The Great Xia Dynasty's Longevity Begins with Connecting to the Swallowed Starry Sky

Qin Hao felt it was a pity, but Fan Xian felt it was really ridiculous.

Although no one saw it in person, Fan Xian could imagine it.

There was a person looking at himself smugly.

His gaze was sharp and flippant, and the way he looked at me was quite amusing.

"Look at me, even I wouldn't dare plagiarize from *Dream of the Red Chamber*. That's the essence of culture, studied by countless people. And you, a mere brat, dare to plagiarize from *Dream of the Red Chamber*?"

This book contains many fine poems, numerous conflicts within the inner quarters of a household, and much wisdom on how to conduct oneself.

Fan Xian was just a young man living in a small place like Danzhou.

Does he know everything?
Therefore, this led to the later incident where Fan Xian copied a poem, which was then questioned by Confucian and Taoist masters, and even the Eldest Princess used this as an opportunity to set a trap for him.

The meal was originally quite good.

He had lived in Danzhou for a long time, and this was his first time returning to Qingdu. Fan Ruoruo even took out a small portion of her private savings to buy a large table of dishes at Sihailou Restaurant to welcome him back.

After learning about boiled cabbage and chicken tofu, Fan Xian always felt like a pair of eyes were watching him.

This is really unsettling.

Even though the dishes were so delicious and could even help increase one's true energy, he found them rather bland and tasteless.

Indeed, despite constantly adjusting his mindset, Fan Xian still felt somewhat speechless.

After finishing his meal, Fan Xian returned to his room and saw some things.

He didn't pay attention at first, but sat down to think.

"Those words from before made it seem as if this cheap father was favoring Aunt Liu."

However, based on some things I investigated in Danzhou, and the information given by my companion who was suspected to be a time traveler.

My aunt probably can't even command the Censorate.

He knew his mother's name was Ye Qingmei, but he didn't know that Ye Qingmei had actually created so many things.

"The Censorate, the Imperial Treasury."

Fan Xian found it extremely strange that such an awesome institution as the Surveillance Bureau was actually created by his mother, a transmigrator he had never met.

Even as a liberal arts student, he couldn't imagine that such an institution for monitoring officials would exist in a feudal dynasty.

"How could Emperor Qing have agreed to establish such an institution?"

Unlike the original novel, Fan Xian received some information in advance.

He also has a fellow time traveler, though he doesn't yet know who that companion is.

Fan Xian's heart seemed to be undergoing a different change.

He sensed that the water here seemed deep and somewhat different.

"And Aunt Liu is a really strange person."

If she were truly so wicked, she wouldn't have achieved her current status at home.

Fan Xian could tell that Fan Sizhe was genuinely afraid of his older sister, Fan Ruoruo.

In modern society, the bloodline suppression between siblings might still have some merit.

But this is ancient times.

Women are inherently inferior to men in terms of status.

Although there were some female martial artists, there were also those who managed the inner treasury, such as the eldest princess.

However, female officials were extremely rare.

At least in Nanqing, it's almost impossible to see them.

It's rather strange that Ye Qingmei was able to create the Surveillance Bureau, which clearly resembles the Censorate or the Censorate, yet also possessed military power.

But the existence of martial artists seems to explain something.

It still feels a bit abrupt and hard to understand.

Feeling somewhat irritable and unable to figure things out, Fan Xian decided not to dwell on it any longer.

His gaze fell on the box he had brought.

This was given to him by Wu Zhu; it is said to have been left behind by his mother, Ye Qingmei.

It is said to be a very powerful treasure.

As for the specifics, Wu Zhu said he had forgotten.

It's just that this thing can threaten a Grandmaster.

Although there is no clear understanding of the martial prowess of a Grandmaster, it is known that a Grandmaster can influence thousands of troops and affect the balance of the world.

As long as you know this, as long as you know that Dongyi City exists.

Fan Xian then realized just how powerful the treasure inside was.

"what exactly is it?"

Fan Xian didn't know, and even after racking his brains, he couldn't find out.

However, the wooden box was made of an extremely hard material, and even his seventh-rank strength could not damage it in an instant.

