TSWRLM -Chapter 283 What Price Do You Think I’m Worth?

This time, Wuyou Pavilion had chosen a spot outside the city in a flower garden.

The garden cultivated various flowers and plants. Early spring had just arrived, and the garden was already lush and vibrant, with hundreds of flowers on the verge of blooming.

The staff of Wuyou Pavilion had come ahead of time to arrange everything, using plants and curtains to create private little spaces—both pleasing to the eye and protecting the guests’ identities.

As soon as Chun Xi and the others had removed their veils and taken their seats, Lanshu arrived: “It’s been some time since we last met. The three esteemed guests are radiant, more and more dazzling each day.”

Lanshu’s face bore the usual gentle smile, and his words naturally lifted one’s spirits.

It was only when seeing Lanshu that Xiao Qinghe realized the princess Hengyang’s outing today wasn’t just a simple spring excursion. However, now that she had regained her freedom and had interacted with Lanshu several times, she quickly calmed down.

“You sure know how to flatter people,” Princess Hengyang said lazily, smiling. “So what’s the competition today? Any exciting performances?”

Lanshu immediately explained, “Today’s event is flower picking. Guests may bid on the flowers they like. The pavilion has been preparing for this for almost two months. We guarantee our esteemed guests will not be disappointed.”

Princess Hengyang nodded, a sense of anticipation stirring in her heart.

Since deciding to keep the child, Wen Yanshu had been by her side constantly. On New Year’s Eve, after her mother and royal sisters learned of her pregnancy, they repeatedly cautioned her, forbidding her from doing many things.

Although everyone meant well for her and the child, she still felt stifled and frustrated, as if her entire life from now on would have to revolve around this baby.

Coming out today with Chun Xi and the others, enjoying the scenery while waiting for the performances, finally brought her some relief.

While they spoke, Lanshu lit the stove to brew tea.

Soon, he heard Chun Xi’s concerned voice: “Has your hand been injured, sir?”

Lanshu was a little surprised.

He had long mastered the art of brewing tea; even with one hand, it made no difference. Among the many guests he was attending to today, only Chun Xi noticed his injury.

Lanshu paused briefly, then lowered his gaze slightly: “Thank you for your concern, esteemed guest. Earlier, a troublemaker came to the pavilion, and I suffered a minor injury. It’s nothing serious.”

Princess Hengyang raised her eyebrows curiously: “Who would be so bold as to cause trouble at Wuyou Pavilion?”

She was one of the few who knew that the power behind Wuyou Pavilion was actually the Crown Prince, which was also why she liked to come here for amusement.

Lanshu didn’t mention Wei Lingze’s name and calmly replied, “Just a drunk guest causing a scene. Luckily, the pavilion master is skilled. With the pavilion master around, there’s no need to fear any trouble.”

It was Wuyou Pavilion’s rule not to disclose guest information. Princess Hengyang did not press further about the troublemaker and instead asked, “By the way, where is your pavilion master? Will he perform the flower picking today?”

Since witnessing Xiao Yecheng’s sword dance, Princess Hengyang had been captivated, thinking a flower-picking performance with the sword would be spectacular.

“He has business today and is not present. The pavilion master never performs on stage personally; that night’s sword dance was due to unforeseen circumstances, forcing him to act.”

Lanshu did not look at Chun Xi or Xiao Qinghe, but Chun Xi immediately understood: Xiao Yecheng had danced that night only to give Lanshu time to escort them away without being discovered by Wei Lingze.

Princess Hengyang, unaware of the true situation, expressed some disappointment: “What a pity… I wonder if I’ll ever see him dance again.”

“Life is long; no one can say what the future holds.”

Lanshu smiled and left after brewing the tea.

He made the rounds to attend to the day’s guests and finally returned to the tent where Wei Lingze was.

Inside, incense burned as Wei Lingze lounged lazily against the chair, eyes closed as if asleep. But hearing Lanshu’s footsteps, he opened his eyes immediately.

His gaze was a little hazy before he spoke: “You’re really busy. Would Wuyou Pavilion collapse without you?”

That night, Lanshu had severed a finger for him, and Wei Lingze hadn’t even thanked him. Yet a few days later, he came to Wuyou Pavilion again to ask about Xiao Yecheng.

Lanshu was persistent in his chatter, always polite, but Wei Lingze learned nothing of actual importance, forming instead the habit of coming to talk to him.

Though Lanshu spoke nonsense, his demeanor was respectful, unlike at home where everyone in the Wei family would lecture him, urging him to regain his composure and restore his reputation.

What others could achieve with words alone, he had to work hard for, and who knew the effort it took?

Wei Lingze’s tone was somewhat mocking. Lanshu nodded, following his lead: “Though my status is lowly, I am still quite important to Wuyou Pavilion.”

At that moment, flute music came from outside—the first flower-picker had begun their performance.

Wei Lingze was uninterested in the show. Seeing Lanshu adjust the incense, he asked deeply, “How much does this incense cost?”

After their previous chats, the scent had helped him sleep well. Just recently, it had even prompted a pleasant dream, and he wanted some for home use.

Lanshu’s hands moved deftly as he replied gently: “This incense is called Xiaoyao, a newly developed scent. Only Wuyou Pavilion in Zhaoling has it. But one ingredient is rare and only enough for the pavilion’s use; it’s not sold externally.”

Wei Lingze frowned at the answer: “Scarcity makes things valuable. You’re just trying to charge more. Give me a price.”

“Ten taels of gold per qian of incense,” Lanshu answered truthfully.

Wei Lingze laughed: “Ten taels of gold for one qian? Why not just rob it then?”

“The pavilion’s business is based on mutual agreement. If the price seems too high, you need not buy it.”

Lanshu meant he could refuse if he wanted. Wei Lingze, however, waved his hand and said loudly: “I’ll take it!”

A mere ten taels was nothing for him. He handed over a silver note, and Lanshu retrieved a small celadon-green porcelain bottle for him.

Meanwhile, the first flower-picker finished a tune, plucked a budding forsythia with the flute, and the crowd began bidding.

Just as Lanshu was about to host the auction, Wei Lingze, playing with the bottle, suddenly asked: “If I went to pick flowers, how much would those women bid for me?”

Lanshu: “……”

I thought you were awake earlier, but it turns out this incense has completely entranced you.

Lanshu calmly extinguished the incense and said gently: “You, sir, hold a distinguished position. You must not demean yourself with such acts.”

Wei Lingze’s eyes narrowed, cold as steel: “What, you think I can’t beat these little minions?”

Lanshu: “……”

Wait… what is there to compare between you and them?