Chapter 241: Pack Our Things Quickly
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Master, do you know how to ride a horse?"
He assumed she did not know how to ride a horse as she was a woman and did not go out often.
An Jiuyue could share a horse with Qian Jiyun. Sharing would help them become closer too—it was good for them! Hence, he only brought two horses with him.
...
An Jiuyue was speechless. She took a deep breath and glared at Yan Nuo sternly.
Even if I didn't know how to ride a horse, shouldn't he ask me if I could first?
"Master, don't be angry. When we complete our pasture, we'll raise a lot of strong horses. You'll never lack a horse to ride anymore," Wei Na said to her.
An Jiuyue was extremely shocked.
Come on! Is Wei Na here to anger me too, right? This has nothing to do with raising horses!
Qian Jiyun got on his horse while she was still fuming. He bent down and extended his right hand towards her.
"Jiuyue, get on the horse."
There was nothing else she could do. The military camp's matters were urgent—there must be no further delays. Hence, she decided to make do with it and share a horse with him.
She reached out and placed her hand in his. He lifted her swiftly and placed her in front of him.
…
The military camp was clouded with tension.
The camp was divided into three. The first section comprised soldiers who had not been exposed to the epidemic disease. They formed the majority and were separated from the infected soldiers.
On the other side, there were two small sections. One lived soldiers who had not contracted the disease but had interacted with the infected as they could have stayed in the same tent.
Soldiers who had contracted the disease lived in the last section. The atmosphere was lifeless there.
Although the percentage of soldiers infected was low, they were still a large group.
With 200,000 soldiers guarding the border, the number of infected soldiers was considered a lot to the commoners, even if they made up a small percentage here.
The military camp's most pressing need was medicinal herbs. They had given the prescription to the military physicians, who had reserves of some common herbs required. Even if they did not have enough of these common herbs, they could purchase them quickly.
However, two of the herbs needed were a little special. They were not usually used for medicines and, hence, not stocked up in large quantities in the military camp or pharmacies.
This was a huge problem. The prescription was ineffective without the two herbs.
"Xiao Zhu, pack our things quickly!"
There, in one of the tents, stood Xue Ling as she stared outside nervously, afraid that someone would enter. She urged her maid to pack up their belongings repeatedly.
"Miss, we can't get out at all. What's the point of packing up?" the maid asked, lifting her head as she put the clothes into her bag.
I regret coming here. Miss Xue Ling is in the military camp. So what if no one is taking care of her? Why did I have to come? There's a rare epidemic now, and I'm stuck in this.
It would have been better if they stayed in the section for those not exposed to the disease. However, they were currently in the section for those who had contact with the infected soldiers.
Chapter 242: Complain to Her Aunt
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
It was difficult for soldiers to walk about inside the camp, let alone leave.
Xue Ling turned around and scolded her, "Stupid!"
If they could not leave openly, they would have to find other ways, right?
...
She had been walking around outside the tent for the past two days, and no one came forward to discipline her. Everyone was polite to her.
"I've already made arrangements. We'll be able to escape tonight."
She felt she could escape since the people here did not care about her walking around outside the tent. She did not want to await death here as she might contract the disease if she continued staying here.
"No matter what happens, I must leave tonight!"
At most, I'll leave Xiao Zhu here and leave alone, she thought.
"But if… No, if Prince Zhanyun1 finds out that you left just like that, won't he punish you?" Xiao Zhu reminded her kindly, unaware of Xue Ling's despicable intentions.
"What's there to be afraid of?" Xue Ling pursed her lips and sneered.
She was not afraid Qian Jiyun would punish her. She had her aunt. Although they were not blood-related, she could be considered her adopted niece. Why would she be afraid of Qian Jiyun?
After all, Qian Jiyun never did anything to her, even when she threw tantrums around him because she was her niece.
Her aunt was Qian Jiyun's stepmother. In fact, she was his mother nominally.
If he dared to offend her, she would complain to her aunt. Qian Jiyun would not have an easy time as her aunt would not let him off so easily.
"I have my aunt. Brother Yun will listen to me no matter what I want to do."
Qian Jiyun did not even dare to openly blame her for what happened with Qian Yiyun last time.
Qian Yiyun's belongings had disappeared. She thought Qian Jiyun must have taken them back. Despite knowing what she did to Qian Yiyun, he still did not dare to do anything to her.
However, she was also more worried and wanted to avoid him because of that.
Qian Jiyun had not been in the military camp for the past few days. She reckoned he had gone out to look for Qian Yiyun.
He was not in the position to argue with her since Qian Yiyun could not be found, but he might argue with her if he could not find her at all.
She decided to complain to her aunt first, painting Qian Yiyun in a bad light while describing herself as the weaker party. Then, Qian Jiyun would not be able to find a reason to argue with her.
She could only get rid of her fears if she saw her aunt.
With her aunt around, Xue Ling was like the mistress of the Prince Zhanyun of the Second Rank's Residence. No one could shake her status.
She believed she would soon become the true mistress of the Prince Zhanyun Residence. She would become Princess Consort of the Second Rank if her aunt asked Qian Jiyun to marry her.
"But, Prince Zhanyun…"
"What are you nagging about? Are you done packing up?"
Xue Ling did not give Xiao Zhu a chance to speak. She glared at her and hissed.
Xiao Zhu shivered and quickly nodded. "Yes, yes."
"Hurry up and hide the bag! You idiot, you don't even know how to do anything. I really don't know why Father and Mother sent you here!"
Chapter 243: Whose? Your Wife's?
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Xue Ling cursed in disdain.
We have many maids at home, but they sent me the stupidest one. She can't do things properly or say the right things!
I must act more lovable and coy to my aunt and ask her to send me maids from Prince Zhanyun's residence. They are the only maids who know how to serve me right and satisfy my demands.
...
Although Xiao Zhu felt wronged, she did not dare to retort. She answered fearfully, "I understand."
"Idiot!" Xue Ling cursed again before walking to the bed and sitting down.
She had to think about how to escape from the military camp. It had been on lockdown after the disease outbreak.
Although she could walk around freely because of her status, she could not go to the main section of the camp that was not infected, let alone outside.
Even if the soldiers lowered their guard against her during the day, many kept watch at night. It would not be easy to escape!
"Hm, there must be a way. I can definitely escape." She exhaled heavily and looked at Xiao Zhu sinisterly.
If there's no other way, I'll sacrifice this idiot of a maid! There's no use keeping her around anyway.
…
They rode for several days.
That night, An Jiuyue, Qian Jiyun, and Yan Nuo rested by a narrow road. They planned to eat some food before continuing on their journey.
"Master, I sense a familiar aura nearby."
An Jiuyue was taking a bite of her biscuit and a sip of water when she heard a voice in her mind abruptly. She stopped eating.
It took her a moment to register what Wei Na had said.
"Are you kidding me? You've followed me from another world and have never left the Lianjing Mountain Range. How can you sense a familiar aura here? Whose? Your wife's?"
Wei Na was startled.
I don't have a wife! Her joke is not funny at all.
"Master, do you remember that arrogant idiot, Xue Ling? It's her aura. She seems to be in a rush," Wei Na continued.
