Chapter 264

Xi Ze’s words made Ye Chutang freeze for a moment.

“The horse was stolen?”

Xi Ze nodded and took out the reins, which had been severed with a sharp stone.

“The thief couldn’t undo the knot I tied, so he ground through the reins and stole the horse.”

Large, sturdy horses were usually owned only by the authorities or the military.

The horse thief was practically asking for death!

Looking at the reins, which were about the length of an arm, Ye Chutang said, “The thief was probably a villager from nearby. He either wanted to sell the horse or eat it.”

If he had known anything about horses, he wouldn’t have been unable to untie the reins.

Xi Ze glanced at the blazing sun overhead and asked, “Madam, should we go to the nearby villages to look for the horse?”

“No need. Let Governor Kong handle that. We’re not far from Jizhou City. We’ll squeeze together and head back first.”

It was far too hot. If they stayed any longer, they might suffer heatstroke.

At least riding at a gallop would provide some relief.

Aman looked at the two horses. “How are we supposed to squeeze together?”

The horses only had single saddles.

In other words, if two people rode one horse, one of them would have to sit on the horse’s back.

Though the journey was only about fifteen minutes, it would still be enough to make one’s backside suffer.

If Ye Chutang hadn’t been pregnant, she wouldn’t have minded enduring a little discomfort.

But now, she could only inconvenience Xi Ze.

“Xi Ze, Aman and I will ride the horses. You can walk back to Jizhou City. Is that all right?”

Xi Ze had been thinking the same thing, so he naturally had no objections.

“All right.”

After saying that, he looked at Aman.

“I’ve finished my water. Do you still have any in your waterskin?”

Ten li wasn’t a long distance, but under the blazing sun and oppressive heat, walking back would still be difficult.

Aman patted her empty waterskin and shook her head.

“I finished mine too. Why don’t you ride with me? It’s not as if we’ve never ridden together before.”

Xi Ze choked on her words and coughed twice.

“Aman, last time we were forced into it by circumstances. It was unavoidable. Don’t bring it up again—it could damage your reputation.”

“There was nothing improper between us. We have clear consciences, so let people say whatever they want.”

With that, she mounted her horse.

“If you’re a man, stop fussing and get on!”

Ye Chutang watched Xi Ze’s unnatural expression and immediately understood.

“Xi Ze, it’s hot. Make up your mind quickly.”

In the end, Xi Ze still refused to ride with Aman.

The last time, he had only agreed because he had been desperate to save his master. They had also been traveling along an uninhabited mountain road.

This time was different.

If he and Aman rode the same horse back to Jizhou City, people would certainly point fingers at her.

Seeing that Xi Ze’s attitude was firm, Aman flicked her whip and galloped away.

Ye Chutang tossed him the waterskin she hadn’t finished.

“There’s half a skin left. Pour it into yours.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

After Xi Ze filled his waterskin, he returned the empty one to Ye Chutang.

She fastened it to her waist, then urged her horse back to Jizhou City.

The moment she entered the inn, she was greeted by a refreshing coolness.

Aman had returned before her and was already drinking iced sour-plum soup.

Concubine Xu hurriedly ladled out a bowl and handed it to Ye Chutang.

“Madam, have a few sips and cool yourself down.”

The cold, sweet-and-sour drink slid down her throat, making her whole body feel more comfortable.

Ye Chutang drank two bowls in a row.

“Concubine, is there anything to eat? I’m a little hungry.”

Concubine Xu took the bowl and nodded.

“Yes. Second Young Master asked me to make plenty of meat pies, and I also made chicken soup. I’ll bring some over.”

“No rush. I’ll take a bath and change first.”

After saying that, Ye Chutang went upstairs.

Qi Yanzhou’s body had not yet recovered, and the medicinal meals had a calming effect, so he was sleeping soundly.

The sound of the door opening woke him. He opened his eyes.

When he saw that Ye Chutang had returned, he immediately got out of bed and handed her a cloth towel.

“Atang, you’ve worked hard. How did it go?”

Ye Chutang didn’t take the towel. Instead, she picked up her bundle.

“The results were quite good. I’ll take a bath first, then we can talk.”

With that, she went downstairs and headed to the washroom in the rear courtyard.

Concubine Xu had thoughtfully brought two buckets of warm water inside.

“Madam, if you need more water, just call for me.”

“This is enough. Thank you, Concubine.”

Two buckets were just enough to wash her hair and take a bath.

Afterward, the sticky feeling on her skin was gone, and Ye Chutang felt refreshed from head to toe.

She wrung out her hair and stepped out of the washroom.

