Chapter Four: The Noble of the Eastern Palace

When Li Chengche returned to the side hall, it was already past noon.

As soon as he entered, he ordered the attendant beside him to leave and quietly closed the door behind him.

Raising his hand, a system panel appeared before him—one only he could see.

[Available points: 35]

[Shop exchange list:]

[Medicine · Beginner (50 points)]

[Horsemanship · Proficient (40 points)]

[Culinary arts · Excellent (50 points)]

[Traditional Brewing Technique (30 points)]

[Calligraphy · Master’s Hand (20 points)]

Li Chengche stared at the rows of options on the panel, his fingertips lightly tapping on the desk.

Medicine? Useless—he had no intention of opening a clinic.

Horsemanship? He had no plans to go to war.

Culinary arts? He wasn’t aiming for the imperial kitchen.

In the prosperous Tang dynasty, with the economy flourishing, business was undoubtedly the best choice.

Looking around, the only truly profitable path was brewing.

At this thought, Li Chengche’s eyes narrowed slightly, his mind calculating eagerly.

Although there were many distilleries in the Tang capital, very few could produce truly fine wine.

Even the wine regularly supplied to the Eastern Palace was, in his eyes, nothing more than mediocre.

If he could master this craft, even if he were ever demoted to a commoner, he would never starve—and could even employ a few loyal underlings to serve him.

“Exchange for Traditional Brewing Technique.”

As he spoke, a flood of knowledge about brewing surged into his mind.

Moments later, he slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.

No matter the time, money was the greatest assurance for survival.

Just as he was thinking this, the sound of light footsteps came from outside the door.

“Your Highness, Lord Du requests an audience.”

Hearing this, Li Chengche raised an eyebrow.

That old fellow arrived quickly indeed.

“Let him in.”

***

Not long after, Du Xiuyuan was led in, his face beaming with an ingratiating smile.

Upon entering, he cautiously took from his sleeve a small object carefully wrapped in yellow cloth and presented it.

“Your Highness, I have nothing worthy to offer, but please accept this humble gift.”

Li Chengche lazily glanced at the gold bar and, without fuss, raised his hand to take it.

Seeing that he accepted it, Du Xiuyuan’s expression grew even more respectful. After a moment’s hesitation, he mustered the courage to speak softly.

“Your Highness... I dare to speak a word, though I’m unsure if it is appropriate.”

“Speak.”

Li Chengche’s gaze shifted slightly, appraising him from head to toe.

Du Xiuyuan swallowed hard, lowering his voice almost to a whisper.

“Your Highness, do you know... someone from Prince Qin’s side has sought me out?”

“Prince Qin? Uncle Shimin’s faction?” Li Chengche raised an eyebrow but feigned ignorance.

Du Xiuyuan bowed respectfully, lowering his voice even further.

“Yes... Your Highness, please do not blame me for speaking out of turn.”

“They secretly sent word, saying they wish to support Your Highness in gaining more merit before the Emperor and the Crown Prince.”

“If Your Highness is willing...”

Before he could finish, Li Chengche smiled and raised a hand to silence him.

“I understand.”

Du Xiuyuan held his breath as a flicker of hope and flattery shone in his eyes.

Yet Li Chengche’s expression remained calm as he spoke plainly.

“Uncle Shimin means well, but I have been weak and ill since childhood. What merit have I to warrant his concern?”

“As for achievements... Du Xiuyuan, a man of official rank must know when to advance and when to retreat.”

“You must understand, the more one flaunts their talents, the easier it is to incur envy and hatred.”

His words were airtight. Hearing this, Du Xiuyuan hurriedly kowtowed in agreement, but inwardly, he was already thinking of backing away.

Even as he left, his footsteps were cautious, lest he inadvertently cross a forbidden line.

Watching Du Xiuyuan depart, Li Chengche tossed the newly acquired gold bar onto the desk.

The sharp clink of it hitting the surface brought a sudden sense of leisure to his heart.

If he were truly a naive and obedient Crown Prince, how could he have survived until now?

***

Late at night, in the busiest part of Chang’an—the East Market.

Here, wine houses stood side by side, the district bustling with wealthy merchants and dignitaries.

Singers and performers were everywhere, creating a lively, vibrant scene.

Li Chengche changed into a simple brocade robe, loosely tied with a jade belt, and strode alone into the most central establishment: the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was one of the most prestigious wine houses in all of Chang’an.

Even the wealthiest merchant families would jostle fiercely for a chance to enter.

As soon as Li Chengche stepped inside, the house’s attendant, a smiling eunuch, hurried over to greet him.

Seeing his attire, rich and noble, the eunuch beamed all the more, escorting him to the top floor’s most exclusive chamber.

Before he could settle, the doorway curtain swayed, and a graceful figure glided in.

It was the courtesan Hong Ling, dressed in a sheer scarlet gown, her waist cinched with a golden jade belt.

Her hair was adorned with golden hairpins shaped like begonia blossoms that chimed softly as she moved.

Her eyes and expression were alluring yet carried a hint of cool detachment.

“Young master graces us with your presence. I, your humble servant, apologize for the poor welcome,” Hong Ling said with a slight bow, her smile soft but her distance respectful.

“Never mind. Go and bring your mistress here,” Li Chengche said, glancing at her with a trace of admiration but waving her off as if utterly indifferent to the beauty before him.

Surprised that he showed no interest, Hong Ling lifted her gaze, her eyes flicking over his brocade robe and jade belt, silently understanding something of his status.

“Please wait here, young master. I will return shortly.”

Soon, the pearl curtain was lifted again, and a woman in a plain silk robe entered with measured steps.

She wore no makeup, her features delicate and composed.

Her attire was simple, yet a golden silk and jade belt at her waist betrayed a commanding presence.

She was none other than Su Qingyue, the true owner behind the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

“I am Su Qingyue. Greetings, young master,” she said with a slight bow and a gentle smile.

Li Chengche did not return the greeting but raised his eyes to silently appraise the reputedly formidable female proprietor.

“Have you come to reserve a private table with the house’s flower attendants?”

“If you find the noise bothersome, I can prepare a more secluded spot.”

“Also, I wonder which family’s young master you are, so I may arrange familiar companions to accompany you.”

Su Qingyue’s heart stirred slightly, knowing this was no ordinary guest, but she maintained her composure, asking politely.

Realizing she was probing his identity, Li Chengche gave a faint nod and a soft chuckle.

“No need for flower attendants.”

As he spoke, he produced a dark gold token from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

The token bore the exclusive seal of the Eastern Palace treasury.

At the sight of the token, Su Qingyue’s breath caught, her eyes flashing with caution.

Her graceful hands tightened slightly within her sleeves before she forced a calm smile.

“So it is... a distinguished guest from the Eastern Palace.”