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nThe journey was very smooth.

nUnder the escort of the Dragon Might Escort, be it encountering checkpoints or officials on the way, they successfully passed them without even needing to check.

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nThe news of Chu Xiaoye and the others killing people in the border town did not arrive.

nNo one knew if the army there found it embarrassing, or if they were afraid of losing their official hat, or if it was for other reasons. Such a big matter seemed to be quietly suppressed.

nTen days later, they finally entered the Suhang territory.

nThe news of Qin Zhitan returning had long been sent to the Qin Manor.

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nTherefore, when they arrived at the five-kilometer pavilion outside Suhang City, Qin Zhitan’s second son, Qin Yu, had long waited here with the servants of the Qin family.

nAlthough Chu Xiaoye did not want to speak along the way, he still chatted with this Minister Qin politely for a few days and learned that his second son, Qin Yu, was managing the business in Suhang.

nAs for his eldest son, Qin Wen, he was the pride of the Qin family. He was already a scholar and was preparing to take the test this year.

nIt was indeed something to be proud of for the merchant family to produce a scholar. If they won this year, it would be extraordinary.

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nTherefore, at the mention of his eldest son, this Minister Qin was especially talkative. The pride on his face was overflowing.

nOf course, his second son was not weak either. He managed the Qin family’s business well in Suhang alone and it was growing day by day.

n“If not for Yu’er supporting this family, his big brother would not have the time and money to learn. To become a disciple requires money, connections, participation in all sorts of poetry gatherings, and introducers. And how does he find introducers? He naturally needs to know them with money. Also, if you’re too petty, who will care about you in the future? We’re a family of merchants. It’s embarrassing to tell others, and those scholarly talents look down on us. If Wen’er is not generous, how can he make friends? Without friends, it’s definitely useless to rely on reading books. No matter how talented you are, what’s the use if you don’t have friends to help you publicize and build your reputation? Therefore, the two brothers are both very important.”

nWhen they came to the Ten Li Pavilion, Qin Zhitan was still chattering.

nWhen his second son, Qin Yu, came to call him, he stopped talking and got down the carriage.

nChu Xiaoye was dragged into the carriage by him and could only follow him down.

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nQin Zhitan hurriedly introduced, “Yu’er, this is Nephew Chu I mentioned in my letter to you. We encountered bandits on the way, and it was all thanks to him and his friends’ help. Nephew Chu is our benefactor. This time, we have to treat him well when he comes to Suhang.”

nQin Yu hurriedly cupped his hands and said, “Brother Chu, Father has already told me what happened on the way in the letter. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness. This time, my Qin family must repay your kindness in Suhang.”

nChu Xiaoye said humbly, “You’re welcome. Sorry for disturbing you this time.”

nQin Yu was about twenty years old. Although he was young, he looked very steady and was rather similar to his father.

nThe Dragon Might Escort completed the mission. After seeing the people from the Qin family welcome them, they heaved a sigh of relief.

nQin Zhitan paid him the remaining silver and even gave him more, saying many grateful words.

nIf they did not escort them along the way, it was difficult to arrive so quickly.

nAfter the people from the Dragon Might Escort left, Chu Xiaoye continued to walk towards Suhang City with the Qin family.

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nThe few men rode on horses, and the few elven girls and Doya and Catherine sat in the empty carriage.

nTheir appearance was too outstanding and their hair color was very conspicuous. In order to not cause a commotion, they could only squeeze in a carriage.

nChu Xiaoye’s silver hair was shorter and he was wearing a hat, so he was not as conspicuous as them.

nQin Zhitan had probably not ridden a horse for a long time. At this moment, he was riding on a horse and twisted from time to time. He looked uncomfortable changing his posture.

nQin Yu hurriedly said, “Father, why don’t you sit back in the carriage? Mother and Sister’s carriage should be enough to sit in.”

nQin Zhitan waved his hand and said, “I haven’t sat for a long time. I’m not used to sitting just now. I’ll be fine in a while. I want to take a good look at the scenery along the way and the appearance of Suhang. I haven’t returned for two years. I wonder how much has changed.”

nQin Yu smiled and said, “It hasn’t changed much. It’s not much different from when you left.”

nQin Zhitan shook his head and sighed. “How can there be no difference? Look at you. You’re young and confident. You’ve lost your childishness long ago. As for me, I’m old.”

nQin Yu hurriedly said, “Father is only 42 years old. How is he old? He’s not old at all.”

nQin Zhitan smiled and said, “Alright, let’s not talk about these things that affect our mood to avoid being laughed at by guests. Where’s your brother? He knows that we returned today and actually did not come with you to welcome us?”

