bookrebus Chapter 118 The Uses of Huanyi Incense
Chapter 118 The Uses of Huanyi Incense
Taozhi shouted: "My Lord, the young lady's wound has been treated."
Baili Zhaocai turned and entered the room, his eyes full of concern, and asked nervously: "Why don't we rest here for a few days before we set off again?"
Jiang Nianwei shook her head: "It's nothing serious. It's more important to hurry on. These are just minor injuries. There's no need to make such a fuss. We should hurry on as soon as possible and not let a few minor injuries delay important matters."
But Baili Zhao was worried. After years of fighting on the battlefield and countless times on the brink of life and death, he had never felt such deep fear and anxiety as he did at this moment.
In fact, Jiang Nianwei discovered from the beginning that the target of those assassins was Baili Zhao.
She only blocked the arrow when she was sure that she would not get hurt. Otherwise, the arrow would have hit A Zhao's neck. In comparison, she only suffered some minor injuries.
The Red Fire Army's defense should have been foolproof, but it failed to completely stop that group of assassins. This is enough to prove that these assassins are extraordinary and the forces behind them are probably unfathomable.
Jiang Nianwei recalled the noise outside the door just now, "Who was talking to you outside just now?"
Baili Zhao answered honestly: "I don't know him."
At this moment, he even forgot what the woman looked like. He only knew that she had a pair of malicious eyes, so he kept her away from the place where Sanniang was resting.
Since he was a child, there have been many people who wanted to frame him, and he could tell what the other person was thinking at a glance.
And because of the shadow cast by the Queen, he did not like any woman approaching him, and he especially stayed away from women with deep thoughts.
For some reason, Sanniang was an exception. No matter what her personality was, he liked her.
Seeing that he didn't know what he was thinking, Jiang Nianwei teased, "Oh? Could it be that the woman just now was too beautiful and caught your attention? Making you so uneasy?"
Baili Zhao's eyes suddenly softened, with a warm smile on his lips, and he said slowly: "The woman is far away in the sky, and she is right in front of us."
Jiang Nianwei realized that he was talking about her. "I don't know where he learned this smooth-talking skill from. It's really hard to guard against."
"I swear, I only speak glib words to you."
As night fell, Hu Lianxue visited her with trepidation. Seeing that she was fine, she murmured softly, "May God bless you. Miss Jiang is safe and sound. I am so lucky."
Recalling the thrilling episode that happened during the day, Hu Lianxue's heart couldn't help but tighten.
When she heard that Jiang Nianwei almost fell into a trap, she wanted to come over to check on her, but she happened to see Yue Tong being turned away.
"Miss Jiang, Lianxue is lucky that you saved her, otherwise she would have no face to live in this world..."
Jiang Nianwei felt strange. "Why do you suddenly say such a thing? To me, it's just a small favor. It doesn't matter if I help a few people or dozens of people. If you feel burdened by this, it will make me feel uneasy. There are many sufferings in the world. I will help as much as I can. Don't worry about it."
Hu Lianxue hesitated to speak, bit her lip, as if she was determined to reveal something, but hesitated: "Miss Jiang, you are broad-minded, which makes Lianxue admire you very much, but... but... Yuetong."
"Do you want me to pay more attention to Yuetong's every move?"
"That's right. I once advised her not to have those inappropriate thoughts about the noble, but she didn't listen. If she loses her sense of propriety in her behavior and offends the noble, I'm afraid the consequences will be beyond her ability to bear..."
Jiang Nianwei naturally knew what kind of person Yue Tong was, just like when she deliberately talked to Baili Zhao at the door before, she knew it clearly.
Hu Lianxue continued, "Yuetong is indeed a close friend to me, but Miss Jiang is like a rebirth to me. I have my own considerations in my heart, and I know what is important and what is urgent."
After hearing her words, Jiang Nianwei felt more at ease. She was right about the person.
If Hu Lianxue protected Yuetong, their friendship would be over, but she was a grateful person, so there was no harm in keeping her around.
"I will pay more attention to her, so don't worry."
……
Jiang Siyu was still troubled by the matter of Mrs. Rong. The troops sent by Prince Yu had arrived. On the surface, they were here for an investigation, but in fact, they were here to protect the Jiang family and to give the Li family some deterrence.
About a hundred people rode into the city on horseback, and they were completely different from the garrison stationed there.
The token held tightly in his hand was like a symbol of royal authority. The captain leading the troops was of a distinguished rank and awe-inspiring. Even Li Kun, who was a powerful figure in the city, had to restrain himself and secretly smack his lips in the face of this sudden force.
Upon hearing the news, Jing Zhuo was overjoyed: "God is really helping me! With this power, the Ren family will no longer be a major concern for us."
The captain immediately found Jing Qiudie and Jiang Siyu and told them his identity. "I am sent by the prince himself to protect you all. If you need any help or need any assistance, please tell me. We will go through fire and water without hesitation."
