The Rong Le Palace Meng Zhilu referred to was the residence of Ler Wang, the fourth prince, who is the son of Noble Consort Lian. Though of relatively low birth, Ler Wang had married the Minister of Civil Affairs daughter, gaining significant political influence through his wife's family. Few in the royal court dared to oppose him.
Despite being the favorite son of the Emperor, Rong Wang wasn't as close as his half-brothers. He held no official positions in the court and thus wielded less influence. However, he had carved a path for himself in trade, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the capital, controlling numerous lucrative ventures.
Moreover, he remained unmarried and childless, without concubines or consorts to attend to him. This made him a prime target for ambitious women across the kingdom, drawn to his wealth and the prospect of a life free from the power struggles plaguing his siblings.
"Oh, that's why" Rong Wang replied, his saber shape eyebrows arching slightly as if in surprise. His lips, subtly glossed, curved into a faint smile that momentarily stole Meng Zhilu's breath. She recognized it as a polite gesture, yet couldn't help but wish he would smile less often.
She pretended to lower her head to hide her embarrassment, and continued, "she continued, 'My grandmother used to bring silk from Hangzhou as gifts for Princess Jiang Zhi. That's how I first encountered the exquisite flavor of Wuzhou tea. It remains a cherished memory until now." Meng Zhi was lying but thought the opposite in her mind.
'Such extravagant fool, a single serving of this tea costs fifty thousand taels. Even my wealthy father could only afford half a catty after much deliberation.' In truth, she had never set foot in Ma Li Palace. That tea her father drank was a purchase by himself.
Rong Wang raised an eyebrow, signaling his comprehension. "Well, but I think, your purpose is more than sending invitations?" he prompted, cutting to the chase after the initial pleasantries.
His expectant expression prompted Meng Zhilu to be direct. "Of course, Aside from delivering this invitation," she began her true purpose, "I also wish to inquire about the Soul Dew potion. I'm prepared to offer one million taels in exchange for a single drop. What are your thoughts, Your Highness?"
She spoke candidly, producing a stack of paying slips from her sleeve and placing them on the table. "Please consider it, Your Highness," Meng Zhilu urged, confident in her offer. A million taels for a single drop of Soul Dew was a bargain. Rong Wang, the shrewd businessman, would surely see its value."
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Her expression radiates confidence. Her lips were covered with a smile that pressed deeply could see the dimples on the side of her white cheeks.
Rong Wang's gaze lingered on the young woman's dark, captivating eyes. He arched an eyebrow slightly, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. His voice, deep and velvety, held a hint of amusement. "I'm curious how you came to know about the Soul Dew, Shen Huyin. Surely, you haven't been listening to idle gossip?"
His voice was smooth, yet the underlying mockery in his words was not lost on Meng Zhilu.
Nevertheless, undeterred, Meng Zhilu restated her offer firmly. Regardless, "I stand by my proposal. One million taels in exchange for a single drop of the potion. This banknote can be redeemed at any money changer in the capital." She repeated. Her beautiful eyes gaze held Rong Wang's steady as she slid the paying slip across the table towards him.
But why would a noble person of the prince's wealth and leisure care for a mere million taels? He chuckled softly, declining her offer. "Ah..., Shen Huyin, you seem to have taken those rumors to heart. I possess no such potion. It's merely idle chatter from those with too much time on their hands."
Meng Zhilu had anticipated Rong Wang's refusal. Believing he was merely feigning disinterest; she increased her offer. "If that's insufficient, I'll add another million. Two million taels for a single drop. What do you think?"
Hearing that, Rong Wang chuckles softly. His deep voice invites a calm atmosphere in the hall surrounded by dozens of eunuchs. It looks incredibly lively.
He regarded Meng Zhilu with an unreadable expression, then spoke in a low, alluring tone. 'Well, since you're so insistent, I suppose I can't refuse...' He paused dramatically. 'My price is ten million taels of gold per drop, payable by today. Otherwise, the deal is off.' After spoke, he set down his teacup, raising an ornate fan to conceal a mischievous grin. His eyes sparkled with amusement, like a child playing a prank.
As expected, Meng Zhilu's face paled. The prince's exorbitant demand had caught her off guard.
Meng Zhilu's eyes widened in disbelief. Where could she possibly procure such an astronomical sum in a single night? Even the Emperor himself would require several days to gather ten million taels.
If even the emperor couldn't meet Rong Wang's demands, how could a mere official's wife like her?
Meng Zhilu's face drained of color as she frantically sought a solution. "But, Your Highness," she pleaded, "I'm merely a merchant's daughter. Where could I possibly find ten million taels? I beg your leniency." She said softly, but in her heart, she cursed the 'ungrateful man' fiercely.
'Have you lost your mind?' she raged internally. 'Where am I supposed to find such a fortune? Wang Ji if you're unwilling to sell, just say so! There's no need for this charade.'
'Wang Ji' was the name she had given him back when he still resided in the Meng household.
Rong Wang's gaze lingered on Meng Zhilu's pale face. Noting the flicker of disapproval in her eyes, his playful demeanor shifted, his voice turning serious.
"If you cannot meet my price, then I cannot sell you the potion." When he finished speaking, he raised his tea and took a sip, his eyes gleaming at Meng Zhilu's expression as if she had eaten a bitter pill. Her crestfallen expression made his smile, it was full of disappointment.