Chapter 22 God’s will? But he didn’t, he just left a letter…
Jiang Hui did not let them help with the food. He asked for vegetables from the vegetable garden in front and his subordinates cooked the food themselves without having to ask the villagers to help.
The village chief, who had hoped to make some more money by cooking, was somewhat disappointed when he heard this, but the heavy silver ingots he had received were already a huge windfall, and he was quite satisfied. He readily agreed with a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum...
Yan Siqing saw the severed hand that was fished out.
“So scary.”
"Don't push me."
"Lord Water Ghost, calm down!"
The villagers were frightened and retreated in droves.
In the light of the torch, she could see it clearly.
He was fat, with firm skin and flesh, and the skin beneath was bluish and white. The broken skin, flesh and bones were smooth, with no pus or fluid. However, there was a white spot the size of a palm at the bend of his arm, and his skin was particularly clean and white.
strangeness.
Ruoqin was also observing, and a suspicion grew in his heart. Standing beside Yan Siqing, he whispered to the female guest, "The puddle isn't very big. There's already water flowing through it. When someone went down to fish it out, muddy water surged up. There wasn't any rope that could have held the severed hand in place. If it was held down by a rock, the current wouldn't be strong enough to push the rock, and it wouldn't float up on its own..."
“Could it be…?”
Thinking about it this way, combined with the scene I just saw, it really looks like a water ghost releasing a severed hand to scare people.
After all, today is the day for worshiping ancestors. The village is bustling and no one is working. People walking back and forth at the bridgehead will always see the severed hand... and they will be scared to death.
Only this time it was them who caught up.
Ruozhao and the others saw it clearly—there was indeed no rope.
Yan Siqing heard their conversation and a hint of sadness crossed her eyes, but she remained silent.
"It's Xiaowu."
"It's my Xiaowu..."
An old man saw the severed hand, recognized it, and burst into tears. His other children, daughters, and daughters-in-law were beside him and were also crying bitterly.
He is from Zhang Wu’s family.
When everyone was led to the Wang family's house, Yan Siqing looked back and found that most of the villagers were still in fear by the stream, begging the water ghost to let them go and let the whole village have peace.
"Didn't these people go to the river?"
But as we walked towards the village, we found that a few people had not gone to the stream, nor paid any attention to us outsiders. They were just packing up their things, as if they were planning to move to another place for refuge. They were just arguing about the land lease...
Yan Siqing also discovered that several courtyards with better conditions had been vacated, with no one there and the gates locked.
I guess he has already left.
Jiang Hui took a look and said to her, "This place isn't as peaceful and self-sufficient as Wang Doudou said, but there are a group of people who have become rich first and have houses in the county town."
really.
Yan Siqing could see that many young people in the village had no jobs, but although there were many people in the village, the total number of acres of land was not large.
I'm afraid there won't be enough to go around. Someone will have to think about economic matters.
——————
After checking in, Ruo Zhao and others quickly cleaned up a room, put in their clothes and luggage, and prepared clean water, clean towels, and even a bronze mirror. They let Yan Siqing go in first.
The room next door was also being cleaned up, giving Jiang Hui a chance to rest.
The two female secret agents also wanted to check the injuries on Yan Siqing's body, but were politely declined by the latter. It was not the first day that the female secret agents had served her, and knowing her opinion, they respectfully withdrew. One of them guarded the door while the other went to report to Jiang Hui.
Jiang Hui was standing under the eaves of the next house at this moment, looking coldly at the funeral items that could be seen everywhere in the house. He was just lost in thought when the female secret visitor came to report.
"Young Madam needs to take care of her wounds herself, so let us wait outside."
"I don't know if she will allow us to sleep in the same room tonight. Your Highness, can you force us to do so?"
When Jiang Hui heard Yan Siqing not letting them treat their wounds, he paused and said calmly, "It's okay, she can handle it, but she will let you two sleep together tonight. She is a calm person who observes the situation calmly and puts safety first. Secondly, she just hates this prince. She has always been kind and polite to you two women, and she won't make things difficult for you two women."
The female secret agents were all smart and capable, and they knew this was the truth, but they just muttered to themselves: Why do I feel that His Highness's tone is sour, and how far can this place be from the house next door? There are many houses in the village and they occupy a larger area. The land is cheap, but it is indeed not soundproof.
