Chapter 36 Mushroom's Business Trip: The Nineteenth Prince has recently learned a lot, so he will make a trip on my behalf.
Yao Ruyi thought about it and decided to ask the emperor directly.
The gloom that had hung over the Imperial Study was gone after the others left, leaving only Gu Huizhou resting with his eyes closed. He liked to lean back on the dragon throne with his head tilted back, so that no one could see his face or know whether he was awake or not.
The sky was bright and clear, but the light shining into the imperial study was blurry.
Yao Ruyi almost coughed when he smelled the strong, pungent incense in the Imperial Study. He quietly opened a window and then quietly walked to Gu Huizhou's side.
Although his movements were light, the emperor knew who it was the moment he stepped through the door. Feeling a pair of cool hands gently pressing on his forehead, Gu Huizhou said, "You are becoming more and more presumptuous."
The mushroom remained silent, and the emperor seemed to be saying something he didn't understand.
"Lan Yan wrote that the magistrate of Jiangzhou City is currently imprisoned in the dungeon. He is not the only one who has the grain in his hands. The price of grain in Jiangzhou City has increased exponentially, and even the government cannot control it."
His voice was cold and sharp. Although he was narrating something, Yao Ruyi felt that if that person were right in front of Gu Huizhou, he would probably cleave him in two, four, eight pieces with a single sword strike...
Just like that stone sculpture from a few days ago.
"The imperial court has already standardized grain prices."
Gu Huizhou opened his eyes and met the pure gaze above him. "The emperor is far away and the sky is high, so there are always people who think that my reach is not that far."
Yao Ruyi gave an "Oh" and continued to press the emperor's head down.
"come over."
Gu Huizhou glanced at Yao Ruyi, then watched him sit down at the table and let out a soft laugh. "The Nineteenth Prince has learned a lot recently, so he will make a trip for me."
The mushroom pointed to itself, "Me?"
His voice was filled with disbelief and excitement. He hadn't even gotten close to the imperial examinations yet, and he was already appointed as an official of the court.
With his hands resting on his knees and his back straight, he seemed to agree with whatever Gu Huizhou said.
"Thirteenth will be with you. We'll come back as soon as we're done. Han Siwen will be with you over there as well," the emperor said, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, causing the red cinnabar beads on his wrist to sway, making his skin appear even paler, with an unhealthy pallor. "Do as you please. I gave the order."
This sentence was practically a get-out-of-jail-free card. Gu Huizhou finished speaking with a smile in his eyes, looking at the eager person, "Dare you?"
"dare!"
Now he dares to do it, but the other day when he was asked to kill a field mouse, he was timid and backed away.
He leaned back in his chair and took a short nap. "Go get ready. Once you're all packed, we'll set off immediately with Thirteen."
"good."
Watching Yao Ruyi walk quickly out, Cui Xiangzhu sighed slightly at the door. He could see the reluctance in the emperor's eyes. If he was reluctant, then let someone else go. The Fourteenth Prince had returned now.
"Your Majesty, please have some tea."
The sound of the porcelain cup touching the table became Buddhist-like amidst the incense, and Cui Xiangzhu hesitated for a long time.
"Your Majesty, why not let the Fourteenth and Thirteenth Ministers go together? Wouldn't it be better for the Nineteenth Minister to stay in the capital and accompany Your Majesty?"
Stay in the capital...
Gu Huizhou squinted and repeated the sentence to himself.
What can a stupid mushroom do in the capital city besides live a life of luxury, all thanks to its passion and fighting spirit? Does it look good?
A slight frown is actually quite attractive.
Cui Xiangzhu regretted asking the question as soon as he did; he understood everything from the emperor's expression.
The deeper the love, the more far-reaching the plans.
However, he couldn't figure out what kind of injury the Nineteenth Prince could possibly suffer under His Majesty's protection. So he bowed slightly, smiled at the Emperor, and turned to leave with his teacup.
It seems His Majesty doesn't like this cup of tea; it tastes just as good as the tea from the past few days. Could it be that His Majesty is in a bad mood because the Nineteenth Prince left the capital, and therefore finds the food unappetizing?
Cui Xiangzhu smiled and shook his head, but secretly he was thinking, if His Majesty had truly fallen in love with the Nineteenth Prince, then what about the harem and the imperial heirs...?
