The whole family died tragically? The eldest daughter is the most powerful in the capital after her

He asked in a low voice: "Your Highness, this Zhao Cezhi is a capable man. He has been very favored by the Third Prince recently and has acted quite prudently. I have investigated his background and found nothing suspicious. However, since Your Highness appreciates this man so much, why not ask him to come and work for you?"

Niou shook his head slightly and looked out the window with deep eyes, as if he was thinking about a deeper plan.

He said slowly: "It is the best arrangement to let him stay with the Third Prince. His talent should not be underestimated, but if he were to come to my side, he might not be able to play his full role. Now, it is the best for him to work for me indirectly."

Seeing this, Wu Guang nodded slightly, secretly admiring King Ren's foresight.

"I understand. Your Majesty is far-sighted. I will do my best to assist you." Wu Guang said humbly, his eyes full of loyalty.

The night was as dark as ink, and candles flickered within the red walls of the Third Prince’s residence.

In the hall, the third prince was leaning lazily on the couch, playing with an exquisite jade ring in his hand, with a look of impatience on his face.

Prince Ren sat opposite him, his eyes sharp and a faint smile on his face, as if waiting for the third prince's response.

"Uncle Wang, Song Yuqing is just a daughter of a merchant family. You want me to stand up for her? Don't you think that's too embarrassing?"

The third prince spoke with a hint of disdain as he casually played with his jade ring, showing no interest in the matter.

Ren Wang smiled faintly, tapped his fingers on the table, and looked steady: "This is not a question of whether you are willing or not, but whether you can seize this opportunity. Although the Song family is a merchant, don't forget that their money is... At present, all major forces in the court are trying to win over financial resources. Don't you want to bring such a force into your camp?"

The Third Prince frowned slightly, seeming a little dissatisfied: "They are just some merchants, I don't care. The court officials are the most important."

At this time, Zhao Cezhi walked in slowly from outside the door. He looked calm. After bowing to Prince Ren and the Third Prince respectively, he said respectfully: "Third Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Ren's suggestion is indeed worth considering. Although the Song family is a merchant family, because of this, they have extremely deep financial resources in the capital. We certainly need the support of the ministers in the court, but we cannot ignore the power of merchants. In the current situation, money is the most attractive bargaining chip. If the Song family is used by us, it will undoubtedly contribute to your great cause."

The Third Prince raised his head, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, and he was shaken by Zhao Cezhi's persuasion: "But you should know that I don't like to be too involved with these merchants. After all, they can't enter the elegant hall."

Zhao Cezhi smiled slightly, his tone gentle but very persuasive.

"Third Prince, this is where the Song family can play a role. Although merchants are not as prominent as court officials, they are very easy to control. And every step of the court operation is driven by money. The Song family is undoubtedly the best choice."

Hearing this, the Third Prince's expression eased a little, and he turned his gaze to Ren Wang: "Third brother, do you really think the Song family is worth our concern?"

King Ren nodded, a gratified smile on his face: "Although the power in your hands is gradually becoming stable, if you want to expand it further, you can't just rely on the ministers in the court. Financial resources are the backing of power. Although the Song family is just a merchant, their money can help you solve more problems."

The third prince was silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons.

After a moment, he finally nodded slightly: "Okay, since you all say so, I will come forward to protect Song Yuqing. However, I don't want those ministers in the court to think that I am greedy for beauty, so I have to have a suitable reason."

A hint of smile flashed across Zhao Cezhi's eyes, and he bowed deeply to the Third Prince, and said respectfully: "The Third Prince is indeed aware of the overall situation. If the Song family can be used by you, it will definitely help your great cause.

As for saving Song Yuqing, I will make proper arrangements so that no one will think that you are motivated by beauty. Instead, it will make you appear to be kind and generous, and good at winning people's hearts."

Seeing this, Ren Wang showed a satisfied expression: "Lord Zhao is indeed a rare talent, able to analyze the situation so accurately. It is really a blessing for you to have a counselor like you by your side."

Zhao Cezhi bowed his head slightly, with a modest expression on his face. "Your Highness and the Third Prince are too kind to me. I am just a commoner. Fortunately, the Third Prince has a keen eye for talent and I have the opportunity to serve the great cause. It is the honor of my life to be a counselor under the Third Prince. The Third Prince is like a good horse trainer, and I am just a thousand-mile horse. If I hadn't met a wise master, how could I have achieved what I have today?"

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince's expression relaxed and his admiration for Zhao Cezhi increased even more.

He waved his hand and said with a smile: "You are good at talking, but this prince really appreciates you. Since you said this is beneficial, then let's do it according to your way."

Zhao Cezhi smiled slightly, his eyes showing respect for the Third Prince and respect for King Ren: "I will do my best to serve the Third Prince."

After leaving the Prince's Mansion, Zhao Cezhi sneered. He was not loyal to anyone. He just wanted Lin Ruoxuan to be with him willingly.

So he asked the servant Guangqi to deliver a letter to Lin Ruoxuan.

As the night deepened, the streets outside the Lin Mansion were quiet and silent, with only the sound of the wind in the distance.

At this moment, Lin Ruoxuan was sitting in her study, staring at a letter on the table. There was no signature on the envelope, but she recognized the handwriting at a glance - Zhao Cezhi.

Lu Qiao stood beside her respectfully. Seeing that Lin Ruoxuan had not moved, she asked softly, "Miss, what did the letter say?"

Lin Ruoxuan did not answer immediately, but just smiled coldly, gently opened the envelope, and slowly unfolded the letter paper.

The content is concise: "Meet at Anran Tower. It is related to the Song family. We must meet."

Her hand paused slightly, and her mind quickly weighed the intention of the letter.

Zhao Cezhi's appearance would not be without reason. Combining various recent situations, she quickly guessed what was behind it - most likely Prince Ren discussed the affairs of the Song family with Zhao Cezhi and the third prince.

Lin Ruoxuan whispered to herself, with a barely perceptible sneer on her lips, "Then what is Zhao Cezhi's purpose in looking for me?"

Luqiao was confused, but seeing that her daughter had obviously seen through the clues, she stopped asking questions.

Lin Ruoxuan had already decided to go to the appointment, but she was not completely unprepared.

She looked up and said calmly, "Luqiao, go inform Big Sister that I will go to Anran Tower to meet Zhao Cezhi in a while. Tell her to wait for me to go in for a cup of tea before going into the private room to find me."

Lu Qiao was slightly stunned: "Girl, are you...really going?"