Shu Hua nodded casually, then caught a glimpse of a luxurious carriage slowly approaching. She craned her neck in surprise: "Yizhi! The Crown Prince of Qing Kingdom has entered the city!"
Qin Xi was taken aback. Following her gaze, she saw a very understated yet luxurious carriage turning its wheels, followed by several other carriages, all exuding an air of nobility.
The patrolling soldiers shoved and pushed the onlookers to clear a path for the envoy from the Kingdom of Qing. Their actions were very rough and rude, even knocking several women, children, and the elderly to the ground, which made Shu Hua frown deeply.
"Isn't this treating ordinary people like dirt?" Shu Hua pouted, somewhat dissatisfied.
Qin Xi sighed: "Most officers and soldiers are arrogant and proud, and it's inevitable that they will think they are superior to others."
Shu Hua fell silent.
She was right. The soldiers were only doing what the officials ordered, and the common people could only swallow their anger and resentment.
Despite Shu Ji's seemingly thriving business, he dared not disobey the officials and soldiers in the slightest. Historically, agriculture has been prioritized over commerce, and merchants have held a very low social status. According to the traditional social hierarchy of "scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants," ordinary farmers seemed to have more influence than the merchants.
However, Shu Ji has always been wealthy and powerful, paying taxes promptly and even giving tax officials a lot of tips in private, which is why they received some preferential treatment.
Shu Hua let out a soft sigh and said nothing more.
A gentle breeze caressed her face, and Qin Qi comfortably squinted her eyes. The carriage at the front of the procession had its side curtain slightly lifted by the breeze, revealing the beautiful face of the person inside.
Whose young master is so handsome, his elegant black robes unparalleled in the world?
Shu Hua's face turned pale instantly.
...
...
Qin Xi frowned, knowing she was about to enter the palace. Zi Hui's reaction earlier made her think, but Shu Hua refused to say a word, which worried her greatly.
In truth, Qin Xi was quite reluctant to attend this welcoming banquet. For two countries that had been at war for many years to reconcile was nothing more than each wearing a mask, smiling while secretly promising each other benefits.
If she could, she really wouldn't want to witness the infighting and power struggles within the court. However, putting aside her status, she had to go and see for Zihui's sake.
Shu Hua's family were merchants, and merchants were considered extremely lowly in people's eyes. Just like on the day of the New Year's banquet, Shu Hua was still not allowed to enter the palace. Judging from her distraught appearance, she would definitely not say anything. If you want to know what happened, you have to find out for yourself.
Taking a deep breath, Qin Xi opened the door.
Lu Huai was waiting in the courtyard. When he saw her come out, his brow relaxed, and he naturally reached out his hand to her. But then, as if remembering something, he withdrew his hand and finally said simply, "Let's go."
Noticing his sudden coldness, Qin Xi rolled her eyes uncomfortably, knowing why, but simply pursed her lips and hummed in response.
Lu Huai walked ahead, with Qin Xi following behind him. He was tall and had long legs; she hadn't noticed how fast he walked when they used to walk side by side. Watching the distance between them widen, Qin Xi stood still, blinking in confusion.
"Why does it feel so astringent..." she muttered softly, rubbing her eyes.
...
Lu Huai slowed his pace, feeling extremely frustrated. He had only put on this act because he was angry that she wouldn't tell him the truth. He had hoped she would be a little coquettish and he would give in, but instead, she slowed down more and more, and finally stopped altogether, which infuriated him.
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