Imperial Treasure-Chapter 1096 - 649: Chance Encounter (Part 2)

Today, seeing Song Yuzhi call her "Mr." despite this being only their second meeting, Song Shidao is instead surprised.

"Little sister, why are you calling Miss Sui ’Mr.’..."

Song Yuzhi gives Song Shidao a look, "You’ve been so busy these days that you probably don’t know. Since Yangzhou, martial artists and cultured elite have been hesitating over how to address Mr.... isn’t it common for famous people to have nicknames? For example, the Flirtatious Young Master Hou Xibai, the Demon Sect Enchantress Wanwan, the Cihang Calming Studio Fairy Shi Feixuan... oh, and those two others..."

Song Yuzhi suddenly stops, showing a displeased expression, seemingly annoyed.

"Enough, let’s not talk about martial arts matters," Song Shidao thinks this topic is inappropriate to continue. After all, Yangzhou is truly not a good place for Sui Yi; despite her fame and respect among people under the heavens, she ultimately met her end there.

It seems Song Yuzhi also doesn’t wish to bring up this matter, especially seeing Sui Yi’s calm and unperturbed face, makes her shudder inside, recalling the tragic scene nine months ago.

If not martial arts matters, then is it about the Imperial Court?

Neither of the siblings want to broach this topic.

"Miss Sui, regarding the treasure you left with me, I wonder if you wish to..." Song Shidao actually doesn’t want to return it, but out of ethical conduct and respect for Sui Yi, he mentions it.

Though he had previously seen Sui Yi seem indifferent to it.

Upon hearing these words, Sui Yi’s eyes flicker.

This Song Shidao is truly a gentleman.

"I thought... you should have publicized it already," Sui Yi said lightly.

Song Shidao smiles wryly: "Miss, you’re joking. I wish to, but if such a treasure were made public, people under the heavens would undoubtedly scramble for it, and at that time, I wouldn’t be able to keep it in my hands. I haven’t spoken of it to anyone else."

"Now that it’s still in my hands, it’s all up to Miss Sui how you wish to handle it."

Song Shidao’s words intrigue Song Yuzhi, but knowing Song Shidao is quite serious at this moment, she doesn’t meddle and just sits aside, watching them both.

The tea is warm, and the aroma fills the air.

Sui Yi takes a sip and says, "Let it become famous."

What?

Song Yuzhi nearly spills the tea.

Song Shidao ponders for a while, then suddenly realizes: "I understand, it was my dullness earlier that almost mishandled Miss’s affairs... I am truly remorseful."

This time Sui Yi feels a bit embarrassed, she slightly curls her lips, saying, "You overthought, it really doesn’t hold much significance to me, its sole use is letting certain friends know where I am... you may handle it as you see fit."

Song Yuzhi notices they aren’t intending to explain, slightly curls her lips, just about to ask, when someone from the Xiaoxiang Pavilion suddenly arrives, bringing in refreshments, wine, and fruit.

Although there are many seasonal fruits at present, fruits from the frontier are quite rare, now looking incredibly tempting, exceptionally fresh.

The siblings exchange a glance, pondering what bond Sui Yi has with Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

This time, Sui Yi can’t ignore it anymore, she looks toward the shopkeeper, closes her eyes slightly, and calmly asks, "Though this isn’t my first time here, I really should ask, do I recognize your Pavilion Master?"

It’s not the first time, yet not beyond the third.

These words nearly choke Song Yuzhi again.

Seriously, aren’t they acquainted?

The shopkeeper remains composed, showing a measured smile, says, "The Pavilion Master advised previously that if Miss Sui inquires, to say that last time you were here appraising antiques, three of which belong to him. Admiring your talents greatly, but unfortunately, he couldn’t spare time for a visit, thus instructing us to lay down rules; whenever you arrive, treat you with generous courtesy, hosting you as an honored guest."

Indeed, it seems Sui Yi hasn’t even met the other party.

Song Yuzhi raises her eyebrows, along with Song Shidao, both glance at Sui Yi.

They are not capable of such host-taking actions.

Sui Yi pauses briefly, then nods, her voice as clear and elegant as ever: "Thank you."

The shopkeeper smiles and withdraws with his people.

After stepping out, where Sui Yi and the others can’t see, his face holds a hint of helplessness and amazement.

Thinking to himself, this Mr. Sui truly has no curiosity or desire to connect with their Pavilion Master.

— The Pavilion Master was right.

"So the next step, she’ll probably leave in a short while... and likely won’t return to Xiaoxiang Pavilion again."

The shopkeeper thinks this, and indeed, after a while, Sui Yi and the others exit to bid farewell and depart.

Sharp-eyed, the shopkeeper notices the hundred taels left on the table inside the private room.

Uh... seems even more thorough than the Pavilion Master anticipated.

Their Pavilion Master really doesn’t appeal?

Just as the shopkeeper is about to see Sui Yi and the others off, coincidentally someone emerges from another private room junction.

Plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum; here it’s the plum room, there it’s the orchid room.

The person coming out, facial features exquisite with faint brows and lips touched lightly with rouge, a pair of agile eyes akin to silhouettes under the moon. Upon seeing Sui Yi, she pauses, then her eyes ripple, mouth slightly open.

"Mr.... long time no see."

The renowned Shong Xiufang is a focal point wherever she goes, even though she’s accompanied by extraordinary men and women, and though she’s dressed in a simple robe, without makeup, with slight fatigue.

She appears like a pearl to others.

Because she’s the learned Shong Xiufang.

Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi are not meeting Shong Xiufang for the first time, but as before, they are not the hosts.

There is only one true host.

— The first person she lays eyes on, that’s all. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)