Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 79: Trying to smooth things over

Having closed early, the shop assistants finished their work, counted the damaged items, and sent people out to do some shopping. The previously noisy Yanzhisi became quiet, with only the few of them gathered in the hall.

It was obvious that Aisha was not just asking for wine, so Tan Huaike opened the door and welcomed him in.

Glancing over the crowd, Aisha keenly sensed Zhou Wencong's location. After a brief pause, she took a seat next to Shentu Zhuo without saying anything. This way, their seats were: Tan Huaike, Shentu Zhuo, and Aisha on one side, Zhou Wencong, Xu Guanbai, and Shentu Ji on the other. At Tan Huaike's signal, Pei'er served each of them a corresponding amount of tea or wine.

The six people were silent, and the atmosphere was a little subtle.

Tan Huaike secretly wondered why the shop where she had just been in trouble had inexplicably become the venue for negotiations between the two countries. Otherwise, how could they just settle this mess?

It's a pity that this matter cannot be made public. Otherwise, she could just tell others that the Prince of Daxuan and the Crown Prince of Mohe had dined at her restaurant. Her business would surely be more prosperous, and those competitors who disliked her would never dare to come and mess things up again.

Shentu Zhuo took a sip of tea and, noticing she was lost in thought, offered comfort: "What are you thinking about? Don't worry too much. They'll meet eventually. They're just going to your place to get to know each other first."

Tan Huaike whispered, "I was wondering if I could ask the Third Prince and the First Prince to write a calligraphy piece for Yan Zhisi. That would help me attract more business. I'll see who dares to smash my shop in the future..."

Shen Tu Zhuo couldn't help but laugh and praised, "That makes sense. You really know how to do business." After thinking for a moment, he said, "Wait a minute. I'll ask Song Shu for a painting of 'Guests Arrive Like Clouds' and make it into a plaque for you to hang."

"Ah, is this too abrupt?" Tan Huaike was secretly delighted.

"My boss got hurt while working as a pottery slayer for me, so I deserve some reward." Zhou Wencong said sternly, "I'm sorry, I was too close and heard it clearly. It's just a piece of calligraphy. I'll write it carefully and send it to you later."

"Thank you, Your Highness the Third Prince!" Tan Huaike was overjoyed, and the abacus in his head was already clattering.

"As for the inscription from Prince Mohe, I think it's unnecessary..." Shentu Zhuo said disdainfully.

"Master Zhuo, you're wrong," Aisha interjected. "Our Mohe royal family is quite prestigious in the Western Territory. After all, we're the only nation that didn't succumb to the Ti-Nu cavalry. If I write the inscription, perhaps it will attract quite a few diners from the Western Territory."

"Oh, you have quite a keen ear." Shen Tu Zhuo said sarcastically, "I thought you were busy glaring at the other side. So, you don't plan to hide your identity anymore?"

"Now that things have come to this, what's the point of hiding it?"

"Yes, now that things have come to this, Zhongqi might as well make a good introduction for us." Zhou Wencong humbly smoothed things over. "Otherwise, if we get stuck here, we don't know what to do."

In fact, after several conversations, they had already guessed each other's identities. However, this meeting was unexpected and required a way out.

Tan Huaike glanced at Shentu Zhuo, who readily raised his glass and said, "It's fate that we met at my sister-in-law's restaurant today. Let me introduce you to her."

The teacup was pointed towards Zhou Wencong. "This is our Daxuan's Third Prince, His Royal Highness Zhou Wencong, and the marriage partner of Princess Mohe."

The teacup was pointed towards Aisha, "This is Aisha, the eldest prince of Mohe, the envoy who came with the marriage party."

He held the teacup towards Xu Guanbai. "This is the female historian sent by the Empress to teach the princess etiquette. She's the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Household, Xu Guanbai, and... well, that's it." He was about to add that Xu Guanbai and the Third Prince were also old acquaintances, but Tan Huaike kicked him, forcing him to swallow his words. The situation was unclear, so it was best not to add to the confusion.
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Obviously the topic had already been led to the marriage, but everyone seemed to be deliberately avoiding something and turned the topic away.

After greeting Zhou Wencong, Aisha didn't mention her sister's whereabouts at all. Instead, she asked Tan Huaike, "Do you know who caused this trouble today?"

Unexpectedly, the conversation returned to its original topic. Seeing the others either calmly sipping their tea or staring blankly in disbelief, Tan Huaike assumed they all knew the truth but were unwilling to reveal their true intentions. He continued, "Ah, that's exactly what we were talking about. Although those four guys were ruffians hired by other merchants, I suspect they might be connected to the Tan family."

Aisha said, "Madam, you are indeed smart. I came here today to tell you that the mastermind behind these gangs' attack is none other than Mr. Tan."

"How did Your Highness know?"

"I've had some dealings with your brother, Tan Anfeng, and wanted to invite him to dine at Yanzhisi, but he refused. After questioning me, I learned that Mr. Tan wanted to teach you a lesson. Two of the ruffians were his friends from the gambling house. He knew things were going on at the restaurant today, and he didn't want to risk any trouble, so he avoided them."

"So where is he now? Did he go to deal with the aftermath of Tan...Aung?"

"No, I got him drunk and asked Badan to take him back to Tan's house," Aisha said apologetically. "It took a lot of time, and I didn't have time to stop him."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. This matter has nothing to do with you. I am very grateful for your reminder."

"Madam, do you know why the Tan family is targeting Yan Zhisi?" Aisha said coldly, "Humph, to lay hands on his own daughter's property, this old man is truly heartless."

"Is it probably about the new shops he bought earlier?" Tan Huaike said, "A few days ago, the old man asked me to buy two of his new shops so that I could share the profits with him. But I was short of money and couldn't come up with the cash, so I refused. I guess the old man thought I was only concerned about my own shops and not willing to help the family, so he wanted me to bow my head."

"Just for those few shops?" Aisha laughed in anger. "I've heard of those shops on Huaqi Street too. Aren't they the ones the county touted as the most prosperous? He fought tooth and nail to get them, so why is he so eager to sell them now?"

"It seems that Grandpa doesn't want to sell all the rooms. I don't know if he heard some rumors, or he wants to make some money back first, so he plans to rent a few rooms to others to run."

"The shop on Huaqi Street?" Zhou Wencong joined in naturally. "I don't know much about Zhangye yet. I'll go ask the prefect Chi when I have time to find out what's going on."

"The big merchants are willing to invest so much money, maybe it has something to do with the selection of imperial merchants?" Xu Guanbai also said.

Tan Huaike was anxious. It was a rare occasion for everyone to get together, so shouldn't we discuss the marriage issue?

I have such a small business, why should I alarm you big shots?

At this moment, Yan Zhisi's door was knocked again.

Chi Jun Shou said with great trepidation, "Zhangye Jun Shou Chi Jingxian, I pay my respects to His Highness the Third Prince."

Tan Huaike couldn't help but hold his forehead, okay, another one! ——
　Next chapter: Everyone of them knew that the princess was dead.

　　(End of this chapter)