“Concubine, later, please take my dirty clothes to Qi Jingyao and have her wash them.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Qi Yanzhou entered the rear courtyard.

He naturally took the cloth towel from her and began drying and wringing out her hair.

“Han Chong’s men have been returning one after another. They’ve brought back quite a bit of good news.”

“Let’s go to the main hall.”

Some of the people sent out to search for water sources had already returned. They were gathered in the main hall, discussing what they had discovered.

“I found two water sources on Qu Mountain. One of them is still flowing.”

“You’re really lucky. I only found one, but there’s a large area covered in green grass.”

“Heh heh, guess how many I found?”

Ye Chutang picked up the thread. “How many?”

When the Huguo Army heard Ye Chutang’s voice, they hurriedly wiped the smugness from their faces and became humble and courteous.

“Madam Qi, I found four.”

As he spoke, he took out a map of Yuncang Mountain that he had drawn and handed it to Ye Chutang.

“The map is rather rough. Please bear with it, Madam Qi.”

Just as Ye Chutang took it, Concubine Xu arrived carrying meat pies and chicken soup.

“Madam, gentlemen, have something to eat before you continue.”

At noon, everyone had eaten only a few dry flatbreads with well water. They had been busy ever since and were long overdue for a meal.

The aroma of the meat pies and chicken soup made someone’s stomach rumble loudly.

The tall, broad-shouldered man blushed in embarrassment, unsure of what to do.

Ye Chutang said, “There are plenty of meat pies and chicken soup in the kitchen. Help yourselves—don’t be polite.”

Worried that the Huguo Army would remain too reserved, Qi Yanzhou added, “The meat pies and chicken soup were prepared for all of you. Go ahead.”

With his permission, the soldiers stopped holding back and hurried to the kitchen to get food.

Two baskets of meat pies and two large pots of chicken soup were enough to fill everyone who had gone out.

Ye Chutang ate slowly and carefully, setting down her bowl last.

When she finished, she began discussing the water sources with everyone.

More people returned one after another, including Xi Ze, who had walked all the way back.

By sunset, everyone who had gone out had returned.

Ye Chutang continued discussing the matter with them until night fell. By then, her throat had grown somewhat hoarse.

She looked at Sun Chu. “Go to the governor’s residence and invite Governor Kong over.”

Sun Chu had originally intended to accompany Ye Chutang on her outing.

Later, Xi Ze and Aman had taken the task from him, so he had stayed behind at the inn to rest.

He had been wanting to stretch his legs anyway, and was happy to run the errand.

“All right. I’ll wait for you to come back before I eat.”

With that, he left.

Ye Chutang’s hair had already dried, but wearing it loose down her back made her feel rather warm.

She casually pulled a chopstick from the holder on the table and used it to twist up her long hair.

One strand near her ear had escaped and curled against her neck.

It tickled.

But she was too lazy to redo her hair, so she reached up and swept the strand behind her back.

Qi Yanzhou saw this, removed the chopstick holding up Ye Chutang’s hair, and redid her hairstyle for her.

His practiced movements left the Huguo Army staring.

Aman was staring too.

In her mind, Qi Yanzhou had always been the image of a bold, martial man, forever wielding a blade or spear.

Now, seeing this tender and gentle side of him, she was surprised—but at the same time, it seemed perfectly natural.

After all, Ye Chutang was worthy of Qi Yanzhou’s wholehearted devotion.

Before long, Sun Chu returned with Governor Kong.

The ten constables arranged by Governor Kong had already told him the general situation.

Meanwhile, he had ordered his men to follow the map of the city that Ye Chutang had marked and had managed to dig out underground water within the city.

After entering the inn’s main hall, he bowed deeply to Ye Chutang.

“Madam Qi, I, Kong, must thank you for giving the people of Jizhou City a way to survive!”

“Governor Kong, there’s no need to thank me. I did this both for the people and for myself.”

Governor Kong understood what Ye Chutang meant.

He turned to Qi Yanzhou and said, “If Young Master Qi ever needs my help, just say the word.”

Qi Yanzhou corrected him. “Governor Kong, those words should be directed to my wife.”

Governor Kong had instinctively treated women as men’s appendages.

Only after Qi Yanzhou’s reminder did he realize that he had misspoken.

Ye Chutang was a woman who could hold her own against any man. She had accomplished things that even most men could not do—how could she possibly be compared to an ordinary woman?

Governor Kong immediately apologized to her.

“Miss Ye, I misspoke. Please forgive me.”

Ye Chutang waved her hand indifferently.

“It’s nothing.”

Governor Kong repeated to Ye Chutang what he had said to Qi Yanzhou.

“Miss Ye, if you ever need my help in the future, just let me know.”

