Love Lock

Chapter 178 King of Jingzhou, a Great Philanthropist

Upon hearing this, Wei Chengchao, that coward, had long lost his usual arrogant and domineering demeanor as a young nobleman. He got up and knelt before Princess Chang Le.

"Princess, we are usually close friends. Since you know it's not me, please let me out! It's filthy and smelly in here. I, no, I really can't stand it anymore."

He also knew that Princess Chang Le's family had been wiped out, and his grief and anger were like a runaway horse. Even his father, who was the prime minister, was imprisoned. He could only beg for mercy; nothing he said could get any response.

Princess Chang Le remained unmoved, showing none of the intimacy she usually displayed when drinking and chatting with them at Tengyun Tower. At this moment, the corners of her mouth curled up, appearing sinister in the firelight.

"Good luck to you. If you catch that fatso, I, the princess, will execute him alone. If you fail, your entire family will be executed. Absolutely!"

Princess Chang Le emphasized the last two words, demonstrating her resolute attitude.

Having said that, Princess Chang Le could no longer suppress her anger. She had no intention of asking any more questions and turned to walk out.

"Princess, Princess."

Wei Chengchao suddenly reached out from behind the fence, eager to grab Princess Chang Le, but she had already strode away, and he couldn't even catch a glimpse of her clothes.

Wei Chengchao's hope vanished, his body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground again.

...I'm standing here trying to buy tickets...

The weather in June is like a child's face.

Yesterday the sun was blazing, making the bluestone pavement scorching hot, but this morning the sky was already covered with dark clouds, the heavy clouds making it hard to breathe.

The air was thick with a humid and sultry atmosphere, and even the precious peonies in the Prince's Garden looked wilted and listless, having lost their former vibrancy.

Han Lei had just finished breakfast and was quietly discussing the next steps with Da Yi and the others in the room when she heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

"Miss Han, the Prince is asking if you are awake. He has sent me to invite you over."

The steward of the Prince's mansion spoke respectfully outside the door, but his voice carried an air of absolute authority.

The senior frowned and muttered under his breath, "Tch! This King of Jingzhou is too impatient."

Han Lei turned her head to look at the bronze mirror next to her, smiled slightly at it, and her sweet yet mischievous face was reflected in the mirror.

She had long anticipated that the King of Jingzhou would be impatient, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon.

Last night at the banquet, she deliberately only revealed a little information about the side dishes to accompany the wine, just to whet the prince's appetite.

"First-year students, get ready, we're coming right now," Han Lei instructed, while simultaneously opening the system interface with her mind.

Without hesitation, she bought two watermelons and then called over the servants from the Prince's mansion who were waiting outside.

"Please bring two large porcelain plates."

When the servants brought in empty plates, two large, round watermelons were placed on the table, their emerald green rinds still glistening with water droplets, looking especially tempting in the sweltering morning.

The servant's eyes widened, and his hand trembled so much that he almost dropped the plate.

"Be careful," Han Lei said gently. "These are watermelons from our hometown. Go cut them and plate them. Make sure they're cut neatly and beautifully."

She then turned to the freshman: "You carry a plate yourself, and we'll bring it to the prince to try."

The freshman responded, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.

In the pavilion of the Prince's Mansion Garden, the Prince of Jingzhou was pacing back and forth.

He was dressed in an indigo brocade robe, and the mutton-fat jade pendant on his jade belt still shone brightly under the gloomy sky.

Hearing approaching footsteps, he turned around abruptly, his face filled with anticipation.

"Miss Han, you've finally arrived!" King Jingzhou rushed forward, his gaze falling on the watermelon that Da Yi had cut in his hand. "What's this?"

"The weather is hot and humid, so I specially prepared some refreshing fruits for Your Highness."

Han Lei curtsied and gestured for the freshmen to place the watermelon on the stone table.

The King of Jingzhou looked curiously at the plate of neatly cut watermelons, with their red flesh and black seeds, and the glistening juice pooling in the center of the plate.

He picked up a piece, took a bite, and his eyes lit up immediately: "Cool and sweet! In June, there are such refreshing fruits?"

"Your Highness, this is called a watermelon. This fruit is not widely grown now, so it is rare. Perhaps in two years, it will be available in the markets of Jingzhou."

