《In ancient times, possessing the power ofspace to control the world》


 Chapter 1 Transmigration

    "Retreat! Retreat! Hurry up!"


    In the dead of night, in the tropical rainforest, a group of special agents from Country A, clad in camouflage uniforms, were on a covert mission. Arriving at the rescue site, they had expected to save the hostages, only to be greeted by a hail of bullets. "Damn it! We''ve fallen into a trap!" As the team leader, Shang Ruoyi quickly ordered her teammates to withdraw.


    "A Lan, you lead the brothers and retreat first, now!" Seeing that she didn''t move, Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows and said, "A Lan, what are you thinking?"


    "Heh, Captain, this is where our paths diverge," A Lan sneered, her lips curving into a malicious smile. The muzzle of the gun, which should have been aimed at the enemy, was now pointed at Shang Ruoyi''s chest. "In the underworld, don''t blame me."


    Just as she was about to pull the trigger, Shang Ruoyi''s figure vanished like a ghost. In the next instant, she grabbed the gun barrel and, with a powerful jerk, disarmed A Lan.


    Then, she kicked her to the ground.


    "Captain! A Lan!" Hearing the commotion behind them, the teammates rushed back. "What''s going on?"


    "Why?" Shang Ruoyi''s gaze was as sharp as a knife, her cold eyes fixed on A Lan. "We are comrades who share life and death."


    "Comrades?" A Lan scoffed. "Who are you to me? If it weren''t for your failure to save him in time, how could A Feng have sacrificed? We were about to get married! Your medical skills are among the best in the entire Country A. Why didn''t you save him first before completing the mission? If you had saved him, A Feng would never have died."


    Shang Ruoyi''s brows knitted slightly. "A Feng sacrificed himself for the country. As special agents, the most important thing is to complete the mission first. Our lives belong to the country."


    "Then I''ll overthrow this country," a crazed look welled up in her eyes. "Now, you all will accompany him in death!"


    With that, she took out a special ammunition with the fuse already pulled.


    "Boom!"


    The skyrocketing flames illuminated the night sky.


    In the Tianshun Dynasty.


    The Prime Minister''s Mansion was filled with festivity. Lanterns were hung high, and the servants wore red silk ribbons around their waists. "Hurry! Hurry and wake up the Second Miss!"


    "The Second Miss? Isn''t it the First Miss?"


    "What First Miss? How could our First Miss marry that lame man?" A maid lifted her chin haughtily. "Our First Miss is destined to marry the Crown Prince and become the empress in the future." Pointing at the tightly shut door in a remote courtyard, she shouted, "What are you standing there for? Go and call her out! If we miss the auspicious hour, don''t blame the master for getting angry and making you pay the price!"


    The maid rushed to knock on the door, but after pounding for a long time, there was no response from inside.


    The maid who came to deliver the message furrowed her brows and snapped, "A lowly girl born to a concubine, putting on airs?" She directed the servant behind her, "What are you waiting for? Go and knock! Do you want the First Miss to punish you?"


    Shang Ruoyi lay on the bed, the knocking outside making her frown.


    "Crash!" The already shabby door couldn''t withstand such pounding.


    The two wooden doors fell flat on the ground.


    Shang Ruoyi, who had her eyes tightly shut, suddenly opened them.


    She leaped up from the bed, darted to the door, and with her right hand in a hook, firmly grasped a servant''s throat.


    With such great force, the servant immediately started rolling his eyes.


    "Are you courting death?" Shang Ruoyi''s cold eyes passed over the servant and landed on the maid behind him.


    Meeting her gaze, the maid took a step back.


    Perhaps feeling this action was a bit embarrassing, she took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Second Miss, the auspicious hour has arrived. The master orders you to get dressed and groomed quickly. The bridegroom will be here to fetch you soon."


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.Shang Ruoyi snorted coldly. "Which meddlesome creature from the other courtyard dares to come here and act so presumptuously?"


    "I''m Cai Pin from the First Miss''s courtyard."


