What Jiang Shuyue didn't know was that while she considered Nangong Zeyue a friend, Nangong Zeyue had developed feelings for her in a different way.
Nangong Zeyue returned to the house, and it took her a while to gradually clear her mind.
Why would I run around like this?
What a coward! He wanted to slap himself hard; such a great opportunity to express his feelings had been lost.
He's usually quite talkative, so why does he always mess things up at crucial moments?
Nangong Zeyue slapped her forehead in frustration.
In the next room, Jiang Shuyue heard a "snap" sound coming from Nangong Zeyue's room.
After Qiuju settled Suisui in, she came out.
With a thought, a sachet appeared in Jiang Shuyue's palm, which was tucked into her wide sleeve.
"Qiuju, send one of these mosquito-repellent sachets to Young Master Nangong. There are more mosquitoes here than in Laiyang City."
Qiuju took the sachet with both hands. "This servant will go right away. Young Master Nangong has such delicate skin; he can't be bitten by mosquitoes."
Nangong Zeyue arrived just in time, and Qiuju was grateful to him.
Jiang Shuyue's conversation with Qiu Ju reached Nangong Zeyue's ears without missing a single word.
The next morning, Qiuju made a point of looking at Nangong Zeyue's face.
Very good, still as charming as ever, her elegant appearance shows no signs of being bothered by mosquitoes.
...
Perhaps the heavens were angry, for Jiang Shuyue and her party did not see any rain along the way until they arrived in the capital.
Inside the capital, life continued with singing and dancing, while outside the city, the people complained bitterly; it was as if they lived in another world.
Looking at the familiar streets bustling with traffic, pedestrians dressed in fine clothes, shops lining the streets, and luxurious carriages dotting the alleys.
The melodious sound of a zither drifted from the brothel, and the lingering singing was mixed with bursts of unrestrained laughter.
Everything felt so familiar, yet strangely unfamiliar.
Every year I am drawn to the bustling scene of the capital.
The shops lining both sides of the street were filled with a dazzling array of goods, and Sui Sui's phoenix eyes shone brightly.
"Mother, I like it here. Could you write a letter to Father and ask him to come to the capital too?"
Jiang Shuyue sighed, thinking, "Like father, like son. They both love places filled with the aura of power."
Nangong Zeyue walked parallel to the carriage and pointed to a tall restaurant, saying, "I'll take you to Juxian Pavilion for dinner another day. Their signature dishes are absolutely amazing."
Sui Sui flashed a bright smile, almost sticking most of his body out of the window.
The carriage happened to pass by Yicui Tower at that moment, and saw two strings of large red lanterns hanging straight down from the third floor, which was quite a spectacular sight.
It was dusk, and a waiter was about to light the lanterns.
The festive lanterns captivated Sui Sui's eyes. He said in his childish voice, "Uncle Nangong, look how pretty those lanterns are! Can you take me here to play another day?"
"puff!"
Qiu Ju couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Cough cough..."
Nangong Zeyue glanced at Yicui Tower, a hint of unease flashing across her face. She turned to Sui Sui and said, "That lantern isn't very pretty. Uncle will buy you many more beautiful lanterns another day."
Jiang Shuyue: "..."
When Qiuju saw Jiang Shuyue's gaze fall on Sui Sui's bottom, she quickly hugged Sui Sui.
“Young Master Sui, you mustn’t go there. Look at that woman at the door, her lips are so red they look like she’s drunk blood, it’s terrifying.”
"With Uncle Nangong by my side, I'm not afraid of anyone."
Nangong Zeyue: "..."
I don't know if it's too late to start practicing diligently from tomorrow.
Jiang Shuyue asked Nangong Zeyue to lead the way directly to the Huajianzhu Inn.
Huajianzhu Inn may not be the largest in the capital, nor is it in the best location, but it has a quiet environment and is suitable for staying for several days.
Having just returned to the capital, buying a house wouldn't be something that could be done in a day or two; it might take ten days to half a month to stay at an inn.
The street in front of the Jiang residence is the only way to get to the Flower Pavilion Inn.
As the carriage passed by, Qiuju said softly, "Miss, we've arrived at the Jiang residence."
Jiang Shuyue didn't even lift her eyelids, and said indifferently, "That place has nothing to do with me, so I don't need to look at it."
Qiuju quickly lowered her head, "It was my rudeness. From now on, let's take a detour and avoid seeing each other."
"There's no need for that. From the moment I left the Jiang family, I erased them from my heart. I've let it go, so you don't need to worry about it either," Jiang Shuyue said gently, showing no sign of blaming Qiuju.
Her hatred was deeply hidden in her heart.
Jiang Jiaojiao and Yang Shi, I will repay you for the suffering you have inflicted on this body, bit by bit.
When we arrived at Huajianzhu, the city lights were already on.
Following Jiang Shuyue's instructions, Qiuju requested a separate courtyard.
Nangong Zeyue stepped into the courtyard and her eyes lit up. "I never imagined there would be such a unique inn in the capital."
The courtyard is small, and the east and west wing rooms are just right for men and women to live separately.
This place is different from ordinary inns. Once the front gate is closed, it becomes an independent courtyard, quiet and elegant, undisturbed by the people coming and going in other inns.
Gao Mu and Cang Yun ordered dinner, and the inn's waiter brought it to the courtyard.
After dinner, Nangong Zeyue washed up, changed into a clean set of clothes, and went to find Jiang Shuyue.
"You must be tired from the journey. You and Sui Sui should rest early. I'll go see where my uncle is staying."
Lin Miaoshou never sent a message back, and Nangong Zeyue didn't know if he was with the disciples in Black Pool Valley.
In order to find Lin Miaoshou, the master of Black Pool Valley ordered his disciple to open a pharmacy in the capital. Nangong Zeyue went to the pharmacy and asked.
"Go early and come back early. When you see Uncle Lin, invite him to the courtyard for tea tomorrow."
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