Han Lei also picked up a small piece and took a bite. The cool watermelon juice slid down her throat, dispelling the stuffiness in the air.

At the same time, a brilliant idea flashed in Han Lei's mind.

Cangzhou has a lot of wasteland. Although rice cannot be grown there, after the soil quality is improved, cash crops such as watermelons may be able to be grown.

While allowing the people of Cangzhou to be the first to enjoy the delicious watermelon, the agency rights for the watermelon seeds can also be handed over to the King of Jingzhou.

Once someone has tasted this fruit and knows its delicious value, it won't be long before others are willing to grow it.

After eating two slices of watermelon, Han Lei aptly got to the point.

"Your Highness, did you summon me here because of the snacks you mentioned yesterday to accompany the wine?"

The King of Jingzhou immediately put down the watermelon, took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and a look of joy appeared on his face.

"That's exactly it! I thought about it all last night, and these side dishes are uniquely delicious. Once they're available, they'll definitely become a specialty of Jingzhou. I wonder if Miss Han would be willing to grant me the agency rights as well?"

Han Lei did not answer immediately, but looked at the gloomy sky outside the pavilion and thought for a moment.

Yesterday, I heard Wei Dabao say outside the carriage that he had to travel early this morning, so he must have already left the inn by now. If I go out now, I probably won't run into him.

Thinking of this, Han Lei pointed to the gloomy sky outside.

"Your Highness, please see, the weather can change in an instant, and so can business; one must seize the right opportunity."

She turned around and looked directly at the King of Jingzhou.

"My idea is to first open a Zuixian Winery in Jingzhou, allowing customers to taste the pairing of fine wine with side dishes. Once word spreads, we will officially hand over the agency rights to the prince. Just like the original promotional method of Zuixian Winery—try before you buy, and you'll know whether it's good or bad."

The King of Jingzhou frowned: "This...wouldn't that require more trouble? I have extensive connections in Jingzhou, wouldn't it be faster to promote it directly?"

"Your Highness is unaware of this."

Han Lei took out a piece of paper from her sleeve, on which simple curves were drawn.

"These are the sales records for Drunken Immortal Brew in the capital. Initially, we also let customers sample small cups for free. After they tasted it, sales and prices immediately soared. Does Your Highness still remember how you felt when you first tasted Drunken Immortal Brew?"

"Hmm!" The King of Jingzhou nodded. "I remember back then, it took me a lot of effort to get my hands on even a small pot."

Han Lei pointed to the sharply rising line on the chart, a hint of smugness flashing in her eyes.

"The power of word-of-mouth far surpasses that of forceful promotion. Wine drinkers in Beijing now consider it an honor to be able to drink Zuixianniang, because they can try it before they buy it."

The King of Jingzhou leaned closer to examine it, and a look of understanding gradually appeared in his eyes. He suddenly clapped his hands.

"Brilliant! Just like fishing, you have to let the fish taste the sweetness of the bait first!"

“That makes perfect sense.” Han Lei nodded with a smile.

"I'll first open a Drunken Immortal Winery in the most bustling street in Jingzhou, and at the same time give away exquisite side dishes for free. I guarantee that those wine lovers will want to come back for more after they've tasted it once. After everyone has tried it, you can start selling it to the public."

The King of Jingzhou grew increasingly excited as he listened, pacing back and forth in the pavilion: "Location is crucial! The East Market has a large flow of people, but they are mostly lowly commoners. The West Market, though prestigious, isn't lively enough..."

"Why not choose a location at the intersection of the east and west markets?" Han Lei suggested. "It would attract wealthy merchants while still maintaining a down-to-earth atmosphere."

"Great idea!" The King of Jingzhou stopped abruptly, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation.

"Miss Han, why don't we go take a look now? While the sun is out today."

Han Lei pursed her lips, wanting to smile, but she couldn't ask for anything more, so she nodded and said, "I'd be honored to accept your offer."

The freshman stepped forward silently and handed her an oil-paper umbrella: "Miss, it looks like it's going to rain."

The streets of Jingzhou were teeming with people in the sweltering, oppressive air, the atmosphere even more lively than under the blazing sun. Han Lei walked beside the King of Jingzhou, followed by Da Yi and his entourage, who were also accompanied by many maids and attendants. The group made a grand procession through the bustling marketplace.

