Chapter 2, the story begins with one person and an old man.

Your salary and your benefits come from the people's resources and contributions

Zhao Xian let out a bitter laugh, realizing that this person was soliciting a bribe

These individuals were so frightened by Zhao Xian that they shrank back in fear. One of them, trembling, pointed towards the east. After exchanging glances, the group quickly fled without a trace.

At this time, Zhao Xian still held the title of heir apparent. Whenever he encountered the governor of Suzhou Prefecture, regardless of how much disdain the governor might feel towards Zhao Xian internally, he would undoubtedly present a respectful demeanor outwardly. However, the soldier guarding the entrance firmly blocked Zhao Xian from entering.

Old Huang looked at his wasteful young prince with a frown and exclaimed, "It cannot be sold; this is a residence bestowed by the late emperor. Selling it would be an act of deceiving the sovereign!"

Zhao did not bring any money with him when he went out today. He wonders if it would be possible to make an exception this time, promising to treat his brother to drinks next time.

Cough...

Since the time when the vassal kings of the Qi state rose in rebellion, the restrictions on these vassal kings have become increasingly severe, to the extent that the Prince of Su's residence in Suzhou holds little real power. Now, even the term 'wealth and nobility,' which was once looked down upon by those in high positions, has been reduced to merely the word 'nobility'.

Zhao Xian pondered for a moment, then suddenly shouted: "Bring me the solitary python robe!"

Zhao Xian has no particular feelings for this house; at most, he has only half a day's worth of sentiment. Moreover, can feelings be eaten?

Zhao Xian looked at another slightly younger constable, who gazed straight ahead and remained completely unmoved.

Those commoners initially thought they could easily deceive Zhao Xian, whom they considered foolish. However, upon seeing that this "foolish prince" showed no signs of being simple-minded, they were reminded that the common people have always feared officials, let alone a prince.

Old Huang's cries were utterly miserable, and upon hearing them, Zhao Xian immediately knew that this fellow had been harboring thoughts of selling the house.

This is the government office that oversees the entire Suzhou Prefecture

The constable grunted in acknowledgment, clasped his hands within his sleeves, yet did not rush to enter and report.

The King of Hell is easy to meet, but the little ghosts are difficult to deal with

Zhao Xian sighed, turned around, and left the gate of the government office, walking towards the drum of grievance standing at the main entrance of the office

The young constable, with a cold expression, ruthlessly blocked Zhao Xian's path

This is a place of importance; unauthorized persons are prohibited from entering

It is unclear whether the ancient people were untidy or if Zhao Xian's previous incarnation was a madman; he is now feeling very itchy all over, clearly having not bathed for a long time

Despite being extremely hungry, Zhao Xian still struck the drum with a resounding sound that echoed through the heavens

It is a pity that there is no concept of a commercial street at present; otherwise, if the wall facing the street at Wangfu were converted into shops, wouldn't that be a tremendous profit

The Suzhou Prefectural Office is only three or four streets away from the Su Wang Mansion, and the journey is not far. As Zhao Xian stepped out of Xianqing Street, those who had been pointing and whispering about him along the way vanished. After all, he was well-known on Xianqing Street, but once he left, no one recognized Zhao Xian, the 'Foolish Prince'.

Old Huang, bring some water for me

He is preparing to don his attire and set out to seek money

Excuse me, gentlemen, could you please tell me how to get to the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen?

After finishing the cleaning, he rummaged through the wardrobe and pulled out a relatively clean green shirt, striding out of the residence of the Prince of Su.

At present, he could only sigh, walking with somewhat weak steps towards the Suzhou Prefectural Office.

After all, this concerns his livelihood

It cannot be sold!

The main gate of the Prince Su's residence faces a bustling street, aptly named Xianqing Street. Zhao Xian gazed at the throngs of people on this busy thoroughfare, feeling a sense of quiet regret in his heart

Zhao Xian looked at the patches on the python robe and couldn't help but frown: "Can this thing be sold for money?"

Look at his dilapidated appearance, wearing only coarse cloth, without even a piece of satin. Alas, the House of Su has truly fallen. A few years ago, when the old Prince Su was still around, how majestic was the House of Su?

Zhao Xian let out a displeased hum

Regardless of what it is, even if it is a dish served in a restaurant, as long as it can resolve today's meal issue, it will suffice, for at this moment, Zhao Xian is already extremely hungry

The common people are easily oppressed, but it is difficult to deceive the heavens

Zhao Xian, with a distressed expression, touched his stomach, which was already feeling somewhat hungry, and suddenly had a clever idea

On the drum seat, sixteen characters are engraved in a square and regular script.

Alas, the house cannot be sold; all that can be sold has been sold. How could a dignified first-rank prince end up in such a predicament

The entire residence of the Duke of Su spans across two streets, and it is not merely a matter of having deep courtyards; with such a property, one could construct a small community in later generations, or even a large-scale residential complex.

The guard at the gate wore a cold expression, showing no response to Zhao Xian's intentions

As soon as he stepped out of the gate of the royal residence, the neighbors on the street displayed the warm side of ancient close-knit communities to Zhao Xian.

Old Huang, how much do you think we can sell this house for

Hey, isn't that the foolish prince? What brings him out today

Zhao Xian helplessly cupped his hands and said, "This young man, I have matters to discuss with the esteemed Lord of the Mansion."

Old Huang, wait at the residence for a moment, I will go earn some money

Zhao Xian let out a bitter laugh; he had just intended to ask these few brothers to lend him some money for a meal, but who would have thought they would run away so quickly

Shaking his head, Zhao Xian walked along the street. As a modern individual, when thinking about making money, the first thing that comes to mind is work, so Zhao Xian is in urgent need of a job

A few people were only a few steps away from Zhao Xian, yet they still regarded him as that fool, continuing to engage in grandiloquent discussions. Just as they were chatting happily, Zhao Xian suddenly coughed, scaring these common folks half to death

Old Huang wore a worried expression, still uttering the same words

Old Huang furrowed his wrinkled face, wailing incessantly: "This old servant is incompetent..."

Please state your name, so that I may inform the esteemed official on your behalf

Food is the primary necessity for the people

Can one really be reduced to such poverty

After letting out a sigh, Zhao Xian stepped forward and walked towards the seemingly unremarkable Suzhou Prefectural Office

Old Huang's eyes lit up; this is indeed not a problem

In Zhao Xian's historical studies, Suzhou was originally located in the Ganlong area, but unexpectedly, in this time and space, it has arrived in the Jiangnan region

Take a shower

Your Highness, do you wish to ... ... ?

Xianqing Street, Zhao Xian

"They deserve it; none of these wealthy families are good people"

Old Huang, with a furrowed brow, took out a white gold interwoven python robe and handed it to Zhao Xian

I only hope that my identity as the Prince of the Su family is still of some use

Alright, alright, I am not blaming you again

Come on, with someone like you, how can you have the audacity to speak of others as noble and privileged?

Seeing that the entire street knew him, Zhao Xian realized that his wish to work had been shattered, so he could only place his hopes on the government

After walking for about half an hour, I finally arrived at the entrance of a rather inconspicuous yamen. If it weren't for the large complaint drum at the entrance and the two bailiffs standing guard, one would hardly recognize this as a government office

Zhao Xian brushed his hand over the sixteen characters, reached for the drumsticks on the drum, and with all his strength, struck down hard on the drum surface

Since the time of crossing over, the phrase I have heard the most is "not for sale." Zhao Xian furrowed his brows, tossed the python robe aside, and shouted loudly again