Impératrices transmigrantes (hommes et femmes)

Chapitre 17

Xingge was puzzled, but amused by his serious expression, "Hehe, why?"

"No reason why, it just won't work. Even if his smile is beautiful and warm, don't be fooled." Ran ignored Xingge's teasing laughter and said seriously.

Xingge suddenly recalled that warm, spring-like smile and continued, "But I just love beautiful, warm smiles, what should I do?"

"He smiled at you, didn't he? Didn't he! People like that only care about themselves and will only hurt others. You must not do that!" Ran grabbed Xingge's arm and shook it violently in her anxiety.

"Okay, okay, I don't like it, I don't like it!" Xingge was shaken until she was dizzy, and she quickly agreed.

"I'll try my best to smile beautifully and warmly from now on, so you have to only like me, okay?" Ran pleaded shyly.

Xingge was both amused and exasperated, and shouted, "Give me back my book!"

Ran jumped back, grinning as she waved the book in her hand, "Promise me, and I'll give the book back to you, promise me now!"

Xingge rolled up her long sleeves and leaped up from the soft couch. "You think I'm a pushover too? I'll have to show my true colors now."

The two were playfully fighting over the book inside the house. After a few rounds, Ran was chased to the door and bumped into Dou Huai, who was lifting the curtain to enter. When she regained her senses, her uncle was standing next to Dou Huai.

Dou Huai grabbed Ran and said, "What are you two doing now? The Prince just returned to camp and specifically asked me to bring you here first."

They came to see us?! They're clearly here to see Ge'er! Ran was displeased, but on the surface she smiled and greeted Jiu as if they were old friends.

Xingge also lowered his long sleeves and came over to greet him, "Your Highness, it's been a long time. Did you bring my salary?"

Jiu Ru smiled lightly, "You repeatedly reminded me in your letter, how could I possibly forget!" Turning to Ran, she added, "Xing Ge was in danger this time, and it was thanks to you that she was saved. I thank you very much!"

"Xingge's business is my business, and besides..." Ran turned around and winked at Xingge with a mischievous smile, "Besides, I only did some small things like sucking out the poison to heal the wound and warming each other in bed, nothing to thank me for!" After saying that, she glanced at her uncle's face.

Xingge frowned and glared at Xiao Ran. Dou Huai, hearing these blatant words, also felt a little embarrassed. "Brother Ran, I have something to discuss with you. Come with me quickly." With that, he pulled Ran outside.

"Xingge, I will definitely take responsibility for you!" Ran shouted back at Xingge with a smile as she was being pulled outside.

Xingge watched with a smile as Ran was led away, while Jiu Ru stood to the side, her face expressionless, her cold eyes suddenly darkening.

29. Holding a grudge

"The good climate and abundant waters of Xicang have made people forget all about etiquette!"

Xingge's smile hadn't faded when he saw that the prince's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were icy. He knew this man had always disliked his closeness with Prince Li's faction. So, with a playful smile, he said...

"People of the martial world don't concern themselves with such trivialities, Your Highness, you can't deduct my salary for this reason!"

When Xiao Ran spoke, Xing Ge did not refute her. Although she knew it was for healing, she still couldn't suppress her anger. Xing Ge's nonchalant attitude only added fuel to the fire.

"You have already entered the Qingwang Mansion, and Sima Ran is no ordinary person. Young Master Ye, please be more careful with your behavior!"

Xingge's smile froze instantly. Thinking of the past few months of hard work, she felt a surge of anger, but she still managed a forced smile.

"Your Highness has come all the way from the capital just to instruct me on my virtue! I am truly grateful. I come from a secular background and am by no means a refined scholar who would not drink water from a polluted spring, nor am I some virtuous woman who cut off her nose or arm. There is no need for the Prince of Qing's mansion to erect a memorial arch for me."

Yes, why did I rush all the way from the capital...? Jiu Ru sighed softly, remained silent for a moment, forced a smile, and reached out to Xing Ge's shoulder.

"Is your shoulder injury feeling better?"

