The shopkeeper immediately summoned the waiter to serve the guests. The waiter carefully placed a tray filled with delicious dishes and wine on the table. The shopkeeper stood nearby, a smile on his face, and said to Luo Lingfeng, "Tonight, Luoxia Town is releasing river lanterns. It's a traditional custom here! If you're not in a hurry, you can go and experience the lively atmosphere!"
As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, describing the spectacular sight of releasing river lanterns. Luo Lingfeng's heart was moved. He loved to join in the fun, so hearing about such an event naturally made him want to miss it. So, he turned to the others and asked, "What do you think? Do you want to go and see it together?" Everyone nodded, expressing their willingness to go together.
Luo Lingliu carefully pushed the plate of river shrimp in front of Xiao Jinghan, her eyes gleaming with anticipation and excitement. "Jinghan! You must try it right away! These are Luoxia Town's famously slippery river shrimp! The unique sauce makes the shrimp meat incredibly tender and the flavor incredibly delicious. It's definitely going to be an unforgettable delicacy!"
Xiao Jinghan smiled slightly. He gracefully picked up the serving chopsticks beside him, gently picked up a river shrimp, and slowly placed it in Luo Lingyue's bowl. Then, he slowly picked up another river shrimp and placed it in his own bowl.
Luo Lingfeng witnessed this scene and became increasingly satisfied with Xiao Jinghan. Although this Xiao Shizi didn't hold much power, his outstanding appearance and meticulous care and consideration for Xiao Qi were enough to make Luo Lingfeng praise him endlessly! After all, Luo Lingfeng himself was a complete beauty fanatic!
The food and drinks in the tavern were all local seasonal dishes, full of color, fragrance, and unique flavor. In this warm and beautiful atmosphere, Xiao Jinghan personally filled Luo Lingfeng's glass and raised his glass to him.
Xiao Jinghan took a sip of the wine in the glass, then clinked glasses with Luo Lingfeng and said with a smile: "Sixth brother! I haven't fully recovered yet, but I still want to toast you today." After that, he drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing this, Luo Lingfeng laughed heartily and drank the wine in his glass as well. Then he patted Xiao Jinghan on the shoulder and said jokingly, "That's okay! Sixth Brother also knows that the poison in your body has just been eliminated. It's better to drink less! Eat more vegetables! Get well soon and wait for the wedding night! Haha!"
However, this statement drew the disapproval of Luo Lingyue. She glared at Luo Lingfeng fiercely, her eyes full of warning. Luo Lingfeng realized he had made a mistake and quickly gave an awkward smile, saying, "Everyone, enjoy your meal! Don't be restrained!" He then picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth, trying to divert everyone's attention.
The sun was shining brightly, and the breeze was not too dry. After lunch, Xiao Jinghan and Luo Lingyue strolled through the streets of Luoxia Town. Luo Lingfeng had already gone to look for a suitable inn to stay.
The two walked side by side, their feet making crisp sounds on the bluestone paved road. Not far behind them, a group of guards and secret guards followed them silently, keeping a certain distance.
As they walked, Luo Lingyue suddenly broke the silence and asked softly, "Prince Xiao! Have you noticed anything strange here?"
Xiao Jinghan nodded slightly and responded in a low voice: "You have noticed something too?" His eyes scanned the surroundings vigilantly, as if looking for some clues.
Luo Lingyue only softly responded before falling silent again. Her beautiful face revealed a calm and indifferent expression, but her eyes gleamed with wisdom.
Seeing this, Xiao Jinghan hurriedly comforted him, "You don't have to worry! The guards who came with me this time are all top-notch masters. Together with the secret guards sent by His Majesty, their abilities are definitely not comparable to ordinary swordsmen!" His words revealed his confidence in his own strength and his trust in the people around him.
Luo Lingyue bit her lip lightly and sighed, "It's hard to believe. This place is only a stone's throw away from the capital, yet someone dares to claim to be king here!"
Xiao Jinghan raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a contemptuous smile: "There are only three possibilities. Either they are government officials, or they are bandits, or they are colluding with the government and bandits, working together in cahoots!"
Luo Lingyue's beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement: "Prince Xiao, why don't we go together and wipe them out in one fell swoop!"
Xiao Jinghan chuckled softly. Looking at the woman before him, full of energy and a strong sense of justice, a familiar feeling welled up in his heart. Her personality was surprisingly similar to someone he remembered. As his thoughts drifted, a hint of sadness crossed his eyes. That's all! There's no point dwelling on those people and things that will never be possible!
The night sky over Luoxia Town is exceptionally beautiful, like a giant sapphire embedded in the earth, gleaming with dazzling light. The stars dapple the sky like countless pairs of eyes watching over this tranquil town. Under this beautiful night, many elderly people release wishing lanterns by the river.
Luo Lingyue felt something strange, but she couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. She frowned, thinking hard, trying to grasp the faintest hint of doubt.
Linglong and Liuli were captivated by the colorful river lanterns. They excitedly called out to Luo Lingyue, "Miss! These river lanterns are so unique! We want to fly river lanterns too!"
Luo Lingyue smiled and nodded, agreeing to their request: "Go ahead, but don't run too far!"
Xiao Jinghan, who was standing aside, frowned. He stared at the crowds of people releasing river lanterns along the riverbanks and said thoughtfully, "Miss Luo, don't you think this Luoxia Town is a little strange?"
Luo Lingyue raised her head, looked at him, and asked in confusion, "What's strange?"
Xiao Jinghan pointed at the people releasing river lanterns and said slowly, "The river lanterns are so lively, why aren't there any young girls in their twenties?"
Luo Lingyue suddenly understood what she had been feeling. She finally understood what was wrong. Indeed, ever since they entered Luoxia Town, they had only seen old people, children, young adults, and elderly women, but no young girls. This phenomenon was indeed somewhat unusual, and it made her suspicious.
At this moment, a gentle breeze blew by, sending Luo Lingyue's hair flying. Her eyes grew deeper, as if she wanted to penetrate this tranquil surface and uncover the truth hidden behind it...
Luo Lingyue lowered her voice, as if she was afraid of being heard by others: "Do you think that guy who has been following us today is related to this matter?" There was a hint of worry in her eyes.
Xiao Jinghan also lowered his voice and responded: "No matter what his intentions are, we must remain vigilant!" His brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was serious.
At this moment, Luo Lingyue seemed to suddenly remember something, and her face became a little nervous: "Where did those two little girls go?" She looked around, trying to find their figures, but found nothing.
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