Chapter 422: Who is that woman?
In the temporary reception room of the inn, a man in white clothes sat sideways, with a pot of steaming water on the small tea table next to him.
Bai Chengren lifted his robe and walked in, taking a quick glance. He then turned to look at the person behind him with feigned displeasure, "How can you treat a distinguished guest like this?"
"Why don't you hurry up and get me my treasured white tea, or else..."
"I've been so presumptuous to visit you. Your Excellency the Governor, it's a great kindness that you don't mind my intrusion. How can I burden you with any more trouble and expense?"
Bai Ziqing stood up with a smile and bowed politely. He extended his hand in a gesture of invitation as Bai Chengren politely smiled. He said with a smile, "I'm used to living in the mountains. I've eaten too much coarse grains and can't taste much good. I won't waste the Governor's good tea."
"Please take a seat, sir."
Bai Chengren's prepared show of power failed to materialize, and instead Bai Ziqing took the initiative by hitting him right in the face.
Silence flowed for a moment, and the smile on Bai Ziqing's face did not change at all. On the contrary, Bai Chengren felt a little more uncertain in his heart.
Although they all have the surname Bai, even those from the same family can be divided into different levels of nobility, and even powerful officials can be divided into different levels.
Bai Chengren was born in a poor family. He relied on his ability to maneuver and take sides to achieve the respect he has today in Shu. However, his background is still weak outside Shu, and he is not considered a big shot in front of the real aristocratic families.
But Bai Ziqing is different.
The head of the Bai family in Kyoto is the old duke of the current dynasty. Three generations before him were founding heroes who followed Emperor Taizu in building the country.
If the Jiaxing Marquisate had not been guilty of treason, the only family in the court that could rival the Bai family in terms of seniority and nobility would be the Xu family.
Although Bai Ziqing is the second son of the Bai family, in terms of nobility, he is no less noble than Xu Yu, the eldest son of the Jiaxing Marquisate.
The Bai family's inheritance has continued for generations to this day, and the children of the family are all important officials of the country. The saying that they can make the ground in Kyoto shake three times with just a stomp of their feet is no exaggeration.
Bai Ziqing came from a prominent family. Although he had never entered the court and traveled around the countryside, he was already the youngest top scholar at a young age. He enjoyed a great reputation both in the court and in society. He was a most noble person who was highly praised by the emperor.
How could such a person come to Shu at this critical juncture?
I have never had any dealings with people from the Duke's Mansion. Why would they suddenly want to visit me?
Countless thoughts flashed through Bai Chengren's mind. He smiled at Bai Ziqing's gradually amused smile, sat down and said calmly, "I didn't know Mr. Bai was here. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"If Second Master Bai had sent someone to deliver the message earlier, I would have welcomed you with open arms and treated you courteously. You wouldn't have been left without even a sip of good tea."
Bai Ziqing smiled thoughtfully and shook his head, saying slowly, "It's mostly my fault, it has nothing to do with you, sir."
"I originally came to Shu to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and rivers. I had no intention of disturbing you, my lord. I was passing by Ancheng and saw the Shili Porridge Stall outside the city. I thought it would be a rare opportunity to see an old friend, so I came here without hesitation. I hope I didn't disrupt your plans."
"Ten-mile porridge stall?"
Bai Chengren narrowed his eyes in an ambiguous manner, and said with a half-smile, "I heard that the porridge stall outside the city was run by a family called Sanyou Grain Store. Does Mr. Bai know this person?"
Bai Ziqing thought of someone urging him, lowered his eyes and smiled, "It's just that we know each other."
"My old friend loves to do good and is also fond of the beauty of mountains and rivers. His whereabouts are always difficult to track. If we hadn't met by chance, I wouldn't have thought it would be such a coincidence."
Bai Chengren was speechless when he thought of Sang Zhixia who was imprisoned in the inn by him.
Bai Ziqing said to himself, "I heard that my old friend went through a lot of trouble when he first arrived in Shu, and it was only thanks to your protection that he was able to find some peace for a while."
