Chapter 24

Why are you out today?

You couldn't discern any emotion in his voice; it seemed like a master casually asking a question when he met his servant.

Yunxi lowered her head, her gaze falling on his black boots: "Today, Miss has been exceptionally kind, allowing me to go to the market to buy some things. I didn't expect to arrive so early; the shops haven't even opened yet."

Upon hearing this, Shen Rang's expression became complicated.

This person is so deprived of freedom that he doesn't even know when the shops on the street open.

"Your Highness, we must hurry over there," Jingyuan urged.

Shen Rang glanced at Yun Xi and said, "I can go by myself. You take Chen Xi to that flatbread shop up ahead and get something to eat. You can pay for it first."

Although Jingyuan didn't know why Shen Rang was suddenly so concerned about a maid, he didn't dare to say anything and quickly agreed.

Shen Rang left directly, while Jing Yuan dismounted and grinned at Yun Xi: "Miss Chenxi, let's go."

Yunxi nodded and followed him forward.

Jixiang lagged half a step behind, looking at Yunxi's figure with a very complicated expression.

It seems that Yunxi really has no feelings for Shen Rang at all.

Although she didn't know how she got involved with Shen Rang, she didn't tell him her real name.

Isn't that a bit too honest?

With the wealth and prestige of the Marquis's mansion right before her eyes, was she truly not tempted at all?

With his mind in turmoil, Jixiang unknowingly arrived at a flatbread shop.

This flatbread shop was doing very well; the entrance was almost completely blocked by people in official robes of all kinds, but the shop itself was quite spacious, and everyone just picked a seat and sat down.

"This restaurant has delicious food, even the young master loves it, Miss Chenxi, and..."

Jing Yuan looked somewhat awkwardly at the maid sitting next to Yun Xi.

"May this servant be blessed."

Jing Yuan quickly nodded: "And Miss Jixiang, you two should try it!"

The flatbread has a crispy and crunchy outer layer, and the mutton is tender and delicious. One bite leaves a lingering fragrance on your lips and teeth, and you'll never forget the taste.

"It's a pity it's not winter, otherwise, with a bowl of hot mutton soup, the taste would be... absolutely amazing!"

Jingyuan was clearly a regular customer at this restaurant.

Yunxi smiled and said, "It makes my mouth water just hearing about it. I wish we could eat this in winter."

She smiled gently, her beauty captivating. Jing Yuan forgot all about the mutton sandwich in his hand and stared at her blankly, lost in thought.

However, Yunxi had already lowered her head and was focused on eating, so she didn't notice his gaze.

The adults outside got bored while waiting, so they started discussing recent events in the imperial court.

Yunxi overheard it too.

"The additional autumn imperial examinations are about to begin, aren't they? Once the rankings from various regions are announced, those powerful families in the capital will be busy recruiting retainers again!"

"Indeed, it's not just those wealthy and powerful families; those two in the palace will be even busier..."

Yunxi listened quietly, but her heart trembled slightly.

Should we hold additional autumn examinations?

Is Duan Huaichuan going to participate?

With Duan Huaichuan's abilities, there shouldn't be any problem. So... will he be going to the capital soon?

Yunxi's feelings were extremely complicated; she couldn't tell whether she was looking forward to it or afraid of it.

Finally, when it was broad daylight, Jingyuan knew that the two of them had come out to buy things, so he reminded them that all the shops were open, and then rode away first, leaving Yunxi and Jixiang to stroll around the streets.

The Chen family runs a private school. Yunxi went to the school and bought many books that were not available in other places. She also went around and bought a lot of local snacks that could be stored for a long time. She sent them to the escort agency she had visited before and asked them to send them back.

After going around in circles like this, most of the day had passed.

Yunxi went to get the silver and then inquired her way to Xiuhua Pavilion.