Chapter 1247

Liu Chengze was dazed for a few seconds from the hit, "Why did you hit me? I haven't finished speaking yet!"

He shoved his hands into his sleeves, angry, "You don't know, that Drunken Dream Pavilion is newly opened by that monster, claiming to be the most interesting tavern, unlike any other."

"Actually it's somewhat interesting, all kinds of novel and strange gadgets are there, and they even set up a membership system where only members can enjoy the services on the third floor."

Jin Chen: "……"

Confirmed, that person is a modern soul that has taken over the magpie's nest.

Old Man Zhou Guide saw how outrageous this was, yet he didn't die of anger—truly rare.

"Today is the official opening day of the Drunken Dream Pavilion; we all plan to go check it out—you shouldn't just idle away."

Liu Chengze bumped Jin Chen's shoulder, "You probably don't even realize how long it's been since we last went out together!"

Jin Chen raised his eyebrows in surprise, shaking his jade fan, looking at Xu Huaiyu, "You actually still want to see him."

"No, it's not the same."

Xu Huaiyu shook his head seriously, "I'm waiting for Brother Zhihong to come back; before then, that monster must not harm his body."

Since the three of them spoke openly about Zhou Zhihong, they've habitually referred to the soul now residing in his body as a monster.

In Xu Huaiyu and Liu Chengze's eyes, a living person swapping out their core—could that be anything but what a monster can do?

Jin Chen stood up and stretched, "Then let's go see something fresh."

Let him also see how this person built a tavern with a membership system.

Yajiu naturally accompanied them, and was very much on guard.

Jin Chen never deliberately kept him away when discussing matters; regarding that monster's unbelievable affairs, Yajiu also knows quite a bit.

Since it's a monster, he should be even more vigilant and properly protect his master.

Yajiu didn't bring a sword when going out; he's accustomed to using concealed weapons, and there's plenty hidden in his clothing.

"Hey, looking like this, Yajiu doesn't look like a guard or attendant at all."

Inside the carriage, Liu Chengze saw Jin Chen and Yajiu sitting almost side by side, both wearing woven brocade Shu embroidery long robes, only Jin Chen in moon-white and Yajiu in dark black.

"Tsk tsk, who would have thought Yajiu was also some rich family's young master, with that figure."

Liu Chengze glumly pressed his belly, which had grown a bit of flab, feeling envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Yajiu is not good at communicating with people; even if it's the master's close friend, he simply pretends not to have heard, using him merely to flatter the master.

He obediently sat beside Jin Chen, not at all curious about the bustling prosperity outside the carriage.

Assassins, accustomed to it, are the most able to endure loneliness.

——

Drunken Dream Pavilion

Recently, the most talked-about thing in Wanning City after tea and meals is this place.

It's really novel: as soon as you enter, you get a small gift, and spending a few taels of silver also earns you a gift, called "check-in".

Although they don't know what "check-in" means, it's probably similar to punching a time clock, just more interesting.

Inside, there's everything you could imagine, enough to make one's eyes dazzle.

Except for Jin Chen.

Upon entering, he suddenly found his vision dark for no reason; upon focusing, he discovered that blackout cloth had been draped over the wooden windows, the hall was still arched, and inside were filled with various wines and pastries.

Further inside, on the raised tables, people were still dancing while embracing the Huakui, with lewd sounds and licentious talk continuing nonstop.

There are also options suitable for ladies and young gentlemen, where reciting poetry and tasting tea can earn "points," and the more you spend, the greater the benefits.

Quite an ancient-version bar.

Jin Chen couldn't help but admire the monster's efficiency.

He wore a Jade Pendant at his waist representing his status; no Huakui dared to provoke him, leaving him rather at ease.

"Boring," Jin Chen muttered, arms crossed, turning to Yajiu: "Let's just go to the pleasure boat; anyway, it's more interesting than here."

Yajiu naturally obeyed Jin Chen, immediately stepping forward to clear a path for him.

Just then, a voice that deserved a beating came from behind the four people—Zhou Zhihong's.

"Yo, Your Highness the Heir Apparent graces us with your presence; I'm sorry I failed to welcome you properly."

