Su Zhen smiled bitterly, “Father prepared genuine documents for me, but this one now is fake. They knew that once they claimed it was a fake certificate, you definitely wouldn’t let it go. Going into the inner hall to discuss was probably a pre-planned scheme—they switched out the real certificate where you couldn’t see and returned to you a fake one they had prepared in advance. Only this way could they truly block all our paths to heaven and earth.”

Hearing this, Leng Xue was greatly shaken. He clenched his fists and was about to punch the wall when Su Zhen, deeply worried but unable to bear seeing him abuse himself, quickly pulled him downstairs to eat.

At this time, most of the diners in the hall had dispersed. Mu San was still there, quietly eating with fine wine, his posture elegant and composed, like a true gentleman.

Su Zhen sighed—people like him and Li Zhaoting were true gentlemen.

He was eating the dishes she had ordered earlier. Not only had he been polite in words, but he truly hadn’t minded them. Seeing the two approach, he smiled, “Earlier Huaisu treated me to a meal, now it’s elder brother’s turn to host.”

He instructed the waiter to heat another pot of fine wine and ordered several exquisite meat dishes, accompanied by some fruit preserves and candied treats.

Su Zhen thought that if she weren’t so devoted to Li Zhaoting, she would certainly develop feelings for this man.

Leng Xue was wary of Mu San and initially refused to eat, until she roared softly, “You failed in your task, now you won’t even make up for it by eating with me?” Only then did he grunt and lower his head to eat.

“Innkeeper, I’m looking for Young Master Li Huaisu.”

Mu San observed their expressions and saw her looking dejected. He poured her a cup of wine, seeming about to inquire, when a slightly hoarse female voice interrupted.

Su Zhen turned to look and saw a shrewd, capable woman in her thirties.

Though they didn’t know each other, the woman immediately walked toward her with certainty, her eyes sharp—clearly no ordinary person.

Reaching her, the woman said flatly, “Young Master, please be polite. This servant’s master has words to convey to you. Please listen carefully.”

This woman’s words were also quite sharp.

Su Zhen vaguely guessed her identity and restrained Leng Xue, whose expression had obviously changed, smiling, “I wonder what orders the little princess beauty has? Please speak, auntie.”

The servant woman was startled, then stared at her coldly, “Young Master is still young and doesn’t know that there are many people in this world you absolutely cannot and should not provoke.”

“It doesn’t matter if Young Master wants to stay in this broken inn for life, but you should know that shops can always be demolished or sold someday. When that time comes, will you leave or not? Besides, there are countless people in this world who come to watch excitement, but they come and eventually disperse. When the excitement ends, only those truly involved remain. Who will remember whether you live or… die, whether you’re well or have suffered some misfortune? Since my master is noble as a golden branch, she has her magnanimous side. If someday you see white silk tied to the peach tree in front of this shop, she will condescend to come here. One kowtowing gesture from you, one cup of wine, with all people as witness—perhaps all past grievances can be laughed away.”

As she spoke, she raised her eyebrows slightly and lowered her voice, “Who knows, if she’s pleased, she might return that ‘thing,’ and you could still make the examination deadline. Otherwise, this lesson is just the beginning, isn’t it?”

Before leaving, she suddenly turned back, frowning as she looked around the restaurant, as if discovering something. After searching for a long time without finding anything, she finally departed gracefully.