Chapter 2123: Been Drinking?

Chapter 2123: Chapter 2123: Been Drinking?

Xia Yan, upon hearing this, looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "No, Lord Qi is not in the capital."

Shu Yu understood immediately that the black market affairs had always been handled by Qi Lie. Since there was still one last place that hadn’t been found, Qi Lie was probably out on a mission, hence his feigned illness at home.

She thought of delivering the letter to Qi Lie herself, but now it seemed she would have to rely on Yun to handle it.

Xia Yan quickly arranged for everyone and went to a nearby restaurant to buy some dishes and wine, making do with them for dinner.

There was an old woman cooking in the courtyard, similar to when they were in Changjin Prefecture; hired from the nearby neighborhood, she would return home to sleep at night.

After a day’s journey, the group finished their dinner and saw that Meng Yunzheng hadn’t returned yet, so they all went back to their rooms to rest.

Shu Yu, however, couldn’t sleep. Lying on the bed, she rested with her eyes closed, occasionally listening intently to the noises outside.

Thus, when a sound arose in the courtyard, she immediately opened her eyes and walked out of her room.

Just then, she found herself face to face with Meng Yunzheng, who had just turned around after locking the courtyard gate.

Both were momentarily taken aback, and in the next moment, Meng Yunzheng strode over joyfully, "You’re here? When did you arrive?"

Shu Yu was enveloped in his embrace, the scent of him bringing her a sense of reassurance.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, "We arrived at dusk. Why did you come back so late?" She sniffed, "Did you drink?"

"Just a little." Meng Yunzheng loosened his embrace and sniffed himself, "Does it smell strong?"

"Not at all. Why did you come back so late?"

Meng Yunzheng held her hand and walked toward the kitchen, "The exams are about to start, and everyone’s a little nervous, wanted to unwind a bit, so I couldn’t escape being dragged along."

There was still hot water on the stove, and Meng Yunzheng mixed it with cold water to wash his face.

Shu Yu handed him a towel, "Aren’t you nervous?"

"My goals are different from theirs."

Shu Yu thought for a moment and agreed, Meng Yunzheng’s goal was to open an academy, while others aimed for officialdom.

Though the goals were clear, opening an academy didn’t have such high requirements. Moreover, his academy was to be opened in Dongan Province, where his reputation was already well established.

Shu Yu didn’t talk much with Meng Yunzheng since it was late. Whatever needed discussing could wait until tomorrow.

But seeing his face still a bit flushed, she grew concerned, "Are you sure you’re okay?"

"I’m fine, really didn’t drink much, it’s just from hurrying back and the cold wind blowing that makes it seem worse. If you’re really worried, I could ask Zhao Xi for a hangover cure."

Shu Yu quickly stopped him, "Don’t do that, my elder sister and Little Huohuo came along too, and they’re probably asleep now."

Meng Yunzheng paused, "Your elder sister came too?"

"Yes." Shu Yu helplessly recounted the situation before their departure. Meng Yunzheng came to a realization, "I found it odd, based on your schedule, you should have arrived days earlier."

He figured the delay was to accommodate Little Huohuo.

"Yes, we also stayed in Changjin Prefecture for a day. By the way, while we were in Changjin Prefecture, Qiao Rou came to see me. Do you remember her?"

"The girl from the black market?"

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

His expression became slightly serious, "Give me the letter. I’ll have someone deliver it to the palace first thing in the morning."

"Alright."