Xing Yuan took a sip of tea. It was bitter! Xing Yuan thought idly.
She didn't believe Yuan Yi would find any clues. Perhaps that person had just bought something. However, there was one thing she was sure of: if that person was indeed Xing Chen, it was highly probable they lived in the east of the city.
After finishing the tea, Yuan Yi entered carrying an old man with white hair.
"Hey! Don't you have any manners? Do you know what it means to respect the old and love the young? You're even trying to seize an old man's property, you have no manners!" the old man grumbled incessantly. Yuan Yi instinctively stuffed the cloth he had just taken out back into his mouth.
The old man could only make muffled sounds, constantly looking at the two of them with accusatory eyes.
Yuan Yi said in a deep voice, "Young Master, this man is the owner of that general store! We found a lot of firearms in his backyard. This person is definitely an arms dealer."
"Oh?" Xing Yuan's eyes showed a hint of interest. Her brother, whom she had never met, might not be a simple person either!
Xing Yuan deliberately let the old man wait for a while. After seeing the old man calm down, she slowly said, "Elder, have you calmed down now? If you are willing to talk to me calmly, I will have someone remove the cloth for you."
The old man nodded decisively. He wasn't stupid! He was the one who would suffer if he remained stubborn.
Seeing the old man nod, Yuan Yi removed the cloth again.
This time, the old man seemed much calmer. He glared fiercely at Yuan Yi before looking at Xing Yuan. The moment he saw her, he froze.
Isn't this person the same as that person? How could they be here?
No, it shouldn't be. Their demeanor was different. In this person's every move, it was clear they were a well-bred young master from a wealthy family, so it couldn't be that guy.
While the old man was struggling with his thoughts, Xing Yuan had already found the answer from his expression. It seemed he did recognize someone. That made things easier.
"Judging by your reaction, Elder, it seems you recognize me?"
"How could I? I hardly leave my home, how could I possibly recognize a noble young master like yourself?" The old man coughed lightly, masking his complex emotions.
"Hardly leave your home?" Xing Yuan's eyes twinkled with amusement. If she couldn't seize this perfect opportunity that was handed to her, she would be letting him down for all his efforts.
"Then, Elder, where did you obtain the batch of firearms in your backyard? They couldn't have just fallen into your home, could they!" Xing Yuan stood up, moved closer, her eyes threatening.
The old man thought: I've been too hasty!
This is forcing me to choose between the two, isn't it? The old man silently muttered an apology and chose to back down.
"I misspoke earlier. I actually recognize someone who looks very much like you, Young Master." The old man felt that these two might have some connection. Although he was acting unethically, his life was on the line, so what did morality matter?
"Oh? It seems the Elder remembers now." Xing Yuan reverted to polite address and sat back down in her previous seat.
"Yes!" The old man wiped his sweat and continued.
"I haven't known that person for long. I've done business with him a few times. He's generous and good-looking, so I do have some impression of him. I really don't know anything more."
"Is that so~" Xing Yuan could tell the old man was hiding something, but this was enough.
"Yuan Yi!"
"Yes!" Yuan Yi responded quickly.
"I'll leave this matter to you. Take more people with you. If you see him, bring him back. Note that even if you can't bring him back, you must not harm him!" Xing Yuan emphasized.
"Yes! Yuan Yi understands!" Yuan Yi also felt that the Young Master must be looking for someone related to her, otherwise, why would she be searching so extensively so soon after arriving? It seemed finding this person was their main reason for coming to Haicheng.
The old man was also taken away. Xing Yuan believed that the intelligence of twins wouldn't differ much. If the person discovered something and went into hiding, it would be difficult to find them.
Xing Yuan felt that the tea didn't taste as bitter anymore. The tea leaves seemed to emit a faint fragrance that was refreshing.
Xing Yuan had expected the following days to be spent patiently waiting for good news, but a sudden invitation disrupted her good mood once again.
"Hearing that Your Excellency has arrived in Haicheng, I wish to extend my hospitality. I hope you will grace me with your presence at Ruoxi Pavilion in seven days. I await your favorable reply!" Feng Nianxing read with a cadence, his eyes filled with an unutterable emotion.
"Achen, are you going?" Feng Nianxing was accustomed to the name and, worried about eavesdroppers, had not changed his way of addressing Xing Yuan.
"Go, why wouldn't I?" Xing Yuan smiled lightly. She had been cooped up for too long recently and it would be good to get some fresh air.
Feng Nianxing supported her decision. "Good. Since you've decided, I'll briefly introduce you to Qi Wen."
"He is quite famous. He is a few years older than you and is backed by the Northern Yuan warlords. His father has considerable ambition and has been extending his influence to the surrounding areas for many years."
"In recent years, he has followed his father and achieved many military merits. He is likely inviting you partly because of your equally renowned reputation and his desire to compete with you."
"You don't need to pay him much mind. I've heard he has some gentlemanly conduct. As long as you are unwilling, I doubt he will make things difficult for you. It would be even better if you could form a temporary alliance. Those who are coming this time are all people who devour others without spitting out the bones."
Mentioning this, Feng Nianxing's expression was quite worried. A Yuan was good in all aspects, but she was too young. He was concerned she might not be able to handle those individuals.
"Mm!" Xing Yuan replied, finally asking the question that had been bothering her for a long time.
"What kind of place is Ruoxi Pavilion?"
"You'll find out when you get there!" Feng Nianxing evaded the question with a troubled expression.
Xing Yuan stood before the plaque with a solemn expression. Seeing the opera house before her, she was filled with disbelief.
They were warlords, after all. It seemed inappropriate to discuss matters here. They should at least find a private room in a restaurant or something.
Before Xing Yuan could enter, she heard melodious singing from within the opera house. Even though she hadn't heard much opera before, she could still tell that the singing was very good.
"Young Master, are you alone?" The person at the door saw Xing Yuan's conflicted expression and greeted her with a smile.
Xing Yuan maintained a cool expression and said faintly, "I have an appointment with Young Master Qi!"
The young attendant's face instantly lit up with enthusiasm. A friend of that young master who spent money like water!