Mid-morning, Song Jinzhao brought her two siblings to the Gu Manor.
"Greetings, County Princess," Gu Zhongxun said, rising to welcome them along with the two Gu brothers.
Song Jinzhao smiled faintly, her gaze fixing on Gu Zhongxun's face.
Compared to the officials in the imperial court, his physique was much more robust—not fat, but solid muscle.
"Lord Gu, there is no need for such formality. I have just arrived in Songzhou City, and I fear I will be residing in the Suining Prefecture for the next few years. I will have to rely on your support in many matters to come."
Gu Zhongxun invited Song Jinzhao to take a seat in the main hall.
"You are too modest, County Princess. You wiped out the Qingfeng Stronghold as soon as you arrived in Songzhou City. It is this official who should be relying on you."
Upon hearing the maid's report, Gu Baozhu hurriedly called for Madam Gu to come out and welcome the guests.
Seeing that all four members of the Song family were present, she couldn't hide the excitement in her eyes.
Since the County Princess valued their agreement so much, it would be a breeze to ask her out to play in the future.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gu Zhongxun's wife smiled and extended an invitation.
"It is nearly noon, and the food in the manor has already been prepared. How about the County Princess stays for a meal?"
Gu Baozhu grew anxious upon hearing this and hastily shot her mother a look.
"Mother, the County Princess and I already agreed to go to the Ruyi Pavilion. I've even booked a private room."
The rest of the Gu family frowned and looked at Gu Baozhu.
They knew the two had an appointment, but the invitation had to be offered, otherwise it would be far too impolite.
Gu Baozhu didn't understand, but Song Jinzhao understood the Gu family's intentions perfectly.
She helped smooth things over, saying, "I've heard that the dishes at Ruyi Pavilion are the best in the southwest. I would love to try them, so I won't be dining at your esteemed manor today."
Madam Gu smoothly seized the out.
"In that case, we shall do it next time."
Gu Zhongxun instructed, "Baozhu, the County Princess and her family are new here and unfamiliar with Songzhou City. You must host them well."
Gu Baozhu's eyes curved into smiling crescent moons.
"Don't worry, Father. I will definitely take good care of the County Princess."
After stepping out of the manor's gates, Gu Baozhu looked back toward the ancestral hall and pursed her lips, seemingly a bit conflicted.
Seeing her hesitation, Song Shixue subconsciously called out to her.
Gu Baozhu turned around with a sweet smile, ultimately deciding not to bring Gu Jinghong along.
If she called him out of the ancestral hall now, he would definitely be punished upon his return. It was just a meal, after all; if a one-month grounding turned into two months, it would be too great a loss.
Having thought it through, Gu Baozhu neatly stepped into the stirrups and swung onto her horse's back.
By the time they arrived at Ruyi Pavilion, the first floor was already packed with no empty seats.
A waiter came up to greet them with an enthusiastic smile.
"Miss Gu, you're finally here! If you had come any later, the river crabs in the kitchen wouldn't have been saved for you."
Behind the checkout counter on the right side of the first floor, the manager cast a glance at Qingshuang, who was following behind Song Jinzhao. His gaze narrowed slightly before he casually lowered his head and continued calculating his accounts as if nothing had happened.
Heading up to the third floor, the private room Gu Baozhu had booked was the Heaven Number One room, which boasted the best view. Inside, the bowls and chopsticks had already been neatly arranged.
The waiter bowed and said, "Please wait a moment, esteemed guests. I will go and serve the dishes right away."
Once the door was closed, Gu Baozhu looked at Song Jinzhao.
"I ordered all the signature dishes of Ruyi Pavilion. They are all the most delicious ones."
Song Jinzhao picked up her teacup and took a sip.
"Do you often come to Ruyi Pavilion to eat, Miss Gu?"
Gu Baozhu replied, "Of course. The food here is great, and they have new dishes from time to time. Jinghong and I come here to eat every few days."
The dishes were continuously brought in by the waiter. In the meantime, Gu Baozhu's mouth never stopped as she introduced each dish to Song Jinzhao one by one. She was even more detailed than the waiter; just listening to her was enough to make one's mouth water.
After eating and drinking their fill, everyone rested for a while in the private room.
Seeing that it was about time, Song Shixue, having received a signal, looked at Gu Baozhu and said, "I'd like to go for a stroll in the market downstairs. Could Miss Gu accompany me?"
The highly curious Song Anhao grabbed Song Shixue's sleeve. "Take me with you."
Gu Baozhu stuck out her full belly a bit. "Of course."
After saying that, she noticed Song Jinzhao was still sitting there. "Is the County Princess not coming? The market in Songzhou City is quite bustling."
A hint of fatigue appeared on Song Jinzhao's face.
"I feel a bit sleepy after eating. You all go ahead. I'll head back to the relay station shortly."
Song Qiming said, "I'll stay with my sister."
Gu Baozhu nodded. "Alright, then I'll take Shixue and Anhao downstairs."
After the three of them left with their maids and guards, Qingshuang silently knocked on the door of the adjacent room.
A short while later, the manager of Ruyi Pavilion entered the Heaven Number One room.
"This subordinate greets the County Princess, and greets the Eldest Young Master."
