Gu Siyan had no choice but to turn around and go out to buy things, leaving Qi Qi and the others at the restaurant for the time being. Gradually, more people dressed in various styles, both men and women, came to the restaurant and gathered in Gu Siyan's room to greet Mr. Gao one by one.

Qi Qi then realized that this restaurant also belonged to Gu Siyan. These people had all received favors from the Gu family in the past, and upon learning of the rise of the Zhenbei Army, they specially traveled from all over the country to the nearest city, Sifang, to see him... No wonder he chose this place. Sifang is chaotic enough. Male lead, how many more surprises do you have that this eunuch doesn't know about?

Mr. Gao smiled broadly, stroking his beard as he introduced each person to Qi Qi: "Qi Qi, come here..."

This is Master Qiu, a master of the Baguaquan lineage in Tianyang City; this is Master Bao from the Shunfeng Escort Agency in Fengcheng; this is Master An, a renowned healer and poison expert from Qingliang Valley…”

After getting to know everyone, Qi Qi gained a new understanding of the inevitability of Gu Siyan's success.

In the evening, after casually tidying their clothes, the group boarded the car sent by the City Lord's Mansion to pick up Gu Siyan. Originally, everyone was supposed to go, but they had prepared their own car, only needing to bring one person besides Gu Siyan and Qi Qi.

Gu Siyan brought no one with him except Qi Qi. The person who came to lead the way smiled, but Qi Qi didn't know what he was smiling about. Touching the peach blossom jade hairpin in her hair, Qi Qi poked Gu Siyan and asked, "Is this expensive?"

Gu Siyan raised his hand and adjusted the jade hairpin to its correct position: "It looks good, wear it."

Qi Qi didn't stand on ceremony: "Alright, I'll wear it for now, and then you can give it to any girl you like."

Then she thought, "No, I've already worn it, it wouldn't be right for you to give it away again, so I might as well return it."

Gu Siyan sighed helplessly when he heard how he could handle this whole drama all by himself: "What's given to you is yours. Sit properly and straighten your posture."

Qi Qi: "Won't that work? Isn't the persona you wanted the restless concubine? If I'm careful about my manners, it'll ruin the persona."

The words had barely left his mouth when the carriage stopped, and someone outside announced, "Master Gu, Madam Qi, we have arrived at the City Lord's Mansion."

Qi Qi tugged at Gu Siyan's sleeve and whispered, "If things get chaotic, you have to protect me."

Gu Siyan patted his head: "Don't worry."

The city lord's mansion was built quite well, but Qi Qi had already been to the imperial palace, so he naturally didn't find this place scary.

The servant who came to lead the way glanced at the two of them, and with an unchanged smile, he introduced them for a few minutes. When they arrived at their destination, the first thing they saw was a hazy scene of lanterns, and a fragrant breeze wafted from an unknown direction, accompanied by music.

Less than an hour later they arrived at their destination. The low tables on both sides were almost set up. As usual, the two of them were met with glances from all directions. Qi Qi glanced up with neither arrogance nor servility and thought that they were even less impressive than the old men and ministers at the Summer Palace. The girls dancing in the middle were showing even less skin, revealing their arms and legs, which made a group of people laugh like pigs.

Qi Qi whispered, "The collapse of social order and morality is truly outrageous."

Gu Siyan smiled like a lewd middle-aged man, perfectly fitting his persona, and led Qi Qi forward to befriend the legendary Lord Wu.

His face was oily, and he looked like an ordinary person, but he had a muscular physique. The only difference was his pair of ruthless eyes.

The city of Sifang doesn't look too bad from the outside, but it's not really in chaos. This only shows that the person in charge has some skills, but not too many. He's too lenient with his subordinates, not busy preparing to fight against the imperial court, but instead drinking and carousing here.

Qi Qi lowered his head, feeling a pair of thieving eyes scanning his entire body. While Gu Siyan was exchanging pleasantries with someone, his eyes darted to the side and glanced at the people near City Lord Wu.

Upon closer inspection...

Wow!

Isn't this Huangfu Yi?

Don't think we can't tell just because you're wearing a beard.

What is Huangfu Yi doing here? The imperial court is going to suppress bandits, and he's here to suppress bandits? And he's sitting so close to the front, which shows that he holds a high position in the eyes of this city lord.

Qi Qi stared at him for a while, and the man looked up at Qi Qi, stunned. Qi Qi's eyes lit up and he winked at him.

Then, for some reason, Huangfu Yi suddenly frowned deeply, gave Qi Qi a disgusted look, and then turned his head away.

Qi Qi thought to himself, "Good heavens, how dare you look at me like that? Did you not recognize me or what? Whatever, is this how you pursue someone? How utterly despicable! You can't recognize me, huh? You've already lost me!"

Unexpectedly, Huangfu Yi suddenly raised his head and glanced at Gu Siyan next to Qi Qi. His expression changed upon seeing this, and he suddenly got up and left.

Qi Qi: ...

Gu Siyan had gotten to know most of the people, and the servant led him and Qi Qi to a seat at the back of the table. It was clear that Lord Wu could also recognize that Gu Siyan was a talented person, and his expression was quite good, no longer staring intently at Qi Qi like before.

Qi Qi whispered, "So? Should we get rid of him?"

Gu Siyan pushed a plate of fruit towards Qi Qi and said calmly, "Not yet, we'll stay here for a few more days, three at most."

Qi Qi: What's up?

Gu Siyan: "Shh, I'm not the only one here who knows martial arts."

Qi Qi nodded.

That means there are still experts here; walls have ears.

Qi Qi glanced at Gu Siyan again.

Huangfu Yi is here; they've met before, and Huangfu Yi has probably already recognized Gu Siyan. If Huangfu Yi has other plans, or if he reports Gu Siyan to Lord Wu now, it will be detrimental to Gu Siyan…

Tell Gu Siyan that Huangfu Yi is here?

impossible.

Qi Qi felt apologetic. "You're the male lead, you'll be fine. But Huangfu Yi won't be."

Close to each other, distant to each other.

Huangfu Yi's family is scheming. If we let him run rampant behind our backs, who knows what kind of trouble he might cause? If he's here to suppress bandits, that's perfect. We need to find a way to communicate with him.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!