Sixth Prince's Estate, Study
"Crash!"
The sound of books falling to the floor echoed from inside the study.
Ye Bai pushed the door open expressionlessly and silently began picking up the scattered books from the floor.
"Are all the people I've fostered under me utterly useless?! So many of my businesses sealed overnight, and they still don't know who the culprits are! What good are they to me?!"
Ye Bai advised, "Your Highness, please calm your anger. We have already sent people to investigate. I believe we will have news very soon."
Jun Hui forced himself to calm down, rubbing his temples.
He had indeed been restless lately. For so many years, his secret schemes had always gone smoothly, and he had never suffered such a significant setback.
"Go find them all. I can't just keep feeding them without them offering me any strategies."
Ye Bai bowed and said, "Understood!"
Just as Ye Bai reached the door, Jun Hui added, "Don't forget the newcomer, the one called Zhao what's-his-name."
"Zhao Huaian," Ye Bai supplied.
"Right. This person does possess some knowledge. I wonder if he understands the affairs of the court. Consider this a test."
"Yes, I will go invite him immediately."
Zhao Huaian had only been home for a day or two. His Highness had told him to rest and recover, but unexpectedly, he was summoned so soon.
Zhao Huaian's heart swelled with delight, indicating that His Highness had few reliable people, or perhaps, few useful people at his disposal.
He left with the servant who had come to summon him, running into Zhao Yuyan, who was returning from outside.
"Brother, are you going out?"
Zhao Huaian nodded coolly, "Mm."
Zhao Yuyan's eyes lit up. She glanced at the servant accompanying Zhao Huaian, whose clothes were clearly better than their own.
The servant respectfully urged Zhao Huaian, "Mr. Zhao, let's hurry. We shouldn't keep His Highness waiting."
"Brother, are you going to the Sixth Prince's Estate?" Zhao Yuyan asked excitedly.
Zhao Huaian frowned, "Go inside and cook!"
With that, he lifted his foot to walk away.
Zhao Yuyan felt disgruntled. For the past two days, she had been doing the laundry and cooking, and her hands, which she had painstakingly kept soft, had turned rough again.
Zhao Yuyan quickly stepped forward and grabbed Zhao Huaian's sleeve. "Brother, take me with you!"
Zhao Huaian's face darkened. "Let go!"
Seeing his grim expression, Zhao Yuyan fearfully released his sleeve.
She watched Zhao Huaian follow the servant out the door and board the luxurious carriage parked in front, stamping her foot in frustration.
She turned back into the house to complain to Mother Zhao.
"Mother, Brother went to the Sixth Prince's Estate and didn't even take me! How am I supposed to cultivate feelings with the Sixth Prince then?!"
Mother Zhao frowned upon hearing this.
"An'er is getting more and more outrageous! Being a strategist is nowhere near as good as being the Sixth Prince's brother-in-law! Has he read so many books that he's become foolish?!"
Zhao Yuyan pouted. "Exactly! I think Brother cares less and less about us two now, but he's practically worshipping that little vixen! Mother, look at my hands; they've turned rough again. All that care I put into them before was for nothing!"
Mother Zhao was also displeased. They were supposed to have rescued a maid, but now, it was as if she had become a pampered young lady in their home.
She certainly didn't approve of an orphaned girl with no background becoming her daughter-in-law.
She could tell now that this little hussy truly had some tricks up her sleeve. Back in the countryside, her son was obedient and filial. But now, with that little hussy whispering in his ear, her son was growing increasingly distant towards them.
"When your brother comes back, I'll have a good talk with him. I'll go now and make that little hussy cook. You must take good care of your hands; I hear those noble people are very picky, and unsightly hands simply won't do."
Zhao Yuyan nodded happily.
Zhao Huaian alighted from the carriage and looked up at the magnificent Prince's Estate, a fervent desire for power rising within him.
"Mr. Zhao, please follow this servant."
Zhao Huaian nodded and followed the servant towards the study.
Upon reaching the study door, the servant said, "Mr. Zhao, you may go straight in."
Zhao Huaian nodded and pushed the door open.
At the head seat sat the Sixth Prince, and on either side, people were seated, clearly strategists. Everyone in the room turned to look at him.
Zhao Huaian stepped forward with a touch of trepidation, bowing to Jun Hui and saying, "Greetings, Sixth Highness."
Jun Hui smiled. "Mr. Zhao, there's no need for such formalities. Please, have a seat."
Zhao Huaian thanked him and took the last available seat.
He clearly heard the cold snorts from the strategists beside him.
He could tell that these people looked down on him.
