Chapter 186: Going Together

Finally, my steps stopped at the gate of the World's First Village.

"World's First Village?"

"Lord, this is the most renowned medicinal cuisine shop in Jingcheng," the young attendant behind laughed, "The flavor is superb; would you like to try it?"

Is it really also a medicinal cuisine shop?

Xie Yuwei strode inside; the innkeeper, seeing his distinguished attire, hurriedly escorted him to an elegant room upstairs.

At that moment, in the elegant room on the top floor, Chi Nan Yi's face turned very grim upon hearing Ji Bai's words.

"What did you say? My grandfather and the others are in Liangzhou?"

"Yes, miss. When the family head passed through Liangzhou, a time plague broke out there. Now the entire Chi Family is trapped and cannot escape, and several of our attendants have contracted the plague and died."

Chi Nan Yi felt a tightening in her heart, and her expression changed abruptly.

She had left some pills and Spirit Spring Water for her grandfather, but she didn't know if they had been used up; if the plague infected them, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Set out for Liangzhou immediately."

"Miss, you intend to go yourself? No way! Liangzhou City is under martial law; the Emperor has ordered the whole city sealed, so even if we arrive we cannot enter!"

"It doesn't matter." She saw the hairpin on her head in the mirror, changed clothes, and prepared to go to Prince Li's residence herself: "I can't get in, but someone will be able to let me in."

"Prince Li entered the Palace yesterday and has not returned yet."

She halted her steps descending, looked up and saw Lord Xie dining in the elegant room; in her hurry she forgot to wear a mask, and even though she was disguised as a man, Lord Xie recognized her instantly.

"Chi..."

Chi Nan Yi entered the elegant room, bowed to Lord Xie: "Lord Xie."

"Miss Chi, it really is you; is this also the shop you opened?"

"Yes."

"I, an official, was passing by, the aroma seemed familiar, so I came to try it, never expecting to meet you, miss."

Chi Nan Yi saw that he was wearing third‑rank official robes and couldn't help but be slightly surprised.

In a previous life, Xie Yuwei also served as a Jingcheng official, but seemed to be fifth rank; he didn't know what fate awaited him this life.

"Congratulations, Lord."

Lord Xie saw that she noticed his promotion, and a bitter smile flashed across his face.

If someone told him that a promotion could be fatal, he'd rather be a county deputy in Qingjun County, living a relaxed life.

"A promotion is a good thing, Lord, why the sigh?"

"A promotion is indeed good, but you must have a life to sit securely!" Lord Xie didn't hide anything; he recounted his upcoming departure for Liangzhou. Chi Nan Yi's eyes lit up; if so, she could travel with him.

"Lord, when do we set out?"

"His Majesty ordered this official to depart tonight."

"Lord, may I bring a commoner girl?"

"You?"

"To be frank, the commoner's maternal grandfather is trapped in the city; she wishes to rescue him."

Lord Xie, hearing this, slowly shook his head: "Impossible. Liangzhou City is sealed; before the plague disappears, no one can enter or exit. Even if my authority could bring you in, I advise you to accompany me. If you contract the plague, you will surely lose your life."

"But..."

"I understand your anxiety, but rather than die, wait in Jingcheng for good news. Tell me your grandfather's name; when we reach Liangzhou, I will have people keep a close watch."

"Lord," Chi Nan Yi finally interjected, "I am proficient in medicine; perhaps I could help treat the plague."

"Nonsense. Even if a woman knows some medicine, she cannot cure the plague; even the palace physicians have no cure. If you go, you won't help and may get trapped yourself. Such a dangerous act is forbidden," he said seriously, looking at her. "You are the benefactor of all Qingjun County; if something happens to you, how can I explain to the elders of Qingjun County?"

"I said I am proficient in medicine."

"No matter how skilled, you still cannot..."

Before he could finish, Chi Nan Yi flicked her finger; a Silver Needle shot out, piercing his leg, and instantly his leg went numb.

"This... my leg..."

Chi Nan Yi stepped forward, withdrew the Silver Needle, then kicked his ankle twice; the numbness gradually faded. Lord Xie stared at her in astonishment: "You..."

"I am proficient in medicine; if I go with you to Liangzhou, perhaps I can help resolve the plague. May I go with you now?"

"Very well. If so, you shall go with This Prince!"

"Thank you, Lord."

He nodded; Chi Nan Yi felt joy in her heart. Instead of going to Prince Li's residence, she returned to start packing her belongings.

Chi Nan Yi left Qing Shan behind and set out for Liangzhou with Ji Bai.

"What did you say? You're leaving me here alone?" Qing Shan frowned, "Why? I also want to go to Liangzhou."

"I'm not going to Liangzhou for fun; I have very important matters."

"If it's important, why can't I accompany you and he go with you?" He pointed at Ji Bai, his face full of resentment, "What am I lacking compared to him?"

"Ha, you still have the nerve? Last time outside the city, if it weren't for Aunt's quick wit, the grass would have grown over the graves by now! You kept saying you'd beat them, yet who ended up searching the ground for teeth?"

"I... didn't I say two fists can't match four hands?"

"Enough. Even adding your two feet wouldn't help."

"But the plague in Liangzhou is severe, you..."

"Shouldn't you be happy? If I truly made a mistake, you'd be free of debt and regain freedom, wouldn't that be good?"

Qing Shan, hearing this, gave her a cold stare, turned and walked out of the room: "Little white‑eyed wolf."

"Wait."

"Anything else?"

Chi Nan Yi took out a set of keys and handed them to her: "In the courtyard storage I placed a large chest containing many pills; some can aid in treating the plague, and Jingcheng might also be affected. If anyone falls ill, dissolve a pill in water—one pill can save two lives. Also keep those water bags for emergencies; inside is my concoction that neutralizes all poisons and cures all illnesses. The greenhouse outside the city must be watched; the vegetables inside must not go bad..."

She babbled a long list of instructions; finally Qing Shan could no longer bear it and shouted, "Aunt, I beg you, let me go with you! Can we leave these tasks to Ji Bai?"

No.

"Miss," Ji Bai said softly, "the time has come, we should set out; Lord Xie's convoy is already near the city gate."

"Prince Li? He hasn't returned yet?"

Ji Bai shook his head: "Not yet."

Chi Nan Yi tightened the key in his hand and handed it to Qing Shan: "This is for Prince Li, it's the box on the east side of the storage."

Qing Shan looked at the key, which was obviously several sizes larger than his own, and couldn't help but smirk: "Favoring one side over the other is a bit too obvious."