Chapter 86: Truth and Illusion

The hand on Qin Xiao’s nape exerted a slight pressure, making Chu Jiubian’s head tilt back as he endured the man’s rough kiss.

Qin Xiao’s other arm wrapped tightly around the young man’s waist, pressing him firmly against his own chest.

The man’s scorching breath fanned across Chu Jiubian’s lips. Chu Jiubian’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his lips parting slightly as his breathing grew uneven.

His hands clenched into fists, hanging at his sides, making no move to touch Qin Xiao.

His lips tingled faintly, and when their tongues touched, Chu Jiubian’s eyelashes fluttered. His head spun, his heart pounding like a drum.

He felt like a drowning man, unable to grasp anything to hold onto, as if he might suffocate in Qin Xiao’s embrace.

The grip on his nape loosened. Qin Xiao’s strong arms lifted Chu Jiubian, one arm wrapped around his waist, the other cupping his rear.

Instinctively, Chu Jiubian wrapped his arms around Qin Xiao’s neck and his legs around his waist to keep from falling.

After a few steps, Chu Jiubian was brought to the desk edge.

Qin Xiao had written countless words and read countless books at this desk, spending many days and nights seated beside it.

But now, he had brought Chu Jiubian here, seating him on the desk’s edge.

Just as Chu Jiubian’s senses returned, Qin Xiao’s kiss came down on him again.

He tried to pull his hands back, but Qin Xiao caught them, guiding them to once again encircle his neck.

Meanwhile, Qin Xiao’s hands loosened his robe.

Though it was already March, the room, unoccupied all winter, was slightly chilly.

Chu Jiubian felt a coolness on his chest, but the next moment, Qin Xiao’s warm, calloused palm pressed against his pale, soft skin with nothing between them.

Over the past half year, Chu Jiubian no longer had to maintain his weight or control his diet. Though still thin, he had filled out slightly more than before.

But it wasn’t muscle he had gained, so the skin on his body felt even softer.

Under Qin Xiao’s somewhat rough touch, it soon turned red in large patches.

Qin Xiao’s kisses moved from the young man’s lips to his jaw…

A mix of numbness and itchiness spread across his chest. Chu Jiubian shuddered, his muddled thoughts suddenly clearing as he raised his hands to push Qin Xiao away.

But Qin Xiao was too heavy. Even with effort, Chu Jiubian only managed to create a slight distance, still trapped within the man’s embrace.

Qin Xiao lifted his gaze, his deep eyes filled with clear longing and fascination.

Chu Jiubian’s heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly averted his eyes, unaware that his partially open robes, shaking shoulders, and flushed ears made a striking image.

Qin Xiao’s Adam’s apple bobbed, but he didn’t make another move.

Chu Jiubian pushed again, and Qin Xiao moved back a little more.

Chu Jiubian pulled his robes together, lowering his eyes to tie his sash, but his hands trembled so much he couldn’t manage it.

Qin Xiao observed for a moment, then reached out and neatly tied it for him.

Soon, everything seemed to return to normal, yet it was entirely different.

Chu Jiubian sat on the desk, eyes downcast, while Qin Xiao remained standing before him, hands resting on the desk on either side.

“I’m sorry,” Qin Xiao spoke first, his voice low but gentle. “The way you were looking at me just now… I lost my head.”

That expression of wanting to pull away yet unable to resist drawing closer was truly…

Chu Jiubian looked up at him. “How was I looking at you?”

Qin Xiao paused briefly, not answering. Instead, he asked tentatively, “Just now… did your heart ache for me?”

Heart ache?

Chu Jiubian recalled the scene in the palace.

He had been torn between wanting to distance himself from Qin Xiao and something else—how was that pity?

But meeting Qin Xiao’s gaze now, the rebuttal on the tip of his tongue refused to come out.

Chu Jiubian’s silence was answer enough for Qin Xiao, whose heart beat even more wildly.

Since his elders had passed away one by one, he had never imagined someone would feel sorry for him again.

Seeing the raw emotion in Qin Xiao’s eyes, Chu Jiubian instinctively looked away, looking flustered.

“Qin Xiao,” he said, his voice hoarse.

“I’m not the person you think I am,” he continued.

Qin Xiao watched him quietly, saying nothing.

Chu Jiubian said no more.

