Ye Chu knew Bai Xuan could not stay in Yao City much longer. If anyone discovered White Leopard’s connection, sooner or later someone would trace it back here. Ye Chu could not remain in Yao City indefinitely, yet he also could not simply abandon Bai Xuan and Yao Yao.
Ye Chu was somewhat afraid Bai Xuan would refuse him. If that happened, he would be in real trouble. The imperial capital was the place he knew best. If Bai Xuan was unwilling to go there, he truly did not know where else to take her. Qingmi Mountain would be an excellent refuge, but Ye Chu could not bring them up with him.
Fortunately, after a moment of silence, Bai Xuan agreed.
Since the decision had been made, Ye Chu began preparations. Naturally, he would not travel to the imperial capital together with Qing Wenting and the others. With Ye Jingyun there, Ye Chu had certain reservations. If that woman learned he was heading to the capital and informed the Ye family, who knew what kind of trouble might follow?
Ye Chu feared few things, but facing Ji Die was one of them.
Of course, he did not hide his plan to go to the imperial capital from Pang Shao. Pang Shao was surprised by the sudden decision. Hadn’t Ye Chu always refused to return to the capital before? Why the change of heart so quickly?
Still, Pang Shao was delighted. It meant more fun ahead. He promised to give Ye Chu a grand reception upon arrival, then promptly left. Compared to staying with Ye Chu, Pang Shao naturally preferred returning to the capital with Qing Wenting — after all, that boat was full of beauties. Even if he could not touch them, just looking was pleasing to the eye.
…
Not long after Pang Shao left Yao City, Ye Chu set off for the imperial capital with Bai Xuan and Yao Yao. To care for Yao Yao, Ye Chu bought a carriage and joined a merchant caravan heading the same way. The journey from Yao City to the imperial capital would take time, but with Bai Xuan and Yao Yao for company, Ye Chu did not find it tedious. Days passed one after another. After half a month on the road, Ye Chu’s Innate Realm cultivation had fully stabilised.
“Miss Bai Xuan, are you there?” While Ye Chu was playing with Yao Yao, a familiar voice called out.
Hearing it, Ye Chu could not help smirking at Bai Xuan. “Sister Bai Xuan, your charm really is something. You’ve refused him several times, yet he still won’t give up.”
Those words made Bai Xuan’s face flush. She glared at Ye Chu. Looking out through the carriage, she saw a man in fine clothes standing opposite once again. Bai Xuan felt helpless.
This man was a major shareholder in the caravan, named You Jinglun. Several days ago, he had caught sight of Bai Xuan and been struck dumb by her beauty. Since then, he had been relentless, coming every day to invite her. But Bai Xuan had no interest in him and never gave him the time of day.
“The road has been long and tiring. I’m sure Miss Bai Xuan hasn’t eaten well. I just instructed the caravan chef to prepare many fine dishes. Would Miss Bai Xuan care to join me?”
Bai Xuan was about to refuse when Ye Chu shook his head to stop her. “Sister Bai Xuan, you wouldn’t be so cruel, would you? Someone’s come offering to improve our meals — how can you heartlessly turn him down? Even if you don’t think of Yao Yao’s growing body, at least think of me. I’ve barely been able to eat or sleep properly lately.”
Bai Xuan almost laughed out loud. Barely able to eat or sleep? He slept like the dead every night — it was always Yao Yao who had to wake him in the morning.
“Auntie! I’m hungry!” Yao Yao blinked her big, lively eyes and looked pitifully at Bai Xuan.
Seeing Yao Yao so quickly won over by Ye Chu, Bai Xuan could only nod helplessly. Ye Chu and Yao Yao immediately beamed with joy. Ye Chu climbed out of the carriage, looked at You Jinglun standing outside, and laughed. “Young Master You, you didn’t prepare only for Sister Bai Xuan, did you? Yao Yao and I are hungry too. May we join?”
You Jinglun naturally did not want anyone interrupting, but he also knew it was impossible to have Bai Xuan alone without Ye Chu and Yao Yao. He forced a smile. “Of course I prepared portions for Young Master Ye and Yao Yao as well.”
“Then on behalf of Sister Bai Xuan, thank you!” Ye Chu laughed heartily, took Yao Yao by the hand, jumped down from the carriage, and headed straight towards You Jinglun’s table.
Bai Xuan had no choice but to follow Ye Chu and Yao Yao down and walk over with them.
Seeing Bai Xuan finally accept, You Jinglun was overjoyed. He walked to her side and fawned, “Miss Bai Xuan, is there anything else you’d like? I’ll have the chef add it.”
“Oh! Sister Bai Xuan has quite a few favourites!” Before Bai Xuan could answer, Ye Chu jumped in. “Pig trotters, goose tongue, turtle, bird’s nest, sheep heart, dog meat… oh, right! Sister Bai Xuan loves little cabbage the most!”
Ye Chu rattled off more than ten dishes in one breath. You Jinglun’s face immediately turned awkward. Inside, he cursed: damn it! Do you think this is a restaurant or inn? How could we have all those things on the road?
“Uh… we’re travelling, so we didn’t prepare that much food.” You Jinglun gave a strained smile. “We only have two or three of those. The rest…”
“I thought you’d prepared a real feast. Turns out it’s just this little? And you still had the nerve to invite Sister Bai Xuan?” Ye Chu sighed. “Fine, we’ll make do.”
“…” You Jinglun took a deep breath, desperately holding back his rage. He was someone who enjoyed the finer things — the food he brought was the best in the entire caravan. Yet somehow he was still being mocked and told they would “make do”? If not for Bai Xuan, he would have thrown this brat out long ago.
Bai Xuan watched the scene and could only smile helplessly. She glanced at You Jinglun, thinking: you ran into Ye Chu — bad luck.
“Hehe, no need. I’m not hungry today…” You Jinglun forced a smile while his stomach growled audibly.
“Then don’t stand on ceremony!” Ye Chu took him at his word, pulled Bai Xuan over, and began eating heartily.
The sweeping feast did not take long. When Ye Chu had nearly finished, he asked Bai Xuan, “Sister Bai Xuan, are you full?”
Seeing her nod, Ye Chu wiped Yao Yao’s mouth, stood up with a smile, and said, “Thank you for your hospitality, Young Master You. Next time I’ll definitely return the favour. Hehe, we’ll take our leave!”
With that, Ye Chu took Bai Xuan’s hand and left.
Watching Bai Xuan being pulled away by Ye Chu, even You Jinglun’s good temper finally snapped. His face darkened. He roared, “Stand right there!”
That furious shout immediately drew the attention of the rest of the caravan. Heads turned, wondering who dared provoke You Jinglun. This man was not someone to trifle with.
Ye Chu acted as though he had not heard. He turned back to You Jinglun with a smile. “Young Master You, were you speaking to me?”