Resplendent – Chapter 389

Chapter 389: Are We Still Friends?

Before long, Prince Tai shifted the topic to introducing the capital to her: “In the capital, there is a saying: ‘The east is wealthy, the west is noble, the south is poor, and the north is humble.’ For example, in the southern part of the city, most of the residents are commoners. As for the eastern area, it is filled with all sorts of delicious foods and entertainment venues. 

The Qingfeng Pavilion, where we’ll be heading shortly, is located in this eastern section. Meanwhile, the western part of the city is mostly home to high-ranking officials, nobility, and royal family members. Our Prince Rong’s Manor is right next to the imperial palace…”

Gu Ye listened intently as he described the local customs and scenery of the capital. Gradually, the buildings around them became grander and more lavish, while the attire of the passersby on the streets became visibly more extravagant.

“By the way! The Pharmacist Association’s station is also in the east. Brother Jiang, would you like to invite your father to join us?” Prince Tai had tried to meet Grand Pharmacist Jiang several times but had never succeeded. 

Jiang Zhongtian had received the prince once on behalf of his father but had since been unable to shake off this ‘clingy plaster.’

Just as he was about to explain that his father might not be available, a familiar figure appeared before them. Jiang Zhongtian shot a sidelong glance at Prince Tai—this guy’s character might be questionable, but his luck was pretty good.

“Father! Why are you here?” Jiang Zhongtian dismounted, standing respectfully beside his father, a far cry from his usual carefree demeanor in Yan City.

Jiang Qiu looked at his son with a gentle expression and said with a faint smile, “Your senior brother has returned, and I was about to have a meal with him. By the way, weren’t you going to pick up your Little Aunt Master? Did you manage to do so?”

The moment Jiang Zhongtian called out ‘Father,’ Gu Ye had already dismounted. Hearing this, she stepped forward gracefully, bowed respectfully, and said, “Senior Brother, please accept a greeting from your junior sister…”

“Please, there’s no need for such formalities!” Jiang Qiu, though not particularly striking in appearance, possessed a pair of gentle eyes that, when looking at people, made them feel as if they were basking in the warmth of a spring breeze. 

From his sleeve, he retrieved a rare, ancient pharmacological text from a previous dynasty and presented it as a gift to his newly met junior sister.

He observed the young girl in front of him, who was even younger than his son. Though slender, she exuded a sense of strength, and her bright eyes gleamed with intelligence and wisdom.

Jiang Qiu sighed inwardly. His junior apprentice sister, though only in her early teens, had already achieved more in their craft than he, who had been immersed in pharmacology for over twenty years. No wonder their master had once remarked, upon accepting him as a disciple, that while he had enough diligence, he lacked natural brilliance. 

Their master must have taken on this junior sister in his later years because of her exceptional talent and keen intellect. It seemed that the future of their lineage, the legacy of the Sage Apothecary, would truly thrive with her at its core.

“Master Jiang, I am Nangong Liu, third son of Prince Rong’s household.  Brother Jiang, our Aunt Master, and I were just about to dine at Qingfeng Pavilion. Since you haven’t eaten either, might I invite you as my guest? I would be honored to host you.” Prince Tai, thrilled at finally meeting Grand Pharmacist Jiang, was practically over the moon with excitement. This was truly his lucky day, wasn’t it?

Hearing no refusal from him, he quickly and eagerly took the lead to guide the way.  Together, the group headed toward Qingfeng Pavilion. 

Night quietly descended upon the eastern part of the city. Lanterns were hung up outside the shops lining the streets, and pedestrians gradually became sparse. The most striking building on the street was a three-story structure adorned with strings of red lanterns hanging high. 

In front, there was a steady stream of carriages and a continuous flow of richly dressed guests—it was none other than the most famous establishment in the capital, Qingfeng Pavilion!

Prince Tai’s attendant discreetly pulled him aside and said anxiously, “My lord, have you forgotten? Even for a seat in the main hall of Qingfeng Pavilion, a reservation is required in advance. If we enter and there is no available space, wouldn’t it be embarrassing in front of Grand Pharmacist Jiang and the others?”

Prince Tai furrowed his brow and whispered a few instructions to the attendant. The attendant quickened his pace and entered the restaurant first. 

In the past, Prince Tai had befriended many disreputable companions, some of whom often treated him to drinks at Qingfeng Pavilion to curry favor. He could only hope that his luck would hold today—perhaps he would run into an acquaintance willing to give up their table for him.

Shortly afterward, the attendant returned, accompanied by Guo Chao, the younger son of the Marquis of Jingyang and a well-known playboy in the capital. 

Prince Tai breathed a small sigh of relief when he saw him. He stepped forward, placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder, and lowered his voice, “Brother, did you reserve a private room at Qingfeng Pavilion?”

“Yes! Prince, care to join in for some fun?” Since Prince Tai had married his princess consort, he had seldom gone out with his former disreputable friends, and Guo Chao never missed an opportunity to tease him about having a ‘fierce wife’ and ‘losing his authority at home.’

“Brother, do me a favor—let me borrow your private room. Consider it a personal favor I’m asking!”

It was rare for Prince Tai to make such a serious request, so Guo Chao put aside his playful demeanor and responded earnestly, “Since you’ve asked, how could I refuse? But I’m curious—who’s so important that you personally would treat them with such gravity?”

With a slightly smug expression, Prince Tai replied, “Grand Pharmacist Jiang, along with members of the Gu family—the main family behind Gu Pharmaceuticals—they’ve just arrived in the capital.”

Guo Chao’s eyes widened in surprise and admiration. “Impressive! You’ve managed to befriend the grand pharmacist?  That’s someone who doesn’t even give the nobility much consideration! Wait! What did you just say? 

The Gu family has arrived in the capital? Are they here for the Great Pharmacists Convention? Oh wow! You’ve really got connections if you’re mingling with the Gu family…  

Tell you what—I’ll lend you the room, and I won’t hold you to the favor, as long as you introduce me to Grand Pharmacist Jiang and the Gu family. Deal?”

Prince Tai looked troubled. Placing a hand on Guo Chao’s shoulder, he spoke with a hint of urgency, “This request really puts me in a difficult spot! To be honest, I only just met the two of them today, and with the Gu family member… there was a small misunderstanding, but it’s already resolved! How about this—later, I promise to introduce you!”

Later? Today was a rare opportunity, and Guo Chao wasn’t about to let it slip away. “Prince, it’s just an extra seat at the table, just a few words on your part! You know how hard it is to reserve a private room at Qingfeng Pavilion. I had to book it over half a month in advance. Tonight’s dinner was supposed to be for my future brother-in-law… but for you, I’m willing to risk my lifelong happiness. If you won’t help even with this, it’s really too much, isn’t it?”

Seeing that Grand Pharmacist Jiang and the Gu family members had already entered the restaurant and were speaking with the manager in the main hall, Prince Tai became even more anxious. “Are we still brothers or not? Just give me a straight answer—are you helping me or not?”

Guo Chao was firm. “As long as you promise to introduce me to the grand pharmacist, you can have the private room for free. I’ll even throw in a banquet table for you. That’s all I’m asking—how about it?”

“You little rascal!” Prince Tai gritted his teeth in frustration but had no choice but to agree.