    "Heh, Shang Yufu can''t raise anything decent," Shang Ruoyi sneered. "What''s wrong? Is Shang Yufu injured or disfigured? Can''t find a husband? Rejected by her fianc¨¦?"


    "You... How dare you curse the First Miss!" Cai Pin pointed at Shang Ruoyi. The next second, a scream rang out in the courtyard. Cai Pin fell to the ground, clutching her limp finger and howling, "My hand! My hand!"


    "I detest it when people point at me. This is just a small lesson for you. Next time, if you raise a hand, that hand will be useless for good."


    The servants stood in the courtyard, looking at the unfamiliar Second Miss in horror.


    No one dared to step forward.


    Wasn''t the former Second Miss extremely timid? Not only would she never hit anyone, but even the maids and servants in the mansion could bully her at will.


    What was going on today?


    Shang Ruoyi saw the doubt in their eyes.


    A cold smile played on her lips.


    Did they think she was still the timid and weak Shang Ruoyi of the past?


    Under this body of Shang Ruoyi now was the soul of a top special agent from Country A.


    When she transmigrated yesterday, she could hardly believe that the memories of the original owner were real.


    As the Second Miss of the Prime Minister''s Mansion in the Tianshun Dynasty, she had been starved to death.


    Because she was born to a concubine, she had been suppressed by the main wife since childhood.


    Originally, her mother was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. When she first entered the mansion, her despicable father doted on her mother, as her mother could provide him with a steady stream of money.


    Later, when her maternal grandfather''s family met with misfortune and could no longer supply money, her father revealed his true nature.


    Not only did he move her and her mother to the most remote courtyard, but he also allowed the servants to bully them. Her mother passed away in depression when she was ten years old. She had lived alone and pitifully in this courtyard for six years, and finally, she starved to death.


    Faced with this inevitable reality, she vowed to change Shang Ruoyi''s fate.


    The first step was to leave the Prime Minister''s Mansion and establish her own household.


    However, before she could implement her plan, her despicable father was going to marry her off?


    Just then, the sound of rapid footsteps came from outside the courtyard. "Shang Ruoyi, what are you dawdling about?" Prime Minister Shang Nian strode in. Seeing the mess in the courtyard, he roared, "You unfilial daughter! Look at what you''ve done!"


    Shang Ruoyi gave a cold laugh. "What? Are you going to interfere when I punish the disrespectful servants in my own courtyard, Father?"


    Her sharp retort left Shang Nian stunned.


    His second daughter had always been meek and submissive. How dare she contradict him today!


    "Shang Ruoyi, how dare you question my words!"


    She picked her ear and pouted. "What? Are your words like imperial edicts? I think you shouldn''t be called Shang Nian. You should be called Shang Tian instead."


    "You!"


    Just as he was about to swing a slap, the First Lady rushed over and quickly stopped him. "Master, you can''t hit her. The bride can''t have a red mark on her face when she leaves the house. People will gossip about our Shang family."


    Especially since she was going to marry the lame heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion on behalf of her daughter. There couldn''t be any mistakes.

 Chapter 2 Substitution Marriage

    Shang Yufu had been betrothed to the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion since childhood. She had always assumed that she would eventually marry him. However, when he returned triumphantly from the battlefield, everyone was shocked to find that He Jingheng was confined to a wheelchair day in and day out.Later, it became known that the most valiant and skilled heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion in the Tianshun Dynasty had been crippled.Upon learning of this, Shang Yufu was determined not to go through with the marriage.Shang Nian entered the palace to plead for a special favor, requesting that the Shang family be allowed to select another suitable young lady for the marriage at an early date.Among the marriageable ladies in the Shang family, aside from Shang Yufu, there was only this overlooked second concubine-born young lady, Shang Ruoyi."Who said I''m going to marry in place of your daughter?" Shang Ruoyi sneered."Presumptuous!" Shang Nian thundered. "I order you to marry! Whether you like it or not, you must do so!"Shang Ruoyi nodded, then slowly said, "What about the dowry?""Dowry?""I don''t ask for much. Just give me the dowry that my mother brought here." She pursed her lips and shook her head. "Yes, for a grand prime minister''s mansion, surely there should be a dowry? It was originally left to me by my mother."What?


