What's it like to stand at the top of the food chain overnight? Even if... this food chain is poor and pitiful. Even if... you become a scourge that everyone avoids. Even if... there are all so...
“It’s nothing,” Meiyu said resolutely. “If you don’t want to deal with a tiger, then become the tiger yourself. I refuse to believe that I can only be manipulated by others for the rest of my life!”
Having been controlled by a brothel since childhood, he endured years of hardship and painstaking planning. Just when things were starting to look up and he saw a glimmer of hope, he was caught in an even bigger trap.
Why should I?!
Just because they're unprotected and easy to manipulate?
She refused to accept it!
"I believe you, Miss!"
"Bring me a basin of water, I want to wash my face."
"Miss, shall we go outside?"
"We need to test how many people are following. Don't worry, nothing will happen!"
"Um!"
After lunch in Huangjiakou, Han Yi was anxious to return and tried to persuade Ji Xuan to leave several times, but Ji Xuan remained unmoved.
“Brother Wang,” Han Yi said helplessly, “the matter is settled, we should go back to town. I still have a lot to take care of.”
"Brother Han, please go back first. I will wait a while longer."
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he always felt that the Huang family's courtyard was more comfortable than other places, and he especially missed it.
Of course, most importantly, there's a strange feeling that I always feel safe here.
“Young Master Wang,” Doctor Gu cupped his hands in greeting, “I will go and make preparations first, and the treatment will begin tomorrow.”
The subtext of this statement is: Treatment will begin tomorrow, so don't linger here and delay things today.
“Master,” Liu Zhiyuan glanced guiltily at Ji Xuan and immediately advised, “There’s nothing wrong at the pharmacy. It’s raining outside, so we can’t rush it.”
"Shut up," Doctor Gu glanced coldly at his apprentice, "If you can't speak properly, then don't speak."
If something were to happen to such a prominent figure in the Huang family, who could bear the responsibility?
If things go wrong, the entire village could be wiped out.
The emperor can be willful, but they cannot follow suit.
Otherwise, why would all the civil and military officials be unwilling to let the emperor go on tour?
“Master, Young Master Wang,” Liu Zhiyuan looked at the two of them with difficulty, and finally touched his nose, “Forget it, I don’t care anymore, do whatever you want.”
He can't afford to offend either of them, so he'd better keep to himself.
She stole a glance at the silent Qi Yong and felt something was off.
This damned eunuch is usually so arrogant, why is he so well-behaved today? Is it because he's traveling incognito and deliberately toned down his temper?
It's hard to change one's nature. How could someone who is usually arrogant and domineering change so quickly?
Clearing her throat, Ji Xuan spoke awkwardly, "I think Huangjiakou has beautiful scenery and pleasant views, and I'd like to stay a little longer."
After speaking, she cautiously glanced at Jiang Nuan, who had remained silent, feeling somewhat uneasy.
They were terrified of being kicked out!
He always felt that this person didn't really like him.
“Young Master Wang,” Jiang Nuan smiled slightly, “Han Yi is right. Since the matter has been resolved and you have important matters to attend to, I will not keep you any longer.”
The emperor's arrival would be a great honor for others, but for Jiang Nuan, it was a huge problem.
Such a fragile body, a gust of wind could kill her, yet she has such a noble status, she's practically a ticking time bomb.
Thinking that Ji Xuan was staying at Juquan Tower, Jiang Nuan immediately looked at Han Yi with sympathy, and then subtly reminded him, "Young Master Wang is frail and delicate, so you should take extra care of him on a daily basis."
“Madam Jiang,” Qi Yong cautiously probed, “my young master is not suited for travel. Perhaps we should let him rest at the Huang family’s residence for a while.”
Although he disliked Jiang Nuan, he had to admit that, so far, no place was more suitable for recuperating than the Huang family.
The environment is simple, the food suits the emperor's taste, and most importantly, it's a place to find clues!
Since Huangjiakou has made contact with the remnants of the former crown prince, they might be able to glean some useful information. It's better than the emperor using himself as a target and wandering around aimlessly.
We're too passive!
Even with enough people protecting him in the shadows, Qi Yong was still worried.
"I adore that red plum tree in the corner," Ji Xuan said, feigning composure as she made an excuse, knowing the two didn't want her to stay. "Why don't we stay here for a few days and admire it?"
"no!"
Jiang Nuan and Doctor Gu refused in unison.
"Young Master Wang's condition is critical," Doctor Gu, realizing his lapse in composure, stroked his beard before speaking slowly. "You need to be treated immediately; there's no time to lose, and you can't linger outside."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yong was very dissatisfied. "Doctor Gu can come over once he's ready. Are you suggesting that the master should accommodate you?"
“Young Master Wang,” Jiang Nuan explained, “it’s not that I don’t want you to stay, but there are no rooms available at home, and I’m really sorry.”
At this moment, she was very fortunate, because she was too busy and her sons had not yet had time to move to the town.
I was planning to move this afternoon, but now I think I'll pass.
“My master is not picky, he doesn’t care which room he sleeps in,” Qi Yong said humbly. “Any place to sleep is fine.”
"Young Master Wang insists on staying here," Jiang Nuan said, puzzled. "Is there something else?"
She always felt that the Huang family wasn't that attractive.
"My memory is getting worse with age," Doctor Gu suddenly remembered something. "Young Master Wang, I've never asked you before, but what is the purpose of your trip to Ping'an County?"
He is no longer so narcissistic as to think that a king would come specifically to him for treatment.
It's not that big of a face.
“It’s nothing,” Ji Xuan’s face darkened. “Qi Yong, pack your things, let’s leave now.”
Just a moment ago they looked relaxed, but now dark clouds have gathered.
The speed at which they changed their tune was astonishing.
"Yes, this old servant will go and tidy it up right away."
“Auntie,” Han Yi said, “we’ll be going now, and we’ll come back another day when we have time.”
"Master," Liu Zhiyuan said softly, "shouldn't we be leaving too?"
"Hmm, go back and prepare a medicinal bath to help Young Master Wang strengthen his muscles and bones."
After the group left, Jiang Nuan stretched and said, "Finally, they're gone!"
"Mother," Huang asked, finally voicing the question that had been nagging at him all afternoon, "Young Master Wang really won't buy any more formulas?"
"No, don't worry."
"Auntie," Jiang Chao asked hesitantly, "Won't it cause any problems if we just take out the wine from the house like this?"
Who knows if these people might have some ulterior motives?
"No, although Young Master Wang has a high status, there is no need to be overly wary of him. He poses no threat to us."
“Indeed,” Jiang Nuan turned her eyes, “have any of you noticed the recent changes in Ping’an County?”
"What change?" Huang Lao Er asked, puzzled. "I don't see it."
“There are a lot more people from other places,” Jiang Chao murmured, resting his chin on his hand. “I wonder if it’s because of the courtesan!”
"I heard that this year's top courtesan is naturally alluring, and one glance is enough to make you lose your soul."
"So," Xie grabbed Huang Lao Er's ear and asked through gritted teeth, "you want to go to a brothel?"
"No, no," Huang Lao Er quickly explained, "Wife, I'm just worried that the person is a monster in disguise, and I'm afraid the brothers will be fooled."
They actually tried to shift the blame onto them, very well, Huang Xiaoshu!
Jiang Chao glanced at Huang Lao Er with a half-smile, "Knowing so much, it seems you've done your research."
"Huang Shu," Xie roared, her voice growing stronger, "I'll teach you to court death!"