"In other words, the king's own bloodline is now worth less than one percent of that of a slave named Zhi Li."
Duke Zhi Ting said, "Count Suo Lun, do you know who is the only one supporting the princess's mansion tonight?"
"Who?" Suo Lun asked.
"The courtesans of the royal city," said Duke Zhi Ting. "To celebrate the establishment of the princess's mansion, most courtesans are offering a twenty percent discount."
Having said that, Duke Zhi Ting laughed heartily, then downed a great cup of wine, with tears slipping down.
"I foresaw that we would be desolate, but I did not anticipate such bleakness," Duke Zhi Ting said amidst tears. "Suo Lun, we are enemies of the entire world—are you sure you want to continue?"
"Of course, I have no choice," Suo Lun said.
Duke Zhi Ting said, "At worst, it is but my life at stake, and the same for Zhen Yan. But what you will sacrifice is the entire Suo Family, as well as the five hundred miles around Tianshui City—is it worth it?"