    Her mother''s dowry?


    That was out of the question!


    When her mother married into the prime minister''s mansion, the wedding procession was magnificent, with a ten-mile-long display of red. Everyone praised the prime minister for his good fortune.


    Now, if she were to take all of it away, it would be tantamount to emptying the prime minister''s mansion!"The list of your mother''s dowry is lost. How can we calculate it? Stop making trouble!" Shang Nian said sternly. "The orders of parents cannot be defied. As your father, I command you to get dressed and groomed immediately. Don''t miss the auspicious hour. Your marriage was personally decreed by the emperor. Disobeying the imperial edict is a capital crime punishable by beheading.""Prime Minister, don''t be hasty. You may not have the dowry list, but I do." She took out a booklet from under her pillow, waved it, and said with a calm expression, "Do you recognize this?"When Shang Nian and the First Lady saw this item, they were utterly shocked. How could this booklet be in her hands?Indeed, while others'' dowries could be listed on a thin sheet of paper, her mother''s dowry was recorded in a booklet, indicating the grandeur of the wedding back then."Ungrateful daughter, hand over this booklet to your father at once!"Shang Ruoyi sneered. "Even if you take this booklet, Prime Minister, it won''t help. Everyone in the imperial city knows how magnificent my mother''s wedding was when she entered the prime minister''s mansion. Now, when her daughter gets married, she can''t even take her mother''s dowry. Aren''t you afraid of being laughed at by the world? When your precious daughter marries into the Crown Prince''s Mansion, people will surely gossip about how her parents withheld her concubine mother''s dowry to adorn her. With such conduct, does she still dream of becoming the empress and ruling the harem? It''s nothing but a pipe dream!"Shang Ruoyi knew exactly where her despicable father and the First Lady were vulnerable.They were constantly dreaming of Shang Yufu becoming the empress.They would never do, nor dare to do, anything that could damage their reputation."What do you want?" The First Lady stepped forward and asked coldly."Return my mother''s dowry to me, intact." She flipped to the pages listing the dowry of land properties and shops and said, "I don''t care for these. I also know that the prime minister''s mansion''s expenses come from my mother''s shops. So, convert all these land properties and shops into ready silver and give it to me."How much silver would that be?Shang Nian was about to refuse when he heard the First Lady say in a deep voice, "Fine!""Madam..."The First Lady gave him a subtle wink, and Shang Nian fell silent.She took out the key to the treasury. "I haven''t touched your mother''s things. They''ve been locked in the treasury. As for the land properties and shops, there are eleven shops, four pieces of farmland, and two manors. We''ll convert them into ten thousand taels of silver. How about that?"Shang Ruoyi raised her eyebrows slightly. The First Lady was being so generous; she must be up to something."Fine!""Master, Madam, the auspicious hour is almost here."The First Lady looked at Shang Ruoyi and said coldly, "Now can you get dressed and groomed?"She was dragged into the room by the servants and put on the wedding dress originally made for Shang Yufu. She shook her head and said, "I didn''t expect Shang Yufu to be so plump. This dress is too big for me."The young maid who was dressing her couldn''t help but giggle.Seeing the Second Miss looking at her in the bronze mirror, she quickly composed herself, lowered her head, and continued to arrange her hair ornaments."What''s your name?" Shang Ruoyi asked."Returning to Second Miss, this servant is named Shaoyao.""Which courtyard are you from?""This servant has always been helping the cooks in the kitchen."The First Lady had actually sent someone from the kitchen to dress her up. She was clearly determined to make her look ridiculous.But by some stroke of luck, the maid''s skills were quite good.Looking at the beautifully coiled hair bun the maid had done for her, Shang Ruoyi asked with some confusion, "Your skills are excellent. Why aren''t you serving in the rooms of the madam or concubines? Why did you end up in the kitchen?""Returning to Second Miss, this servant used to serve in Concubine Zhang''s room. But the prime minister commented on this servant''s delicate and fair hands to the concubine. The concubine was angry and sent this servant to the kitchen."So that was the case.Just as she finished getting dressed, the servants came to urge her to leave.She touched the jade pendant around her neck.It was the one she had worn in her previous life. She was surprised to find that it was still on her after transmigrating.Thinking of her frustrated death in her previous life, Shang Ruoyi couldn''t help but feel indignant.A top-notch special agent, not dying in war or sacrificing for the country, but at the hands of her most trusted teammate.If someone you could entrust your life to could turn traitor, who in this world could you truly give your heart to?Just then, the First Lady entered the room, took out a ten-thousand-tael banknote, and handed it to her. "Your mother''s dowry boxes have been carried outside. Why don''t you hurry up and leave? If you miss the auspicious hour and the emperor gets angry, can your worthless life bear the consequences?""First Lady, if you keep blabbering, today, even if it means incurring the emperor''s wrath, I''ll drag the prime minister''s mansion down with me. There are hundreds of lives in this mansion." Shang Ruoyi crossed her legs and looked at her with a cold gaze. "Anyway, there''s no one in this prime minister''s mansion that I care about. If you don''t care either, we can give it a try."The First Lady looked at her with a sinister gaze but, as she expected, closed her mouth.Shang Ruoyi sneered, stuffed the banknote into her bosom, and walked out of the room. Seeing the dowry boxes piled up far outside the courtyard, she couldn''t help but be astonished. She never expected that the original owner''s mother had been so wealthy.It was most lamentable that, despite such wealth, she had died such a tragic death.In the current Tianshun Dynasty, the principle of male superiority still prevailed. Although the status of women was not extremely low, it was still far behind that of men.But Shang Ruoyi was not the type of woman who could stay in the inner courtyard, being jealous and fighting with concubines for a man''s favor.Even in ancient times, she could stand on her own and live a wonderful life.She refused to be a man''s appendage!Watching her departing figure, the First Lady murmured, "So what if you take all this dowry? You may have the ability to take it, but you need to have the life to spend it."Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