"Xue Ling!" An Jiuyue could not help muttering her name.
Qian Jiyun, who was sitting beside her, turned to look at her when he heard her voice.
He explained, "Xue Ling is still in the military camp, but we don't have that kind of relationship. I've never bothered her, Jiuyue."
"So you don't have to care about her either" was what he wanted to add, but he kept it to himself.
"Xue Ling is in the military camp?"
An Jiuyue swallowed the food in her mouth and looked up slowly at Qian Jiyun with a faint smile.
If I guessed correctly, the military camp should be on lockdown now. There must be strict enforcement there. How can someone who should be inside the camp show up here?
She refused to believe there was nothing fishy about this.
"You…" Qian Jiyun opened his mouth, puzzled.
Did Jiuyue think of Xue Ling because she heard from my sister that Xue Ling is in the military camp?
"Qian Jiyun, it seems like there are many problems in your military camp."
An Jiuyue raised her eyebrows at the man and stood up after patting the food crumbs off her chest.
"Wei Na, can you sense where she is?" she asked.
She did not like seeing Xue Ling, but this was a woman who had obviously escaped from the military camp. There would be consequences if they let her run off.
Chapter 244: I Won't Let Anyone Off!
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Wei Na answered, "Master, Xue Ling is two miles to your right. She must have seen you and is hiding there waiting for you to leave so she can escape."
"Tsk!" An Jiuyue clicked her tongue.
She glanced at the sword beside Qian Jiyun and smiled meaningfully. She reached out and pulled the sword out of the hilt.
...
"Let me borrow your sword." With that, she dashed off toward the right.
"Jiuyue!"
Qian Jiyun did not understand what she wanted to do and immediately followed her.
"Master, Mistress!"
Yan Nuo swallowed the food in his mouth and chased after them.
…
Xue Ling shivered in a bush.
She only escaped from the military camp less than half a day ago. With no horses, she could travel on foot.
She did not expect to encounter Qian Jiyun and Yan Nuo so soon!
To make things worse, An Jiuyue, whom she detested, was with them! She wanted to pounce on the woman, who had embarrassed her and ruined her image in front of Qian Jiyun, and eat her alive!
However, it was not the time for that. She could not let Qian Jiyun know she had escaped from the military camp. She had to hide.
Hence, she slowly retreated and decided to hide in the grass and wait for the three of them to leave.
The military camp was close by. She reckoned they would leave quickly and rush to the camp after eating some food.
After they left, she would go to the nearby town to buy a strong horse and leave this darn place quickly!
"Damn it! I'll tell my aunt about her when I get back and let her deal with that woman!" she muttered as she hid.
She did not lower her voice much because she thought she was already quite far away from Qian Jiyun's group—though it was mainly because she was too angry.
"Hmph! There can only be one woman by Brother Yun's side, and that's me! All other women have to die! I won't let anyone off!"
"Really?"
Suddenly, Xue Ling's ears picked up a familiar voice.
Shocked, she got ready to stand up but soon felt an intimidating aura charging at her. She raised her foot subconsciously to take a step back.
However, she forgot she was squatting and staggered, falling back on the grass.
A long sword tore through the air and struck the stone in front of her, releasing an ear-piercing sound.
Frightened, she shrieked instinctively.
However, she quickly covered her mouth when she remembered she would risk being discovered by Qian Jiyun and the others.
"What's the use of covering your mouth?" An Jiuyue asked in amusement as she watched Xue Ling.
"Not bad, Wei Na. You can sense auras two miles away?" She communicated with Wei Na in her mind.
"Of course." Wei Na responded proudly, but it cried internally.
It could only sense the vital energies nearby and locate someone by targeting them.
It would not have been able to sense Xue Ling if she had not been nearby. Xue Ling was unlucky because it happened to lock onto her aura.
"What a bold person! Master, did she escape from the military camp?"
Chapter 245: This Weak Little White Flower
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
An Jiuyue raised her eyebrows and replied, "Uh-huh."
Escaping from the military camp? She's bold indeed!
However, her attention was not on what was on the surface. Instead, she was fixated on the way Xue Ling dodged her attack.
...
There was no need for Xue Ling to dodge. She would only be slightly injured at the very most.
However, she dodged the sword completely in one motion. Was this something an arrogant young lady, who would become unreasonable when angered, could do?
Was Xue Ling hiding something all along?
Looking at the long sword in front of her, Xue Ling gulped and trembled.
"War… Warlord!"
She had been by Qian Jiyun's side for so long. She might not be able to recognize many things, but she could recognize the 'Warlord'. It was Qian Jiyun's sword, which had accompanied him everywhere and killed many enemies. It was stained with the blood of countless enemy soldiers.
She looked up and became alert when she saw An Jiuyue.
"An Jiuyue!"
It's An Jiuyue! She always ruins my plans!
Of course, Qian Jiyun saw Xue Ling. He was stunned for a moment before shouting her name.
"Xue Ling!"
The military camp has been on lockdown—the people inside cannot come out. How did Xue Ling get out? Does she have a spy in the military camp? Or rather, does my 'good' stepmother have a spy in the military camp?
"Brother… Brother Yun…"
Xue Ling was livid when she saw An Jiuyue, but she trembled when she heard Qian Jiyun's voice.
I clearly avoided them! They didn't notice me at all! How did they find me here?
"Xue Ling, why are you here?"
Yan Nuo, who had followed them, was shocked to see Xue Ling.
Shouldn't she be in the military camp? In fact, isn't she part of the group who had contact with infected soldiers? Did she run out?
"You—"
Xue Ling wanted to scold Yan Nuo when she heard him call her name.
However, she did not dare to do it when she thought about what she had done and how she had escaped from the military camp.
It was better to avoid angering Qian Jiyun now. Otherwise, she would definitely not be able to escape punishment. She really did not dare to go against Qian Jiyun since her aunt was not around now.
Moreover, her realization that Qian Jiyun might be interested in An Jiuyue made her want to avoid clashing with him even more.
She could only push all the blame on other people.
"Brother Yun, you're finally back! If you're away any longer I would be bullied to death by those people inside the military camp! Those men are too scary."
"Haha…" An Jiuyue chuckled and looked at Qian Jiyun teasingly. She was waiting for him to comfort this weak little white flower.
Xue Ling was so good at pretending she transformed into a different person from when she was at the treehouse.
However, would Qian Jiyun still go along with Xue Ling's antics?
He had been tolerating her because he wanted to find out who was behind her. But now… An Jiuyue was next to him.
There had already been a misunderstanding. If he treated Xue Ling gently, he would probably only be successful in reconciling with his wife in their next life.
"Yan Nuo, tie her up and bring her back to the military camp," he instructed Yan Nuo coldly.
Chapter 246: Completely Unrelated
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Yes, Master." Yan Nuo replied and tied Xue Ling up.
Xue Ling wanted to resist and argue with Qian Jiyun but found herself unable to say a word because she was gagged.
"Mmph, mmph!"
...
She shook her head and looked at Qian Jiyun. He was handing An Jiuyue a fruit.
