Huangfu Yuxuan has returned, and Qiao Ping already knows about it.

Though he was as anxious as ants on a hot pan, he dared not delay in the slightest. The woman they were tasked to surveil had disappeared, and he must report this to his master. If he waited until his master inquired, the consequences would be even more unbearable!

At this moment, Huangfu Yuxuan happened to think of Xia Wenjin. Although the girl at the city gate had changed into a lighter outfit, no longer wearing that fiery red dress, her brows and eyes remained as exquisite as a painting, with a heroic spirit between them that made her gallant and commanding.

Such beauty, lively and delicate, none of the noble ladies in the Capital City could compare.

Since she had arrived in the Capital City, it was time to go and see her.

Huangfu Yuxuan believed that the reason Xia Wenjin fled the marriage was probably because she was not familiar with him before and did not know his background.

With his status and position, any woman of the Jianghu, the daughter of a small bandit chief, if she had any sense at all, would be overwhelmed with favor and gratitude.

Of course, given her beauty, Huangfu Yuxuan was willing to invest more effort and time to court her. As long as he married her, he would possess all the conditions Mr. Gongyang mentioned and could rest easy!

At this time, just as Huangfu Yuxuan was thinking of having a chance encounter with Xia Wenjin, he heard Qiao Ping report that he had lost track of Xia Wenjin.

Huangfu Yuxuan’s face suddenly turned sour.

Qiao Ping, trembling with fear, dared not speak.

Unexpectedly, Huangfu Yuxuan laughed suddenly and waved his hand, signaling Qiao Ping to leave.

Originally thought to be nothing more than a decorative pillow, it turned out she had some skill, that even Qiao Ping couldn’t keep up with her.

Isn’t this exactly what he wanted? It wouldn’t do if she was useless. Otherwise, what’s the use of just a pretty face?

As for her disappearance, he wasn’t worried. Where could she run to? The whole Capital City is only so large, and Xia Wanqing is here too; she can’t possibly not come to see her father!

Qiao Ping felt as if he had just escaped with his life.

Did the Second Young Master just smile?

If he failed in his duties, the Second Young Master would only severely punish him, but he actually smiled, apparently not at him; could it be because of that woman?

He originally thought that woman was someone the Second Young Master feared or disliked, which was why she was under such surveillance.

Now it seems, that’s not quite the case.

In the future, he would need to be more polite when he saw that woman.

These days, Xia Wanqing felt incredibly bored.

Back in Haotian Village, the world was vast, and one could be carefree and spontaneous. But now, in the Capital City, in this palm-sized courtyard, he, along with the second, Hua Yuanming, and the third, Gu Hongxin, felt like three birds trapped in a cage.

However, the three of them were all quite aware that the Capital City is not like the Jianghu, where some things can’t be done at will. Since they had arrived at the Capital City, they should make the most of their stay and take a good look around.

Last time, Xia Sichen advised him to leave the Capital City, but he didn’t listen. That rascal got upset and ran off somewhere again. That rascal’s nature was becoming wilder.

Since Xia Wenjin has disappeared, Huangfu Yuxuan felt he should also go see Xia Wanqing.

Huangfu Yuxuan sent someone to invite Xia Wanqing to meet at Yifeng Building.

Yifeng Building, in a private room.

Huangfu Yuxuan, dressed in brocade clothes, looked like a peerless young master. When Xia Wanqing was led in by the waiter and pushed the door open, his eyes flashed; such a handsome young master, he truly seemed like a character from a painting.

He was merely a rough man, but thinking about this appearance, it matched quite well with his Jin’er.

It’s just that Jin’er was unwilling.

Last time in Liangzhou, he saw a young man next to Jin’er who was also just as handsome, but Jin’er clearly showed no interest in him, leaving her father puzzled as to her thoughts.

But Huangfu Yuxuan had been "captured" up the mountain by him and stayed there for quite a long time; compared to an unknown young man, in his heart, he felt closer to Huangfu Yuxuan.

When Huangfu Yuxuan saw Xia Wanqing arrive, he immediately rose to greet him, polite and enthusiastic.

Previously, not knowing his true identity, Xia Wanqing assumed he was just a rich merchant’s son, acceptable enough, but now, he hastily said, "Young Master Xuan, there’s no need for such courtesy!"

Huangfu Yuxuan earnestly replied, "Chief Xia is an elder; it’s appropriate to show respect. You shouldn’t feel undeserving; it’s simply the right thing for me to do!"

These words made Xia Wanqing feel quite pleased.

Huangfu Yuxuan invited Xia Wanqing to the honored seat, and personally poured him some tea, raising his cup and saying, "This tea is called Jinshangtianhua. Please have a taste, Chief Xia!"

Xia Wanqing gulped it down in one go, wiped his mouth, and laughed, "Not bad!" Tea was the drink of those pedantic scholars; what he loved was liquor. After downing a pot, his whole body would feel invigorated.

However, since Young Master Xuan invited him for tea, he could only drink tea.

Huangfu Yuxuan, perceptive as always, immediately smiled and said, "I apologize for my oversight. But although this is a teahouse, they do have wine and dishes available. Please wait a moment, Chief Xia!"

He stepped outside and whispered a few instructions to a servant waiting outside, who quickly ran downstairs.

Before long, dishes and wine began arriving one after another.

Xia Wanqing’s regard for Huangfu Yuxuan grew even stronger.

He had keen foresight, intelligence, not just a pretty face, born into wealth, and by all appearances, not a fish in a small pond!

Regarding the annulment, Xia Wanqing still felt a bit embarrassed, but Huangfu Yuxuan never mentioned it, only kindly persuading him with drinks, saying that he had been in the Capital City for some time now, always busy with various affairs, and it was rare to find leisure today to entertain him properly.

Xia Wanqing, seeing his sincerity, felt quite appreciated.

The two drank and ate as if they were old friends.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses of dishes, both were slightly tipsy. Huangfu Yuxuan raised his cup and said, "Chief Xia, I truly admire Wenjin and am determined to give her a life of wealth and honor that every woman desires. Please don’t speak of annulling the engagement again. I assure you, I will not force Wenjin to marry me, but please give me time to prove myself to her!"

Hearing this, Xia Wanqing was moved. His daughter had grown up, and as a father, he naturally hoped she could live a good life.

If she married Young Master Xuan, wealth and honor would certainly follow.

Though all this is of little concern to someone from the Jianghu, he wished for Wenjin to live a life free from worry, respected, served, and holding enviable prestige.

Seeing Young Master Xuan’s genuine sincerity, Xia Wanqing poured out his heart, "Young Master Xuan, I truly admire you, but I only have one daughter, and of course, I hope for her happiness. If she is willing to marry you, I would naturally be pleased. Since you are willing to say this, I feel relieved. We won’t annul the engagement for now. Give you and Wenjin some time, and if indeed there is no fate between you two, it won’t be too late to annul it then!"