Ye Ningjie walked with two maids and a few bodyguards to circle Jin An city. They had suggested taking a horse-drawn carriage, but she refused because she preferred to walk.
Actually, it was because she wanted to see the situation around her more clearly. After all, living with Duan Feng in the mountains had made her walk more often. No problem at all for her.
"Young Miss, we will arrive at the market soon. I will show you the most famous steamed buns here," said the maid called A'Lin.
"Thank you!" Ye Ningjie said with a smile. She looked around and then matched the conditions around her with the memory of the map image of Jin An city.
The resident's house that served as the secret entrance to the imperial palace was not far from here.
A few moments later, they arrived at the bustling market. Ye Ningjie followed her maid to the seller of steamed buns which she said were the best in Jin An city.
There were many people lined up. They are waiting their turn to get steamed buns. It was a good opportunity for Ye Ningjie.
"Is this still long?" Ye Ningjie asked.
"Maybe. Too bad we came too late so there are already a lot of people waiting in line," replied another maid named A'Mei
"Then can you guys wait here? I'd like to have a look around." Ye Ningjie said casually.
"Of course, Miss. Be careful!"
Ye Ningjie smiled as she nodded. Then she stepped away from the two maids. However, then she realized there were still some bodyguards following her.
How to keep the bodyguards away?
Ye Ningjie continued to walk thoughtfully. Her destination was drawing near. It might be fine to let the bodyguards follow her. After all, they were people belonging to the Zhou residence.
Her palms clenched when she saw the crossroads not far in front of her. On the right side of the crossroads, there is a house that is not so big. There is a gate at the front whose wood is starting to rot.
If the information on the map is correct, it should be this house that hides the entrance to the imperial palace.
No one would have guessed. The house did not look like the house of an influential person. How could a place like this be the entrance to such an important place?
Ye Ningjie was speechless. What rotten person has arranged this in such a way? She was sure that only a handful of people knew this fact. And it is a blessing because she can be a part of that few people.
Ye Ningjie's footsteps slowed down slightly. "Why is there a house like this in the capital?" she asked in a slightly scornful tone to look like an arrogant princess who just asked random questions.
"Young Miss, there are actually still a lot of underprivileged residents. Moreover, the imperial capital is a place full of competition. If one not insightful, one's business could be at a loss at any time. Like this Feng family," replied one of the bodyguards following Ye Ningjie.
So, the dilapidated house was the house belonging to the Feng family. Ye Ningjie nodded silently, then asked, "What kind of business are they doing?"
"They used to be silk businessmen. Actually it was a hereditary business even before the Baixi empire became this big. However, their descendants don't seem to be that competent so their business is in decline as it is now."
Ye Ningjie smirked slightly. That meant the Feng family had indeed been there a long time ago. Their loyalty must be unquestioned. And this family was definitely not just an ordinary business family.
"No wonder this house looks old. It must be because they have lived here for a long time," Ye Ningjie commented.
One of the bodyguards suddenly whispered, "Young Miss, it's not just this house that's old. We heard they have ancestors who are still alive today. We don't know if that's true or not."
Ye Ningjie's eyebrows shot up instantly. Could it be that the ancestor was the guard at the palace entrance? It's not impossible. In fact, it could be the greatest possibility. It looks like it will be difficult if she wants to infiltrate there.
At that moment, she suddenly felt that someone was watching her from behind. She quickly turned her head, but she could only see a crowd of people passing by.
Ye Ningjie's brow furrowed slightly. Was it just her feeling?
"Young Miss, where are we going?"
"Does this Feng family still own a silk shop? I want to see the goods from the seller that have survived for many years," Ye Ningjie said. "It shouldn't be that bad."
"Yes. However, it is only a small shop."
"Take me there," Ye Ningjie asked.
"Alright, Miss."
Ye Ningjie also stepped after the bodyguards. The feeling of being followed and watched over again enveloped her. She was increasingly sure that someone was watching her. However, who is it?
This situation did not make her anxious. On the contrary, she acted like a princess looking for the best silk in Jin An city.
Soon they arrived at a small shop selling silk fabrics. There wasn't much of it, but the quality wasn't bad.
Ye Ningjie's arrival was immediately warmly welcomed by the shop owner, namely Feng Lianfeng. The middle-aged man smiled kindly. "Young Miss, is there anything I can help you with?"
Ye Ningjie looked around. "I want to see if there's the best silk here," she said, then surveyed the silk fabric on display. She touched it, then felt slightly touched by its subtlety.
"Young Miss, our shop is indeed small. However, we still always put quality first. Of course, we have some of the best. Please wait a moment," replied Feng Lianfeng, who immediately disappeared behind the door. It took a while for the older man to return with a few pieces of silk.
"Young Miss, have a look. Maybe there's something you like."
Ye Ningjie also looked at the silk cloths. The color is very muted. The texture is also smooth and soft. Really nice cloth! It wouldn't be a lie if her bodyguard said this Feng family had a long business history.
"Looks like this Feng shop has a great new customer!" Ye Ningjie suddenly heard a voice coming from the entrance. She immediately turned her head, then saw a man walking in, followed by one subordinate.
The foreign man had a good appearance. His clothes look expensive, and the aura of nobility radiates strongly from his body and face.
This man must be the young master of a rich family, Ye Ningjie guessed in her heart. She smirked secretly, then pretended she was busy picking silks.
"Young Master Su…."
Feng Lianfeng immediately bowed politely to the man who had just arrived. His expression looked surprised to see Su Yuan. People with high status like Su Yuan rarely came to his shop.
Feng Lianfeng then looked at Ye Ningjie, who glanced only at Su Yuan's arrival. His feeling became a little uneasy.
Anyone in Jin An city would welcome the descendants of imperial officials well. Moreover, Su Yuan's father was Official Su, who had many contributions to the imperial court.
"Young Miss, this is Young Master Su Yuan from the Official Su family," whispered Ye Ningjie's bodyguard. He also felt the same way as Feng Lianfeng. So, finally, he told Ye Ningjie to be more decent towards Su Yuan.
Ye Ningjie wore a surprised face. She immediately lowered her head, then greeted. "I am sorry. I was so ignorant that I didn't know this was Young Master Su," she said in a guilty tone.
Su Yuan smiled, then shook his head. At first, he was only interested in Ye Ningjie's stunning appearance, so he came into this shop too. Then seeing her nonchalant attitude made him even more interested.
"Young Miss, I have never seen you before. Could it be that you are a newcomer to Jin An city?"
Ye Ningjie smiled faintly. "Young Master Su is right."
"The meeting was fate. If I may ask, would I be pleased to know who this Miss is?"
Ye Ningjie's smile became even cuter. She wanted to approach the officials' families to find out the truth about what happened regarding the massacre of her family. And it seems that Su Yuan is the right medium.