The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Zhao Xi went to make some inquiries, and came back saying, ”Isn’t the Imperial Examination happening in a few days? The city entrance and exit inspections are very strict now. Despite that, there are still many people coming in and out of the city. We’ll just have to wait patiently.”

Shu Yu nodded and glanced ahead at the queue. There were not only many people but also several carriages, all belonging to affluent families. It seemed it would be nightfall by the time their turn came.

Sure enough, an hour later, as night started to fall, Little Huohuo had been carried off the carriage twice by Zhao Xi. Finally, it was their turn to enter the city.

”So this is the capital,” Shuyou said as she looked at the scenery outside, ”It’s far more prosperous than Dongan Province and Changjin Prefecture.”

Leaning to the side, Shu Yu thought, indeed, it was bustling. Especially with the Imperial Examination approaching, the transient population had surged, making the streets even livelier.

Three years ago when she visited, the former emperor’s recurring illness had cast a shadow, creating a rather gloomy atmosphere on the streets. Later, the incident with Gong Qiu plotting rebellion resulted in a large number of officials being dismissed, leaving the city even more tense and desolate.

The difference between then and now was indeed vast.

”Sister, let Zhao Xi take you around the city tomorrow. After all, he’s well-acquainted with the capital.”

Sitting on the carriage shaft, Zhao Xi heard this, ”Of course, tomorrow I’ll take her and Mother all around the vast capital.”

Shuyou chuckled, ”Don’t you have more important matters to attend to?”

”That can wait. I’ll take you around first.”

Shu Yu clicked her tongue twice; one inside the carriage and one outside, still managing to show their affection.

She shook her head and decided to talk to Little Song Le, only to find him leaning against the window on the other side, gazing out intently.

”What are you looking at?” Shu Yu curiously followed his line of sight and discovered he was staring at a woman ahead. The woman was carrying a basket, and her back was unfamiliar.

It wasn’t until the woman turned a corner into a nearby alley that Shu Yu recognized her and was momentarily stunned, ”Isn’t that Aunt Hong?”

Little Song Le immediately turned his head to look at her, ”Aunt...”

The woman had disappeared, Shu Yu withdrew her gaze and smiled, ”Yes, that’s your grandaunt. Did you just recognize her?” Was that why you were staring so intently?

Little Song Le shook his head, a bit disappointed, ”I didn’t recognize her.”

He left Aunt Hong when he was two and a half years old. Even if he had some memories, they were mostly of special occasions, and even important events were becoming blurry. Naturally, he couldn’t recognize Aunt Hong’s appearance.

Just now, he didn’t know why, but after looking out the window at the scenery, his gaze was drawn to the woman.

Unexpectedly, she was his grandaunt.

Little Song Le suddenly felt a bit anxious, ”So, should we go see her now?”

Shu Yu smiled, patting his head, ”No rush, it’s late now, and it’s not appropriate to visit when we’re dusty from travel. Let’s rest well tonight, and tomorrow bring a gift to see her.”

Little Song Le exhaled quietly, ”Okay.”

If they went to see his grandaunt now, he wasn’t mentally prepared, and it made him feel nervous.

He raised his head, ”I have money, I can buy a gift for my grandaunt.”

”Alright, then take tonight to think about what to buy for her. You’ve just seen her, so you should have an idea.”

Little Song Le nodded earnestly.