nQin Yu smiled bitterly and said, “I was originally talking to my brother last night and said that we would go out of the city to welcome you today. In the end, early in the morning, he was dragged away by his classmate, saying that he was going to the Qinhuai River to participate in some scholarly meet.”

nQin Zhitan smiled and said, “He should go. These scholarly meet are very important to the reputation of scholars. Most of those famous talents participate in these scholarly meets to become famous. Even if your brother goes and does not perform anything, he can listen to the poems and high tales of those talents and increase his talent and knowledge. Let him participate in as many of these gatherings as possible. He doesn’t have to be afraid of spending money. If he gets chosen this year, my Qin family’s ancestors will probably be very happy.”

nThe little girl’s voice suddenly came from the carriage. “Father, you’re so scary! Little Guai doesn’t dare to go to the ancestral hall again. If my ancestors suddenly wake up, Little Guai will be scared to death.”

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n“Little Guai, don’t talk nonsense!”

nHer mother immediately covered her mouth, but she could not help but laugh.

nQin Zhitan was rather embarrassed. He turned around and glared at the carriage, saying, “Father is talking to your second brother, don’t interrupt! If girls are so talkative since young. How can they marry out in the future? Learn from your sister, understand?”

nLittle Guai pushed her mother’s hand away and said unhappily, “Father, you previously said that Sister was disobedient! You let Sister learn needlework and make clothes, but Sister doesn’t even do it. Sister likes to learn from Brother, reading and writing poems all day long. She even went out with her best friend to see talents and specially angered you! Last time, you said that she almost angered you to death. If I learn from Sister, Father, you’ll probably be furious soon.”

n“Little Guai! You’re asking for a beating!”

nThe woman placed her on her legs and started slapping her butt.

nLittle Guai pretended to cry twice, but there were no tears.

nQin Zhitan had a headache over this little girl. He could only smile awkwardly at Chu Xiaoye, who was riding a horse beside him. “The two girls at home are disobedient. Sigh, there’s no choice. It’s all because of their two brothers.”

nQin Yu, who was beside him, wanted to speak but did not dare to.

nMadam Luo’s voice came from the carriage. “Master, you know best who pampered them. Don’t blame my son.”

nQin Zhitan snorted and ignored her.

nIn this family, other than in front of his two sons, he really did not have much dignity.

nWhen the majestic city wall of Suhang City appeared in everyone’s vision, the sun was already setting.

nChu Xiaoye followed the Qin family and successfully entered the city.

nThe moment they entered the city, they were shocked by the prosperous scene in the city.

nAlthough it was already dusk, the streets were still crowded. The cries of merchants, children playing, young people flirting, and old people cursing were mixed together and deafening.

nThey could not ride in the city.

nQin Yu held the horse and led the way with the Qin family guards.

nThey walked from the southern city to the northern city. When they returned to Qin Manor, the sky was completely dark.

nThey had been traveling continuously for the past few days and everyone was exhausted.

nQin Yu instructed the maidservants and immediately prepared a clean yard for Chu Xiaoye and the others to inform them. Then, he instructed the kitchen to quickly prepare the dinner.

nChu Xiaoye and the others were travel-worn. They took a bath in the house and changed into clean clothes before going to eat.

nThe dinner that Qin Manor hurriedly prepared was exceptionally sumptuous. Some food was even ordered from the inns on the street, and the taste was extremely exquisite.

nWhen they were eating, the eldest son of the Qin family still did not return.

nMadam Luo was a little worried and said, “Yu’er, should we send someone to take a look?”

nQin Zhitan put down his chopsticks and said, “What are you looking at? It’s in this Suhang City. What’s there to worry about? Women have short horizons. Even if you want to see your son, you can’t disturb his learning. Eat!”

nMadam Luo was depressed.

nQin Yu hurriedly persuaded, “Mother, don’t worry. The Scholarly Meeting is usually held at night. At noon, we’ll just eat and talk. It’s very lively every night by the Qinhuai River. Furthermore, there are soldiers patrolling. Brother will be fine.”

nQin Zhitan looked at his wife and said, “I haven’t rested well for the past few days. After eating, bring Mo’er and Little Guai to the room to rest. It’s not too late to see your son tomorrow.”

nMadam Luo looked at Chu Xiaoye and the others and could only continue eating.

nThe guest had not finished eating. If she left with her chopsticks, she would seem very rude.

nLanisi and the others were full.

nHowever, Chu Xiaoye was still dealing with a lamb leg in front of him.

nThe eldest daughter of the Qin family, Qin Mo, looked at him from time to time, looking a little anxious.

nBeside him, Little Guai was also very anxious. She could not help but say, “Brother Chu, why are you so good at eating? Little Guai and Sister want to go out to find Brother. Can you not eat?”

