Qiu Dao felt that Chen Xi was subtly implying the First Prince had handled things poorly, but he had no proof, mainly because Chen Xi’s expression was too sincere.
He said with a smile, “The First Prince has the people’s interests at heart. Seeing that the number of citizens outside the city has been dwindling, he asked me to inquire. I just wonder—which direction did they go?”
There were actually scouts from the First Prince stationed near Jiuran, but once the villagers had traveled a certain distance, they had directly entered the deep mountains.
Those were unbroken, sprawling mountain ranges, and once someone disappeared into them, they became nearly impossible to find again.
Thus, the First Prince had no way of knowing whether these villagers were preparing to hide in the mountains or travel through them to reach other regions.
Chen Xi’s face took on an expression of reverence. “The First Prince cares deeply for all people under heaven, treating the common folk as his own. To serve in a city under his command is truly our honor.”
“The streets here are lined with shops, bustling with pedestrians—all accomplished under His Highness’s wise leadership. My admiration for His Highness flows endlessly.”
Qiu Dao: “...”
That was a bit much, really.
Qiu Dao scrutinized Chen Xi closely and found that the admiration in his eyes seemed to overflow from his gaze. It wasn’t sarcasm after all—he had been overthinking it!
He sighed inwardly. Such a pure heart was truly rare.
Not wanting to contradict or argue, he forced a smile and joined in the praise of the First Prince. “My virtuous brother speaks well. His Highness is indeed an unparalleled enlightened ruler.”
Qiu Tai had no idea that his ‘Brother Chen’ had just become his father’s ‘virtuous brother,’ abruptly dropping a generation in status.
Chen Xi appeared not to notice Qiu Dao’s change in address as he returned to the earlier question. “As for which direction the villagers went, I wouldn’t know. They’re still in Sizhou, surely, or where else could they go?”
Qiu Dao thought that over and conceded the point. They definitely wouldn’t go to Haijiazhou, which was occupied by the barbarians. Staying in Sizhou was at least better than being captured and turned into food.
He sighed helplessly. “I just hope these people can find a place to settle down. Otherwise, there will be more riots.”
Not long ago, there had been a refugee uprising: a group had seized a mountain, proclaimed themselves the “Great King,” and begun intercepting official supply shipments.
The First Prince had to dispatch a great number of troops to suppress them.
A flicker of barely perceptible irony passed through Chen Xi’s eyes, but his words remained smooth. “That shouldn’t happen. Those villagers all seemed like honest, gentle folk.”
Inside Feng Valley Pavilion, the lamplight was dim and yellow.
Mu Ning and the others had been waiting with some anxiety when they saw Chen Xi enter through the doorway, bathed in the cold moonlight.
Only then did they relax. “Why are you so late? Have you eaten supper yet?”
Chen Xi nodded. “I have.”
After he had finished speaking with Qiu Dao and was about to leave, Qiu Tai had returned and dragged him to his courtyard for drinks and a meal.
As they talked, everyone entered the inner chamber to discuss the return to Ge Feng.
Mu Ning said, “We’ll leave the day after tomorrow in the morning.”
Some villagers had not yet departed, and she still had some matters to settle in the city after returning, so she had decided to leave the day after tomorrow.
Chen Xi nodded. “Stay safe on the road. If possible, take the small paths, and go around whenever you can.”
Traveling with so many villagers, encountering refugees or vagrants wouldn’t be a problem, but they had to avoid running into a large force of the Man Yi barbarians.
Mu Ning nodded. “Don’t worry, we’ll surely get back safely.”
As they were speaking, a maidservant came in to announce, “Lady Hua requests an audience.”
A smile appeared on Chen Xi’s face. “Show her to the private room we’ll join her shortly.”
Hua Ruo was led to the private room, where the maidservant served her tea and then withdrew.
Staring at the flickering candle flame, her eyes held a touch of confusion.
After some time, she heard light footsteps and looked up to see Chen Xi and Mu Ning walking in.
“Lady Hua, what brings you here to see us so late?” Mu Ning asked with a smile.
