Han Ye lowered his head and approached, with the corners of his eyebrows slightly raised, and a radiant smile. His voice was deep and mellow as he said.
"What are you saying, Ren daren? Since you have agreed to help me, what harm is there in spending one more night?"
Ren Anle looked at Han Ye, who was openly teasing her, dumbfounded. Who said that this crown prince is pure, virtuous, and chaste? It's all nonsense!
On the table, as everyone was enjoying themselves with wine, they burst into laughter upon witnessing the intimate demeanor of the two individuals who were whispering with their heads lowered.
Several wealthy merchants exchanged glances and respectfully smiled at Han Ye, saying.
"Your Highness, the son of a thousand gold coins. We admire your noble presence at the Mu Tian Prefecture to assist with disaster relief. The commoners have prepared a few small tokens for Your Highness and hope that Your Highness will accept them with a smile."
(qiān jīn zhī qū) - precious daughter/son (literally, "the body worth a thousand gold coins")
Zhong Liwen's expression froze for a moment. Sure enough, he thought, this person is saying that he wants to cleanse the dust for the Crown Prince, but in reality, he just wants to climb up the high branches.
(xǐ chén) - To cleanse the dust; a metaphorical expression meaning to serve or support.
"Oh?" Han Ye raised his head.
"Gu has already caused trouble today. How can gu accept your generous gifts again?"
"Your Highness's words carry great weight. To be able to have an audience with Your Highness is already the lifelong fortune of us commoners."
(yán zhòng): words carry great weight (an idiom indicating that the words spoken by someone of high status hold significant importance)
The crowd rose one after another, cupping their hands together in gratitude. A wealthy merchant lightly clapped his hands, and a beautiful maid entered with a jewel-encrusted box, walking towards Ren Anle.
Ren Anle raised an eyebrow when she saw Han Ye sitting as steady as Mount Tai and started to laugh. This cunning Crown Prince, no wonder he insisted on bringing her to attend. I'm afraid he had long guessed the situation at this moment.
"Your Highness, this is the treasured object of this commoner's household, the Eastern Pearl, obtained after three years of searching in the northern border. This commoner believes that this item is highly suitable for Ren daren."
A plump merchant rose from his seat, lifted the red cloth covering the tray, and revealed a round and lustrous Eastern Pearl emitting a faint glow. Seeing Han Ye's satisfied expression, the man couldn't help but feel pleased as he glanced at the other merchants in the room.
"Your Highness, this is the ancient renowned sword named Zhong Ding. This humble commoner has spent a fortune to acquire it. I have heard that Ren daren has a fondness for blades and swords, hoping that it will catch Daren's attention." Another merchant respectfully presented the inlaid box to Ren Anle, full of flattery.
Looking at the fiercely intimidating sword on the tray, Ren Anle raised an eyebrow. Her hand swiftly reached out, grasping the sword hilt, and with a slight rotation in her hand, the blade was drawn from its sheath. A sharp and swift sword technique was executed, instantly filling the room with a chilling aura. She smiled, revealing a satisfied expression.
"A heavy sword without a sharp edge, indeed a precious treasure."
The people at the table were frightened and broke into a cold sweat when they saw Ren Anle's arrogant and proud demeanor. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, seemed to appreciate it. Everyone sighed, their legs trembling, as they insincerely flattered Ren Anle.
"Daren's martial arts skills are impressive, making us admire and respect."
"Only a remarkable woman like you deserves to be with His Royal Highness."