"Although this may seem like overstepping one's authority, I would still like to express my gratitude for your thoughtfulness, sir, because of our past friendship."
"The Governor is thoughtful."
After Bai Chengren guessed who Bai Ziqing was talking about, his heart felt like it was plunged into a hot oil wok and was filled with torment.
How could it be that person?
Not only did she take Chen Nianhe's token, but even the Bai family in Kyoto wanted to support her?
Who is that woman?
Bai Chengren struggled for a moment before forcing out a smile. He spoke in a probing tone, "It's not really a shelter, it's just a small favor."
"But I'm ashamed to say that I only thought he was a distinguished guest of General Chen Nianhe, and I never thought he was also an old friend of Mr. Bai."
"Perhaps it's because I've been in Shu for so long that I'm oblivious to the world outside. I can't figure out what family this person comes from. Could Master Bai please explain this to me?"
Bai Ziqing's lips curled silently when he heard Chen Nianhe's words. In his heart, he mocked the man's impatience and loss of composure, but his smile remained unchanged. "This concerns a woman's reputation, so I can't say much."
"If you are interested in exploring this, why not ask in person?"
Bai Chengren smiled awkwardly and didn't say anything.
Bai Ziqing, however, looked relaxed and said readily, "I heard that an old friend is here. It's rare for us to see each other outside. I'd like to trouble you to inform me so that I can talk about this matter with my father when I return to Kyoto to avoid being scolded for being rude."
Seeing the hesitation that flashed across Bai Chengren's eyes, Bai Ziqing's smile deepened: "Sir, is this convenient?"
The other person came to me politely and took the initiative. His words were full of courtesy, but the meaning behind his words was very clear.
Now that you are here, you must meet him.
And not only Bai Ziqing wants to see him, but once he returns to Kyoto, the old Duke of Kyoto's Duke's Mansion will also ask about it.
The murderous intent that had arisen in Bai Chengren earlier was suffocated by the mountains that repeatedly hit his face. After careful consideration, he suppressed his frustration and said, "Of course."
"Since he is a distinguished guest and an old friend of Mr. Bai, it is certainly not my place to judge whether he sees me or not."
"Someone come!"
"grown ups?"
"Go over there and tell them that a visitor is coming. Please ask the person if he can see you at this time."
Those who received the order went there in a hurry.
Bai Ziqing heard the half-hidden temptation in Bai Chengren's words, smiled playfully, fiddled with the teacup on the table, and said nothing more.
Upstairs in the inn, Sang Zhixia heard the words of the visitor and noticed that the tone of the person who delivered the message had become extremely cautious, and amusement gradually appeared in his eyes.
"Who's coming?"
The visitor bowed his head respectfully and said incoherently, "My knowledge is limited and I cannot recognize the dignity of a person. You will understand when you meet him."
“Tsk.”
Sang Zhixia threw the snacks in her hand onto the table unhappily and sneered, "If you can't explain your origins, then why should I meet you?"
"We've met again and again. No matter who comes here, I'll be asked to meet them. And I'm the lowly person your Governor drags out to meet guests?"
"not see."
The person who was sent to invite him became anxious when he saw this. He didn't bother to question Sang Zhixia's arrogance. He said subconsciously with a sweat on his forehead: "Don't be upset. I was just clumsy and said something wrong."
"I heard from you, sir, that the man known as the Second Master of the Bai Family has come specially to visit you. You and Second Master Bai are waiting downstairs. If you don't go, wouldn't you be ruining the chance to meet your old friend?"
The second master of the Bai family, Bai Ziqing.
Sang Zhixia's mind flashed back to what Xu Yu had said to her before. Her eyes flickered silently, and she flicked her fingertips and said lazily, "Bai Ziqing?"
Seeing her casual tone when mentioning Bai Ziqing, the visitor became even more reserved, and hurriedly said with a smile, "Yes, yes, it is Second Master Bai."
"Look at this?"
"Let's go."
Sang Zhixia slowly stood up under the expectant gaze of the visitor and said lightly, "Since I'm here, it would be unreasonable not to see you."
"Lead the way."
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