Chapter Nine, The Mist of the Return Journey

Zhu Zhanji pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement

He cast a glance, his eyes reflecting an indescribable emotion, "You have been following His Royal Highness the Crown Prince all along?"

"Wait, you keep an eye on her. If she continues to be disobedient, just kill her outright." A fierce light flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes, and his expression grew increasingly violent, instilling fear in those around him.

"Your Excellency, please add some hot tea!" said the close attendant eunuch, Xiao Shanzi, beside Zhu Zhanji

Li Qiutang smiled gently, straightened up to place the pipa behind the writing desk, and reached out to push open the window. A faint "cooing" sound then drifted in, and as she brought her hands together and laid them flat, a white dove quietly landed on her hand

The middle-aged man stood with his hands behind his back, pondering for a moment before pointing at one of them and saying, "Go, go take a look."

"Traveling by waterway? I still find it hard to understand. Could it be that they have already developed a wariness towards me, fearing that the journey through our Shandong territory might not be safe, which is why they chose to travel by water?" Zhu Gaoxu's eyes glinted with cold light as he forcefully fanned himself with the fan he snatched from Li Qiutang.

"Indeed, Lord Xu is absolutely right!" Xiao Shanzi nodded repeatedly

"Why has it stopped playing?" Zhu Gaoxu lifted his eyelids and glanced at her.

It is ! ''

The candlelight in the small room was dim, and four people were seated around the table having a meal. Among them, a middle-aged man in his forties noticed her entrance, raised his eyes, and fixed his gaze on her face, asking, "Have you been to see it?"

Li Cheng instinctively glanced at the dagger placed on the table. Zhu Zhanji gave him a look, and only then did he open the door

The maid understood. It seems that several guests are being frugal due to their inconvenient circumstances. However, being away from home is inherently difficult, and if meals are not adequately provided, even a strong body cannot endure it. Seeing that you are eating your own provisions, you must be quite thirsty, so I have specially prepared some porridge for you. Rest assured, I will not charge you an extra penny for it. She spoke with a smile on her face and a clear voice, her words flowing like the arrival of spring after winter, melting the snow and ice.

Oh! A startled exclamation immediately followed, and the burly man with a black face quickly released his grip, wiping his hand across his face, revealing a long streak of blood. "You little brat, do you want to die? How dare you bring a weapon?"

"Esteemed guest, I have brought you the water for washing your face!" A clear voice rang out from outside the door

He slightly furrowed his brows as if deep in thought, and after a moment, he quietly instructed Xiao Shanzi with a few words. Xiao Shanzi's expression changed dramatically, appearing both skeptical and convinced, as she repeatedly nodded with a look of panic and quickly exited.

"Swimming?" Little Shanzi shook her head, filled with confusion, and thus asked, "Why does Lord Xu ask such a question?"

"Alright, you may leave now," the middle-aged man waved his hand, and Yue Nu turned and exited the room

"Moon Slave?" Li Qiutang seemed taken aback, "Are you really going to use her? Does the prince not fear that she might become another powerful consort?"

Your Highness!" Li Qiutang's expression was solemn, "At this point, regardless of whether he takes the water route or the land route, we must make a concerted effort to fight with all our might, and we can no longer hesitate or waver.

"Brother, there is no need to worry; I already said they cannot be so quick. Let us brothers enjoy ourselves for now." Another slightly younger, dark-faced strong man reached out to pull Yue Nu close, holding her tightly in his embrace. His large hands roamed over her body, and his breath, heavy with the scent of alcohol, came close to her ear as he teased her, attempting to kiss her lips.

In the study of the West Fude Hall, where the side consort Li Qiutang resided, Li Qiutang cradled a pipa, her fingers gently gliding over its strings, producing ethereal melodies. Zhu Gaoxu leaned back in a round chair, half-closing his eyes, one hand lightly tapping on his leg in time with the rhythm and tune.

Hmph... If you don't eat, do you also not drink water? Tomorrow morning, they will definitely go to the store to fetch water. You just need to hand this item over to Yue Nu and let her take care of it. The middle-aged man wore a cold smile on his face, as if everything was under his control and success was assured

"My lord, how is the situation?" Qiu Tang stepped forward to inquire

He nodded slightly, calculating in his mind, "At this time two days later, I should be passing through Penglai."

Yue Nu stood upright, quietly watching them from the side, "If you abide by the rules, even with the deadly Soul-Chasing Blade in hand, I will not strike you!"