After packing her things, Yao Ruyi turned to find Thirteen, who had just learned that Xiao Nineteen was the one who had gone with him this time.
Hanging his sword at his side, he asked, "All ready?"
"Um."
"Walk."
The two men and two horses set off directly, without taking much other travel money. They needed to take care of things day and night, and carrying too much would only be a burden.
This was the first time Yao Ruyi had left the city without being by Gu Huizhou's side. He felt a mix of novelty and other emotions. Once outside the capital, he kept looking towards the palace, but from a distance, all he could see was a wall of red walls. The view below was blocked by the high walls, and only birds could catch a glimpse of it.
He can't see anything even if he stretches his neck out.
He turned around and realized he was some distance from Thirteen, so he quickly caught up. The two rode their horses all the way until nightfall, when they finally stopped to rest by a grove of trees.
The grass grows well here, so the horses can eat a few bites.
Yao Ruyi stroked his horse. He only thought about it when he was out. When he had free time after returning home, he would think about going to see it and nurture his feelings for it.
"Nineteen, how does it feel to be on duty for the first time?"
Yao Ruyi held a steamed bun in her hand, lost in thought, "Looking forward to it."
"Looking forward to it..." Thirteen smiled, "That's because we haven't been out enough. Once we've been out more often, it'll feel like every time is the same. We definitely have to do what His Majesty asked us to do. When we get back, we'll find that the difficulties on the road are nothing."
Yao Ruyi was completely confused and simply replied, "Hmm."
"After you've eaten, take a nap. We'll continue our journey in an hour." He yawned. "Miss Han left the capital for Jiangzhou yesterday. Although they are a caravan, they don't rest. We need to hurry."
"good."
Actually, the night scenery was pretty much the same everywhere, but as Yao Ruyi lay under the tree trunk, he couldn't help but wonder how this place was different from the mountain he had been on the previous two nights, when the emperor had been as relaxed as a young nobleman beside him.
Now he will not see the emperor for another two months.
Yao Ruyi thought about the bottles and jars that Cui Xiangzhu had given him before he left. He recognized two of them, but there was one last one.
He took the porcelain bottle out of his bundle. Even before opening it, he could feel the pills inside. He opened the bottle cap and Yao Ruyi leaned in to smell them.
It is the emperor's blood.
Two months would be enough for him, so he put it away and casually placed it on his person.
The incessant chirping of insects filled the air. Yao Ruyi wasn't very sleepy, but it was best to rest as soon as possible. However, the noise around her grew louder, as if something was approaching.
It might be wild pheasants or rabbits from the mountains; he doesn't want to see those things right now.
With her wrist held down, Yao Ruyi saw Thirteen beside her suddenly open his eyes, his gaze sharp, signaling him not to move.
Yao Ruyi agreed, but Thirteen suddenly lost his strength and leaned against the tree, sweating profusely. He glanced at Yao Ruyi and was surprised to see that she was alright, but then breathed a sigh of relief. He laboriously took out a pill from his pocket and put it in his mouth.
Both of them understood each other's meaning. Yao Ruyi pretended to look like Shisan and fell down by the tree. Before long, the footsteps at the foot of the mountain became more and more obvious, and it sounded like there were no less than dozens of people.
Thirteen sensed something was wrong. Both of them had their eyes closed and could only rely on the sounds to make their judgment.
"Brother! It's not an option today, just the two of us. We only have a few steamed buns on us." The man looked rather disdainful, but then he turned around and saw the two horses tied up at the foot of the mountain and smiled, "These horses look pretty good!"
"Brother! Could you spare one of these horses? That way we can ride one when we go out in town."
The chaotic footsteps suddenly gathered in this area. The person who had just spoken must have been the second-ranking member of the group. His underling chuckled as he heard this, "If Second Brother gets this horse, he'll have to let me ride it a couple of times."
"Don't worry! You'll have your horse to ride."
The surrounding chatter and laughter created a chaotic scene, but the noise subsided with the sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps.
The leader of this group has arrived.
Yao Ruyi felt a scrutinizing gaze fall on her, as if checking whether he was really unconscious, and it took a long time for the gaze to move away.
The voice was deep and steady, "So many drugs were administered today, and only these two people are involved?"
