The morning food at the post station had little variety, and the best option was mutton soup. It was quite expensive, as a bowl of soup with just one flatbread cost fifty cash.
For Yu Qing and the others now, it was naturally not expensive, since one tael of silver could buy twenty bowls of mutton soup.
It was very expensive for ordinary people, and ordinary people had their own way of life. Ordinary people could not spend tens of thousands of taels of silver to fly around in the sky at the drop of a hat, nor could they spend millions to buy a painting or a piece of jewellery. Many could not even bear to spend money to ride horses back and forth. Unless it was absolutely necessary to leave their homeland, they could only go round in circles in one place for their entire lives, never going far and considering anyone on horseback to be a noble.
Fortunately, the mutton soup was generous, served in large bowls with plenty of meat in it.
The flatbread was also substantial, dry and hard. Qiao Qie’er patiently tore the bread into small pieces and soaked it in the soup.
Yu Qing watched and shook his head, thinking this woman was just being fussy and not as straightforward as him. He grabbed the flatbread, stuffed it into his mouth, and bit off a large piece, chewing it slowly with his mouth full. Just as he managed to swallow one mouthful and was about to bite a second, Qiao Qie’er reached out and held his hand. She shook her head at him, signalling him not to eat like that, took the half-eaten flatbread from his hand, and took away his bowl of soup. Then she placed her own bowl of soup in front of him, signalling him to eat the soaked bread.
After that, she continued to tear the flatbread Yu Qing had bitten and soaked it in the soup he had drunk from.
Yu Qing was stunned for a moment, then chuckled and naturally enjoyed it.
“Tsk tsk, I cannot stand it, I really cannot bear to watch. Ninth Brother, let us change seats. Someone who can stay in a room for a day and two nights without going out is no ordinary person. Who knows what they might do. Be careful not to set our teeth on edge.”
Nanzhu and Mu Aotie walked over. As they came down the steps, they happened to see this scene. Nanzhu kept making sarcastic remarks. The two of them, who had originally planned to sit at the same table, properly walked away and sat further off.
Yu Qing continued to chuckle happily. Qiao Qie’er was still somewhat embarrassed, but she was gradually getting used to it, at least deliberately making herself look as if nothing was wrong.
The attendant over by the stove kept stealing glances in their direction. Seeing that the woman was not only as tender and beautiful as a fairy and dressed well, but also so good to her man, he compared her to his own wife and felt a mixture of emotions in his heart. Yet he also knew it was useless to envy them.
The breakfast area of the post station was outside the house, with only a shed set up to block the sun. Several tables were placed under the shed, all facing the sea. One could see the crowds coming and going at the dock, as well as the ships sailing back and forth on the sea. It was a fine sight, and a new day had begun.
After the meal, Nanzhu asked Mu Aotie to go and arrange the riding beasts for their departure with the post station. He himself walked over to the other table, patted Yu Qing on the shoulder, and smiled at Qiao Qie’er, “Sister-in-law, could I borrow your man for a moment?”
Qiao Qie’er was somewhat at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Saying yes would be awkward, and saying no would also be awkward, so she just kept silent and did not respond.
“Pay no attention to him. He has just been a bachelor for too long and cannot stand seeing others do well.” Yu Qing gave a response, but still tilted his head to signal Qiao Qie’er, “We are about to set off. Go back to the room and pack first.”
“Mm.” Qiao Qie’er nodded, stood up, and bowed slightly to Nanzhu before leaving.
Even though there were no outsiders around, Nanzhu still pulled Yu Qing towards the sea. After walking a bit further away, he asked, “Have you told her what we are going to do?”
Yu Qing said, “No.”
Nanzhu asked, “You have not leaked anything about our sect, have you?”
Yu Qing said, “As the sect master, I would not be ignorant of the sect rules. If it does not pass the sect rules, I will not tell her. It is for her own good.”
Nanzhu asked, “If you do not say anything at all, will she be willing?”
Yu Qing said, “I told her that when there are things she should be told, I will naturally tell her. She also said that if I do not want to say, she will not ask any more.” As he spoke, he raised his eyebrows at Nanzhu, clearly showing his smugness, as if saying, “She is quite good, isn’t she?”
Nanzhu rolled his eyes, turned around, and left, too lazy to stay and be provoked.
Yu Qing, on the other hand, laughed heartily, feeling very happy. He was indeed very happy, not just because he had won a great beauty, and not just because he had officially become a man. The key point was that the woman he was with this time liked him, Yu Qing, and not the Tanhua, A Shiheng, with his reputation.