It is said that even Wu Zhu had no way to break the box and take out the contents without damaging what was inside.

Moreover, Wu Zhu would not damage the things left behind by the young lady.

The box Ye Qingmei left for Fan Xian was made of a hard material. Although it looked like leather on the outside, it was actually made of a material far beyond the technology of the present day. Its hardness made it impossible for even a Grandmaster to open it by force.

This box is not only made of rock-solid material, but it is also indestructible even by cutting with knives and axes, and can only be opened with a special key.

Qin Hao had seen it before and was quite curious, wanting to take it over and examine it carefully.

However, he held back in the end and did not make a move.

This was before he met Fan Xian.

He has no intention of revealing his Confucian and Taoist intentions.

He needs an opportunity.

Next, Fan Xian went to see what Fan Jian had sent him.

First, there was a box. When he opened it, he found some silver and silver notes inside.

"It's a bit of a surprise. When I lived in Danzhou, I never gave a penny except for the monthly allowance my grandmother gave me. Now she's given me three thousand taels all at once."

Is this an attempt to appease him after he questioned Aunt Liu about sending someone to assassinate him?
Fan Xian wasn't quite sure, but let's just assume that's true for now.

Then there were some clothes, and when I picked them up, I found that they were all made of silk.

Comfort aside, the key issue is the price.

In ancient society, silk was rare and could be considered an expensive commodity. It could be accumulated as real estate and stored in warehouses.

Aside from needing to air it out every year, this thing retains its value quite well.

"Is this what you're trying to say, what you're trying to say in response to the claim that I was sent back to Danzhou as a child to fend for myself?"

In their previous conversation, Fan Xian had also asked why his mother was Ye Qingmei, and why she was so powerful.

Now that he has been brought back, Emperor Qing intends to have him take over the Imperial Treasury.

So why was he asked to stay in Danzhou all those years before?
Fan Xian neither confirmed nor denied these claims.

He only believes what he sees and what he investigates.

……

Inside the palace, Princess Li Yunrui sat alone in her bedchamber, pondering everything that had happened that day.

She sent the palace maid out; she didn't want her daughter to marry Fan Xian.

It's not that she likes this daughter; perhaps deep down she feels a little sorry for her.

After all, it was my own child, and it got sick.

But deep down, what she valued even more was her own power.

She didn't want to lose control of the inner treasury's finances.

"It seems that His Majesty is not unwilling for the Crown Prince to wield power. He simply does not want the Crown Prince to be involved in officialdom and military affairs."

With this in mind, Li Yunrui felt much more at ease.

As for the palace maids he had previously dispatched, and the Crown Prince's timely assumption of responsibility later.

The truth is known to both Emperor Qing and her.

Both of them were shrewd and calculating; their outward appearances were just for show.

Only you can truly judge what's going on inside your heart.

Fan Xian was deep in thought when he suddenly heard Fan Sizhe's voice from outside.

Fan Xian was taken aback. When he came out, he saw that Fan Sizhe had a solemn expression on his face.

He thought it was something serious, but then he saw Fan Sizhe grit his teeth and say, "I was wrong about what happened today."

And my mother would never do such a thing.

Tomorrow, I'll treat you to a meal at Sihailou Restaurant; consider it my apology.

After Fan Sizhe finished speaking, he turned and left.

Fan Xian couldn't help but smile.

Fan Sizhe looks a bit greedy and miserly.

But he also confirmed that Fan Sizhe was not a bad person.

As for the previous conflict, everyone would think that his illegitimate son had come to the capital to seize the property of the Marquis of Sinan.

Although he was willing to give up control of the inner treasury, what about such a large sum of money?

Although he was unaware that control over the inner treasury was not so easily obtained.

Even if he marries Lin Wan'er, it won't be an easy or smooth process.

But that's really what he thought in his heart.

He checked the things Fan Jian had sent over again and made sure they were all safely stored away.

He then gave Teng Zijing another instruction, telling him to hide well.

There was no other way; Fan Jian had previously sent the Red Armor Knights back to fetch him and bring him back to the capital.

Along the way, Teng Zijing's existence was inevitably revealed.

This realization made Fan Xian discover for the first time that his identity as a time traveler wasn't as high and mighty as he looked down on others.