The second brother chuckled awkwardly, "Big brother, we're running low on medicine. We spent a fortune on yesterday's convoy, but we didn't expect those people to stay here for long at all. I went to check, and there were so many of them! Even if some of them were drugged and passed out, there were still other drivers."
He rubbed his hands together inwardly. Moreover, the convoy had more guards than they did. Even if the convoy had a lot of stuff, they couldn't just steal it.
The eldest brother scoffed, thinking that having two people was better than having nothing at all. "Take them back."
"Yes, yes, yes."
Thirteen had regained most of his senses after taking the medicine, but his strength had not yet returned. Seeing that dozens of people like himself were being dealt with by Nineteen alone, he gave Yao Ruyi a wink.
Remain still and act according to circumstances.
The two were carried upside down on the horse's back, and it took them half an hour to reach their destination.
"Bang—"
The two were thrown onto a pile of weeds, while the group sat on the open ground next to them, searching through their belongings. Yao Ruyi secretly breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, he had kept the pills given to him by His Majesty on his person, otherwise they would have taken them too.
"Boss! Look at this porcelain vase, it could sell for a lot of money!" one of the henchmen exclaimed excitedly.
"Let me see!" The eldest brother took the items and laughed heartily. "I didn't expect him to be a young master. Two porcelain vases! He won't have to worry about food and drink for a year or two now!"
"Brothers! Today's work wasn't in vain!"
"All the brothers know! Following Big Brother will definitely not be a waste of your time!"
"Thank you, brother! Thank you, brother!"
"Thank you, brother!"
In an instant, the dozens of people became excited, their eyes fixed eagerly on the porcelain bottle. "Brother, quickly see what's in the bottle!" someone chuckled slyly. "If it's gold, we'll be even richer."
"No one would put gold in a porcelain bottle."
"Oh, you don't understand. What wouldn't those rich kids do!"
Another honest voice thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense, brother, quickly open it and take a look."
The eldest brother nodded in response.
As soon as he opened the bottle, the aroma of herbs filled the entire cave. The bitterness was so strong it made one's tongue tingle. Yao Ruyi swallowed hard and muttered to himself again about the emperor's methods of making medicine.
"Is this medicine?"
The second brother's eyes lit up. "Big brother, is this medicine for wounds?"
"It smells like medicine. What else could it be but medicine with such a strong medicinal smell?"
They were arguing so loudly that no one could hear them clearly. The leader shouted, "Anyone with injuries, come and try!"
"Me, my older brother. Me!"
It was the second brother.
"Okay, come here."
The eldest brother forcefully pulled the man forward, poured out the medicine from the porcelain bottle, and applied it to the second brother's back. The forearm-length wound had not yet scabbed over, but after being treated with the medicine, it looked like it would heal quickly.
"how?"
"What effect can it have right after applying it?"
"That's right, even a great immortal would need ten days to half a month to heal this injury."
"What do you know? Do you think the medicines of wealthy families are the same as the medicines we know?"
Yao Ruyi opened her eyes a crack to look in the direction she was looking, and applied ointment to the torn and mangled wound. Yao Ruyi didn't even dare to think about it…
"ah!"
"Big brother—big brother, save me!"
The second brother's shout startled everyone. He suddenly collapsed to the ground, rolling around on the floor as if his body was on fire.
His eyes were filled with terror. The skin on his back was already torn and tattered, and the rubbing against it caused another gash, exposing the wound as his back rubbed against the ground.
I couldn't help but exclaim, "Hot! Hot!"
The sound was terrifying in the valley at night, sending chills down one's spine and raising goosebumps.
His incoherent rambling startled the eldest brother, who quickly tossed the porcelain bottle aside. "So that's what happened!"
He even felt a burning pain where the ointment touched his finger! He hurriedly smeared it on his clothes.
"Big brother, second brother said it's hot! This!"
The eldest brother, with a stern face, kicked him, yelling, "I'm not deaf!"
The man who got kicked forced a smile, but it wasn't a real smile. How could he possibly know what happened?
"Ah—I'm burning! Quick, give me water! I need water!"
Yao Ruyi was struggling to suppress his laughter; his lips were pursed together, and his cheeks were bulging as he looked like he was holding it in.
Thirteen clenched his fist secretly, feeling a sense of relief as his strength gradually returned. He glanced at Yao Ruyi's expression and understood. Although their emperor's medicine was good, it couldn't be used indiscriminately. Applying the Golden Wound Powder to a gaping wound would heal it in a few days.