nQin Mo, who was beside her, hurriedly covered her mouth.

nQin Zhitan frowned.

nMadam Luo hurriedly reprimanded, “Little Guai! Don’t talk nonsense! Go back to your room first!”

nQin Zhitan looked at the daughters and stopped at the eldest daughter. He said solemnly, “Mo’er, are you going out tonight?”

nSeeing that the matter had been exposed, Qin Mo could only say weakly, “Father, Little Guai and I miss Brother, so…”

nQin Zhitan sneered and said, “I think you want to go out and play! Mo’er, you heard your second brother say that there’s a Scholarly Meeting by the Qinhuai River and can’t wait to go, right?”

nQin Mo lowered his head and did not dare to say another word.

nChu Xiaoye finally finished eating the lamb leg and said, “Alright, I’m full. Uncle Qin, I think so. Since they want to go out and play, let them go out. Anyway, this Suhang City is very safe. Just now, on the way, I also saw many girls go out and stroll on the street. Little Guai and the others have just returned. They’re probably very excited. If you let them sleep, they probably won’t be able to sleep.”

nLittle Guai, who had his mouth covered by the Luo family, hurriedly nodded and stole a grateful gaze at him.

nQin Yu also persuaded, “Father, since Mo’er and Little Guai want to go out and Mother misses Brother, why don’t we go out together? Coincidentally, it’s Brother Chu’s first time here. It must be very lively at the Qinhuai River tonight. Why don’t we all go out and walk around?”

nLittle Guai nodded repeatedly and danced excitedly.

nSince the guest had spoken and her second brother had spoken, his father would definitely agree.

nIndeed, seeing that everyone could not stay at home anymore, Qin Zhitan could only say, “Alright, let’s go out together.”

nHe looked at Chu Xiaoye and the others and said, “However, you’ve been running around all the time. In order to hurry back these few days, you haven’t slept well. Aren’t you sleepy at this time?”

nChu Xiaoye was full of energy. “I’m not sleepy at all.”

nThen, he turned to look at Lanisi and the others and said, “What about you? Why don’t you rest early?”

nLanisi and the others were indeed a little sleepy.

nWhen they were bathing just now, they almost fell asleep in the bath barrel. After eating, they did not want to walk anymore.

nJust as Lanisi was about to speak, Little Guai suddenly broke free of Madam Luo’s hand and looked at Chu Xiaoye excitedly. “Brother Chu, there are many beautiful sisters by the Qinhuai River! When we go later, if you fancy any one, Sister and I can help you hit on them.”

nThe atmosphere suddenly froze.

nLanisi took a deep breath and looked at Chu Xiaoye. “We’re not sleepy either. Everyone, let’s go together.”

nChu Xiaoye:”…”

n“Little Guai, can you stop talking nonsense?”

nQin Mo replaced his mother and covered the little girl’s mouth, his face filled with embarrassment.

n“Alright, let’s go. It’s more lively with everyone together.”

nQin Zhitan stood up and resolved the embarrassment.

nWhen they were out, Lanisi stuck to Chu Xiaoye and pinched his waist fiercely. She gritted her teeth and said, “There are so many beautiful sisters eh, Lord Night?”

nChu Xiaoye grimaced in pain and did not dare to make a sound.

nVilis mocked, “Lord Night, if you fancy anyone later, the few of us can go up and help you hit on them.”

nChu Xiaoye hurriedly changed the topic and said, “Quickly wear the headscarf. It’s best to tie your hair and cover it all.”

nQin Yu, who was walking at the side, turned around and said with a smile, “Brother Chu, don’t worry. There are actually many elves who visit our Suhang City. Some streets have specialized elf shops and orc shops. Everyone is already used to it.”

nQin Zhitan also turned around and smiled. “Our Her Majesty in Southern Tang is broad-minded and tolerant. She allowed all sorts of people from all over the world to do business in Southern Tang. That’s why my trade is very prosperous.”

nAlthough he said this, Chu Xiaoye still let Lanisi and the others wrap their hair.

nNot only were these female elves’ hair beautiful, their appearance and figure were also one in a thousand. If they walked out like this, they would be too striking.

nTheir hair was very long and hung to their thighs. If they were wrapped up, at least they would not be so conspicuous.

nThe streets were much less crowded than when they entered the city in the evening.

nAt this moment, everyone went home to eat. Most went to the Qinhuai River. The night there was the most lively place in Suhang City.

nChu Xiaoye looked at the surrounding buildings and the faces on the street. He felt that this scene was so familiar.

nIndeed, he still missed the lives of humans in the past.

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