At this moment, the people surrounding them were clearly government officials and soldiers. It was not surprising that they knew the other party was an official, so the other party did not suspect anything and smiled amicably: "So you have come from out of town. In that case, may I invite you two to sit in my humble abode for a while so that I can personally thank you both."
Thirteen wanted to say no and leave, but seeing that even though the person in front of him had a kind face, he couldn't hide the murderous and fierce aura around him. If he refused, he was afraid that he would offend the other party and anger him.
He paused for a moment, then nodded: "In that case, it would be impolite to refuse."
The other party's expression became even more amiable, and he ordered someone to bring three horses for He Yue and his party: "Do any of you know how to ride horses?"
Judging from Thirteen's imposing presence, it was obvious that he knew how to ride a horse. Heyue and Thirteen rode together, so there was no need to worry. The other party was asking about the two maids and Li Shun'er, who was dressed as a servant.
Thirteen nodded, and the group finally agreed that Thirteen would ride alone, Li Shun'er would ride alone with Zhizhu, and Heyue would ride alone with Hailan.
Upon seeing this, the other party couldn't help but glance at Heyue. Her nimble mounting posture just now showed that she was not only good at riding, but also very skilled.
Heyue had no intention of hiding the fact that she could ride a horse. Now that the country was under Manchu rule, although most Manchu women could ride horses, it was not surprising that some Han women could ride horses.
The other party was not surprised that Heyue could ride a horse, but was surprised that Heyue's riding skills were so good, which did not seem like those of a Han Chinese woman.
Could they be Manchus? A sense of caution crept into my heart.
This is exactly the effect that Heyue wants.
As a Manchu, he was bound to inspire some fear. This place was so far from the capital that the other side could not possibly have expected the dignified Thirteenth Prince to appear in such a remote and impoverished place, let alone verify it.
Let him guess for himself.
Without further thought, the man picked up the woman named Yuzhu, mounted her on his horse, and led the way into the city.
He Yue was curious about this person's identity. Thirteen clearly knew the other person, but the other person didn't recognize Thirteen, which was strange.
Upon arriving at the man's residence, He Yue learned of his identity.
Nian Gengyao, the Governor of Sichuan?
This name is very famous! He Yue couldn't hide her surprise.
It turns out that this person was Nian Gengyao, which indeed matches his historical identity.
The future Great General.
That girl named Yuzhu must be the future Consort Nian.
Heyue's eyes lit up. "Fourth Brother's perfect match!"
However, thinking about the other party's final fate, and seeing Yuzhu's petite and delicate appearance that year, as fragile as a flower, I couldn't help but sigh.
It's such a pity that such a person met such an end.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be bad for someone like that to be with Fourth Brother.
He Yue suppressed her excitement and followed beside Thirteen. Nian Gengyao instructed his wife, Nalan, to prepare a side room for the couple so they could stay there for the night, and then invite them to have tea in the flower hall in the front yard.
Thirteen had no choice but to instruct Li Shun'er to go to the inn and fetch the necessary items, leaving the rest at the inn since he was only staying for one night and would leave the next day.
Li Shun'er agreed and returned to the inn.
After the group sat down in the flower hall, a beautiful maid entered to pour wine.
Thirteen kept his eyes straight ahead, and He Yue couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Nian Gengyao's house was grand and elegant in every way, and even the maids were so beautiful. Would someone with such taste be willing to stay in this remote place?
Nian Gengyao dismissed the maidservants, looked at the thirteenth prince, and asked with a smile, "I wonder where Brother Jin and Madam Jin came from, and where they are going?"
Thirteen smiled faintly: "We came from the north and went out for a stroll with my wife."
It goes without saying that I came from the north; the other party will naturally find out. If I lied, it would only arouse their suspicion and create more trouble.
Sure enough, Nian Gengyao's eyes lit up as soon as he heard the word "north".
The Jin family of the North is indeed suspicious, but then I thought that those people wouldn't bring their families here, so I dismissed the speculation.
"It's rare to meet such virtuous and upright people as Brother Jin and Madam Jin, and they even saved my sister. Liang Gong would like to offer you both a toast."
Nian Gengyao, courtesy name Liangong, raised his wine cup and offered it to the thirteen or twelve people.
Thirteen and Heyue raised their wine glasses. Just as Heyue was about to tilt her head back and drink, Thirteen suddenly snatched the wine glass from her hand and, under her displeased glare, explained to Nian Gengyao, "I'm sorry, my wife doesn't drink alcohol, so I drank it for her."
Nian Gengyao glanced at He Yue with a smile, nodded in agreement, and drank first. Thirteen then drank both cups of wine.
The maidservant served Heyue tea again.
He Yue grumbled inwardly, annoyed. "She drinks alcohol, you know?"
I'm no longer the child who gets drunk after just one cup.
Unfortunately, out of consideration for Thirteen, he couldn't object.
“I will be hosting a banquet at my residence tonight to welcome you both. I hope you will do me the honor of attending,” Nian Gengyao proposed.
Thirteen nodded in agreement and clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Lord Nian."
"Hey, just call me Liang Gong." Nian Gengyao raised his hand, displeased.
Thirteen readily agreed and chuckled, "Liang Gong, then you may call me Bao Shan."
The two arrived at the prepared room, and the servants of the Nian family respectfully withdrew.
He Yue had Hai Lan and the others stand guard at the door, and then, holding Thirteen's hand, asked, "What's going on between you and Nian Gengyao?"
Thirteen took her hand, sat down in a chair, and slowly explained, "I met him in the capital in the forty-first year of Kangxi's reign. At that time, he was a probationary official in the Hanlin Academy. He was quite shrewd and I was impressed by him. However, I was young then, and many years have passed. It's possible that he wouldn't recognize me."
He nodded in agreement. "I see."
"But what if he remembers? We'd better leave as soon as possible." He Yue was worried. This Nian Gengyao was obviously not simple. What if he remembered something at any time?
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