But if the ointment is applied to open wounds, it's a case of His Majesty using too few ingredients if it doesn't cause a layer of skin to peel off.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the second son finally calmed down. He stood up in a daze, tears streaming down his face.
He saw that everyone's eyes were blank and filled with fear, even their usually calm and composed eldest brother had a solemn look in his eyes and couldn't speak.
"Big brother, what's wrong?"
Those around him fell silent. The second brother's back was a bloody mess, as if it had been scorched by fire. The wound that was originally the length of his forearm had now spread to his entire back, and blood was flowing all over the ground. There wasn't a single unscathed spot on his back.
"Second brother, you—"
"ah!"
Before the boss could finish speaking, one of the henchmen on the perimeter suddenly shouted, unable to straighten up from the ground, as he crawled backward on all fours, "Boss! They're awake!"
Yao Ruyi and Shisan stood up, their long swords held at their sides, scrutinizing the people around them.
Only then did the two of them truly see where they were: inside a spacious cave, with a long, tattered quilt laid out on the ground on the other side.
There were some scattered food items next to the bedding; the steamed buns that the two had just packed in their bundles were placed there.
The pile of weeds where they had just been lying was at the very edge of the cave entrance, and below it, one could see steep cliffs. There was only one path leading up the stone steps.
It is well hidden.
"Awake? Hmph." The leader sneered. "Brothers, let's go!"
Although dozens of people seemed like a lot, they were no threat to the two of them at all; they were just a bunch of idle people who weren't even good at martial arts.
In no time at all, the group of people collapsed.
Only the older brother and one or two other relatively strong men remained standing opposite the two.
They looked terrified and dared not step forward.
Yao Ruyi still held the sword hilt. With a nimble wrist, he smashed the hilt onto the man's leg, leaving a bruise.
The leader demanded fiercely, "What do you want?"
The eldest brother was tall and had cloudy eyes. His clothes were a mess, with rabbit fur, tree bark, and cotton cloth mixed together, and there was even a piece of moonlight brocade, which was roughly similar to what Yao Ruyi was wearing.
Thirteen's expression shifted. It seemed that these people had been looting for quite some time. If the two of them hadn't run into them today, they would have continued to act arrogantly here for who knows how long.
"Since you've taken advantage of me, I'll naturally send you to the authorities."
Upon hearing Thirteen's words, the eldest brother immediately objected, "Damn it, you son of a bitch! Everyone knows that the court is corrupt and incompetent, and we brothers are only here to make a living."
Look at you all, living such pampered lives! You're dressed in the finest fabrics, and even the bottles you use to hold the poison are worth tens of taels of silver!
"You bunch of bastards, you just can't stand to see us poor people living even a little bit of a good life!"
They actually turned around and bit me.
Yao Ruyi's expression was cold and aloof, but his delicate features made people overlook his expression. "The government has clearly set up refugee camps, and people can at least get a bowl of porridge every day."
You dare call your days of burning, killing, and looting a good one? Just because your lives are better doesn't mean those who were robbed deserve to die!
"You pretty boy, what you're saying is interesting. We only rob rich young masters. People like you, who never know the cost of firewood and rice, are raised like royalty. How could you know the hardships we suffer!"
"The leftovers from your meal are enough to feed our group of brothers for a long time."
As soon as the leader finished speaking, countless people behind him echoed his words. They staggered and hid behind the leader, afraid that they would be hit by the two men's swords again.
The man in the gray-black robe drew his sword, but he only touched the target lightly, leaving them with only minor wounds on their arms and legs. The other man, a pretty boy, was different. He looked quiet and unassuming, and without even drawing his knife, he struck with ruthless force, his blows seemingly designed to shatter bones.
Thirteen rotated his wrist, "If you, as the eldest brother, insist on not complying, then we'll see if you can withstand the pressure!"
As soon as Thirteen finished speaking, he rushed forward again and engaged in fierce combat with the leader. The two fought intensely, and Yao Ruyi stood aside and watched. It was true that the two were locked in combat, but anyone who knew swordsmanship could see that Thirteen was handling the situation with ease, while the remaining bandit leader was barely managing to cope.
"Bang!"
