In Santun Villiage, 10,000 Chang Ying Guards silently merged into the procession, while the Luoshui Navy Vice Admiral was already waiting three miles away in Luo County. They each received Ning Yi’s orders and left in a hurry. 

Ning Yi had left the Imperial Capital under the pretense of surveying for the new palace’s location with everything else being top military secrets, so naturally, he would at least need to have some contact with the local government officials on the surface. Therefore, Tao Longxin, the magistrate of Luo County led all the county government officials out of the city to welcome them. Luo County is considered an important place. Known for its beautiful scenery, there are always officials and dignitaries coming and going on a daily basis. Used to receiving distinguished guests, Magistrate Tao did not lose his composure even if he was receiving the most popular prince along with the world-famous Marquis of Wei. Seeing Magistrate Tao’s composure that was neither too humble nor too proud, Feng Zhi Wei looked at him with some approval. 

“Your Highness, Marquis, would you like to visit Li Mountain to look around?” Magistrate Tao got right to the point after paying his greetings, “Li Mountain itself is not big, so in my humble opinion, there might not be enough space to build a palace. However, at the foot of the Li Mountain by the Li Lake, there is a good place with plenty of open spaces. On the high ground, one can see the clear white sands and the clear river of Chengjiang. If Your Highness and Marquis are interested, this subordinate will arrange for a local to be a guide.” 

The two exchanged a glance. Li Lake is connected to Luo River so naturally, they need to go see it. If it’s a good fit, then they could set it as the meeting point with the naval forces. 

Gaining their approval, Tao Longxin immediately arranged for a guide. Ning Yi took a few token officials from the Ministry of Industry to Li Mountain and sent them off to survey the land while he made his way to the lake with Feng Zhi Wei. Carrying his little Miss Gu Zhi Xiao on his shoulder, Master Gu followed right after them. 

A glamorous-looking government boat was parked by Li Lake. Looking at the rather large ship, Feng Zhi Wei shook her head and pointed at the row of willow boats parked by the shore with a laugh, “I think we should use that to tour the lake. It seemed to be more fitting for the ambiance.” 

“Marquis is an unparalleled scholar, elegant to the bone, so would naturally like the elegance of touring the lake on willow boats.” Tao Longxin said with a smile, “It’s just that those boats are too small. The wind and waves on the lake are strong so those boats will often capsize. This subordinate is responsible for the safety of His Highness and the Marquis, I wouldn’t dare to let you take the risk.” 

“Magistrate Tao is very cautious, let’s go with the official ship then.” Ning Yi made the final decision and got on the ship first. Tao Longxin personally accompanied them. Letting out a sigh, Feng Zhi Wei followed behind.  

Tao Longxin is a man who knows how to handle things. After the ship sailed, he ordered a table to be put on the bow, on top of bamboo mats, crystal plates were filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, accompanied by the famous local tea known for its refreshing fragrance. In the tea fragrance-filled breeze, they sat across from each other, surrounded by mountains and the gently rippling water, with white clouds above. 

The ones sitting across from one another were naturally Feng Zhi Wei and Ning Yi. Gu Nan Yi has never liked Ning Yi much and has only refrained from giving him a beating because Feng Zhi Wei would not allow it so of course he would not choose to sit with him. Gu Nan Yi sat by Feng Zhi Wei, fishing with Gu Zhi Xiao. There was no bait on the fishing rod. Instead, there were two golden shiny little monkeys, hanging upside down, their furry paws slapping the water surface in a funny-looking manner. Quite pleased with the small shrimps the monkeys had captured, Gu Nan Yi solemnly handed them over to the servants and asked them to make the “Flying Dragons Steamed Eggs”.

While the ship chef is scratching his head trying to figure out how to make this “legendary dish”, Feng Zhi Wei is handing a glass to a certain someone, “Even though Your Highness is noble and matchless but has always been tasked with many responsibilities. It is probably a rare opportunity to sit and enjoy this sort of lake-top feast. With this cup of tea, accompanied by this vast and open Li Lake Water, this subordinate would like to toast Your Highness.” 

Ning Yi smiled and raised the cup in hand but said when she had put her cup down, “It is rare for me to have this kind of leisurely moment but even to this day, the water I feel to be the most open and spacious so far is the Anlan Valley in Tiansheng thirteenth year. At that time, I was passing through Anlan at night, the tide rose and fell endlessly, the sounds were hollow yet silent, and the ups and downs of the ship made one feel almost drunk. Every time I think of it, I still feel like I am in a dream, listening to that night’s tide.” 

Feng Zhi Wei’s hand had already paused when he had first mentioned Anlan Valley. By the time she heard his middle sentence, her hand that had raised the teacup to her mouth paused again. 

The words sounded ordinary but they were nothing but. There were several sentences in them that had appeared verbatim in a certain letter. 

The man across from her sat peacefully, his eyes were elegant and quiet even if the hint of a smile on his face had a bit of coldness in them. The breeze picked up the corner of his robe, spreading it open like the rolling clouds, moon white color hidden among the dark silver stripes, low-key yet luxurious. Bits of silver light reflected out as the fabric rolled in the breeze. Like this person, an existence that is both quiet yet slightly cold. One word, one look from him can become an invisible giant hammer, attacking abruptly in silence. 

Feng Zhi Wei looked down, a mouthful at a time, and drank the famous supposedly refreshing tea but what she tasted instead was bitterness. 

Completely clueless of all the underpinnings, Tao Longxin said with admiration and longing, “Your Highness is truly elegant. With just a few words, Your Highness has made me sincerely admire the scenery of the South Sea. I only regret that I am an inland official and can’t see it.” 

Ning Yi raised his eyes and glanced at him before saying offhandedly, “If Official Tao is really interested, then I might as well let you in on some news. There is a vacancy in the South Sea Inspectorial Envoy Yamen.” 

Tao Longxin was taken aback, then smiled a little awkwardly, “Your Highness sure move lightening fast, lightening fast….”

Ning Yi smiled and waved at him as he took out a map, “This is the map of Li Lake in Luo County from the Ministry of Industry. I think the map is a little different from today’s Li Lake? Official Tao, can you come help me take a look?” 

Tao Longxin was taken aback again, then nodded immediately and came over. 

Feng Zhi Wei lowered her head again, seemingly engrossed in examining her tea. 

On the other side, Gu Nan Yi “caught” another batch of small shrimps. 

Tao Longxin came over. Ning Yi had put the map on his knee so Tao Longxin had no choice but to lower his head and lean his body to look at it. 

Ning Yi suddenly raised his hand. 

The tea in his cup, in the next instant, was all splashed on Tao Longxin’s face. 

Tao Longxin let out an “Ah” exclamation but didn’t raise his sleeve to wipe his face. Instead, his hand headed straight towards Ning Yi’s heart!

His extended hand was formed in the shape of a tiger claw, the fingers snapped open. The fingernails were extraordinarily long, curling slightly at the front tips with something sparkling. It wasn’t difficult to guess that there must be weapons hidden in the fingernails. With just one flick of the fingers, Ning Yi would not be able to avoid its attack!

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