Chu Qiao followed Zhuge Yue inexplicably. If someone had told her a year ago that one day she would sit in the same carriage with Zhuge Yue in harmony, she would never have believed it even if she was beaten to death. But now, when she turned around and looked at the man leaning on the couch, reading a book leisurely, she did not have the slightest intention of taking action.
That night at the dinner party at Wupengcheng City Shou's home, she had the honor of meeting several old acquaintances. The fourteenth prince Zhao Yang, the young master of Lingnan Mu Yun, Wei Qingchi of the Wei clan, the prince of Ling Wang Zhao Zhongyan, and several other famous aristocratic children in Zhenhuang City. This was truly a unique dinner, just like the year-end horseback archery competition held at the Shangwu Hall in Zhenhuang City. Chu Qiao, the most wanted criminal of Da Xia, stood among a group of royal nobles. Not only did she have to nod and smile at them constantly, but she also had to consciously serve tea and water. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.
And now, these guys' carriages were all surrounding her, in front, behind, and on both sides, under the pretext of going to Tangjing with the fourth young master Zhuge to congratulate Prince Bian Tang on his wedding.
Under such strict surveillance, Chu Qiao’s hope of escape was completely dashed. She could only follow Zhuge Yue, “half-hostaging” him, and begin this bizarre journey.
However, the person being held hostage did not seem to be aware of the fact that he was being held hostage.
“Water.” Zhuge Yue didn’t even raise his eyes as he spat out the single word.
Chu Qiao glared at him fiercely, and stood still like a piece of wood.
After a while, the fourth young master Zhuge finally realized something. He raised his head and looked at her in surprise. His expression seemed to say: Didn't you hear what I said?
Chu Qiao could no longer bear it and said angrily: "I am not your servant."
Zhuge Yue nodded, indicating that he understood. Chu Qiao was just wondering why this guy was so easy to talk to, when suddenly he shouted, “Yue Qi!”
With a swish, the door of the carriage was opened. Chu Qiao moved incredibly quickly, putting on her veil almost at the same time, and sat beside Zhuge Yue, with the dagger in her sleeve pressed fiercely against his back. If he made the slightest move, she would thrust it in fiercely.
"Pour the tea."
Yue Qi was stunned and looked at Chu Qiao in surprise. Zhuge Yue said honestly, "She is not my servant."
Yue Qi was impressed by how favored this woman was, and asked, "Do you want me to find a maid to serve the young master and this girl?"
Zhuge Yue nodded, indicating that he agreed, then turned around and looked at Chu Qiao seriously, “Do you have any objections?”
Of course she has a lot of opinions!
Chu Qiao's eyes were almost spitting fire, and the knife in her hand was pressing threateningly against his back.
What is this guy doing? Don’t want to live anymore?
“It seems she is unwilling.” Zhuge Yue said to Yue Qi, “Pour me a cup of tea first. I will call you if I need anything.”
Yueqi nodded and was about to enter the carriage. Chu Qiao had no choice but to lower her voice and whisper, "Let me do it."
Yue Qi smiled wisely, turned around and walked out, closing the carriage door tightly.
"What are you doing?" Chu Qiao became furious as Yue Qi walked out.
Zhuge Yue calmly looked at the tea warming on the small stove and said calmly, "I'm thirsty."
"Don't you have arms? Can't you fall down by yourself?"
Zhuge Yue didn't say anything and opened his mouth to call Yue Qi. Chu Qiao was quick to cover his mouth with her hand, looked around, and frowned so hard that her eyebrows were almost overlapping.
I'm afraid of you! Chu Qiao whined helplessly in her heart. She didn't care about the water temperature. She picked up the hottest pot and poured a cup of tea. She put it on the low table next to him with a clatter and said viciously, "Drink it! It will burn you to death!"
Zhuge Yue's expression remained unchanged as he leisurely took out a silk handkerchief from his bosom, placed it on the wall of the teacup, picked it up and blew gently on it, then, calmly began to drink his tea.
Chu Qiao looked at his steady appearance and felt her head start to hurt again.
No matter what, I have to escape tonight, even if it exposes my whereabouts. I can't stay here any longer. Amber County is an important commercial county in the eastern part of Bian Tang. It is backed by the Pinggui Plateau and is adjacent to the Cuiwei Mountains. Under Cuiwei Mountain is the Nanyue River, also known as the Nanjiang Waterway, an artificial canal dug by Bian Tang, which runs directly from Chengzhou to Yanbei. This canal also made all counties along the Nanyue River prosperous commercial areas, and the import of cattle, sheep and horses accounted for almost half of the country. Behind Cuiwei Mountain is the barbarian land of Qinghai. Although it is sparsely populated due to its remote location, there are still some powerful caravans that transport precious furs and medicinal materials back and forth. Therefore, although Amber County is small, it is very prosperous.
The collective visit of the prodigal sons of Daxia immediately caused a stir in this small town. Before they even entered the city, the officials who came to greet them lined up for half a mile. Chu Qiao pushed open the window and looked out. She saw a sea of people wearing green and red official hats and bustling about, making the scene very lively. She couldn't help but wonder, "Since when have Bian Tang and you been so harmonious? Weren't they fighting on the border last year?"
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yue raised his head slightly, half-squinted his narrow eyes, glanced at her, and said calmly, "There are no absolute enemies in politics."
Chu Qiao turned around and glared at him fiercely, sneering, "Birds of a feather, in cahoots with each other."
“This is called the righteous have many supporters.” Zhuge Yue picked up the teacup and took a sip. “Anyone who plots and betrays will surely end up in misery.”
