Chapter 664: Chapter 663: Highly Rated

Wen Congrui didn’t stay with Ah Jiu for long, as the parental official of a county, naturally, there were many people concerned about his whereabouts. Seeing that he had not returned for a while, they came looking for him.

It was quite a coincidence; just as he was preparing to leave, Wufu came over with some people, carrying food. Seeing Wen Congrui there, he was momentarily stunned.

“No wonder I couldn’t find you anywhere, you came to the back yard,” Wufu said with a smile.

Wen Congrui replied with a smile, “I was feeling restless from sitting upstairs, so I came down for a walk and bumped into the Ninth Master, and we chatted for a bit.”

Ah Jiu looked at Wufu with a faint smile.

Wufu then said, “I see, so about this lunch…”

She pointed to the hotpot placed on the table, a bit hesitant, were they going to eat together?

Wen Congrui bowed and said, “I actually sneaked down here, everyone outside is waiting for me. When I have some free time, I will personally set up a banquet to invite you and the Ninth Master to dine, how about that?”

“Sounds good!”

Wen Congrui then bowed to her and nodded to Ah Jiu, then returned to the private room accompanied by the surrounding officials.

A small red stove was placed on the table, inside was a bright red spicy soup base, just looking at it made one feel hot all over, not to mention eating it.

“How did you guys bump into each other?” Once the waiters had left, Wufu asked in a low voice.

Ah Jiu answered, “He came to probe my background.”

Wufu’s breath hitched and her brow wrinkled in concern as she asked, “What, did you do something to attract his attention?”

Ah Jiu, seeing her anxious expression, couldn’t help but feel a bit amused and purposely stared at her as he asked, “Are you worried?”

“No matter how you look at it, you are a prince from a foreign country. A foreign prince coming to this nation is bound to make people wary. Plus, I know of the term ‘spy.’ Who knows if you’re here to steal intelligence!” Wufu said, “If you get caught, it’s a big deal, not to mention your identity as a prince.”

“A spy?”

“Oh, I mean an undercover agent,” Wufu said. “He doesn’t suspect your identity, does he?”

“Hmm. Wen Si is a man with a clear conscience. As an official, if he aims to be virtuous, it is a blessing to the people. If he is wicked, it is a misfortune to them!” Ah Jiu sipped his tea and spoke.

Wufu’s eyes widened, “You think so highly of him.”

Ah Jiu smiled, “I am only speaking the honest truth. Despite his young age, he has been able to forsake the arrangements set by his family and start from a small county office, showing his determination and willingness to endure hardship. I believe he truly wants to do good for the common people now!”

“And starting from the local office is the best way to accumulate experience and political achievements. Stick around different places for a few years, climb up step by step, and with his family’s operation, I believe he will become a main force for Nanyue in the royal court in the future.”

If Wen Congrui were here to hear this, he would probably be shocked to the core, hardly believing such high praise could come from him.

“So, did he figure anything out from his probing?”

Ah Jiu smiled faintly, “Truths and falsehoods, reality and illusion, what I’ve given him are all things he could find out for himself, no harm done.” Fearing that Wufu might be tricked by Wen Congrui into saying too much, he said, “I claimed to be a branch member of the Beiyan Dingguo Duke’s Mansion, a businessman named Mo from the Mo Family who deals in medicinal herbs, the ninth son at home, visiting Nanyue to oversee the industry, engaged in the medical herb business! Qianyi Hall is one of the Mo Family’s enterprises.”

Wufu exclaimed in surprise, “People from Beiyan can do business here?” Aren’t they afraid of mixing in spies?

Ah Jiu nodded, “The business of merchants can be so extensive that it spans several countries; even those barbarian territories, if you’re capable, you can make inroads.”

Wufu appeared contemplative.