He had not expected that his own marriage fate would arrive just like this. Although Qiao Qie’er being with him had the factor of revenge, he did not think this was improper. He was partly responsible for the Qiao family’s disaster, and his own feud with Bai Lan would have to be settled sooner or later. Otherwise, being watched secretly all the time was not a good thing.
He was not greedy, and he was very satisfied.
The party of four riders set off, galloping all the way to Can Prefecture. Qiao Qie’er put on her veil again to avoid attracting too much attention.
Along the way, apart from changing riding beasts, they barely stopped, riding day and night. After crossing a prefecture, they finally arrived at Can Prefecture. After asking for directions along the way, they reached the Golden Valley mentioned in the information provided by the Watchtower.
It was just a large canyon. The road inside the valley was a main thoroughfare, a vital route for travel between the two prefectures.
The four of them searched all over the canyon area, chatting with travelling merchants, inquiring with nearby households, and even finding the abandoned gold mine. They went so far as to go inside the mine shafts to investigate.
Although Qiao Qie’er was curious about what exactly they were looking for, she did not ask. She just helped out whenever she was needed.
Of course, most of the work was done by Nanzhu and Mu Aotie. Sect Master Yu was clearly somewhat love-struck and short of heroic spirit. He was not as dedicated to serious matters as before, and his energy seemed to be focused more on Qiao Qie’er.
In the pitch-black abandoned mine, Qiao Qie’er, still half-covered by a white veil, stood at the entrance. She silently watched the white clouds in the sky, lost in thought, not knowing what she was thinking about, with melancholy showing in her eyes.
Yu Qing walked out of the mine and came up behind her. Because she was lost in thought, she
The morning food at the post station had little variety, and the best option was mutton soup. It was quite expensive, as a bowl of soup with just one flatbread cost fifty cash.
For Yu Qing and the others now, it was naturally not expensive, since one tael of silver could buy twenty bowls of mutton soup.
It was very expensive for ordinary people, and ordinary people had their own way of life. Ordinary people could not spend tens of thousands of taels of silver to fly around in the sky at the drop of a hat, nor could they spend millions to buy a painting or a piece of jewellery. Many could not even bear to spend money to ride horses back and forth. Unless it was absolutely necessary to leave
The morning food at the post station had little variety, and the best option was mutton soup. It was quite expensive, as a bowl of soup with just one flatbread cost fifty cash.
For Yu Qing and the others now, it was naturally not expensive, since one tael of silver could buy twenty bowls of mutton soup.
It was very expensive for ordinary people, and ordinary people had their own way of life. Ordinary people could not spend tens of thousands of taels of silver to fly around in the sky at the drop of a hat, nor could they spend millions to buy a painting or a piece of jewellery. Many could not even bear to spend money to ride horses back and forth. Unless it was absolutely necessary to leave their homeland, they could only go round in circles in one place for their entire lives, never going far and considering anyone on horseback to be a noble.
Fortunately, the mutton soup was generous, served in large bowls with plenty of meat in it.
The flatbread was also substantial, dry and hard. Qiao Qie’er patiently tore the bread into small pieces and soaked it in the soup.
Yu Qing watched and shook his head, thinking this woman was just being fussy and not as straightforward as him. He grabbed the flatbread, stuffed it into his mouth, and bit off a large piece, chewing it slowly with his mouth full. Just as he managed to swallow one mouthful and was about to bite a second, Qiao Qie’er reached out and held his hand. She shook her head at him, signalling him not to eat like that, took the half-eaten flatbread from his hand, and took away his bowl of soup. Then she placed her own bowl of soup in front of him, signalling him to eat the soaked bread.
After that, she continued to tear the flatbread Yu Qing had bitten and soaked it in the soup he had drunk from.
Yu Qing was stunned for a moment, then chuckled and naturally enjoyed it.
“Tsk tsk, I cannot stand it, I really cannot bear to watch. Ninth Brother, let us change seats. Someone who can stay in a room for a day and two nights without going out is no ordinary person. Who knows what they might do. Be careful not to set our teeth on edge.”
Nanzhu and Mu Aotie walked over. As they came down the steps, they happened to see this scene. Nanzhu kept making sarcastic remarks. The two of them, who had originally planned to sit at the same table, properly walked away and sat further off.
Yu Qing continued to chuckle happily. Qiao Qie’er was still somewhat embarrassed, but she was gradually getting used to it, at least deliberately making herself look as if nothing was wrong.
