In the Hongyan Pavilion on the third floor of Ziyun Tower, Zhou Zong's family has been waiting for a long time.

In addition to Zhou Min and Zhou Yan, Zhou Xian is also on the list.

Madam Zhou wore a light green skirt, her black hair was combed into a more dignified concentric bun, and a jade hairpin was inserted sideways. She looked elegant and tranquil, yet noble and gorgeous.

Zhou Xian rarely participated in similar occasions. Today, for some unknown reason, Zhou Zong strongly asked her to participate. After dressing up, she was allowed to go out only after getting approval from her old father.

Two years ago, on the first day of the Yuan Dynasty, the emperor held a banquet in Yanfu Hall to entertain important ministers. He allowed his wife and children to accompany him, but Zhou Zong only brought Zhou Xian into the palace.

At that time, her old father also personally supervised her makeup.

But today was just an ordinary banquet, and Zhou Xian didn't understand why his father paid so much attention to it.

Is it because someone is present?

Zhou Xian glanced at Zhu Xiu unconsciously, his bright eyes flashing. Well, today the evil villain was also dressed quite handsomely. He had a tall figure and a jade-like face. Although he was young, he did not show any signs of it while talking to the dignitaries.

Shy, talk and laugh freely.

Zhou Xian's mind suddenly recalled what her father had asked her that day, that the emperor intended to marry the Zhou family to the Northern Dynasty.

No need to guess, the targets are naturally her and someone Zhu...

Zhou Xian spat in embarrassment, and two clouds of red rose on his cheeks.

Zhu Xiu's hands were tightly held by Zhou Min. This old man didn't know why, but he shook hands affectionately as soon as they met, with fiery eyes as if the two were long-lost brothers.

Zhou Min kept chattering and trying to make friends with Zhu Xiu. Zhu Xiu reluctantly responded with a stiff smile. Suddenly, he turned his head and glanced at him like a tacit understanding, and realized that Zhou Xian was staring at him with a pair of shining jewel-like eyes.

Their eyes met each other, and they were all stunned.

The corners of Zhu Xiu's mouth curved up, and she pursed her lips frivolously.

Zhou Xian turned his head in panic, feeling ashamed and angry. How could he, such a disgusting villain, do such a shameful act in public.

"My dear brother, why don't you come to my house for a walk these days? Brother, I also said that I would take you on a boat tour of the Qinhuai River!"

Zhou Min patted Zhu Xiu's hand resentfully.

Zhu Xiu pulled away hard, but she didn't expect that just as she let go, Zhou Min held on tight again.

"Second Young Master is now promoting the Water Transport Department. He is busy with official duties, so he dare not go and disturb him." Zhu Xiu smiled stiffly.

"What second young master? Call me second brother!" Zhou Min feigned anger and put his arms around Zhu Xiu's shoulders.

He is not as tall as Zhu Xiu, so he has to stand on his tiptoes a little.

"Second...Second brother!" Zhu Xiu shouted so hard that he couldn't speak.

Zhou Min grinned happily, with yellow teeth, fine crow's feet, and slightly white temples.

This guy is already forty years old, just a few years younger than his wife. I heard that his son is one or two years older than him.

Just like that, you still force yourself to call me brother?

It was hard to refuse such kindness, so Zhu Xiu could only recognize this old brother.

It's just that Zhu Xiu is a little strange. This old man seems to be too enthusiastic about him.

Zhu Wu stood aside and noticed that Zhu Xiu was uncomfortable. He stepped forward and clamped Zhou Min's wrist, and said with a smile: "Second Young Master, may I talk to you?"

Zhou Min felt pain in her wrist and let go, but was held tightly by Zhu Wu. Zhu Xiu took the opportunity to dodge to the side.

"Haha, my eldest brother used to run a boat in Banqiao store, and he and the second young master are also traveling together. You must have a lot in common, so you might as well have a good chat!"

Zhu Xiu glanced at Zhu Wu, and without waiting for Zhou Min to speak, he stood next to Xu Xuan and Li Congjia.

Zhou Min looked at the dark, rough man in front of him, feeling depressed.

He was the big proprietor of thirteen shipping companies in Jiangning, and he was appointed to promote the Water Transport Department. He was regarded as the king of waterways in Jiangning city.

Zhu Wu is just a laborer who runs boats and does work. Who do you think he is a companion with?

Zhou Min secretly cursed, but without changing the smile on his face, he affectionately pulled Zhu Wu to sit aside.

No matter what, if you have a good brother, you can't offend him.

So the two started chatting hard. Zhu Wu talked about his life of running a boat in Banqiao shop, how hard it was to work day and night, and how hateful the black-hearted boat owner was.

Zhou Min said how troublesome the scheduling of thirteen shipping companies was. Different shipping companies formed cliques and often fought and caused trouble. It was a headache for him to deal with it...

While chatting, the two of them drank. Zhu Wu didn't like changing glasses, as the important thing was to drink until the glass was dry. Zhou Min drank several glasses in a row, her face turned red, and her tongue was already enlarged.

Zhou Zong and Han Xizai are old friends, so they don't need too much politeness. They greet each other and sit down at the table.

The banquet was naturally divided into separate tables. Zhou Zong and Han Xizai sat at the top and sat alone at the table. Xu Xuan, Li Congjia and Li Deming sat at the left table and sat alone at the table.