Ye Chutang was quite pleased to hear him call her “Miss Ye.”

“I’ll remember your promise, Governor Kong. Now, let’s discuss the important matters.”

She was just about to summarize the day’s search for water sources and arrange the tasks for the following day when Concubine Xu and Old Madam Qi finished preparing dinner.

“Governor Kong, why don’t we eat first and talk after?”

Thinking that Ye Chutang had worked hard all day, Governor Kong quickly nodded.

“Very well. I’m afraid I’ve imposed on you once again.”

“It’s only one extra set of chopsticks. Please don’t stand on ceremony, Governor Kong.”

Concubine Xu’s cooking skills now rivaled those of a chef at a fine restaurant. Governor Kong ate an entire bowl of rice more than he usually did.

After dinner, Ye Chutang discussed the important matters with him.

“Governor Kong, while continuing to send people out to search for water sources, have the garrison dig deeper at the locations where water is suspected to be found.”

The Protectorate Army and the constables had no special abilities, so they might make mistakes in their judgments.

But that didn’t matter.

Even a fifty percent chance of success would be enough to alleviate the drought.

Thinking of this, she added, “The outcome may not be good every time, but as long as we manage to dig up water in one place, the effort won’t have been wasted.”

Governor Kong naturally understood this reasoning.

If water sources were easy to find, there wouldn’t be so many people worrying about where to get water.

“Rest assured, Miss Ye. I’ll explain this to the garrison beforehand so they won’t set their hopes too high and lose heart.”

“That would be best.”

Before leaving, Governor Kong said, “Madam Qi, the weather is scorching hot. You don’t need to search for water sources personally anymore.”

His men had already mastered the technique of finding water, so there was no need to trouble Ye Chutang further.

Ye Chutang had no desire to suffer through it either, so she nodded in agreement.

“Very well. If you have any questions, Governor Kong, feel free to come to me at any time.”

Afterward, she told Governor Kong about the stolen horses.

“The people who stole the horses were probably villagers from around Peach Blossom Valley. Governor Kong, you must deal with this properly. Otherwise, once one person gets away with it, others will follow.”

Disorder often began with a single minor incident.

Governor Kong knew how serious the theft of the horses was.

“Rest assured, Miss Ye. I will investigate the matter thoroughly.”

They had even dared to steal horses belonging to the government. It was an outrageous act of audacity!

Ye Chutang remembered the matter of the hunter becoming a bandit.

“Governor Kong, bandits are often the source of unrest. If they can be wiped out, then wipe them out.”

“General Zhang is already making arrangements.”

“Where is their hideout?”

Governor Kong had already learned the bandits’ exact location from the hunter.

Without giving it much thought, he told Ye Chutang.

That very night, the bandits’ stronghold was wiped out.

While killing bandits to earn merit points, Ye Chutang also looted the entire camp.

***

The next day.

Before dawn, Xi Ze and Aman had packed their belongings and were preparing to leave.

Knowing that Aman was going away, Old Madam Qi had risen early to prepare breakfast.

She held Aman’s hand, clearly reluctant to part with her.

“Aman, you haven’t even had the chance to rest properly for two days, and now you have to leave. You’ve had such a hard time.”

Aman hugged Old Madam Qi and said with a smile, “Sister Chu gave me the chance to make a name for myself. No amount of hardship is too much for that.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard. Make sure you rest when you need to.”

“Mother, I will. Once I reach Tianshan Commandery, I’ll write to you.”

“Good. Come eat something before you go.”

The words sounded somewhat ominous, so Old Madam Qi quickly changed what she was saying.

“Come have breakfast. Don’t set out on an empty stomach.”

Aman and Xi Ze soon finished eating.

The two mounted their horses.

Aman said with a smile, “Sister Chu, I’ll go on ahead. I’ll wait for you in Tianshan Commandery!”

“All right. Be careful on the road.”

“I will. Until we meet again!”

“Hyah!”

The two urged their horses forward and quickly disappeared from everyone’s sight.

Qi Yanzhou pulled Ye Chutang back to their room to sleep a little longer.

Over the next few days, Qi Yanzhou quietly recuperated while Ye Chutang occasionally discussed matters concerning the water sources with Governor Kong.

A number of water sources were gradually uncovered both inside and outside Jizhou City.

The people rejoiced. Every day, some of them came to the inn to give Ye Chutang gifts.

Knowing that she wouldn’t accept anything expensive, they mostly brought fruits, pastries, and seasonal vegetables.

Life had become quite peaceful and comfortable. Everyone had nearly forgotten that they were still on the road of exile.

From time to time, scholars even came to ask Ye Chutang for guidance in their studies.

