ense sticks are lit to express respect and awe for imperial power.Then, the Li family opened the door and welcomed the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree.The old and young of the Li family knelt...Meow Ge'er was also happy and asked, "Mu Hu衛, where did this come from"

Mu Xu bowed and replied, "I was just heading to the military camp wharf. The county princess instructed me to bring some snacks for General Li. Hearing that the seventh young master was here, I came up to take a look."

Ma Ge nodded and quickly invited him to sit down, asking about his sister's situation in the palace.

He has been writing about his travels abroad recently. He stayed at the academy these past two days, looking up some ancient texts, and still doesn't know about the palace gate incident.

Mu Xu didn't say much, only picking up some trivial matters, such as the constant imperial gifts, and that every day in Zilan Palace there were freshly baked pastries.

Mao Ge naturally felt much more at ease, and wanted to inquire about the dockyard camp, but those students next door became increasingly unruly and loud in their speech, even starting to attack the southwestern gate guarded by the Lu family.

Master Meow put down his teacup heavily, and wanted to go over to say a few words.

Mu Xu suddenly grabbed his arm and smiled, "Seventh Young Master, do you think this Lu Prince is really as they described him"

"Of course not!" Meow Ge frowned and shook his head.

Mu Xu laughed even more confidently, "Then what those people said isn't true. Since it's not true, the Seventh Young Master shouldn't care, after all, the clear will naturally clarify itself."

And even if we assume the worst, Young Master Lu definitely has a plan to deal with these recent rumors. He wouldn't just let others slander him like this, right

"Right now, going to argue with these people would only hurt your own business and might even make things worse, causing Lord Lu more trouble."

Maoge'er thought about it for a moment, and decided not to insist. He simply replied, "Forget it, out of sight, out of mind. I'd better go buy some birthday gifts."

"That's right," Mu Xu also got up and smiled, "The county princess cares most about the seventh young master in the palace. She would be happy to know that you are now so steady."

Mao Ge'er's face improved a lot after being coaxed, and after chatting for a while, they went downstairs together.

After Mu Xu went to the backyard for some refreshments, Mao Ge'er greeted Peng Zhanggui and then went out onto the street.

In a short while, after choosing two good inks at the painting and calligraphy shop, as Cat-Brother was about to leave, sunlight flashed for a moment and he suddenly felt a shiver down his spine. He turned back and asked Zheng Qi.

"Zheng Qi, you said Mu Huwei obstructed me from meeting with Brother Lu... Is it because he doesn't want me to be involved"

Zheng Qi scratched his head and chuckled, "I don't know either, young master. But Brother Mu is the smartest, he always acts shrewdly and never loses out. We all think that following his lead is the right thing to do."

Although Mao Ge still felt something was off, he couldn't put his finger on it. He decided to brush it aside and headed back to the academy.

Li Laosan was in the courtyard of the dining hall, repairing two wobbly benches. Seeing his nephew return, he smiled and said, "Cat son is back, are you hungry Would you like me to make something for you first to fill your stomach"

Brother Cat tucked in his long robe, stepped forward to offer a helping hand, and replied, “No need, Third Uncle. I had some snacks at Baiyun Pavilion and my stomach is full. I also ran into Guard Mu and asked about how my younger sister was doing in the palace.”

Li Laosan also thought about his niece, so he hurried to ask.

Cat Elder simply explained, and then recounted the idle chatter of those scholars and Mu Xu's admonishments to him.

"Third Uncle, am I overthinking this" Meow-er stepped aside, letting Third Uncle stand in the shade.

Li Laosan patted his nephew's shoulder and, without further explanation, said, "Mu Huwei is a young man who acts like an old one. Now he's helping our family, so when things happen, he'll definitely consider things more thoroughly than you. Listen to him more, it should be right. He couldn't possibly harm you!"

Your second uncle sent a message, saying that things haven't been peaceful in the city lately and you should go out less.

"Understood, Third Uncle," Mao Ge'er quickly replied, "I'm not going to the city to buy a gift. I won't leave the academy for now. I'll stay here with you."

"Good boy!" Li Laosan was coaxed into a silly smile by his nephew, "Your older brothers have all gone out to become officials. Fortunately, you're still here. Just now, some big fish were delivered from outside. I'll make you a spicy boiled fish tonight, sweat all over your body, and cool down."

At this time, Zhimin and Xiujie, along with Guo Wenhao, just came in from outside. Hearing this, the most lively Xiujie stepped forward and laughed, "Uncle Three, is there any of our share in the boiled fish I want to eat it too!"

Li Lao San laughed even more heartily, saying repeatedly, "Yes, yes! We may be lacking in other things, but we don't lack food. You guys should let go of your worries and eat!"

Several boys started laughing and clamoring to help.

It's just two chairs, why does it take so many people.

Then, Li Lao San drove them to drink juice and chat.

Four young lads gathered together, some handsome, some refined, some cheerful, some reserved, each with their own distinct charm. When they laughed and chatted, the sparkle in their eyes was so captivating that even the midday sun paled in comparison…

Beyond the new city, just a dozen or so miles away, a procession of carriages and horses was coming.

Although there were only a dozen or so vehicles, they were packed to the brim. The drivers and guards looked weary and dusty, clearly having traveled a long way.

Soon, they arrived near the city gate.

Loiterers who were waiting to enter the city saw it from afar and couldn't help but discuss it.

"Has another state governor come to offer tributes"

"I don't know, looking at this, there are quite a few good things in the car."

Those who said that were people who were envious, but some sang the opposite tune and scoffed, saying, “Even if it’s a good thing, what does it have to do with us anyway!”

"That's true!" his friend agreed, "Good things once they enter the palace, are afraid they won't even last a moment before being sent to the Noble Consort."

"The Emperor is truly devoted. He has favored the Noble Consort for so long, yet he still shows no signs of weariness."

"You wouldn't know that, would you The Emperor doesn't favor the Consort much because of the Second Prince. A mother's love for her son makes her esteemed!"

"That makes sense! The Emperor does favor the Second Prince, no wonder everyone is vying for his favor lately. They must have figured out the Emperor's intentions."

People were talking without restraint, gradually shifting from their curiosity about the convoy to discussions about government affairs and the imperial harem.

As a result, the convoy passed by the city gate without entering and turned down a small road, heading straight for Suijintan.

Everyone was surprised and changed the subject.

"Oh dear, we all got it wrong, this is Li's family carriage."

"I heard that the previous top scholar who was sent to Li's family has returned safely after completing his duties."

“Thousands of miles away, does it travel so fast”

The Li family's caravan was used to traveling outside. Others might have found it difficult, but for them, it was easy.

"I just wonder what good things he'll bring back this time."

"Rest assured, if there are any good things, they'll be available at Li's shop in a few days."

"Yeah, let's head into the city quickly. Let's go to Baiyun Pavilion and have a bowl of ice cream to cool off, it's so hot!"

"Forget the ice cream, even a block of ice would do! My throat is on fire!"

People are like this, any major event is just idle chatter to pass the time. What they truly care about is always their own food, drink, urination, and defecation.

In the blink of an eye, Li's caravan passed by, and the idlers entered the city, marking the end of their temporary encounter. They parted ways.

Suijin Tan became much more lively because of the return of Lao Hei and others.ble and conscience-worthy. If you encounter someone in need, lend a helping hand where you can.""Mother, please rest assured, we all know. When there are students from poor families who come to eat at...