After a long moment, Qin Xiao wrapped his arms around him, lifted him off the desk, and placed him on the floor. He straightened Chu Jiubian’s clothes and said, “Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep His Majesty waiting.”

Chu Jiubian looked up at him, brows slightly furrowed.

What did that mean?

“I was too forward this time,” Qin Xiao said, meeting his gaze with a slight smile. “It won’t happen again.”

Again?

There would be a next time?

Chu Jiubian’s frown deepened.

“This is my family’s courtyard in the Qin residence,” Qin Xiao changed the subject. “It’s too rushed today. I’ll bring you back another time.”

Chu Jiubian paused, apparently distracted by the shift in topic, and glanced around the room.

This was where Qin Xiao had lived for many years. Traces of his life were everywhere—this was his true home.

But time was short. They were still worried about Baili Hong, so once they regained their composure, they quickly set out for the restaurant in the western market.

Meanwhile,

Shenwu Street was packed with people, crowded from end to end, a dense, bustling crowd.

Whether rich or poor, everyone had gathered today, craning their necks toward the direction of the music and drums.

The Imperial Guard and the city garrison were all deployed, lining both sides of the street, holding their long spears horizontally, one after another, keeping the common folk from surging into the street.

The sound of gongs and drums grew louder and closer.

"They're here! The procession's coming!"

"What kind of procession is this?"

"Looks like a long cavalry unit to me."

"It's a cavalry unit—everyone's on horseback."

"Wow! Look at the riders—good heavens, so majestic!"

The cavalry unit approached from a distance, with An Wuji leading the vanguard. In the middle were the scholars on tall horses, followed by the imposing Imperial Guard.

On this main street, the left and right sides were clearly divided between the East Market and West Market.

However, the shops along the street were mostly taverns and guesthouses. All the windows facing the street were open, and countless spectators leaned from every window, watching the procession approach from a distance.

If one looked closely, it was clear that no matter which tavern it was, those leaning out were all the capital's elite.

Not only were there young nobles like Wang Qichen and the Situ siblings, but also high-ranking officials and vassal princes and their families that commoners could scarcely imagine meeting.

These people already knew the route of the procession and had booked seats in these taverns far ahead of time.

Even those seats originally booked by lower-ranking officials were gladly surrendered, as no one dared to oppose these high-ranking officials and nobles.

The largest tavern along the West Market was a Wang family property, specifically, it was owned by the Dowager Wang, which had now been entrusted to Wang Qichen's management.

Previously, Wang Qichen had been here, watching the vassal prince's procession enter the capital and exchanging a silent nod with Situ Zhaoling.

Now, the finest private room in this tavern was reserved for Chu Jiubian.

Chu Jiubian had already informed Qin Xiao of the location, and since Qin Chuan had been in the capital recently, he heard it from Qin Zhaoyang.

Thus, after arriving early alongside Baili Hong, they headed straight into this tavern.

Wang Qichen had come to the tavern early that day. When the two of them walked in, he was sitting downstairs listening to the storyteller recount the tale of the "Holy Star Deity."

Other patrons who had reserved seats in the tavern, including Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan, Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, the Southern Frontier King and his family, Prince Pingxi, and other high-ranking officials and nobles, were also scattered throughout the hall.

Seeing a masked figure leading a child dressed in a dragon robe boldly stride into the hall, followed by a young eunuch, everyone was taken aback.

However, they quickly collected themselves and hurriedly rose to pay their respects.

The storyteller knew that important guests would come today, but he never expected so many—vassal princes, their princesses, and heirs.

In comparison, the Wang family's Minister and Vice Minister seemed less daunting.

But he never imagined that he would have the honor of seeing the emperor himself today!

That small figure clad in a magnificent golden dragon robe could be none other than the young emperor!

His knees buckled first, and he knelt facing the entrance.

Other attendants, seeing this, quickly caught on and knelt as well.

Even those who hadn't guessed Baili Hong's identity could tell from the way all the high-ranking officials and nobles rushed to greet him that he was a figure of great importance.

Seeing that his appearance had caused such a commotion, Baili Hong quickly placed one hand behind his back and waved the other with a grown-up air, saying, "There's no need for formalities, everyone. I’m just here to enjoy the spectacle."

The child's voice was sweet and childlike, and his attempt to act like an adult was utterly endearing.

