Seeing the situation was dire, Xu Yuehuai immediately took out medicinal powder to disperse the poisonous insects. Although these insects were ferocious, they quickly scattered and fled under the power of the powder. The caravan members looked at Xu Yuehuai with surprise and delight.
The team leader approached Xu Yuehuai, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you for saving us, young lady! These poisonous insects are extremely ferocious, and we've suffered quite a bit from them before. May I ask where you got this powder? We're willing to pay a high price to buy some for emergencies."
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly and said, "This powder is made from a secret family recipe, and the quantity is limited. But since you need it, I can give you some." As she spoke, she took out a small bottle from her bosom and handed it to the team leader.
The team leader accepted the small bottle with great gratitude: "We can't accept this, thank you so much, young lady! You should also accept our thank-you gift later! Everyone has had a tough journey, we can't just take advantage of you for nothing."
The torrential rain gradually subsided, and the mist in the mountains slowly dissipated. The caravan members packed their belongings and prepared to continue their journey. Xu Yuehuai and Bai Yu followed closely behind, embarking on a new adventure.
As the sun sets, its afterglow bathes the earth, draping this vast land in a golden cloak.
As the caravan passed through village after village, they came to a crossroads.
The caravan leader looked ahead with a solemn expression, then turned to Xu Yuehuai and Bai Yu and said, "Gentlemen, our caravan can no longer travel the road ahead. We are heading that way later, and we will not be traveling the same route as you."
He pointed to a winding path and continued, "This horse was originally the treasure of our caravan, but now I think it's more suitable for it to accompany you."
Xu Yuehua nodded slightly in gratitude. She took out several bottles of pills from her bosom and handed them to the team leader: "These medicines are for treating internal and external injuries. Keep them for you just in case."
The team leader accepted the pills, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before smiling and saying, "Then we won't stand on ceremony, thank you, Miss Xu."
As they parted, Xu Yuehuai and Bai Yu waved to the caravan members.
Bai Yu looked at the horse in front of him and a playful smile appeared on his lips: "There's only one horse. It seems we'll have to ride together later."
Xu Yuehuai glared at him and said angrily, "I'll ride, you sit in the back."
Bai Yu acted as if he hadn't heard her, deliberately moving closer to her and reaching out to hug her waist.
Xu Yuehuai's expression changed, and she hurriedly dodged, angrily saying, "Bai Yu, you'd better show me some respect!"
Bai Yu, however, didn't seem to care and chuckled, "Xiao Yue, I'm already being very restrained." His words carried a hint of mockery, as if he was deliberately trying to provoke Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai was so angry that her face turned red. She pointed at Bai Yu's nose and scolded, "How can a dignified emperor be so shameless?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yu burst into laughter, as if he had heard something extremely funny. He shook his head and said in a deliberately profound tone, "It seems you haven't seen anyone more shameless. I'll show you something different later."
Xu Yuehuai was so angry that she couldn't speak. She could only glare at him fiercely before turning around and mounting her horse.
Seeing this, Bai Yu said no more, leaped up, and sat behind her. He reached out and wrapped his arms around Xu Yuehuai's waist, holding her tightly in his embrace.
Xu Yuehuai felt his approach and her body stiffened involuntarily. She wanted to struggle but was afraid of affecting the horse's progress. She could only grit her teeth and let Bai Yu hold her.
The two did not speak to each other along the way.
The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the two of them, creating an eerily warm atmosphere.
Soon, they arrived at the city gate of the capital.
At the city gate, there was a great deal of noise, and soldiers were busy checking the passersby.
Looking at the scene before her, Xu Yuehuai felt a pang of worry. She turned to Bai Yu and said, "Now that we're here, even if they discover your identity, they probably won't do anything to you."
Bai Yu smiled faintly and said, "Then let's give it a try." With that, he dismounted first and walked towards the city gate.
Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai had no choice but to follow closely behind.
As expected, the two were stopped by soldiers when they reached the city gate.
A soldier looked the two men up and down and asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
Xu Yuehuai stepped forward and said, "Of course we're here in the capital on business. Look at our faces, I don't need to say anything more, do I?"
Upon hearing this, the soldier looked bewildered: "How would we know them? Don't cause trouble here, or we'll arrest you."
Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai became anxious and was about to explain again when Bai Yu stopped her.
Bai Yu looked at the soldiers before him and said calmly, "Do you know who I am?"
Upon hearing this, the soldiers were taken aback, and then shook their heads to indicate that they did not know.
Bai Yu smiled slightly, took out a token from his pocket, and handed it to the leading soldier.
The soldier took the token and his expression changed drastically. He hurriedly returned the token to Bai Yu, bowed and said, "So it is His Majesty who has arrived! I was blind to your greatness, please forgive me!" With that, he waved for the soldiers to let him pass.
Bai Yu retrieved the token, glanced indifferently at the soldiers, and turned to Xu Yuehuai, saying, "It seems they still acknowledge me as the King of Dongsang."
Xu Yuehuai ignored him and silently followed behind him into the capital.
The two walked one after the other on the streets of the capital, attracting curious glances from passersby.
Feeling the gazes of those around her, Xu Yuehuai couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. She turned to Bai Yu and said, "Now that you are the King of Dongsang, many people must know you, right?"
Bai Yu shook his head and said, "Although I am the King of Dongsang, I have lived a secluded life for many years and rarely appear in the capital. Therefore, not many people know me."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected that this once all-powerful emperor would be so low-key. Looking at Bai Yu's retreating figure, she felt that there was more to this matter than met the eye.
The two continued walking forward and soon arrived at the gates of the palace.
In front of the palace gates, two majestic stone lions stand silently, as if telling the story of the palace's majesty and solemnity.
Xu Yuehuai and Bai Yu stood in front of the gate, looking at the magnificent palace, and finally felt a little more at ease.
Bai Yu strode towards the palace, each step seeming to tread upon the dust of history. Xu Yuehuai followed behind him, also feeling a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex emotion encompassing both emotion and reflection), realizing they had finally returned alive.
The two passed through a series of palace gates and finally arrived at the main hall of the royal palace. The hall was resplendent with gold and jade, its carved beams and painted rafters showcasing the palace's opulence and grandeur. However, the hall was solemn and silent at this moment, with only a few officials conversing in hushed tones.
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