After saving the Empress, I became the top scholar in the imperial examination.

The elm wood fences were neatly and tightly arranged, dozens of white tents stood side by side, and the drainage ditches had been dug.

The mission's camp was very well established.

When Ningnan arrived, the laborers, who had worked hard all night, were pulling their muddy legs out of the cold ground and heading to the large pot that had been heated, to drink water, warm themselves by the fire, and eat, leaving a muddy footprint on the ground.

The aroma of roasted rice wafted over the wooden fence and out of the camp.

Although the rows of wooden palisades in the camp were provided by the Northern Dynasty, they were all made of top-quality elm wood, and were very thick.

After all, the Northern Dynasty didn't make things difficult for the delegation because of their small size.

Shangguan Zhao, dressed in a green robe, came out to greet them.

This illegitimate son of the Marquis of Zhenguo was recommended by Jia Shi'an and became a clerk in the Ministry of War's Carriage and Cavalry Administration Department, a ninth-rank official.

Although his official position was quite low, Shangguan Zhao was very happy with it. He was still preparing for the imperial examination and had no intention of relying on the family's influence.

During their month-long journey north, Ning Nan lost weight, while the other person lost even more.

After all, managing laborers outside and being exposed to the wind and sun, the fourth young master of the Marquis's mansion had become quite tanned.

After observing for more than a month, Ning Nan found that among the dozen or so junior officials in green robes in the delegation, each with their own duties, Shangguan Zhao, the "Chess Saint" who was skilled in chess, was the one who could best keep up with his thinking.

He was most proficient in Arabic numerals and the use of some common characters. When reporting to him, Shangguan Zhao was also the most organized and clear.

Therefore, the mission's military camp in Ningnan was handed over to the other party for management.

Even generals like Zhang Yaozuo, Tong Shun, and Zheng Xiao, along with several minor officials in green robes, all obeyed Shangguan Zhao's orders.

"Greetings, Vice Envoy Ning." Shangguan Zhao bowed respectfully.

"Don't mention it, Brother Yucheng."

Ning Nan smiled and helped the other person up.

Shangguan Zhao, whose courtesy name was Yucheng, smiled reservedly.

Ning Nan followed beside the other party, listening to the introduction of the set-up camp. Zhang Yaozuo and his two generals, the various green-robed junior officers of the military camp, and the infantry general Cheng Shangjia all came over to salute him.

Leading the delegation out of Beijing unscathed was no easy task.

The officials of the mission were to withdraw from Beijing.

The military camp must be able to provide support.

After they reunite, they must be able to escape from Beizhili and head south.

None of them are easy.

And now he's being closely watched.

Qian Sijin said that the Embroidered Uniform Guard alone discovered no fewer than dozens of spies and secret agents sent by the Northern Dynasty to keep an eye on him.

Arranging many things is quite difficult.

As he walked, a laborer who was eating with his head down noticed him coming and immediately turned away.

Ning Nan remained calm and pretended not to see the seventh young master of the Marquis's mansion disguised as a commoner.

In fact, one of the reasons for arranging Shangguan Zhao to manage this military camp was because of Xiuxiu.

With Shangguan Xiu, the commander of the Imperial Guard, present, and with him unable to spare any attention, Xiu Xiu could take command of the entire delegation's forces.

Seeing that Shangguan Zhao was managing the mission camp in an orderly manner, the Grand Prince Consort Ning was extremely satisfied. He gave a detailed order to everyone, instructing them that from this day forward, they must obey Shangguan Zhao's orders. Even if the orders sounded incomprehensible, they had no choice but to obey, otherwise he would surely punish them according to military law.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines and unanimously agreed.

"Brother Yucheng,"

At the entrance of the camp, Ning Nan smiled at the other party and said:

"Now, this place is in your hands."

Shangguan Zhao solemnly agreed. In the past, this fourth young master of the Marquis's mansion had always dutifully fed chess to his father, who was obsessed with chess.

He took the initiative to request the position of a minor official in the mission from Lord Jia, who appreciated him.

If he can achieve some merit on this trip, his mother, who was born a slave girl in the Northern Dynasty, will be in a much better situation, instead of having to bow her head and be subservient even to a steward in the Marquis's mansion.

This was his first time leaving Nanjing, his first time in charge, and his first time undertaking such a heavy task.

Shangguan Zhao cherished the opportunity before him.

The crisp sound of hooves faded into the distance along the road. Shangguan Zhao withdrew his gaze.

Not long after the imperial son-in-law, who had been inspecting the military camp, rode away into the distance.

A middle-aged merchant arrived at the military camp. He was obese and had a shrewd look in his eyes. He said he wanted to see Lord Shangguan.

"My name is Chen Ruhai, the manager of Daliang Grain Shop in the capital."