 Chapter 3 The Wedding and Intrigue

    Although Shang Ruoyi had walked some distance, her hearing was extremely sharp. Every word of the First Lady''s fell clearly into her ears.


    Her brows furrowed involuntarily. What did the First Lady mean by that?


    The wedding procession had already arrived at the gate. Shang Ruoyi, dressed in a wedding gown with a red veil covering her head, was helped out of the Prime Minister''s Mansion by a maid.


    "Did you see that? When the Second Miss of the prime minister''s mansion gets married, neither the prime minister nor the madam come out to see her off. Not even a single concubine is present."


    "Oh, haven''t you noticed? The heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, the bridegroom, didn''t even come out to welcome the bride. It''s said that the betrothal gifts are also pitifully few, only twenty sets."


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk. This Second Miss really has a hard lot."


    "Yes! Without the support of her natal family and not favored by her husband, how will she live in the future?"


    A gentle breeze blew, lifting a corner of the veil. By chance, she saw the people who had just been gossiping.


    The corners of her lips curled up. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, she kicked a few stones at her feet.


    Those four stones seemed to have eyes, hitting the front teeth of those people precisely.


    "Ouch!"


    One of them reached out and two front teeth landed in their palm.


    "Teeth! My teeth!" Looking at the bloody teeth in their hands, the few people rolled their eyes and fainted.


    Their cries were drowned out by the festive music and didn''t cause much commotion.


    Shang Ruoyi walked straight to the bridal sedan chair, without the slightest bit of nostalgia for the Prime Minister''s Mansion.


    She didn''t notice that all her little actions had fallen into a pair of eyes.


    After the wedding procession left, that person quietly departed as well.


    At this time, in the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    "Your Highness, this marriage..." Yun Tian, holding a tray with the wedding attire, pleaded with a bitter face, "The heir, the wedding procession has already returned. Please change into your wedding clothes quickly! This marriage was bestowed personally by the emperor. We mustn''t be negligent!"


