Xu Dehai did not redefine Xu Ping because of these trivial matters. Although there was some contrast, it was harmless.
He knew that Xu Ping was by no means a boastful person, and his insights and strategies regarding the prosperity and suffering of the common people were even more astonishing. Xu Ping was incomparable to those pretentious scholars and ostentatious scions of noble families.
"Young Master, rest assured, I will arrange this matter properly for you," Xu Dehai responded with a smile.
Xu Ping slightly cupped his hands. "Thank you, Shopkeeper Xu!"
Watching Xu Dehai leave to handle the matter, Xu Ping knew that Tianxiang House was truly not simple.
"Most likely Lao Bi Deng?" Xu Ping pondered to himself.
"Old Gao, let's go."
On the way back, Xu Ping kept asking Old Gao about Tianxiang House. Old Gao had been in Jingbei Royal Mansion for over ten years and had a deep understanding of everything in the entire Northern Region.
"This old servant doesn't know much about this building. Tianxiang House was built several years ago and has some renown throughout the Northern Region. Since its establishment, no matter who it has hosted, whether high-ranking officials or wealthy merchants, no one has ever dared to cause trouble in this building.
In the eleventh year of Jingping, Yu She, the son of the Governor of Jin'an Commandery, took a fancy to a woman in Tianxiang House. When he couldn't have her, he caused a big scene in Tianxiang House. That very night, Yu She was beaten and had his legs broken before being thrown outside the Governor's mansion gate.
"I have also heard about this matter, Young Master. As the head of a commandery, the Governor of Jin'an Commandery originally thought that Yu Hanshan would be furious and tear down Tianxiang House. Unexpectedly, the matter was all thunder and no rain, and it eventually came to nothing."
"The Young Master only knows one part, not the other! Yu Hanshan once led troops to surround Tianxiang House, but in the end, Jingbei Prince stepped forward, cursed him out, and sent him back to Jin'an Commandery."
"So that's how it is! It seems the old man knows quite a bit about Tianxiang House."
"If the Young Master wants to know the inside story, you might as well ask Jingbei Prince directly."
"We'll see!"
Upon returning to the Royal Mansion, Steward Gao briefly reported the events to Xu Cang and also informed him of everything Xu Ping had said at Tianxiang House.
Xu Cang nodded slightly after hearing it. "This brat, he does have some insight." Then, he sighed. "It's a troubled time! This brat's words will probably reach that person's ears before long.
Ji Ling, in the blink of an eye, you and I haven't met for almost ten years. What exactly are you planning? I only have one child."
Xu Cang frowned deeply, his fingers slightly tightening, crushing the teacup in his hand. He then stood up, gazing into the distance. An astonishing aura of an Eighth Realm peak expert erupted, and after a while, it slowly dissipated. "No matter what you're planning, Yongning (Xu Ping, courtesy name Yongning) is my bottom line."
Royal Mansion private room.
Liu Pi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them, then narrowed them slightly, sighing with emotion. "Jingbei Prince is probably not far from that step. Once he takes that step, Great Zhou will become even more chaotic."
Great Zhou is located in the center of the continent.
On this vast and endless continent, martial arts flourish and are divided into nine realms.
The Ninth Realm, after the Eighth Realm, is also called the Grand Void Divine Realm, meaning transcending martial arts and roaming the Grand Void. For a thousand years, no more than a handful of people have entered the Grand Void. (Note: The highest realm in the entire book is only the Ninth Realm, there will be no other realms, and the combat power coefficient is not high; roaming the Grand Void is just a metaphor.)
For several hundred years, apart from the founding Imperial Advisor of Great Zhou, the Master of the Mortal View: Daoist Ning, no one else has reached the Grand Void.
Now, feeling the pressure emanating from Jingbei King Xu Cang, Liu Pi knew that Jingbei Prince was probably one of the people most likely to take that step in recent times.
"Second on the Martial Ranking, half-step Grand Void. Alas!" Although he had already guessed the intentions of Grand Astrologer and the Emperor, Liu Pi still had reservations.
Feeling Xu Cang's movement, Xu Ping pushed the door open and entered.