She did not hope for Qian Jiyun's pity. She only wanted him to untie her so she could escape again and let her aunt take revenge for her!
Yan Nuo sneered at Xue Ling.
We finally caught this scourge! I'll go crazy if we have to tolerate her any longer.
But we probably can't lure out the real person having Xue Ling's back now. We probably won't be able to even if we don't do anything to her.
"Miss Jiuyue, how did you know she was nearby?"
He was very curious about how An Jiuyue knew Xue Ling was nearby. She even found her without making a wrong turn. He would not be able to do the same.
An Jiuyue glanced at him indifferently and did not say anything. Instead, she looked in Xue Ling's direction with interest.
"Qian Jiyun, who exactly is Xue Ling?" she asked.
"In my stepmother's words, she is a… distant niece from my stepmother's mother's clan," Qian Jiyun replied without even looking at Xue Ling.
His lips curled into a faint hateful smile at the mention of his stepmother.
"Distant niece…" An Jiuyue almost laughed.
"Distant niece" probably just means they're completely unrelated, right? But she can still run amok by Qian Jiyun's side with that old woman's authority? That's rather capable of her.
Xue Ling must have pretended to be stupid in front of me. She's not as arrogant and domineering as we think. She's doing everything for show.
"That's nice. That's quite nice." She stared intensely in Xue Ling's direction.
Xue Ling gasped. She trembled involuntarily when she noticed An Jiuyue's probing gaze.
I knew she was not a simple woman from the beginning! She ruined my good image the moment she appeared!
Does she… suspect me now? I have to be more careful in the future.
They'll probably take me back to the military camp now. It'll be harder for me to escape next time. I can't believe I failed after planning this for so long!
"Master, what are you talking about? What's nice about Xue Ling?" Wei Na looked at Xue Ling in disdain.
I don't understand. What's good about a woman like Xue Ling?
"You don't think so?" An Jiuyue lowered her head and chuckled. "Have there been any changes in the Points Mall recently?" she asked.
"No. The points have been increasing," Wei Na replied.
It would stare at the points when it had nothing to do. It was overjoyed watching the points increase!
"But some people may be too weak. A few groups of them died even after using the prescription."
"What do you mean?" An Jiuyue asked, her eyes narrowing.
Why would Wei Na make such a guess? Death? What death?
Chapter 247: Points Deducted
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Her prescription could help strengthen the physiques of those who consumed it, even if they did not contract the epidemic disease. How could people be dying?
"What do you mean people died? How do you know?" she asked.
"Of course, I know. Didn't you ask me to keep an eye on the points?" Wei Na replied matter-of-factly.
...
"Huh?" An Jiuyue was even more puzzled.
How can Wei Na know how many people are dying just by staring at the points? Even if someone dies from the epidemic disease, it has nothing to do with my points, right?
"Explain yourself!"
"Okay, okay," Wei Na replied and explained what had happened in the Points Mall over the past few days.
It turned out that although An Jiuyue's points had been increasing over the past few days, there were a few occasions where the points decreased rapidly.
However, they would only lose about 100 points each time, so Wei Na did not care much about it.
It had assumed that some people died consuming the medicine because the prescription was not suitable for them. An Jiuyue's points must have been reasonably deducted due to such circumstances.
"You—" An Jiuyue was furious after hearing Wei Na's explanation! "Why didn't you tell me earlier!"
Is Wei Na trying to anger me to death? How can it not mention something so important? I thought nothing happened in the Points Mall!
Wei Na was stunned for a moment. It felt she was making a fuss over nothing.
"But it's nothing much. The epidemic is so serious. It's normal for a few people to die, right?"
An Jiuyue rolled her eyes, speechless.
It was true that some people would die in the face of a major epidemic.
But Wei Na should not say that! Even if they had used her prescription, her points should not be deducted if they were not cured in the end. There was no such rule in the Points Mall.
"Do you know my points will only be deducted under two circumstances?!"
"W-what?" Wei Na was also stunned.
Having only discovered the Points Mall at the same time as its master, Wei Na did not know much about it.
An Jiuyue sighed.
"The first reason for points deduction is when I use them to buy something from the Points Mall. The second is when people use my things to do evil!"
"What?!" Wei Na was shocked to hear this.
"How can this be? Master, isn't your prescription quite mild? How can someone use it to do evil? They can't even if they want to, right?
"You thought about this prescription for a long time and considered many consequences before coming up with it. Are you sure, Master? Is there a third possibility?"
An Jiuyue asked with a sarcastic smile, "What do you think?"
"Uh…" Wei Na stumbled at the question and wanted to hide in a corner. "So what do we do now?"
An Jiuyue took a deep breath and sighed again.
"It's my fault. I thought this wouldn't be discovered. I didn't think people capable of this existed in the world!" She gritted her teeth and said hatefully.
I'll crush them to pieces and grind their bones into ashes if I catch them!
"Master, what are you talking about? So you've always known…"
An Jiuyue continued, "I've always known a fatal flaw in this prescription."
Chapter 248: How Dare They!
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The medicinal herbs used in the prescription could combine with extracted epidemic disease pathogens to create a new disease that could accelerate someone's life and kill them extremely quickly.
However, who would extract the pathogens from an infected body?
As far as she knew, anyone who contracted the epidemic disease in this world would be cremated after death. Even emperors would suffer the same fate.
...
How could they dare to do this!
"If I didn't find out about this, do you think those people behind this are using the pathogens to plot a big scheme?"
"Master, what are you talking about?" Wei Na did not understand her words. What big scheme?
An Jiuyue shook her head and felt that things were not that simple.
Seems like I'll be very busy in the next few days. I have to take responsibility for this trouble I created and resolve it. As for those who dared to scheme against me… I won't let any of them off!
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Continue keeping an eye on the points," An Jiuyue instructed Wei Na before turning to look at Qian Jiyun.
"Yes, Master," Wei Na replied, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
"Qian Jiyun, let's hurry on our way after eating. I wonder how's the situation like in the military camp?"
She wanted to go to the military camp to find out what was happening there.
"Okay." Qian Jiyun nodded and instructed Yan Nuo to pack their things and prepare to leave.
"Mmph, mmph!" Xue Ling struggled, staring at Qian Jiyun aggrievedly as Yan Nuo dragged her away.
She wanted to ride the same horse as Qian Jiyun. That would prove she was the most important to him when they returned to the military camp, even if she was tied up.
People who wanted to bully her would be deterred on account of Qian Jiyun.
Unfortunately, Qian Jiyun did not give her the opportunity.
"What are you shouting for? Go up."
Yan Nuo was very direct. He threw her onto the horse like a camel sack, her body sprawled across the horse.
If given a choice, he would refuse to share a horse with this woman. However, he had no choice because they only had two horses. He could not drag this woman on the ground, right? Hence, he got on the horse too.
"Jiuyue, get on the horse."
Qian Jiyun supported An Jiuyue's slender waist with both hands and mounted her on the horse before climbing up too.
Xue Ling watched the differential treatment with bloodshot eyes, her chest ready to explode from anger. Of course, the pressure in her chest could also be due to how she was crushed on the horse, but she was genuinely furious.
