Yun Zhen knew that Yun Xiao would not be happy here. After all, this was Murong Yingxue’s home, and even Murong Chong was just a passerby. He was only temporarily using the geographical advantage of Yun Shui Mountain Villa.
Because no place in the world had a greater advantage than Yun Shui Mountain Villa. It was situated on a steep mountain peak, with a vast expanse of sea and sky in front.
There was only one secret passage down the mountain, guarded by special personnel. Ordinary people could not reach it, and passage up the mountain was only allowed one person at a time.
"Good."
Yun Xiao glanced at her brother, Yun Zhen. Yun Zhen was now as he was when they first met, dutifully displaying a brother's tolerance and magnanimity. She didn't know if Yun Zhen had truly forgotten those inappropriate thoughts, but she was grateful in her heart that he acted this way.
Yun Xiao bid farewell to her father and brother, and instructed Wanwan to stay in the mountain villa. Then, she went to the villa gate to meet Murong Chong. He had already arrived, and the two of them, along with a few subordinates, descended the mountain.
Murong Chong instructed Shangguan Lin to look after the people in the villa, and that they would return soon after obtaining the Jade Dragon Talisman.
In the sunlight, the two of them descended side by side, their robes fluttering. The lush greenery of the mountain, stirred by the gentle breeze, swayed softly.
At the foot of the mountain, Murong had already arranged for several fine horses. The group mounted their horses and headed straight for the capital.
Yun Shui Mountain Villa was a thousand miles away from the capital of Dong Qin. Although these horses were not capable of covering a thousand li in a day, their speed was decent, and they could cover several hundred li a day.
Therefore, if they traveled quickly, they could reach the capital in a day and a night. However, Murong Chong was worried about Yun Xiao getting tired, so they rested in between. They only arrived at Yan Jing City at noon the next day.
Throughout the journey, there was no time for conversation; they only focused on traveling. Upon reaching the gates of Yan Jing City, a carriage was already waiting.
It seemed Murong had made arrangements in advance. They dismounted their horses, got into the carriage, and headed towards the Poppy Medical Hall.
Within Yan Jing City, it was still lively and prosperous. Hidden beneath this prosperous facade were precarious situations that the common people could not imagine.
The world was at peace, and the four nations maintained a peaceful coexistence. The comfortable lives had made people almost forget the ravages of war and displacement.
Inside the carriage, Yun Xiao lifted the curtain and looked out, her heart feeling heavy. Her expression was slightly somber. If the theft of the Jade Dragon Talisman failed this time, it would likely bring trouble to these people, or perhaps intensify the struggle for the throne.
Therefore, replacing the Jade Dragon Talisman was of utmost importance. Once Shangguan Yao lost the Jade Dragon Talisman, he would have no recourse.
As Yun Xiao was lost in thought, an arm reached around her waist and pulled her close. A low breath brushed against her neck, and a deep, magnetic, husky voice spoke.
The day and night of travel had made his voice even deeper and more subdued.
"Xiao'er, be extremely careful."
Although he was protecting her from the shadows, he was still worried about any blind spots. A sense of unease lingered in his heart. Yun Xiao leaned against his chest, looked up, and smiled. She herself wasn't worried, so why should he be? Besides, she had never seen him worry about anything.
"It's alright, trust me. Besides, aren't you here? Don't treat me like someone who can't even lift a chicken.
You know Shangguan Yao might not be able to deal with me. Are we going to the medical hall now?
I want to see if the emperor has been looking for me recently. If he sent someone to pick me up, I can use that as an excuse to go to the palace.
Also, I hope to close the medical hall for now, and reopen it after you truly ascend the throne. It's all the same."
"Mm, alright."
The carriage drove towards the Poppy Medical Hall.
The afternoon sun shone into the medical hall. There were few patients today. The doctors and shop assistants were leaning on their desks, dozing.
Some were resting with their eyes closed behind the counter. Only Yan Mei was playing with her daughter, whose name was Nian Yue. She was about seven or eight months old, babbling unintelligibly.
As soon as Yun Xiao entered, Yan Mei exclaimed with surprise, "Young Master, where have you been? I haven't seen you for over a month."
At her words, Yun Xiao smiled faintly and nodded. The sound of her voice startled the doctors and shop assistants in the hall, who all opened their drowsy eyes.
Seeing Young Master Leng Yue, they did not panic as they would when seeing a master from other establishments, as the young master was usually very casual. They simply rubbed their eyes and stood up.
"Young Master is back."
"Mm, continue with what you were doing."
Yun Xiao walked over and picked up little Nian Yue. The baby, only a few months old, was initially shy, but she clearly recognized Yun Xiao and giggled as soon as she was held. Her large eyes were clear and expressive, and her chubby little hands reached out to grasp Yun Xiao's hair tie.
Yun Xiao knew that Yan Mei had named the child with gratitude in mind. Thinking about dismissing them soon made her heart ache with reluctance.
However, it was impossible not to dismiss them. If she failed, she would implicate them, and also little Nian Yue. If she was going to do something, she had to do it flawlessly, without implicating anyone.
Yun Xiao, while playing with Nian Yue, turned and asked Yan Mei.
"Has anything happened recently?"
"There's been nothing unusual with the patients. However, people from the palace came twice, saying the Emperor wanted to summon Young Master. Since Yan Mei didn't know where Young Master had gone, she casually made up an excuse, saying Young Master had gone south to treat a patient."
Yan Mei was always clever. Even if the Emperor was angry, he couldn't do anything about this explanation. She was a doctor, and healing people was her duty, regardless of where she went.
"Alright, I understand. I will go to the palace to see him later."
"Mm, alright," Yan Mei nodded habitually and reached out to take Nian Yue, but Yun Xiao did not hand her over.
Instead, she carried Nian Yue towards the back courtyard. Yan Mei knew she had something to say and followed closely behind, muttering curiously.
"Where did Sister Wanwan go? I don't see her."
"She'll be back soon, don't worry."
Yun Xiao said softly and leisurely. When they reached a secluded spot, she stopped and turned, placing Nian Yue into Yan Mei's arms. Then, she took out a thousand taels of silver notes and handed them to Yan Mei, speaking earnestly.
"Yan Mei, something has happened to me. Please exchange this money and distribute it to everyone according to their years of service. You can keep the rest to take care of Nian Yue."
Yan Mei was shocked upon hearing this and her face turned pale. She asked nervously, "Young Master, what has happened?"
"It's nothing. I haven't been to the palace a few times now. I'm afraid the Emperor will be angry and implicate you all. So, I'm letting everyone else go back. You should also find a place to stay. It won't be long before I reopen. When you see the notice, come back and continue working. I will hire you first."
"Young Master, I don't want to leave."
Yan Mei began to cry. Due to her sadness, little Nian Yue became restless. Yun Xiao, fearing that the child's crying might attract unwanted attention, quickly stopped Yan Mei from becoming too upset.