However, no one dared to laugh. Only Situ Zhaoling secretly glanced up from behind her father.

Seeing the child's soft, round face, she was overjoyed and screamed defiantly in her heart—

So adorable!

I really want to pinch His Majesty’s chubby cheeks!

Everyone eventually greeted the emperor as one, and Baili Hong asked them to rise.

Wang Zhiyuan and Wang Pengyi both shot subtle glances at Wang Qichen, who was standing not far away. Since the tavern was his property, it was his responsibility to escort the emperor upstairs, and this would also give him a chance to curry favor with the emperor.

The Wang family faction, led by Wang Qichen, had already decided to swear allegiance to the court. They would soon find a way to replace Wang Huanzhi as the head of the family, and thereafter, the Wang family would be handed over to Wang Qichen.

As the next head of the Wang family, it would be excellent if Wang Qichen could forge a good relationship with the emperor.

However, Wang Zhiyuan and Wang Pengyi did not step forward to greet the emperor themselves because they wanted to see how Wang Qichen would handle the situation. If he panicked upon seeing the emperor, he would not be a suitable candidate for family head.

Fortunately, Wang Qichen did not falter.

He stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Baili Hong, and said with a smile, "Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Wang Qichen, the young master of the Wang family and the owner of this tavern. Grand Tutor Sir has already reserved a private room upstairs. If it isn't to your liking, we can arrange another for you."

Baili Hong looked up at him, his eyes lighting up.

Confined in the palace all day, he rarely saw anyone outside the court nobles and vassal princes.

And Wang Qichen was the most handsome man he had ever seen, aside from his uncle and tutor.

No one dislikes good-looking people.

Especially since the child had been surrounded by Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, and even Eunuch Hong Fu, Xiao Yuzi, and the other nannies and palace maids were all quite attractive.

Thus, he always felt more affinity toward good-looking people.

"Then take me upstairs first," Baili Hong said.

Wang Qichen led the three of them to the second floor, to the best and most spacious private room.

He did not call for others to serve them but personally brought tea and pastries.

After ensuring that Baili Hong had no further requests, he withdrew from the room.

After closing the door to the private room, he turned and went downstairs, a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

The two people accompanying the emperor—the younger one was a eunuch, but the other seemed very familiar.

It was as if he had met the other person somewhere before, and at that time, the person was also dressed in such a concealed manner.

Back then, he had thought the person was a retainer of some noble family, but it turned out they were the emperor’s people.

Wang Qichen did not dwell on it further and went downstairs to rejoin Wang Pengyi and Wang Zhiyuan.

None of the three mentioned what had happened upstairs, but they all knew perfectly well that Wang Qichen had already made an impression on the emperor.

Situ Zhaoling and Situ Zhaoyao sat together, eating dried fruit, their eyes fixed on the stage ahead. The storyteller was narrating how the Holy Star Deity displayed great power in Hexi County, producing an endless supply of food and medicine. The two of them listened with admiration in their hearts.

As expected of a deity like the High Priest, they are both so formidable.

However, compared to the High Priest, the deity's reincarnation seems to have had much of his divine power sealed after descending to the mortal realm, which is why he cannot act as freely as he wishes.

Yet, all these sacrifices made by the deity are for his love tribulation, for Prince Ning Qin Xiao.

It is truly touching.

But Si Tu and her brother feel even more sorry for the High Priest. Having silently given so much for the deity, watching the deity be affectionate with someone else must be deeply painful for him.

The siblings swing between feeling admiring and sighing with regret.

Fortunately, Baili Hao and Sutu Anli are long accustomed to their children's temperament and don't think anything of their behavior.

Since the place was so crowded, this wasn't the place to talk privately. Thus, the siblings avoided mentioning words like "High Priest," figuring those in the know would get it.

Wang Qichen glanced at the siblings out of the corner of his eye, the smile on his lips growing more genuine.

Though they act like mere acquaintances in public, having met only a few times, in private they are already as close as family. The whole situation was pretty interesting.

By then, the procession of officials had reached the main street of the East Market. Soon, it would circle around to Shenwu Avenue, pass through the street between the West and East Markets, and then turn into the West Market.

Many court officials, unable to focus on their duties, had also come over.

Vice Minister of Works Liu Junqi, as a disciple of Minister Wang, naturally rushed over at this time to greet his mentor.