But what could she do? No matter how angry she was, she could not even complain.
The group mounted their horses and headed towards the military camp quickly.
…
The soldiers in charge of guarding Xue Ling were anxious.
A large group like them could not leave the camp to search for her. Some of them might have contracted the disease. They should not be going out and spreading the disease.
"That Xue Ling is really detestable!" One of them said hatefully.
He clenched his fist and punched a pillar. "If not for the general, I would have—"
"Stop it," the other soldier interrupted him with a shake of his head.
"Why stop? Two of our brothers died! Two!" the soldier who spoke first yelled at his companion with bloodshot eyes.
Chapter 249: Utter Humiliation
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"They did not die on the battlefield or because of the disease—they died because of that woman! How can such a vicious woman be worthy of our general?"
The other soldier sighed softly too.
So what? None of them understood or dared to ask what the general was thinking.
...
They could only wait for the general to return and see how he would punish her. After all, they did not even know where she was.
"Why do you think the general keeps a woman like that around him?" the angry soldier asked.
The other soldier sighed heavily again.
It would be great if he knew. He could find a way to have the general throw Xue Ling out. But the main point here was that he did not know why either!
"Don't say anything. We'll talk about it when the general returns. If Deputy General Yuan hears us talking about this, we'll probably suffer again—"
Before he could finish, another soldier hurried over.
"Report!"
A deep voice, accompanied by a hint of annoyance, sounded from within a tent.
"What's going on?"
Xue Ling had managed to escape because he was careless in guarding her. It was an utter humiliation to him.
The general had instructed him to keep an eye on her before he left. But Xue Ling had escaped, leaving only an ignorant little maid behind. She had been crying for a long time and could not even speak properly.
How was he going to explain this to the general?
"Deputy General Yuan, General and Deputy General Yan have returned," the soldier at the tent replied.
"What?!" Deputy General Yuan was shocked.
He lifted the curtain and walked out of the tent, staring at the soldier sharply.
Didn't I discuss this with the other deputy generals? I also mentioned in the letter to the general to tell him not to return for the time being. Why is he…
"Where is the general?" he asked.
"The general has gone to the other deputy generals. He hasn't been here," the soldier said.
He sounded rather sorry for the deputy general.
Deputy General Yuan has been stuck in this place and can't even handle military affairs. Yet, the general did not come to see him immediately upon returning. I feel so sorry for Deputy General Yuan!
"Deputy General Yuan, should I invite him over?"
Deputy General Yuan's anger erupted when he heard the suggestion, and he roared, "Don't you dare!"
Soldiers here are infected with the disease and carried out to the other quarantine area every day. How can this brat think of inviting the general here?
"You brat! Are you crazy? Why would you ask the general to come here? Do you want to die?" he cursed.
"Uh…" The soldier was rendered speechless by Deputy General Yuan's words.
They had already been quarantined here and could not leave. Entering was not easy either.
"That was wrong of me. Deputy General Yuan, what should we do now?"
Deputy General Yuan pondered for a moment and replied, "Let's wait. The general will send word."
Everyone in the military camp probably knew Xue Ling had escaped. The general must have known too. He would definitely make arrangements, right?
…
Meanwhile, the deputy generals saw Xue Ling, who had been brought back by Qian Jiyun, and surrounded her. They did not even think of greeting their general.
Chapter 250: Bullsh*t!
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"You… you all…"
Xue Ling could speak now as the rag stuffed inside her mouth had been removed.
She grew afraid as she watched the deputy generals surround her. She had killed two soldiers to escape. They would definitely settle this score with her.
...
"What about us? Xue Ling, what have you done?!"
They looked like they wanted to kill Xue Ling, and their knuckles cracked as they clenched their fists.
"I… I didn't… I didn't do anything, Brother Yun. I didn't do anything! They want to frame me! Don't believe them! They just can't stand seeing you treat me well!"
As the saying goes, strike first and gain the upper hand. Since Xue Ling was yet to be freed, she could only pretend to be pitiful and win Qian Jiyun's pity.
Unfortunately, she targeted the wrong person. It might be effective in front of someone else, but this was Qian Jiyun!
Qian Jiyun did not care about her at all. He only wanted to find out who was providing Xue Ling backing and if there were others besides that one from his residence.
How could he speak up for Xue Ling now that he had An Jiuyue with him?
Qian Jiyun looked at the deputy generals who wanted to skin Xue Lingsheng alive.
"What happened?"
There was forbearance in their eyes as they took a deep breath before turning to look at Qian Jiyun.
One of the deputy generals explained, "General, this woman is really vicious. Escaping from the camp is one thing, but she even killed the two soldiers guarding her in order to escape!"
"What?!" Shocked, Yan Nuo stepped forward.
Xue Ling actually dared to attack and kill two soldiers in the military camp! Seems like she really wants to die!
Fortunately, Master is even more capable and caught her. Otherwise, we won't be able to do anything to her when she returns to the Prince Zhanyun Residence and hides behind that old woman.
Qian Jiyun's sharp gaze landed on Xue Ling, emitting a faint murderous aura.
Xue Ling trembled subconsciously when she sensed it. She looked up at Qian Jiyun pitifully and shook her head.
"No, it's not like that. Brother Yun, believe me, I didn't mean to kill them! They intended to plot against me! I accidentally killed them. What I said is true, Brother Yun. It's really true!" she explained.
She could say whatever she wanted since the two soldiers were already dead. No one could refute her.
"Haha…" An Jiuyue could not help but chuckle when she heard the explanation. Two soldiers had ill intentions toward Xue Ling?
"Bullsh*t!" one of the deputy generals with an ill temper cursed.
"I chose those two soldiers personally. I know them very well. They plotted against you? Do you think you're a deity because the general gives you some attention?
"You're not even worthy for them to serve you tea! Why would you be worthy of them plotting against you?!"
"You—" Xue Ling opened her mouth, but her anger was stuck in her throat.
She admitted the two soldiers were Deputy General Sun's trusted aides and had some authority in the military camp.
Chapter 251: Undeserving of the Insult
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
As the daughter of a mere businessman, I may not be worthy of being served tea by the two soldiers. But I have my aunt's backing! How can Deputy General Sun say that?
"I'm the niece of the Princess of the Prince Zhanyun Residence. Who do they think they are? They're nothing! They wanted to harm me because of my status! Don't you understand?"
Her words left everyone around speechless.
...
Did she think they were unaware that she was the niece of the old woman of the Prince Zhanyun Residence?
"Pfft!" Deputy General Sun sneered in disdain. "You? You're nothing at all!"
"You—"
He angered her again, but she could not say anything. She turned around and looked at Qian Jiyun, expecting him to say something for her.
After all, she had some relationship with Qian Jiyun. He would not let her suffer on account of her aunt, right?
"Brother Yun, this person insulted me! You have to stand up for me!"
"Indeed. Deputy General Sun shouldn't have insulted you."
Qian Jiyun looked at Xue Ling coldly. This vicious woman had killed two of his soldiers but was still so arrogant. If he had known this would happen, he would not have kept her around!
"How can he say that? You're undeserving of the insult, right?"
A crisp chuckle erupted next to them.
