Joy of Life: Me, the Second Prince? Summon Yuan Tiangang!

"Han Fei, the ninth prince of Korea."

"boom!"

When the name "Han Fei" came out of Li Chengze's mouth, Zi Nu felt as if a thunderbolt had exploded in her mind.

Her originally languid and charming eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp, like two drawn swords, staring intently at Li Chengze.

Han Fei!

This name is far too sensitive for South Korea today, for Xinzheng City, and even for Zi Nu herself.

The ninth prince of Han, a prized student of Xunzi, had just returned from studying in Sanghai after many years of study.

Zi Nu and the forces behind her are also closely watching the Ninth Prince who has just returned to the country, and have even begun to make plans in secret.

But now, this mysterious and unfathomable "Li Chengze" in front of him actually claims that he came to Xinzheng with Han Fei!

Is he friend or foe?

Were they friends Han Fei made in Sanghai? Or assassins sent by other countries to monitor or even kill Han Fei? Or perhaps foreign aid brought in by a certain force in the Han court?

Countless thoughts raced through Zi Nu's mind, and her breathing involuntarily slowed down.

However, Li Chengze seemed oblivious to Zi Nu's unusual behavior.

He picked up the wine jar and poured himself another glass of wine, his movements elegant and composed.

"What? Miss Zi Nu seems surprised by this name?" Li Chengze picked up his wine cup, looking at Zi Nu with a half-smile. "Or is it that we can't mention this Ninth Young Master in this Zi Lan Pavilion?"

Zi Nu was, after all, a woman who had weathered many storms. She quickly suppressed her shock and wariness, and her expression instantly returned to its previous charm and languor.

"Young Master is too kind," Zi Nu chuckled, concealing her inner turmoil. "The Ninth Young Master is a member of the royal family and a renowned scholar. How could my humble Zi Lan Pavilion dare to have any reservations? I am merely curious, how did such a celestial being as you become acquainted with the Ninth Young Master, and even follow him all the way to Xinzheng City?"

Li Chengze gently swirled his wine glass, his gaze distant, as if lost in some kind of memory.

"Acquaintance? Not really," Li Chengze said casually. "I just happened to meet him on the way here. He spoke with great eloquence and seemed to have a wealth of knowledge, so I thought he was a remarkable person. He said that Xinzheng City had the best wine in the world, as well as the most beautiful women, so I came along to take a look. Now it seems that the wine is indeed excellent, and as for the women..."

Li Chengze's gaze swept over Zi Nu's stunning face and devilish figure, a frivolous smile playing on his lips: "She didn't disappoint me."

Upon hearing this, Zi Nu couldn't believe Li Chengze. How could someone with such magnanimity and shrewdness travel all the way to the perilous city of Xinzheng just to drink and look at women?

However, since the other party was unwilling to tell the truth, Zi Nu did not press the matter further.

"Since you find my wine from Zilan Pavilion to be good, and I am also somewhat pleasing to your eye, then you should have a few more drinks." Zi Nu smiled charmingly and raised her wine cup to toast Li Chengze.

In the time that followed, the two of them, amidst the wafting fragrance of sandalwood and the rich aroma of wine, began a seemingly romantic but actually probing exchange within the elegant pavilion.

Zi Nu repeatedly probed Li Chengze's views on the general situation of the world and his understanding of the political situation in Korea through her words.

However, Li Chengze possessed extremely broad knowledge. Whether it was the doctrines of the Hundred Schools of Thought or the strategic maneuvering among the Seven Kingdoms, he could readily draw upon them and speak eloquently. His insights were often incisive, hitting the nail on the head and getting to the heart of the matter. Even Zi Nu, a woman who considered herself exceptionally intelligent, was often amazed by his erudition. (The exciting chapter "Chapter 200 (Monthly Subscription)" is now available online; click to read it first!)

Before they knew it, the precious "purple jade nectar" had been emptied.

As night deepened, the lights of Xinzheng City outside the window began to thin out, and the bustling streets gradually returned to tranquility.

"A thousand cups of wine are not enough when drinking with a bosom friend. Tonight, being able to drink with Miss Zi Nu is truly one of the greatest pleasures in life." Li Chengze put down his empty cup and sighed with some lingering reluctance.

"If you like it, young master, I'll have someone fetch a few more jars of fine wine from the cellar tomorrow so we can drink to our hearts' content," Zi Nu said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengze shook his head slightly.

He didn't speak, but instead reached his hand into the wide sleeves of his robe again.

"when!"

Another crisp metallic clang rang out.

A gold ingot, a whole size larger than the one he had given to the maid in the hall, and carved with intricate cloud patterns, was casually tossed onto the rosewood table by Li Chengze.

In the dim candlelight, the gold ingot gleamed so brightly it made one's eyes dazzle.

Zi Nu looked at the gold ingot on the table, raised her eyebrows slightly, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes: "What do you mean by this, young master? The gold ingot you gave me in the main hall earlier is more than enough to cover the cost of the wine, and it can even book this private room for more than half a month."

Li Chengze stood up, walked to the window, looked at the deep night outside, and said to Zi Nu with his back to her, "I don't like trouble. Although there are many inns in Xinzheng City, I think none of them are as quiet and interesting as your Zi Lan Xuan."

He turned around, his deep gaze landing on Zi Nu: "This gold ingot is my deposit for staying here. I want the best room and the best service. No one is allowed to disturb me without my permission. Of course, if Miss Zi Nu comes to deliver the wine herself, I would welcome you anytime."

Zi Nu looked at Li Chengze's unquestionable gaze and quickly calculated in her mind.

Should we keep Li Chengze here? Li Chengze may have secrets and seem mysterious, but… he's rich!

Having thought this through, Zi Nu had already made up her mind.

She stood up and walked gracefully to Li Chengze, her face once again displaying that captivating smile that could charm the world: "Since Young Master Li thinks so highly of our Zilan Pavilion, wouldn't it be too rude of me to refuse? Don't worry, Young Master, I'll arrange the most superior private room for you right away, ensuring you have a comfortable and satisfying stay."

"Thank you for your trouble." Li Chengze nodded slightly.

Zi Nu acted swiftly and decisively, quickly ordering her men to prepare the most luxurious and secluded VIP room on the third floor, located deepest and most luxuriously hidden.

Zi Nu personally led Li Chengze to the private room and watched him settle in before taking her leave.

"Young master, please rest early. If you need anything, please ring the golden bell by your bedside," Zi Nu said, bowing gracefully as she stood outside the door before gently closing it.

As the door closed, the charming smile on Zi Nu's face vanished instantly, replaced by an extremely solemn and deep expression.

She stood in the corridor, took a deep breath to calm her somewhat chaotic emotions, and turned to walk quickly toward the depths of the Purple Orchid Pavilion.

They arrived at a private room, knocked three times, and then pushed the door open.

The private room was unlit, with only the cool moonlight filtering in through the window.

By the moonlight, one can see a tall and upright figure standing quietly by the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the deep night sky outside.