"Your Majesty?"
Jiang Siyu and Jing Qiudie still don't know A Zhao's true identity, and they are secretly wondering why the prince would send troops.
It was not until Jing Zhuo explained the reason to them that the two suddenly realized, "A Zhao is Prince Yu? Doesn't that mean my sister is the princess?"
The captain had no idea of the relationship, he only followed Prince Yu's orders.
But with the help of this team of soldiers, their treatment in Yazhou City can indeed be slightly better.
Jing Zhuo was no longer keeping a low profile and brought this team of soldiers directly to Ren's mansion.
Ren Qi hadn't received the news yet. When he saw Jing Zhuo coming in person, he still pretended to be calm, with a sleek smile like a businessman on his lips, and slowly said: "Mr. Jing, have you thought about it carefully? As long as you are willing to nod and agree to my conditions, I promise to release the person in my hand immediately. After all, the way of life in this world is to make money in harmony, and a win-win situation is the long-term solution."
Jing Zhuo sat down calmly: "I want you to release him now! I will not agree to your conditions. This is my own business. Why should it fall into your hands and let you reap the benefits?"
"It's only been one night since we last met, but you've become bolder."
Ren Qi saw his nephew Li Kun stepping into the doorway, and hurriedly stepped forward, his expression mixed with dissatisfaction: "Kun'er, look at this subordinate, how can he be so rude? How dare he speak to me like this, completely disregarding the relationship between you and me!"
Li Kun said sternly: "Jing Zhuo! I was too indulgent to you in the past. Don't forget that you were begging for food under me! Don't forget that I helped you in the past!"
When Li Kun said this, Jing Zhuo felt that he could no longer keep this man, but getting rid of Li Kun would require long-term planning, as Lord Li would definitely become suspicious.
Jing Zhuo pursed his lips slightly, without saying a word, and called out leisurely to the door: "Captain, please come in!"
After he finished speaking, the door opened slightly, and a majestic figure walked in slowly with heavy footsteps. Behind him, soldiers in heavy armor stood like iron towers, with an imposing manner that made Li Kun's heart shudder and he was secretly horrified.
Li Kun forced himself to remain calm and forced a smile on his face, trying to ease the tense atmosphere: "It is a great honor for me to have you here in person. However, if there is any misunderstanding between you and me, why don't we sit down and talk it out calmly? Why make such a fuss and hurt the harmony?"
However, he secretly thought in his heart that it turned out that Jing Zhuo's arrogance and confidence came from this new high position.
This kid is very capable and should not be underestimated.
He changed his mind and realized that he had now mastered the manufacturing process of muskets and no longer needed to be controlled by others. A sense of ruthlessness quietly grew in him.
Li Kun secretly decided that this person could not be kept and must be eliminated quickly to avoid any further trouble.
"Master Jing and I are old acquaintances. I heard that you kidnapped a decent woman. Why don't you release her immediately?"
Li Kun turned slightly, leaned close to his uncle's ear, and whispered with unquestionable urgency: "Uncle, please release them immediately! If we offend that powerful commander, I'm afraid we will have a hard time in the future and will be in trouble.
Ren Qi has not yet realized the seriousness of the matter. He only knows that Li Kun has become a bully in the city. Even if he cannot make the decision, he still has his brother-in-law to back him up.
"Kun'er, if you really think this matter is difficult, why don't you ask your father to come forward in person? How can a mere captain be compared with your father? Moreover, you have a sister who is in great favor in the palace, so why should you be afraid of such a villain?"
Li Kun's tone became more serious: "Uncle, how can you be so confused!"
He thought he was stupid enough and had gained a lot of knowledge after this period of time. He didn't expect that his uncle was even more stupid and couldn't even tell the difference between official positions.
Seeing that he couldn't convince her, Li Kun decided to release the woman himself. "If we offend him, you and I will both suffer in the future, and you will also implicate my father."
Ren Qi was scolded by his nephew, and he had no choice but to watch him release Mrs. Rong.
"Sir, I apologize for any offense I have caused you." Li Kun secretly stuffed a bag of silver into his pocket and said, "These are for your honor."
The captain did not show any joy at all, but frowned, looking stern, "No need, as long as you can keep your distance from my friend in the future, it will be the greatest respect for me."
The corners of Li Kun's mouth twitched as he watched Jing Zhuo walk away in a swagger.
He couldn't confront the captain head-on, but one day, he would make Jing Zhuo, who betrayed him, pay the price!
Mrs. Rong was released safely, and the happiest people were her two children.
She knelt in front of Jing Zhuo and Jiang Siyu with her child, "I will never forget such great kindness!"
"No need, Mrs. Rong, you just work hard in the workshop from now on, and no one will be able to bully you anymore."
Mrs. Rong wiped her tears and said, "I'm just afraid that Rong Da won't let us go..."
Jiang Siyu could only comfort her: "You should still live in the workshop. He doesn't dare to come."
