"Indeed, this fragrance is truly rare in the world."
"Oh dear, I can't stand it. What on earth is this food? If only I could have a bite, even just a small one!"
These people, speaking their minds, were currently amidst the crowd, their voices echoing as their eyes scanned their surroundings.
Their noses twitched incessantly, as if desperately trying to pinpoint the source of the alluring aroma.
Before long, those with the most acute sense of smell detected that the scent was emanating from the Siyang House.
Drawn by the fragrance, they followed it to the Siyang House's tightly shut door and paused.
"It's here. The scent is coming from here."
The speaker was the man with the keenest sense of smell. Even as he spoke, his nose was still extended forward.
If the timing were right, he would have gladly prostrated himself by the door, begging those inside to let him have a taste.
"Where did this house appear from? There wasn't such a residence by the city gate before."
"What a question! You're so ill-informed. This house only appeared in the last two days."
"Young people live inside."
"Yes, yes, yes! I've seen these people. And this house is a treasure. Those who possess such treasures must be from influential families, otherwise, how could they afford such conditions?"
"Hey, aren't you all just twiddling your thumbs? Is this the time to be discussing this?"
Just as the crowd was engaged in heated discussion, a voice, slightly hoarse, suddenly cut through the air.
Upon seeing who the newcomer was, everyone present immediately fell silent.
The newcomer was very pleased with the effect he had created. He nodded, but continued, "That we can be here to think and ponder is all due to fate."
"Fate."
The surrounding people echoed in unison, their expressions a complex mix.
Though they spoke of fate, their hearts harbored the same thought.
What fate? This was clearly a fated misfortune.
Just smelling a fragrance, and here by the city gate, they had to encounter such a menacing figure.
Even if they encountered him, with his status, why didn't he just hurry into the city?
Why was he lingering here, stirring up trouble?
"Ha, look at yourselves. Each of you appears respectful, but in your hearts, you don't know how to curse me."
Hearing this, they quickly waved their hands. "Where do you get such an idea? It's our fortune to meet you here."
"Indeed, indeed! To be able to breathe the same air as you, we all feel incredibly lucky."
Listening to their ceaseless flattery, a glint of mockery flashed in the man's eyes, though his face remained a picture of a brilliant smile.
Upon closer inspection, this person with the hoarse voice was actually a young gentleman.
Judging by his appearance alone, he was undeniably elegant and refined.
However, when one heard his voice, one would think he was a sixty-year-old elder.
And this young man was a household name in Yingcheng.
Not only that, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that people trembled at the mere mention of his name.
That's right, his father was the Lord of Yingcheng, Wu Yihao, and this man was named Wu Shuai.
Wu Shuai's voice was a result of poisoning in his youth. Although his life was saved, his throat was left in its current state.
Although they feared Wu Yihao's status, no one dared to mock him to his face, but behind his back, there were always people who liked to gossip about it.
Wu Shuai's temper began to become volatile from that time onwards.
Wu Yihao always felt guilty about Wu Shuai's poisoning and did not excessively restrain him.
Over time, Wu Shuai became a figure feared by everyone in Yingcheng.
He did not, like common thugs, bully the poor or oppress the weak.
On the contrary, if he saw anyone bullying others, he would certainly give them a lesson they would never forget.
However, because he often did not give others the chance to remember him, his methods became increasingly ruthless. Even those he saved feared him greatly.
Others might only be bullied, but if Wu Shuai happened to be in a bad mood, they would have no hope of survival.
Wu Shuai did not continue to exchange pleasantries with these people. No matter what he said, they would all agree, while in their hearts, they constantly wished for his death.
He found it incredibly boring to talk to such people for too long.
However, the owner of the house in front of him had indeed piqued his interest by three parts.
The lingering fragrance in the air made his mouth water.
If only he could have a taste.
As soon as this thought arose, he could no longer suppress it.
As if guided by an unseen force, he walked to the Siyang House door and reached out to knock.
By the time he heard the knock and reacted, footsteps were already audible from inside.
Although he was slightly surprised that he had actually knocked, Wu Shuai didn't care.
It was just knocking on a door!
Before he could think further, the vermilion gate in front of him slowly opened.
Wu Shuai looked into the house and saw a woman in red with black hair standing there quietly.
"Excuse me, do you need something?"
The speaker was, of course, Shen Xiaoyan.
Shen Xiaoyan was genuinely curious as to why so many people had suddenly appeared.
Had the incident in the river been exposed?
However, looking at the face of the person in front of her, it didn't seem so.
Wu Shuai saw Shen Xiaoyan's slightly furrowed brows and guessed that she took them for troublemakers.
It was all the fault of the people behind him. Each of them looked so menacing; didn't they see they had already frightened others?
"My lady, please don't misunderstand. We have no other intentions. We were just passing by your door and smelled a fragrance that entered our hearts and lungs. Without realizing it, I ended up knocking on your door. I apologize."
Hearing Wu Shuai's words, the onlookers wore expressions of bewilderment.
Wu Shuai actually dared to speak like that, almost portraying himself as an innocent and elegant young gentleman.
After hearing Wu Shuai's words, Shen Xiaoyan's brows relaxed.
So, they were attracted by the fragrance.
She had been worrying about how to market her spiritual vegetables in Yingcheng. Did she really have to set up a stall to sell them?
It wasn't that she couldn't afford to lose face, but that way would be inefficient and a great waste of time.
Now that these people had come to her doorstep, it was like a pillow arriving when one was sleepy.
With this thought, Shen Xiaoyan let out a smile. "So, you were attracted by the fragrance. In that case, it is my fault."
Hearing this, Wu Shuai quickly waved his hand. "My lady, please don't say that. Our sudden visit was indeed impolite of us."
Shen Xiaoyan chuckled. "I am not a 'my lady.' Please address me as Madam Zheng."
"Madam?"
Wu Shuai was genuinely surprised this time.
He looked Shen Xiaoyan up and down thoroughly, and finally remarked with a sigh, "I never expected that at such a young age, you would already be married."
Shen Xiaoyan said with a smile, "Since you are guests, would you be interested in coming in for a taste?"
As for what they were to taste, did Shen Xiaoyan need to elaborate?
No one present was foolish. They naturally knew that Shen Xiaoyan was referring to the source of the recent fragrance.
To not savor such delicious food offered at their lips would indeed be foolish.
Wu Shuai was the first to lead the way into the courtyard, followed closely by the others.
Lu Taobao and the others emerged from the house and, seeing the crowd in the courtyard, their faces showed expressions of surprise.
"Sister-in-law, what's going on?"
They had only been in Yingcheng for a few days, and they shouldn't have any enemies.
Besides, if they were here for revenge, would they stand there so calmly?
Since they were not here for revenge, what were they here for?
"They were all attracted by the aroma of our food, so I invited them in to have a taste, which could also help us build a reputation."