Xiao, since you already have a guess, what are you waiting for? Let's go to the Imperial City Department and the Palace Front Department now and ask them to find a way to arrest him. If it doesn't work, I will accompany you to the palace to report, and my father will definitely take care of the matter."

Looking at Zhao Wei's clumsy performance, Xiao Qinyan felt a toothache. Since he had already said this, did he still have to continue acting with him?

"Your Highness."

Seeing Xiao Qinyan's expression suddenly become serious, Zhao Wei also restrained his exaggerated expression.

"Your Highness, I'm sure you understand what I mean. In fact, I already have a suspect, and that's Minister Qi Muqi. Your Highness should be familiar with this person, right?"

Zhao Wei did not answer, but asked calmly: "Prime Minister Xiao, are you ready to speak frankly?"

Xiao Qinyan was thick-skinned and didn't feel embarrassed at all. He just nodded seriously.

"Yes, let me speak frankly. I just wonder if Your Highness is willing to listen to what I have to say."

Zhao Wei was silent for a moment, then stretched out his hand: "Prime Minister Xiao, please!"

Xiao Qinyan no longer kept the secret and directly stated his purpose.

(End of this chapter)