Hua Ruo pursed her lips, her gaze gradually growing determined as the two sat down across from her. “Are you planning to leave?”
Chen Xi raised an eyebrow. “The Maple Pavilion just opened not long ago. Why would we leave?”
Hua Ruo glanced at him, then turned to Mu Ning. “Those commoners—are you taking them back to Ge Feng? Can you tell me about the situation there?”
To be honest, she didn’t entirely trust him, though he seemed gentle, polite, and full of sincerity.
Chen Xi: “...”
What was with that look? Was it outright distrust of him?
Mu Ning fell silent for a moment, then spoke with genuine earnestness. “If you want to make your mark and achieve great things as a woman, and if you have the strength to back it up, then in Ge Feng, I believe you will surely accomplish something.”
Hua Ruo studied Mu Ning, reading the sincerity in her eyes.
After a long pause, a faint air of resolve surfaced in Hua Ruo’s gaze. “Time? Place?”
Mu Ning smiled. “At the Wangxiang Pavilion outside the city, the day after tomorrow, early morning.”
A surge of energy swelled in Hua Ruo’s chest as she stood. “Good, I’ll be there!”
Seeing her about to leave, Chen Xi couldn’t help but ask, “Do you not trust me, Lady Hua?”
Hua Ruo nodded honestly. “No, I don’t.”
Chen Xi was puzzled and genuinely sought an answer. “Why?”
He thought to himself—this can’t be. He exuded sincerity in everything he did and said. How could anyone miss his honesty?
Hua Ruo replied bluntly, “My intuition.”
Chen Xi: “...”
After she left, Chen Xi looked at Mu Ning. “What does she mean by that?”
Mu Ning gave him a once-over. “Intuition means exactly what she said—intuition!”
Chen Xi rubbed his forehead. It took him a while to mutter, “You two really are...”
He couldn’t find the words, shaking his head before adding, “Best to be cautious. If she doesn’t show up the day after tomorrow...”
“She will.” Mu Ning cut him off before he could finish.
“Why are you so sure?” Chen Xi was genuinely curious now.
Mu Ning said, “Intuition.”
Chen Xi: “...”
Hua Ruo sneaked back through the rear door of the General’s Mansion, keeping her voice low. “Everything all right?”
The maidservant who opened the door for her whispered, “Yes, the general hasn’t noticed. Rest assured.”
The maidservant bolted the door, then turned to see Hua Ruo standing frozen in place. “What’s wrong, eldest miss?”
“Ahem!” A deliberate cough rang out.
The maidservant’s heart nearly stopped. Peeking out, she saw the steward staring at them.
Before she could apologize, the steward spoke. “Eldest miss, the general requests your presence.”
Hua Ruo’s expression remained unchanged. She nodded. “Lead on.”
Hua Yuanyi was in his study leafing through a book, though he hadn’t turned a single page all night.
At the sound of footsteps, he looked up. His daughter was striding in boldly. Her brisk, powerful steps held none of a woman’s usual gentleness, but carried a natural, unrestrained grace.
The steward gently closed the door and stood guard outside.
“Father, what is it that you need from me so late?” Hua Ruo’s voice was calm.
Hua Yuanyi parted his lips, hesitated, and finally said, “Who has stolen your heart away?”
Note: Many readers say that Feng Xuan Pavilion is instantly identifiable with Ge Feng. We, as omniscient readers, constantly mention Ge Feng, so it’s naturally easy for us to guess. But would it really be that easy without any prior knowledge? Let’s take Yan Country—it has at least 150 counties, and Ge Feng is just a small border county. If someone opened a shop called Feng Xuan Pavilion, could you immediately think of Ge Feng out of 150 counties?
Here’s a simpler challenge for anyone interested: If you know these are place names and that there’s a pattern to their naming, try timing how long it takes you to guess the three locations without using tools like Baidu: “Gu Ling Shang,” “Shan Shan Xiang Lou,” and “Tang Ting Zui.”
Finally, I’m asking for a wave of love and power, and five-star reviews. Thank you all for your continued support. Love you all (づ￣3￣)づ╭❤～