Wang Zhiyuan rose with a smile and said, "It's about time. Let's head upstairs as well."

"Agreed."

As they moved, others in the main hall also realized the time was right and began to get up and head upstairs.

The three floors each had their drawbacks: the first floor offered a view of nothing but a sea of heads, while the third floor was too high to feel the lively atmosphere. Thus, the second floor was the best spot.

Most of them were seated on the second floor.

They had only taken a few steps when they heard the waiter at the entrance greeting someone, addressing them as "My Lords."

Instinctively, they turned to look and saw two figures in deep purple official robes.

One was slender and tall with a cool demeanor, the other upright and imposing with an authoritative presence.

They were none other than Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao.

The two of them also noticed the crowd in the hall and stepped forward.

Qin Xiao was smiling, while Chu Jiubian remained as aloof as ever, though his expression held a touch of gentleness, unlike his usual fierce demeanor in court.

Moreover, Chu Jiubian's lips were noticeably red and full today, making him look particularly vibrant and even more handsome than usual.

No one dared to stare too long. After exchanging greetings, they proceeded upstairs one after another.

Wang Qichen had deliberately chosen this venue and enlisted the help of Wang Pengyi and Wang Zhiyuan to screen the guests. Thus, those who had reserved seats in this tavern were all officials and vassal princes who were loyal to the court and the emperor, creating an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere.

Once upstairs, everyone returned to their respective rooms.

When Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao pushed open the door to their private room, they found the young emperor standing on a chair, leaning over the windowsill with his bottom sticking out, peering down at the street below.

Qin Chuan stood nearby with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the young emperor, ready to catch him if he lost his balance.

Hearing the door open, the young emperor quickly turned his head. Seeing it was Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, he relaxed and grinned, saying, "Teacher, Uncle, come quickly! I can already hear the gongs and drums!"

The coldness on Chu Jiubian's face vanished completely. He smiled slightly and walked to the window.

Qin Chuan stepped back to make room.

Xiao Yuzi, who had been standing guard on the other side of Baili Hong, also stepped back upon seeing the two lords and bowed to them.

Qin Xiao waved off the formality and said, "There's no need to attend to His Majesty here. Go enjoy yourself, but don't wander too far."

Xiao Yuzi, only in his teens and on his first trip outside the palace, was undoubtedly full of curiosity.

His eyes lit up, and he quickly expressed his thanks before heading out.

"Wait," Chu Jiubian called after him, adding a reminder, "Don't go anywhere beyond where the Imperial Guards are stationed."

Xiao Yuzi was good-looking and had never left the palace before. With the capital now filled with all sorts of people, it would be unfortunate if anything happened to him.

Xiao Yuzi already knew that the two lords, like the emperor, treated their subordinates well.

Feeling a warmth in his heart, he smiled and said, "This servant understands."

Baili Hong chimed in, "Remember to bring me back a few sticks of candied hawthorn!"

Xiao Yuzi, carrying Baili Hong's money pouch, was even wealthier than the emperor himself.

He acknowledged the request, bid farewell to everyone, and happily ran downstairs toward the outside.

The crowd was dense, but relying on his slender frame, he squeezed through the masses and managed to push his way to the front.

However, the throng was so packed that when an elderly woman bumped into him, he stumbled sideways and stepped on someone next to him.

"Ouch!" the person exclaimed softly before quickly falling silent.

Xiao Yuzi could tell from the voice that it was a young woman. He promptly turned to apologize, but when he looked up, he saw that the person was dressed like a young man, wearing a hat that covered half their face with a veil.

The attire somewhat resembled that of the person who had been guarding the emperor earlier.

But the exclamation had clearly come from a woman, and a young one at that.

Perhaps she had sneaked out without her family's knowledge.

Xiao Yuzi didn't scrutinize further. After apologizing and seeing her wave it off, he paid no more attention.

The sound of drums and music grew closer. Not only Xiao Yuzi and the young woman beside him, but everyone else was too engrossed to chat, all craning their necks to see into the distance.

"They're coming, they're coming!"

The crowd surged.

Chu Jiubian and Baili Hong stood together, the tall and the small both leaning slightly out the window to look.

Qin Xiao and Qin Chuan stood by another window. The two brothers didn't speak, but for them, being able to stand together openly like this was a first.

