A sudden shout cut through the noise, and the private room instantly fell silent.
Then, a group of young noblemen stared, wide-eyed, as a thin man with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a full beard kicked the door open. He bellowed, "Have you gentlemen seen an ugly-looking man? I just saw him steal an old woman's rouge and disappear into this room!"
Everyone exchanged bewildered glances.
One of the young lords, unable to restrain his anger, slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. "Who are you? How audacious!"
'How dare this person just barge into the Emperor's private room?'
'The audacity is unbelievable!'
"Do you have any idea who we are?!"
'Well, what do you know. The real Emperor is still calmly sipping his wine, yet one of his little minions is already trying to throw his weight around.'
A captivating glint shone in his eyes. Shen Lang cupped his hands in apology. "It's just, the thief was so fast he disappeared into a room in this direction. When I saw no guards outside, I assumed you were ordinary patrons. I meant no offense, gentlemen. Please forgive me."
With that, Shen Lang turned to leave.
[System: Host, please do not waste this excellent opportunity.]
'Shut up.'
[System: ...]
Silently counting down in his head—three, two, one—the corners of Shen Lang's seductive eyes lifted slightly as he took a step.
Sure enough, before he could take a single step, a voice called out from behind him, "Hold on."
It was the Little Emperor's voice.
Clear and strong, it was quite pleasant to the ear.
Shen Lang turned around unhurriedly. "What can I do for you, Young Master?"
Seeing her calm and unhurried demeanor, the other young lords all folded their arms, gloating. They were certain her reckless intrusion had displeased the Little Emperor.
They settled in to watch the show.
But to their surprise, Jiang Yu pointed to the White Jade Jar at Shen Lang's waist and asked, "What is that?"
Shen Lang untied the White Jade Jar, a smile blooming in her eyes. She raised an eyebrow smugly and said, "This here is a fine wine, personally brewed by my grandmother. It was aged for a full twelve years, and I only just opened it a few days ago. It's so crisp and sweet, I have to carry some with me to satisfy my cravings."
She then deliberately opened the White Jade Jar, tilted her head back for a long swig, and let out a sigh of deep satisfaction.
"Grandma's skills are as good as ever..."
Just as she'd planned, Jiang Yu immediately said, "Oh? I wonder, might you spare some for me? I'm willing to pay handsomely for it."
Seeing her goal was accomplished, Shen Lang put on a troubled expression. "Well... my grandmother probably wouldn't approve..."
This only made Jiang Yu more curious. "Is it really not possible?" he asked.
"...It is!" Shen Lang gritted her teeth, as if making a great sacrifice. "I'll go home to get some and bring it to you tomorrow, Young Master. Your silver taels..."
Jiang Yu understood and couldn't help but smile. "I will bring them, of course."
Shen Lang then asked, "Where shall we meet tomorrow?"
Jiang Yu asked tentatively, "...Here?"
Shen Lang said, "Young Master, you don't understand. I only set foot in the Drunken Dream Building today because I was chasing that thief. My wife at home is a real battle-ax. If I come home smelling of powder and perfume, I'll be punished."
Jiang Yu paused, then chuckled with a clear hint of schadenfreude. "Alright. A teahouse, then."
"Would you like to set a time, Young Master?"
"You decide."
"Then... let's say 3:00 PM tomorrow."
"Alright."
The others listened to the exchange, completely dumbfounded. 'No matter how we hear it, it sounds like His Majesty is being scammed.'
'How can His Majesty trust a man of such unknown origins? Where has all his usual caution gone?'
In truth, Jiang Yu himself didn't know what had come over him. Staring into the man's eyes, as sincere as clear water, he simply couldn't believe this was a wicked person.
Besides, he was truly craving that wine.