Most of the time, Qi Yanzhou dealt with them instead.

In just a few short days, everyone learned that the prince who had once been a God of War was also a learned scholar with an encyclopedic mind.

A talented scholar matched with a beautiful woman—such a pairing was bound to give rise to many romantic tales.

Even storytellers began singing the praises of Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou.

Three parts truth and seven parts embellishment made for a particularly captivating story.

Seven days later.

Qi Yanzhou’s health had greatly improved, and the exile party set out once more.

As before, they departed at the mao hour.

It was now the end of summer, and the sky brightened later in the morning.

Yet Jizhou City was ablaze with lanterns.

Every single household had come to see the Qi family out of the city.

Each family had brought something to express their gratitude.

There was food, practical goods, and even money.

Ye Chutang had already prepared everything they needed for the journey, so she accepted only a few things to show her sincerity.

When she reached the city gate, she called out to the people who had come to see them off:

“The drought will last for a long time. Everyone must store water and avoid wasting it.”

Governor Kong said, “Rest assured, Miss Ye. The people understand the importance of the matter. They won’t do anything that harms others without benefiting themselves.”

“That’s good. Governor Kong, this is where we part. Until we meet again!”

“Until we meet again!”

Qi Yanzhou also bade farewell to the three officials in charge of Jizhou City.

Han Chong shouted, “Set out!”

***

It was now late July.

Although the drought had caused the temperatures to remain high, the north grew cold early in the year, and the temperatures in the mornings and evenings had already dropped noticeably.

They were now able to travel the fifty li prescribed by law each day.

Whenever they arrived at a new place, Ye Chutang would go to meet the highest-ranking local official and teach him how to search for water sources.

She didn’t know whether it would be useful, but there was no harm in trying.

Perhaps one day, her merit points would surge because a water source found through her efforts had saved countless people.

Half a month after leaving Jizhou City, not a single drop of rain had fallen.

The number of refugees along the road gradually increased.

Most of them were pale and emaciated, with cracked lips.

They occasionally encountered bullies who used their strength to rob others of their possessions.

Qi Yanzhou dealt with them every time.

Those who were utterly vicious were killed by him.

Those who showed genuine remorse had two fingers severed as punishment.

Ye Chutang leaned against the trunk of a tree with only a few leaves left, looking at the dispirited refugees. She felt somewhat uncomfortable.

She thought, Perhaps it’s the pregnancy hormones making me sentimental.

Her hand rested on her belly. Feeling its increasingly distinct curve, she smiled.

Qi Yanzhou placed a veiled hat on Ye Chutang’s head.

The breeze brushed against her face, stirring the white veil.

“Atang, getting water is becoming more and more difficult. We may not be able to cook as often from now on.”

Even though Nan Xiao was secretly supplying them with water, the vast number of people meant that his efforts were still a mere drop in the ocean.

Ye Chutang had food in her space, so she wasn’t worried about having to live on coarse fare.

She said indifferently, “It’s fine. We can eat whatever we find along the way and make up for it properly whenever we pass through a prefecture, county, or town.”

Qi Yanzhou wrapped his arms around Ye Chutang from behind, covering the hand she had placed over her pregnant belly with his own.

“You misunderstood me. I wasn’t talking about stopping the cooking of the communal meals. I meant that I’ll cook separately for you.”

Given the current circumstances, he could only prioritize Ye Chutang and their child.

Ye Chutang didn’t want to eat alone and hurriedly refused.

“No need. The weather is gradually cooling, so food will keep longer. We can prepare two days’ worth of provisions whenever we reach a prefecture, county, or town, then make do until we get to the next settlement.”

The northern lands were vast and sparsely populated.

Not to mention the prefectures—even the distance between some counties and towns could take four or five days to travel.

If they were willing to take a detour, they could often come across villages.

However, the villagers were desperately poor. They could barely feed themselves, let alone provide water or hospitality for a group of exiles.

Therefore, Ye Chutang’s suggestion was the best solution.

But Qi Yanzhou didn’t want her to suffer any hardship.

“Atang…”

He had only just begun to speak when Ye Chutang interrupted him.

“Azhou, it wouldn’t be right for me to eat alone. But don’t worry—I won’t mistreat myself. Don’t forget, I still have…”

She turned around to face Qi Yanzhou and whispered two words into his ear.

“Ghost Thief.”

That name had not been mentioned in Qi Yanzhou’s hearing for a long time. He had almost forgotten that they still possessed such a “weapon.”

“Ghost Thief” was capable of anything, whether in heaven or on earth. Obtaining some food would certainly be no great challenge.

He relaxed.

