Chapter 246

Qi Yanzhou was in Guangyang Prefecture when Xi Ze wrote the letter.

Guangyang Prefecture was nearly fifteen hundred li from the capital.

By the time the letter reached Nan Xiao, he and Aman were roughly five hundred li from the capital.

Qi Yanzhou calculated the distances.

If they used a Haidong falcon to deliver the message, they could get the best route from the capital to Ji Prefecture into Xi Ze and Aman’s hands by the time they reached the capital.

“Prepare the writing materials. I need to send a letter to Xi Ze.”

Nan Xiao handed Qi Yanzhou paper and brush, ground the ink, then used his back as a table.

Qi Yanzhou drew a simple map and marked the major landmarks, lest Xi Ze take a wrong turn.

The letter would be delivered to Bei Ning, who had remained in the capital.

She would then pass it on to Xi Ze when he passed near the capital.

Thus, at the end of the letter, he added a greeting for Aman and gave Xi Ze several further instructions.

Qi Yanzhou rolled up the finished letter and handed it to Nan Xiao.

“This letter must reach the capital as quickly as possible. Send it by Haidong falcon.”

“Yes, Master.”

Nan Xiao took the letter, placed it in a slender bamboo tube, and handed it to one of his subordinates.

“Send this to the capital by Haidong falcon.”

After the subordinate accepted the order and departed, Nan Xiao asked Qi Yanzhou, “What did you need me for, Master?”

“I’ll be staying in Ji Prefecture for a while, waiting for Xi Ze to bring the shaman healer and rendezvous with us. You needn’t accompany me. Go to Ji Prefecture City first and find a place to settle in.”

After agreeing, Nan Xiao said, “To be safe, I would like to leave half our men behind to protect you.”

Qi Yanzhou had no objection.

“That’s fine. How is the investigation into Sun Chu going?”

“This subordinate is incompetent. I found no leads whatsoever on the Wuji Sect—only the Wan Neng Sect. Sun Chu is its sect master.

“The Wan Neng Sect sounds like a martial arts sect, but it is actually a merchant guild. Sun Chu mainly leads his disciples in business.”

Having finished his report, Nan Xiao handed Qi Yanzhou the detailed information he had gathered.

Qi Yanzhou swiftly read through the several sheets of paper.

Sun Chu was exceptionally skilled at business. He had ventured into every profitable trade, and in each one, he ranked among the best.

The secret to his wealth was simple: novelty.

The dishes in his restaurants could not be found elsewhere; neither could the liquor in his taverns, the games in his gambling houses, the entertainment in his brothels, or the rooms in his inns.

As a result, Sun Chu had become wealthy enough to rival a nation in merely three years.

“How did he come up with so many of these ideas?”

To devise something new in every line of business was not something that could be explained merely by a “talent for commerce.”

Nan Xiao found it equally unbelievable.

“Master, although Sun Chu has been controlled by Madam’s poison, we must still remain on guard against him.”

Those whose depths were unknown were always the most dangerous.

Qi Yanzhou nodded. “Continue investigating Sun Chu.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Has there been any news from the capital?”

Several days had passed since the emperor received the memorial from Lai County, along with the deposed crown prince’s severed head.

If he had immediately moved to reassure the people and taken action, news should have reached them by now.

Nan Xiao shook his head. “Not yet. It should arrive within the next few days.”

“Go to Ji Prefecture first.”

After saying this, Qi Yanzhou returned to where the exile convoy was resting.

He saw Sun Chu clinging to Ye Chutang and walked over.

“What are you talking about?”

Sun Chu replied without thinking, “We’re talking about making money. You wouldn’t understand.”

Qi Yanzhou: “...”

He might be a military commander, but he had plenty of businesses under his name as well, all right?

“Perfect. I can learn a thing or two about business from Young Master Sun.”

Although Sun Chu did not sense any hostility from Qi Yanzhou, he found him somewhat strange.

Ye Chutang, however, keenly picked up on Qi Yanzhou’s possessiveness.

But as long as he did not use that possessiveness to restrain her, she did not mind it.

So she said nothing, merely watching the two men glare at each other.

Sun Chu was the first to buckle beneath Qi Yanzhou’s stare and looked away.

