Chapter 2119: That's Your Aunt (Patreon)

Chapter 2119: That's Your Aunt

Zhao Xi went to inquire and returned, saying, "Isn't the spring imperial examination just a few days away? The city's entry and exit checks are very strict now. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of people coming and going at this time. Let's wait patiently."

Shu Yu nodded and glanced ahead again. Not only were there many people, but there were also quite a few carriages in the queue, indicating that they were from wealthy families. It seemed like they would be waiting until nightfall.

As expected, an hour later, as the sky darkened, even little Huohuo had been carried out of the carriage by Zhao Xi twice. Finally, it was their turn to enter the city.

"So, this is the capital?" Shu You looked at the scenery outside and remarked, "It's much more bustling than Dong'an Prefecture and Changjin Prefecture."

Shu Yu leaned to the side. Wasn't it bustling? Especially with the spring imperial examination approaching, the increased population had made the streets even livelier.

Three years ago, when she arrived, she coincided with the late Emperor's fluctuating health, leading to a somber atmosphere in the streets. Later, there was the incident involving Gongqiu's attempted rebellion, resulting in the dismissal of many officials. The capital had become even more desolate, with people on edge.

Compared to then, there was indeed a significant difference now.

"Sister, tomorrow, you can have Zhao Xi take you and your son around the city. He's quite familiar with the capital," Shu Yu suggested to her sister suggested.

Sitting on the carriage shaft, Zhao Xi heard this and said, "Of course, tomorrow, I'll take you both to explore the vast capital."

Shu You chuckled, "Don't you have official business to attend to?"

"That can wait. First, let me show you around," Zhao Xi replied.

Shu Yu shook her head, finding the affectionate exchange between the two amusing.

She decided to chat with Xiao Songle instead. To her surprise, when she turned to speak with him, he was peering out of the window with a focused expression.

"What are you looking at?" Shu Yu was curious, so she followed his gaze and saw that he had been watching a woman up ahead. The woman was carrying a basket, and from her back, it was difficult to discern her identity.

It wasn't until the woman turned a corner into an alley not far away that Shu Yu could see her face clearly. She was taken aback. "Isn't that Aunt Hong?"

Xiao Songle immediately turned his head to look at her. "Aunt Hong..."

The woman had already disappeared, so Shu Yu withdrew her gaze and smiled. "Yes, that's your aunt. Did you just recognize her?" Was that why he had been staring at her?

Xiao Songle, however, shook his head with some disappointment. "I didn't recognize her."

He had left Aunt Hong's care when he was two and a half years old, so even if he had some memories, they were hazy. He wouldn't be able to recognize Aunt Hong by appearance alone.

Just now, he didn't know why, but he had been looking at the scenery outside. Then, when he saw that woman, his gaze was involuntarily fixed on her.

He hadn't expected her to be his aunt.

Xiao Songle became somewhat nervous. "Should we go see her now?"

Shu You smiled and patted his head. "No rush. It's quite late now, and we're all dusty from the journey. It wouldn't be polite to visit her right away. Rest well tonight, and tomorrow, we'll bring a gift when we visit her."

Xiao Songle let out a relieved breath. "Okay."

"If you have money, you can buy a gift for Aunt Hong."

"Okay, I'll think about it tonight and choose a gift for Aunt Hong. It's good that I've seen her just now; it gives me an idea."

Xiao Songle nodded vigorously.