Su Xigui was overjoyed to receive Zhu Si's courtesy.

With his cautious conduct, he would definitely not sit down in front of a prince. After all, the gap in status between them was there. He had always been very particular about honor and inferiority.

But he deliberately wanted to test whether Zhu Si would be angry because of his "rudeness". After receiving the order, he slowly sat down on the chair next to him.

Zhu Si had no airs at all in front of Su Xigui. On the contrary, he was a little nervous. He looked at Zhu Hao from time to time, fearing that he was not doing well enough.

"Dongzhu Su, if you have something to say, just say it."

Zhu Hao acted like a middleman and took the initiative to start the conversation, "The harvest in Anlu has been good this year and there have been no natural or man-made disasters. However, there are rumors that His Majesty's imperial chariot will go to Jiangxi, Huguang and other places. I'm afraid the place cannot withstand the trouble." ...You know a lot about the customs and customs of various places in the south of the Yangtze River. Can you help arrange some money and food when Prince Xing's Mansion is in need?"

Luo An initially thought that Zhu Hao was joking and changing the subject. After hearing this, he realized that Zhu Hao's question was quite direct. It meant that if I bring you to see King Xiaoxing, you have to give money and food, so that you can be worthy of this time. receive.

Su Xigui said hurriedly: "I have business all over the south of the Yangtze River. If the Prince Xing's Mansion needs it in the future, just say hello. I have had business dealings with Prince Xing's Mansion before. Mr. Zhu should know that I have not made any money in the transaction. It’s all…for each other’s convenience.”

Zhu Si praised: "Master Su, you are thoughtful."

"No matter where you are, it's all your responsibility, and you shouldn't be ashamed of yourself."

Su Xigui said with a smile.

Zhu Hao said: "If there is anything else that Dongzhu Su has to do, please tell me."

When Su Xigui heard this, he stretched out his hands to his arms.

Luo An suddenly became nervous, and his hand quickly fell on the handle of the knife, but he saw that Su Xigui just took out a scroll-like thing from his arms, opened it, and found a list of gifts.

"I am a guest in the capital. I have nothing. I just have a few houses here, which are usually idle and abandoned. This is the specific address. I have also purchased some maids and servants. If your highness needs it, you can just move there. , or use it as a separate courtyard, where you can go and have fun at any time..."

Su Xigui didn't hide it either. The businessman did things cleanly and neatly. He took out the real benefits as soon as he came and was ready to trap Zhu Si.

Zhu Si shook his head: "No merit, no reward, you give me these, I have nothing to give you in return."

When Su Xigui heard this, he thought that the prince was very wise. He took it from me and wanted to repay me. He was very much in the spirit of contract between merchants and merchants. It was very good.

"I don't ask for anything in return, just because I have a close relationship with Prince Xing's Mansion, and I have known Master Zhu Xiao for many years. Thanks to his favor, I did some business and made some money..."

Su Xigui smiled and insisted on sending the list.

Zhu Si took it and took a look.

Listed on the list were not just two big houses, but also items such as "one hundred taels of red gold", "twenty seals of silver" and so on. Zhu Si's eyes shone, this Su Xigui was indeed a rich man, and he was really taking action. Generous.

Luo An next to him suddenly became nervous.

Everyone dislikes this money. If someone gives it to you for free, how can you turn it away? But as Zhu Si said, no reward will be given for no merit. If you just take Su Xigui's benefits in vain, will the other party look back? "The lion opens its mouth"?

Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if we can’t do it then?

Zhu Hao smiled and said: "It seems that Dongzhu Su is very sincere. Your Highness, I think you can just accept it and treat it as accepting Dongzhu Su's favor."

Zhu Sidao: "Zhu Hao...I...I think I shouldn't accept this gift...Don't worry, Dongzhu Su, listen to me, if you want to get any benefits from me, you may be disappointed."

, I am now in the capital and behind bars, but I cannot give you what you want."

Su Xigui hurriedly stood up and said in fear: "Your Highness is really embarrassing me... I have no intention of repaying any kindness. I have been in contact with Prince Xing's Mansion for many years... If you ask Zhu Hao, you will know that I have never had any kindness.

through transgression and ill-intentioned intentions.”

Zhu Hao smiled and nodded: "Dragon Master Su has always been based on integrity in doing business, and he is willing to give charity. Many people have been supported by him. For example, Mr. Tang received gifts from Dongzhu Su when he was in trouble. It can be said that he has a chivalrous spirit. As for his donation

Your Majesty, I think it is purely a matter of your heart."

"Then...I accept it?"

Zhu Si was still hesitant.

Su Xigui said: "It is my honor to accept it, Your Highness."

Zhu Si was naturally happy to accept the gift given to him. As a child who was left alone in the capital and far away from home, what kind of spare money could he have around him? Before, it all depended on gifts from Zhu Hao, but now he has Su Xigui as his purse, who can provide him with whatever he wants.

It couldn't be better.