His Highness said this deliberately, and the lady inside probably heard it clearly.
——————
As soon as the door was closed, Yan Siqing went inside. She didn't want to occupy the room for too long and let the two female secret agents who were also exhausted from traveling all day wait outside. She undressed as quickly as possible and got naked. Her injuries were not serious to begin with, only her clothes were damaged. There were some red scratches on the inside of her shoulders, and the tiny blood lines were absorbed by the fabric and were almost scabbed.
Far inferior to...the waist.
On the right side of the left waist, past the belly button, there are obvious palm and finger grip marks.
It can be seen clearly in a not-so-clear bronze mirror, let alone the human eye.
Although she is already a wife, she has come into contact with quite a few men due to business operations, but she has always been restrained and polite and has never crossed the line.
Even though she was once a hidden gem, their relationship had always been respectful and proper, infrequent and without leaving any traces. Because she was indifferent to it, and he had his own concerns, this marriage was not as intimate and affectionate as outsiders speculated...
But such private matters between husband and wife cannot be told to others.
Outside of husband and wife, there are men and women.
Improper and immoral.
The man's suppressed breathing was still behind his ears, making them feel slightly warm.
Yan Siqing frowned and applied the medicine directly. He also heard Jiang Hui's deliberate words outside.
Oh.
She was not so anxious or worried about the prince's fickle selfishness.
——After observing her several times, she was sure that Jiang Hui was not a scum like Lin Chenguang. The former was proud and restrained. Even if he had a man's nature and occasionally had some little thoughts, he would not do anything to her, otherwise the reputation of their palace would be even worse.
If she testifies again and turns against him, it would make things worse for the King of Banquet.
What's more, she is married with a daughter, a prince, why would she do this?
Yan Siqing was in a relaxed mood and quickly took care of herself. When she let the female secret agents in, it was getting dark very quickly outside, but she could vaguely hear some farmers arguing.
She didn't go out, but rested inside for a while. After a while, someone came to call her for dinner.
————
Ordinary people often do not eat after noon to save food, but families with surplus wealth or powerful people always eat their fill, otherwise they will not grow taller.
Apart from anything else, Yan Siqing never suffered a loss in food, whether before or after her family was in trouble, or when she was living under someone else's roof. After all, she had a good background, and her maternal uncle and grandparents on her mother's side loved and cared for her. Later, all the Yan family assets were transferred to her after she grew up.
Therefore, she has never lacked money - her family has been imperial doctors for generations and has a great reputation, so she has never lacked money.
The Wang family has many members, has an advantage in land distribution, and has some friendship with the village chief. The gatehouse is relatively spacious and tidy, with a square table in the inner room. The sons have not yet separated into separate households, and many of their rooms are adjacent to each other.
The women and daughters-in-law came back to help take care of things. What they needed was moved to the village chief's house next door, and what they could use was also given to Yan Siqing and the others.
During their interactions, Yan Siqing also heard some news about the village from these people, such as those who were frightened and fled to the county town.
For example, leaving behind certain portals that are swaying in the village.
There are also some people who can’t afford to buy or rent a house in the county town and have to stay in the village...
But the main focus was on the families whose members had died. Everyone felt sympathy for each other as their loved ones had been harmed by water ghosts. They hated the ghosts and had to offer sacrifices and beg for mercy for fear that other relatives would die... Their emotions were so complicated that it was hard to describe.
The most miserable person was Zhang Wu's wife. They had been married for only six months and had no children. Now that her husband was dead, the Li family's attitude towards her was very obvious. When Yan Siqing was by the stream, she noticed that the old man ignored his daughter-in-law's support and had a fierce and resentful look in his eyes, but he didn't beat or scold her...
"No fight? That's strange. I'm afraid he has other plans. How can Old Zhang be so good-tempered?"
"Didn't you see that other wives are wary of their own sons...tsk."
"Is it for your other sons? Aren't they all married already..."
"He's probably going to sell her to someone else, otherwise Old Zhang wouldn't have tolerated it. That old guy is so greedy. He was really upset those days because of Zhang Wu's death, but he seemed much better the day before yesterday. I'm afraid he's already made a deal to sell his wife and make a profit, so he's not so sad anymore. What a sin."
