Chapter 130: First Volume, Chapter 130: A Noble Guest Arrives

First Volume, Chapter 130: A Noble Guest Arrives

Under the gaze of all, Ji Wang walked slowly into the DaTang; the moment he appeared, the crowd erupted—voices of greeting rose alongside fierce murmurs.

"Though we share the same city, Ji Wang's name has long been thunderous in our ears, yet to see the man himself in person is still a first. Though aged and frail, he is truly an Imperial Cousin—this innate dignity is utterly commanding."

"Stop kissing his ass—he can't hear you."

"Exactly. Ji Wang came for Qin Feng—what's it to you, some pompous scholar? Stop showing off your fancy words!"

"But then again, as the saying goes, Shinan Nonggong—merchants rank lowest. Throughout Shedynasty's history, has any business opening ever drawn officials to celebrate? And not just any official—a Prince? It's simply unbelievable."

Qi Cheng immediately rose, rushed forward in three strides, and bowed deeply: "Your servant, Jingdu's Mayor Qi Cheng, pays homage to Old Prince. For failing to greet you properly, I beg your pardon."

Ji Wang glanced at Qi Cheng and dismissed him lightly: "No matter. I'm here today only to congratulate Qin Feng on his wine house's opening. Go about your duties, Magistrate Qi."

With that, Ji Wang ignored Qi Cheng entirely, swept his eyes over the packed DaTang, and chuckled softly: "I never guessed young Master Qin not only excels in Military Strategy and mechanical ingenuity—but also in business. On his first day, he's already earning gold by the bushel. If this continues, he'll soon become Jingdu's number one wine house."

Hearing the Old Prince's public praise, Qin Feng's head nearly floated to the heavens.

If before, at Ji Wang's birthday banquet, Qin Feng had groveled to cling to Ji Wang, and Ji Wang had taken plenty of benefits while offering only polite words, now that Ji Wang had come personally to celebrate Qin Feng's opening, no one in the room doubted their bond anymore.

Instantly, every guest present felt envy.

As Qin Feng floated in bliss, his backside suddenly got a kick—he turned to see Liu Hongyan glaring, whispering sharply: "What are you standing there for? No manners at all! Go pay your respects to Old Prince right now!"

Qin Feng snapped to attention, his expression flipping 180 degrees—he plastered on a sycophantic grin and bowed low: "I knew this morning's magpies were singing at the door—turns out the auspicious purple qi from the east blew Old Prince here! Your noble feet treading this humble ground have made my little shop glow with honor!"

The crowd froze, filled with silent contempt.

Those who can do are outshone by those who can talk—Qin Feng is clearly born to be a sycophant!

His ability to switch faces is unprecedented; his skill at flattery leaves all others in awe.

No wonder this brat managed to attach himself to Ji Wang—only such thick skin could achieve it.

Ji Wang, swept away by Qin Feng's cascade of golden flattery, beamed with delight: "Hahaha, boy, your mouth could bring the dead back to life!"

At that moment, several servants entered carrying a plaque inscribed with four gilded characters: "Wealth Flows Abundantly."

Before Ji Wang could speak, Qin Feng was already sprinting forward, feigning shock: "Old Prince, you came—and brought a plaque? Qin Xiaofu! Where are you? Hurry up and take this!"

Qin Feng bellowed loudly, ensuring everyone heard, then ordered Qin Xiaofu and the servants to carry the plaque around the entire DaTang, parading it for maximum display before finally hanging it on the wall.

Li Rui sneered, his eyes brimming with envy and resentment.

Ji Wang ignored the strange glances around him, smiling as he studied Qin Feng. This brat was cunning and unpredictable—but the more he looked, the more he liked. He crossed his arms behind his back and spoke with hidden meaning: "Come, get me a door card."

At this, Qin Feng's face flushed red with embarrassment: "Your Highness is teasing your nephew—this is my own wine house. Why would anyone pay to eat in their own place?"

"Your own wine house?" Ji Wang paused, then burst into laughter: "You little rascal, always saying what I want to hear. Still, you must get me a card—I can't be the one to break the rules, can I?"

Qin Feng seized the opening, pulled a golden door card from his sleeve, and offered it with both hands: "For Your Highness's rank, the Second Floor Yajian won't do. I've reserved the Third Floor Guibin Shi for you."

Ji Wang accepted the top-tier card without protest, had a servant pay a token few taels of silver, and then, escorted by Qin Feng's bowed head and fawning praise, climbed the stairs toward the Third Floor Guibin Shi.

Qin Feng had planned to escort Ji Wang straight to the Guibin Shi, but as he stepped onto the stairs, another shout rang out from outside.

This voice was shrill and high-pitched—clearly from the palace.

"Congratulations on the grand opening of Wuhu Restaurant! Seventh Prince has sent this servant with a plaque—please, young Master Qin, come out to receive it."

The DaTang had already been noisy, with voices rising and falling.

The arrivals of Xie Yun'er and Ji Wang had stirred envy in every heart—but now, hearing "Seventh Prince" had sent a gift, the crowd exploded.

Unbeknownst to them, Qin Feng was even more stunned—he muttered inwardly: "Seventh Prince?! What's going on?"

From his predecessor's memories, Qin Feng knew the Seventh Prince existed—but the prince had long resided in the Deep Palace, and Qin Feng had never interacted with him before.

For the Seventh Prince to send a plaque now was utterly unexpected.

If the Second Prince found out, wouldn't he assume Qin Feng had already chosen sides?

Qin Feng was torn between laughter and despair. Just as he prepared to step out, the shrill voice spoke again.

"Second Prince extends warm wishes for the grand opening of Wuhu Da Jiu Lou, and sends this servant with a plaque."

The chaotic hall fell instantly silent. Everyone stared at each other, as if dreaming.

Qin Feng was equally bewildered—Seventh Prince was one thing; though not a friend, he wasn't an enemy either.

But the Second Prince's several businesses had been crushed by Qin Feng—he must have wanted Qin Feng flayed alive. Why, then, was he sending a gift instead of striking?

As Qin Feng's mind spun in confusion, another voice rang out from outside—sweet, girlish, yet sharp and haughty.

"Chang Princess congratulates Wuhu Da Jiu Lou on its grand opening! Qin Feng, get out here and greet me right now!"

That voice…

Qin Feng would never mistake it—it was the Princess of Qiyang Commandery!

Holy shit—is my charm so strong I've won over the whole world?

Qin Feng sank into deep self-doubt.

Second Sister Liu Hongyan's face flushed red—Imperial Relatives arriving one after another to celebrate? What an honor!

If not for this brat's scheming, slipping a tip to Dali Temple beforehand, the Jingzhong officials would've all cut back spending to avoid trouble—perhaps even the Ministry of War's officers would've shown up…

Just the Manchu Civil and Military could've burst this wine house wide open.