It was impossible for him not to agree, not in this lifetime.
She was the only sister he had who was worth looking out for.
Although he hadn’t been close to her since childhood, he knew she treated Maternal Aunt Wen well.
So, a blood sister was a blood sister; that bond was truly irreplaceable.
Under Xia Ruqing’s entranced gaze, Xia Tingfeng finally found an opening in the crowd.
He protected her all the way, escorting her to the front row of the crowd watching the street performers.
It turned out these performers were demonstrating feats like sticking their hands into boiling oil, breathing fire, and breaking stones on their chests.
Each act was extremely realistic, their movements skillful, and even their expressions were incredibly convincing!
It was thrilling and exciting.
The audience cheered and clapped, continuously tossing copper coins onto the ground.
Everyone was in high spirits, and the atmosphere was fervid.
Xia Ruqing stood on a raised area the crowd couldn’t easily reach, thoroughly enjoying the performance of these Itinerant Sorcerers.
Who would’ve thought these things existed in ancient times too!
Although they’re all Itinerant Sorcerers... it’s really entertaining!
This can’t be considered deception; after all, they truly have skills.
It’s just like magic shows in the twenty-first century—those aren’t real either!
So, as long as it’s entertaining, why take it so seriously!
Xia Ruqing was excited and soon became just like everyone else, clapping her hands, cheering, and... tossing money onto the ground.
All she had in her pocket was a pouch of Small Pieces Silver that Zi Yue had packed for her.
Each piece was worth Five Taels.
Throwing one down seemed a bit much!
Xia Ruqing turned her head and asked,
"Brother, do you have any Small Pieces Silver?"
Xia Tingfeng expressionlessly patted his pocket and then... took out his money pouch and handed it to her.
Xia Ruqing was speechless. Big brother, I don’t want your whole money pouch!
As another wave of cheers arose, Xia Ruqing didn’t dwell on it. She rummaged through the money pouch, grabbed a handful of copper coins, and handed the pouch back.
With copper coins in hand, Xia Ruqing joyfully tossed them toward the performers.
"Good!"
"Wonderful! Truly wonderful!"
"Keep it up!"
Xia Tingfeng watched silently.
Is it that interesting? He used to do these very things when he was a local ruffian!
When he was out of money, deceiving people with such tricks was his go-to!
Xia Tingfeng had long since seen through all their tricks.
Therefore, he couldn’t muster the slightest bit of interest.
About a quarter of an hour later, the performers packed up their stall.
They began bowing one by one, expressing gratitude while picking up the money from the ground.
"Thank you so much, dear folks!"
"If it weren’t for all you kind folks, my younger brother and I would have starved to death on the streets!"
"We can never repay your life-saving kindness!"
After speaking, they bowed deeply.
Xia Ruqing’s eyes lit up.
Hey! This young man isn’t bad at all, buttering up the audience so smoothly. He must have done this often!
But she didn’t dwell on it and carefully descended from her raised vantage point.
"Brother, it’s getting late. We should head back!"
Xia Tingfeng glanced back at the performers and then nodded.
After he escorted her back, Zhao Junyao happened to be coming out of the restaurant.
Xia Ruqing stepped forward to greet him.
"Where did you go?" Zhao Junyao asked with a smile.
"There was a street performance over there just now!"
Xia Ruqing giggled.
As they were talking, Xia Tingfeng suddenly stepped forward and cupped his fists in a salute.
"Emperor, Your subject has an urgent matter and needs to leave for a moment!"
"I’ll return within the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn!"
Zhao Junyao looked at him but said nothing.
Strictly speaking, as the Emperor’s personal guard, he was required to remain by His Majesty’s side at all times. However, Xia Tingfeng truly seemed to have an urgent matter.
Zhao Junyao ultimately agreed.
Xia Tingfeng knelt on one knee in salute, then with a leap, he vanished.
"WOW!"
Xia Ruqing’s eyes widened. Is this the legendary ancient lightness skill?
So cool! If he went to the modern world, he’d probably blow everyone’s minds!
TSK TSK, I must say, my brother really has an IQ of two hundred and eighty.
He learns things so quickly!
Zhao Junyao had intended to take Xia Ruqing for a stroll, but she had barely walked a few steps when she started to complain of hunger.
Zhao Junyao was quite helpless.
Xia Ruqing hurriedly pointed to her stomach.
"Emperor, it’s him... *He’s* hungry..."
The little bun in her belly thought: Mommy is so mean! I’m not even born yet, and she’s already making me the scapegoat!
Zhao Junyao was instantly defeated and had no choice but to take her to the best restaurant in the Capital City.
"Alright, let’s go get something to eat!"
He had no choice; there were two mouths to feed now...
Xia Ruqing rubbed her growling belly and scurried after him eagerly.
「Meanwhile.」
Xia Tingfeng, dressed in black, moved silently through the dimly lit streets and alleys like a dragon gliding through the night.
Soon, he found his target—the group of Itinerant Sorcerers.
The three had packed up their stall and were, as usual, laughing and joking as they walked and counted their money.