"I don't know who to sell her to, an old widower in the county town? Or someone from our village... Anyway, I don't think the Zhang family's daughters-in-law can accommodate her."
"Stop talking, the guests are here."
Whether it was the common people in the city or the wealthy and powerful families, there were many dirty things going on. These women and daughters-in-law were talking inside, their voices neither too loud nor too soft, and were heard by Jiang Hui and Yan Siqing.
If Jiang Hui didn't want to get some clues, he would really be impatient with their chattering.
Inside the house, Yan Siqing was looking at the bright moon through the window, a little distracted.
A married woman is like a commodity that has been sold. If the owner no longer wants her or wants to change her, can she be given away, sold, or transferred to someone else?
What kind of ambition did Chen Cangyu have back then that made him go to the battlefield so soon after giving birth to Zhao Zhao?
At that time, there was no urgent war on the border, nor was it necessary for him to go for the sake of his country.
If he had told her in advance that he wanted to go, she would not have stopped him.
But he didn't, he just left like that. Even the news of his joining the army was reported by the local authorities according to the law, catching her and her grandmother off guard.
——————
The subordinates set up a small table in the yard and ate one after another. After crossing the threshold, they opened the middle door and lit it with candles. Yan Siqing and Jiang Hui could turn around and see the moon hanging high in the sky outside.
But there is wind.
After Yan Siqing came in, Jiang Hui was about to close the door, but when he noticed Yan Siqing looking over, he paused with his hand holding the door and opened it a little so that the details inside could be seen from outside to avoid misunderstanding.
However, the angle at which the door was closed just blocked the wind from her side.
Naan bread was the dry food they brought with them. If there was no village to stay in, they could still eat in the wild. They also had dried meat and nuts. However, when they entered the village, they had vegetables. Yan Siqing had never thought that they would also stew a chicken.
The flavor of the chicken soup cooked with Codonopsis pilosula and oozing with yellow chicken oil is very distinct.
Yan Siqing looked at Jiang Hui.
The latter was scooping chicken soup and chicken, his tone cold and expression indifferent, "This mountain road is really difficult to walk on. I'm so tired. This prince wants to eat some chicken and drink some soup to replenish his energy."
Put the first bowl with her.
Then his tone became even colder, and before Yan Siqing could refuse, he added a few words, "Life is tight, business is important, and Ruo Zhao and the others are also outside. Madam Yan, please don't affect your schedule because of poor health or loss of appetite, otherwise this prince will..."
He had been reciting his speech for a long time and it had become wordy. At this moment, he paused and added: "Just kill another chicken."
Yan Siqing listened patiently, feeling a bit amused and helpless. "Don't worry, Your Highness. I still have an appetite, and I'm not as frugal as you think."
They are just a few chickens raised at home, but the villagers are eager to sell them to this local tycoon at a high price.
Yan Siqing had a rather picky taste, and as soon as he put it in his mouth, he knew that this cooking method was most likely a secret recipe used exclusively by the royal chefs of powerful families like the Wang Mansion. Otherwise, if he had eaten the chicken in such a short time, it would probably be difficult to remove all the earthy smell, and how could it be so fragrant and flavorful.
The chicken was just right, tender and not tough.
She ate some naan and vegetables with the meal. When she was halfway through, she had satisfied her needs after the long journey. However, Jiang Hui became a little unbearable with the silence between them and brought up the matter of the Lin family without paying attention to the dining etiquette.
"Lin An escaped."
Yan Siqing held a piece of sesame-scented naan bread between her slender fingers. The pastry had not fallen off, and there was no emotion in her eyes.
"He had someone behind him who tipped him off, or the captors relaxed their grip, and he escaped. It's not surprising."
She took it well.
Jiang Hui: "There are still too many traitors."
He reported the case to the relevant departments and handed it over to the court for disposal, and did not let the royal palace intervene. This was his bottom line, but if he really missed the person, it would only mean that King Qi had no bottom line.
Yan Siqing looked at him with a hidden look in her eyes, but didn't say anything clearly.
Jiang Hui: "Do you suspect I did it on purpose? Fishing?"
Yan Siqing said: "I dare not speak nonsense about the affairs of the imperial court."
Jiang Hui: "Madam, your guess is correct, but I am just curious about the extent to which the uncles and elders are committed to the empire. You and I are of the same generation, young and in the prime of our learning. You can understand me, right?"