His tall body lay supine on the ground, his back stained with the blood from where the second brother had just fallen. He tried to get up but couldn't support his heavy body. Two henchmen rushed forward to help him up, "Big Brother!"
The second son had fainted at some point and was casually tied up with strips of cloth and thrown onto the bedding.
The bandit leader was panting heavily and unable to speak, presumably because he didn't have time to discuss the Thirteen Theories for the time being.
Thirteen looked around. It was still dark, and the cave was cold and damp. He glanced at Yao Ruyi and asked, "Nineteen, are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine."
Thirteen nodded in relief, "I'll send a message to the capital, and we'll wait for someone to come and take these bandits away at dawn before we set off again."
It's like getting a free night's rest in disguise.
Thirteen found a rope in the cave; it was long enough to tie up all forty people without any problem. Moreover, the ropes that had just been cut off the two men could still be used.
"Damn it! I'm unlucky to have you all kidnapped today! If I ever get the chance again, I'll fight you to the death! Ugh—"
Yao Ruyi found him noisy, so she took some weeds, rolled them into a ball, and stuffed them into his mouth.
That feels much better.
He watched as Thirteen produced a pen and a piece of paper from somewhere, quickly describing the situation. Then Thirteen rolled up the note, put his hand to his mouth, and made a soft "xu—" sound.
A loud and clear whistle rang out.
The whistle sounded pleasant even amidst the howling wind in the valley, and the bandits, feeling frustrated, simply stopped watching.
A white dove flew over from the valley shortly after. It was plump and well-fed. Thirteen quickly took out a few kernels of corn from his pocket, then hung the letter on the dove's leg. He took out a pill from his pocket, placed it in front of the dove's head, spun it twice, and then released it.
Yao Ruyi smelled the fragrance of plum blossoms and knew who it was meant for; the place at Twelve was indeed convenient.
"Get some rest, we'll set off tomorrow morning."
Thirteen retrieved their belongings, handed the two small porcelain bottles to Yao Ruyi, stretched, and sat down on the weeds. "Go to sleep."
He was told to sleep, but he himself didn't feel like sleeping. "Aren't you going to sleep?"
Thirteen glanced at the group of people. "I'll guard them."
To everyone's surprise, Yao Ruyi also shook her head, "I'm not sleepy, you go to sleep first."
Thirteen paused for a moment, then happened to yawn. He chuckled and said, "That's fine then. I'll sleep for an hour first, then it'll be your turn."
Mushroom smiled and nodded. He always felt that Thirteen treated him like a child. If Fourteen had come with him, he wouldn't have been so worried.
He turned to look into the valley, and found it to be almost identical to Qinghua Mountain, both being half-height peaks. He wondered if there was a cave of similar size in the middle of the valley of Qinghua Mountain. It didn't seem to be naturally formed either.
"Hey, that pretty boy."
Yao Ruyi turned her head.
Who are you?
Yao Ruyi looked at the leader warily. He said coldly, "A government official."
"Oh shit!"
The leader's curses were completely loud; they had actually dared to rob the government officials.
Yao Ruyi got up and made another clump of weeds; she didn't even know when the previous clump had fallen away.
"Hmm—"
However, the leader was completely uncooperative. He struggled but refused to cooperate, saying, "Let me tell you! Even if the authorities catch me, I won't listen to their bullshit orders! They're all ruthless places that eat people alive! I'm not going to stay there!"
Yao Ruyi didn't want to touch that person's saliva, so he kept a straight face. His right hand fingers suddenly turned blood red, and the sharp fingertips cut a tiny wound on the back of the boss's neck. A drop of blood oozed from the blood-red finger and instantly disappeared into the wound.
The fingers returned to their normal appearance.
"Damn it, you son of a bitch! I—"
The sound stopped abruptly; the leader had fallen into a deep sleep in no time, and all was quiet. Yao Ruyi was quite worried; he didn't know how long that drop of blood would keep the man unconscious.
But at least one night.
He turned around to sit down next to Thirteen, who was sleeping soundly. He rolled over on the weeds, finding a comfortable position to continue sleeping.
Yao Ruyi didn't look much; her underlings were either fast asleep or completely out of it.
He relaxed his expression and continued looking into the valley. For some reason, staring at the valley reminded him of Gu Huizhou.
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I'm not short anymore [Let me see].
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