Seventh-grade true qi and eighth-grade combat strength don't seem like anything to brag about.

Gradually, he fell into a deep sleep.

Before that, Fan Xian had a vague idea, but he couldn't quite grasp it.

The next day, Fan Sizhe actually came to call him.

Seeing his pained expression, yet still keeping his promise.

Fan Xian thought that Fan Sizhe was quite cute?

Throughout the journey, the pained expression on Fan Sizhe's face grew increasingly pronounced.

Fan Ruoruo clapped her hands and slapped Fan Sizhe on the head.

"Sis, what are you doing?"

"What else? It's just treating you to a meal at Sihailou Restaurant. Do you think it'll bankrupt you?" Fan Ruoruo said speechlessly.

Fan Sizhe was speechless: "That's different. Sister, your monthly allowance is ten taels, while mine is only three taels. Besides, you have more clothes for all four seasons than me, and my mother often sends me silk..."

Fan Sizhe rattled off a lot of information.

Fan Xian knew none of this before.

However, from these words, Fan Xian roughly understood a fact.

Aunt Liu, this concubine, did the work of the mistress of the Fan family, and she did it very well.

It's quite possible that he prefers his adopted daughter but is neglecting his own biological child.

"Could this be a case of praising someone to death?"

However, Ruoruo herself has a good personality and has not been spoiled.

Fan Xian then rejected his own idea.

In short, he couldn't see through or understand this Aunt Liu.

Seeing Fan Sizhe's expression, Fan Xian thought of the three thousand taels he had received yesterday and immediately said, "It's just a meal at Sihailou Restaurant, right? I'll treat."

"Really?" Fan Sizhe's eyes lit up, revealing a naive foolishness.

Fan Xian was speechless.

"real."

"Great!" Fan Sizhe cheered, then hesitated a little, "Um, it's not that I didn't want to invite you, it's just that you... Hey, sis, what are you doing?"

"What do I need to do? It's just a meal at Sihailou Restaurant. You've got quite the nerve."

When they arrived at Sihai Tower, Fan Xian was puzzled.

"Why is it so lively?" Sihailou occupies a large area, with dozens of tables on the first floor, which is obvious.

But by this time, the seats were almost full.

They set off very early in the morning. Why are there so many guests eating so early?
Fan Sizhe said smugly, "You don't know this, do you? Danzhou definitely doesn't have this. This is a morning tea that Sihailou just launched a few days ago. It's said that there are hundreds of kinds of tea snacks. You could eat from morning till night and still not finish them all."

what?
Is this time-traveler's companion really that impressive?

This world also has many kinds of snacks, and it's somewhat like the ancient society of my previous life.

But there are far fewer than several hundred.

Perhaps there are, but those are local specialties and not concentrated in Qingdu.

Sihailou did just that.

As soon as they entered, a waiter came over and asked, "Would you like to meet us in a private room on the second floor? Or perhaps a private room on the third floor?"

The layout of Sihai Tower is quite interesting.

The lobby is on the first floor, but the people sitting here are not ordinary people.

Considering the prices at Sihailou, Fan Xian knew that it was not a place that ordinary people could afford.

Not to mention the boiled cabbage in clear broth and chicken tofu, which cost 100 taels of silver per dish, there were even several other famous dishes.

Those sitting here must be wealthy merchants and landlords.

The second floor has private seating areas.

The private room on the third floor.

This is clearly meant for the second generation and the first generation.

Fan Sizhe spoke first: "Isn't there room on the first floor?"

He wants to save money, even though he's asked to spend it.

Unfortunately, there's simply no space in the lobby on this floor.

Given Fan Ruoruo's obvious desire to lash out, Fan Sizhe immediately said from the bottom of his heart, "Then let's have a private room on the second floor."

It's important to know that there are spending requirements for VIP seats and private rooms, as well as a so-called tea fee.

Of course, the tea fee is well worth it.

He just wanted to save some money.

Upon reaching the second floor, Fan Xian discovered that this place was indeed a private room.

Each private booth is separated by shelves and flower pots.

The flowerpot contains a variety of precious flowers, creating a vibrant and colorful display.