Firstly, he was the youngest. Secondly, he was dressed the most plainly.
Zhao Huaian clenched his fists, secretly vowing to perform exceptionally well.
Jun Hui smiled. "This is the Mr. Zhao I just mentioned. Don't let his youth fool you; he is brimming with talent and learning."
Only then did the other strategists force a smile and respectfully greet him.
Zhao Huaian humbly responded to each of them.
Jun Hui cleared his throat, and the study instantly fell silent.
"I have gathered you all today because there is a major issue for which I require your counsel."
No sooner had Jun Hui finished speaking than a strategist patted his chest and declared, "Your Highness, please speak freely! We are certain to devise excellent solutions to alleviate your worries!"
A flicker of displeasure crossed Jun Hui's eyes, but he quickly smiled. "Recently, most of my businesses have been sealed. Initially, I thought it was due to strict government inspections, but now I realize someone is deliberately targeting me. My people are currently investigating, but I wonder what opinions you all have?"
"This..."
Seeing everyone lower their heads, mumbling and unable to speak, Jun Hui felt a surge of anger in his heart.
"What's wrong? Weren't you all so eloquent just now?"
"Mr. Lin?"
Mr. Lin lowered his head.
"Mr. Zhang?"
Mr. Zhang wiped away some sweat, bowing his head in silence.
Jun Hui's gaze swept across the room, and everyone averted their eyes.
Jun Hui slapped the table.
"On ordinary days, each of you spouts endless eloquent speeches and grand theories, but when it's time for you to offer actual advice, you all turn into quail! What? Do you truly think the food at my Sixth Prince's Estate is so easy to come by?"
Zhao Huaian glanced at the assembled strategists, then stood up and bowed. "Your Highness, Huaian has a humble opinion."
The others inwardly seethed, This fellow is like a pig sticking green onions in its nose, trying to pretend to be an elephant—he must be desperate to show off!
Jun Hui glanced at him. "Oh? What brilliant insight do you have, Mr. Zhao?"
Zhao Huaian straightened his posture. "This humble one has recently walked around the streets and discovered that quite a few businesses have been sealed. However, there is one establishment that not only hasn't been sealed but is openly expanding on a large scale."
Jun Hui nodded. "You mean Su Ji? I investigated, and the proprietor behind Su Ji is Princess Changning."
Everyone was astonished. Princess Changning had actually opened so many establishments!
Zhao Huaian nodded. "That explains it."
Jun Hui asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"
"To seal His Highness's businesses, one must possess immense authority. Princess Changning alone likely couldn't accomplish it, but there is someone else behind Princess Changning," Zhao Huaian analyzed.
Everyone slowly nodded. Indeed, behind Princess Changning stood Prince Jing.
The strategists' gazes shifted from disdain to envy as they looked at Zhao Huaian.
Jun Hui looked at Zhao Huaian, surprised that this person actually had some insight.
What he had investigated did indeed point to Jun Mo's involvement.
But what puzzled him was how Jun Mo managed to find these businesses in such a short time.
"Then, according to your view, Mr. Zhao, what should we do next?"
Zhao Huaian replied, "First, maintain your existing businesses. Hide what needs to be hidden, and wait until the storm passes before expanding again. Second, use their own methods against them. He investigates Your Highness, so Your Highness can also investigate him. No business can withstand thorough scrutiny; even if there are no real issues, Your Highness can create problems for the opposing party. Third, Your Highness must not appear directly involved in these matters."
Jun Hui's gaze held a hint of appreciation.
At this moment, he truly couldn't make any rash moves.
If he were to jump out now and openly contend with Jun Mo, it would be brazenly telling everyone that these businesses belonged to him, inviting even more suspicion.
"Mr. Zhao, this Prince was not mistaken about you!"
The discussions in the study continued until noon, when the strategists finally dispersed.
Just as Zhao Huaian was about to leave the Prince's Estate, he was called out to.
"Mr. Zhao, please hold your step."
Zhao Huaian turned around to see a servant hurrying towards him, carrying a tray.
"Mr. Zhao, this is a reward from His Highness."
Zhao Huaian took the tray, his heart pounding with excitement.
The servant then produced an invitation card. "This is an invitation from the Wuyang Marquisate. In two days, it will be Marquis Wuyang's grand birthday celebration, and His Highness will also be attending. Congratulations, Mr. Zhao, this is a tremendous opportunity."
"Many thanks, Your Highness!" Zhao Huaian bowed deeply in the direction of the study.
Inside the carriage, Zhao Huaian touched the gold on the tray, his face flushed with excitement.
Indeed, following the Sixth Highness would surely lead to a bright future!
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