Chen Xu left Yunjiang Prefecture early, traveling alone to take the exam.

He only informed Feng Yuanbai about this, and even Cui Yunqi and others only received the news through Feng Yuanbai; he did not leave a letter on his own accord.

Thus, by the time Cui Yunqi learned that Chen Xu had left early, three days had already passed.

Cui Yunqi regretted slightly that he could not accompany Chen Xu this time, but it was just a slight regret, nothing more. He had no extra thoughts on the matter.

He knew that someone like Chen Xu must have strong willpower.

Chen Xu was not his puppet, and it was impossible for him to act according to his wishes in every matter.

Now that Chen Xu had left early, Cui Yunqi thought it over and instructed Cui Fu, "You go and prepare the travel gear in advance, so we can set off sooner.

Not to catch up with Brother Chen, but just to...

No, send a message to Pingyang Prefecture immediately. Have our people clean up the courtyard and wait outside Pingyang City's gates day and night.

As soon as they see Brother Chen entering the city, they must be courteous and attentive, inviting him to stay at our residence in Pingyang Prefecture.

If he doesn't want to stay at the residence and prefers an inn, then invite him to our restaurant."

Yes, Cui Yunqi also owned a restaurant in Pingyang Prefecture.

That restaurant originally had average business, barely surviving in Pingyang Prefecture.

However, since they started using the "MSG" provided by Chen Xu, within just a few days, the restaurant showed signs of revival.

Now, in Cui Yunqi's eyes, Chen Xu was not merely a target to chase but a metaphorical god of wealth.

Though Cui Yunqi was born into an aristocratic family and had learned to disdain wealth and fame, his numerous personal enterprises showed he was not an ignorant fop.

Money, once you have enough of it, can be treated like nothing.

But without it, you cannot do without it.

And when it comes to personal wealth, who would mind having more?

Cui Yunqi was giving Cui Fu detailed instructions when suddenly he heard hurried footsteps approaching from the corridor outside.

Soon, a tall and thin figure wearing a gold crown walked into the hall.

The newcomer burst out, "Chen Xu has left early?"

The tone was urgent, and the expression fierce, quite unlike his usual gentle and courteous demeanor.

This person was none other than a cousin of Cui Yunqi, living far off in the Jade Capital Celestial City.

Although called a cousin, his real identity was that of a son from the maternal family of Consort Cui, Cui Yunqi's aunt and one of the six consorts of the current Emperor.

The foster son of Consort Cui was in fact the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince's biological mother came from a minor official's family in the Jade Capital, initially just a maid attending to the Emperor.

She was favored by the Emperor, bore the Fifth Prince, but passed away due to postpartum hemorrhage.

The Fifth Prince, being low-born, was not favored by the Emperor and struggled through his early years in the palace until Consort Cui, convinced the Emperor to adopt him as her own.

Afterwards, the Fifth Prince's status and position improved dramatically.

From a child that everyone could bully to the son of a favored consort, he gradually gained the Emperor's favor.

Now, even his original family gained status and promotion.

Some of its members served under him effectively.

This "cousin" who had come to Yunjiang Prefecture was named Chi Jie, claiming to be pursuing studies, and thus traveled to Yunjiang.

By coincidence, there was a "relative" from the Cui Family in Yunjiang Prefecture, which led to his temporary stay with the Cui Family.

But in reality, Cui Yunqi knew that he had offended someone he shouldn't have in the Jade Capital Celestial City, causing him to flee to Yunjiang to escape trouble.

Chi Jie was treated as a distinguished guest upon arrival at the Cui Family.

Though aware of his unusual purpose, the Cui Family pretended not to know.

No matter what, given the connection to the Fifth Prince, they had to appease him. As for his grievances with some influential figure in Shangjing, well, what did that have to do with the Cui Family?

Cui Yunqi had thought this way but did not expect Chi Jie to come today and directly ask about Chen Xu.

This immediately raised Cui Yunqi's intense vigilance, and he asked calmly, "Cousin, why are you asking about Chen Xu? As far as I know, you and my Brother Chen are not acquainted."

He asked with a smile still lingering on his face.

Chi Jie was momentarily stunned and then realized he had overreacted. He quickly adjusted his demeanor, chuckling, "I just heard the great name of the Thirty-First of the Profound List and wanted to make his acquaintance.

Unexpectedly, he left so abruptly. Yunqi, you always claim to have a good relationship with him, but I don't see it that way.

Otherwise, why would he leave suddenly without informing you in advance?"

Although he had adjusted his demeanor, there was still a trace of unavoidable resentment in his tone.

Ultimately, frustration and anger couldn't be masked.

Cui Yunqi smiled faintly and said, "No matter how good the relationship is, there's no reason for one to report everything to me.

Cousin, if we missed him, then so be it. When Brother Chen participates in the autumn provincial exam, we will meet in Pingyang Prefecture eventually."

"What do you know? By that time, it will already be too late!" Chi Jie exclaimed unexpectedly.

Cui Yunqi's eyes immediately darkened as he sensed something was very wrong.

He was just about to engage Chi Jie in more conversation to probe for information, but Chi Jie turned to leave without saying another word.

At the same time, in Yunjiang Prefecture, the Wei Family had been completely divided among the Cui, Ning, and other families, while Feng Yuanbai, an originally inconspicuous County Magistrate, was gradually establishing his own reputation in Yunjiang Prefecture.

In Yunjiang County, a few incidents of demonic troubles were also resolved.

Some demons were slain on the spot, while others were recruited by the Government.

Several events unfolded in a grand and complex manner.

Yet these matters were far removed from Chen Xu, seemingly unrelated to him.

No one knew that Feng Yuanbai had secretly corresponded with Chen Xu at least three times.

On this day, Chen Xu left Yunjiang Prefecture and entered Qinglin Prefecture.

Qinglin Prefecture is known for its towering mountains, as the saying goes, "The vast Cyan Forest forms a dark frontier," referring to the famous mountains and rivers within Qinglin Prefecture.

But Qinglin Prefecture is much more prosperous than Yunjiang Prefecture because the famous mountains and rivers lie to the west of Qinglin Prefecture, while the eastern part is a vast plain.

The expansive plain stretches alongside the mountains, with the Yuan Cang River flowing down from Lingxi Snow Mountain through the plains, nurturing the wide fertile lands of the prosperous Qinglin Prefecture.

After several days of braving the elements, Chen Xu decided not to continue traveling through the wilderness upon entering Qinglin Prefecture, and entered a city that day.

But Qinglin Prefecture is much more prosperous than Yunjiang Prefecture because the famous mountains and rivers lie to the west of Qinglin Prefecture, while the eastern part is a vast plain.

The expansive plain stretches alongside the mountains, with the Yuan Cang River flowing down from Lingxi Snow Mountain through the plains, nurturing the wide fertile lands of the prosperous Qinglin Prefecture.

After several days of braving the elements, Chen Xu decided not to continue traveling through the wilderness upon entering Qinglin Prefecture, and entered a city that day.

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