Early the next morning, after breakfast, Liu Ming''an and Jiang Ning asked the waiter for a bowl of porridge. When they brought it upstairs, they discovered that the severely injured person was no longer in bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Has he left?" Liu Ming''an looked at the empty room, quite surprised. How could someone so gravely wounded get out of bed?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"He probably has," Jiang Ning guessed it was likely the effect of the spirit spring water that allowed Yuwen Yan to regain mobility. As a prince who had been stabbed three times, he would naturally want to find a way to retaliate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning''s keen eyes spotted something on the table. Upon closer inspection, it was a jade pendant, deep green in color with cloud patterns along the edges and the character "Yan" engraved in small seal script in the center.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Why did he leave us a jade pendant?" Liu Ming''an picked it up, feeling its smooth and warm texture, clearly an extraordinary piece.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Perhaps he wanted to let us know he owes us a favor," Jiang Ning spected. This prince seemed quite considerate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an smiled at her words, "We don''t even know if we''ll ever meet again..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"If it''s meant to be, we''ll meet again," Jiang Ning said calmly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Since they no longer needed to care for the injured man, the two decided to proceed with their original n to travel to the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That afternoon, after lunch, Liu Ming''an and Jiang Ning boarded a carriage bound for the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Two dayster, the carriage stopped in front of the city gates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After two months of twists and turns, they had finally made it from Lingshan Town to here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning looked up at the towering city walls, remembering the tormented soul who had died miserably in a foreignnd. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Ling, I''vee back in your ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"They say the Capital City is prosperous. I wonder what it''s really like," Liu Ming''an, unaware of Jiang Ning''s thoughts, excitedly watched the crowdsing and going through the city gates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Let''s go and see for ourselves," Jiang Ning smiled, pulling herself out of herplex thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But after taking a few steps, Jiang Ning suddenly remembered something. She stopped and pulled out a veil she hadn''t used in a long time from her bundle and put it on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ah Ning, why are you wearing a veil?" Liu Ming''an asked, puzzled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning was naturally afraid of encountering familiar faces, especially people from the Prime Minister''s Mansion. That would make things spiral out of control.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Ling was already bearing the stigma of eloping with someone. If people saw her with Liu Ming''an, everyone would naturally assume he was the one she had eloped with.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an had no power or status, just a poor schr. If Nangong Ling''s father became enraged and decided to punish him, even if Jiang Ning had the ability to protect him from physical harm, she couldn''t ensure his smooth progress in his official career.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In an era where reputation was everything, there was no other choice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning didn''t care about herself, but she wanted Liu Ming''an to remain pure and upright throughout his life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Forced to give Liu Ming''an a reason for wearing the veil, Jiang Ning wracked her brains for a moment before sheepishly saying, "I''ve heard there are many officials and nobles in the Capital City. I''m so... attractive, ahem, what if some rich young master sees me and tries to abduct me? It''s better to wear a veil as a precaution."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an''s intuition told him something was off about this reason. After careful thought, he realized Jiang Ning was probably afraid of encountering enemies in the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an sighed inwardly, reached out to adjust Jiang Ning''s veil, pulling it up a bit and arranging her hair to cover her smooth forehead, leaving only her eyes visible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This is better, no one will be able to see you at all," Liu Ming''an smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If Ah Ning wanted to keep secrets from him, so be it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The two arrived in the Capital City on the thirteenth day of the first lunar month. There were still three months until the imperial examinations, and after that, there would be the pce examination. All in all, they would need to stay in the Capital City for at least half a year before everything was settled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an remembered his promise to Zhou Yi and Zhang Shun. After entering the city, they found an inn to stay for the night. The next day, he took Jiang Ning and asked for directions to Xichun Road, where they found Zhou Yi''s family''s Jun Yue Restaurant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Before seeing Jun Yue Restaurant, Liu Ming''an had assumed it would be simr to Fusheng Restaurant, since they were owned by the same family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When they actually arrived at Jun Yue Restaurant, Liu Ming''an realized the vast difference between the small Lingshan Town and the Capital City. The Jun Yue Restaurant before them was at least three timesrger than Fusheng Restaurant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As soon as they entered the restaurant, a waiter greeted them with a big smile: "Wee, guests. Are you here for a meal or to stay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an smiled and said, "I''m here to find someone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The waiter''s smile didn''t falter as he continued, "May I ask who you''re looking for? If I know them, perhaps I can help."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''m a friend of Zhou Yi, I''m here to see him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As soon as Liu Ming''an finished speaking, the waiter looked him up and down, then asked, "Sir, are you Mr. Liu from Lingshan Town?