The second prince went shopping for furniture, and many shopkeepers brought out their finest items, hoping that the prince would take a liking to them!
Recently, the third prince and the crown prince had been calm; both felt they had successfully courted the interest of Zhang Fang, eagerly awaiting his arrival, which kept their spirits steady.
A month prior, Manager Wang had been sent by Zhang Fang to the capital to make preparations. Upon receiving Zhang Fang’s letter, he quickly set to work.
After a night passed, the news of Zhang Fang’s impending arrival spread throughout the capital!
“I hear that Zhang Lang is coming to the capital! Is this true?”
“This is what Manager Wang has said! Manager Wang is Zhang Lang’s top assistant!”
“Manager Wang is also in the capital?”
“Yes! He has rented the Yue Lai Inn in the east of the city!”
“Shall we quickly go to the Yue Lai Inn and see?”
The second prince was still busy acquiring furniture when he was caught off guard by the news of Zhang Fang coming to the capital that spread through every street and alley!
After court that day, the crown prince walked out of the palace alongside the third prince. Intentionally, he mentioned Zhang Fang: “Third Brother, I’ve heard that the famous Zhang Lang is coming to the capital.”
The third prince feigned ignorance, raising an eyebrow slightly and smiling faintly as he replied, “Is that so? I was unaware. It seems the crown prince has better information.”
With everyone in the capital well aware of this news, the third brother pretended not to know it! The crown prince felt disgusted and contemptuous, letting out a cold laugh and saying nothing more.
Besides Manager Wang, the owner of the Changsheng Commerce, Yuan Quan, was also very busy! Although Zhang Fang had notified him months ahead to prepare sufficient stock, the derivative products related to Zhang Fang had been selling non-stop, leading to a constant shortage in the warehouse. Upon learning that Zhang Fang was coming to the capital, Yuan Quan felt anxious and had to send someone to other states to purchase related goods as stock.
“Zhang Lang is coming! I must wear my most beautiful clothes to attend his book club!”
“I have the same intention! I also want to buy some beautiful jewelry to match my finest outfit! I want Zhang Lang to notice me in the crowd!”
Many women in the capital held this mindset, and even before Zhang Fang appeared, business was booming every day!
Not only female fans wanted to dress up; male fans were also very particular about their appearance! Male fans were just as fervent in their admiration for Zhang Fang as the females, referring to him as Zhang Shen! Especially among those from noble families, they discussed hosting a tea gathering for Zhang Fang, headed by the son of the current prime minister, inviting Zhang Fang to attend as a guest!
The crown prince took a stroll outside the palace and was shocked by the frenzy among the streets due to Zhang Fang’s impending arrival; he was secretly relieved that Zhang Fang had become his subordinate. Otherwise, if such a person allied with the third prince, how could he compete with the third brother in the future?
Thinking about the letter Zhang Fang had written, the corners of the crown prince’s mouth curled up slightly, and his mood lightened. Although they had never met, he held a deep admiration for this person.
Zhang Fang had anticipated that both the crown prince and the third prince would try to win him over. He had already decided to ally with the crown prince and planned to act as a spy for him among the third prince’s ranks. This series of steps showed just how clever he was! With such an insightful aide, the crown prince felt much more confident!
The third prince also strolled through the streets, feeling increasingly excited about Zhang Fang after sensing his influence. Having such an ally on his side was akin to having wings! Zhang Fang’s popularity meant he was favored by the people. Whoever wins the hearts of the people, wins the world! The third prince had already begun to fantasize about the glorious scene of defeating the crown prince and becoming the emperor’s chosen heir!
In a happy mood, the crown prince unexpectedly ran into the pleasantly surprised third prince on the street. The smiles on both their faces instantly faded, their eyes revealing vigilance and caution as they observed each other.
“What a coincidence,” the crown prince said, his voice flat.
The third prince forced a smile, greeting the crown prince: “Why is the crown prince not in the palace reviewing documents? How do you have time to meander outside?”
“Recently, the public sentiment in the capital has been restless. I specifically left the palace to gather information,” the crown prince replied, feeling inexplicably vexed. As the future emperor, why should he explain his actions to the third brother?
“I see. Then I won’t disturb your official duties,” the third prince replied, not wanting to deal with the crown prince any longer. He spoke a couple of indifferent sentences before turning to leave.
The crown prince’s eyes grew cold as he stared at the third prince’s back. He would bide his time and see how long the third brother could remain proud!
The second prince hid inside a shop at the street’s edge, waiting for the crown prince to leave before emerging.
He had just seen the crown prince and the third prince meet; the sparks between them made him hesitate to step outside.
Zhang Fang wore a hood to conceal his identity, quietly riding in a carriage to the outskirts of the city.
Entering the city required verification of identity and a travel warrant. Zhang Fang’s appearance would undoubtedly cause a stir. Concerned about a potential stampede, Zhang Fang had someone inquire about the second prince in the capital.
Returning to his residence, the second prince quickly learned about a mysterious individual seeking to meet him, concealed beneath a hood that obscured his features. He immediately thought it must be Zhang Fang! He had not expected that the first person Zhang Fang would want to meet upon arriving in the capital was him!
Feeling excited, the second prince hurriedly ordered a carriage to prepare to greet Zhang Fang. However, recalling this was his first official meeting with Zhang Fang, he knew he must maintain a good image in front of his idol! Consequently, the second prince returned home, bathed, changed into his finest clothes, combed his hair neatly, and specially applied hair oil to meet Zhang Fang!
At this time, most people were leaving the city, with fewer entering. Zhang Fang patiently waited outside. If the second prince didn’t come to fetch him before the city gates closed, Zhang Fang would have to reveal his identity and enter the city himself.
The second prince, dressed in splendid clothes, approached the carriage, and his heart raced with nervousness and excitement as he drew closer.
“Zhang, Zhang Lang…” The second prince stumbled over his words as soon as he opened his mouth. He wished he could slap himself! He couldn’t help but wonder if Zhang Fang would find him foolish upon seeing his flustered demeanor.
Zhang Fang stepped down from the carriage and bowed to the second prince: “Your Highness.”
“No need for formalities! Please, get into the carriage!” The second prince flustered, hurriedly invited Zhang Fang into his carriage.
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