The merchant smiled and clasped his hands in greeting.

"I, Chen, have come to inquire, Lord Shangguan, whether your delegation requires grain, salt, cloth, elm wood... and... laborers?"

As he spoke, he concealed a royal warrant with his sleeve and showed it to the other party.

…………

The weather in Beijing is bright and sunny today.

They ran from the wilderness to Yongdingmen Outer Street and proceeded along the outer street.

The second time, we passed through the towering Yongding Gate and arrived at Yongding Gate Inner Street, heading towards Zhengyang Gate.

The streets were bustling with commerce, and all sorts of vendors' calls filled the air.

Pedestrians were also coming and going in a constant stream.

When Ning Nan and his group arrived at Zhengyang Gate, they dismounted and, relying on their bronze tokens, passed through the city gate and entered the inner city under the strange gazes of the gate guards, arriving at Qipan Street.

Du Lou is the largest restaurant on Qipan Street.

Standing at the beginning of Qipan Street, you can see the shiny gold-plated signboard standing on the second floor, making it easy to spot.

In comparison, the Sihai Tower next to Du Tower pales in comparison.

Restaurants in Beijing have a strict hierarchy.

It is known as the "Eight Great Halls", "Eight Great Residences", and "Eight Great Buildings".

The "Eight Great Halls," such as Huixian Hall and Fushou Hall, are very large, with a courtyard layout, a stage, and elegant openwork seats. They do not accept walk-in guests.

The "Eight Great Residences," such as Guanghe Residence and Tonghe Residence, also primarily catered banquets.

The "Eight Great Restaurants" include Dongxinglou and Taifenglou, which mainly serve Shandong cuisine.

Du Lou was one of the "Eight Great Buildings" that was pushed down by a famous building a few years ago.

The story goes that when Du Junji retired from his official post, he originally intended to return to his hometown immediately. Upon seeing that this Du Lou shared the same surname as him, the Grand Councilor decided to have a drink at the restaurant and try the "Du Family Meatballs".

After trying it, Du Junji stayed at Du Lou for three whole months, and Du Lou became an instant sensation.

Over the past decade or so, it has gradually gained the momentum to become the top of the "Eight Buildings".

As for this unremarkable Sihailou, it doesn't even rank in the top tier in Beijing.

Under the eaves of the restaurant, there was even a row of beggars who were missing limbs.

We arrived at a private room on the second floor.

After the waiter enthusiastically rattled off a long list of dishes, Su Su, the "Old Beijing" girl, coughed twice and ordered a whole host of dishes in her clear, elegant, and proper voice, including abalone, shark fin, braised sea cucumber with scallions, fish in soy sauce, and braised cuttlefish roe.

He even asked the waiter, "Can you make the Eight Delicacies of Mountains and Seas here?"

The waiter had previously determined from their accents, clothing, and especially their leather hats that the group was from out of town.

But upon hearing the woman, as beautiful as a celestial being, speak fluent Mandarin, he quickly raised the corners of his mouth three degrees, lowered his waist slightly, and said with a fawning smile:

"Oh dear, young lady, what bad luck! The cook who makes camel humps and orangutan lips is visiting his family..."

Zhen Susu snorted and said, "Then let's make these for now. Oh, and bring a few simple vegetarian dishes as well; we have a Taoist nun here who only eats vegetarian food."

"Yes, yes, yes!" The waiter sang and backed away with a smile.

I just ordered.

Qian Sijin, who had gone out to buy a newspaper, pushed open the door and entered with a look of astonishment on his face.

Ning Nan looked at the newly promoted commander of the Imperial Guard, narrowed his eyes, and asked, "Commander Qian, what's wrong?"

Qian Sijin's eyes were unfocused, and he seemed to want to say something but couldn't.

He took a few steps and presented Ning Nan with today's "Beijing Daily" with both hands.

"Young master, please...please take a look..."

…………

"On the day Ning Baixuan arrived in the capital! Ning Jiexiao appeared in the capital! He wrote five poems: Nanxiangzi, Die Nianhua, Chou Nu'er, Dian Jiang Chun, and Huanxi Sha. He presents these five poems to Ning Baixuan today at Du Lou! Talented scholars from both the North and South, do you dare to keep the appointment?"

I saw this newspaper headline.

The crowded Du Lou suddenly erupted in cheers!

"Excellent! The Fourth Prince truly is the Fourth Prince!"

A prince from a royal family, with a red sash around his waist, said excitedly.

"With Ning Jiexiao's five poems, he's already crushed Ning Baixuan, whether he comes or not!"

"Heh," the young master holding the snuff bottle sniffed and sneered, "Ping-ge'er, do you even know any words? Why are you shouting so loudly?"