An Jiuyue could not resist laughing. She turned away, pretending she did not hear anything.
Qian Jiyun was probably the only one who could insult someone with a straight face!
"Brother Yun…"
Xue Ling was dumbfounded. She stared blankly at Qian Jiyun, not even caring that An Jiuyue was mocking her.
Did I misunderstand something? Qian Jiyun didn't say that on purpose, right? He's just speaking up for me, right? But why does it sound like he's insulting me?
The deputy generals' mouths twitched when they heard the general's words.
Their general always appeared serious in front of others. This might not be common knowledge to outsiders, but they knew—he had a sharp tongue.
Every time they battled an enemy, the enemy soldiers would be royally pissed off by the general before they swung their weapons to challenge him. There were no exceptions.
"Qian Jiyun, this woman is not a big deal," An Jiuyue reminded, not wanting them to be distracted by a woman who failed to escape.
Qian Jiyun turned around and took a deep breath.
He ordered Xue Ling to be taken away and guarded. Then, he sat down with the deputy generals to discuss the epidemic in the camp.
An Jiuyue remained with them as she had some knowledge about the epidemic.
"General, there are over 2,000 infected in the military camp. We have also quarantined over 5,000 people because they have been in contact with the infected," Deputy General Sun said, looking worried. He punched the table.
Qian Jiyun clenched his fists when he heard the number of people infected.
"So many?"
He had suspected that someone had caused the epidemic outbreak in the camp. However, he did not expect so many people to be infected.
They would need as many medicinal herbs for as many infected. Given their current situation, it was probably impossible for them to obtain so many medicinal herbs.
It would take at least a few days for the medicine to arrive from nearby areas.
Chapter 252: Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower and Moon Whisper Grass
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Moreover, a lot of the medicinal herbs nearby were probably depleted. After all, the soldiers in the military camp were not the only ones who contracted the epidemic disease.
"How much medicinal herbs do we have left in the army?" he immediately asked.
His question prompted the deputy generals to sigh.
...
"The two military physicians said that we have many common medicinal herbs—enough for 10,000 soldiers to consume—but…" Deputy General Sun looked at the other deputy generals and shook their heads in unison.
"General, we're severely lacking in two of the medicinal herbs. I can't even begin to describe how severe the lack is." Another deputy general finished Deputy General Sun's sentence.
The other deputy generals paled at his words.
"Is there a hot spring near the border? The Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower grows easily near hot springs. Its medicinal properties are better too," An Jiuyue interrupted.
The deputy generals looked at An Jiuyue and asked, "The Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower? What's that?"
The military physicians didn't mention anything about this medicinal herb. Besides, this lady… Who is she?
They looked at their general at the same time. They had wanted to ask who she was for a long time.
"Jiuyue, you…"
An Jiuyue looked at Qian Jiyun seriously and lowered her voice, "I thought about it again and changed the prescription. I replaced the two medicinal herbs with the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower and Moon Whisper Grass.
"These two herbs are milder. Although they will require more time to cure the infected… they are also effective. There's no harm trying them."
The main reason for replacing the two medicinal herbs was to change the prescription. Although this change might not have much impact, she had at least changed it.
She would make up for the rest another time.
"Okay." Qian Jiyun decided to use An Jiuyue's new prescription immediately.
"Sun Luan, you'll be in charge of taking your men to find the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower. There are two hot springs on Luoyan Mountain. There should be some there."
"Uh…" Deputy General Sun was shocked by his instructions.
Is this lady that important to General? She made him change the prescription with one sentence? He didn't even ask more about it?
"I'll draw the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower. There should be some Moon Whisper Grass on the nearby mountains. I can pick it myself. People usually won't be able to find this herb."
"You want to go yourself?" Qian Jiyun frowned and glanced at Yan Nuo.
Yan Nuo understood what his master meant and said immediately, "General, I'm willing to accompany Miss Jiuyue to pick the herbs."
The deputy generals were even more shocked. Yan Nuo, the deputy general who had always accompanied the general, was made to pick herbs with someone else?
Compared to Xue Ling, it was clear she held a different place in their general's heart. They had to be careful with their words.
"Okay. You shall accompany Jiuyue."
He could rest assured with Yan Nuo accompanying her. He looked at An Jiuyue.
She pursed her red lips helplessly. It seemed impossible for her to go out alone.
But having Yan Nuo accompany her was for the better. He could gather whatever she wanted. It was better to collect more so that it would be easier for her to do what she wanted to do next.
"We have no time to lose. I'll set off after I've drawn it. Qian Jiyun, you should prepare these herbs as soon as possible."
She took out the prescription and handed it to Qian Jiyun.
"Okay."
Qian Jiyun took the prescription, took a deep breath, and watched An Jiuyue leave the tent.
Chapter 253: Princess Consort Zhanyun of the Second Rank
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"General, I'll take my leave."
Yan Nuo glanced at An Jiuyue and said to Qian Jiyun before following her out of the tent.
"General, that lady is…"
...
Deputy General Sun and the others stared at Qian Jiyun curiously after An Jiuyue left.
"Princess Consort Zhanyun of the Second Rank," Qian Jiyun replied.
"Huh?" The deputy generals were dumbfounded as they looked at Qian Jiyun.
As Qian Jiyun's deputy generals, they were his trusted aides and knew what had happened back then.
"General, are you saying that the lady is… is… is the princess consort?"
"General, you've found the princess consort?"
How could they not be shocked? They knew he had been searching for the princess consort for five years.
Even the emperor knew the general would often leave the military camp to search for the princess consort. The emperor had turned a blind eye to his frequent absence for he was responsible for what happened back then.
Despite not admitting it, the emperor was fully aware of this.
…
Xue Ling was tied up by the soldiers and thrown back into the tent she was staying in.
Of course, she was not treated as well as before. Many things in the tent had been removed. Even the teacups had been replaced with the most ordinary white porcelain tea set.
"Let go! Let go of me!"
Although she was still tied up, she no longer had her arms tied behind her back and a rope looped around her neck. Instead, an iron collar hung around her neck with a long chain connected.
A 150-kilogram iron ball was attached to the other end of the iron chain, anchoring it.
In any case, it was impossible for Xue Ling to pick up the big iron ball, let alone escape with it.
However, Xue Ling was free to move around in the tent. The soldiers did not have to worry she would escape again, nor did they have to wait on her hands and feet.
"What are you looking at, you good-for-nothing!"
Xue Ling glared fiercely at Xiao Zhu, whom she had abandoned.
Xiao Zhu shrank back. She was a little afraid, but she was angrier at Xue Ling.
Back at the Xue Residence, the family head had asked the maids if they were willing to serve the young lady in the military camp.
The other maids were unwilling as they felt that living in the military camp was difficult and that the young lady had a bad temper.
She was the only one who volunteered to come bravely.
She thought Xue Ling would treat her well if she served her quickly. She might put her in an important position, at the very least.
She did not expect Xue Ling to abandon her after she risked her life to take care of her. Xue Ling even used her to divert the soldiers' attention and almost sent her to their beds!
She wished she could chop Xue Ling into pieces with a knife!
