Chapter 402 - Indeed interesting
Chapter 402: Indeed interesting
As soon as Shi Qingluo and Xi Rong walked out of the deputy governor’s office, the guard at the door immediately went to report to King Jin.
Although Northern City was not as prosperous as the capital, it still looked very lively, much better than Nanguang Prefecture.
The two of them strolled around for more than an hour and bought a lot of things to be sent back.
Then, they went to a restaurant for lunch.
As soon as they reached the door, a handsome man with an arrogant temperament approached them.
When she saw the person, Xi Rong was stunned and her hand that was holding Shi Qingluo’s tightened.
Naturally, Shi Qingluo noticed that something was off about Xi Rong.
From this, she could guess the identity of the man who was walking towards them. It was definitely King Jin.
After all, even though Xi Rong’s parents were killed by the Ge people, it was said that King Jin was behind it.
Xi Rong must have hated this prince, who was also her uncle.
Shi Qingluo reached out and squeezed Xi Rong’s hand.
She wanted to remind her not to lose her composure and let King Jin discover her hatred.
She also wanted to comfort Xi Rong.
As expected, Xi Rong quickly kept all her emotions in check.
A surprised smile appeared on his face. “Fifth uncle. ”
Although her mother and King Jin were not from the same mother, he was her uncle.
When King Jin was still in the capital, that was how she addressed him.
King Jin was also surprised. “Ah Rong, why are you in Northern City?
“When did you arrive? Why didn’t you come to my residence to look for me?”
He gave her a concerned look.
Those who didn’t know would think that he had a good relationship with his niece.
Shi Qingluo felt that King Jin was also a drama king.
This was his territory, so he probably knew about it even before they entered Northern City.
With him pretending not to know, it really seemed like that was the case.
Xi Rong smiled. “I’m accompanying a friend to Northern City to play. That’s why I didn’t go to your residence. I wanted to give you a surprise a few days later.”
“You’ve always been mischievous since you were young. You’re still like this even after you’ve grown up,” King Jin laughed.
He shifted his gaze to Shi Qingluo. “This must be your friend, right? ”
Xi Rong nodded. “That’s right. This is my friend, Shi Qingluo.”
She then said meaningfully, “You should know her, right, fifth uncle. She came to Northern City this time because your concubine invited her to attend the flower banquet.”
Shi Qingluo first bowed to King Jin. “Greetings, Your Highness!”
King Jin raised his hand. “You don’t have to be so polite outside.”
“Naturally, I have heard about you,” he said with a smile.
“Offering high-yield seeds, recipes to make iron, rubber, and glass, I have always been very curious about Mdm Shi.
“Looking at it now, I can see that Mdm Shi is not an ordinary person.”
In his mind, Shi Qingluo might have had a sharp appearance and temperament, and he would always think of the village women he had seen in the manor.
After all, in addition to the things she had offered, he had also heard about her sharp tongue and valiance.
This meant that she was like a typical village woman with a shrewd side.
However, after seeing her today, he had completely subverted his imagination.
Her skin was as white as porcelain, her facial features were exquisite, her figure was exquisite, and her appearance was first-class.
Most importantly, her temperament was lively and bright, and she gave off the aura of sunshine, which was very unique.
No wonder Xiao Hanzheng liked and protected her so much.
It was understandable that the second prince would be interested in Shi Qingluo.
Shi Qingluo laughed. “Your Highness, you are flattering me!”
King Jin also laughed. “You are worthy of such praise. ”
Shi Qingluo was no longer modest. “Thank you for your praise, your royal highness. ”
King Jin was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Shi Qingluo to accept his exaggeration so readily.
He laughed, “Mdm Shi is really an amazing person. ”
Then, she looked at Xi Rong. “Ah Rong, we haven’t seen each other in a long time. Why don’t we have a meal together today? ”
He was now extremely interested in Shi Qingluo, which was why he had suggested having a meal together.
If Shi Qingluo was really the kind of village woman he had imagined, he would probably lose interest in meeting her.
But now, this was clearly beyond his expectations.
Xi Rong first looked at Shi Qingluo and saw that she did not object.
“Sure, then I’ll let my fifth uncle foot the bill today.” She nodded and smiled at King Jin.
Although Xi Rong’s actions were subtle, King Jin still noticed it.
This made him even more shocked.
He understood his niece, Xi Rong, well.
She was usually proud and arrogant, but now that she had taken the initiative to ask for Shi Qingluo’s opinion, it meant that she had subconsciously prioritized Shi Qingluo.
He had previously received news that Shi Qingluo was hanging out with Xi Rong and Xi Rui and they had a good relationship.
Now, it seemed that not only was Shi Qingluo on good terms with them, but she might even be their leader.
This wasn’t easy, and it was indeed interesting.
Shi Qingluo knew that they would have to face King Jin once they arrived at the northern border, so interacting with him first would allow her to understand his subsequent moves.
In any case, if she didn’t accept it this time, King Jin would still occasionally bump into her a second or third time.
She didn’t believe that King Jin would coincidentally come here for a meal.
Since he was here for them, she would like to see what tricks he was up to.
Hence, the three of them went upstairs together.
The manager respectfully sent them to King Jin’s dedicated private room.
After they sat down, King Jin was gentlemanly and allowed the two of them to order the dishes.
Xi Rong took the menu and looked at it with Shi Qingluo before ordering a few of Northern City’s specialties.
Shi Qingluo did not hold back and graciously ordered the dishes she wanted to eat.
This made King Jin feel even more special.
After all, if she was any other woman in front of him, she would not be portraying herself so casually, and would be somewhat restrained or careful.
Yet, she had been calm and composed throughout.
Before the dishes were served, King Jin and Xi Rong started to chat about topics regarding the capital.
As Shi Qingluo listened to King Jin’s conversation with Xi Rong, it seemed to be mostly non-informative gossip.
However, she gradually realized that King Jin had always been guiding Xi Rong towards something, and he even seemed to be testing her.
For example, asking about the empress dowager’s health.
Of course, Xi Rong was also very cautious and didn’t let herself be led by his nose.
No one in the royal family could be underestimated.
The two of them chatted for a while before King Jin suddenly turned to Shi Qingluo and asked with a smile, “I heard that Mdm Shi is a golden doll, she can think of ways to make money wherever she goes.
“Do you think there are any ways to make money at the northern border?”
Shi Qingluo was a little surprised.
She didn’t expect King Jin to be so direct and try to win her over on their first meeting.
“I’ve just arrived at the northern border and don’t know much about this place, so my master hasn’t given me any ways to make money in my dreams,” she replied with a smile.
King Jin remained silent.
He didn’t even know how to refute this excuse.
After all, be it offering the seeds or the recipe to the emperor, she always used that old immortal’s name.
Thi was like a slippery little loach that was a little difficult to catch.
However, this piqued his interest even more.
It would be meaningless if he were to recruit and subdue her so easily.
“Then you should properly understand the northern border, and help the people here on behalf of your master, Mdm Shi,” he said with a smile.