Xingge leaped aside in a flash, saying, "Your Highness is no ordinary man of the martial world, please have some self-respect!"

Jiu Ru's outstretched hand froze in mid-air, her anger finally becoming uncontrollable.

"We can share a bed to warm up, but now you can't even touch me!" With a roar, Jiu Ru turned and left!

Xingge was bewildered by this inexplicable anger. He gulped down several mouthfuls of tea, then suddenly caught sight of Mo Yi, who had entered the room at some unknown time.

"Didn't you see your composed and steady young master just left? What are you still doing here?!"

A rare smile crossed Mo's face.

"Young master is usually so gentle and easygoing, why did you get so worked up over a few harsh words this time!"

Xingge was taken aback. Indeed, she had suffered countless injustices and been fooled countless times in her life; how could she be so...? She couldn't help but chuckle.

"Brother Mo is indeed protective of his master; it's my fault for being scolded!"

"Young Master has been traveling day and night, so it's understandable that he's a bit irritable... General Dou's welcoming banquet in the front hall is still waiting for you."

"Fine, I won't argue with your good-natured young master. If he dares to withhold my pay, I'll take it from you!" Xingge stepped out the door, and Mo behind her fell silent.

At the banquet, General Dou exchanged pleasantries with the prince, while Ran Yinqin served dishes to Xingge. Dou Huai sensed an odd atmosphere and looked at Xingge to inquire, while Xingge took the opportunity to make a face. "That troublemaker!" Dou Huai shook his head and smiled wryly.

In the evening, in the singing room,

"Young Master Ye, the young master requests your presence for a meeting." Mo was already standing at the door.

"Oh, your young master's anger has subsided?"

"Young master, don't you want your lunch money anymore?"

Singing and laughing lightly, he followed Mo to Jiuru Courtyard. The hall was exquisitely elegant, warm as spring, much more comfortable than his own room. "Tch! Old Dou knows that trick too!"

Seeing that Mo had given her a signal, Xingge stepped out, lifted the curtain, and entered the side room. As soon as she entered, she saw a person dressed only in a moon-white nightgown, with her black hair loose, lazily leaning on a table looking at a map. Xingge paused, thinking, "What a beautiful woman leaning on a table!" The other person looked up and saw her with a surprised expression.

Silence! I turned around, but there was no one there!

"Why didn't you let us know you were coming?" Jiu Ru wasn't angry, just a little embarrassed. She hurriedly got up and grabbed a coat to put on.

Xingge suddenly changed his mind and deliberately looked at Jiuru with a wicked smile, "I have been lusting after Your Highness's good looks, so I specially asked Mo to take me to break into your boudoir at night. It is indeed very alluring!"

When Jiu Ru realized that it was Mo's scheme, she felt relieved, but also somewhat disappointed.

Xingge walked a few steps to the table, sat down, and stretched out his arm, "Give me the silver!"

Jiu Ru raised her hand and grasped Xing Ge's wrist, gently checking his pulse. "Didn't you make a fortune of 100,000 taels in Fanzhou? Why would you care about this little bit of silver?!"

Oh, you know that too? "That poor wretch issued worthless banknotes, Your Highness must stand up for me!"

Jiu Ru rolled her eyes. "You got your hands on Hua Lian's precious jade pendant too!"

"Ha, this shows that Your Highness has a discerning eye, having invited someone as lovable and charming as me!" Xingge made a dashing gesture with her free hand.

"You troublemaker!" Jiu Ru couldn't help but laugh and scold, releasing Xing Ge's wrist. "Your injury is not serious anymore. I brought some tonics with me this time. Take them and decoct them for tomorrow."

"I still want to eat!" Xingge felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

Jiu Ru, by the candlelight, quietly gazed at the person she hadn't had a chance to look at closely all day, her heart filled with inexplicable emotions. Xing Ge, not to be outdone, opened her eyes and met his gaze.

a long time……

"Wow, what kind of skill is this? Doesn't it hurt to keep your eyes open without blinking?!" Xingge exclaimed in defeat, rubbing her eyes as she did so.

After a while, she withdrew her gaze, smiled faintly, and remained silent.