“Once we’ve settled down in Tianshan Prefecture, I’ll tell Young Master Qi all about making money.”

Qi Yanzhou had no real interest in learning business tricks. He simply did not want to see Sun Chu hovering around Ye Chutang.

Now that he had achieved his purpose, he nodded. “Fine.”

With that, he sat down beside Ye Chutang and leaned close to whisper in her ear, “A letter from Xi Ze has arrived.”

It was an ordinary statement, yet his movement made it sound rather intimate.

Ye Chutang’s ear tickled, but she did not pull away.

“Can he make it to Jizhou City in time?”

Qi Yanzhou nodded with certainty.

“If they follow the route you planned, they’ll reach Jizhou City before my poison acts up.”

Bei Ning would arrange people along the way to clear any obstacles.

Unless some unforeseeable natural disaster occurred.

Hearing Qi Yanzhou’s words, Ye Chutang finally felt completely at ease.

“It takes ten days of traveling day and night to get from the capital to Jizhou City. There are still thirteen days before your poison flares up, so we have just enough time.”

Then she suggested, “It’s been unbearably hot lately. How about we travel a little less each day and arrive in Jizhou City later?”

From Dingzhou to Jizhou, it would take six days if they covered fifty li a day.

Now that there was no need to hurry, they could take two days to cover what they would normally travel in one.

Qi Yanzhou looked at the glaring sun and nodded.

“That works. But with the drought, finding water on the road will be difficult. It would be best if we could spend each night in a town.”

He did not want to waste too much time on the road, because the Qixi Festival was fast approaching.

Jizhou might not be a large place, but it was still a prefectural city. It was bound to be lively.

Ye Chutang thought Qi Yanzhou made sense.

“Wu Chenggang is familiar with the exile route. Go discuss it with him and plan out the daily itinerary. We can rest more during the day and travel farther at night.”

It was the hottest stretch of summer. Traveling by day was far too punishing.

“Alright. I’ll go talk to him.”

The two men discussed the matter for the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Based on the locations of the counties and towns along the way, they mapped out an eight-day journey.

If they followed the plan, they would arrive in Jizhou City on the day of the Qixi Festival.

***

Three days later, Qi Yanzhou received news from the capital.

When he read that the Emperor, in an effort to win back the people’s support, had not only issued an edict of self-reproach but had also knelt before the commoners and reduced taxes for three years, his brows rose slightly in surprise.

“As expected. The Emperor is afraid. He has yielded.”

All the better.

Though the Emperor had regained some public support as a result, he had also given Qi Yanzhou three years to make his arrangements.

Moreover, in the short term, the Emperor would not dare make another move against the Qi family.

After reading the letter, Ye Chutang said mockingly, “At least he knows what’s good for him.”

The journey to Tianshan Prefecture could finally be peaceful.

But they could not let the Emperor claim all the people’s goodwill.

“Azhou, have your people spread the word. Let the commoners know that it was you who fought to have their taxes reduced.”

That was the truth.

If the emperor had not been driven into a corner by Qi Yanzhou, how could he possibly have bowed to the common people?

Qi Yanzhou thought the same.

Thus, upon receiving the letter from Bei Ning, he immediately sent his men to find Nan Xiao and spread the news.

“Alright. We’ll do as Chutang says.”

Five days later.

The exile convoy arrived at Jizhou City at the hour of the Snake.

The prefect, the provincial governor, and the commander of the local garrison came with the people to welcome them in person.

Even more citizens had gathered outside the city gates than there had been in Dingzhou City.

As the prefecture nearest to Dingzhou, the people of Jizhou had learned days earlier that the reduction of taxes by half was all thanks to Qi Yanzhou.

First, he had spared the people across the realm from the suffering of the epidemic. Now, he had eased the burden of their survival.

Having received such tangible benefits, the people were naturally deeply grateful to him.

The moment the Qi family came into view, they immediately dropped to their knees, voicing their gratitude and blessings.

Ye Chutang glanced at Qi Yanzhou, who had won the hearts of the people, and thought, Even if the emperor himself came here, he probably wouldn’t receive such a grand welcome!

