I relied on a system to prolong my life in ancient times.

Chapter 217 Heading to the Prefectural City

As July drew to a close, Xiao Siyue decided to head to the prefectural city.

Of course, Xiao Sizhe and Xiao Siyu also went together. Although there was still a long time before the provincial examination, the two of them decided to go together because Xiao Siyue needed to find a shop.

Xiao Family Hall

“Grandpa, we’re leaving tomorrow. The corn we planted should be ready for harvest in about a month. We might not be able to come back then. I’m leaving Chuntao here. When we harvest, Chuntao can teach you how to use her,” Xiao Siyue said.

"Okay, Grandpa understands," said Grandpa Xiao. Actually, he already knew how to harvest the corn.

These past few days, their family has been picking corn to cook and steam, and everyone really enjoys it.

Not only that, other villagers also tried it, and the sweet taste of the corn instantly won over everyone's taste buds.

Nowadays, everyone is very enthusiastic about corn, and people often come to the Xiao family to inquire about when the harvest will be.

The Xiao family planted a lot this year, but as mentioned before, they would keep some and take the rest to the capital after they finished guarding the land. They would then buy a large estate in the capital and plant and breed the crops there.

Moreover, Xiao Siyue had already written to Xiao Qinian about Zhuangzi, asking him to take a look when he had time to see if there was anything suitable.

The next day, Xiao Siyue and her group boarded a carriage and headed to the prefectural city.

Qinzhou Prefecture remains largely unchanged, still bustling with activity.

Unlike before, this time they don't need to stay at an inn.

Because Xiao Qiren had previously owned several hot pot restaurants in the prefectural city and would often come to inquire about them, they simply bought a house nearby, and this time they moved in directly there.

This was Xiao Siyue's first time here. The house was a two-courtyard house with people who cleaned it. As soon as Xiao Siyue and her group arrived, someone came out to greet them.

"Young master, Miss didn't come over. The room has been cleaned." The servant greeted them with a smile and led them through the gate.

Xiao Siyue's room was probably specially decorated by Xiao Qiren, and it was similar to the one at home. Xiao Siyue was very touched when she saw it.

Xiao Qiren's two uncles doted on her just as much as her own father. Even though they didn't know if she would come to the city, Xiao Qiren still prepared a room for her.

My uncle told me that she reserved a room for herself in each of the houses she bought.

As for Xiao Sizhe and Xiao Siyu's room, it was no different from the others.

After resting for a while, Xiao Siyue planned to go to see the shop with Liu Xiaoyu. She hadn't paid much attention to it last time she came, but this time Xiao Siyue planned to take a good look around.

Moreover, the city is large, and Xiao Siyue does not plan to open only one study.

Xiao Sizhe and Xiao Siyu followed along.

Xiao Sizhe had visited the city once before during his travels, but this was Xiao Siyu's first time, so he was very curious.

He dragged Xiao Sizhe along, partly with the intention of protecting Xiao Siyue.

The group walked together toward the street.

"Yue'er, Qin Prefecture is quite lively here," Xiao Siyu said as he looked around.

"Yes, after all, it's a prefecture-level city,"

"Yue'er, come on, let's go take a look over there." Xiao Siyu, having seen something, pulled Xiao Siyue along and headed in one direction, with the others quickly following.

When I got closer, I realized it was a cockfighting ring.

Xiao Siyue wasn't very interested in these things, but Xiao Siyu was very excited, and upon closer inspection, the others also seemed quite interested.

Xiao Siyue had no choice but to watch it with her.

Afterwards, the group went to see some other acrobatic performances, and everyone was still somewhat reluctant to leave.

The weather was hot, and because everyone was jostling around to watch the acrobatics, they were all quite thirsty.

They unanimously decided to first go to a teahouse to have some tea and rest for a while before looking for a shop.

When the group arrived at the tea shop, it was quite crowded. They found a seat by the window, ordered tea, and then Xiao Siyue looked around at the people in the shop.

"Hey, have you heard?" Three people were sitting not far from Xiao Siyue's table, and one of them spoke to the other two in a mysterious manner.

"What did you hear?"

Xiao Siyue also listened attentively with great interest.

"Hehe, I heard that Qianlai Gambling House is planning to open a gambling game this time."

"What kind of betting game?" The other two were completely confused.

"Oh, it's about this provincial examination. I'm betting on which scholar will come out on top."

"But it seems like it's still a long way off. The students haven't even arrived yet. Who knows who is the most learned?"

"I got inside information and knew about this in advance. I came to the gambling den intending to place my bets only when the provincial examinations begin," the man said smugly, looking at the two of them.

"Oh, I see. I just wonder what the odds are. I'll have to go and join in the fun when the time comes."

"Okay, then we'll go together."

The group continued talking about other things, but Xiao Siyue didn't seem very interested.

However, Xiao Siyue was somewhat interested in this bet.

Xiao Siyue lowered her head in thought, deciding that when the time was right, she would also take a gamble.

Xiao Siyu and Xiao Sizhe naturally heard it as well, but Xiao Sizhe wasn't particularly interested in it and just let it pass by.

However, Xiao Siyu was extremely interested.

"Second brother, I'll place a bet after a while, betting that you'll win the top scholar title," Xiao Siyu whispered to Xiao Sizhe.

Xiao Sizhe glanced at Xiao Siyu, his eyes conveying a clear message: 'Try betting if you dare.'

Xiao Siyu gave an awkward smile: "Second brother, I definitely won't gamble again in the future."

"You'd better not be. Our Xiao family has never had a gambler." The Xiao family is currently on the rise, and he doesn't want any accidents to happen.

Although I trust Xiao Siyu, gambling is addictive, and no one can guarantee that something unexpected won't happen.

"Second brother, I definitely won't."

But what he was really thinking was that he would secretly place a bet when the time came.

Xiao Siyue glanced at it and felt thankful that she hadn't said anything, otherwise she would definitely have been criticized.

However, she wasn't doing it to earn money; she was just cheering on her brother.

However, I don't know how the students are doing this time. They arrived quite early, so I'm not entirely sure.

After some time, when the students arrived, she sent someone out to inquire.

Although she trusted Xiao Sizhe, is it true that knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory? In any case, you need to understand the strength of your opponent.

It was getting late; they had already eaten lunch and were leaving. After wandering around for a bit longer, it would be time for dinner.