However, she knew she could not do that now. Xue Ling had killed two soldiers, but Prince Zhanyun had spared her. He must have some use for her.
Would she be able to leave alive if she killed Xue Ling?
Therefore, she had to endure it and wait for this epidemic to pass before dealing with that vicious woman!
"What are you still looking at? You idiot! Can't you see that I'm sitting here? Hurry up and serve me tea and snacks!" Xue Ling shouted at Xiao Zhu in anger.
The corners of Xiao Zhu's mouth curled up with sarcasm.
Tea and snacks?
The teapot on the table was empty, and there was no need to think about it—there were no snacks. Perhaps Xue Ling could dream of some and have a bite in her dreams.
Chapter 254: I'll Kill You!
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
There was no need to think about it. How could they expect to be treated well after she killed two soldiers?
"Miss, I'll get you some food."
She stood up and walked out of the tent. After a while, she returned with a steamed bun and a small plate of pickled vegetables.
...
When Xue Ling saw the steamed bun and pickled vegetables, her eyes burned with anger.
"What are you holding? Is that food meant to be eaten by humans?"
How could she eat such food? She was a businessman's daughter, after all. When had she ever had to eat miserable food? Apart from the days under An Jiuyue's treehouse, she had never suffered.
"Don't be picky, Miss." Xiao Zhu looked at the food she brought indifferently.
"It's good enough that you can get these. The soldiers outside refused to give me any food when I said I'm bringing you food. I had to say I wanted them."
She was not lying. When the soldiers outside heard that Xue Ling wanted to eat, they almost stepped on a steamed bun before giving it to her.
It was obvious that everyone hated Xue Ling to the core.
"What did you say?!"
Xue Ling was so angry she wished she could kill the soldiers outside.
However, she could not do so now. She could only vent her anger on Xiao Zhu.
When Xiao Zhu brought the steamed bun and pickled vegetables to her, she reached out and pinched Xiao Zhu's arm.
"Ouch!"
Feeling the pain, Xiao Zhu shook off Xue Ling's hand instinctively. Xue Ling lost her balance and slipped off the stool, falling to the ground.
"Ah!" Xue Ling screamed and glared at Xiao Zhu with reddened eyes.
"You useless thing, you're… Ah!"
She wanted to reach out and pinch Xiao Zhu a few more times, but Xiao Zhu slapped her hand away.
"You—you dare hit me?"
She looked at Xiao Zhu in shock. She was her maid! How dare she hit her?
"Why wouldn't I?"
Xiao Zhu looked at Xue Ling ferociously, her murderous intent obvious.
"Not only do I dare to hit you, but I'll also kill you if you provoke me! Just like how you killed those two soldiers! After I kill you, I'll escape from here, and no one will be able to find me!"
"You…" Xue Ling trembled involuntarily.
She knew that one could do anything if they were forced into a corner. However, she could not figure out why Xiao Zhu dared to say these things when she had only pinched her.
"Don't you dare!"
Xiao Zhu smiled coldly. "Since you don't like these, you don't have to eat them, Miss."
She took the steamed bun and pickled vegetables away.
I have a mouth too! I know how to eat too! Why should I care about this b*tch? I can just ignore her! Let's see how long it'll take her to starve to death if I don't bring food for her!
"You, you…"
Xue Ling watched helplessly as Xiao Zhu took away the steamed bun and pickled vegetables. Her eyes were bloodshot.
"Xiao Zhu, you… you're the Xue family's servant. You best believe I can kill you!"
"Hmph!" Xiao Zhu turned around and glanced at Xue Ling in disdain.
Just a moment ago, before she left the tent, she would not have dared to do anything to Xue Ling. But now… She sneered.
Chapter 255: Want to Spare Xue Ling's Life
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
She heard the soldiers discuss how to punish Xue Ling when she was walking around outside the tent. She did not believe Prince Zhanyun would let the soldiers get away with saying such things if there was any friendship between him and Xue Ling.
Hence, she had no scruples now. She was simply waiting to find out how Prince Zhanyun would punish Xue Ling.
"You want me to kill me? Miss, that's not something you can do now." She sneered and looked at Xue Ling mockingly.
...
"You—" Xue Ling felt her anger caught in her throat.
However, she really did not dare to do anything else besides glaring at Xiao Zhu now.
She had already angered Qian Jiyun by killing the soldiers in the military camp. If she attacked Xiao Zhu, Qian Jiyun would not let her off, even if Xiao Zhu was her maid.
"Good, very good! You better watch out, Xiao Zhu!"
I won't be stuck in this predicament forever. I'll settle the scores with An Jiuyue and Xiao Zhu one day!
…
"General, what should we do with Xue Ling?"
After learning An Jiuyue's identity, the deputy generals were no longer curious about her.
However, they had to do something about Xue Ling. Otherwise, they would be letting down the two deceased soldiers!
"Xue Ling?" Qian Jiyun narrowed his eyes when he heard this name. "Didn't she contract the disease? Throw her to where she belongs."
"Huh?"
Deputy General Sun was stunned, his mouth agape.
He wanted to clarify that Xue Ling had not contracted the disease—there was just a possibility that she might have.
But he understood what the general meant, so he could not say such unintelligent remarks.
"Yes, General. I'll settle it now."
"Wait."
Just as Deputy General Sun was about to leave, Yan Nuo rushed back.
"Yan Nuo, aren't you with… Miss Jiuyue? Why are you here?" Deputy General Sun frowned.
Does the princess consort want to spare Xue Ling's life out of kindness? That won't do! That vicious woman will become a problem in the future if we let her off her today!
"General."
Yan Nuo approached Qian Jiyun and whispered something in his ear.
The glare in his eyes burned with a murderous intent that filled the entire tent. The deputy generals could not help but take a step back.
"General, what are you…"
Deputy General Sun and the others wanted to ask a question, but they were frightened by Qian Jiyun's glare.
He continued looking at Yan Nuo. "Jiuyue said that?"
Yan Nuo nodded. "Yes, that's what Miss Jiuyue said. I also suspect…" He did not dare to complete his sentence.
If their suspicions were true, the viciousness of the person backing Xue Ling was unthinkable. It probably could not even be described with the word "vicious".
"Good, very good!"
Qian Jiyun took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and slammed them on the table.
The deputy generals were shocked and exclaimed in unison, "General!"
They had rarely sensed such intense murderous intent from their general all these years—not even in the face of a powerful opponent on the battlefield.
What did the princess consort say to make the general so angry?
After a while, Qian Jiyun looked at Deputy General Sun and instructed, "Hand over your duties in the military camp to your subordinates and accompany Jiuyue to pick herbs."
Chapter 256: 18 Stockaded Villages
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Huh?"
Deputy General Sun was dumbfounded. Why was he the one sent to accompany her now?
"Yes, I'll make arrangements now," he replied.
...
Does the princess consort not want Yan Nuo to accompany her because he said something that angered her?
No, no, that's not right. General must be sending Yan Nuo to do something even more important!
As expected, Qian Jiyun focused his attention on Yan Nuo after giving him instructions.
"Bring your men to investigate this matter personally. You have to find out the truth. If they really have the guts to do such a thing, I'll make sure they die without a burial ground!"
