"Heiwu County is very small. I've been observing for a few days. That county magistrate might be one of their people. Unfortunately, I haven't found anyone with the surname Luo. I'll continue to stake out the area."
"Okay, thank you for your hard work."
The news from Qidanhe confirmed that the other party was transporting ore through the escort agency of An Ziji's wife's half-brother.
Unfortunately, the other party also didn't know any more information about the man in gray.
Xiao Zhixing was certain that the gray-robed man at the Heavenly Rank did not have a separate system, so the key was still the one surnamed Luo.
“Your Highness—” Xiao Zhixing snapped out of his daze upon hearing Zhao Xianyin’s voice.
Looking up, everyone glanced at the book in her hand, then at Nian Chenghan, whose head was down and whose ear tips were indeed red.
Xiao Zhixing looked puzzled. What's wrong?
Li Wenxiu covered her mouth and chuckled, "It's nothing, it's nothing. Sister Xianyin was asking if we should go to Fuyuanlou for a get-together at noon?"
Xiao Zhixing closed the book in his hand. "Okay."
We're all classmates now, so it's nice to have a meal together and catch up.
She went to put the books away, and then she understood why they were acting so strangely. It turned out that the book she was holding was the very one that Nian Chenghan had just read.
Well, if you don't take it seriously, then it's not a problem.
He calmly turned back to continue flipping through his own papers, and the room gradually quieted down, with only the sound of turning pages remaining.
It was noon. The group of girls were in front and boys were behind. No one took a carriage; instead, they rode horses. Nian Chenghan and Zhao Lin were accompanied by attendants.
A large number of servants followed behind, forming a conspicuous, swarming group.
By the time they arrived at Fuyuanlou Restaurant in the West District, probably half of Shengjing City would know that they had come for a get-together on the first day of school.
"Oh, Your Highness, distinguished guests, please come in quickly!" The manager personally came out to greet them with a bow and immediately offered a suggestion, "The No. 1 private room can accommodate thirty people, and the location is excellent. You can enjoy the view and the breeze."
Xiao Zhixing led the way, nodded, and said, "Manager, please make the arrangements. We'll just have a simple meal."
The shopkeeper smiled broadly, "Yes, yes, then I'll arrange it accordingly."
He dared not act rashly; he could not afford to offend any of these people, especially the First Prince, whose presence alone would shake half of Shengjing City.
The group went up to the third-floor private room, which was indeed large. It had a long table, and the decorations were very elegant. There was also a side room next to it where people could sit down and have tea. It had the feel of a modern high-end restaurant.
Huo Baijun chuckled, "Shopkeeper, with such a good place, you've been keeping it hidden all this time?"
The innkeeper smiled obsequiously, "Not at all, not at all. This room was only cleaned up a couple of days ago. It just so happens that you esteemed guests are the first to arrive. It is an honor for my humble abode to share in your esteemed presence and wish you good fortune as you open your doors."
Xiao Zhixing found a seat and gestured for everyone to sit down as well. "Alright, hurry up and serve the food. We have to go to school this afternoon."
She rarely attends banquets or social events, always feeling it's a waste of time. She even refuses invitations sent to her. This is the first time she's come out to organize an event.
Huo Baijun instructed the innkeeper to serve wine and dishes.
The wine arrived, and Xiao Zhixing glanced around at the still serious-looking crowd and couldn't help but smile, "What a rare coincidence, come, let's have a drink together."
I poured the wine, raised my glass, and waited for their reaction.
Several of her close friends, along with the girls, responded immediately, and a few others followed suit. Everyone focused their attention on Li Jun, Zhang Zhong, and Zhao Lin.
Li Jun lowered her eyes, paused, then held the cup and smiled faintly as she raised it, "It really is fate."
Zhang Zhong hesitated for a moment, then silently raised his glass.
Zhao Lin seemed to flinch slightly, then met Xiao Zhixing's calm, unfathomable eyes. He raised his glass with both hands and said, "Cheers."
Xiao Zhixing smiled nonchalantly, "Very good, come on, drink it all."
With everyone having their own thoughts, they drank the wine. Huo Baijun livened up the atmosphere by inviting everyone to enjoy the food, and the air seemed to instantly become more pleasant.
After several rounds of drinks, everyone gathered in small groups to drink tea, appreciate paintings, and admire calligraphy in the side room.
Xiao Zhixing sat by the window, enjoying the view. The high elevation offered a panoramic view of the shimmering waters of the Luo River.
As the various events since her transmigration flashed through her mind, her tense nerves remained unrelaxed; the goal was still far away, and she needed to take steps forward.
No one else disturbed her, but some conversations from the second floor could be faintly heard coming up.
"Sigh, Qixi Festival is almost here, and the official matchmakers are getting active. Brother, have you found a good match yet?"
"I am focused on preparing for the imperial examinations this spring, and will consider marriage after I pass with flying colors."
"Hey, brother, you're really insightful. Only by passing the imperial examination can you find a daughter from a high-ranking family. With your talent, wouldn't it be wonderful if some family tried to recruit you after you passed the exam?"
"Haha, no, no, there are countless talented men in the Great Sheng Dynasty, I am nothing."
“Hey, speaking of which, I’ve heard rumors that the Prince’s Mansion is looking for a son-in-law for…that person?” another person suddenly interjected.
"Hmm? Brother, where did you get this rumor? You can't just spread that person's words carelessly."
"I heard it from someone, I don't know who, that she has come of age and is ready to get married, but because of her prominent family background, she cannot marry outside the family and cannot find a husband?"
The other students who were eavesdropping nearby realized who he was talking about and couldn't help but prick up their ears to listen to what he was saying next.
The man said smugly, "Am I right? If she were to marry down, who would dare to marry her? Only by finding a son-in-law can we find a way. She can't stay an old spinster forever, can she?"
"But with her status, she can't be recruited by ordinary people. Isn't she the one who has to be chosen from among the sons of the powerful and wealthy?"
"I think she won't choose a son of a powerful family. The more ordinary the person, the easier they are to control. Someone with a simple family background and some talent would be the best choice."
"That's true. She has the elite troops of Dasheng under her command. Choosing a son of a powerful family might pose a risk. Choosing a talented scholar is the safest option."
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