The next day, Xiao Yue sent someone disguised as a coachman to take Qin Zhao and his family into the city.

The capital city strictly checked the people coming in and out, and there were imperial guards guarding the city gates, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Early in the morning, people lined up in a long queue at the city gate, waiting to be inspected before entering the city.

The carriage moved slowly forward. Jing Li seemed restless, occasionally lifting the curtain to peek out. Qin Zhao watched him for a while, and when he was about to lift the curtain again, he said slowly, "Don't look anymore. Are you afraid that others won't notice you?"

“…” Jing Li withdrew his hand in disappointment.

Qin Zhao said, "We are going to the capital to take the imperial examination. They will not make things difficult for the candidates and their families."

"That's not what I'm worried about." Jing Li glanced away and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure I can't recognize you?"

This is the capital, where Qin Zhao grew up. What if someone recognizes him...

Qin Zhao asked, "If the current emperor were to change into civilian clothes and stand before you, would you recognize him?"

Jing Li shook his head.

"That's right."

Facts proved that Jing Li's worries were indeed unnecessary.

The guard at the city gate checked Qin Zhao's identity documents and then asked him a few questions about why he was entering the capital, how he got there, and the relationship between him and the people around him. Qin Zhao answered each question and was allowed to pass.

The whole process went smoothly without any problems.

It's that simple. So what if Qin Zhao was the regent back then? How many of these ordinary people have seen his true face?

You know, during the years when he was in power, he often disguised himself secretly and went to the gambling house to have fun for a night.

Never been recognized.

Many people entered the city in the morning, so Qin Zhao and his companions set out early. When they arrived at the mansion prepared for them by Gu Changzhou, it was almost noon.

No one lived in the house, and only one servant was left to guard it.

"You must be Mr. Qin, right? I'm so glad you're here," the clerk explained. "I received a letter from Mr. Gu half a month ago, asking me to wait for you here. But, how come I'm a day late?"

Qin Zhao replied, "It rained last night in the mountains and the roads were slippery, so I rested outside the city for the night."

The clerk nodded without giving it much thought, "Yes, it rains a lot in Beijing this season, so remember to bring an umbrella with you when you go out."

As he said this, he led Qin Zhao and his group into the house.

This mansion is about the same size as where Qin Zhao lived in Jiangling. It is considered the most ordinary type of residence in the capital, and its geographical location is not good.

This was naturally Qin Zhao’s main request.

As a scholar preparing for an imperial examination, if he lived in a place too nice, he would be suspected. In fact, sending him to the capital in the name of the Gu family master and lending him a place to live was already a bit ostentatious.

"...Go east and there is a market two streets away. Mr. Qin can go there if he wants to buy daily necessities. Go north and you will reach the inner city. However, there is a curfew in the city. Mr. Qin, don't go too far and be sure to go home before dark." The waiter introduced the situation in the capital to him.

Qin Zhao had grown up in the capital and was incredibly familiar with the place. However, when he mentioned the curfew, he asked, "Has the city security tightened recently?"

The capital is the capital of our dynasty, and the night market is extremely prosperous. There is no reason to go home after dark.

"You don't know yet, but the emperor is ill. The city has been heavily guarded for the past two months, causing panic among the people. Didn't you see that there were more guards at the city gates when you entered?"