"Brother Qiao, what a coincidence to meet you here. I've heard that the merchandise from the Southern Sea region in Coastal Defense Haifang City is the freshest and most exquisite. My father-in-law's birthday is next month, so my wife and I have come specially to make some purchases, hoping to find something worthwhile." Seeing the surprise about to be revealed on Xiangbei's face, Chang Mo hurriedly rushed down from the second floor to block her and offer a pretext to Brother Qiao. He wouldn't admit he was feeling jealous, though there was a hint of satisfaction. So, providing a pretext was one aspect; the more urgent one was to assert his status as the "son-in-law".
"That's truly a stroke of luck. If you're looking for goods from Southern Sea Nanyang countries, you'll have to go into the inner city to find them. All the high-quality items are inside. But to get in, you'll have to seek permission from the head of the Du family." Seeing the attire and demeanor of Cheng Mo and Xiangbei, and hearing their words, Qiao Ziqiu immediately understood that they wanted to enter the inner city, but he didn't know why they had disguised themselves.
"Oh, so you're Brother of Brother Qiao. In that case, Mr. Qiao, why don't we invite your brother and his wife to join us for a meal?" Seeing the wealthy and influential status of the two before him, and considering the favor he needed from Qiao Ziqiu, Du Yunhe immediately felt inclined to make friends.
"That would indeed be their good fortune." Qiao Ziqiu signaled to Cheng Mo to agree, "Ren Zai, you've just arrived, and you must not have eaten yet. Why don't we all dine together?"
"I am surnamed Du and have been elected as the head of the commercial guild in Haifang City. I wonder if it would be an honor to invite you and your esteemed wife to join us for an early dinner at my clubhouse on the third floor?" Businessmen are indeed shrewd. Adjusting his attitude based on Cheng Mo's demeanor and Qiao Ziqiu's expression, Du Yunhe expressed his hospitality with humility and respect.
"Thank you, Head Du, for your generous invitation. We'll join you shortly after settling in. Please go ahead." Without delay, Cheng Mo and Xiangbei returned to their room to freshen up. They brought a set of fine porcelain tableware produced during the Tang Dynasty as a gift and then headed to the third floor.
The two sides met, and Du Yunhe introduced several people, including the local merchants and his clan uncle and eldest son. "Esteemed guests, since you've come to Haifang City seeking rare treasures, you'll need to enter the inner city to find them. My clan uncle will arrange the necessary procedures for you now and bring the city lord's permit token to each of you. After the meal, I'll have my son accompany you for a stroll as a guide." Du Yunhe's arrangements were very appropriate, and Ch Mo nodded subtly to indicate acceptance and approval.
A variety of dishes were brought to the table, with almost half of them being new creations introduced by Xiangbei. Du Yunhe's words were also well-spoken, expressing concern that the Qiao family might not be accustomed to the local flavors. Therefore, they had specially learned dishes from the East Shore Dong Binh and invited the guests to give their opinions and suggestions.
Xiangbei was truly earnest in tasting and giving feedback, much to the gratitude of the hosts. The meal was friendly and mysterious. Du Yunhe and the other two local businessmen subtly steered the conversation towards the North and South Neighborhoods Talk newspaper and Districts of the Dong Binh City, intentionally or unintentionally asking about matters related to biogas tanks and cement.
Xiangbei could see that Qiao Ziqiu must have practiced the Tai Chi classics. His smooth and graceful manner of toasting and conversation perfectly embodied the essence of Tai Chi. Was this how he acted when he was working?
Qiao Ziqiu, who bore a striking resemblance to her father, was he the warm and humble uncle, the affectionate and elegant gentleman, or the gentle and refined elder brother? Or perhaps he was now this seasoned businessman? How many faces did he truly have? And how many of them were unknown to her?
All the troubles she had caused ultimately burdened him. No one dared to inquire at the King Mansion in the East Shore, and Cheng Mo and Qiao Ziqiu had kept Xiang Bei well protected, hidden her behind the scenes to avoid outside interference. Therefore, all kinds of people, like flies, focused their attention on Qiao Ziqiu, the only member of the guilty family who could engage in business. Various attempts to probe, pressure through conversation, tempt with commercial orders, and coax with warmth and enthusiasm, ultimately led to Qiao Ziqiu succumbing to the effects of alcohol.
After the banquet, Chang Mo directly carried Qiao Ziqiu into the private room he and Xiangbei had booked. Placing him on the long couch, Cheng Mo personally handed him a warm towel and said, "Wake up, stop pretending. Do you really want to stay here and disturb our rest as a couple?"
"What couple? How did you become a couple so quickly? Don't take advantage of Xiangbei. Don't you dare overstep any boundaries, got it? I'll be watching you closely, I'm telling you," Cheng Mo knew Qiao Ziqiu wouldn't be able to keep up the act.
"Humph, anyway, Xiangbei is fond of me. What's it to you? Even if you watch closely, all you'll see is our wedding," Chang Mo looked smugly at Qiao Ziqiu.
"You do realize you haven't had the wedding yet," Qiao Ziqiu looked at Cheng Mo, a rare glimpse of a lovesick teenager showing on his face, treating this young prince as a little brother.
"Qiao Ziqiu, my eldest brother has awakened and remembered everything. From the information he revealed, it seems that this Haifang City turned into a den of thieves over a decade ago, with someone in the court colluding with the bandits. I've already sent someone to secretly escort Prince Rong back to the capital. I suspect there will be another war here soon. This time, I must eradicate this cancer completely."
"Is what you're saying true? My lord, is it really true?"
"Yes, it's true. Brother Ziqiu, your visit this time is related to this matter as well. Wash your face, let's plan carefully. I believe the Qiao family will soon be vindicated and exonerated."
It wasn't until evening that they emerged from the room, and the eldest son of the Du family handed them a customs clearance order to enter the inner city directly.