Chapter 25
As Li Xinjun followed Grand General Duoluo and Minister Chen out of the meeting hall, the door to the adjacent room opened, and several effeminate-looking men emerged, followed by a young man with an air of nobility. The young man smiled at Li Xinjun, who politely smiled back.
Grand General Duoluo, noticing the young man, immediately bowed.
“Your Highness…”
The young man quickly stepped forward and stopped him, helping him up.
“Grand General Duoluo, it’s been a while.” He gave the general a knowing look.
Duoluo understood and straightened up. “Brother Huang… What brings you here?”
“I was just passing by and heard you were discussing the jiangshi problem. I came to listen but didn’t want to interrupt your meeting, so I sat in the next room.”
“Oh, I see. Allow me to introduce you to my granddaughter, Xinjun.”
The young man smiled politely at Li Xinjun and said, “Greetings, Miss Xinjun. My name is Hongli. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Greetings, Brother Hongli. It’s nice to meet you too.” Li Xinjun smiled sweetly.
“Grand General Duoluo, where are you headed now?” Hongli asked, turning to the general.
“We were just about to have lunch at the First Teahouse. Would you care to join us, Brother Huang?”
“Certainly, it’s been a while since I’ve been there. I’ll come along.”
The Prime Minister politely saw them off. Hongli and his entourage followed Grand General Duoluo and Li Xinjun to the First Teahouse, the most renowned restaurant in the capital, frequented by high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants. Ordinary citizens rarely dined there, as the dishes were exquisite and expensive.
Their most famous dish was the Eight Treasures Duck, which attracted diners from far and wide. Grand General Duoluo had taken Li Xinjun there before, and she had fallen in love with the dish, often pestering him to take her back. Knowing they would be passing by the teahouse today, Li Xinjun had already made plans with her grandfather to have lunch there.
The waiter led them to a private room. Li Xinjun excitedly ordered the Eight Treasures Duck, and Grand General Duoluo added a few other dishes. Li Xinjun, unable to contain her excitement, fidgeted in her seat. Hongli, amused by her childlike enthusiasm, asked,
“Miss Xinjun, you seem quite fond of the Eight Treasures Duck here?”
“Yes, Brother Hongli! It’s the most delicious duck I’ve ever tasted! You must try it! You’ll love it!”
“Hahaha, alright, I will definitely try it.”
“Brother Huang has access to the finest delicacies at home. He wouldn’t be as gluttonous as this little girl,” Grand General Duoluo said, teasing Li Xinjun.
“I’m not a glutton! It’s just that delicious! Don’t listen to Grandfather, Brother Hongli. I don’t usually eat this much.”
“You don’t eat much? Who’s the one who keeps begging me to bring her here? And who’s the one who can never get enough of the braised pork at home?”
“Grandfather! Don’t embarrass me like that! There are other people here! I have to save face!” Li Xinjun pouted.
“Hahaha, oh? You care about saving face? Then don’t eat the duck. Leave it for me and your Brother Hongli.”
“No way! I’d rather lose face than miss out on the duck!”
“Hahaha, interesting, very interesting.”
Hongli, amused by their banter, laughed heartily. Li Xinjun ignored them, her mouth watering at the thought of the Eight Treasures Duck. Face was the least of her concerns.
Soon, the waiter returned with their food, placing the dishes on the table and then discreetly closing the door behind him. Li Xinjun, unable to wait, immediately grabbed a piece of duck and popped it into her mouth, her face lighting up with satisfaction. Hongli, seeing her enjoyment, also took a piece.
“Well? Was I right? Isn’t it delicious?” Li Xinjun asked, her mouth full of duck.
“Delicious. Excellent recommendation, Miss Xinjun.” Hongli nodded in agreement.
“See? I told you it was good! Grandfather, see? It’s not just me being a glutton. Even Brother Hongli thinks it’s delicious!”
“Hahaha, look at you, a young lady, talking with your mouth full! You’re even less refined than this old soldier who’s spent his life on the battlefield! What man would dare to marry you?”
“Grandfather, you’re so mean! I’m not unrefined, I’m just bold and straightforward! It’s a virtue! You just don’t appreciate it! Isn’t that right, Brother Hongli?”
“Yes, I think Miss Xinjun is perfectly charming. Her demeanor is quite refreshing.”
“Hmph, see, Grandfather? You said no one would want me! Even Brother Hongli thinks I’m good!”
“Alright, alright, do as you please. I just hope your future husband won’t be put off by your… enthusiasm.”
“Who cares? I have Sister Ling. I never wanted to get married anyway.” Li Xinjun’s mood suddenly darkened as she mentioned Song Ling. She lost her appetite for the duck.
“Miss Xinjun, why did you stop eating? You seem unhappy. Is it because of what your grandfather said?” Hongli asked with concern.
“Sigh… No, I just miss Sister Ling. It’s been almost a year. I wonder how she’s doing. I’m so worried.”
“The Sister Ling you speak of, is that Doctor Song, Song Ling?”
“Yes! Do you know her? Have you met her?” Li Xinjun asked excitedly.
“I have only heard of her. I know she is a kind and compassionate person. She provided free medical treatment during the disaster and helped many people. She’s missing? What happened? Perhaps I can help?”
“She disappeared ten months ago. We were in Chen Family Village, dealing with the jiangshi, and she encountered the jiangshi king. To prevent it from harming more people, she risked her life to pursue it. I was seriously injured at the time and wasn’t there. We haven’t been able to contact her since. I have people searching for her, but there’s been no news.”
“I might be able to help with that. I have connections and can ask people to look for her.”
“Really? Thank you so much! This has been weighing on my mind for so long. I would be eternally grateful if you could help me find her.” Li Xinjun’s eyes lit up with hope.
“Don’t worry, child. Brother Huang will definitely help you find your Sister Ling. Now, eat more. You need your strength for sword practice tomorrow.” Grand General Duoluo placed a piece of meat in Li Xinjun’s bowl.
“Yes, I will do my best to help you. Don’t worry. Eat now.”
Li Xinjun, touched by their concern, sighed and forced herself to push aside her worries about Song Ling, resuming her meal. After lunch, Hongli bid farewell to Li Xinjun and the others, and they left the First Teahouse. Hongli stepped outside and addressed his men who were waiting for him.
“Issue an order. Instruct all our spies throughout the country to search for Song Ling. Report to me immediately if she is found. Ensure her safety.”
“Yes, Your Majesty! I will attend to it immediately.” One of the men knelt and then hurried away.
Another man approached Hongli and whispered in his ear, “Your Majesty, shall we return to the palace now, or would you like to continue exploring the city?”
“Let’s return to the palace. It’s getting late, and the curfew will be in effect soon. I don’t want to encounter any soldiers and cause unnecessary trouble.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The man turned to the others and said, “Prepare the carriage. We are returning to the palace.”
