The princess regretted it.

Chapter 19 Zuixian Tower

Yongle Street in the capital is the most prosperous place in the capital. Shops are lined on both sides of the street, flags are fluttering, and people are coming and going, making it very lively.

A prominent location on this street stands the three-story Zuixianlou restaurant. Its exterior is imposing, with carved beams and painted buildings. Above its vermilion gate hangs a golden plaque bearing the words "Zuixianlou" in bold, flamboyant calligraphy.

The restaurant was bustling with guests, its atmosphere bustling with activity. The clamor was like surging waves, one after another, assaulting the ears. The waiters, neatly dressed and smiling enthusiastically, moved quickly and busily through the hall.

As soon as you step into the lobby, you're instantly enveloped by the bustling bustle of people. Laughter, conversation, and shouts intertwine. The air is filled with the aroma of delicious food, making your mouth water. While the lobby's decor is simple, it's neat and elegant.

Individuals of higher status generally reserve the private rooms on the second floor in advance. These rooms are beautifully appointed, exuding elegance and luxury. Famous calligraphy and paintings adorn the walls, and the tables and chairs are crafted from the finest wood, intricately carved. Each room's table is decorated with a variety of fresh flowers. Here, guests can savor the cuisine while immersing themselves in a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. The third floor, however, is not open to the public. The shopkeeper explains that it's used by his master when he comes to review the account books.

There are two main reasons for visiting Zuixianlou. First, its cuisine is renowned, a blend of local specialties. There's the juicy roast duck, with crispy skin, tender meat, and a fragrant aroma. There's also delicious seafood like crab and lobster, freshly caught from the sea. And then there's the exquisite dim sum, like osmanthus cakes and red bean paste buns, which leave a lasting impression. And finally, there's Zuixianlou's service. The waiters are warm, hospitable, and well-trained, and the owner is incredibly versatile.

Secondly, everyone knows that Zuixianlou has a complicated background and the private rooms on the second floor are highly confidential. This has made Zuixianlou the preferred gathering place for dignitaries and scholars in the capital.

Just like right now, at the entrance of Qingfengxuan on the second floor of Zuixianlou, two guards in guard uniforms stood. They stood tall and straight, with solemn expressions, like two guardian gods. It was obvious at first glance that they were not ordinary guards.

The private room was quiet compared to the bustling lobby. Several plates of the restaurant's specialties, alluring in color and fragrant in aroma, were laid out on the table made of fine wood. A bouquet of delicate, fragrant flowers sat in a vase on the window table.

At either end of the table in the center of the private room sat two young men of exceptional appearance. One of them, dressed in a moon-white robe, had a handsome, gentle, and refined face. This man was none other than the Third Prince, Changsun Wuwang.

The other one was wearing a dark blue brocade robe, with an upright posture and a handsome face with a hint of firmness. This was Wu Changfeng, the son of Jin Wuhou.

The Third Prince, Changsun Wuwang, raised his wine glass with admiration on his face as he spoke gently, "Prince Wu is truly a model of young talent. Our cooperation this time has been extremely successful. Those people have now escaped unscathed, and we will now properly resettle them. This is all thanks to Prince Wu."

After Wu Changfeng bowed in thanks, he raised his glass with both hands and replied, "Your Highness, thank you for your kind words. It is my honor to be appreciated by Your Highness and to cooperate with His Royal Highness the Third Prince. Let me drink first as a token of my respect!" After that, he drank the wine in the glass in a heroic gulp.

Seeing this, Changsun Wuwang drank the wine in the glass without hesitation.

The two of them were toasting each other, chatting happily.

Halfway through the round, Changsun Wuwang suddenly sighed. He gently set his glass down, the subtle clinking of porcelain pieces resonating distinctly in the quiet room. His face was filled with regret, his brow furrowed slightly, a hint of helplessness and worry in his eyes, and he sighed softly.

Wu Changfeng was holding a wine jug, refilling Changsun Wuwang's glass. Seeing Changsun Wuwang's expression, his heart tightened, and he quickly put down the wine jug and asked, "Your Highness, what are you thinking about?" Wu Changfeng tilted his head slightly, his eyes full of confusion, staring at Changsun Wuwang intently.

Changsun Wuwang looked up at Wu Changfeng, his gaze deep and complex, as if filled with endless thoughts. He narrowed his eyes slightly and said softly, "I just think Jin'an seems to have noticed something. I wonder if the prince revealed any flaws when he rescued Jin'an that day?" His tone was filled with worry, and his brows furrowed even tighter.

Wu Changfeng was startled for a moment, then set down his wine jug, lost in thought. After a moment, he slowly raised his head, his eyes firm and confident, and spoke slowly, "Your Highness, I believe I haven't revealed any flaws. Princess Jin'an is incredibly intelligent, and perhaps she only has suspicions, but no solid evidence. However, we cannot let our guard down and must be even more cautious, just in case."

Changsun Wuwang nodded slightly, but the worry in his eyes hadn't completely dissipated. He lowered his head slightly, thoughtfully. "I hope so. If Jin'an really finds out, this matter could become very difficult. We need to slow down our plans and not rush them. We need to avoid any counterproductive consequences. After all, she is deeply favored by His Majesty. If she hinders our plans, the consequences will be disastrous." His voice was low and serious, as if reminding Wu Changfeng of the dire situation they faced.

Wu Changfeng replied solemnly, "Yes! Your Highness, rest assured. Changfeng will fully cooperate with your plan."

Changsun Wuwang was very satisfied with Wu Changfeng's attitude. He nodded with a smile and leaned over to whisper: "Then next, let's change the previous plan. You should arrange the resettlement of that group of people yourself..." Wu Changfeng leaned over and listened respectfully.

The private room instantly returned to silence, leaving only whispers.

Outside the window of the private room, the setting sun cast its afterglow across the ancient walls, draping this bustling capital in a golden veil. The wind rustled the leaves, a gentle rustle that seemed to tell the story of the passing years. The plot within the private room was like an invisible net, ready to ensnare the other party at any moment.

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