Chapter 271: Her Stake
"Fix what, indeed?" Princess Liuying repeated, eyes going over to Prince Yuzin. "Explain to me what is happening here, younger brother."
"Our Esteemed Princess." Prince Yuzin bowed his head. "It is not often you come to visit."
"What the hell, did he seriously not come with permission?" David hushed in Kazi’s ear.
The princess’ complexion was fair and flawless, reminiscent of porcelain marble, with a dash of rosy blush on her cheeks. Her double-lidded eyes were deep brown and manicured with long, dark lashes that fluttered like the wings of a butterfly. High cheekbones added a sense of royalty, while her lips were small and pink and set downwards in disappointment.
"I receive reports for each and every person that enters my territory," Princess Liuying said. "What did you think was going to happen? That I would allow even the slightest mistake in my work? That I would allow a mistake?"
"Many apologies." Prince Yuzin bowed deeper. "I was presented a business opportunity and thought it would aid you."
"You should have consulted me, little brother." The Gulun gongzhu: the State Princess or "Princess of the First Rank". She treated the Finance Minister like he was inferior—because he was. Prince Yuzin was mighty but the hierarchy was the hierarchy. A Princess of the First Rank was only topped by the Prince of the First Rank and the Kangxi Emperor himself.
"Shall I punish you? It will be like our childhood and you will learn."
"No need." Prince Yuzin gestured at Kazi. "This man over here had an intriguing proposition. With it, as Finance Minister, I understood that you could cut on many costs."