A crown princess who doesn't do infrastructure construction isn't a good doctor.

After watching Lu Xi finish his boastful rant, Tuoba Yue lowered his eyes.

"When I learned that you were the one who truly broke the deadlock, I was actually very reluctant to believe it. Getting involved in these affairs was too dangerous, but you still married Beitang Yan. This was something I really didn't expect."

Qin Suiyou opened his lips.

“I’ve been living a quiet life in Yejing for a few months now. Now that things are finally starting to change, it’s time for me to really do something. Your wishes overlap with my original vision. We can cooperate, but I don’t know if you dare to trust me.”

Tuoba Yue raised his eyes, an unknown light flashing in them.

"Of course I trust you. I can fully cooperate with whatever you want to do."

"Just because of the life-saving grace in the past?"

Tuoba Yue nodded, then shook his head.

"Not entirely. Saving my life made me realize your character, but the person chosen by the sacred object is someone I will respect and follow. If the chosen person were Beitang Yan, I might have just been an ally of him, but you are different."

Qin Suiyou remained noncommittal. After the two had a discussion about how Tuoba Yue should negotiate with the court, Qin Suiyou got up to leave.

"If Yejing weren't in such a mess right now, I would have liked to invite you out for a stroll."

Beitang Zhenqiu's order to the people was just for his own peace of mind. Anyone with eyes could see through the show of force, and besides, he couldn't silence the entire city. What had happened these past few days could be found out with a little inquiry.

Qin Suiyou said, "There will be other opportunities in the future, so please stay."

Just as Qin Suiyou was about to turn around, Tuoba Yue approached and said, "Your identity is inconvenient. Would you like me to take care of the person eavesdropping?"

Realizing that Tuoba Yue was referring to He Li, who had been called away earlier, Qin Suiyou shook his head and said, "No need, he didn't hear anything."

Although he didn't know why Qin Suiyou was so certain, the topics they had just discussed were all leverage points. Qin Suiyou wouldn't joke about his life and fortune, so Tuoba Yue temporarily abandoned his idea of ​​getting rid of He Li.

After leaving the post station, Qin Suiyou did not rush back to his residence. Instead, he went to the place where refugees were being resettled.

Because the medicine given by Ke Zuo was examined by an experienced doctor who determined that it was indeed safe, it was prepared and distributed to a group of people outside the city, and many of them have now shown signs of improvement.

Upon learning Qin Suiyou's identity, the soldiers guarding the city still did not stop him, and even gave him and his group several crudely made but unused masks.

"Masakazu, you should take this with you to prevent infection. Remember to change your clothes when you get back and drink plenty of hot water."

Looking at the slightly familiar soldier in front of him, Qin Suiyou said gently, "I remember the last time I left the city, it was you on duty. You seemed to be very lenient with me."

Unexpectedly, Qin Suiyou remembered him. The soldier lowered his head shyly and stammered, "I, I greatly admire Prince Yan. You, you are Prince Yan's rightful ruler, so naturally you are a good person. There's no need to be so formal."

Caught off guard by being given a "friend zone" card, Qin Suiyou smiled.

"I'd like to go outside and check on the refugees. I'll be right back. Could you watch the carriage for me here?"

The soldier nodded hurriedly.

"No problem, just go ahead, I've already taken care of everything for you!"

After walking a long way, the group finally saw the shelters built for the refugees.

“Brother You, the day I arrived, I discovered that the medicine they were giving to these refugees contained a slow-acting poison.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Xi patted Ke Zuo on the shoulder.

"Why didn't you tell me about something this important sooner!"

Ke Zuo rubbed his arm, which was red from being slapped, and said, "I just forgot. But I didn't mention the poison that day. After telling them that the original medicine was no longer effective, I gave them a medicine packet. I don't know if they used it or not."

Qin Suiyou, who was walking ahead, replied, "It looks like they used it; the guards don't look so bitter and resentful anymore."

After saying that, Qin Suiyou asked for the prescription given by Ke Zuo, and looking at the several figures busy in the crowd, he said, "Your prescription is enough. Go back. They have also invited experienced people from Xinyang City. We don't need to worry about it."

Lu Xi looked around and did see some familiar faces, but as he was about to turn and leave, he saw someone who didn't seem like the type to be there.

"Youyou, look who's that?"

Qin Suiyou looked in the direction Lu Xi pointed. A queue was gradually forming under the largest tent. At the front were several large barrels emitting smoke, and behind the barrels was Xue Miaorong, dressed elegantly yet with an air of sophistication.

Xue Miaorong was the most noble lady in Yejing besides the princess. Her father, the Duke of Protectorate, had made contributions to the rise of the new emperor in his early years and was one of Beitang Zhen's most trusted ministers. As his youngest daughter and only daughter, Xue Miaorong was granted the title of Princess and had a group of noble ladies supporting her. Compared to Duan Wei, whom Beitang Xinyue and Jiang Peier encountered, who only gained some influence because her aunt became a concubine in the palace, Xue Miaorong's status was far superior.

At Princess Yong'an's flower-viewing banquet, the noble lady who was mentioned by those around her as having feelings for Beitang Yan was Xue Miaorong.

"Is she distributing porridge? Didn't we already call on the officials to donate grain? Why would a delicate noblewoman like her risk getting infected to come here?"

Ke Zuo replied, "He's here to gain fame, and besides, he already has the medicine I gave him, so there's not much risk now."

Qin Sui remained calm, lost in thought. After a moment, he called over the two who were still discussing Xue Miaorong.

"Go back. Whatever your purpose, you'll find out in a few days."

Back in the courtyard, Chu Yuning was sitting outside discussing flower planting with Luo Xian and a few others.

Now all the flowers planted in the entire Wutong Courtyard are in full bloom. They are not arranged deliberately, but distributed naturally, giving them a wild and natural charm.

"Miss Chu, what brings you here?"

After Chu Yuning gave a habitual bow, Qin Suiyou raised his hand in a gesture, and the two sat down facing each other.

As if he had caught a whiff of something, Beitang Yan strode out of the study, sweetly called out "Wife," and then, disregarding his image, sat down next to Qin Suiyou, leaning his upper body against her.

Seeing that everyone else looked normal, Chu Yuning and her servant exchanged a glance for a moment before suppressing their surprise.

"My brother sent word that this year's Deer Cry Banquet has been cancelled, as has the ceremony of the top three scholars riding horses across the street. It seems that the Emperor intends for them to make contact with the envoys from the Northern Regions."

A few days ago, the palace examination was over, and the results came out very quickly amidst everyone's anticipation.

Chu Huan, who was the least favored, won the championship and became the top scholar.

The runner-up was a little-known candidate from a poor family named Yu Hang.

As for Su Yu, who was once considered the top candidate for the championship, she was chosen as the third-place winner.

When the results came out, countless people lost money.