As Qi Yanzhou looked at the people who revered him as though he were a deity, he felt that all the dangers he had faced had been worth it.

With the people supporting him so wholeheartedly, it would be far easier to install a new emperor in the future.

“Please rise, everyone. I am now a commoner just like you. I cannot accept such a great gesture from you.”

“Young Master Qi is our benefactor, the one who gave us a second chance at life! No show of respect could ever be too great!”

At those words, the people all bowed their heads to the ground in unison.

The provincial governor stepped forward. “Everyone, get up. Don’t block the road. The weather is hot—let Young Master Qi and his party hurry to the post station and rest.”

The crowd immediately rose and moved to either side of the street, clearing a path for them.

The street, which had been packed to the brim, instantly became remarkably spacious.

The three high-ranking officials governing Jizhou led the exile convoy toward the post station.

The shops along the street had all hung colorful lanterns, upside-down umbrellas were suspended overhead, and even the vendors had decorated their stalls.

When Ye Chutang saw it, the corner of her eye twitched.

Was this really necessary?

They had gone to such lengths just to welcome the Qi family into the city?

Seeing her expression, Qi Yanzhou explained quietly, “Today is the Qixi Festival.”

The moment she heard that, Ye Chutang understood.

“You shortened the rest stops along the journey and arrived in Jizhou two days early just so we could celebrate Qixi?”

“Yes. On this road of exile, there isn’t much I can give you. I can only do everything I can.”

“I really like what you arranged.”

Since transmigrating here, Ye Chutang had not celebrated a single festival. She found herself looking forward to it.

Seeing the delight in Ye Chutang’s eyes, Qi Yanzhou’s sensual lips curved into a smile.

“Once night falls, we’ll go out and have a look around.”

“Alright. Is the Qixi Festival fun?”

The moment she asked, Ye Chutang realized it was not quite an appropriate question and hurriedly added, “I’ve always lived in the countryside. I’ve never even celebrated Lunar New Year.”

Her words made Qi Yanzhou’s heart ache. He promised, “It is. From now on, I’ll spend every festival with you.”

“It’s a promise!”

Before long, the group arrived at the post station.

Jizhou City was not large, and its post station was only half the size of the one in Dingzhou City.

It was not large enough to accommodate more than a hundred people.

The prefect looked at Wu Chenggang, who held the official exile documents, and said, “I have already rented the inn next to the post station. There will be enough room for everyone to rest.”

Wu Chenggang bent forward in a respectful bow. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for your consideration.”

Straightening, he looked toward Qi Yanzhou.

“Young Master Qi has fallen ill from overwork these past few days and is unwell. He will need to recuperate in Jizhou City for some time. Does Your Excellency approve?”

The day of Qi Yanzhou’s poison flare-up was close at hand.

An unnatural flush colored his handsome face, and under the sunlight, even his hair seemed to glint with an eerie red.

Though he did his best to conceal it, there was still a chilling, violent aura about him.

The Prefect had never expected the exile convoy to remain in Jizhou for an extended stay. He hurriedly looked to the Provincial Governor and the commander of the garrison.

The two immediately nodded in agreement.

Qi Yanzhou’s prestige was now immense. They would never dare invoke the law to restrain him.

Forget staying in Jizhou City for a few extra days—even if he chose to remain there permanently, they would not dare utter a word of objection.

The Prefect felt the same way.

Smiling, he said to Wu Chenggang, “Since Young Master Qi is unwell, he should naturally recover fully before continuing the journey.”

Having made his position clear, he turned to Qi Yanzhou.

“Young Master Qi, I know an elderly imperial physician who has returned to his hometown. His medical skills are exceptional. Shall I ask him to come and examine you?”

He knew Ye Chutang’s medical skills were outstanding, and that Qi Yanzhou had no need for another physician.

Still, the appropriate concern had to be shown.

Qi Yanzhou took Ye Chutang’s hand and shook his head in refusal.

“No need. Having Atang is enough. There is no need for you gentlemen to waste your time on us. Attend to whatever business you have, and simply treat us as travelers passing through and staying here for a while.”

The Prefect could tell that Qi Yanzhou did not wish to be disturbed.

“I understand. If you need anything, simply speak to the post station manager. I will take my leave.”

