No matter how much Xiao Ruolin pressed, Twelfth Master refused to say why he had come to Gusu.
It wasn’t until Xiao Ruolin grew fierce, declaring he would no longer care for Twelfth Master and let him eat chaff and swallow vegetables, that Twelfth Master finally hinted he was here to find someone.
As for who he was looking for and how he planned to find them—that would be discussed later.
Xiao Ruolin was satisfied. Just finding someone? He didn’t believe that even if they turned Gusu City upside down, they wouldn’t be able to locate the person Twelfth Master sought.
Just as he was about to thump his chest and make more promises, Dongniang promptly stood up.
“It’s getting late, and the guests should be arriving soon. Since everyone knows the Heir Apparent is here, perhaps you should make an appearance later! We must let them feel their silver wasn’t wasted and that this trip was worthwhile!” Dongniang said with a smile.
Before the Heir Apparent could respond, Xiao Ruolin eagerly nodded.
“Absolutely! Later, my elder brother and I will step out together for a quick appearance. They’ll definitely feel it was worth it. Not only has Prince Ning’s Son come, but even the Young Master is here. Paying one price to see two people—what a bargain! Elder brother, later we’ll just stand here on the third floor for a moment, no need to go down. Just let them catch a glimpse of our faces. I’m familiar with this—it’s like visiting a brothel. Don’t the flower queens do the same? They peek out half-hidden behind a pipa, then retreat. And then the gentlemen below howl and roar, tossing silver everywhere. Elder brother, we’ll have a chance to experience the treatment of a flower queen too!”
Xiao Ruolin grew more excited as he spoke, looking as if he could hardly wait.
The three others in the room…
The Heir Apparent was so furious he wanted to kick this brat all the way back to Jinling.
“Keep your mouth shut later. If you dare utter a single word, I’ll drag you back to Jinling myself,” the Heir Apparent said through gritted teeth.
Xiao Ruolin rubbed his nose and sulkily fell silent.
…
As soon as Shenshi arrived in the afternoon, Chun Bu Wan was already packed.
This time was different from last. Previously, everyone sat in the main hall, with the private rooms on the second and third floors closed off. This time, however, the second-floor private rooms were open, though the third-floor rooms remained closed.
Not only were they closed, but guards were also stationed at the staircase leading to the third floor.
Everyone knew what distinguished guests were on the third floor, and they frequently glanced upward, hoping to catch a glimpse of the patrons.
Dongniang had everything prepared, and the Tea Maidens and Tea Gentlemen ready for the competition were also in place.
After a brief opening address, Dongniang smiled warmly and announced what everyone had been waiting to hear.
“Today, Chun Bu Wan is honored by the presence of two distinguished guests. The final Tea Champion will not only be decided by your votes but will also receive the opinions of these two guests…”
Before Dongniang could finish, a wave of exclamations swept through the crowd.
Everyone looked toward the third floor.
There, two young masters stood by the railing.
The one in front wore a sapphire-blue satin robe with black trim and scattered floral patterns, a jade belt of the same color at his waist, and a dark jade crown on his head. His features were handsome, his expression gentle.
The one behind him appeared younger, dressed in a cream-colored round-collared, narrow-sleeved robe with a gold-threaded jade belt, from which hung a jade plaque adorned with golden tassels. On his head was a jade circlet cloud-patterned crown.
This young master had exceptionally delicate features, stood tall and graceful, and exuded an air of nobility.
The crowd was momentarily stunned. Most recognized the one in front as Prince Ning’s Son.
But the one behind him…
"Today, this Heir Apparent is passing through your esteemed place with my younger brother, fortunate to witness Gusu's tea competition tournament.
We apologize for any disturbance and hope for your understanding.
There is no need for formalities."
After speaking, the Heir Apparent made a gesture of invitation, then turned and returned to the private room.
The spectators at the tea competition grew even more excited.
Especially the young ladies accompanying the madams!
So that Young Master is the Second Son of Prince Ning!
That beloved youngest son, doted on by the Noble Consort in the capital and cherished by Prince Ning and his wife in Jinling!
It is said that this Young Master is not yet betrothed, and Prince Ning and his wife are considering seeking a title for their youngest son from the imperial family…
Everyone exchanged glances, feeling their money was well spent—absolutely worth it!
As for the Heir Apparent, he found it rather exasperating.
It was Twelfth Master who spread the news, Chun Bu Wan that collected the silver, yet he was the one who had to make the appearance.
Indeed, that fellow Twelfth Master never engages in unprofitable ventures.
…
At the central table in the main hall, Su Xiaosheng's heart swelled with emotion.
With just that one glance, he understood what imperial nobility truly meant.
The Heir Apparent's demeanor and commanding presence were beyond comparison to those of mere merchants.
Su Xiaosheng could sense that the Heir Apparent had deliberately glanced in their direction several times.
He hoped to catch the Heir Apparent's attention.
Moreover, after the tea competition concluded, would the Heir Apparent summon the young masters and provincial graduates at their table for a meeting?
Logically, it should be expected.
After all, aside from himself, everyone at this table was either wealthy or noble…
Also noticing Su Xiaosheng was Twelfth Master.
He spotted Su Xiaosheng at the central table, appearing somewhat restless.
"Cousin, what do you think of that lad?" Twelfth Master asked, seated by the window and observing Su Xiaosheng in the main hall.
Xiao Ruolin was still annoyed at not having had the chance to showcase his eloquence earlier.
Hearing Twelfth Master call him, he immediately leaned over.
"Which one? The one in the moon-white robe with the headscarf?
His attire is quite plain, but the jade at his waist is exceptional—worth at least a thousand taels of silver!"
"He is the top Jieyuan from this year's Xiangshi in Jiangnan," the Heir Apparent added.
"Oh, Jiangnan's foremost talented scholar, brimming with knowledge, destined for great achievements in the future," Xiao Ruolin promptly remarked.
Twelfth Master glanced at him but said nothing.
Seeing Twelfth Master's silence, Xiao Ruolin immediately caught on.
His Twelfth Brother must dislike this lad; otherwise, all these years by his side would have been for nothing.
"However, appearances can be deceiving. That lad's eyes dart about, surely harboring improper thoughts.
He might well be a heartless and ungrateful scoundrel," Xiao Ruolin swiftly changed his tune.
Twelfth Master chuckled softly and patted Xiao Ruolin's shoulder.
"Your judgment is sharp.
Alright, take a seat. The tea competition is about to begin. Here, take this!"
Xiao Ruolin looked puzzled at the handkerchief Twelfth Master handed him.
Was it for wiping tears?
His Mother Consort always kept a handkerchief handy during operas to dab her tears.
Could it be that among today's tea maidens, there was one with a tragic, tear-jerking story…
It wasn't until the first tea maiden appeared that Xiao Ruolin understood.
His Twelfth Brother hadn't given him the handkerchief for wiping tears.
It was for wiping drool…
How could he have not known that the tea maidens of Gusu's Chun Bu Wan were each so captivating…