Song Yi’s heart tightened, yet he remained composed, "Replying to this lord, I am just an islander from a small island in the sea. It is said that my ancestors were fishern from Zhongyuan a hundred years ago and ended up on the island, so I learned so Zhongyuan Language and poetry from an early age."
He ca back to his senses and quickly introduced, "This is Lord Jingshang, I just forgot to introduce myself, my na is Song Yi."
Bai Ruozhu carefully scrutinized him; this person is ticulous, not neglecting his companion while speaking. He certainly doesn’t offend people in daily life and might have excellent connections, facilitating his tasks for Wu Yunfeng in Fusang.
"May I know which island Mr. Song Yi is from? We passed by many islands at sea, perhaps even your hotown," Bai Ruozhu asked with a warm smile, appearing very hospitable.
Jiang Yichun also took the opportunity to say, "We rarely encounter soone good at Zhongyuan Language. Why don’t the two of you sit down and have tea with us?"
Song Yi hesitated a bit, but Jingshang was already happily seated after saluting, so Song Yi could only sit down reluctantly.
"My hotown is a bit remote; it’s not far from Jade Island, just less populated than Jade Island," Song Yi replied.
"Then we really haven’t been there. If we pass by on our way back, do you need us to convey anything or any ssage for you, sir?" Bai Ruozhu continued to ask.
Song Yi hurriedly saluted, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. There’s no need to send anything. My parents have passed away, and there are no relatives at ho anymore."
At this mont, the waiter brought up tea and dim sum. So of the dim sum were green, featuring Fusang’s special matcha treats.
"Lords, these matcha dim sum are quite light, please try them," Jingshang said in sowhat awkward Chinese.
Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun exchanged a few polite words with him before trying the tea and snacks.
Bai Ruozhu secretly gave Jiang Yichun a look; after all, she is a woman, constantly chatting with Song Yi might lead to misunderstandings, which could be troubleso.
"You two must be Fusang officials, right?" Jiang Yichun understood Bai Ruozhu’s intent. Although he was impatient to converse much with these people, he engaged in pleasantries with them.
Bai Ruozhu quietly listened while sipping tea, secretly smiling. Though her husband Achun always wears a cold expression, he is clear about human relations and interactions, making small talk is not a problem for him. Moreover, he carries a sense of nobility and elegance, easily attracting goodwill from others.
It’s just a pity that most of the ti, he carries a sullen face as if to ward off strangers, which discourages others from approaching.
As the tea continued, both sides beca more familiar, and Jingshang straightforwardly said, "The two lords truly have no airs, and you are so knowledgeable. Talking with you for a while is better than reading for ten years."
Though exaggerated, who doesn’t like to hear nice words? Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun smiled and complinted the two for a few words.
"Seeing my husband and the two lords chatting so rrily is a matter of fate. Why not invite the two lords to visit the posthouse when you have ti?" Bai Ruozhu suggested.
Song Yi hesitated a bit, and Bai Ruozhu continued with a smile, "We are traveling with Lord Tang, who is our Danliang Country’s new Imperial Examination Champion and truly knowledgeable. He would certainly wish to exchange views with you two as well."
"Wouldn’t that be too presumptuous?" Jingshang cautiously asked.
Jiang Yichun smiled and said, "We are inviting you two; why would it be presumptuous?"
Jingshang happily glanced at Song Yi, "Then we shall respectfully accept the invitation."
The two sides chatted a bit more, agreed on inviting Song Yi and his companion to the posthouse three days later, and then dispersed. Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun rode the horse carriage back to the posthouse, and on the way, Jiang Yichun asked quietly, "Do you think he’ll co?"
Bai Ruozhu laughed, "He surely will. If he received a ssage from Wu Yunfeng, knowing we are enemies, he will certainly enter the tiger’s den to find out. If he knows nothing and is rely curious, he will co to see. He and Wu Yunfeng surely communicate after long intervals, so many things he can only speculate on by himself, and thus he cannot refuse to co."
Jiang Yichun also laughed, "Besides, he wouldn’t want to blatantly offend us."
Unexpectedly, before the three days were up, the Astrologer arrived at the posthouse, sowhat anxious, "I’ve received news that at Gangshan, soone masquerading as is catching demons. I suspect it might be my brother!"
Bai Ruozhu was taken aback too, suddenly finding the na Gangshan sowhat familiar; upon thinking carefully, she realized, "The Crown Prince also went to Gangshan on a mission. I wonder if there is any contact."
"I plan to rush to Gangshan imdiately, traveling day and night to avoid missing anything." The Astrologer stated.
"I’ll go with you," Jiang Yichun said resolutely.
He then looked at Bai Ruozhu, "Traveling is too hard; stay in the posthouse. I will surely bring Ning Yu back."
"No!" Bai Ruozhu said quickly, "We don’t know the situation yet; if too few people go, it might not be effective. Besides, have you forgotten we also have an appointnt?" Bai Ruozhu reminded him.
Jiang Yichun frowned, "That matter can wait a bit."
He wasn’t necessarily aiming to investigate Song Yi’s purpose in Fusang; worst-case scenario, they could delay connecting that line.
Bai Ruozhu shook her head, "If we all leave, it would surely raise suspicion. The master elder’s situation is still unclear; we can’t let him fall into danger. To deal with General Chisong and the Emperor, it’s better for you to handle it, so you and Mo Beishan, godfather, and Tang Feng stay in the Capital, and I’ll go with Jianqi, Yuan Licheng, Fo Lanying, and Qiu Zhi."
Yizi said eagerly, "Master, I want to go as well."
"Stay and arrange so array formations; you might not keep up if we rush," Bai Ruozhu considered that everyone would be traveling on fast horses, and Yizi’s riding skills and physical condition would struggle.
Jiang Yichun didn’t want to be separated from her, staring intently at her, "No, I don’t agree."
Seeing the two arguing, the Astrologer anxious to depart had to go to the door and pace.
"Achun, I know you’re worried about , but I’m not a greenhouse flower; our mission this ti is heavy. We need to be rational and handle the current situation well. So, we should make a good division of labor, you stay and continue engaging with Song Yi and the others, and I’ll return as soon as possible." Bai Ruozhu said.
Jiang Yichun glanced at the door, whispering, "I’m worried..."
He distrusted the Astrologer, both for his power and his sinister ways—an instance of Yin Yang Rain left him unable to return to human legs. Not to ntion they’ve only known the Astrologer for a short while, everything has been asserted unilaterally by the Astrologer; how credible is it?
"Don’t worry, I’ll be vigilant." Bai Ruozhu nodded, she never fully trusted the Astrologer, understanding that true trust with Fo Lanying and others was built through shared experiences.
Jiang Yichun remained reluctant, but Bai Ruozhu worried that continuing would waste ti, and quickly turned to Yizi, "Quickly inform the others, have them pack up, and we’ll depart in fifteen minutes."
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