After saying this, he gave the manager a few instructions before leaving the post station.

The Provincial Governor and the garrison commander exchanged brief greetings with Qi Yanzhou, then departed close behind him.

After inspecting both the post station and the inn, Han Chong arranged the rooms.

Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang were assigned the finest Heaven-class room on the third floor of the inn.

The two elders of the Qi family, Concubine Xu and her son, and Sun Chu occupied the remaining two rooms on the third floor, with the men and women separated into different rooms.

Since Chen Shaoping’s leg had not yet healed, Qi Qingyu’s family of four stayed in ordinary rooms on the first floor.

The remaining rooms, along with the rear courtyard’s side rooms, were allocated to the Protectorate Army.

More than sixty people were lodged at the inn in total.

The rest stayed at the post station, where there were just enough rooms for everyone.

It was the first time the Chen and Ye families had been assigned rooms of their own. They were so moved that tears filled their eyes.

Ye Chutang sat on the soft bed, gazing at the blocks of ice placed in the corner of the room, her expression full of emotion.

“At ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‍last, we’re living like human beings again.”

Her words filled Qi Yanzhou with guilt.

“Atang, I’ve made you suffer.”

Ye Chutang had only been speaking offhand; she had meant nothing by it.

Smiling, she said, “Hardship first, sweetness after. It was worth it.”

With that, she removed her outer robe, lay down on the bed, and patted the empty space beside her.

“It’s rare to be this comfortable. Want to lie down together for a while?”

Qi Yanzhou had nothing to attend to in Jizhou, so he removed his outer robe and lay down beside Ye Chutang.

The next instant, Ye Chutang’s fingers settled over his wrist.

His body was scorching hot, making her fingertips seem cool by comparison.

“Atang, don’t worry. Xi Ze and Aman will reach Jizhou City soon.”

Ye Chutang said nothing, concentrating on taking his pulse.

Before long, she withdrew her hand and said, “After we wake up, I’ll give you acupuncture.”

Though it was better than nothing, it was still preferable to doing nothing at all.

Qi Yanzhou accepted Ye Chutang’s kindness.

“Alright. Go to sleep.”

Turning onto his side, he wrapped an arm around Ye Chutang’s waist and gently patted her back as though soothing a child.

Ye Chutang found it somewhat amusing, but she did not refuse him.

Ever since becoming pregnant, she had been sleeping exceptionally well. Before long, she had drifted off.

Qi Yanzhou gazed at her stunning profile, his eyes brimming with affection.

Yet beneath that tenderness lay a faint, carefully concealed terror.

No one understood his condition better than he did. The fire poison had been worsening over the past two days.

Perhaps he would not even last five days. The poison might flare up in three.

And it would be difficult for Aman to reach Jizhou City within three days.

He did not want to die. He wanted to grow old with Chutang. He wanted to watch their children grow up healthy and safe.

Qi Yanzhou did not dare sleep. Greedily, he watched Ye Chutang.

He wanted to melt her into his very bones and blood, yet could not bear for her to suffer even the slightest harm.

His burning-hot hand came to rest on Ye Chutang’s slightly rounded belly, his eyes softening with tender affection.

“Chutang, for you and the children, I will hold on until the very end!”

After saying this silently to himself, he moved closer to Ye Chutang. Breathing in her delicate fragrance, his eyelids gradually grew heavy.

After Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou had slept for a while, they were called up for lunch.

Although the food was not as good as it had been in Dingzhou, it was still quite lavish.

When Qi Yanzhou saw that there was fish on the table, he immediately moved it to the spot farthest from Ye Chutang.

Seeing her son’s actions, Old Madam Qi at once recalled that Ye Chutang had vomited several times because of fish.

And whenever there was fish on the table, it was always placed as far away from her as possible.

Could it be...?

[Why doesn’t the male lead take the initiative to meet up with the shaman healer and have the poison cured?

First, the shaman healer is not traveling along the same route as the exile convoy.

Second, he does not know where or when the shaman healer will pass through, so he cannot arrange an exact meeting and might easily miss them.

Third, he has only felt over the last two days that the poison was about to flare up; there simply is not enough time.]