Chapter 785: Quite Amusing to Watch

Old Prince Feng muttered a few curses and raised a hand. A guard supported him as he started off in the direction Gu Shuo had taken.

Sun Shiming overheard the discussion and felt too drained to even retort. He could only think that Dayu City was doomed.

As an official, he knew the nobility all too well. ’There’s no way Old Prince Feng would willingly part with that much money. Only these foolish commoners would believe such a thing. Sigh... Once the ten-year contract is up and Boss Gu leaves Dayu City, its future will be bleak.’

Ye Qianning stood up, raising a hand to smooth out the strands of hair the sea breeze had tousled.

’People are so easily brainwashed. They won’t give up until they’ve hit a wall, and you can’t do anything to stop them.’

"He’s certainly patient," Qian Fanji said, his gaze fixed on the approaching Gu Shuo.

"When you’re bored, a show like this can be quite entertaining," Ye Qianning said with a smile.

At her words, Qian Fanji’s gaze shifted to the fuming old prince. He chuckled. "You’re right. It is interesting."

’Watching the drama unfold is one thing, but if I were in Gu Shuo’s shoes, I wouldn’t have that kind of patience. That’s why I’m not cut out for business.’

Sang Zhi was all too familiar with scenes like this. His eyes held nothing but cold indifference and a hint of mockery.

Gu Shuo walked back over to them, his hair slightly disheveled by the wind. "The wind is picking up. Let’s head back."

"Alright."

Ye Qianning glanced toward the distant horizon. The clouds over the sea were moving swiftly in their direction.

’The wind has picked up. It’ll be raining soon.’

"This sea breeze has a chill to it. You’re not wearing much; be careful not to catch a cold."

"It’s fine. I lived on an island for a long time, so I’m used to it." Ye Qianning gathered her windblown hair and turned to Xiliu Yuan. "Your Highness, we’ll be heading back now."

Sang Zhi’s gaze also fell upon Xiliu Yuan, his red eyes dark and intense.

Xiliu Yuan gave a slight nod.

Old Prince Feng approached, intending to exchange pleasantries with Sang Zhi. But just as he reached him, he watched Sang Zhi turn and follow after Ye Qianning.

The old prince’s expression froze. He lifted his gaze to Xiliu Yuan. "Crown Prince of Xi Yan."

Xiliu Yuan stood and replied politely, "Prince Feng."

"Heh heh, Your Highness has come a long way. I’ve arranged a welcome banquet for you at the post station today."

"Thank you for the kind offer, Prince Feng, but I’m not quite accustomed to the local climate. I’ve been out for a long time today and should be heading back," Xiliu Yuan demurred.

"Not accustomed to the climate, you say? I have an Imperial Physician in my retinue. Why don’t I have him take a look at you, Your Highness?"

"That won’t be necessary."

Xiliu Yuan was cold and distant. He gave a nod and departed.

Having been snubbed several times in a row, Old Prince Feng felt that suffocating anger rising in his chest again.

’Who do these people think they are?’

"My lord, please don’t be angry." The steward supported him and began patting his back to soothe him.

"What in the world were you thinking?" Old Prince Feng snapped.

The steward was bewildered as well. "I just told them to make a scene. Who knew they’d actually start smashing things?"

"Two million taels! You figure out how to deal with that bill!"

"Yes, my lord."

The steward knew exactly what that implied.

Seeing that both the troublemakers and the proprietor himself had left, the onlookers began to disperse.

The day’s farcical events had allowed many to see Old Prince Feng’s true colors. With a man like that in charge of Nanyuan’s trade, they would have to be extra cautious if they chose to cooperate with him.

Wang Li, from the Xi Yan Merchant Guild, still couldn’t wrap his head around it. The Crown Prince never involved himself in commercial affairs, so why had he suddenly come to Dayu City?

He had even attended Elder Chen’s birthday celebration. It all left Wang Li unable to fathom his motives.

Nanyuan’s seafood trade was a huge business, and several kingdoms wanted a piece of the pie. But given the Crown Prince’s attitude toward Old Prince Feng, Wang Li was no longer sure how to approach the Nanyuan deal.

When he had requested an audience yesterday, the Crown Prince had refused to see him. Yet today, he saw His Highness sitting with Miss Ye and her companions.

Between Old Prince Feng and Boss Gu, the Crown Prince seemed to favor the latter.