Unexpectedly, the next day, news came that Rong Da's body was found floating on the sea by nearby fishermen.
It is said that he was unwilling to return the one or two taels of silver he received for pawning his wife, so he was beaten to death by Ren Qi's men and his body was thrown into the sea.
Of course, all these were just rumors and no evidence was found. But when Rong Da died, Mrs. Rong felt relieved. Without Rong Da, her and her children's lives finally returned to normal.
The wages from the workshop were enough to support two children.
Although the pain of the past has been caused, life must go on.
……
Half a month later, the Red Fire Army had stationed in the suburbs not far from the capital, about two or three days' journey away.
The closer they got to the capital, the more uneasy Jiang Nianwei felt.
She had enemies in the capital, enemies with greater power, and although she had A Zhao by her side, the prince was not so easy to deal with.
Of course, there are also her old friends. After she parted with Fu Siya, she wrote many letters and sent them back, but she never received a reply. I wonder how Siya is doing now?
Yue Tong was even more excited. Thinking that she would soon be able to come to the capital and become a powerful person, she had already started to work on her plan.
If you don't take action now, you will have no chance.
I heard there is a hot spring here, and I got the news from other people in the military camp that the prince will come here to recuperate tonight.
She took advantage of the fact that no one was around and hid here early. As soon as the prince came to take a hot spring bath, she would light the Huanyi incense and appear in front of him in an appropriate and seductive manner.
Even if she couldn't become a concubine, being a maid was worth it. No matter what, she had to get rid of her current situation, no matter what the cost.
Hu Lianxue noticed her abnormality and tried to secretly tell Jiang Nianwei, but was tied up by Yue Tong.
"Why do you keep ruining my plans, Lianxue? I always thought you were my good sister. Shouldn't good sisters care about each other?"
Hu Lianxue struggled to break free from the restraints on her body, "It is precisely because I treat you as a sister that I cannot bear to see you go astray like this. If you offend the prince, you will die without a burial place."
Yue Tong looked at the birthmark behind her ear. She originally thought that Hu Lianxue was the daughter of the Marquis's family and that she could replace her identity. Unfortunately, this was no longer possible.
She is no longer of any use to her, and now she is hindering her plan. Originally, Yue Tong intended to kill Hu Lianxue, and now she has the intention to kill again.
"You have gone astray. Are you afraid that I will become a noble and you will be jealous? I am not a virgin. You are the only one in this world who knows this secret. Only by killing you can you prevent this secret from being revealed!"
After saying that, he stretched out his hand and tried to strangle her neck.
At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the door. Shuangshuang asked, "Excuse me, is anyone here? Is Miss Hu sitting here? Our Miss Jiang wants to see you. If there is no response, I will take the liberty to go in and take a look."
Yue Tong could only cover Hu Lianxue's mouth first, then quickly opened the door and pushed Shuangshuang out, "Miss Shuangshuang, Lianxue is not in the room, she went out for a walk."
Shuangshuang's eyes flashed with doubt, and she frowned slightly and whispered, "Oh? I vaguely remember that I had an appointment with Sister Nianwei before."
"Maybe she has gone there first? Anyway, she is not in the room now."
Shuangshuang nodded, "I see. I won't bother you anymore."
Yue Tong breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the time. It was almost time and she could not delay any longer. She did not care about Hu Lianxue in the room, touched the Huan Yi Xiang incense in her sleeve, and planned to go to the hot spring.
When Yuetong's figure completely disappeared around the corner, Shuangshuang quietly emerged from the shadows, "This woman can't even lie."
She kicked open the door, searched around, and finally found Hu Lianxue who was stuffed under the bed.
Taking out the handkerchief from Hu Lianxue's mouth, Hu Lianxue couldn't wait to say, "She, she's going to give the prince medicine, go and inform Miss Jiang."
"You are talking about this. Sister Nianwei already knows about it. She asked me to come and protect you because she was afraid that you would be in danger. I knocked on the door just now because I heard the noise in the room. In fact, I have been hiding up there." Shuangshuang smiled and pointed to the roof.
Sure enough, Sister Nianwei is still so foresighted. She has been monitoring the two of them for several days.
"What about the prince?"
"Don't worry, Your Highness. There are dozens of secret guards around you. They just hide in the dark and you can't see them. As long as that woman shows up, hehe, she will be in trouble!"
Hu Lianxue sighed, "I wanted to help her, but she wanted to kill me."
She had always believed in human nature too much. She never expected that the person she had always regarded as a sister would actually want to kill her. Sadness could not help but show in her eyes.
"Miss Hu, don't be sad. You should be happy if you can see the true face of that woman as soon as possible."
Hu Lianxue forced a smile: "You are right." But in fact, her heart was filled with sorrow.
Yue Tong thought her plan was perfect, so she hid beside the hot spring and lit the Huan Yi incense. She had already changed into charming clothes and was waiting for the prince to appear.