Zhu Hao said: "Your Majesty, in the future, Su Dongzhu's business in Anlu will be taken care of wherever Prince Xing's Mansion can take care of it. It can be regarded as an acquaintance and mutual benefit."

Zhu Si nodded: "This is natural."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Su Xigui quickly stood up and thanked her.

Luo An next to him didn't understand. Su Xigui was so aggressive and came to see Prince Xiao Xing without being noticed, just to give gifts in exchange for Prince Xing's palace taking care of his business?

It obviously means something else, more like political investment...

There was loud music and drums outside, but another show was about to begin.

Zhu Hao said: "The new play has been staged, so Dongzhu Su might as well accompany the prince to watch the play. Dongzhu Su has traveled all over the country and is well-informed. He has a deep understanding of opera. It is better for him to give some guidance."

"Um."

Zhu Si nodded.

The purpose of his coming out was of course to watch the show.

But Zhu Hao's eyes clearly reminded him, don't show a despondent attitude. What will this make the people who invest in you think?

Zhu Si almost wanted to make a face at Zhu Hao. He looked back at Su Xigui and found that the other person did not dare to look at him at all. Naturally, he did not know what his previous expression was like.

Su Xigui said with a smile: "My understanding of opera is mostly due to Zhu Xiaotang's guidance, and I just showed my shame in front of His Highness..."

…

…

Su Xigui spent money to buy the opportunity to watch a play with Zhu Si.

As soon as the play was not over, Su Xigui stood up and left.

Knowing that the other party was afraid of being noticed if he stayed for a long time, Zhu Hao specially asked Luo An to go out first to check if there was any suspicious person following him. After making sure that there was nothing suspicious, he let Su Xigui leave.

"Huh... it's really awkward. It turns out it's so tiring to meet visitors." Zhu Si finally felt more at ease after confirming that Su Xigui had left.

Luo An asked in confusion: "Mr. Zhu, will it be taboo for us to interact with Mr. Su's family? Huang Shilang's status in the court is not low. If someone discovers it... maybe someone will use this to attack Prince Xing's collusion.

courtier……"

Zhu Hao interrupted him, "As Dongzhu Su said, we have known them for a long time. When Huang Shilang was still an official in Huguang, he had official correspondence with the royal family on matters of quelling bandits and relieving victims. Why?

Come and collude secretly?"

"Um!?"

Luo An thought about it and realized that it made some sense.

Zhu Si smiled bitterly and said: "I am trapped in the capital now. I don't care about day and night. What's the benefit of colluding with me? The people in the court can't be unreasonable, right? By the way, Zhu Hao, where are the things on this gift list...?"

"

What Zhu Si is most concerned about is when he can get Su Xigui's gift.

Zhu Hao said angrily: "I'll ask him to bring it to you later... As for the other courtyard given to you, don't live in it for the time being, but you can take it over secretly and use it as the property of Prince Xing's Mansion... Following this example, Prince Xing's Mansion will be used in the future

If there are properties that cannot be shown to others, they should be hidden and assigned special personnel to take care of them."

"Really? Then...who should I look for?"

Zhu Si looked a little excited.

It's like a child saving his pocket money, without his parents knowing it, and slowly developing it into a small treasury, from which food, drink, and entertainment all come out... It's exciting to think about it.

Zhu Hao smiled and looked at Luo An: "Luo Dianzhan happens to be involved in this matter, why not let Luo Dianzhan take responsibility."

Luo An hurriedly said: "How can you be so virtuous in a humble position..."

"Don't worry, Luo Dianzhan. You are not allowed to hide this matter from anyone. You can report it when it needs to be reported, but it must not be known to too many people. It is necessary to inform the princess. As for Mr. Tang, he will also know afterwards that some industries

It can help Prince Xing achieve great things... If Luo Dianzhan was thinking about the interests of Prince Xing's palace, he shouldn't refuse." Zhu Hao said.

Zhu Si frowned: "Do you really want to tell your mother and concubine?"

Of course, children want to keep the money as their own and do not want to tell their parents.

Zhu Hao smiled and said: "Even if there is such a thing in the report, there is no need to list it clearly. With the princess's foresight, she should understand that these properties and money have unknown origins and should not be recorded in the accounts to avoid confirming the facts. As for how much of them,

If it’s not the crown prince, you have the final say yourself?”

"Then...okay."

Zhu Si smiled and said, "Luo Dianzhan, I will temporarily entrust you to help me manage these materials."

Luo An felt worried for a while, but still obeyed his orders.

He was wondering why Zhu Hao didn't ask Tang Yin to take charge of this matter. Logically speaking, the palace's property, whether openly or secretly, should be taken care of by the palace chief Shi Si, and he should be hired as a guard.

Si's Dianzhan is in charge... I always feel awkward.

…

…

After discussing the matter, everyone went back.

The next day, Tang Yin learned from Luo An that Su Xigui was introduced and met Zhu Si secretly.
To be continued...