Some people could hardly believe what they were seeing and hearing.
Since arriving at the inn, Gongyang Tingbai has always presented himself as charming and alluring to everyone, yet he keeps people at arm's length whenever they approach.
Yet, when facing the great poet, he was surprisingly proactive.
Those words made many men blush, and some couldn't bear to listen anymore.
What surprised everyone even more was that Lord Tang rejected the other party without any mercy.
"As expected of Lord Tang, how can a woman stop Lord Tang's progress?"
"She's just a woman from the Northern Region. Does she really think that having a little bit of beauty is enough to make her an asset? To the Poet Immortal, she's not even qualified to be a concubine."
“That’s right. Anyone worthy of Lord Tang must be a prince or nobleman from our Great Qing. If it were the Northern Region, they would have to send a princess.”
"The merchants from the Northern Regions are far too arrogant. Lord Tang should teach them a lesson."
Amidst the murmurs, Gongyang Tingbai clearly heard these words, but she didn't seem angry at all; a smile still lingered on her face.
"Lord Tang is truly heartless. Seeing me being talked about like this, he won't even say a word for me. Doesn't he know how to cherish a beautiful woman?"
Gongyang Tingbai displayed a pitiful side, but this expression didn't seem quite right for her.
After all, her wheat-colored skin and physique already proved that she was not a weak person, and doing so would only seem abrupt.
“Miss Gongyang is joking. I am just a minor county magistrate and am not qualified to discipline the people of the capital. If it were in Qihuai County, and people dared to make such criticisms, I would certainly deal with them properly.”
"Then I'll look forward to the day when I can go to Qihuai County with you, sir."
"No problem, no problem. As long as Miss Gongyang is willing, she can stay in Qihuai County for as long as she wants. It would be best if she didn't go back."
Gongyang Tingbai smiled and said, "Lord Tang is so charming that I can't help but be captivated. But this is not my hometown, and I can't stay here forever."
"That would be a bit of a shame."
Even after the food and drinks were served, the conversation between the two continued.
They acted as if they had known each other for a long time, never pausing for a moment.
Once this topic ends, the next topic will naturally follow.
"I heard that Lord Tang is currently preparing for the Southern District project? Many people say that you have a compassionate heart, emptying your own pockets just to let the poor people live a better life. Such character would be treated as an honored guest even in the Northern Region, and you would be respected by everyone."
Although he was far away in the northern region, Tang Huan's deeds had already spread like wildfire in Daqing and had reached there long before.
The poetry gathering gained great fame.
He gained the Empress's favor.
Voluntary assistance to the poor, South District renovation plan.
These were things that Gongyang Tingbai already knew well; even though it was their first meeting, she already knew a lot about Tang Huan.
The only thing she didn't know was the assassination attempt that Li Daikui had mentioned not long ago. At that time, Gongyang Tingbai was still on his way south, and the news hadn't reached her yet.
"I'm just doing my bit. I just hope the project can be completed as soon as possible, or even partially completed, so that many people can have a place to live before winter and avoid the tragic fate of freezing to death."
Tang Huan sighed, "Winter in the Northern Region must be even colder, right?"
Geographically speaking, it's even further north than Northeast China, where winter temperatures can easily drop to minus 20 or 30 degrees Celsius.
This was before the era of heating and air conditioning; countless people probably froze to death every winter.
When this matter was mentioned, Gongyang Tingbai rarely put away his smile, saying, "The Northern Region is lacking someone as kind-hearted as Lord Tang."
"Does Miss Gongyang not want to do this?" Tang Huan asked in return.
"How could I not be willing? But I'm short of money. Where can I find so much wealth? The Northern Region is not as prosperous and wealthy as Daqing. Just surviving is extremely difficult."
"Then I sincerely wish Miss Gongyang success in reaching a cooperation agreement with someone during her trip to the capital and opening up a trade route, which would benefit both parties."
If we could put aside our hatred and stop the war.
Once trade between the North and the South opened up, the profits were enormous and immeasurable.
Things are valued for their scarcity; what is common and familiar to everyone locally may become a hot commodity in another place.
During the conversation, Tang Huan gradually drank quite a bit of alcohol.
When I came to my senses, I found that the people around me had gradually dispersed.
Xue'e reminded, "My lord, curfew is in half an hour. We should go back."
Upon hearing this, Tang Huan stood up. "Miss Gongyang, thank you for your hospitality today. I will take my leave now. Also, I must remind you that a curfew has been imposed in the capital. It is best not to leave the inn at night, otherwise there will be serious consequences."
Gongyang Tingbai also stood up and said with a smile, "What if I can't bear missing you at night and want to sneak into your residence to find you?"
"It's best not to. Otherwise, you'll be accused of assassinating someone in the palace, which would worsen the relationship between the Northern Region and Daqing. Assassinating a court official is a very serious crime."
Gongyang Tingbai appeared reluctant to part with Tang Huan, escorting her all the way to the door and watching her leave.
At that moment, Gongyang Tingbai's expression turned solemn.
But when she turned around, a charming smile reappeared on her face.
"Young man, what was the matter of the assassination that Lord Tang mentioned earlier?"
After the early curfew, Wanfuji would leave some of his staff in the inn to serve the guests staying there.
At this time, since people couldn't go outside and didn't want to go back to their rooms to rest early, they would drink and chat in the lobby. Most of the staff who chose to stay in the store were outgoing and lively.
“A few days ago, a group of assassins of unknown origin infiltrated Lord Tang’s residence. After a fierce battle, they were finally killed.”
"For this reason, His Majesty was furious at the morning court session and ordered the Imperial Guard and the Prefect of the Capital to thoroughly investigate the matter. If the matter was not resolved by the appointed time, the head of the Imperial Guard would lose his official position."
"Is this really true?" Gongyang Tingbai asked in surprise.
"That's right. Not to mention His Majesty's fury, many common people are also filled with resentment. Lord Tang is a rare poet in Daqing, and even in the world, he is an extremely rare genius. If something happens to him because of some people's resentment and revenge, it would be a huge loss."
Gongyang Tingbai had learned that Tang Huan held a high position and enjoyed great prestige among the people.
That's why she deliberately showed off her charm, hoping to make the other person have a certain good impression of her.
Unfortunately, she was wrong.
The allure didn't work, and he had underestimated Tang Huan.
"It's unbelievable that a mere county magistrate could transform into such an important figure in Daqing within a month. When will our Northern Region ever see someone like this appear out of nowhere?"
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