Mu Junze hurriedly assembled his troops and set off for the border early the next morning.
Rumors quickly spread throughout the capital, claiming that Mu Junze and Su Che had fallen out. Many speculated that Mu Junze had impulsively married Su Che, questioning how a man could not desire to have children with his wife.
Su Che was handsome and talented, but some believed he was merely a novelty. After the morning court session, there were even whispers directed at Su Che, who chose to remain silent.
At that moment, Mu Tingxiu seized the opportunity to intercept Su Che after court, unable to hide his delight.
"What? Do you still think he will love you after all this? He will be away at war for several days. Not to mention the dangers of battle, even if he returns victorious, you two won't have had any communication during this time. History is filled with tales of men finding their ideal partners on the battlefield. Have you considered what you would do if he brought back a woman like Hua Rong?"
Su Che's expression remained cold as he ignored Mu Tingxiu's triumphant demeanor.
"We'll see about that. The prince should focus on himself for now!"
With that, Su Che turned and left. Within a few days, business at the Worthy Prince's mansion’s shops plummeted. Mu Tingxiu learned through some inquiries that the Su Family was suppressing his businesses.
Rather than being upset, Mu Tingxiu found joy in it. Zhong Xian couldn't help but feel that Mu Tingxiu was infatuated with Su Che. If things continued like this, closing their shops would be minor; a shortage of funds would hinder their future plans.
However, seeing Mu Tingxiu's calm demeanor, Zhong Xian realized that even if he spoke up, Mu Tingxiu likely wouldn't listen. He couldn't understand what abilities Su Che possessed to captivate him so.
Mu Tingxiu always approached Su Che with enthusiasm while receiving indifference in return. Zhong Xian wondered if perhaps Mu Tingxiu preferred someone who paid him no mind.
He tried ignoring Mu Tingxiu for a few days, but Mu Tingxiu remained unfazed, leaving Zhong Xian sulking alone with no way to resolve the situation. Yet he knew he and Mu Tingxiu were tied together in this predicament.
While he could ignore it, Zhong Xian could not afford to do so indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Xu Mu, under the alias Xu Mu Cong, lingered in the border region. After persuading Bei Yan, he did not rush to leave but instead headed towards Jiangnan. Although the guards sent by Mu Tingxiu had their doubts, they silently followed him.
Inside Chunjiang Tower in Jiangnan, Xu Mu paced back and forth in his room late at night, occasionally glancing outside as the lights were extinguished within, seemingly waiting for someone.
Before long, three short knocks echoed from the door. Xu Mu quickly approached and opened it to find no one outside before hastily inviting the person inside.
"What did the prince say?"
The figure in black, cloaked and masked, exuded an air of mystery. Upon hearing Xu Mu's inquiry, he retrieved a red porcelain vial from within his robe and spoke in a low, raspy voice.
"The master has instructed that this medicine should only be used in dire circumstances. It must be handled with utmost caution regarding the dosage. If something goes awry, a careful examination could reveal the truth. However, as long as it goes unnoticed and the dosage is appropriate, the effects will be undeniable."
Xu Mu hurriedly accepted the vial, expressing his gratitude. After the figure departed, he cast a lingering glance at Xia Jiang Lou across the way, a smirk playing on his lips.
The next morning, as Xu Mu prepared to purchase some items, he was unexpectedly struck on the head by a fragrant sachet while passing beneath Xia Jiang Lou.
Looking up, he saw a beautiful woman leaning out of a half-open window. Her voice was soft and melodious as she spoke.
"I apologize, young master; I accidentally injured you. May I trouble you to return the item? I would like to host a banquet upstairs to make amends. Would you be willing to join me?"
Xu Mu nodded in agreement, unable to suppress a smile. This method reminded him of Pan Jinlian's encounter with Xi Menqing.
Around him, many cast envious glances, whispering among themselves about the owner of the upper room who had rarely been seen for over a month. They recalled hearing occasional sounds of objects being dropped from above, but it had quieted down recently.
It was known that a beautiful woman of noble attire resided there, suggesting she was not of ordinary background. However, her infrequent appearances had led many to forget her existence. Now that she had shown herself and extended an invitation, envy swelled among the crowd—how could such wealth and privilege fall upon this young man?
Yet, noticing Xu Mu's refined clothing and handsome appearance, they speculated that perhaps the lady had taken a liking to his looks, sparking new conversations among them.
Xu Mu remained silent as he made his way into Xia Jiang Lou, his heart brimming with joy.
As he contemplated how to approach her, an opportunity presented itself. He wondered if everything would proceed smoothly; he hoped for divine assistance in his endeavors. With these thoughts in mind, he was led to Tian Zi Yi Hao Fang.
Xu Mu discreetly surveyed his surroundings and noted that the entire floor was guarded—an indication of the high status of its occupant.
Upon entering the room, Xu Mu displayed impeccable manners and bowed gracefully to the woman before presenting the sachet with both hands.
Initially somewhat disdainful, she took it upon seeing Xu Mu's handsome features and set it aside with a smile, inviting him to take a seat while subtly probing for information.
"Thank you, young master. If I have wasted your time, please allow me to apologize first," she said.
Xu Mu replied with a smile.
“Miss, you flatter me. I am new to Jiangnan and merely wish to explore the area; there is nothing of great importance,” he replied.
Upon hearing this, the young woman shifted her gaze and continued to inquire.
“Oh? How coincidental! I am not from Jiangnan either. May I ask where you hail from? Perhaps we are fellow townsfolk.”
“I reside in the capital. After leaving the city, I have been conducting some small business in Lang County. Passing through here, I heard that the beauty of Jiangnan is unparalleled, so I thought to take some specialties back home. It is indeed my fortune to encounter you, Miss.”
The young woman lightly covered her smile, feeling an increased fondness for Xu Mu. A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes as she dismissed her servant. However, the servant seemed reluctant to leave. After casting a glance at Xu Mu when the young woman showed a hint of annoyance, he retreated.
Once it was just the two of them in the room, she finally asked, “May I know your surname and given name, sir? Our meeting must be fate. Coincidentally, I am also from the capital but have been away for over a month now. It has been quite dull being alone here. Do you happen to know any recent news from the capital? Would you be willing to share?”
Xu Mu felt a surge of joy within but maintained a slight smile on his face as he replied, “My surname is Xu, and my given name is Mu Cong; just a single character for my given name. May I ask for your esteemed name? There has indeed been quite a bit of news in the capital recently; what particular matters are you interested in?”
Xu Mu Cong observed her with keen interest and noted her eagerness. However, he thought it understandable; after being confined for so long, it was only natural not to lose one's sanity. He had heard that she was known for her straightforwardness back in the capital.
Now, with her speaking softly and circling around him, he wondered how long she could maintain this facade. It would also give him insight into what kind of person she truly was.
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