Murong Yi angrily slammed his fist on the table. "Even if this has something to do with me, don't think you'll get away unscathed."
"Let's stop arguing. The most important thing now is to find Military Advisor Rong Sheng and bring him back. As long as he returns, there's still hope for everything."
"I'll leave this task to you. We're done for today!" With that, Murong Yi stormed out.
Inside the large tent, everyone exchanged worried glances, their faces etched with concern.
Rong Sheng wasn't originally from the military. His appointment as Military Advisor was the Crown Prince's idea, ostensibly to assist the Third Prince. However, the Third Prince deeply disliked him.
No one knew his current whereabouts.
"Before Military Advisor Rong Sheng left, he told us not to act rashly, only to defend and not attack. Now we can only pray for his swift return!"
"But what about His Highness?"
"What His Highness? What commander-in-chief? He's just an incompetent prince. If it weren't for his stubborn insistence, would we be in this predicament?"
"Did he really think Qin Yuchuan could be poisoned by just sending a few people? If it were that easy, he would have died countless times by now. How could he still be hailed as the 'God of War'?"
Outside a thatched cottage in the wilderness, Murong Yan sat in the courtyard while Rong Sheng busied himself nearby.
Yan Lan, following behind Murong Yan, said, "Your Highness, Lord Rong Sheng is so good to you!"
Murong Yan caressed her belly and smiled without saying a word.
Next month, the child should be born, and then they could return to the Southern Frontier together.
"How are things at the front now?"
Yan Lan replied, "The situation at the front is not optimistic. The Third Prince insists on launching strong attacks, resulting in heavy losses."
"It's within expectations. He was never cut out for great things."
Murong Yan wasn't surprised. Murong Yi had never been particularly capable.
But those around him had inflated his ego, resulting in his arrogant and conceited nature.
He wasn't suited to lead troops in battle; this campaign was merely his mother's idea.
His petty tricks were completely inadequate on the battlefield.
Rong Sheng brought Murong Yan a cup of tea. "Have some water."
Murong Yan took the cup. "Aren't you anxious?"
Rong Sheng replied, "Your Highness jests. What should I be anxious about?"
Murong Yan: "Murong Yi is eagerly awaiting your return, like looking forward to seeing stars and the moon. Don't you feel it's a waste of your talents to be here serving tea to me every day?"
"Not at all. What do the affairs of the battlefield have to do with me? I'm willing to follow Your Highness forever," Rong Sheng said.
Murong Yan: "It's getting late. We should start preparing to go back."
Rong Sheng: "I understand. I'll plan everything. Your Highness should rest well and focus on giving birth to the child. Leave everything else to me."
"Then I'll entrust it all to you."
...
When Feng Qingyi arrived in Shengjing again, the teahouse had already been renovated.
As buying new tables and chairs required a considerable amount of money, Feng Qingyi thought it best to make do with what they had for now and replace them once they started making a profit.
For the time being, she had only bought some tablecloths and simple yet elegant decorations to spruce up the teahouse.
When Xu Linghe arrived at the teahouse, she saw Feng Qingyi cleaning by herself.
"Qingyi, let me help you!"
Feng Qingyi smiled and said, "No need, have a seat. I've already cleaned everything."
"Then what are these?" Xu Linghe pointed at two large boxes on the ground.
Feng Qingyi replied, "I bought tablecloths and some decorations to decorate this place, especially the private rooms on the third floor."
Xu Linghe: "Then let me help you."
After putting away the broom, Feng Qingyi opened the cardboard boxes containing some decorative paintings and tablecloths.
"This green tablecloth looks quite nice and feels comfortable too. But what are these transparent ones?" Xu Linghe asked curiously.
"These go on top of the tablecloths to make them waterproof, so we won't have to wash the tablecloths as often."
Fortunately, she had estimated the table sizes beforehand, so the tablecloths and waterproof covers fit perfectly.
"Oh, I see. Let's start by putting the tablecloths on the first floor," Xu Linghe said eagerly.
Feng Qingyi nodded, "Let's get to it then!"
The two quickly covered the tables with tablecloths and waterproof covers.
They also rearranged the previously disorderly tables and chairs, making the layout much neater.
Finally, they carried the decorative paintings to the third floor. Considering that the teahouse was in Shengjing, Feng Qingyi had bought paintings with a more traditional Chinese landscape style.
After hanging these paintings, the entire private room looked much more upscale.
"Qingyi, this is amazing! But have you thought of a name for the teahouse?" Xu Linghe asked.
Feng Qingyi: "How about calling it 'Peng Lai Residence'?"
Xu Linghe: "Peng Lai Residence sounds quite impressive. Does it have any special meaning?"
"'To have friends come from afar, is this not a delight?' The name sounds like 'Friend Come,' after all, this teahouse is a place for friends to gather and enjoy tea together."
Xu Linghe gave a thumbs up. "Qingyi, that's brilliant! I think this name is perfect."
Feng Qingyi: "I'm glad you like it. It will take a few days to make the signboard. We should use this time to recruit staff. Once everything is ready, we can officially open for business."
Xu Linghe: "Finding an accountant, shop assistants, and waiters is easy. I can handle that and have them here by tomorrow."
Feng Qingyi: "Thank you so much. Now, let's go find a place to make the signboard."
"Qingyi, are you planning to write the characters for the signboard yourself?" Xu Linghe asked.
Feng Qingyi shook her head. How could she write when she didn't even recognize the characters here?
"Don't the signboard makers have someone specifically responsible for the writing?"
Xu Linghe replied, "They only handle the engraving and manufacturing."
Feng Qingyi and Xu Linghe had just walked out when they ran into Zhao Yiqing.
Zhao Yiqing greeted them first, "Miss Feng, Miss Xu, we meet again!"
Xu Linghe looked at Zhao Yiqing, "Mr. Zhao, there's something we need your help with. Do you have time today?"
"What can I do for you, Miss Xu?" Zhao Yiqing asked.
Xu Linghe glanced at Feng Qingyi, who understood. "Mr. Zhao, we were wondering if you could write a few characters for us?"
"Write characters?" Zhao Yiqing looked puzzled.
Xu Linghe explained, "It's like this: Qingyi is planning to open a teahouse, and we need to make a signboard."
"But we haven't found anyone to write the characters for the signboard yet. We were wondering if you could help us?"
Zhao Yiqing: "If you don't mind, I'd be happy to help."
Xu Linghe: "We're already grateful that you're willing to help. Besides, Mr. Zhao is renowned for both his calligraphy and painting skills. How could we possibly mind?"
"The Painting and Calligraphy Studio is just ahead. Please, follow me," Zhao Yiqing said, leading the way.