"Yes, General." Yan Nuo accepted the order and turned around to leave immediately.
The deputy generals watched Yan Nuo leave, confused about what happened.
"What's going…"
However, they could not help but think that it must be serious. Otherwise, the general would not look so unhappy, and even they would not have kept quiet.
"Then… I'll go prepare too, General."
Deputy General Sun cupped his fists at Qian Jiyun, took a deep breath, and left.
Protecting Princess Consort Zhanyun was also very important, especially since they were going out to pick medicinal herbs. Many lives in the military camp were at stake.
"General, what about Xue Ling?" the other deputy generals asked, wondering if they would not be punishing her anymore.
"We'll let her experience the horror of the epidemic first," Qian Jiyun instructed.
He decided to let Xue Ling suffer first since An Jiuyue told him it was not the right time to kill her. If he uncovered the truth… he would definitely bury the Xue family with Xue Ling!
…
At the Luoyan Mountain, within the 11th stockaded village of the 18 stockaded villages…
"Zhuxin, how are they? Can you come up with a prescription?"
A few middle-aged men surrounded the young lady as she walked out of one of the rooms.
The young lady looked up at them and shook her head helplessly.
"Uncle Qi Gu, I can't cure this disease yet. I'm afraid…"
The young lady's name was Shen Zhuxin. She was the most capable pharmacist in the 18 stockaded villages.
Pharmacists were different from ordinary physicians. Not only could they treat illnesses and save people, but they could also study poison to murder.
Qi Gu became even more anxious when he heard her response.
"Even you can't do anything?"
There were even more people who had contracted the disease. If these people could not be cured, then…
Shen Zhuxin thought for a moment, gritted her teeth, and said, "I know of a herb called Moon Whisper Grass. It can treat the disease, but I'm afraid it can only keep them alive temporarily if we use that on its own."
"That's good enough." Qi Gu also gritted his teeth and nodded.
It was much better than remaining idle. The 18 stockaded villages could be wiped out by the epidemic disease if it continued to spread.
"Where can I buy the Moon Whisper Grass? I'll send someone to buy it immediately," he asked.
"No." Shen Zhuxin shook her head. "Not many pharmacies have Moon Whisper Grass, but I recognize this herb. I need to go to the mountains to pick it."
"You're going to the mountains to pick it? We'll go with you," the young men beside Qi Gu spoke in unison.
They felt terrible watching their companions collapse one by one. Since they could finally make themselves useful, they had to gather more Moon Whisper Grass.
Chapter 257: Brought the Disease In
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"That's right. Zhuxin, the mountain is dangerous. Let Meng Zi and the others accompany you," Qi Gu said.
"Okay." Shen Zhuxin nodded.
She could not gather as many herbs on her own. There was strength in numbers, after all!
...
"Uncle Qi Gu, we'll go pick some Moon Whisper Grass. You must find a way to obtain the prescription to treat the disease. Otherwise, I won't be able to save them."
"Alright, I'll think of something," Qi Gu replied.
However, only the older men knew it was not easy to obtain the prescription.
After Shen Zhuxin and the young men left, Qi Gu immediately headed to the meeting hall with the other elders. Everyone wore abnormally solemn expressions on their faces.
"Qi Gu, what's going on? Why are there cases of the epidemic disease in your village?"
"That's right, Qi Gu. Our 18 villages along the border have been stockaded for so many years. No one from outside can come in. How did your people get infected?"
The men were Ai Qi from the third village and Shen Yan from the first. They were shocked when they heard the news and could not believe that an epidemic had broken out here.
"Hmph!" Qi Gu's eyes reddened when he heard their questions.
He smashed both fists on the table, causing the stone tabletop to chip. "There are spies in the village. They brought the disease in."
"What?!"
They were so stunned by the word "spies" that they could barely speak.
"Spies! It's caused by them? How dare they!"
Qi Gu spat hatefully, "There's nothing they're afraid of doing! They'll do whatever they want to recruit us into their forces. They don't care if they kill a few of our people."
However, he sneered to himself.
It is wishful thinking to expect to recruit the 18 stockaded villages! We only serve one master. Even if there's a second, it'll only be our master's successor!
"Did you find out who?" Ai Qi asked.
"Yes, but he committed suicide by consuming poison when caught. We couldn't ask him anything." Qi Gu shook his head.
The chief of the eighteenth stockaded village, Sui Mu, shook his head regretfully. "That's unfortunate!"
"What's unfortunate?" Ge Li from the 16th village sneered and rolled his eyes at Sui Mu.
"How would the small fries know who their master is? Since they dare to take action against us, they won't let us get anything on them."
Qi Gu's hatred intensified upon hearing that. "Wretched people!"
However, he still looked up at his old brothers and sighed softly.
"I didn't expect all of you to come here directly. I just wanted to inform you to be careful of spies who seem weak. My village is affected this time. Next time…"
"Don't worry about that." Luo Zhongyin waved his right hand at Qi Gu and sneered.
"We ordered a thorough investigation after receiving your message. Moreover, no one has left the mountain recently. Anyone who dares to go up the mountain will be treated as a spy and killed!"
They had to use harsh methods in this critical situation to deter people with ill intentions.
"But this prescription…" Qi Gu raised his hand and wiped his face.
"It seems like we have to meet him," Shen Yan said in a low voice with a helpless expression.
"What?" Qi Gu looked up at Shen Yan.
Chapter 258: Look For a Way Out
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Big Brother, how can we join them in their evildoing? Master said that our 18 stockaded villages and the royal family would be separated. If we initiate something this time, I'm afraid we'll—"
Shen Yan raised his hand to interrupt him.
He did not want anything to do with the royal family either. This was what his master had hoped for too.
...
Back then, his master was forced into a terrible state. He almost died because of his internal and external injuries. Ultimately, he had no choice but to bring his brothers from the 18 Stockaded Villages to live in seclusion at the border.
They were unwilling to befriend the royal family again!
"None of us are willing to compromise, but our unwillingness to compromise is nothing compared to all these lives."
His brothers all sighed heavily. Their perseverance could only manifest as helpless sighs. What else could they do?
"Big Brother, why don't we go to the military camp? Compared to that person, I think it's more suitable to look for Prince Zhanyun," Ai Qi suggested suddenly.
Unlike that person who only wanted to recruit them for selfish reasons, Prince Zhanyun had common interests with them.
Shen Yan pondered for a long time before sighing again. "How about this? I'll go to the military camp first and see what Prince Zhanyun wants. Otherwise—"
"Otherwise, we'll spend a lot of money to buy the prescription for treating the disease. I'm sure we can buy it if we gather all the treasures in our 18 stockaded villages!" Luo Zhong slammed his fist on the table and said in a deep voice.
The people raised by the royal family were the greediest. They could betray their masters for a small sum of money, let alone a large sum.
They just had to target someone greedy. They could find one easily!
"Big Brother, make a trip to the military camp. We'll also look for a way out. I don't believe we have no other choice but to look for that person!"
He looked at Shen Yan with hatred in his heart.