The attendant over by the stove kept stealing glances in their direction. Seeing that the woman was not only as tender and beautiful as a fairy and dressed well, but also so good to her man, he compared her to his own wife and felt a mixture of emotions in his heart. Yet he also knew it was useless to envy them.
The breakfast area of the post station was outside the house, with only a shed set up to block the sun. Several tables were placed under the shed, all facing the sea. One could see the crowds coming and going at the dock, as well as the ships sailing back and forth on the sea. It was a fine sight, and a new day had begun.
After the meal, Nanzhu asked Mu Aotie to go and arrange the riding beasts for their departure with the post station. He himself walked over to the other table, patted Yu Qing on the shoulder, and smiled at Qiao Qie’er, “Sister-in-law, could I borrow your man for a moment?”
Qiao Qie’er was somewhat at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Saying yes would be awkward, and saying no would also be awkward, so she just kept silent and did not respond.
“Pay no attention to him. He has just been a bachelor for too long and cannot stand seeing others do well.” Yu Qing gave a response, but still tilted his head to signal Qiao Qie’er, “We are about to set off. Go back to the room and pack first.”
“Mm.” Qiao Qie’er nodded, stood up, and bowed slightly to Nanzhu before leaving.
Even though there were no outsiders around, Nanzhu still pulled Yu Qing towards the sea. After walking a bit further away, he asked, “Have you told her what we are going to do?”
Yu Qing said, “No.”
Nanzhu asked, “You have not leaked anything about our sect, have you?”
Yu Qing said, “As the sect master, I would not be ignorant of the sect rules. If it does not pass the sect rules, I will not tell her. It is for her own good.”
Nanzhu asked, “If you do not say anything at all, will she be willing?”
Yu Qing said, “I told her that when there are things she should be told, I will naturally tell her. She also said that if I do not want to say, she will not ask any more.” As he spoke, he raised his eyebrows at Nanzhu, clearly showing his smugness, as if saying, “She is quite good, isn’t she?”
Nanzhu rolled his eyes, turned around, and left, too lazy to stay and be provoked.
Yu Qing, on the other hand, laughed heartily, feeling very happy. He was indeed very happy, not just because he had won a great beauty, and not just because he had officially become a man. The key point was that the woman he was with this time liked him, Yu Qing, and not the Tanhua, A Shiheng, with his reputation.
He had not expected that his own marriage fate would arrive just like this. Although Qiao Qie’er being with him had the factor of revenge, he did not think this was improper. He was partly responsible for the Qiao family’s disaster, and his own feud with Bai Lan would have to be settled sooner or later. Otherwise, being watched secretly all the time was not a good thing.
He was not greedy, and he was very satisfied.
The party of four riders set off, galloping all the way to Can Prefecture. Qiao Qie’er put on her veil again to avoid attracting too much attention.
Along the way, apart from changing riding beasts, they barely stopped, riding day and night. After crossing a prefecture, they finally arrived at Can Prefecture. After asking for directions along the way, they reached the Golden Valley mentioned in the information provided by the Watchtower.
It was just a large canyon. The road inside the valley was a main thoroughfare, a vital route for travel between the two prefectures.
The four of them searched all over the canyon area, chatting with travelling merchants, inquiring with nearby households, and even finding the abandoned gold mine. They went so far as to go inside the mine shafts to investigate.
Although Qiao Qie’er was curious about what exactly they were looking for, she did not ask. She just helped out whenever she was needed.
Of course, most of the work was done by Nanzhu and Mu Aotie. Sect Master Yu was clearly somewhat love-struck and short of heroic spirit. He was not as dedicated to serious matters as before, and his energy seemed to be focused more on Qiao Qie’er.
In the pitch-black abandoned mine, Qiao Qie’er, still half-covered by a white veil, stood at the entrance. She silently watched the white clouds in the sky, lost in thought, not knowing what she was thinking about, with melancholy showing in her eyes.
Yu Qing walked out of the mine and came up behind her. Because she was lost in thought, she surprisingly did not notice him. Yu Qing stared at her. This woman always occasionally revealed such melancholy and sorrow, as if she had not truly moved on from that sudden change.
“Why are you ignoring me?” Yu Qing sighed.
“Huh?” Qiao Qie’er suddenly turned around and smiled sweetly, saying, “How could I be.”