-

She smiled gently, cradling a white dove and softly stroking its feathers, then leaned in to whisper a few words in its ear, as if engaging in casual conversation with an old friend after a long separation

Zhu Gaoxu, sitting beside, was clearly becoming somewhat impatient, and he struck the table heavily twice with his hand

"Come in!" His tone was indifferent, devoid of any emotion

A fierce light flashed in Li Cheng's eyes as he scrutinized her gaze closely, and then he said, "My brother is unwell and has already been settled; he is quite sensitive to noise, so it would not be necessary to trouble the young lady."

Hmm! The moon slave replied softly

It is ! ''

Oh? She leaned in to take a look and saw Zhu Zhanji reclining on the kang, seemingly asleep. "Would the guest like to have some late-night snacks? Although our place is humble, we do have some decent wine, dishes, and noodles. If the guest needs anything, I can have the cook prepare it right away"

"Moon Slave. That person just now, was it really not?" The middle-aged man stood up and took two steps forward, closing the distance to Moon Slave, his gaze fixed on her like an arrow.

Your Highness! Li Cheng and Zhu Zhanji rode side by side and spoke, "We have been traveling for a full three days. Just ahead is the border of Linxi, and we are only about five or six hundred miles from the capital. If we calculate our pace, we should arrive in two more days. Let us take a rest up ahead."

From this point northward, it should be a flat expanse, yet often the more so it is, the less one can afford to be careless

Zhu Gaoxu opened it and could not help but furrow his brows deeply

The woman was momentarily taken aback, then smiled, "That sounds good, but I am afraid that if the shopkeeper sees, he will surely scold me for being lazy, and I will have to face punishment again"

No. Brother, the behavior of these three individuals is quite strange. It seems they have traveled a long distance, as they appear dusty and worn. However, upon arriving at the inn, they neither requested food and drink nor asked for water to wash; they merely ate a bit of dry rations before extinguishing the light and going to sleep. Moreover, what is even more interesting is that they seem to treat the horses better than they do people. One of the burly men personally fed the horses with high-quality feed, and instead of lying on the comfortable bed inside, he chose to sleep outside, keeping watch over the horses.

This remark is indeed very effective, and although the burly man with a dark complexion is unwilling, he has no choice but to reluctantly give up.

Thank you for your hard work!" As soon as Li Cheng saw her walk away, he immediately closed the door to his room.

Several esteemed guests have risen quite early, I presume you have not yet had breakfast?" As she spoke, she placed a pot of hot porridge, two small dishes, and a kettle of hot tea on the table

Inside the Han Wang Mansion in Le'an, Shandong

Isn't it? He seems somewhat skeptical, his thick eyebrows knitted together, and his expression is slightly intimidating.

Qiu Tang's beautiful eyes swept across, "Has he already set off?"

She, Zhu Gaoxu retracted the smile on his face, his gaze revealing a faint hint of murderous intent. "She is a wolf; she will not change to graze just because she has taken a liking to a sheep."

Li Cheng could no longer be on guard and at this moment, it was not appropriate to decline.

Indeed, I entered the palace at the age of six and have been serving His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ever since! Little Shanzi rolled her eyes, pondering to herself. Although this Lord Xu is regarded as a close friend by His Royal Highness and has been acquainted with the Crown Prince's most favored concubine, Sun Ruowei, for many years, he is usually taciturn and rarely speaks when accompanying the Crown Prince in the study to play chess or discuss state affairs. Today, for some reason, he suddenly took an interest in me. Just as I was wondering, he asked again, "Can you swim?"

A village girl in her twenties pushed the door open and entered. Although she was dressed in simple clothes with slightly disheveled hair, her appearance was graceful and her figure slender. She was carrying a bucket of hot water and was just about to step inside when Li Cheng immediately reached out to take it from her, saying, "Thank you, miss, we can manage on our own."

At the break of dawn, as the sky was just beginning to brighten, Zhu Zhanji and Li Cheng, among others, got up. Just as they were tidying up and preparing to head out, they were met by Yue Nu, who approached with a steaming bowl of porridge.

The young woman smiled and said, "Very well then, my name is Yue Nu. If you have any needs, please do not hesitate to instruct me. I shall take my leave now."

This is your last chance! Her elegantly arched eyebrows and her phoenix-like eyes radiate a chilling brilliance

On the side of the main road, there is an extremely humble inn, where Zhu Zhanji and his companions took a rest. Yan Qing tied the three horses in the courtyard, while Li Cheng followed Zhu Zhanji into a guest room on the eastern side.

On the vast expanse of water, gentle ripples begin to rise

"Where have we reached?" he asked casually, raising his eyelids slightly.

"Stop!" the middle-aged man shouted, "In the face of a major event, what nonsense are you committing?"

