Chapter 312: Suspicious Persons (Part 3)
Chapter 312 -176: Suspicious Persons (Part 3)
Pickled chicken feet with chili, spicy bamboo shoots, crispy peanuts, five-spice beef… each snack here can whet your appetite.
“Prince, please try this.” Han Lei picked up a piece of pickled chicken feet with silver chopsticks. “This is marinated with a special wild chili pepper, combining spice with freshness. Once you taste it, you’ll surely fall in love with this flavor.”
Prince Jingzhou skeptically took a bite, chewing slowly. After a moment, his eyes lit up.
The Drunken Immortal Brew House in the Capital City has been open for over a month, but these side dishes are only popular there; they haven’t reached Jingzhou yet.
It was the first time Prince Jingzhou tasted this unique spicy-sour flavor, inhaling from the spiciness but unable to let go.
“Hah, hah… Marvelous! Is there really such delicious food in this world? Hah, hah, it neither overpowers the wine nor keeps you from craving more.”
Prince Jingzhou said as he couldn’t wait to try the other dishes, praising them continuously.
“These spicy bamboo shoots are crisp and appetizing, and the crispy peanuts are not greasy… Miss Han, your side dishes to accompany the wine are truly exquisite!”
Han Lei smiled lightly: “Exactly. I plan to open a few taverns in various counties of Jingzhou, specifically to sell the Drunken Immortal Brew with these wine-accompanying side dishes. What does the Prince think?”
“Great idea!” Prince Jingzhou exclaimed in approval, “These dishes, if sold separately, would surely be a hit as well. Miss Han, how about…”
A glint flashed in his eyes, “How about giving me the agency rights to these side dishes?”
“No rush, Prince.” Han Lei gestured with her hand: “Whether these side dishes are popular or not? We’ll have to wait until the taverns open and see the guests’ feedback. As for the agency rights…”
Just as Han Lei was about to continue, Da Yi suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice just enough for Prince Jingzhou to hear.
“Miss, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t we head back to the inn?”
Han Lei looked back and glanced outside. It was already dark.
“Oh, look at me. I got so caught up talking business with the Prince that I didn’t realize night had fallen. Today, thank you for your hospitality, Prince.”
Saying this, Han Lei made to stand up and take her leave.
But Prince Jingzhou, who was in the middle of discussing business, was reluctant to let them leave now.
“Oh, no, no, Miss Han, you’re being too polite.”
Prince Jingzhou waved his hand dramatically, “Since you’re in Jingzhou, how can we let you stay in an inn? Someone, quickly prepare some fine guest rooms!”
He stood up and instructed the steward: “Quickly tidy up a few rooms in the east wing, and prepare some hot water and clean bedding.”
“Prince… this might be too much trouble,” Han Lei pretended to decline hesitantly.
Prince Jingzhou’s face darkened, showing his displeasure. “What’s the trouble? The Prince Mansion may not be luxurious, but surely it’s more comfortable than an inn.”
“Well… this…” Han Lei still looked indecisive.
“Hey!” Prince Jingzhou grew anxious and slapped his thigh, “Miss Han, just stay at the mansion at ease. We can continue our business talks tomorrow.”
Han Lei still showed a difficult expression, “This… might be too much of a disturbance…”
“Oh, Miss Han, now you’re being too distant,” Prince Jingzhou pretended to be upset, “We’re business partners, talking like this makes it seem too formal.”
Exchanging a glance with Da Yi, Han Lei’s mouth curled up imperceptibly: “In that case, we’ll respectfully comply with your arrangement.”
“There! That’s better.” Prince Jingzhou’s face finally broke into a smile.
After the servants of the mansion led Han Lei and her party to their guest rooms, Da Yi couldn’t help but chuckle in a low voice.
“Heh heh. The Princess Consort truly has foresight. Prince Jingzhou actually let us stay here. No matter what, the Prince Mansion is safer than any other place.”
Han Lei chuckled softly, “Prince Jingzhou has already tasted the benefits of the Drunken Immortal Brew agency rights. Since I have new products to offer, how could he resist?”
Da San exclaimed with admiration, “Ah! The Princess Consort really is a master strategist! The Prince is so focused on talking business that he didn’t even pay attention to us. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have been so nervous.”
“Heh heh!” Da Si laughed most comfortably: “Indeed, the most dangerous place is the safest. Even if the government officials turn Jingzhou City upside down, they’ll never think we’re guests at the Prince’s mansion.”
Listening to their lively discussion, Han Lei very ungracefully stretched lazily.
“Alright, everyone should get some rest early! Tomorrow we have to go into town and see if there are suitable spots to open the tavern.”
Only then did Da Yi and the others collect themselves, respectfully bowing to Han Lei before returning to their own rooms.
Meanwhile, on the streets of Jingzhou City, squads of government officials and soldiers roamed the alleys with torches, blindly searching everywhere.
Little did they know, the “suspicious individuals” they were looking for were already peacefully asleep in the warm and comfortable rooms of Jingzhou Royal Mansion…