"Let's get down to business! What does Your Highness think of the ideas I proposed in my letter?"

"In your opinion, what kind of person is the Fourth Prince?"

"Kind-looking but cunning, intelligent, astute, broad-minded, decisive and ruthless in handling affairs, he is definitely a person who will achieve great things."

After a moment's thought, Jiu Ru said, "Your idea is excellent, but we'll have to put in some effort and use some tactics with the Emperor."

"Your Highness is adept at social maneuvering; there's nothing to worry about!"

"I will be inspecting Xicang during this period. You will come with me, and we will make a decision after we have learned about the situation."

"Your Highness is studying patrol routes; I can offer some suggestions."

The two discussed the map on the table for nearly half an hour, until Xingge couldn't help but yawn.

Jiu Ru got up and put on her fur coat. "It's late. I'll take you home."

"No rush!" Xingge frowned, trying to brush me off again!

Jiu Ru raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Do you expect me to serve you until you retire for the night?"

"Stop playing dumb! Otherwise, even with my injuries, I'll have to serve Your Highness properly!" Xingge angrily reached out her hand.

"Give me the silver right now!"

"Hahaha……"

30. Kucha

Over the course of a month, Jiu Ru, along with Xing Ge and Mo Yi, traversed the entire Xicang region, even disguising themselves to enter the territory of Bei Jue. In the end, they even rented a house in Kucha, a major town in Xicang of Bei Jue, and settled down there.

Kucha Town was the capital of the former Kucha Kingdom. Kucha was originally a small kingdom in Xicang, located at a strategic point, serving as a vital passage between the Central Plains and the northwestern foreign lands. During the previous dynasty, it submitted to the Central Plains. Later, due to years of war in the Central Plains, the Northern Jurchens took the opportunity to destroy Kucha and established Kucha Town as its former capital. After decades of development, it has become an important commercial town in Xicang.

Because the Northern Jurchens had opened Xicang Town as a commercial post station two years ago, there were many foreign merchants coming and going in Kucha Town. It was bustling and prosperous, far surpassing Yumen Town, which had been closed for many years.

Thirty miles west of Kucha Town lies a Gobi ravine stretching for nearly a hundred miles, serving as a natural barrier against northwestern tribes. Countless fierce battles have taken place there over the centuries.

Jiu Ru led Mo Yi to carefully examine the ravine several times. In the distance, they saw Xing Ge riding a horse on the edge of the ravine. Reflected in the setting sun, he seemed to be coated with a layer of orange light, quiet and distant.

He spurred his horse and galloped to Xingge's side, his joy barely concealed.

"Truly a stroke of luck! How did you know about this place?"

Xingge smiled faintly, "History records say, 'One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand ages,' and this place is the perfect example!"

He gazed at Xingge with a calm and serene smile, yet his eyes held a resolute indifference.

"If you were a man, you would surely become a famous general of this dynasty!"

"Emperors and generals, in the end, are nothing but a handful of yellow earth. I only ask that you, young master, after you sit on that throne, do not let down this talent that has endured for eternity!" After saying this, Xingge turned his horse around and slowly rode back to the two of them.

"When does the young master plan to set off back to Yumen?" There are only three days left until the New Year! If we ride fast, we should be able to make it in time.

"Young Master plans to spend the New Year in Kucha before returning." Mo Yi spoke up unexpectedly from the side, his expression revealing neither joy nor sorrow.

"What?!" Xingge's mind raced. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Mo. I have promised Major General Dou and Xiao Ran that I will definitely return to Yumen before the New Year."

"Mo Yi, you have all the passes to enter the Northern Jurchens, right?" Jiu Ru said.

"yes!"

Jiu Ru raised an eyebrow and looked at Xing Ge.

"You think a mere town gate can stop me?!" Xingge's face darkened.

"We can't stop them, but with a lot of trouble, they probably won't be able to get back to Yumen in three days!" Jiu Ru laughed gleefully.

“The longer you stay, the more danger you will face, young master!” Xingge said, turning his eyebrows with a hint of worry.