Yue Nu slowly walked out of the courtyard and entered the small room in front by pushing the door open

No." Yue Nu shook her head.

Xiao Shanzi pushed the door open and gently placed the teapot and teacup on the table, unable to resist stealing glances at him. She secretly marveled, not expecting that this Lord Xu Bin, dressed in the royal attire of the Crown Prince, bore quite a resemblance in demeanor and bearing to Zhu Zhanji. It is uncertain whether the method employed by Empress Sun, which substitutes one for another, will be effective. She truly hopes that His Highness's journey on land will proceed smoothly. Otherwise, it would be a futile effort, with both sides working in vain. It is uncertain whether the method employed by Empress Sun, which substitutes one for another, will be effective. She truly hopes that His Highness's journey on land will proceed smoothly. Otherwise, it would be a futile effort, with both sides working in vain.

Before long, the person reported, "They have already gone to sleep."

"Is it!" Li Qiutang asked again, "What about the land route?"

In the night, an official ship swiftly sailed forward with its sails raised high. Inside the cabin, the elegant sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air, while a handsome young man in white clothing sipped his drink alone. Outside, the sound of footsteps approached from a distance.

Is it him? He raised his wine glass and drank it in one go, his gaze piercing her like that of an eagle

Just left the waters of Southern Zhili

"Understood, what is the rush?" Li Qiutang glanced at him dismissively, then promptly untied the cloth strip bound to the pigeon's leg and respectfully handed it to Zhu Gaoxu

-

Zhu Zhanji nodded, feeling deeply moved. If Wei is truly meticulous, even though she is not by his side, she has considered everything for him in great detail.

Your Highness, the Empress has repeatedly instructed that the three of us must share a room, taking turns to rest, and we can only eat the provisions we brought with us; we are not allowed to dine outside!" Li Cheng closed the door carefully, placed the bundle he was carrying on the table, and spoke in a lowered voice to Zhu Zhanji.

Oh? Li Qiutang seemed somewhat skeptical

Zhu Gaoxu threw the piece of cloth in his hand to her

"Have you gone to sleep?" The middle-aged man raised his wine glass and took a deep sip, "Is there nothing to eat? No bathing or changing of clothes either?"

On land? Zhu Gaoxu laughed, "What about that treasure? After being nurtured for so long, it is time for her to take the stage."

"I said no, if you do not believe me, there is nothing I can do." The expression on Yue Nu's face was tense, as pale as paper, devoid of any trace of color.

Oh? The middle-aged man pondered the meaning behind these words, a faint smile appearing on his face that was not easily noticeable. He took out a white porcelain bottle from his pocket and said, "Give this to Yue Nu."

This young lady, we have brought our own provisions, so we did not require breakfast

Is this ? Big brother ! Could it be that they are the ones we are waiting for ? But ... ... they are so cautious, not even eating the food in the restaurant, how are we supposed to take action ?

Meanwhile, on land, Zhu Zhanji, along with the Jinyiwei deputy officials Yan Qing and Li Cheng, rode at full gallop, with both men and horses not resting along the way, and soon entered the territory of Linxi

Zhu Gaoxu's gaze was sharp as an eagle, fixed intently upon her, as if to pierce into her heart.

It is ! ''

No need, we are only staying for one night, and we have to set off early tomorrow, so there is no need to trouble the young lady. Li Cheng seemed somewhat impatient, as he stood at the door, one hand already reaching to close it.

Zhu Gaoxu hesitated repeatedly, "Alright, let us split our forces into two paths. Have the Night Eagle inform those Japanese who are hiding on Miao Island. Not even a bird flying over the sea shall escape my notice"

Suddenly, Li Qiutang's fingers began to rise, and the melody came to an abrupt halt

"Do you want to die?" The burly man with a dark face, enraged and humiliated, raised his large hand and swung it towards the face of the Moon Slave.

Didn’t the messenger say so? A few days ago, he was injured while carrying out rescue operations in Nanjing, reportedly suffering internal injuries and even coughing up blood. Naturally, he could not endure the jolting of the carriage, which is why he decided to take the water route instead. Li Qiutang held a round fan, gently fanning Zhu Gaoxu.

Linxi is located at the junction of Shandong and Hebei, bordered to the east by the Wei River Canal, to the south by Guantao, to the west by Neiqiu County, and to the north by Weixian and Qinghe. This area is already part of the jurisdiction of Northern Zhili.

I never expected that he would take the waterway. He should be rushing back with a heart full of longing, galloping on horseback. How could he suddenly change to the water route?" Zhu Gaoxu paced slowly in the room with his hands behind his back