    He Jingheng sat by the window. His eyebrows were as black as ink paintings, his eyes like twinkling stars. His handsome and flawless features were distinct and three-dimensional, and his natural kingly bearing was even more imperial than that of the current Crown Prince.


    Outside, there was the sound of gongs and drums, and red silk and brocade were everywhere. Yet he was dressed in a black robe with silver trim and dark patterns. He looked nothing like a bridegroom on his wedding day, more like someone going to a funeral.


    His gaze was fixed on the chessboard in front of him, turning a deaf ear to what Yun Tian said.


    "Your Highness, the Princess Consort requests that you go to the front hall to receive the guests." The voice of a servant came from outside the door.


    He Jingheng waved his arm, and the door closed with a bang.


    The servant outside wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.


    Ever since the heir''s leg was injured, his temperament had become extremely strange.


    He not only refused to see people but also never stepped out of the courtyard gate and didn''t allow outsiders to enter his yard.


    Now the only person who could enter his courtyard was the old Princess Consort.


    Yun Tian looked at him with a headache. "Your Highness, if you don''t like her, you can just leave her alone after she''s married. But you can''t not show up, can you?"


    After placing the last chess piece, He Jingheng finally moved his gaze away from the chessboard. He looked at the wedding clothes on the tray and said in a deep voice, "This Highness has a leg injury and it''s inconvenient to move. I''m afraid I can''t perform the wedding ceremony. How about you go in my place?"


    Yun Tian quickly knelt down. "Your Highness, please don''t joke. How can someone else replace you in the wedding ceremony? If the emperor finds out, our prince''s mansion may be charged with disobeying the imperial edict."


    Just then, a figure leaped into the courtyard.


    "Your Highness," Yun Qi''s voice sounded.


    "Come in."


    Yun Qi walked to He Jingheng''s side and whispered a few words in his ear.


    He Jingheng''s eyes slightly changed, and he asked in a deep voice, "Did you see it with your own eyes?"


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation."Exactly." Yun Qi was also very puzzled. How could a young lady from a boudoir have such martial arts skills? At first, he thought it was a coincidence, but since several people were all hit in the front teeth by stones, it couldn''t be a coincidence.


    "This is rather interesting," a dark light flashed in He Jingheng''s eyes.


    "Your Highness, this subordinate suspects that she is a spy sent by Shang Nian," Yun Qi said in a deep voice. "That Second Miss kicked out with such clean and neat movements. Without some martial arts skills, it would be impossible to hit those people''s front teeth so accurately."


    "If she''s a spy, this Highness rather admires her courage."


    He knocked on the tray in Yun Tian''s hand. "Change my clothes."


    The sound of gongs and drums grew closer. Before long, the wedding procession arrived outside the prince''s mansion. At this time, the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was surrounded by common people, and many of them were holding congratulatory gifts.


    The Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had been fighting for the Tianshun Dynasty for years and was deeply loved by the people.


    Even on the day of the heir''s wedding, Prince Ding He Yuwen was still on the battlefield and hadn''t returned.


    So the common people came spontaneously to offer their congratulations and watch the ceremony.


    This scene was seen by the eunuch who came to deliver the congratulatory gifts on behalf of the emperor and empress. He frowned deeply but said nothing.


    The bridal sedan chair stopped. Shang Ruoyi sat in the sedan chair, and for a long time, no bridegroom came to lift the curtain.


    "This bride is so pitiful. It''s bad enough that the bridegroom didn''t come to welcome her. Now that she''s at the gate of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, no one even comes to lift the curtain."


    "That''s right. If I were the bride, I would have died of shame and anger."


    Shang Ruoyi heard this and couldn''t help rolling her eyes.


    Mind your own business!


    Dying of shame and anger?


    At such a beautiful and young age, why should one live or die because of a man?


    Besides, she had managed to come back to life. In her previous life, she lived for the country. In this life, she just wanted to be herself.


    "This is the daughter of the prime minister''s mansion. Keep your voices down. Don''t let her hear." Then an arrogant voice came, "What are you afraid of? She''s just an unremarkable concubine-born daughter."


