Chapter 118.1
Although her trip to Great Xia did not yield any information on the whereabouts of that bewitching woman, it did lead her to a candidate capable of ending the chaotic eraa truly worthy journey.
She decided to continue her search while also selecting a wise sovereign.
Until she found the most suitable person!
Unconsciously, she arrived at the Great Zhou Dynasty. Song Yufei muttered to herself, The Great Zhou Dynasty has not established an heir, but the Second Prince is widely known for his wisdom! Its been a year since I last heard about him. I wonder how things are?
Thus, she took a different path, heading towards the capital city of the Great Zhou Dynasty to meet with the Second Prince.
The Second Prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty was overjoyed to see Song Yufei, and he greeted her with a polite bow, saying, I have the pleasure of meeting the Fairy Consort Yu! It has been a year since we last met, and you still carry such grace and poise, which has left me missing you greatly!
He spoke the truth, his mind not only filled with memories of her stunningly beautiful and cool demeanor but also longing for the power that stood behind her.
With the support of her backing, he was certain he could immediately become the Crown Prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, ascend to supreme imperial power, and even have the chance to vie for control of the Central Plains, establishing his own imperial dynasty!
It could be said that with this womans assistance, his rise to power would be meteoric!
Your Highness, the Second Prince, I have had the honor of meeting you, and you seem even more distinguished than before! Song Yufei returned the courtesy politely.
Fairy Consort Yu, you flatter me, haha I have already arranged for a banquet, and tonight we must drink to our hearts content until we can drink no more! the Second Prince said with enthusiasm.
Then I shall comply with the greatest respect! Song Yufei nodded in agreement.
Fairy, please come inside! I will lead the way for you!
A short while later, the Second Prince hosted a grand banquet in his own garden to entertain Song Yufei.
To show his importance, the Second Prince also invited his staff, close ministers, and a few of the princes close to him, all to join in welcoming the esteemed guest Song Yufei.
Everyone lined up to welcome her, making the event very grand.
Your Highness is too kind. I am but a commoner and truly do not deserve such an honor! Song Yufei said politely.
Fairy Yufei is too modest!
The Second Prince said with a beaming smile: It is my honor to have you visit my residence! Therefore, no matter how much preparation is done, it is only right. I ask that you do not decline our hospitality!
Then, thank you very much for your hospitality, Your Highness!
Following that, the Second Prince summoned a troupe of singers and dancers, and everyone enjoyed the performances while drinking and making merry.
Song Yufei looked at the delicacies on the table and then at the dancers nearby and couldnt help but think of Lin Beifan.
When they first met, Lin Beifan indulged himself to the fullest, feasting on exotic delicacies, embracing beauties, and enjoying the dance performances, fully embodying the essence of a foolish emperor.
However, all these exotic delicacies combined were not as luxurious and expensive as his own spread.
Moreover, the dance performances here seemed not quite as enchanting and outstanding as his own.
It must be said that little foolish emperor really knew how to enjoy himself!
The Second Prince had been keeping an eye on Song Yufeis movements and noticed that although she was looking at the sumptuous dishes on the table, her mind seemed to be elsewhere. He couldnt help but ask, Fairy, are you not satisfied with the meal? Would you like me to have another table prepared for you?
Song Yufei shook her head, No, its not that! Im just used to simple and plain food, so Im a bit unaccustomed to this all at once. The food is very good, theres no need to change it!
After saying this, she picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites to be polite, then set them down.
Your Highness, I have several questions Id like to ask! Song Yufei said earnestly.
At this moment, she actually hoped the prince was lying.
Its not that you cant indulge in luxury, as long as you provide enough money and dont shortchange the common people, then thats sufficient!
Thats exactly what Lin Beifan did, and thats why he even gained the support of the common people.
He alone fattened up the entire nations common folk.
But now, for a banquet worth over a thousand taels of silver, youve only spent 300 taels. Theres a difference of 700 taels!
Not paying enough is the same as exploiting the people!
Behind this banquet, over a thousand people have provided their services, which means that over a thousand people have not received their due compensation!
As a result, wouldnt the common people suffer?
At this moment, the Second Prince lost a point in Song Yufeis eyes.
The Second Prince noticed that Song Yufeis expression seemed a bit off.
His heart skipped a beatcould it be that his previous answer had not satisfied the Fairy?
A banquet costing 300 taels of silver, even a fairy would find that excessive, wouldnt she?
The Second Prince regretted it so much in his heart!
Had he known earlier, he would have said 200 taels!
So, to make amends for the oversight, he winked at an old minister beside him.
Having followed the Second Prince for many years, the old minister could guess his intentions quite accurately. He immediately stood up and said with a smile, Fairy Consort, in fact, His Highness made a mistake just now! This banquet actually cost only 200 taels of silver, not a bit too much! His Highness is burdened with numerous official duties and momentarily couldnt recall the exact amount, please forgive him, Fairy.
The Second Prince feigned a sudden realization and smacked his forehead, So it was only 200 taels of silver spent! It seems I truly remembered incorrectly! My apologies, Fairy. I shall punish myself with a drink!
Song Yufei asked, Did it really only cost 200 taels of silver?
Absolutely, it was only 200 taels, not a tael more or less, I can swear on my life! The old minister raised his finger, speaking with utter conviction.
Song Yufei felt even more disappointed!
To think that only 200 taels were spent, this Second Prince is really too harsh on the common people!
How is this any different from taking it for free?
Its not easy for the common people to contribute to this banquet, and yet youre not even willing to pay a little more, thats too exploitative!
Theres a way to bully people, but this is not it!
Thus, in Song Yufeis eyes, the Second Princes standing dropped another notch.
***
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