It was almost autumn by then.

But you can also find spring flowers here.

"If someone has pollen allergies, then it's not a good idea for them to come."

Fan Xian silently muttered a curse to himself.

After they sat down in a private booth by the window, the waiter brought out the menu.

Fan Xian looked at the dazzling array of dishes on the large book, which indeed contained hundreds of recipes for desserts, much like the distinctive cookbook he had seen in a teahouse in Guangzhou before.

Fan Xian's lips twitched.

"I'll have a plate of char siu bao, a plate of rice noodle rolls, a plate of chicken feet, a stack of shrimp dumplings, a serving of glutinous rice chicken, and also a serving of spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings, pan-fried buns, and steamed pork ribs. And a serving of seafood congee, that's all."

Fan Sizhe quickly finished explaining what he wanted and then urged the waiter who took the order to leave.

Judging from his expression, Fan Xian knew that he was afraid that Fan Xian would order something expensive again.

But Fan Sizhe also ordered quite a lot.

Although a seventh-rank martial artist has a big appetite, this portion would cost more than a hundred taels of silver.

This Sihailou restaurant is really making money.

Does that mean no powerful or wealthy person would even consider it?

Remembering what Fan Ruoruo had said before, each of the Four Seas Pavilions had two seventh-rank martial artists stationed there.

If there are no obvious loopholes.

I'm not really that scared.

As for being blatantly framed like Teng Zijing?
That's because Teng Zijing isn't strong enough.

Look at a ninth-rank martial artist, or even a ninth-rank upper-level martial artist, or a grandmaster. Would anyone dare to frame someone knowingly?
Ultimately, it's strength that determines everything.

Of course, the current calm at Sihailou is probably because the other party has not yet grasped Sihailou's true strength.

Once the true nature of Sihailou is discovered, it will be a whirlwind of destruction, with all sides quickly taking it down.

Instead of the way it is now.

It seems to be the calm before the storm.

"Could it be that this fellow transmigrator hadn't considered these things?"

But the other party is capable of doing so many things, and has also cultivated so many seventh-rank martial artists.

He doesn't seem like such an unwise person.

Fan Xian twitched his fingers, wanting to leave something for his companion, to remind him of something.

But he was also afraid of alerting the enemy.

He couldn't confirm that the other party was definitely a time traveler, nor could he confirm that the other party was definitely the person who had sent him the letter before.

He couldn't determine the other party's stance either.

Therefore, these things should not be done rashly.

"Wan'er, come with me. Let me tell you, even without meat dishes, the food at Sihailou is delicious."

A woman's voice came from inside.

Fan Xian didn't care at first, but by chance, he seemed to see the Chicken Leg Girl.

No way?
Fan Xian had actually mentioned this to Fan Jian yesterday: he didn't want to sacrifice his happiness for a little money, well, a billion dollars.

All he wanted was the chicken leg girl.

At this time, he didn't even know the Chicken Leg Girl's real name.

Last night, Fan Xian was still worried about how to find the Chicken Leg Girl.

We met today?
He suddenly stood up, which startled Fan Sizhe.

When he chased after them, he saw nothing.

"What's wrong, brother?" Fan Ruoruo asked.

Fan Xian shook his head: "I think I just saw someone I know. May I go up to the third floor to take a look?"

Fan Ruoruo shook her head: "The rules of Sihailou are that other guests should not be disturbed at will."

This rule has been used to beat several second-generation players already.

Of course, there isn't a top-tier second-generation member yet, but this already demonstrates the capabilities of Sihailou.

Fan Xian was still unwilling to give up, but he couldn't break the rules of Sihai Tower.

Fan Ruoruo had no choice but to ask the waiter. When she returned, she said, "The person upstairs seems to be Ye Ling'er from the Ye family."

She also wanted to ask Ye Ling'er what her relationship with Fan Xian was.

Fan Xian has only just arrived in Qingdu, so how come he seems to have a relationship with Ye Ling'er?
However, Fan Xian clearly did not want to answer, so Fan Ruoruo did not ask any further questions.

Upstairs, Qin Hao also witnessed this scene.

