Chapter 2167: Reunion After Five Years

The protective umbrella behind her wasn't strong enough either; it couldn't even intimidate Zhai Qiushan.

Mei Wuniang had finished tidying up, casually pinned up her hair, then gave You Huan a slight bow: "Thank you for your kindness, my lord. If there's ever a place where this little woman can be of use in the future, I would not refuse even ten thousand deaths."

As she lowered her head, You Huan's gaze fell on those three blood jade coral hairpins, followed the coral down to her fair and delicate neck, and then recalled her lying on the table just now, her jade body delicate and charming, looking dazed and helpless; his breath couldn't help but hitch.

Mei Wuniang turned around, but unexpectedly her legs gave out; she stumbled and nearly fell. You Huan subconsciously caught her, discovering she was soft like cotton:

"I'll go call someone, have your subordinates found."

Having said that, he strode out the door.

This woman, he could have whenever he wanted. Precisely because of that, he wasn't in a rush anymore.

Mei Wuniang watched his retreating figure, the corner of her mouth hooking up slightly, lightly tucking a strand of hair from her forehead behind her ear.

Soon, the fish will bite the hook.

You Huan returned to his private room and continued drinking with his younger brother, as if nothing had happened.

Before long, there was another sound of light footsteps passing outside; it should be Mei Wuniang.

After another ten or so breaths, she appeared at the stairway, supported by a maid as she went out; one could see her steps were still somewhat unsteady.

Only then did You Su catch sight of her, and couldn't help but exclaim: "Isn't that the proprietress of Suze Qingxi? She was here just now too?"

What a pity; had I known earlier I would have gone to toast the beauty a cup of wine.

You Huan smiled without speaking.

By the time he returned to the manor after drinking, there was already a letter of intelligence placed on the desk.

After last visiting Suze Qingxi, he had sent people to investigate Mei Wuniang's background; now the results were out.

He opened the note and glanced at it; above were ten-odd lines of dense small characters.

You Huan read through it patiently; in fact the content could basically be summed up in one sentence:

Mei Wuniang's background verified without error.

Very good.

$$$$$

Not until the Chen hour did Does Bailie's capital open its city gates.

Last night there was a heavy rain of Di Liujiang, on a large scale, which also affected the order of the mortal world.

Wang Xingyi hadn't come to Does Bailie for many years; this return to old grounds seemed no different from his impression, without the unease and turmoil of a regime change; the city was instead even more bustling.

Some of the city gate guards and patrol soldiers had been replaced by the Dragon God Army.

Passing through the capital gate of Does Bailie, Wang Xingyi stood for a good while, because on the high wall behind the gate there was a huge black flood dragon imprint.

This relief was one with the city wall, as if grown from within the wall, without a trace of artificial carving; it was precisely the so-called "naturally perfect." Others also said that two days ago the people of Does Bailie woke up in the morning to discover this had suddenly appeared behind the city gate.

The legend of the Dragon God is not only popular in Shanjin; the people of Does Bailie also know it — this is the so-called "divine miracle." Where the black flood dragon imprint is, there is the Dragon God's protection; most of the time it brings favorable weather and abundant harvests.

The people of Does Bailie were already envious beyond measure; they never expected that one morning they would wake up to find their own hometown also blessed by the Dragon God. So beneath this imprint a long offering table had already been set up, piled with all kinds of fruit and vegetable offerings, the incense burning very vigorously.

Wang Xingyi's gaze naturally fell on the guards defending the city.

These are the Black Armor Army Guards, right? Their bearing and features are indeed different from Does Bailie soldiers; within their stillness they carry ruthlessness.

The Lu Manor has already become the Nine Nether Great Emperor's temporary traveling palace; a sentry every ten steps, defense strict.

Walking towards them came twenty-odd people, some fat some thin, their fabrics luxurious, but they didn't look like high officials.

Seeing Du Shan accompanying Wang Xingyi, they all bowed at the waist in salute, extremely respectful:

"Minister Du!"

Du Shan made a gesture waiving the salute: "Have you seen the Emperor?"

"Seen him, seen him." Everyone's expressions were both relaxed and enthusiastic, "The Emperor's majesty is innate, his grace benefits the people — truly the Dragon God reincarnated!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries like this, these people were led out by the guards.

Wang Xingyi then asked: "What's the deal with these people?"

"These are all merchant guild elders and local gentry from Does Bailie and Daofeng Port; actually most are from the Shanjin Plains. They've never had a chance to see the Emperor, so this time they specially organized a group to come, probably to consult on trade policies."

Wang Xingyi let out an "oh": "The Great Emperor personally receives merchants?"

"The Great Emperor started from commerce himself; he deeply knows the benefits of trade." Du Shan smiled, "Our country implements a policy of benefiting merchants and the people; this year many new regulations have also been issued. They've come to listen and understand, so they can go back and convey and implement them."

"I see."

But smart people all understand that the deeper meaning behind the act of "the Emperor personally receiving merchants" is far greater than what was said between them.

That is a massive reassurance pill.

And Mouguo and Cangyan have both stationed troops on both sides of the Does Bailie border, swords drawn and bows bent.

In such a volatile situation, the Nine Nether Great Emperor is at the front line yet still calmly receives merchants and handles daily affairs; one can see his courage and confidence.

Wang Xingyi knew he used to be someone with audacity beyond the heavens; otherwise how would he have dared to cause a huge ruckus in the Heavenly Palace?

Now though, it's Mouguo that has tasted the suffering of this fellow's lawlessness.

They turned a corner of the garden, and the Nine Nether Great Emperor strode over, laughing at the same time:

"National Preceptor Wang, long time no see! You're still the same as ever."

Looking at his bearing — dragon's walk, tiger's stride — a terrifying momentum rushed at his face, yet his words were very warm. Wang Xingyi, burdened with worries, couldn't help but reveal a trace of a smile on his face.

The last time the two met was five years ago; isn't that indeed a long interval?

Only, last time it was He Lingchuan as the Lord of Yangshan Island treating Wang Xingyi with utmost respect, while Wang Xingyi also warned him after the Night of Di Liujiang not to harbor designs on Does Bailie; He Lingchuan also listened to the advice and truly suppressed that covetousness for five years. After all, at that time he still needed to borrow Mouguo's power to block Shuangye's fury.

This time around, it's Wang Xingyi who takes the initiative to salute!

The one he faces is no longer a mere Lord of Yangshan Island, but the Founding Great Emperor of Cangyan!

The Nine Nether Great Emperor who defeated Old National Preceptor Qingyang of Beijia, defeated the White Tan supported by the Heavenly Demon, and occupied the Holy Land of Ya!

In just five years, He Lingchuan's identity and status have undergone an earth-shattering change.

"The Great Emperor's bearing is even more imposing than in the past."

The person having been brought, Du Shan took his leave with a smile, leaving the two to engage in a bout of sincere pleasantries.

He Lingchuan walked with his hands behind his back: "National Preceptor Wang, in coming here, do you represent Mu State or Ling Mountain?"

Wang Xingyi is both the National Preceptor of Mu State and the Arbiter of Ling Mountain, a dual identity.

"Naturally, I embody both." Wang Xingyi did not expect him to ask such a pointed question right off the bat.

"Mu State is Mu State, Ling Mountain is Ling Mountain, they cannot be conflated." He Lingchuan said leisurely, "If National Preceptor Wang represents Mu State, I will speak with you only of Mu State; if he represents Ling Mountain, I will speak with you only of Ling Mountain, choosing one or the other."

Upon saying this, Wang Xingyi understood that he had nearly seen through the relationship between Mu State and Ling Mountain.