Chapter 112 (1/2)
Chapter 112
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Chu Qiao ended up following Zhuge Yue. If one year ago someone told her that she would eventually sit harmoniously with Zhuge Yue in the same horse carriage, she would never have believed that. But now, as she stared at that man who was leaning on his side reading his book, she did not feel a single trace of bloodlust.
During the banquet at Wupeng City, she met several acquaintances, such as the Fourteenth Prince Zhao Yang, Mu Yun from Ling Nan, Wei Qingchi from the Wei family, and Zhao Zhongyen, son of the Ling King. That was really an out-of-this-world experience, as she stood naturally amidst the crowds of nobles even though she was a criminal that was at the top of the Empire's wanted list. Not only did she have to face them, but she had to willingly pour drinks for them and entertain them. That was a really uncomfortable experience.
Right now, these nobles' carriages had completely surrounded her and were all together in an entourage heading toward Tang Jing to celebrate the marriage of the Tang Prince. Under such tight supervision, her chances of escape became near zero. She could only follow Zhuge Yue wherever he went, holding him as ”hostage”, as they began on this strange travel. But this hostage did not seem to be aware that he was currently being taken hostage.
”Water,” Zhuge Yue did not even lift his eyes, as he spouted.
Chu Qiao stared at him angrily, and like a dead piece of log, she refused to budge.
After a while, this fourth master of Zhuge Family suddenly realized something. Lifting his head, he looked at her with an expression of surprise. If eyes could talk, his eyes would be saying, ”Didn't you hear what I said?”
Chu Qiao could not bear with it anymore, and bellowed, ”I am not your servant.”
Zhuge Yue nodded as if indicating that he completely understood. Chu Qiao was astonished at how he readily agreed, but immediately heard him shout, ”Yue Qi!” With a whoosh, the door to the carriage was swung open. With nimble movements, Chu Qiao pulled her thick veil over her face, and sat next to Zhuge Yue, her blade already pressing against his back. AIf he made any strange movements, she would stab him without hesitation.
”Pour tea for me.” Yue Qi was taken aback, as he looked at Chu Qiao in confusion. Zhuge Yue innocently explained, ”She is not my servant.”
While secretly thinking about how Zhuge Yue had taken such a liking to this girl, Yue Qi suggested, ”If that is the case, shall I look for a maidservant to serve master and this lady?”
Zhuge Yue nodded, as if in agreement. Then he turned around and seriously looked at Chu Qiao. ”Would you have any issues with that?”
Of course, she would! Chu Qiao's eyes were burning with rage, as her blade pressed even harder against his back. What is this guy thinking? Is he looking to die?
”Seems like she does not wish for that,” Zhuge Yue replied to Yue Qi. ”Just help me pour a cup of tea first. If there are any other issues I will call for you again.”
Yue Qi nodded. As he was about to enter the carriage, Chu Qiao had no choice but to interject in a low pitch, ”Let me do it.” Yue Qi smiled, and turning around, he left the carriage and shut the carriage doors behind him.
”What are you trying to do?” The moment Yue Qi left, Chu Qiao already started to question Zhuge Yue furiously.
Zhuge Yue was extremely calm, as he casually observed the tea that had been kept warm on the stove, before replying, ”I am thirsty.”
”Do you not have water? Can't you pour it yourself?”
Without wasting any breath, Zhuge Yue opened his mouth, intending to call for Yue Qi again. Panicking, Chu Qiao nimbly dashed up and covered his mouth, as her brow deeply furrowed.
Fine! Chu Qiao miserably admitted defeat in her heart. Without caring about the temperature, she lifted the hottest pot of water and poured out a cup of tea. With a slam, she thrust the cup onto the small table next to Zhuge Yue, and snapped, ”Go drink! Hope you get scalded!”
Without skipping a beat, Zhuge Yue casually took out a cotton handkerchief. Grabbing the teacup with the handkerchief as insulation, he blew on it a few times to cool it down before slowly sipping on the drink.
Seeing how he was so steady, Chu Qiao felt that her headache just got worse. Whatever. No matter what is going on, I have to escape tonight. Even if that means I will expose my tracks, I cannot stay here any longer.
An Bai County was a major industrial center for eastern regions of the Tang Empire. It was located beside the Pinggui Highlands on one side, and the Cuiwei Mountain range on another. At the foot of Cui Wei Mountain laid Nanyue River, which was also known as the Waterway of the Southern Border. This was a man-made waterway that the Tang Empire had constructed, and would lead to Yan Bei all the way from Cheng Zhou. This waterway accounted for much of the trade, especially in dealings for domestic animals like cows and sheep where this waterway alone would account for almost half of the trade volume in the Tang Empire. Beyond the Cuiwei Mountains were the barren lands of Qinghai. Despite the low population in those regions, there existed many powerful merchant envoys and will frequently trade precious herbs and leathers with the Tang Empire. Due to the geographical reasons, although An Bai County was a small city, it was rather prosperous.
The visit by this crowd of masters from the Xia Empire had instantly caused upheaval within this small city. Before even entering the city, the officials that had come to greet them had already formed a welcoming formation half a mile out from the city. From afar, one could see the colorful official caps bobbing up and down, as though a lot of activities had been taking place. Chu Qiao couldn't help but remark, ”Since when did you and the Tang Empire lot coexist so peacefully? Weren't you fighting some wars even until last year?”
Zhuge Yue narrowed his eyes. He looked at Chu Qiao from the corner of his eyes. ”In politics, there is no such thing as permanent enemies in front of mutual benefits.”
Chu Qiao turned around and stared at him, snorting, ”It is but a gathering of cunning foxes.”