Xiao Nanhui hurried out, and Du Juan hurriedly followed him, nagging while reaching out to tidy up his messy hair: "If you go out like this, don't even mention being a member of this mansion. At least wipe your face..."
The two people's voices gradually faded away, but Xiao Zhun remained standing there.
Chen Si tucked his hands into his sleeves and spoke softly after a long while, "My Lord, getting promoted and getting rich isn't necessarily a bad thing."
Xiao Zhun didn't say anything.
He did ask the emperor to recall Xiao Nanhui to Guangyao Camp, but he never asked for credit or a position for her.
It's lonely at the top, he understood this truth very early on.
The emperor's thoughts were always as deep as a dark pool. I hoped that, as Chen Si said, all this was just his unfounded speculation.
******************
When Xiao Nanhui rushed to the teahouse, a smart servant was already waiting for him at the door, leading him to the private room upstairs. It was obvious that he had expected her to come.
Yao Yi's ability to manipulate people's hearts is really amazing. I'm afraid there is a fox living in his heart.
Inexplicably, a face with an indifferent expression flashed before her eyes. She wondered who would have the upper hand if these two men faced off.
"Sir, we've arrived."
Xiao Nan came to her senses and thought that it must be because the trip to Huozhou was not smooth that she kept thinking about these things.
"Thank you."
Pulling open the small, lightly latticed door and lifting the three layers of the enclosure, the elegant room finally appeared. The furnishings were simple, the lighting was soft, and the quietness felt like being deep in a bamboo forest rather than in a bustling city. This was a favorite place for those who wanted to discuss matters.
Yao Yi was drinking with a middle-aged man with gray hair and beard, dressed like a scholar. When he saw Xiao Nanhui appear, he gave him his signature welcoming smile.
"Master Xiao has arrived."
Xiao Nanhui was stunned for a moment before realizing that the other party was calling him.
She had just received the imperial edict this morning, and now she was already Lord Xiao. This guy Yao Yi, wasn't he spreading the news too quickly?
"This is Mr. Wu Xing. You know that many of the calligraphy and paintings in the building were acquired through his connections."
I know nothing about your shady business.
"Hello, sir." Xiao Nanhui bowed with a smile, sat next to Yao Yi, and secretly twisted Yao Yi's arm with his fingers.
Yao Yi pulled out his arm and pretended to make tea, his hands busy and his mouth not idle either.
"The gentleman was just telling me that the last batch of calligraphy and paintings was almost robbed by bandits before it even arrived."
"That's right." Wu Xing nodded hurriedly, looking like he was still frightened.
Bandits? Xiao Nanhui glanced at Yao Yi in confusion. How could there be bandits near the capital? Others might be confused, but Yao Yi, as shrewd as he was, would definitely know.
Yao Yi, however, seemed to be completely oblivious to the situation. He calmly filled three cups of hot tea. "Well, fortunately, the general is not an outsider. This position in the battalion only means wandering around the capital, right? I think it shouldn't be difficult to take care of Mr. Wu's carriages and horses when he sees you in the future. Isn't that right, Lord Xiao?"
Xiao Nanhui took a sip of hot tea and choked on it, almost scalding himself to death.
So he was waiting here.
Wu Xing seemed to be a bookworm who collected calligraphy and paintings without paying attention to details. His subordinates might have done something to deceive him. Yao Yi didn't want to point it out, so she just did a favor for the newly appointed general, and everyone was happy.
Wu Xing, on the other side, was unaware of all these twists and turns, and his face showed a certain eager anticipation: "Master Xiao is silent, but is there any difficulty?"
Xiao Nanhui swallowed the tea and shook his head: "It's not a big deal, sir, don't worry."
Wu Xing's eyebrows lit up with joy, and he hurriedly thanked him, "Thank you very much, Master Xiao. You don't know how regrettable it is that I lost those books last time. Many of them are unique copies, and I spent several years collecting them from all over the place..."
When scholars talk about books, they talk endlessly like a river bursting its dam. However, nine out of ten sentences are nonsense. Xiao Nanhui can hardly get a word in. He just listens to most of what they say while drinking tea.
Wu Xing is the manager of the library in the residence of Cui Junhe, the current head of the imperial clan. Cui Junhe likes ancient books, but he is too busy with official affairs to take care of them himself. There are many collections in the library, so the work of inventory and repair is handed over to Wu Xing. He likes calligraphy and painting, and is especially obsessed with famous works of art. Unfortunately, as a library manager, he is short of money and has no gold or silver to satisfy his hobby.
Yao Yi saw this and made Wu Xing his "supplier." Wangchen Tower often hosted pretentious tea parties, and they had to bring out some substantial items to liven up the scene. The antique and calligraphy shops on West Street were looked down upon by customers, and the prices were often steep. Wu Xing's source offered far better value.
Previously, Wu Xing was very self-righteous and refused to have anything to do with the brothel owner. Yao Yi used some tricks to let him have a taste of the sweetness and gave him enough face, which led to their current relationship. This "borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha" was also to consolidate this beneficial relationship.
After several rounds of tea, Wu Xing finally felt tired of talking, and Yao Yi took over the conversation with a smile.
"Look, I've talked so much that I almost forgot the main thing."
It’s coming. Things that you don’t want to face are coming.
Yao Yi took out the bamboo tube and placed it on the table. Xiao Nanhui looked at the bamboo tube and swallowed.
If she sticks her head out, she will be hurt. She thinks it is best for her to explain this matter herself.
She smiled awkwardly: "Um...did Yao Yi tell Mr. about the problem before?"
Wu Xing shook his head blankly, then realized something and his expression changed: "What's going on?"
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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