Chu Qiao was furious and was about to retort when she heard footsteps approaching from outside the car. She quickly put on her veil, sat upright next to Zhuge Yue, picked up a dagger and began to "take hostages".
With a swish, the car door opened and Mu Yun stood outside. Chu Qiao had not seen him for many years. She saw Young Master Mu wearing a light blue brocade robe with cloud patterns, snow-white riding boots, a blood-red jade belt, and a moon-white headband. He had a face as handsome as jade, red lips and white teeth, and looked so handsome that he did not look like a man. He smiled at Zhuge Yue and said, “The officials of Amber County are here. We have discussed that it would be impolite if we do not attend the social gathering. What do you think, Fourth Young Master?”
Zhuge Yue's lips curled slightly, and he smiled very casually, saying, "I don't mind, you guys decide."
Mu Yun nodded and said, "Then I won't disturb Fourth Young Master's rest. We are about to go into the city. There will be a banquet tonight, so Fourth Young Master should have a few more drinks."
As soon as the car door closed, Chu Qiao said fiercely, "Zhuge Yue, don't act rashly!"
Zhuge Yue sneered, not taking the dagger on his back seriously at all, "I should be the one saying this to you."
"Do you think I don't know?" Chu Qiao said coldly, "Given your character, how could you go with these guys? Now you have to go into the city to entertain those officials. What do you want to do? I tell you, you won't stand a chance!"
Zhuge Yue raised his head, looked at Chu Qiao calmly, pointed at his chest and said, "If you are afraid, just stab here, otherwise stop talking nonsense."
Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows, "Do you think I don't dare?"
Zhuge Yue looked at her leisurely, sneered and said, “Do you dare?”
The rumbling sound of gongs and drums suddenly rang out, followed by the sound of firecrackers. Then, the zither, sheng, and drums sounded in unison. Although there were many instruments, it did not seem noisy. However, in such a wilderness, it seemed strange to hear such court music. Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue were both stunned. Just as they were wondering, they heard Yue Qi's voice outside the car window, "Master, I heard that Crown Prince Bian Tang passed by here a while ago."
Even through the window, one could imagine Yue Qi’s expression. Even though Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue were in such an awkward position, they couldn’t help but glance at each other at this moment, feeling a chill at the prince’s vulgar hobby of being surrounded by flowers and decorations.
"A dandy boy!" Chu Qiao muttered. Zhuge Yue, however, acted as if he had not heard anything, leaning back against the cushions with his eyes closed, as if the noise outside did not exist at all.
Amidst the lively sound of gongs and drums, the huge convoy slowly entered the city. The summer breeze was gentle and the gongs and drums were loud. Greeted by officials of all ranks in Amber County, Chu Qiao, the number one terrorist and first-class war criminal who had been hunted all the way, entered the city gate of Amber County in a dignified manner.
Arranging carriages and horses, welcoming and seeing off guests, naturally it was a lively scene. Chu Qiao followed Zhuge Yue closely, watching the officials of Bian Tang take turns to express their welcome and friendship.
The lights were dim and the crowds were bustling. In front of the huge city guard's mansion, there were luxurious carriages and fine horses, shoulder to shoulder. Guards from various families were escorting the crowds. Smart doormen stood guard in front of the door, shouting auspicious words of good luck and health like flowing water. The lights in front of me suddenly became brighter, the chimes and Lu music rang out, the sleeves and slender waists swayed, the bright fragrance of gold powder floated in the air, and the fine wine exuded an alluring aroma.
Chu Qiao followed behind Zhuge Yue, wearing a pine green dress, a thick veil, a head full of pearls and jade, and jingling jewelry. At first glance, she was also swaying and graceful, with every step she took she looked like a lotus.
The wind music started. Mu Yun, Zhao Yang and others had already arrived. After a few words of greeting, they took their seats one after another.
The mayor of Amber County was a scholar in his early thirties. He was handsome, but also had a good tongue, was good at socializing, and was very versatile. After his toast, even Chu Qiao couldn't help but feel a little favorable towards him. For a moment, all the guests and hosts in the hall were having a great time and the atmosphere was very warm.
Zhao Yang sat above Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao, wearing a black and gold python robe, with a calm expression, and kept drinking. Chu Qiao was not unfamiliar with this person. Although she had only met him a few times in Zhenhuang City, she had been dealing with him almost all the time in the past two months. Now the entire southwest is under his jurisdiction. Although the order to hunt down Chu Qiao was issued by Zhao Che, the person who actually executs it is the young Fourteenth Prince in front of him.
"Your Highness the Fourteenth is a young hero. It is a great honor for me to meet you today."
The city guard's younger sister came forward gracefully and respectfully toasted Zhao Yang. Zhao Yang smiled and actually stood up to return the greeting. The woman was flattered and bent even lower. From Chu Qiao's angle, she could even see her bright red bodice.
Someone nearby said, "The battle of Huaiyang was simply amazing. Your Highness has such strategic plans at such a young age. Your future is limitless."
Zhao Yang raised the corner of his mouth and said, "No matter how amazing it is, Chu Qiao still ran away. Thank you for your praise."
Everyone was shocked when they heard this. The city guard smiled and said, "People make mistakes and horses stumble. If Your Highness encounters this situation again, I'm sure that woman will not have such good luck again."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yang just smiled slightly without saying anything. He glanced around the table and then took a seat. The city guard interrupted in time to smooth things over and even asked his sister to perform a dance. The woman did not refuse. She took off her outer robe, revealing a thin red silk dress underneath, and began dancing on the spot. After the dance, she sat directly at Zhao Yang's table, serving him food and pouring him wine, very attentive.