Chu Jiubian glanced in their direction, his mind inadvertently recalling Qin Xiao's words, "Did you feel sorry for me?"

His ears felt warm, and he reached up to touch them.

"Wow! They're here, they're here!" Baili Hong grabbed his hand excitedly. "Teacher, look! It's Lu Yao!"

Chu Jiubian looked outside and saw that the procession of examination honors recipients had drawn near.

When they first passed through the main street of the East Market earlier, including Lu Yao, all the scholars were awestruck by the cheering crowds lining the streets.

So many people were watching them, cheering for them.

In everyone’s eyes, there was admiration, amazement, and emotion...

These scholars, who had lived as ordinary people for many years, had never imagined that one day they would be admired and revered by so many. The sense of pride welling up inside them dispelled their insecurities and fears, making them stand taller.

Even Tan Yuzhu, who had been renowned for her talent since childhood, felt an unprecedented sense of personal satisfaction along the way.

She had always known she was merely a woman, aware that her best outcome would be to marry into a good family—to a man who could appreciate her literary gifts and be as tolerant as her father.

But she knew it was too difficult.

The older she grew, the unhappier she became.

She even thought that if the day came when her parents no longer cared for her and decided to force her into marriage, she would take Buddhist vows and become a nun.

But now, she had found a better destiny.

Along the way, she noticed some men casting disdainful or resentful glances, and some aunts and matrons shaking their heads in disapproval, pointing and muttering criticisms.

But what she heard more often were the common folk calling her "Tanhua's wife."

She saw envy and admiration in the eyes of men, and the reverence and joy on the faces of many women. She even heard a bold young woman loudly wish her, "May you rise high and reach the top ministerial rank."

She wanted to become an official, to dedicate all her talents and skills to Great Ning, to the people, to the Emperor, and to Grand Tutor Sir, devoting her entire life to this cause.

The procession slowly moved along the main street, passing beneath the restaurant.

Lu Yao had long guessed that the restaurants on either side of the main street would be filled with dignitaries and nobles watching them. He remained vigilant and, sure enough, spotted Chu Jiubian and Baili Hong in one of the windows.

At the window closest to them stood Qin Xiao and Qin Chuan.

Lu Yao raised his hand and cupped his hands in salute in their direction, offering his first smile of the journey.

Baili Hong's eyes curved into smiles, but mindful of his status and aware that many were watching him—including officials in the windows across the street—he remained relatively restrained in his movements and merely nodded at Lu Yao.

Chu Jiubian also smiled and nodded at Lu Yao.

Lu Yao then turned his gaze to Qin Xiao and Qin Chuan. Qin Xiao wore a faint smile and nodded at him, much like Chu Jiubian had.

Though Qin Chuan’s entire face was hidden beneath a mask and hat brim, Lu Yao could still tell that he was smiling.

Lu Yao was not at all surprised to see Qin Chuan standing with Qin Xiao, as the two brothers' physiques were quite similar, and they gave off a similar impression.

It was a blood relation thing. Even though Qin Chuan always wore a disguise and had never shown his true face to Lu Yao, he could still sense it.

One after another, they all seemed to have multiple identities—people were indeed complex.

Lu Yao withdrew his gaze and continued leading the procession forward.

Chu Jiubian scanned the crowds below, which had already begun shifting toward the main street of the West Market. Though the people could barely move, the Imperial Guards and the City Defense Force ensured they didn’t press too closely.

He then looked across at the windows of the restaurants and spotted many familiar faces.

Suddenly, his gaze halted.

In one of the windows opposite, Prince Zuiliang, Baili Yan, had been chuckling while watching the excitement when the door behind him was knocked.

After the door opened, a pot-bellied man rushed in anxiously, kneeling directly before Baili Yan.

"System, purchase a lip-reading guidebook," Chu Jiubian decided instantly.

"Right away, Host."

The knowledge from the book instantly flooded Chu Jiubian’s mind.

Blinking, he looked at the man again and could now translate his lip movements in his mind.

The man was saying, "Your Highness! Your Highness, I beg for your help! My foolish daughter sneaked out to see the festivities, and the servants and guards lost track of her! With such a mixed crowd, it’s far too dangerous for a young woman to be out alone!"