That person must be waiting for us to come knocking on his door excitedly. I don't believe the epidemic outbreak in the 11th village has nothing to do with that person! I'll teach that person a lesson when the epidemic is cured!
The royal family? They're useless! They had to rely on Master to progress from an inferior nation to a superior one! We won't work with a royal family like that!
"Alright, let's do that." Shen Yan nodded, and they decided on it.
"Qi Gu and I will make a trip to the military camp. The rest of you, find another way. There are so many people in the 18 Stockaded Villages. There's no way we can't find a solution!"
"Okay."
"Alright!"
They agreed in unison. The meeting ended, and everyone went about their tasks.
…
In the dense forest…
Deputy General Sun, dressed in plain clothes, followed An Jiuyue. They carried bamboo baskets and were carefully searching for the two medicinal herbs.
"Miss Jiuyue, why is there only Moon Whisper Grass here?"
Deputy General Sun already became familiar with the Moon Whisper Grass. However, he had yet to see the other medicinal herb. He did not know when it would appear.
"The other medicinal herb won't appear here. It usually grows by the hot spring. We'll look for it after we gather enough Moon Whisper Grass."
Chapter 259: Not a Single Stalk
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
An Jiuyue dug up a Moon Whisper grass and shook the soil off its roots. She then placed it in the bamboo basket beside her before answering Deputy General Sun.
"I see."
Deputy General Sun nodded and stopped talking. He continued searching for Moon Whisper grass.
...
Many soldiers had contracted the disease in the military camp. He had to gather a lot of Moon Whisper Grass. If he had known, he would have brought a few more soldiers with them.
…
"Zhu Xin, what are you looking for?"
On the other side, Shen Zhuxin brought a few of her peers into the forest too.
However, there was not a single Moon Whisper Grass in sight. Instead, there were many small holes made in the ground. It was obvious that someone had dug away the medicinal herbs.
"Brother Qi, we're too late. The Moon Whisper Grass here has been dug up," she said helplessly.
She gathered medicinal herbs here frequently and used to see many Moon Whisper Grass in this area.
She never picked them because she did not have much use for them in her usual prescriptions, but she did not expect an early bird to snatch them away when she needed them most.
"As expected!"
Qi Ye was Qi Gu's son. He knew what had happened when he saw Shen Zhuxin staring at the small holes in the ground.
Now that Shen Zhuxin had confirmed it herself, he could only take a deep breath. They were too late. Someone else had obtained the herbs first—there was nothing he could do about that.
They had to pick the herbs elsewhere. Looking at the bumpy ground, it seemed like the Moon Whisper Grass grew commonly.
"Zhu Xin, where else can we find the Moon Whisper Grass?"
"We can't." Shen Zhuxin sighed softly and shook her head.
If the Moon Whisper Grass really grew commonly, she would not have to walk so much just to dig for them here.
The Moon Whisper Grass also grew in other places, but there were very few. This was the only place where there was a lot of Moon Whisper Grass.
There were so many people in the 18 Stockaded Villages that she had to stock up on more of the Moon Whisper Grass in the face of the raging epidemic.
She had planned it all but did not expect someone to dig up all the Moon Whisper Grass here before her.
"I wonder who dug up the Moon Whisper Grass! Some of them are old, and some are young. But they dug up all of them, and not a single stalk is left now!"
Even if the one who dug up all the herbs is a pharmacist, they shouldn't be doing it like this! They should at least leave some seeds here, right?
However, she did not know that An Jiuyue could plant the herbs in her microcosmic space. The Moon Whisper Grass could grow even better there.
"Sigh." She pondered for a long time before finally looking up at Qi Ye and the others.
"Brother Qi, I also know of a medicinal herb that grows by the hot spring. It's called the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower and should be able to alleviate the disease severity. There's a hot spring nearby. Let's hurry over and take a look."
She was worried there would not even be any Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower left if they arrived late.
The holes in the ground are clearly new. The people digging for the herbs may still be in the mountains. They may be here for the Bipetalous Scarlet-blue flower too! We must go quickly!
"Alright, let's rush there now," Qi Ye replied, and the group rushed towards the hot spring.
However, when they arrived at the first hot spring, there were only holes in the ground around them. There was not even a single Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue Flower.
Chapter 260: A Crazy Idea
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Their expressions, especially Shen Zhuxin's, were extremely sour.
Despite rushing over, they still could not obtain the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flower before the other group.
"There's only one hot spring left. Let's hurry there immediately." Qi Ye reminded his companions as he glanced at them, his expression not looking good.
...
They had set off determined to obtain the medicinal herbs. They did not expect someone to beat them to it.
…
Outside the second hot spring…
"Miss Jiuyue, you're really good at digging herbs. You're so fast!" Deputy General Sun exclaimed as he dug, impressed by An Jiuyue.
He had dug up a Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flower, but An Jiuyue dug up ten. Of course, he was impressed!
"Dig quickly. We'll go back when it's dark."
An Jiuyue turned around and glanced at Deputy General Sun. They had been in the mountains for more than two days.
It was not easy digging for the medicinal herbs. The herbs could be easily damaged after being obtained too, so they had to be dried or consumed in time.
Moreover, the medicinal herbs here were nowhere near enough for the military camp. They had to instruct the soldiers to gather more after they returned to the military camp with the herbs.
They could only use the herbs gathered so far to meet the pressing need.
"Alright, I'll dig—"
"What are you doing?!"
Before Deputy General Sun could finish speaking, he heard a furious exclamation.
He turned around, saw the men rushing towards them, and subconsciously answered them in his heart, "We're digging for herbs, of course! What else can we be doing?"
An Jiuyue heard the exclamation and knew they were here to dig for Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flowers too.
Unfortunately, they had already dug up most of them. She glanced down at their shoes, which were still stained with gray mud.
It was unique to the first hot spring she and Deputy General Sun went to.
They must have gone to the first hot spring and rushed here after they saw that someone had dug out all the Bipetalous Scarlet-blue flowers, right?
"Are you here for the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flowers too?"
She stood up and glanced at the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flower in her hand.
"Huh? They're also here for the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flowers?"
Upon hearing An Jiuyue's question, Deputy General Sun hurriedly protected the three bamboo baskets beside him. These were life-saving medicines for their soldiers. They must not be snatched away!
"Of course!"
Qi Ye was furious, especially when he saw they had so many herbs.
There's no need to wonder. Those herbs must be Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flowers! They dug up all of them and didn't even leave a single stalk behind! How will we explain this to our brothers who contracted the disease?
Another man glanced at An Jiuyue and Shen Zhuxin before asking, "Zhuxin, what should we do now?"
With the Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flowers right before him, he had a crazy idea: He wanted to snatch them away to save his brothers in the 11th stockaded village temporarily.
However, he was a human, not a beast. He could not seize hold of someone else's things!
Shen Zhuxin glanced at An Jiuyue and gritted her teeth. "There must be more Bipetalous Scarlet-blue flowers. Let's look for them too."
She could not bring herself to do such a despicable thing.
Fortunately, not many people in the 11th stockaded village had contracted the disease. She could dig for some Bipetalous Scarlet-Blue flowers first to suppress the disease outbreak.
