Chapter 97 (1/2)

Chapter 97: Yangzhou

Nan Xun knew how urgent this matter was to Jun Huang. Without wasting any more time, he mounted and squeezed the horse's torso with both his legs. The horse broke into a gallop, bringing sand and dust up in the air. In the veil of yellow dust, Nan Xun's eyes were drawn to Jun Huang's aloof face. The silk robe she wore looked pristine against the backdrop. She looked like a G.o.ddess riding on her horse.

Their horses galloped forward. Their clothes fluttered and rustled in the wind. The only thing they could hear was the swoos.h.i.+ng sound air made. The beautiful scenery was left unnoticed as the two of them tried to reach Yangzhou as soon as they could.

They arrived at the gate to Yangzhou city before sunrise. They dismounted and smiled a little at their destination.

Nan Xun turned to Jun Huang, who looked back at him. They led their horses towards the checkpoint. After answering the guards' questions, they made their way inside. The streets were bustling with people roaming the stands. Jun Huang relaxed visibly.

She had seen how difficult life at the border was. She was afraid that Yangzhou might have suffered the same fate. If that were the case, she would have to conclude that the emperor was truly incompetent. Fortunately, the city was as prosperous as ever.

As the biggest city in Northern Qi, Yangzhou had attracted many magnates. There were an abundance of business opportunities here. A good number of rich men moved their whole family and settled down in the city, which explained why the prefect of Yangzhou was corrupt. Every one of these businessmen was able to award him handsomely.

The prefect was willing to do anything for money. As long as he received payment, he would gladly turn a blind eye to any crimes. The heaven cared not about the mortal world, and the emperor was too great a distance away. That was why a mere prefect was able to a.s.sume total control of the city.

”Let us find a place to rest,” suggested Nan Xun. ”Tomorrow we will start our investigation.”

Jun Huang nodded. She knew when to be patient. After a long day on horse, the poison in her body was again rearing its ugly head. She rubbed at her chest with a pale face. Nan Xun immediately came to her side and supported her with an arm. Worried, he asked, ”Are you alright?”

”I'm fine.” Jun Huang took a deep breath to suppress her discomfort, but she didn't try to move away from Nan Xun. Instead, she leaned against Nan Xun and let him support her weight. In his concerns, Nan Xun failed to notice her unusual behavior.

Upon their arrival at the inn, the clerk could tell from their extraordinary presence that they were from a good family. Jun Huang and Nan Xun had changed out of their silk robes, but the fabric of their clothes were far from cheap. Moreover, they both possessed this innate aura that demanded others' attention.

”Are the gentlemen here for a meal or to stay the night?” The clerk swung his towel over his shoulder and came up to them with a servile smile.

”We're staying,” said Nan Xun. ”Prepare two of your finest rooms for us.”

”Understood.” The clerk rushed off to arrange the rooms for them. Nan Xun placed a silver ingot on the counter. The innkeeper widened his eyes. Such generous payment happened only once every blue moon.

Nan Xun didn't pay the innkeeper any attention. He pointed at the two horses they left at the door. ”Take good care of them.”

The innkeeper hurriedly agreed. Once the rooms were prepared, Nan Xun helped Jun Huang up the stairs and ordered the clerk to send them some food.

After the clerk had left, Nan Xun said to Jun Huang, ”You have to give your body time to recover. Don't be hasty.”

Jun Huang nodded. Once Nan Xun left, she shut the door and sat down at the table. She inhaled deeply and took her own pulse. Her body was in a good enough condition. She was simply exhausted from the trip. She took some painkillers she had made herself. It made her feel a little better.

The next day, Jun Huang left the inn with Nan Xun and walked the street to find out what had been happening around the city. Yangzhou was large. It was a waste of time for them to do this together. After thinking through the pros and cons, Jun Huang suggested that they split up.

Before they parted ways, Nan Xun reminded Jun Huang to not take risks on her own. If she found anything, she must tell him lest she get hurt. Jun Huang nodded and went west.

This region was populated by poor people. The further she went, the more shabby the buildings were. Residents here were dressed in crude and even torn clothes. She felt her heart ache for them.

Two children ran out from nowhere and pulled at Jun Huang's clothes. They looked up at her. ”Big brother, big brother! Please give us something to eat!”

Jun Huang squatted down and tried to understand what was happening. Before she could say much, an old man walked out with a crutch. He pointed at the two children. ”Please don't be offended, gentleman. They are pitiful kids who have lost their parents.”

Jun Huang got to her feet. ”Isn't there an orphanage for these kind of children?”

The old man smiled a little and waved his hand. ”The gentleman must be new to the city. You don't know that there was a tax increase, do you? Originally, there was an orphanage in the city, but it was unable to continue its operation. These orphans can only beg for a living. It's a great misfortune that the emperor never noticed.” He got more and more riled up as he spoke. The wrinkles on his face deepened.

Jun Huang was deeply rattled. She had never heard of a tax increase for the past two years! On the contrary, didn't the emperor cut the tax for Yanzhou out of kindness because of the drought hitting the city a few years back?

She looked at the old man with dark eyes. ”Is it true?”