Baili Yan hurriedly helped the man to his feet. Their interaction suggested they were acquainted.

The man was dressed in luxurious clothing with a Min-Zhe regional style, likely a wealthy merchant from Baili Yan’s domain who had brought his family to the capital for the festivities, only to lose his daughter in the crowd.

Baili Yan ordered the window closed, and Chu Jiubian could no longer see inside.

Nearby, Baili Hong, after watching the excitement, prepared to jump down from his chair. Chu Jiubian casually lifted him down.

"Qin Xiao," Chu Jiubian called out.

Qin Xiao turned and walked over. "What is it? Are we returning to the palace?"

"No."

The room had no outsiders, and hidden guards were stationed around. Wang Qichen had prepared the most soundproof room for them.

So Chu Jiubian spoke without restraint. "Just now, I noticed something happened with Prince Zuiliang. It seems a merchant’s daughter has gone missing. Let’s have the Imperial Guards keep an eye out."

Qin Xiao nodded. "Understood." At the same time, one of the hidden guards concealed in the shadows discreetly left to relay the message to the Imperial Guards.

With such a large crowd below, it was normal to get separated in the crush. The girl might find her way back on her own.

But as a precaution, it was better to be cautious.

"Uncle, are we returning to the palace now?" Baili Hong asked obediently.

He understood his position and was content with having witnessed such excitement, so he didn't fuss about staying longer.

Qin Xiao nodded. "We'll return once Xiao Yuzi returns."

"Alright," Baili Hong agreed obediently.

He sat down at the table, and Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian sat down on either side of him.

All three then looked at Qin Chuan, who hesitated but remained standing.

"Sit," Qin Xiao said.

Qin Chuan glanced at Baili Hong.

Baili Hong had no objections and flashed him a smile showing his white teeth. "Sit down."

In the palace, Hong Fu, Xiao Xiangzi, and Xiao Yuzi all were strict about protocol.

Though Chu Jiubian came from a future era, he understood that in this era, certain rules were unchangeable. As attendants, they had to maintain awe and respect for their superiors; otherwise, they might unintentionally cross lines.

So he usually doesn't deliberately correct Hong Fu and others' attitudes, because their leading by example in showing respect is actually for Baili Hong's benefit, ensuring other servants in turn treat Baili Hong with utmost respect.

Instances of insolent servants bullying their masters have occurred frequently. Having been through it himself, Hong Fu naturally takes preventive measures.

Baili Hong is also used to keeping a certain behavioral distance from the attendants. Now, seeing his uncle and teacher both inviting this mysterious "hidden guard" to sit at the same table with them, he feels somewhat curious.

The kid’s clever little brain starts turning, thinking that this person must not be an ordinary hidden guard. Moreover, he gives off a familiar, reassuring vibe, somewhat like his uncle and teacher.

Could this person be a relative of his?

Baili Hong props up his chin with both hands, tilting his head to stare at Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan sits down opposite him and looks up to find the child staring at him, making him momentarily speechless.

Chu Jiubian finds the situation amusing.

Under the table, he suddenly feels a light brush against his leg and freezes for a moment.

Raising his eyes to look across, he sees Qin Xiao gazing at him.

Both of them have long legs, and the table isn’t large enough, so their legs brushing was unavoidable.

But as their eyes meet, Qin Xiao smiles.

Chu Jiubian: "?"

The next moment, he feels Qin Xiao’s leg forcefully press between his legs.

Chu Jiubian is instantly transported back to the Qin residence, to Qin Xiao’s room, and to the moment when the man trapped him between his arms and the desk, forcing...

His face darkens with anger, he glares at Qin Xiao, and lifts his foot to stomp hard on Qin Xiao’s foot.

Qin Xiao raises an eyebrow, his smile deepening.

The four of them sit in the room, and for a moment, no one speaks.

Time ticks by, but Xiao Yuzi still hasn’t returned.

Xiao Yuzi isn’t the irresponsible type. After watching the excitement downstairs, he would definitely return and not follow the crowd.

Even if he were pushed farther away by the crowd or went to buy candied hawthorns, he should have returned by now.

Chu Jiubian slightly furrows his brows.

Could something have happened?

Fortunately, at that moment, the door is finally knocked, and Xiao Yuzi’s voice comes from outside the room, a little out of breath: "Your Majesty, my lord, I have returned."