"Miss Han, please look." The King of Jingzhou pointed to a bustling street corner ahead, a hint of pride on his face. "This is the most lively market in Jingzhou City, with no fewer than a thousand merchants coming and going every day."

Han Lei looked in the direction he was pointing and saw shops lining both sides of the street, with signs fluttering and vendors calling out their wares.

She nodded slightly. She also thought this place was nice, situated between the West Market and the East Market, and it seemed to have a large flow of people. People flowing in would drive the flow of information and cash.

A shrewd glint flashed in Han Lei's eyes: "Hmm! It is indeed a good place. If we open a Drunken Immortal Winery here, the business will not be bad."

Han Lei also thought this place was nice; it was located between the West Market and the East Market, and it seemed to have a large flow of people. People coming and going would drive the flow of information and cash.

Upon hearing this, the King of Jingzhou laughed heartily, his wide sleeves fluttering in the wind.

"Alright, let's choose one around here. With the Drunken Immortal Wine and your side dishes, we're sure to make a name for ourselves!"

Just then, a patrol of constables came towards them. Upon seeing the King of Jingzhou, they immediately stopped and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Your Highness!"

The King of Jingzhou waved his hand casually: "No need for formalities. Is the city peaceful today?"

The head constable respectfully replied, "Your Highness, all is well. However..." He hesitated for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Han Lei and her group.

"Speak freely, these are all my distinguished guests." The King of Jingzhou puffed out his chest, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Yes! The number of beggars in the city has increased sharply recently, and I am worried that this may cause trouble."

Han Lei frowned slightly upon hearing this.

She had already noticed that there were many more ragged beggars on the street, and strangely, they all seemed to be moving in the same direction.

After the constables left, Han Lei quickly walked a few steps and stopped an elderly beggar next to her: "Old man, please wait."

The beggar stopped and looked at Han Lei, who was dressed in rich clothes, his murky eyes filled with wariness.

Han Lei took out a few copper coins from her sleeve and handed them over gently.

"Take this money. I'd like to ask you something; I've seen many people walking that way on the street, is there any reason for it?"

Seeing Han Lei's gentle and kind demeanor, the old beggar tremblingly accepted the copper coin, his wariness lessening slightly.

“The young lady is kind-hearted. We are all going to Cangzhou. We heard that the King of Cangzhou has taken pity on us and will build houses for the homeless and give them food as long as they are willing to work.”

"Oh!" Han Lei understood.

This must be Uncle Liu from an inn. Half a month ago, he started organizing beggars in the capital to go to Cangzhou to participate in development.

Half a month has passed, and now these beggars who came on foot are finally arriving in Jingzhou one after another.

However, the case involving the Marquis of Champion's mansion has led to martial law in Jingzhou. These beggars, including the few of them, will likely be unable to leave Jingzhou for the time being. We need to find a way to inform Zhao Zun so that he won't worry.

"Thank you for telling me." Han Lei took out a few more copper coins and stuffed them into the old beggar's hand. "Be careful on your journey."

Back by the King of Jingzhou's side, Han Lei's face had already put on a proper smile.

"Your Highness, I just thought of something. The preparation of those side dishes for drinking is complicated and requires advance preparation. Now that I am here setting up the shop, I cannot go home to supervise the production, which may affect the supply after the shop opens."

Jingzhou Wang was observing a closed shop on the street with great interest when he heard this and turned around: "What brilliant idea does Miss Han have?"

"I would like to use the prince's carrier pigeon to inform my family to quickly prepare a batch of appetizers to accompany the wine and send them over as an emergency measure. Once the shop is stable, we will build a workshop in Jingzhou for mass production."

Han Lei spoke earnestly, her eyes filled with anticipation as she looked at the King of Jingzhou.

The King of Jingzhou clapped his hands and laughed: "That's right! This plan is brilliant! When we get back to the palace, I will immediately arrange for carrier pigeons for you to use."

He pointed to the closed shop in front of him, "What do you think of this place, Miss Han? I remember this used to be a pawnshop. The location is excellent, and the size of the upstairs and downstairs is just right."