    "Concubine-born daughter? Wasn''t the one betrothed to the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion the daughter of the prime minister''s mansion?"


    "Would the legitimate daughter of the prime minister''s mansion marry a lame man? Even if he''s the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, Shang Yufu wouldn''t marry him." The person said this in a very low voice, but Shang Ruoyi still heard it clearly.


    She lifted a corner of the sedan chair curtain and looked at the woman who was speaking.


    She was dressed in a green dress with a head full of pearls and jewels.


    In her memory, this was Mu Qingning, the legitimate daughter of the Right Prime Minister''s Mansion.


    Mu Qingning was one of the admirers of the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    After all, among the unmarried men in the Tianshun Dynasty who were handsome, prominent, and powerful, He Jingheng, the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, was even more popular than the current Crown Prince, He Lingzhan.


    But ever since He Jingheng''s leg was injured, those women who had originally admired him had given up their thoughts.


    Shang Yufu had also changed from an object of envy to a pitiful figure.


    Whenever there was a palace banquet or gathering, everyone would step on her.


    Shang Nian never wanted to betroth his legitimate daughter to He Jingheng. After all, even if he inherited the throne, his daughter would just be a Dingguo Princess. How could the position of empress bring such glory to the family?


    Moreover, the current emperor had long been dissatisfied with the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. If he married his legitimate daughter there and something went wrong in the future, wouldn''t he end up losing everything?


    Shang Ruoyi touched her headdress.


    She remembered that when Shaoyao was doing her hair bun, there was a hairpin with a few glass beads coiled on it.


    She took down those glass beads, held them in her hand, and threw them at Mu Qingning''s feet through the gap in the sedan chair curtain.

 Chapter 4 Stand out

    Just as everything was in place, a murmur of whispers came from the door.


    "It''s really the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion!"


    "I never thought the heir would actually come."


    Shang Ruoyi slightly raised her eyebrows. Just as she put down her veil, the sedan chair curtain was lifted, and a hand reached under the veil.


    Seeing that hand with distinct joints, her expression changed slightly.


    Although she had never held weapons like swords, spears, or axes, as a special agent team leader who had been on the battlefield, she could tell at a glance the strength hidden in this hand.


    He Jingheng looked at the person in the sedan chair. Seeing that she didn''t reach out her hand for a long time, his brows furrowed.


    Just as his patience was about to run out, a small, delicate hand was placed in his palm.


    This made He Jingheng, who had never held a woman''s hand before, feel an unexpected flutter in his heart.


    Shang Ruoyi was led out of the bridal sedan chair by him.


    As soon as she stood firmly, He Jingheng let go of her hand.


    The wedding nanny supported her, speaking auspicious words as they walked into the prince''s mansion.


    She was wearing a veil, and the ill-fitting and cumbersome wedding dress made it extremely difficult for her to walk. In contrast, after going through the formalities, He Jingheng was pushed into the mansion by his personal guard, Yun Tian, not even sparing her a glance.


    Seeing that the two newlyweds had entered the courtyard, the guests followed them into the prince''s mansion.


    "Ouch!" Mu Qingning''s cry of pain came. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw her lying on the ground, disheveled, with her hairpins and jewelry scattered around.


    She looked nothing like a noble lady from a prominent family.


    "Isn''t this Mu Qingning, the legitimate daughter of the Mu Mansion?"


    "How can she even walk properly?"


    "Right Prime Minister''s legitimate daughter indeed! So embarrassing."


    Mu Qingning, her face flushed red, was helped up by the servants. Hearing the jeers from all around, she angrily shouted, "What are you looking at? Keep looking, and I''ll gouge out your eyes!" Everyone in the capital knew about Mu Qingning''s fiery temper.


    Seeing her like this, the crowd covered their mouths and left.


    Mu Qingning looked at the glass beads on the ground and said in a deep voice, "Which petty person still wears such things?" Glass beads were the cheapest kind of ornaments. Even ordinary commoners rarely wore jewelry made of such beads these days. This showed how perfunctory Shang Nian was about this marriage.