“Atang, you’re carrying three lives now. If Ghost Thief can’t get you enough food, you must tell me. Don’t deprive yourself.”

“Don’t worry. To Ghost Thief, securing food and water is as easy as breathing. But I can’t have Ghost Thief solve everyone’s food and water problems. That might bring trouble down on us. So whenever Ghost Thief delivers food or water to me, you’ll have to cover for me.”

That last sentence was the real reason Ye Chutang had brought up Ghost Thief.

Only with someone to provide cover could she eat and drink without worry.

Qi Yanzhou was already deeply grateful that Ghost Thief could look after Ye Chutang.

Naturally, he would not ask Ghost Thief to take care of everyone.

Through the veil, he kissed Ye Chutang on the forehead.

“Atang, rest assured. I won’t let anyone discover that you’re eating—al～one～.”

He drew out the last three words teasingly.

After Ye Chutang had solved the problem of food and water, she pulled Qi Yanzhou down to sit.

The ground had been heated by the sun, so Qi Yanzhou had Ye Chutang sit on his lap.

The moment they sat down, the roar of a scoundrel rang out in the distance.

“If you don’t want to die, hand over anything valuable!”

“And the food too! Hand over every last bit!”

The next moment came the screams of men, one after another. There was more than one victim.

The pleas and sobs of the elderly, women, and children rose and fell without end.

Grass and trees blocked Ye Chutang’s view, preventing her from seeing what was happening in the distance.

But her instincts told her that something was wrong.

She rose to her feet. “Azhou, go take a look.”

Qi Yanzhou was just about to answer when Han Chong said, “Quite a few people were robbed this time. Something doesn’t feel right. I’ll take some men over to investigate.”

“If anything happens, call for us.”

“All right. I’ll go first.”

Han Chong took ten men with him and headed toward the scene of the disturbance.

Ye Chutang withdrew her gaze and sat back down on Qi Yanzhou’s lap.

“Have there been any recent developments in the capital?”

Qi Yanzhou lifted Ye Chutang slightly so she could sit more comfortably.

“Yes. The Emperor has recovered by seventy to eighty percent and has resumed holding court. He has put an end to the struggle between the princes, dismantled a large number of Daoist temples, and confiscated their wealth for the treasury.”

“Eunuch De was poisoned quite severely, and his health still hasn’t improved. The Emperor took the opportunity to eliminate some of his people, while I used the opening to place a few of my own men.”

“The Emperor still refuses to let go of his obsession with cultivating the Dao and seeking immortality. He brought Daoist Shancun into the palace and secretly had him reside in the Purple Cloud Pavilion.”

At this point, Qi Yanzhou raised an eyebrow.

“There’s one piece of news you’ll definitely be interested in.”

Ye Chutang assumed that since Qi Yanzhou was talking about events in the palace, he must be referring to a certain person.

“Something about Ye Anling?”

Qi Yanzhou was not surprised that Ye Chutang had guessed correctly.

There were not many people in the capital who had any connection to her.

“That’s right. She’s now not only the Emperor’s woman, but is also entangled with Daoist Shancun. Her ambitions are considerable.”

“What, does she want to produce a son and fight for the throne?”

“Probably. Should I have her killed?”

There were many women in the imperial palace. It was perfectly ordinary for one of them to die.

Ye Chutang knew very well that Ye Anling could not stir up much trouble, because the Emperor was already incapable of fathering children.

“No need. If Ye Anling really manages to produce a child, her death will be near. Even if the Emperor thinks he’s still virile, killing Ye Anling is something the new Emperor can worry about.”

After saying that, she remembered Song Jingning’s high-profile behavior and asked, “The Emperor hasn’t done anything to the Song family, has he?”

Song Jingning had been traveling north to study.

While teaching and answering questions, he was also secretly helping Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang make a name for themselves.

Qi Yanzhou used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

“Don’t worry. My Song family has survived several changes of dynasty and knows how to protect itself. Even if the Emperor attacks the Song family without regard for the consequences, Bei Ning will ensure their safety.”

Speaking of the Song family reminded him of Jun’er, who was studying at Huating Academy.

Jun’er was obedient and diligent, and his health had improved considerably. His teacher often praised him.

Although Le’er took care of his daily needs, he still insisted on doing things himself whenever he could.

“Atang, your eye for people is excellent. Jun’er is a fine child.”

Ye Chutang smiled. “Naturally. Aunt Jin and Dan’er should be nearing Tianshan Commandery, shouldn’t they?”

“They’ll arrive in about ten days.”

Qi Yanzhou had barely finished speaking when Han Chong’s voice, carrying his inner force, rang out from afar.

“Young Master Qi, bring fifty men over!”