Han Lei looked around carefully. The shop was located at the corner of a crossroads, a two-story building with a spacious entrance; it was indeed a good place to open a tavern.

She walked around the building, already having a plan in mind.

"Hmm! Not bad. The backyard is also quite spacious, perfect for a kitchen and storage."

Seeing that she was satisfied, the King of Jingzhou was even more pleased: "Then let's settle on this place! I will immediately send someone to have the manager prepare the land deed and documents."

While the King of Jingzhou was giving instructions to his entourage, Han Lei quietly pulled Da Yi aside.

She took out some copper coins, silver coins, and a few silver notes from her sleeve and said in a low voice, "Buy enough steamed buns and sesame cakes in the name of the King of Jingzhou and distribute them to the beggars."

The freshman took the silver, somewhat puzzled: "Why is this?"

Han Lei's gaze deepened, revealing obvious worry.

"These beggars were organized by Uncle Liu to go to Cangzhou. He gave them some food and copper coins so that they could survive until they reached Cangzhou."

The freshman was deeply moved and said, "What a kind girl!"

The King of Jingzhou happened to hear this as he turned around, and he asked, "What great good?"

“Uh…” The freshman was stunned.

Han Lei reacted quickly, smiled, and hurriedly changed her words.

"It's nothing, Your Highness. I was just using this as an excuse to let him distribute some steamed buns and copper coins to those beggars in Your Highness's name, so he said I was very charitable."

"Hmm?" A hint of disdain flashed in the King of Jingzhou's eyes. "Why give steamed buns and copper coins to beggars?"

Han Lei's mind works very fast, and she speaks very logically.

“Your Highness, being kind to others is being kind to yourself. Don’t underestimate them just because they are insignificant beggars. Now that Your Highness is in business, why not give them some food and earn a good reputation? In the future, they might even promote your business.”

The King of Jingzhou approached with a frown, his gaze sweeping between Han Lei and Da Yi before finally settling on the bag of silver.

Da Yi blinked, feeling that Han's explanation was too far-fetched. He secretly prayed that Han Lei's explanation would be enough to fool everyone.

After all, he had never seen any noble person give alms to a beggar on the street for no reason. And to do so with such a large bag of silver.

The King of Jingzhou stared at the bag of silver without saying a word, seemingly considering what Han Lei had said.

The King of Jingzhou didn't answer, making Han Lei a little nervous. Just as she was about to speak and explain something, the King of Jingzhou suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, what a brilliant 'borrowing flowers to present to Buddha'! Miss Han is not only skilled in business, but her interpersonal skills are also admirable. You are right, although they are beggars, they all have mouths and can spread the word about my business for me."

As he spoke, he turned and called over a few of his attendants, instructing them, "You few, go with this young man. Take plenty of silver and buy plenty of food to distribute to the beggars. Remember, do it in my name."

Da Yi's brow twitched violently. He glanced at Han Lei, then accepted the order and left.

The King of Jingzhou looked at Han Lei with even more admiration in his eyes: "Miss Han's move is excellent. Those who do good deeds will surely be rewarded in the future."

Han Lei bowed slightly: "Your Highness is too kind. Everything was done for Your Highness's business."

The King of Jingzhou nodded repeatedly: "Well said! I am increasingly convinced that cooperating with Miss Han is a wise choice."

He looked up at the sky. "It's getting late, we should head back to the manor. Miss Han wanted to use a carrier pigeon, didn't she? I'll arrange it right away."

On the way back to the palace, the King of Jingzhou enthusiastically discussed the tavern's decoration and future business strategies with Han Lei.

While dealing with the situation, Han Lei was also mentally planning how to write a letter to Zhao Zun.

As the group crossed a nearby street, they heard the grateful voices of beggars in the distance.

"Thank you so much, King of Jingzhou! I will remember your kindness forever."

"May King Rende of Jingzhou and his family be safe and well."

"The King of Jingzhou is a great benefactor! Good deeds will surely be rewarded."

Han Lei's lips curled slightly upward, knowing that the freshmen had already begun giving alms. Until martial law was lifted in Jingzhou, let the King of Jingzhou temporarily support these beggars for Zhao Zun!
Of course, the King of Jingzhou smiled with satisfaction upon hearing these calls.

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