Chapter 316: Prince Jingzhou, the Great Benefactor
Chapter 316 -178: Prince Jingzhou, the Great Benefactor
Upon hearing this, that coward Wei Chengchao had already lost the usual arrogant and domineering demeanor of a noble son, and crawled up to kneel in front of Princess Changle.
“Commandery Princess, we are friends usually, and since you know it wasn’t me, please let me out! It’s dirty and smelly here, I, no, I really can’t take it anymore.”
He also knew that Princess Changle’s family had been wiped out, and the grief and anger were like a runaway horse. Even his father, the Prime Minister, had been imprisoned, and supplication was all he could offer; nothing else was effective.
Princess Changle, however, remained unmoved, lacking the closeness they shared while drinking and chatting at Tengyun Building. At this moment, her curled lips appeared sinister in the reflection of the flames.
“Pray for your own fortune. If you catch that little fat boy, I will execute only him. If you don’t, your entire family must be buried with him. Must!”
The last word was bitten especially hard by Princess Changle, demonstrating her resolute attitude.
After speaking, Princess Changle could no longer suppress her anger. She had no intention of asking any other questions and turned to walk away.
“Commandery Princess, Commandery Princess.”
Wei Chengchao’s hand reached out through the bars urgently, wanting to catch Princess Changle, but she had already walked away briskly, not even catching a corner of her clothing.
Wei Chengchao’s hope dissipated, his whole body weakened, and he collapsed back to the ground.
…I am standing here to snatch tickets…
June skies, a child’s face.
Yesterday was blazing sunshine, scorching the bluestone road hot, but this morning was already overcast with dense clouds weighing heavily on people, leaving them breathless.
The air was filled with a humid, oppressive scent, even the precious peonies in the Prince Mansion’s garden drooped, having lost their usual vigor.
Han Lei had just finished breakfast and had called Daya and others into the room to quietly discuss the next steps when hurried footsteps were heard outside the door.
“Miss Han, the Prince asks if you are up, sending someone to invite you over.”
The mansion steward spoke respectfully outside, yet his voice carried an undeniable implication.
Da Si furrowed his brows, muttering softly, “Hmph! This Prince Jingzhou is too impatient.”
Han Lei turned her head to look at the copper mirror beside her, smiling slightly at the mirror, reflecting her sweet yet cunning face.
She had anticipated that Prince Jingzhou would be impatient, but hadn’t expected it to be this early.
At yesterday’s banquet, she had intentionally revealed only a bit of information about the liquor appetizers to whet this prince’s appetite.
“Daya, prepare; we will go over now.” Han Lei ordered, while opening the system interface with her mind.
Without hesitation, she bought two watermelons and then called the servant waiting outside.
“Please bring two large porcelain plates.”
When the servant brought in the empty plates, he saw two round watermelons on the table, the green rind gleaming with droplets, looking especially enticing in the humid morning.
That servant’s eyes widened, his hand shook, nearly dropping the plate.
“Be careful.” Han Lei said gently, “These are watermelons from my hometown, cut them up nicely and prettily on the plate.”
She turned to Daya: “You carry a plate yourself, we will bring it to the Prince to taste.”
Daya responded with a trace of a smile in his eyes.
In the pavilion in the garden of the Prince Mansion, Prince Jingzhou was pacing back and forth.
He wore an indigo brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist, the mutton-fat jade pendant still glowing despite the gloomy weather.
Upon hearing approaching footsteps, he turned sharply, his face full of expectation.
“Miss Han, at last you’ve come!” Prince Jingzhou eagerly took a few steps forward, his gaze falling on the neatly cut watermelon in Daya’s hand, “This is?”
“The weather is oppressive, so I’ve specially prepared some refreshing fruit for the Prince.”
Han Lei bowed slightly, signaling Daya to place the watermelon on the stone table.
Prince Jingzhou curiously examined the neatly sliced watermelon, red flesh with black seeds, crystal-clear juice pooling into a small basin in the plate.
He picked up a piece and took a bite, his eyes suddenly brightened: “Cool and sweet! In this June weather, such refreshing fruit exists?”
“Prince, this is called watermelon. Currently, such fruit isn’t widely cultivated, thus it’s rare. Perhaps in a couple of years, it will be available in the Jingzhou market.”
Han Lei also picked up a piece, tasting it in small bites. The cool watermelon juice slipped down her throat, dispelling the oppressive heat in the air.
Simultaneously, inspiration struck Han Lei’s mind.
There are many barren lands in Canzhou, which can’t grow rice, but after conditioning the soil, perhaps watermelon, an economic crop, could be planted.
Let the people of Canzhou enjoy the first taste of watermelon while granting the seed agency rights to Prince Jingzhou.