How could she, a mere businessman, understand the factional struggles and intrigues of the emperor's eldest grandson?
I'm afraid he doesn't want to live anymore.
When it came to her own safety, Yan Siqing simply said, "Your Highness is still young, but I am not young anymore. It's different. However, this Lin An is even more experienced. From what I understand, he has been entrenched in the narrow city area for many years and has extensive connections. His ability to obtain information is his master's ability, and his ability to escape is his own ability. But next, I'm afraid he won't lie low and wait for the crisis to subside, or flee abroad."
Jiang Hui raised his eyebrows, "Do you think he will come to us?"
Yan Siqing: "It has been designated as a vicious dog, and is being hunted and killed. The owner is willing to take the trouble to save it. It must be believed that even a desperate dog can do something good."
Originally, Lin An was also a military officer in the imperial court. Even if there were factional disputes, it would not be worthwhile for him to invest his entire fortune in such a big undertaking as confiscating property and exterminating the clan.
After all, the Prince Yan's Mansion still has the greatest chance of winning and is currently at its peak.
But before this incident, Lin An was driven into a dead end and had no way to go. King Qi released him. If he wanted to turn things around, he could only take a huge risk and try to gain the credit of following the king.
Jiang Hui: "It's good that you know, Madam. From now on, don't stray too far from this prince and Ruo Zhao and the others. Otherwise, it will be unsafe. If you are in danger, just shout."
Yan Siqing agreed and said politely: "Your Highness has a keen eye. Ruozhao and Ruoqin are both very powerful and are more than capable of dealing with these criminals."
Jiang Hui put down his chopsticks and stared at her, "This prince has a discerning eye, what about you?"
Yan Siqing was stunned for a moment, not understanding what tricky thing he had done again, but her eyes still drifted to his wrist.
Are you talking about his injury?
"The wound on the back of your Highness's hand has not been treated?"
Jiang Hui looked at the scratch on the back of his hand. It was so small that he didn't even bother to bandage it. He just applied medicine to reduce inflammation and didn't even need to stop the bleeding. "It's just a small matter. I'm not afraid of leaving a scar. Unlike you."
As soon as he said that, the person opposite him stopped drinking the soup. Jiang Hui's mind flashed through the other person's snow-white and smooth shoulders, the slightly red collarbone... and there seemed to be a subtle curve underneath.
Coming to his senses, he changed his words: "If you really encounter danger, you don't have to call Ruo Zhao and Ruo Qin."
Yan Siqing understood now and was a little surprised at this man's competitiveness. After thinking about it carefully - from the first time they met at the Shen family mansion gate, to when he rode out of the alley later, after this man made a move, and when he came to her, he was always a little bit angry.
It seems...she does often praise Ruozhao and the others, and even the two female secret agents are not left out.
It is true after all.
But the fact is, the strongest person is indeed the person in front of you.
The aura of the young general who swept through thousands of troops could overwhelm the arrogance of the noble man covered in gold and jade.
She never praised it.
Yan Siqing pondered this man's nature of not giving up until he achieved his goal, and could only praise him: "Your Highness's martial arts are superb. If you were in danger, there would be no criminal that Your Highness could not deal with. However, the criminals' first target might be you. If I get close to you, wouldn't I be killed in one fell swoop? It's better to separate."
Although I praised him, the truth was really unpleasant. I almost said that I was afraid of being implicated by him.
Jiang Hui: “….”
He snorted, "Mrs. Yan is indeed smart and knows how to choose. What about today's severed hand and the case in this village? Perhaps the ones who dared to come here weren't Lin An and his men, or the assassins sent by my uncles, but other...water ghosts."
Yan Siqing has a small appetite, and even if she chews slowly, she can't finish a big bowl of chicken soup, after all, there is a lot of chicken in it.
When she looked closely, she realized that the meat had been torn off the chicken leg, so she could get to the chicken leg meat without having to gnaw on it shamelessly.
She felt a little confused, but pretended not to know and did not mention it, only responding to Jiang Hui.
"The severed hand was an accident and it wasn't meant for us to see."
"It happened at the right time, it can be considered as God's will."
Jiang Hui looked at her and said, "I'd like to hear your detailed explanation, Madam."
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