They wear their joys, sorrows, likes, and dislikes on their sleeves, living so openly and genuinely.
A childlike heart? Or a deeper disguise?
Although he was criticized, Xiao Yunshuo didn't have high expectations to begin with.
She withdrew her gaze, looked out the window again, and said no more.
A subtle silence fell over the carriage, with only the rumbling of the wheels over the bluestone slabs.
The atmosphere was much more harmonious in the other carriage.
After learning Yan Zhibai's identity, Qin Jingzhan was no longer lazy and even took the initiative to chat with her.
He had no interest in serving the Second Princess of Shuofeng, but he was not among those who served Mr. Huaichuan.
It is said that he died young because he witnessed the war between the two countries.
After returning home, he spared no effort in expressing anti-war views and advocating for peace.
Whether he was inherently weak or had angered those in power, he ultimately died.
Qin Jingzhan introduced some historical anecdotes about Fengjing, while Yan Zhibai remained focused and humble, nodding in response from time to time.
His gaze lingered on the street scene outside the window, with a scholar's unique focus and curiosity.
Soon, the carriage arrived at the most bustling and lively East Market of Fengjing, and everyone got off.
The moment you step inside, a wave of heat mixed with the warmth of everyday life hits you.
Shops lined both sides of the wide street, with banners fluttering in the breeze.
The silks and satins in the silk shop shimmered and shimmered in the sunlight;
The spice shop exuded a rich fragrance;
The enticing aromas wafted from the restaurants and eateries, and the shouts of waiters rose and fell...
The center of the street was packed with people.
Vendors carrying loads of seasonal fresh fruit and hawking their wares;
A peddler pushing a wheelbarrow selling intricate trinkets;
Merchants from the Western Regions, leading camels laden with exotic treasures;
There were also groups of scholars, dressed in Confucian robes, who were on their way to take the exams, talking loudly and without regard for others.
The sounds of bargaining, children playing, street performers singing, and the rumble of carriages and horses mingled together.
As soon as Qin Zhaoyue got out of the car, her goal was very clear, and she quickly approached Yan Zhibai.
He naturally took the best "tour guide" position, directly pushing Fifth Brother, who was originally next to him, aside.
Qin Jingzhan rolled his eyes and shrugged, stepping aside.
He didn't mind chatting with Yan Zhibai, but he wasn't too eager either. If his sixth sister was in a hurry, he would just let her have it.
To be fair, this man was indeed handsome, almost as good-looking as him.
The two people in front were chatting animatedly, but the three people behind remained silent.
Relying on the Fourth Princess, Qin Zhaoshu? Absolutely not!
Since setting out, he hasn't said more than a few words.
At this moment, she was even more indifferent, as if the hustle and bustle around her had nothing to do with her, like a complete silent gourd.
Qin Jingzhan was unwilling to serve, making the atmosphere slightly awkward.
The dignified Second Princess of Shuofeng had no prestige whatsoever; she could only rely on Yan Zhibai's influence to listen to the Sixth Princess's introduction.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of a rather grand restaurant in the East Market, there was a private room by the window.
By this time, the prime time for lunch had passed, and the number of diners upstairs was not as high as before.
Two people sat facing each other by the window.
One of them was a stocky, short man with dark, rough skin; he was Li E, the Xuanwu Army's Commandant of the Vanguard, who was escorting Xiao Yunshuo to the capital.
Sitting opposite him was Chen, a fifth-rank official in the Horse Administration Department of Xuange Division.
He once served in the Northern Army, and was later transferred to the Northwest Frontier Court to be in charge of military horse affairs. Now he has been transferred to the Fengjing Xuange Division.
Although the two were not close, they had met a few times in the northern border, so it was appropriate for him to host Li E this time.
Several exquisite snacks and a pot of warmed old wine were laid out on the table.
"Brother Chen, thank you for your hospitality." Li E raised his wine cup in a gesture of respect.
"Brother Li, you're too kind. You must have had a long journey."
Chen Sicheng retorted, his gaze sweeping over the bustling East Market street below. "Fengjing is prosperous, quite different from the border region."
Li E followed his gaze and looked out the window, gazing at the peaceful and prosperous scene, his dark face expressionless.
He simply hummed in agreement and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Down on the street, Qin Zhaoyue and her entourage, escorted by the Imperial Guards, slowly passed beneath the restaurant.
Chen Sicheng, with his sharp eyes, recognized the noble ladies and Princess Shuofeng, and couldn't help but take a second look.
Li E naturally saw it too, but he only glanced at it briefly before looking away.
His expression remained unchanged, as if he were looking at an ordinary passerby.
Chen Sicheng put down his wine cup and asked in a low voice, seemingly casually:
"Brother Li, as you escorted Princess Shuofeng to the capital, did you notice anything unusual about her? Or were there any unusual details about her entourage?"
Li E picked up his chopsticks, took a slice of thinly sliced golden minced fish, chewed it a few times, and then slowly opened his mouth, his voice carrying the roughness unique to soldiers:
"Nothing special, just a well-educated noblewoman."
She valued elegance and disliked extravagance, so she only had one personal maidservant by her side to attend to her daily needs.
The journey went very smoothly, without the slightest mishap.
"Oh? In that case, everything has been peaceful and smooth."
Chen Sicheng nodded and poured Li E another full glass of wine.
"Brother Li, are you staying in Fengjing for the time being? Do you have a place to stay?"
Behind the Xuange Si government office, there are temporary residences for officials from other places, but the conditions are rather simple.
Normally, receiving the subsidy and finding an inn outside would be quite comfortable.
But with the provincial examination approaching, inns everywhere are overcrowded, and prices have skyrocketed, so it might be difficult to find one.
Li E picked up the newly filled wine bowl and said in a deep voice, "There's no need to trouble you, Si Cheng. I have a small house in Fengjing."
Upon hearing this, Chen Sicheng smiled and said, "Oh, that makes things much more convenient!"
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