As she spoke, she hesitated slightly, finally asking the woman, “Sister-in-law, forgive me, but where is your husband?”

“Young master asks why I’ve fallen to this state,” the woman smiled bitterly. “My husband died long ago. I have an eye ailment—though I can barely see, I ultimately cannot farm or do needlework…”

Suzhen turned to look at the people, giving a low laugh, “These people indeed should not be pitied. Among them are detestable scoundrels and fraudsters, but there are also…”

She didn’t say the word “unfortunate,” nor did she continue with what she wanted to say about how the Great Zhou should provide them protection and care. Apart from Mu San, whose eyes still carried a smile, the rest of the people she knew had all changed their expressions slightly. Someone in the crowd drew a sharp breath, but surprisingly, no one said anything more.

Agu smiled bitterly, walking over to say, “Young Master Li’s rebuke is well-taken. It was my oversight.”

“Only, matters concerning national policy are not suitable for Lord Huaisu to discuss, especially before Wei people. With Huaisu’s talent, it shouldn’t be wasted at the execution ground or today. Could it be… could it be that you don’t yet know that actually Sixth Young Master…”

She lowered her voice for the last sentence, but suddenly stopped short.

Suzhen was startled, suddenly seeing three shadows on the ground. She looked back in alarm—Murong Liu had somehow come over and was standing right beside her.

His amber eyes seemed to have been splashed with ink, so dark and deep they made her somewhat fearful.

What she had spoken of was the Great Zhou, and also… Lian Yu. This man could speak up for Lian Yu.

She was then stunned, but he didn’t scold her, only looking at Mu San, “Brother Mu, since the matter is concluded, shall we change venues and have a few drinks?”

Mu San smiled, “Mu would naturally be delighted, only fearing to disturb Sixth Young Master’s refined interest with Young Master Li. Mu San should take Miss Agu and our friend back first.”

Murong Liu glanced at Agu, who lowered her head slightly. He smiled, “Miss Agu’s residence is near Murong Liu’s. It would be more appropriate for Murong Liu to escort her. Moreover, I’d like to get acquainted with Brother Mu’s friend—one look shows he’s a man of talent.”

Mu San’s gaze deepened slightly, but he said nothing, smiling and nodding.

Li Zhaoting bowed his head in thanks for the invitation.

Everyone left under the scrutinizing gazes of the people. The woman led the child away with profuse thanks. No one mentioned those Wei coins Suzhen had given them—this money could be exchanged for Zhou currency at money shops.

Suzhen touched the child’s cheek, vaguely seeing Master Ji glance in their direction. She had no time to worry about this Wei person, only wanting to ask Murong Liu, “You’re not one to hold grudges, right?” She seriously suspected he would go back on helping her, but since he had invited Mu San and the others to come along, asking him for assurance now seemed inappropriate.

His relationship with Mu San was probably not as peacefully harmonious as it appeared on the surface. Mu San’s words earlier clearly showed intent to avoid something.

Mu San—that hateful Third—who knew what kind of powerful person he was!

Murong Liu was the same.

This person seemed unentangled by worldly matters, yet he kept Agu in his sights and was quite interested in Zhaoting too.

This realization made her somewhat happy. Though Agu seemed to be a good woman and had even given her guidance just now, since Li Zhaoting liked her, she just… didn’t like her.

Ah, Feng Suzhen, you petty sprite.

As the group walked back toward Hongtu Wine House, she was walking behind Murong Liu with her head down, lost in thought, when suddenly her forehead hurt. She looked in shock at the fan-wielding thug ahead, “Ah, why did you hit me again?”

That person tilted his chin up slightly, “What were you smiling about?”

“Do you have eyes in the back of your head?”

Suzhen was quite frightened. Just a moment ago he had been chatting and laughing with Mu San, discussing how to organize the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, when he suddenly turned around to hit her. Damn.