Chapter 2123: Have You Been Drinking? (Patreon)

Chapter 2123: Have You Been Drinking?

When Xia Yan heard this, he looked around and lowered his voice, "No, Lord Qi is not in the capital."

Shu Yu understood. Qi Lie had always been responsible for the dealings in the black market, and there was still one last place they hadn't located. Qi Lie must be on an operation outside and was pretending to be sick at home.

She had initially wanted to give the letter to Qi Lie herself, but now it seemed that she would have to let Ah Yun handle it.

Xia Yan quickly settled the group of people and went to a nearby tavern to buy some food and wine. They would eat dinner first before discussing further.

There was a cook in the courtyard, just like back in Changjin Prefecture. They hired someone from the nearby neighborhood who would return home in the evening.

After a day of traveling, when dinner was finished and Meng Yunzheng had not yet returned, everyone retired to their rooms to rest.

However, Shu Yu couldn't sleep. She lay on the bed with her eyes closed, occasionally listening to the sounds outside with her ears perked.

As soon as there was any noise in the courtyard, she opened her eyes abruptly and walked out of the room.

Immediately, she came face to face with Meng Yun Zheng, who had just closed the courtyard gate.

Both of them were momentarily stunned, and then Meng Yun Zheng took brisk steps towards her, his expression joyful. "You've arrived? When did you get here?"

Shu Yu was embraced by him, and his scent enveloped her, making her feel reassured.

She reached out to hug his waist. "We arrived in the evening. Why are you back so late?" She inhaled slightly. "Have you been drinking?"

"I had a little bit." Meng Yunzheng released her, lowered his head to sniff his clothes. "Is it very strong?"

"Not really. But why are you back so late?"

Meng Yunzheng held her hand and walked towards the kitchen. "The imperial exams are approaching, and everyone is feeling nervous. They just wanted to relax a bit, and I got dragged along."

There was still hot water on the stove, so Meng Yun Zheng washed his face with a bit of cold water first.

Shu Yu handed him a towel. "Aren't you nervous?"

"My goals are different from theirs."

Shu Yu thought about it and agreed. Meng Yunzheng aimed to open a private academy, while the others were focused on official careers. Although they all had clear goals, the requirements for opening an academy were not as stringent. Moreover, his reputation in Dong'an Prefecture was already quite substantial.

Shu Yu didn't want to talk too much with Meng Yunzheng at this late hour. Whatever needed discussing could wait until tomorrow.

But seeing that his face was still slightly flushed, she couldn't help but worry. "Are you really okay?"

"I'm fine, I didn't drink much. It's just that I rushed back here, and the cold wind made it look worse than it is. If you're really worried, I can ask Zhao Xi for some hangover medicine."

Shu Yu quickly stopped him. "Don't go. My eldest sister and little Huohuo are here too, and I think they're already asleep."

Meng Yunzheng's movements paused. "Eldest sister and little Huohuo are here too?"

"Yes." Shu Yu helplessly recounted the situation before they left. Meng Yun Zheng suddenly realized, "That's why I found it strange. According to the schedule, you should have arrived a few days ago."

They had delayed their journey to take care of little Huohuo.

"Yeah, we spent an extra day in Changjin Prefecture. By the way, while I was there, Qiao Rou came to see me. Do you remember her?"

"The young lady from the black market?"

"Yes, she gave me a letter." Shu Yu had been carrying it with her and now took it out, summarizing its contents before Meng Yunzheng.

The latter's expression became slightly grave. "Give me the letter. Tomorrow morning, I'll have someone send it to the palace."

"Alright."