Novel Full Chapter 1688 - 1687 Threat
Chapter 1688: Chapter 1687 Threat
The courtyard Qiao Xiaomai lived in was right next to Bei Yun’s Divine Doctor’s Residence. The latter was a spacious, three-section compound, while her Mai Yuan was merely one section. However, small as it was, it had everything one might need—house and facilities included.
Qiao Xiaomai stood at the courtyard entrance, staring at the words “Mai Yuan” for quite some time. Then she rolled her eyes. The audacity—calling this shabby place “Mai Yuan.” Her two Mai Yuan estates were way better, weren’t they?
“Miss Qiao, are you satisfied?” Duan Tian asked from the side, sounding cautiously polite.
“Whatever.” Qiao Xiaomai stepped into the courtyard. People were stationed all around, and there were at least twenty maids inside. Now, even if she grew wings, escape seemed impossible—fly too slow, and she’d be shot down by the Divine Crossbow.
Bei Yun had already figured out the mechanics of the Divine Crossbow. Recently, Taian, Yuchi, and Longshi, the three nations, were manufacturing them at top speed. In a few days, every guard surrounding the courtyard might be equipped with one.
She sighed inwardly. A flicker of confusion appeared in her eyes—when would she see Tong Sanlang again?
“Miss Qiao, there’s a vegetable patch in the courtyard. When you’re free, you can plant some greens. This weather here is warm; vegetables grow year-round,” Duan Tian introduced her new living arrangements.
“Of course, there are other vegetable patches in the Duan Residence. If you’d prefer, you can roam around there in the future.”
“If there’s any meat or vegetables you need, just tell me. I’ll try my best to fulfill your requests.”
Qiao Xiaomai remained silent, her peach blossom eyes gazing blankly at the azure sky in a daze.
Bei Yun caught sight of her vacant expression and clicked his tongue. “But only if you make Floral Dew. I’ve gone far too long without tasting yours. Look, over there is the kitchen, and I’ve prepared the ingredients. Go check to see if anything is missing—I need Floral Dew now.”
Qiao Xiaomai had not been brought here to enjoy herself with good food and drink; she was here to make Floral Dew.
Over time, she’d have to plant herbal medicine, tend fields, and raise livestock—much like at the Field Manor. The famed June Sixth Sales Event she’d orchestrated in Daqi would also play out here.
Bei Yun’s voice broke her reverie. She turned her spiritless gaze toward him and asked, “What about the iron fruit?”
“How can you know if the water here is bad without trying it?” Bei Yun countered instead of answering.
“Fine. Let’s try.” Qiao Xiaomai walked toward the kitchen, speaking as she went. “To prove I’m not lying, you’ll draw the water yourself, okay?”
“No problem.” The courtyard had a well. Bei Yun personally fetched a bucket of water and carried it into the kitchen.
Right in front of Bei Yun, Qiao Xiaomai started making Floral Dew.
There were several types of flowers in the kitchen. She picked Bei Yun’s favorite—jujube flowers—and washed them. She divided them into portions and added them to the pot, boiling them one by one until she had used up all the flowers. By then, the water in the pot had turned into a near-paste consistency.
Throughout the process, Bei Yun stood by the stove, watching intently. When Qiao Xiaomai finished adding the last petals, he furrowed his brow slightly. “The color is right, but the scent is wrong.”
The distinct, familiar fragrance was missing.
Qiao Xiaomai spread her hands. “You saw the entire process. It’s not my fault; the water is bad.”
Bei Yun stared at her for a moment, then suddenly laughed. “To be precise—it’s the water quality at your Qiao Residence and Field Manor that’s good, isn’t it?”
“Interpret it however you like. All I know is, when I use water from those two places, the Floral Dew tastes like what you’re familiar with.”
“Really? If you’re lying to me, I might just invite Prince Fengbao over, you know.”
Qiao Xiaomai “……”