It's quite a coincidence that Fan Sizhe invited Fan Xian to this restaurant for morning tea. Isn't that just a coincidence?

"However, Fan Xian thinks he can find out the Chicken Leg Girl's true identity from here? No way!"

There were so many interesting moments, and Qin Hao didn't want Fan Xian to lose them all.

Therefore, he instructed the waiter not to reveal Lin Wan'er's true identity to the other party.

At this moment, Fan Xian was unaware that he would soon find out Lin Wan'er's true identity and that he could have both.

She could have had both wealth and beauty.

Fan Xian was completely unaware of all this at the moment. If he had known, he would have been thinking to warn his fellow time-traveler to be careful.

Will he turn evil and try to kill Qin Hao?
Lin Wan'er's mouth watered as she looked at the large table of delicious food in front of her.

She grabbed the custard bun and took a big bite.

Then he muttered, "I had no idea there were so many delicious things in this world."

Because of tuberculosis, her health was not very good, and she could not eat many things.

For example, meat dishes.

So she secretly went to the side hall of the Qing Temple and stole the chicken leg that was offered there.

She has no idea that she's being called "Chicken Leg Girl" by others.

She ate and talked, but Ye Ling'er still stopped her hand from reaching for the tiger-skin phoenix claw: "You can't eat this."

Although it seems like no one usually eats chicken feet, how could a family like theirs possibly eat chicken feet?
Not only was there no meat, but it also didn't taste good.

But this is actually a meat dish.

Lin Wan'er's health condition prevents her from eating too much meat.

Lin Wan'er was a little discouraged. That thing looked so appetizing. Why didn't she try it?

When no one was around, she came alone?
Well, that's just wishful thinking.

The Lin family won't let her do that.

Qin Hao looked at Lin Wan'er, wondering if he should give her the medicine in advance.

He is also a poor man.

However, there's no excuse, so it's best to avoid doing things like this.

Lin Xiang is a cunning old fox; he'd better avoid arousing suspicion in the other party.

Qin Hao didn't say much.

"Fortunately, it shouldn't be long. Let's talk about it when Fan Xian comes to visit."

Fan Xian ate quite comfortably that day.

Fan Sizhe probably hadn't expected the digestive ability of a seventh-rank martial artist.

In any case, they spent a total of five hundred taels of silver here that day.

Even though he managed to get rid of the waiter in advance, the service at Sihailou was just too good.

Just as Fan Xian was about to order, the waiter immediately came to serve him.

Fan Xian could also tell that the waiter was quite capable; although he was only a third-rank official, it was still beyond the reach of ordinary people.

The speed and stamina of their service are unmatched by ordinary shop assistants and waiters.

"That's amazing."

Fan Xian was still thinking to himself, if these people were to work as food delivery drivers, wouldn't they be able to get rid of their means of transportation?

The reason Fan Xian sat here for a whole day was actually to see what Ye Ling'er looked like.

I saw it once before, but I didn't confirm it.

Fan Ruoruo went to inquire and found out that it was Ye Ling'er.

Fan Xian was still thinking of asking Fan Ruoruo to introduce him to someone.

She seemed to realize that Fan Ruoruo and Ye Ling'er knew each other, perhaps not as close as best friends, but probably in the same circle.

However, he couldn't bring himself to ask for the time being.

But he didn't see Ye Ling'er come down from the third floor all day.

Actually, this was arranged by Qin Hao.

Enveloped by Qin Hao's power, Lin Wan'er's presence was diminished.

To avoid Fan Xian seeing it.

If Fan Xian knew that Qin Hao had deliberately used his power to do this just to watch the show...

I wonder if Fan Xian will be so angry he'll die?

"If it's discovered so quickly, Fan Xian will have fewer opportunities to plagiarize, and the severity of his death will be greatly reduced, which is not good."

Qin Hao pondered to himself.

Fan Xian suddenly sneezed, and no one knew why.

"Brother, are you okay?"

"It's nothing, it's just that someone might be thinking about me." Fan Xian thought of the chicken leg girl. Could it be that she was thinking about him?

Fan Ruoruo was still thinking about her elder brother's condition today when she heard Fan Xian say, "How about I treat you to another meal tomorrow?" (End of Chapter)