Then she reached out to brush the dust off Yu Qing’s sleeve. She was very attentive. In this moment, her tenderness was unmatched. It seemed she always wanted to give him all her care without reservation, wanting to give it all in the shortest possible time, looking completely willing and uncomplaining.
Yu Qing grabbed her hands and was about to wrap his arms around her waist, liking to sniff the natural fragrance from her ears and neck.
Here we go again. Qiao Qie’er was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. She glanced inside the mine and hurriedly pushed him away in a flurry, saying, “Stop messing about.”
Yu Qing pestered her relentlessly, “You saw my body, and then you seduced and took me, and now you want to back out?”
Qiao Qie’er burst out laughing, amused by his joke. She hit him with a flurry of random punches. As a result, he took the opportunity to hug her properly. The two looked into each other’s eyes. Later, Qiao Qie’er’s bright eyes were filled with water, showing she was clearly moved. She hugged him back, and their foreheads touched. They were reluctant to part, sniffing each other’s breath and quietly feeling each other’s presence.
“It would be so good if we could have known each other earlier. Would the past you have thought highly of me?”
Qiao Qie’er murmured with her eyes closed.
Yu Qing murmured in response, “How could I not think highly of such a great beauty? It is not too late to know each other now.”
Inside the cave, two figures appeared. Nanzhu and Mu Aotie, covered in dirt, crawled out, holding torches in their hands.
The two did not expect to see this scene as soon as they came out. Nanzhu covered his eyes with one hand and turned his head away, saying, “Oh my, I really cannot stand these two. They are always hugging and kissing in broad daylight, never caring about the place or the occasion. They can hug each other at any time. What kind of habit is this? Let me ask you two, is it really necessary? Could you find an inn and close the door before doing this? You might not be embarrassed, but we are. Are you not going to let us live?”
Mu Aotie still spoke up fairly for Qiao Qie’er, “It has nothing to do with Sister-in-law. It is just that Fifteen’s nature is too wild.”
Caught in the act again, Qiao Qie’er blushed once more. She hurriedly pushed him away in a flurry and quickly stepped aside to hide.
Yu Qing waved his hand and called out, “What are you afraid of? They are just jealous and envious!”
The more he called out, the further away they walked. They did not have such a thick face as him.
“I am jealous and envious of a ghost!” Nanzhu threw the torch in his hand directly at him.
Yu Qing waved his hand and knocked it away.
“Scandalous!” Mu Aotie’s torch flew over as well.
Yu Qing twisted his body and dodged it again, looking utterly disdainful and smug.
“Stop showing off here.” Nanzhu walked over, cursing under his breath. He glanced at the woman who had avoided them, then said to Yu Qing, “Based on our investigations over the past few days, this time, I am afraid we have looked in the wrong place.”
Speaking of this, Yu Qing had the same feeling. However, since they had already come, they definitely had to investigate thoroughly first. Besides, changing to the next location required these two to bring it up themselves. Since he did not state his opinion on coming here first, he would not state his opinion on changing to the next location either, because he did not want to pay the travel expenses out of his own pocket. The two of them had two hundred thousand taels, which was more than he had now.
Precisely because he could see that this place was not quite right and that the possibility was not high, he was not active.
At this moment, he deliberately played dumb and asked, “What do you mean?”
Nanzhu said, “You really are so much in love that you drink water and feel full, and you are not even focused on doing things. We have investigated everywhere, and you still do not understand? This Golden Valley has been a vital thoroughfare since ancient times, always full of people coming and going. If an immortal cave dwelling really opened here frequently, how could there be no related rumours at all?”
Yu Qing hummed and said, “That makes sense.”
Mu Aotie said, “Let us go and take a look at the Rift Valley Manor.”
Yu Qing said, “That is fine too. I only have a little over forty thousand taels left on me. Adding the two hundred thousand taels you have, I do not know if it will be enough for the travel expenses. Should we pool it together and fly for a while to see?”
Nanzhu suddenly cupped his hands around his mouth like a trumpet, used magic to shout loudly, “Sister-in-law, we are a bit short on travel expenses. Fifteen wants to borrow some money from you!”
Yu Qing was stunned and completely dumbfounded on the spot. By the time he reacted, Nanzhu had already flashed away and slipped off.
“You dead fat man!” Yu Qing pointed at the fleeing figure, gnashing his teeth in anger.
Mu Aotie glanced at Qiao Qie’er, who was walking over after hearing the noise. He crossed his arms over his chest, walked away slowly, passed Yu Qing with unhurried steps, and lightly left a sentence, “Nothing to do with me!”