Xie Yuancheng's face remained expressionless, but he quickly pushed through the crowd.
Someone in the crowd recognized him and called out, "Lord Marquis!" I saw that the time was right, so I secretly slipped to the side and ran to the street corner under the cover of the crowd. Just as I turned the corner, I saw a pawnshop with the same name hanging not far away.
As soon as I entered, I grabbed the shop assistant behind the counter and said, "Young man, where is Hermit Yin? I have something urgent to discuss with him." The young man was clearly startled and didn't say anything for a moment.
"Sir, please release him." A burly man dressed as a shopkeeper stepped out, lifting the beaded curtain. I looked at him; he seemed familiar. I rarely saw outsiders here; I must have seen him in modern times.
The young waiter hurried into the back room, and the manager asked me to sit down: "Where are you from, sir?"
Although he was not particularly handsome, he spoke with remarkable eloquence. I tentatively asked him, "Brother, we've met somewhere before." I emphasized the three words in particular, hoping he would recognize them.
The shopkeeper stroked his beard: "Young master, this is our first meeting. What business do you have with Hermit Yin?"
When speaking in Da Zhao, one needs to conceal the fact that one has a connection with him and has sent him a valuable gift.
The shopkeeper smiled faintly: "Young master hasn't been able to see him for a while, so you can leave him to me."
Seeing that I remained unmoved, the shopkeeper looked into my eyes and said, "Young master, someone is looking for you." It must be Xie Yuancheng, so I quickly handed him the letter. Although it was the first time we had met, I was certain that he had close ties with me, or Ji Ying.
The shopkeeper quickly put the money in his sleeve: "Young master, someone is looking for you, so I won't keep you any longer. I hope we'll meet again someday."
He stood up, lifted the beaded curtain and went inside, glancing back at me again. I was about to follow him.
Xie Yuancheng entered angrily and grabbed my hand: "Yingdi, why are you walking so fast?" Let go of my hand, I need to find that uncle. The young waiter heard the noise, came out from behind the curtain, bowed to Xie Yuancheng, and stood aside.
Xie Yuancheng was clearly still angry, and he dragged me out of the pawnshop. It wasn't until we were walking on the street that I realized what was happening: "Brother Yuancheng, let go of me." He still walked forward without saying a word. "I have an old injury in my hand, Brother Yuancheng, please let go."
Xie Yuancheng then let go and turned around: "Let me see." Fortunately, Ji Ying's skin was delicate, and there was only a red mark on her wrist.
I withdrew my hand: "It's nothing, I just bumped into you. I saw you were dealing with that mother and child, and since I didn't know how, I came to the pawnshop. I was wrong this time, and I apologize to you here." I bowed to him, and after I stood still, although he was still expressionless, he didn't seem as angry as before.
Xie Yuancheng withdrew his hand: "You saw the hermit you mentioned?"
I shook my head: "He's not here, I'll come back another time."
Xie Yuancheng: "It's noon now, so we won't go back to the mansion today. I'll take you to the famous Zuifenglou restaurant in Linyang City to try some of the local specialties."
I wanted to refuse, but seeing the look in his eyes, I decided to give in.
Sitting in the private room, which was decorated in a fresh and elegant style, I would rather go hungry than eat at the same table as Xie Yuancheng.
Xie Yuancheng poured me a glass of sake. I didn't know what it was made of, but it smelled sweet. "This sake smells so good."
Xie Yuancheng: "This is Zui Lu wine, you should try it." I took a sip, and it tasted much better than the harsh liquor. It was fragrant and mellow, with a sweet aftertaste, and it wasn't spicy at all.
Xie Yuancheng poured another cup: "After our meal, we will discuss the flood control measures in the northern part of the city here."
I paused, holding the wine glass, and placed it on the table. "Brother Yuancheng, I only know that flood control requires a combination of dredging and blocking, but I know nothing else. Therefore, I suggest you find someone capable to discuss this with you, so as not to waste time."
Xie Yuancheng chuckled, "I know, that's why I'm teaching you myself." You'd better not teach me, just do it yourself. However, I maintained my composure and clinked glasses with him.
Although the food at Zuifenglou was exceptionally delicious, I started to feel sleepy as Xie Yuancheng began to explain his methods for controlling floods. In my drowsy state, I heard Xie Yuancheng's gentle voice, blinked, and thought I must be hallucinating.
When I regained consciousness, I found Xie Yuancheng very close, as if he was about to pick me up. I was startled and asked, "Brother Yuancheng, what do you mean by this?"
Xie Yuancheng stared blankly for once: "I saw you were asleep, so I booked an empty room. When I couldn't wake you, I was about to carry you to the bed." Who asked you to carry me? Men and women shouldn't touch each other.
I quickly stood up: "I...I'm already awake, no need to trouble yourself." Xie Yuancheng wasn't angry at all, and said some gentle words in a good-natured manner, which made me think he was definitely not fully awake.
After leaving Zuifeng Tower, it was afternoon. Many peddlers walked by on the street, selling a dazzling array of interesting things.
Ji Ying is only eighteen years old, which is the age when she loves to have fun. I haven't relaxed for a long time either. Although my professional skills were not up to par before, I worked and lived under high pressure every day. Whenever I saw something interesting, I always wanted to go and see it.
I strolled around, with Xie Yuancheng right beside me. Seeing that he didn't seem impatient, I became even more unrestrained, like a bird released from its cage, playing freely.
After walking through that crowded street, there were only a few more streets to go before reaching the Marquis's mansion. There was a grove of tall trees not far away. I walked beside Xie Yuancheng; he had spent the whole day with me. Although sometimes I felt he was unpredictable and insincere, he was still a good person. I put aside all the unpleasantness of the past and let it go.
As I approached the tall tree, I saw something moving on the branches. I took a few steps closer and discovered it was a snake! I'm terrified of snakes.
I screamed and instinctively backed away to find a safe place. In the process, I accidentally grabbed Xie Yuancheng. He was probably startled too. He threw something into the tree, and then I heard a rustling sound coming from it.
I leaned on his arm, trembling, and he gently patted my back: "It's alright, it's gone." I tried my best to calm myself down; every time I encountered a snake, my legs would shake so badly I couldn't walk.
When I came to my senses, I found myself in Xie Yuancheng's arms. I quickly stepped back and stood to the side, head down, avoiding his gaze. I hoped no one had seen us, because in the strict social norms of ancient times, it would surely be seen as two grown men embracing, and bad news would spread.
Xie Yuancheng, oblivious to the situation, actually leaned over and asked, "Are you afraid of snakes?" I could only nod. After turning one more street, I would reach the Marquis's mansion. I said I was leaving first and then ran as fast as I could remember the route. I only breathed a sigh of relief when I sat down in the chair in the west wing.
When Wan'er saw that I looked unwell, she quickly brought in a basin of water, soaked a handkerchief in it, wrung it out, and used it to wipe the sweat off my face.
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