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an was surprised and answered, "Yes, that''s me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Oh my! Mr. Liu, we''ve been waiting for you! The young master instructed us this morning to inform him immediately when you arrived. Please have a seat here, and I''ll go call the young master right away." The waiter said excitedly, and before Liu Ming''an could respond, he had already dashed upstairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an watched the waiter''s figure disappear in the blink of an eye and couldn''t help but say to Jiang Ning, "This waiter has the same temperament as Brother Zhou, both so energetic and quick."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning smiled and picked up the teapot on the table to pour herself a cup of water. She lifted it to her lips before realizing she was still wearing the veil. Liu Ming''an was still curiously observing the decor of Jun Yue Restaurant, so Jiang Ning ced the cup in front of him and said, "Have some water."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Little Liu!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A loud shout suddenly came from behind. Liu Ming''an had just stood up and turned around when someone rushed over and hugged him tightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Haha... Little Liu, you''re here! I didn''t expect you toe so quickly! This is wonderful!" Zhou Yi was so excited his eyes were dancing with joy as he patted Liu Ming''an''s back repeatedly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The guests in the hall all looked over, and upon realizing it was a scene of long-lost brothers reuniting, they smiled and returned to their meals.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Brother Zhou, my back is going to be swollen from your patting," Liu Ming''an said helplessly, unable to bear Zhou Yi''s "enthusiasm."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Haha..." Zhou Yiughed as he released him, suddenly remembering Jiang Ning was still standing nearby. He quickly greeted her, "Sister-inw, long time no see!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hearing this form of address, Jiang Ning''s eyes curved into a smile as she replied with a hint ofughter in her voice, "Brother Zhou, it''s been a while."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Come,e, this isn''t the ce to talk. Let''s go up to a private room and chat while we eat..." Zhou Yi said as he tugged on Liu Ming''an''s sleeve, heading upstairs. At the same time, he turned back to Jiang Ning and said, "Sister-inw, please follow us."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhou Yi led Liu Ming''an all the way up to a private room on the third floor. He ordered the waiter to bring their signature dishes and spent the time waiting for the food asking about their well-being, acting like a caring older brother concerned about his younger brother and sister-inw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When he learned that Liu Ming''an and Jiang Ning were currently staying at another inn in the Capital City, Zhou Yi looked surprised: "Why aren''t you staying at my ce? We have plenty of rooms, why waste money elsewhere?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an said it wasn''t convenient and he didn''t want to impose, but Zhou Yi immediately flexed his wealth: "What''s inconvenient about it? I''m not going to squeeze in with you two, you''ll have your own space. My family owns properties in all four districts and eight streets of the Capital City. Where do you want to stay? Take your pick!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Ming''an had never encountered such a situation and was at a loss for words. He had known that Brother Zhou''s family was well-off, but he hadn''t realized they were this wealthy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning remembered something, her eyes flickered, and she spoke up, "Brother Zhou, I''d like to stay on Late Winter Road."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Blind Yang had mentioned that Wei Fangxiong lived on Late Winter Road.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Ning guessed that Wei Fangxiong was probably just a trafficker, and it was very likely that, like Zhao Qiang and Blind Yang, Nangong Ling was already in that condition when he received her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But Wei Fangxiong was in the Capital City, and Nangong Ling was also from the Capital City, so he was likely thest link in this trafficking chain. If she could find him and ask who had handed Nangong Ling over to him, Jiang Ning could follow the trail and find the ultimate enemy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhou Yi agreed without hesitation: "Certainly! I have a small house on Late Winter Road. It''s quite secluded, perfect for you two to stay. It''ll be convenient for Little Liu to focus on preparing for the imperial examinations."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Thank you, Brother Zhou!" Jiang Ning thanked him sincerely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
During the meal, Liu Ming''an asked about Zhang Shun.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhou Yi waved his hand and said, "My cousin is pregnant again. Zhang Shun was worried that the Capital City would be too cold for her pregnancy, so they''ve gone south to South Qiong, where it''s warmer now. If you hade two days earlier, you might have been able to have a meal together and say goodbye."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"That''s wonderful news!" Liu Ming''an smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"When he left, he specifically instructed me to take good care of you. He also said he broke his promise and asked me to apologize on his behalf first. He''ll apologize to you in person when he returns," Zhou Yi said as he drained a ss of wine in one gulp.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Brother Zhou, you''re being too formal. There''s no need for such talk between us," Liu Ming''an said, holding Zhou Yi''s hand as he was about to pour more wine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ha! I knew you''d say that. He didn''t believe me..." Zhou Yiughed with a hint of pride.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After the meal, Zhou Yi apanied them to the inn where they had made reservations. They packed their luggage, checked out, and then headed towards Late Winter Road.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This is it, Brother Liu and sister-inw. You''ll be living here from now on. It''s quiet, and it''ll be convenient for me toe over for drinks," Zhou Yi said as he pushed open the door, entered the courtyard, and then handed the key to Liu Ming''an.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The environment was indeed tranquil, with neighbors rtively far apart, making it almost impossible to hear any noise. The courtyard was filled with bamboo, which rustled in the wind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Well, you can settle in here. I''ll head back now. Actually, when you arrived earlier, I was in the middle of doing the ounts. If my motheres back and finds out I haven''t finished, I''ll be in trouble..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zhou Yi smiled sheepishly, gave a few more instructions about contacting him if they needed anything, and then took his leave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0