Chapter 339: Shouting "Serves You Right!

After all, Yujia is the peace princess; competing with the Emperor for a woman would be rebellious.

But seeing the sudden change in Yang Haibo’s attitude now, he suspects Emperor Jing must have met the same fate as the Champion Marquis.

Back in the private room on the second floor, Tang Xiaotong rubbed his hands excitedly, at a loss for words.

Princess Yujia, however, looked sorrowful and said, “I’ve come here… to say goodbye to you.”

“Goodbye?”

Tang Xiaotong’s heart suddenly sank.

“The peace alliance is canceled, and the envoy no longer needs to stay; we will depart for Turkic in two days.”

As she spoke, she took out a sachet from her bosom and handed it to Tang Xiaotong: “This… is for you.”

Tang Xiaotong took the sachet, his fingertips brushing against her cold ones, causing his heart to flutter.

The sachet was embroidered with a galloping horse, the stitches were delicate and clearly done with care.

“Then you…”

Tang Xiaotong bit his lip, wanting to ask her to stay, but realized he seemed unqualified to do so.

Princess Yujia frowned even more tightly, “But… all the grain and cloth negotiated with the Emperor of Da Jing are canceled too.”

Princess Yujia’s voice began to tremble, “Without these winter supplies, the people on the prairie… the old and the children…”

Tang Xiaotong looked at the Princess’s reddening eyes, his heart aching as if it were clenched.

He unconsciously reached out to wipe her tears, but stopped midway, clenching his fist instead.

He thought for a moment before speaking: “Princess don’t worry, I… I have an idea!”

“What?” Princess Yujia raised her tearful eyes.

“Why don’t I take you to Beiguan!”

Tang Xiaotong’s eyes suddenly glimmered with light: “I can visit the Princess Consort in Canzhou. She is a kind person, and I’ll ask her for help to see if she can find a way to do business on the prairie. If she can, I’ll ask the Princess Consort to arrange for me to engage in trade with the prairie!”

“Really?” Princess Yujia’s eyes brightened but soon dimmed again: “Is this… this proper? Won’t it implicate you…”

“What’s improper about it!” Tang Xiaotong slammed the table, causing several empty wine jars to clink, “I’ll go discuss it with my brother.”

Princess Yujia looked up at him in shock: “Do you… do you know what this means? Once you go…”

“I know.” Tang Xiaotong took a deep breath and suddenly reached out to hold the Princess’s hand—this time, he did not withdraw.

“I know the prairie environment is harsh, I know the journey is fraught with danger, and I know I might never return.” His voice grew increasingly firm, “But compared to these, I fear… fear I might never see you again.”

Princess Yujia’s tears finally flowed, dripping onto their clasped hands. “Fool…” she choked up, “You really are a fool…”

Tang Xiaotong smiled; it was his first genuine smile in days.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll pack my things, handle everything in the Capital City, and depart with the envoy the day after tomorrow.”

Downstairs, the voices of the drinkers remained noisy, and outside, the sunset’s afterglow streamed through the window paper, stretching their silhouettes long and far.

Just then, brisk footsteps and a call from an attendant sounded outside.

“Mr. Tang, someone is looking for you outside; they said they want to talk about business with you.”

Tang Xiaotong, upon hearing this, gently let go of Princess Yujia’s soft wrist and said warmly, “Please wait here for a moment while I go and take a look.”

Princess Yujia nodded slightly, her eyes containing a sweet smile.

She watched Tang Xiaotong’s departing figure, unconsciously raising her hand to her chest.

This feeling was peculiar; since meeting Tang Xiaotong in the Capital City, Zhao Zun, who once haunted her dreams, seemed to fade away in her memory like morning mist. Becoming increasingly blurred.

Perhaps this was what people of Da Jing often referred to—fate!

At the staircase, Tang Xiaotong saw Lin Yuanshan pacing anxiously downstairs, holding a pile of gifts.

He had gone to the Brocade Workshop to inquire and then found his way here.

Seeing Tang Xiaotong descend the stairs, Lin Yuanshan

immediately beamed with smiles and presented an exquisite sandalwood gift box.

“Mr. Tang, sorry for the intrusion.” Lin Yuanshan respectfully cupped his fists, “I am Lin Yuanshan from Lin’s Cloth Store, here to visit today. I have prepared some humble gifts, please kindly accept them.”

Tang Xiaotong narrowed his eyes slightly, not taking the gift, but plainly said, “So it’s Mr. Lin from the street end.”

Seeing Tang Xiaotong seemed to recognize him, Lin Yuanshan’s face lit up with joy, his tone becoming even more enthusiastic.

“Mr. Tang knows our Lin’s Cloth Store? That’s wonderful! To be honest, I have noticed Brocade Workshop’s clothing and fabric designs are novel and unique, standing out in the Capital City. I came today to ask if we could purchase from your workshop?”

“This matter…”

Tang Xiaotong gently stroked the jade ring on his finger, gazing thoughtfully at Lin Yuanshan’s expectant face.

“I have considered it. I heard there is a business association in the Capital City; I will visit the host tomorrow. Meanwhile, all cloth businesses are welcome to discuss wholesale matters.”

“Really?” Lin Yuanshan was overjoyed upon hearing this, the worry on his face eased: “That’s wonderful! Our Lin’s Cloth Store will definitely…”

“But…” Tang Xiaotong suddenly raised his hand to interrupt him, “All cloth stores can come to negotiate, except for Mr. Lin… Your store can’t.”