"First Young Master."
"Third Young Master."
"County Magistrate He."
When Sikong Jihuai, Sikong Jixuan, and County Magistrate He arrived, the pupils of the gathered dignitaries and nobles standing at the entrance all contracted slightly.
People were divided into ranks, and the same held true within the great families.
The Sikong Family was one of the foremost great families in all of Pingjiang City. Even across the vast Yan Province, it ranked among the best. In terms of status, it stood far above them.
As for County Magistrate He, though his official rank was not high, he represented the City Lord's Mansion—he represented the authorities.
Even though imperial power had now fallen into other hands and its control over the regions was negligible, the government remained the unquestionable orthodoxy.
At least on the surface, they had no choice but to show respect.
Seeing the three arrive together, the heads of the various great families exchanged glances, unable to stop their hearts from sinking slightly.
If these three made a move, then their own offers would be somewhat lacking.
"Xiao Lan, do you still remember me? Here, I brought you candied hawthorn skewers."
Sikong Jihuai stretched out a broad hand, smiling as he rubbed Fang Lan's head. He took a skewer of candied hawthorn from his sleeve and handed it to her.
"Thank you, First Young Master." Fang Lan accepted the candied hawthorn and politely thanked him.
At that, Sikong Jihuai narrowed his eyes. After a brief silence, a smile spread across his face again as he said:
"Xiao Lan, why call me First Young Master? I remember when I came last time, you called me Fat Brother. How come, after not seeing each other for half a month, you've become so distant?"
"Then thank you, Fat Brother." Fang Lan called out