Xiao Yunshuo's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

If her guess was right, this person really was exactly the same as described in the intelligence report...

He turned and gave an instruction to the maid. Soon, a man dressed in a plain scholar's robe, with a refined and gentle demeanor, appeared before everyone.

Sure enough, at this moment, Qin Zhaoyue made no attempt to hide her excitement.

Her eyes, as if coated with honey, glanced unabashedly at Yan Zhibai's face.

My inner voice was screaming: Handsome, so incredibly handsome! Those eyebrows, that aura...

Even if he's frail and doesn't have a six-pack, Qin Zhaoyue will accept it!

Xiao Yunshuo immediately understood.

There's no need to call anyone else out; one is enough.

"Mr. Yan, we plan to tour Fengjing City. Would you like to join us?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Zhibai's eyes lit up, easily revealing his excitement and anticipation. He quickly bowed in greeting.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

He then turned to face Qin Zhaoyue and bowed respectfully, "Thank you all. Please wait a moment, I... I'll go get the books."

Without waiting for a response, Kuku ran off as if someone was chasing him.

"Uh, cough," Qin Zhaoyue coughed lightly, her eyes still fixed on the hurried figure, "Princess Xiao, who is this distinguished gentleman?"

Xiao Yunshuo smiled slightly and introduced, "This is Mr. Yan Zhibai, a descendant of the renowned scholar Yan Huaichuan of Shuofeng."

Qin Zhaoyue nodded. Who did she think it was? Oh, it was Yan Zhibai!

"who?"

She blinked her innocent, clear eyes, her face filled with genuine confusion.

Xiao Yunshuo was slightly taken aback.

The Fifth Prince, Qin Jingzhan, who had been mostly silent, couldn't stand it any longer and rolled his eyes dramatically.

"You don't know Mr. Huai Chuan? He is a renowned scholar and writer who is one in a hundred years in the Northern Territory."

His extensive knowledge and outstanding character earned him a high reputation throughout the entire Shuofeng region.

"He was unruly by nature, a restless wanderer, with an almost obsessive yearning for unknown geography, customs, and people."

Upholding the spirit of a measurer, I firmly believe that "knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial; true understanding requires personal experience."

"I left my hometown when I was young, and my footprints have covered mountains, rivers, cities and villages all over the north wind."

Later, he was no longer limited to the north wind; his figure was seen in the western desert, grasslands, Gobi, and snow-covered glaciers.

He also traveled south, entering and exploring the territory of Dagan.

"Throughout my life, I have had no interest in political disputes, but have been devoted solely to scholarship and exploration."

He was an expert in both calligraphy and painting, leaving behind countless precious travelogues, illustrations, and paintings.

What's even more remarkable is that he never hesitated to share his knowledge.

No matter who asks for advice, as long as he knows the answer, he will teach them everything he knows.

If I am unable to do so, I will send a message back to my family, striving to find the answer and resolve the doubts.

"It has made remarkable achievements in protecting ancient books and rare copies and in recording local customs and traditions that are on the verge of disappearing."

"The Map of the World" and "The Illustrated Scroll of the World's Scenery" are his monumental works, compiled with half a lifetime of effort, but unfortunately..."

Qin Zhaoyue raised an eyebrow. "Heh."

Impressive, huh? Knowledgeable, huh? Showing off, huh? Now you're even trying to use cryptic language with me.

If there hadn't been other people present, Qin Zhaoyue would have definitely taught her fifth brother a lesson.

Suppressing his impatience, he still offered a helping hand, asking, "What's the pity?"

"Unfortunately, I was unable to complete my mission. I had only been in Daqian for a year when war broke out between the two countries, forcing me to interrupt my travels and leave in haste."

After returning home, he never set foot in the north again, becoming increasingly depressed and ultimately dying young.

Just then, Yan Zhibai rushed over.

He didn't hold anything, just slung his book bag over his shoulder and ran off, hurriedly bowing as he approached.

Thank you all for waiting.

He bowed deeply to Qin Zhaoyue, Qin Zhaoshu, and Qin Jingzhan, his tone sincere:

"I volunteered to come with the Second Princess to carry on my late father's legacy."

"Today, with the permission of the three princes, I, Yan, am fortunate to witness the splendor of Fengjing!"

Qin Zhaoyue waved her hand, "It's alright, since you're here, feel free to look around!"

Meng Jian, standing to the side: ...

He stared blankly at Qin Zhaoyue's worthless appearance, feeling a surge of anger rising within him.

Ha, so you said you liked eight-pack abs?

Could this frail scholar, who looks like he could be blown away by the wind and has no strength to even kill a chicken, possibly be the one in front of me?

Dog shit!

Two luxurious carriages, escorted by imperial guards, slowly made their way along the wide streets of Fengjing.

The Xuanjia Imperial Guards stood in orderly ranks, their armor gleaming coldly in the autumn sunlight, causing pedestrians to give way.

Qin Zhaoshu, Qin Zhaoyue, and Xiao Yunshuo rode in the same carriage.

The interior of the car is spacious, with soft brocade cushions and a light fragrance of styrax.

Xiao Yunshuo turned slightly to the side, her slender fingers lightly lifting a corner of the car window curtain, peering through the gap at the street scene and pedestrians rushing past outside. A gentle breeze carried the hustle and bustle of the city and the aroma of food into the car.

After watching for a while, Xiao Yunshuo lowered the curtain, turned to the two people inside the carriage, and spoke with a perfectly balanced mix of longing and regret:

"Sitting in the carriage and taking a cursory look around, one may see the grandeur of Fengjing, but ultimately it is difficult to grasp the essence of the city's everyday life, local customs, and traditions."

"Would it be possible to disguise myself slightly and walk through it like an ordinary person, to experience it firsthand?"

Her eyes were clear, filled with a sincere inquiry.

"Heh," the words had barely left his lips when a sneer, undisguised, came from beside him.

Qin Zhaoyue leaned lazily against the cushion, not even lifting her eyelids, a mocking smile curving her lips.

"Princess Xiao Er is out of her mind. It's already a great honor of me to have you come out and see me."

You want to disguise yourself and infiltrate the streets? You have the nerve to ask? How dare you be so shameless!

Xiao Yunshuo: ...

I already knew the chances of this proposal being any greater than slim; it was just a matter of whether it came true or not.

But the refusal was straightforward and direct, even showing strong impatience, a stark contrast to the enthusiastic demeanor he had displayed at the villa.

Was it because she knew Yan Zhibai's true identity, that he was not her advisor but just a fellow scholar?

Is this a case of not even bothering to pretend anymore?