MCUS Chapter 27

After leaving the blacksmith’s shop, Yan Ge instructed Xiao Shuanzi to drive the carriage along the bustling streets of the capital.

It was May, just past noon, and the temperature was not low. Apart from Yan Ge and Gao Yun, who knew how to regulate their body temperature using internal energy, Wan Xiang, Xiao Chuanzi, and Xiao Shuanzi were all sweating profusely. However, none of them complained, although they were unsure why their master was wandering around like this. Along the way, they stopped three times to drink chilled tea and gave water to the horses twice.

Yan Ge had an idea for a business opportunity and asked Yan Jin to make a note of it.

“Let’s go to Fulu Street again.”

Gao Yun couldn’t help but ask, “Master, what are you looking for? I am quite familiar with the capital.”

Yan Ge smiled and shook his head. “I’m searching for a business opportunity. Keep going.”

The carriage passed by a women’s clothing store, and he asked Xiao Shuanzi to stop the carriage and he walked in. Wan Xiang and the others were all puzzled.

The clothing store was doing well, with people everywhere selecting garments. Yan Ge was about to closely examine a particular item when a young man in embroidered clothes, who was holding a young woman, suddenly stepped back and accidentally stepped on Yan Ge’s foot, stumbling for a moment. The man turned around and glared at Yan Ge unfriendly. “Are you blind?”

Yan Ge’s eyebrows arched, and his smile deepened.

Wan Xiang and Xiao Shuanzi clenched their fists, ready to rush forward. A hand reached out and grabbed the young man’s wrist, twisting it without hesitation.

“Ah! Let go, let go!” The man winced in pain, his eyebrows almost touching, and turned his head to see Gao Yun. He was surprised and asked, “Gao Yun?” His gaze drifted towards Yan Ge, who was casually fanning himself with a folding fan.

Who was this boy?

“Liu Shaoling, be careful!” Gao Yun forcefully pushed him away, gave him a sharp look, and whispered to Yan Ge, “Master, Liu Shaoling is the son of Duke Lu. It’s best not to provoke him.” This was a reminder to Yan Ge that Liu Shaoling’s status was extraordinary, and it would be wise not to easily offend him.

Liu Shaoling rubbed his wrist, speculating on Yan Ge’s identity. They were all young nobles in the capital, and he knew that Gao Yun was an imperial guard. The person who could receive such respectful treatment from him was certainly not ordinary.

He respectfully bowed to Yan Ge and said, “This one was blind. May I know how to address this young master? They say there’s no better way to make amends than by being of service. Can I make amends for my mistake?”

Yan Ge glanced at him indifferently, nodded slightly, and said, “No need to trouble yourself.” He walked to the side to closely examine the clothing of this era.

Liu Shaoling grew even more curious about Yan Ge’s identity and looked at Gao Yun, gesturing with his eyes for an explanation.

Gao Yun gave him a warning look and ignored him, walking to Yan Ge’s side.

Left with no other choice, Liu Shaoling walked away resentfully, secretly observing them.

Yan Ge quickly finished looking at the clothing in the store and had gained a general understanding. “Let’s go.”

The carriage went directly to Liuxian Pavilion.

The palace was some distance from the city center. It was already six o’clock, and it was time to prepare to return to the palace. Looking at the situation in the hall, most of the seats were already occupied and judging by the expression of Manager Yuan, it was probably not as good as usual.

Yan Ge didn’t want too many people to know about his relationship with Liuxian Pavilion, so he didn’t go personally. Instead, he sent Xiao Chuanzi to inquire about the situation.

Xiao Chuanzi quickly returned with a response. Manager Yuan was indeed a talented person. After obtaining the recipe for aromatic pork chops from Yan Ge, he immediately instructed the head chef to work on it. At the same time, he selected a few smart and thick-skinned assistants to carry embroidered banners with promotional slogans and walk along the busiest streets of the city, while beating gongs and drums. The effect was quite good.

Yan Ge said to Xiao Chuanzi, “Go and tell Manager Yuan that today is only the first day, and there will definitely be noticeable changes tomorrow and the day after. Let him rest assured.”

After dinner, he personally supervised the preparation of the aromatic pork chops and had them packed for takeaway.

He then went directly back to the palace, urging the horse to gallop faster on the less crowded streets and arrived before the palace gates were closed.

After Yan Ge entered the Tenglong Palace, Gao Yun left. His exquisite lightness skill allowed him to blend into the darkness like a wisp of smoke.

Yan Ge instructed Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi to return to Luoxue Palace first, while he carried the food container and arrived outside Huangfu Yuchen’s sleeping quarters. He said to the guards, “Go and inform the Emperor that Yan Daying requests to meet him.”

The guard quickly came out and said, “The Emperor has summoned Yan Daying to enter. Please go on.”

When Yan Ge entered, Huangfu Yuchen was reviewing a memorial at his desk, and Deng Mande was quietly standing by his side. The hall was filled with invigorating incense, and the light and refreshing fragrance was pleasant.

“This servant pays respects to the Emperor. May the Emperor be blessed.”

Huangfu Yuchen looked up and on seeing the clothes Yan Ge was wearing, his expression became displeased. “You came here like this? What kind of appearance is this?”

Yan Ge replied, “This servant brought a delicious dish from outside the palace for the Emperor. Fearing it would get cold, I came to pay respects to the Emperor as soon as possible and didn’t have time to change clothes. Please pardon me, Your Majesty.”

“Oh?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile, but he didn’t scold him. “It seems like you’ve been quite leisurely outside the palace? Yan Daying, do you know that the palace is very lively today, and everyone is talking about you?

“I will only know after listening to the emperor.” Yan Ge’s expression remained unchanged.

“You don’t seem to be worried at all?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at him deeply.