On the right side are placed a screen, a piano stand, and for the waiters in the restaurant to serve food. There is only room for three tables.

Zhou Min was drunk by Zhu Wu before the banquet started. Zhou Zong was so angry that his beard curled up, and he waved his hands in disgust and asked someone to carry this worthless thing off.

Zhou Yan consciously walked to the last desk and sat down. Zhu Wu and Pan Mei sat at the second desk. There was only one desk left. Zhu Xiu and Zhou Xian looked at each other.

Zhou Xian was about to sit with his third brother Zhou Yan, but Zhou Zong suddenly smiled and said: "Wencai and Ehuang are both young people, so you should sit together on the same case, as close as possible so that I and Uncle Yan can ask questions."

Zhu Xiu was startled, smiled calmly, and bowed slightly as a gesture of invitation in a very gentlemanly manner.

Zhou Xian blushed. Unexpectedly, his father asked her to sit with Zhu Xiu. He hesitated and stood there for a while.

Han Xizai's face remained normal, he poured himself a drink, and occasionally looked at Xu Xuan from afar.

Li Congjia and Li Deming both showed ambiguous smiles.

Xu Xuan winked at Zhu Xiu, as if to say, this opportunity is rare, so seize it!

Zhu Wu grinned happily. In his eyes, Zhu Xiu and Zhou Xian were a match made in heaven.

Seeing the two of them awkwardly standing there, Pan Mei secretly clenched her fists anxiously, wishing she could rush forward, knock Zhou Xian out with a palm, and stuff it into Zhu Xiaozi's arms.

Zhou Yan naturally knew what his old father was up to. He coughed dryly and reminded him: "Emperor E is better to sit with Mr. Zhu, as he is closer to Mr. Han, so that he can consult with you..."

An extremely lame reason made everyone nod in unison.

The corner of Zhu Xiu's mouth twitched. Who has the time to ask questions at a banquet?

Zhou Xian suppressed his shame and bowed gracefully, then straightened his clothes and sat down after a while.

Zhu Xiu was next to her.

Fortunately, there is a low, cushioned stool under my buttocks, so I don't have to kneel down. Although it is still a little short and uncomfortable, it is still better than having my butt pressed against my heels.

"First Evolution"

When the banquet began, Zhou Zong and Han Xizai frequently raised their glasses and said congratulatory words.

The waiters in the restaurant filed in and brought plates of exquisite dishes to everyone's table.

Behind the screen, there are musicians playing chimes and playing the harp. The tunes are soothing, and they are meant to be accompanied by wine to add to the fun.

Pan Mei and Zhu Wu put on large bowls to drink. The tables in front of them were all cleared out as soon as they were filled. The waiter in the restaurant expressed shock at the amount of wine and food they drank.

Zhou Yan drank alone with his chin propped up, his eyes blurred, and his whole body exuded the temperament of a melancholy poet.

Li Congjia and Li Deming also knew each other because of Han Xizai's relationship before, but their friendship was not deep.

Now we sit down and talk carefully, and we find that we have a good rapport with each other and have a great time talking.

Xu Xuan joined the conversation between Zhou Zong and Han Xizai, leaving only Zhu Xiu and Zhou Xian at a deserted table.

"Ahem~"

Zhu Xiu glanced at the beautiful woman next to him and found that the young lady had her back straight and her eyes and nose looking at her heart, looking like she was sitting upright.

Zhu Xiu put a piece of steamed fish with chopsticks on the plate in front of Zhou Xian, and said with a low smile: "This perch is very delicious, E Huang may as well try it!"

Zhou Xian's eyelashes trembled, and he whispered shyly: "Don't call me that!"

She glanced at Zhou Zong nervously, fearing that her old father would hear her.

"Are you afraid?" Zhu Xiu joked with a low smile, "The old lady arranged for you and me to sit together, your intention is obvious."

Zhou Xian resisted the urge to get up and run away, pinched his wrists and sleeves, and tried to keep the expression on his face calm and normal, just like chatting casually with a friend:

"You, don't make random guesses..."

Zhu Xiu picked up a piece of thinly sliced ​​goose meat and tasted it. The taste was okay, but the taste was relatively simple, with a distinct fishy smell of poultry.

"I entered the palace that day, and in front of your Majesty, I said that I broke into Jujingyuan because of you, and because of you, I was jealous of the prince. This matter has been widely circulated now. I think you must know it?"

Zhu Xiu seemed to be smiling but not smiling.

Zhou Xian nodded lightly and said reservedly: "I heard it. I know you have no choice but to break into Jujingyuan. After all, you need a decent reason to clear yourself of the crime of maliciously kidnapping the prince... Don't worry, this

I can understand the matter, and my father will not blame me..."

"Ehuang is not afraid of ruining Qing's reputation from now on?" Zhu Xiu smiled and pondered.

Zhou Xian's face darkened for a moment, and he said softly: "Compared to Dongmei, I am already considered a lucky person. My reputation is irrelevant... The most important thing is that I can help you clear your name..."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "When did Emperor E care about me so much?"

Zhou Xian's face turned red, his beautiful eyes rolled at him, and he bit his lip: "Don't worry too much, and don't think too much! You broke into the forbidden garden to save my life, and I should repay you. I only hope that this mere reputation can be exchanged for

Your life..."
To be continued...