Jin Chen's eye twitched; he glanced sideways at him and said, "Speak quickly if you have something to say."

Yajiu reacted instantly, the short blade from his sleeve falling into his hand, blocking at Jin Chen's side, his gaze toward Zhou Zhihong wary and icy.

Zhou Zhihong was now feeling proud; he first looked at Xu Huaiyu, who didn't know good from bad and had called off the engagement, his contempt nearly spilling over.

Even as an imperial merchant, how could his thoughts and intellect compare to his, a person from the 20th century, whose ideas have evolved over thousands of years?

Once the Drunken Dream Pavilion's business improves, he'll go into the backdoor trade and will surely trample the Xu Family underfoot!

He'll also make those old fogies of the Zhou family see that even the modest Xu Family, let alone the Han Prince and the Heir Apparent, absolutely cannot contend with him, the protagonist.

They even expect him to become Top Scholar, never mind that he doesn't have even a trace of the original Zhou Zhihong's memories.

He doesn't want to waste time on those useless eight-legged essays; even if he became an official, the imperial system is nothing compared to forging his own path—that's the real truth!

Jin Chen watched his expression shift repeatedly, not knowing how many times he had already climaxed in his imagination just by mental supplementation.

"Keep your eyes in check, or else this Heir Apparent will surely make you blind today."

As soon as his words fell, Yajiu made a move to strike; Zhou Zhihong hastily regained his composure, gritting his teeth: "Since the Heir Apparent has come today to support my old friend's business, let's not fight and kill in the Drunken Dream Pavilion!"

Jin Chen let Yajiu scare Zhou Zhihong enough to be smug, dismissing him with contempt: "You're a beggar; do you really expect to sponge off this Heir Apparent's spending?"

"It's a shame that your stuff here… really isn't good; don't let all those ordinary folk, just because it's novel, spend high prices on shoddy goods unfit for display."

If an ordinary person said that, the customers who had just bought items would surely be offended. But this is the Heir Apparent, raised from childhood on gold, jade, and treasures—what fine thing has he not seen?

For a moment, they all snapped out of the novelty haze, and in the dim candlelight of the pavilion, they examined whether the items they'd bought were good or bad.

"Oh wow, how interesting—making it this dark must be to sell defective goods." Liu Chengze laughed with a carefree, roguish air: "Really opened this young master's eyes."

Xu Huaiyu secretly shook his head, feeling only absurdity in his heart.

What kind of monster is this, actually so stupid, not even a fraction of Brother Zhi Hong's.

Seeing that a single remark from Jin Chen could almost affect his business, Zhou Zhihong was anxious as fire, hurriedly finding an excuse to state today's purpose.

Everyone is boasting that King Han's erudition is a peerless genius, even this Heir Apparent is elegant and talented! Then he will have Jin Chen's face ruthlessly trampled underfoot!

"Heir Apparent Your Highness, today many scholars and poets have gathered on the third floor to exchange verses; since you have come, why not also engage in a bout?"

Zhou Zhihong spoke with insincere flattery, the treachery in the corners of his eyes could not be hidden at all.

The handsome and graceful visage became distorted, looking rather off-putting.

Jin Chen had no interest in exchanging verses, but he was very interested in slapping the faces of those ignorant "Heaven's Chosen Protagonist".

He lifted his foot and kicked Zhou Zhihong's butt, "Lead the way, stop standing there like a log!"

Laughter rose around them, Zhou Zhihong clenched his fists, flicked his sleeve and walked ahead.

Xu Huaiyu closed his eyes helplessly, tugged at his cousin's arm, "Cousin, be careful, that is Brother Zhi Hong's body; he will still have to return later."

"Oh! I completely forgot."

Jin Chen let out a sigh, "When he comes back, he will surely remember nothing, nor will he remember that I beat him."

He solemnly said, "None of you may speak of it!"

Otherwise, if Zhi Hong settles the score, his cherished fine wine will be consumed again!

Xu Huaiyu: "……"

Yajiu followed at Jin Chen's side, secretly curling his lips.

The master is truly adorable.