Su Zhen quickly got up and asked curiously, “Who is Murong Sixth?”

“The sixth nephew of General Murong Jing, the Protector of the Nation. He says… you know him.”

Huo Chang’an’s gaze was complex as he stared at her.

Su Zhen and Leng Xue exchanged glances, both truly shocked. So… that blue-robed man hadn’t been lying? But what about being unable to see General Murong that day?

“How do you know he’s looking for me?” Su Zhen asked in surprise.

Huo Chang’an’s gaze deepened as he half-closed his eyes, “I and… he both serve before the emperor. He mentioned this matter to us, saying he was looking for you… so I knew.”

“What position does he hold?”

“Li Huaisu, could you not be so materialistic?” Huo Chang’an rolled his eyes at her. “You want to see him? Hmph, if even this marquis cannot help you, how many others at court do you think would dare handle your affairs?”

“It’s just that this Old Sixth Murong, if he’s willing to help you—”

Su Zhen had been deflated, but hearing this, she did a carp flip that startled Leng Xue and the others, who all said, “Do you have to be so materialistic?”

Huo Chang’an’s gaze deepened slightly as he asked what connection the two had.

Su Zhen told him about the blue-robed man’s assassination on the road to the capital.

Huo Chang’an seemed slightly shaken and fell into silence with an inscrutable expression. Su Zhen, Leng Xue and the others grew increasingly suspicious. After a long while, they finally heard him say indifferently, “Whether or not you want to meet him is your decision. Anyone would want wealth and honor, but one wrong step means no retreat, and at worst, life and death.”

“As long as one keeps the nation and people in their heart, they won’t go wrong.”

“Everyone taking the examination says that. Before power and desire, don’t speak too early… But encountering him might be your fate. The deepest thing in this world is the palace gates and official seas. Your destiny is still in your hands—think it over carefully tonight. Tomorrow, have Old Sun find this marquis and tell me your answer.”

Su Zhen wanted to ask more about the blue-robed man, but Huo Chang’an came and went quickly, not giving her a chance to ask before leaving.

The four young men looked at her. Wuqing said, “What will you do?”

Su Zhen suppressed her inner excitement and said slowly, “In any case, I need to meet this Murong Sixth first.”

The Return to Spring Hall might not be found—she had to try every opportunity.

The palace examination was in just three days.

From Huo Chang’an’s tone, this Sixth Young Master could definitely say a few words before Lian Yu.

She had Old Sun notify Huo Chang’an, who quickly had someone bring word back that Murong Sixth agreed to meet at Hongtu Restaurant.

Su Zhen had mixed around the capital for a while and knew this was the capital’s largest restaurant, adjacent to the capital’s liveliest main street.

Her heart was actually full of hatred for this sixth young master. If not for him, she wouldn’t have delayed her return home, leading to eternal separation from her parents. But hearing he agreed to come out, her heart was greatly excited, yet also filled with a strange fear that penetrated to her bones. Was she really so servile, becoming obsequious just because she knew he might be able to speak before Lian Yu? What would she do when she actually met Lian Yu himself someday?

Huo Chang’an said this Sixth Young Master was very particular, arranging the meeting for the night before the palace examination, and instructing that Leng Xue and the others couldn’t follow because the sixth young master said he would only see Li Huaisu.

That evening, Su Zhen left just as it grew dark.

Murong Sixth was indeed lavish, booking one of Hongtu Restaurant’s second-floor grand private rooms. This restaurant had only two grand private rooms total, each containing over ten smaller rooms. He had practically cleared out half their space.

——

Thank you all for your comments and gifts.