"Father, what's wrong today? Didn't take your medicine?" Xu Ping joked.
"Brat, how dare you speak to your father like that!" Xu Cang glared at him. "I told you to be low-key and endure, did you just let my words go in one ear and out the other?
Who told you to request a banquet on the seventh floor of Tianxiang House? And talking so grandiosely, what do you know, kid?"
"I also want to be low-key, but my strength doesn't allow it!" Xu Ping spread his hands and smiled.
"Hey! You little rascal, I'm going to lose my temper!" As he spoke, Xu Cang prepared to pull out the jade belt from his waist.
"How old am I? Still scaring children?" Before Xu Cang could speak, Xu Ping continued: "Dad, what exactly is the background of Tianxiang House! Don't say you don't know, Old Gao already told me."
Steward Gao was sweating profusely beside them. "Oh my, the Young Master is not a good person!"
Xu Cang glanced at the steward. "You're just a kid, why ask so many questions? Like a dog catching a mouse, meddling in others' business."
"If I'm a puppy, then you, old man, are an old dog?"
"Damn it! Are you little rascal trying to defy heaven!"
Seeing this, the steward quickly tried to mediate. "Young Master, please say a few less words."
"Old man, are you my biological father! What is there that a biological father can't tell his son?"
"My young ancestor, please stop talking!" Steward Gao's cold sweat continued to pour.
Hearing this, Xu Cang stopped cursing. Instead, he pondered repeatedly before finally replying, "Yongning, do not get too involved with Tianxiang House. The waters inside are very deep, you won't be able to handle it."
"How boring! You clearly know but won't tell me, old man, what's there that can't be said?"
Xu Cang frowned deeply, seemingly pondering Xu Ping's words, which seemed to make some sense.
"It's not that your father won't tell you, but Tianxiang House is related to that person in the Imperial Capital. Don't be too curious about some things."
"Indeed, it's him. The background is truly not small!"
"Alright, you're leaving for the capital tomorrow. Go back and pack up."
Xu Ping pouted, then turned and left.
In the evening, the sun hung diagonally in the sky, its afterglow illuminating the main gate of Jingbei Royal Mansion. The shops around the Royal Mansion also lit up their lamps one after another. Fewer pedestrians were on the streets, and the common people gathered in front of their homes, enjoying their rare leisure time.
Tianxiang House was brightly lit and bustling with activity. The aroma of wine permeated the building, and melodious music played in the main hall, which was filled with guests.
Before long, Liu Pi arrived at Tianxiang House with Xu Cang. Looking at the high-hanging plaque, he sighed even more. "Tonight, this money won't be easy to get."
"This humble one, the shopkeeper of Tianxiang House, greets Jingbei Prince." Seeing Jingbei Prince arrive, Xu Dehai hurriedly bowed.
"Shopkeeper Xu, it's been a while. You seem even more energetic," Xu Cang said with a smile.
"Jingbei Prince brings honored guests, gracing our humble establishment with your presence! This humble one naturally has to be on full alert. If I were to neglect Jingbei Prince and the honored guests, my employer would not spare me," Xu Dehai said with a fawning smile.
"Is that so? Your esteemed employer is truly remarkable! Tianxiang House is renowned throughout the Northern Region. To be able to host a banquet on the seventh floor, it should be this Prince who feels honored and flattered," Xu Cang frowned and brushed off his robes.
Xu Dehai's eye twitched slightly upon hearing this, but he quickly changed the subject. "Jingbei Prince, you're joking! You have been stationed in the Northern Region for over ten years, which is why the Northern Region enjoys such peace today. My employer has admired Jingbei Prince for a long time and constantly hopes to one day witness your demeanor. It's just that Jingbei Prince is concerned about the country and its people, and is busy with military affairs, which is why he dared not disturb you rashly. I hope Jingbei Prince will not take offense!"
"In recent years, the frontier has been stable. This Prince is but an idler; where would I find military affairs to be busy with? You're not being sincere, Shopkeeper Xu," Xu Cang pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression slightly gloomy. "No, why should I call you shopkeeper? Inspector of the Privy Council, Senior Official Xu!"