    When they reached the main hall, after paying respects to heaven and earth, Shang Ruoyi officially became the Crown Princess of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    Just as the servant was about to lead her to the bridal chamber, a burst of laughter came from the guests watching the ceremony.


    "Hahaha, how precious Prime Minister Shang is to his legitimate daughter that he''s reluctant to marry her off. Instead, this concubine-born Second Miss has been married off in a muddle." The speaker was the heir of the Xiao Prince''s Mansion. He had always been at odds with He Jingheng. Now that He Jingheng was injured and the emperor had taken away his military power, he seized the opportunity to kick a man when he was down.


    He was the happiest person about He Jingheng''s injury.


    "Jingheng, is your leg really useless? Tsk, tsk, tsk. To become a cripple like this. Fortunately, you have a concubine-born younger brother. Otherwise, your Dingguo Prince''s Mansion might be at risk of having no heirs."


    The guests nearby pretended not to hear, looking down at their noses and minds. Even though the heir of the Xiao Prince''s Mansion hated the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, this wasn''t the time to bring up old wounds! The heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was moody. If he got angry here, they might be implicated.


    Hearing these words, Shang Ruoyi slowly stopped. Through the gap in her veil, she clearly saw the hand that had just led her tightly clenching, the knuckles turning white.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.The Dingguo Princess, sitting in the main seat, looked livid, while Concubine Zhao, standing aside£¬secretly rejoiced.


    "Princess Consort?" The maid beside her said softly, "Follow this servant to the bridal chamber."


    She moved her steps and her thin lips parted slightly.


    "Dog thing."


    These three words were neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone present to hear clearly.


    For a moment, the main hall fell silent. Everyone looked at the Crown Princess, who was being helped by the maid and walking with difficulty, in shock. It was hard to believe that these three words came from her. Even He Jingheng turned his head slightly.


    "What did you say?" The heir of the Xiao Prince''s Mansion was furious. "You little concubine-born girl, how dare you talk to this prince like that? You''re tired of living."


    "I''m talking about a dog in the prime minister''s mansion. Why is the heir of the Xiao Prince''s Mansion so angry?" Shang Ruoyi stopped, not moving her body at all. Her tone was calm, and there was no sign of lying. "That dog has an ugly face with a mole on it. It barks and bites at everyone it meets, just like a rabid dog. It''s really annoying. But if you like it, I can ask my father to send it to you. I just don''t know if that dog is still there. After all, it''s rabid. How would it know where its food comes from? And who gave it that so-called peaceful life?"


    After saying that, her figure slowly disappeared through the door.


    He Jingheng looked in the direction she left, and his originally clenched fist gradually relaxed.


    The heir of the Xiao Prince''s Mansion glared at her retreating figure, his eyes filled with hatred. He had actually been ridiculed by a lowly concubine-born girl!


    He knew exactly that the rabid dog Shang Ruoyi mentioned was referring to him.


    But with her vivid description in public, there was nothing he could do to her.


    However, this feud was set today. If he got hold of her handle in the future, he would settle the old and new scores together.


    The eunuch in charge of delivering the congratulatory gifts returned to the palace and reported everything he saw today to the emperor in detail. "Your Majesty, this servant saw that the common people in the streets regarded the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion as if he were a god."


    "A god?


    "Why do you say so?" The Emperor of Tianshun''s face changed slightly.


    "Some people brought congratulatory gifts. When they saw that the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion didn''t accept them, they even brought a basket of eggs. When they saw the heir, the common people were extremely excited, almost on the verge of kneeling. And some people said... said..."


    By now, the Emperor of Tianshun''s face was extremely gloomy. Seeing him stuttering, the emperor angrily slapped the table and roared, "Speak!"


    "They said that our Tianshun Dynasty enjoys peace today because of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion."


    The Emperor of Tianshun sat on the dragon throne, his face extremely solemn.


    "Leave."


    "This servant takes his leave." The eunuch''s eyes flickered, and a faint smile crossed his lips. He bowed and retreated.


    The Emperor of Tianshun''s chest heaved violently. He swept the things on the table to the ground.


    The Dingguo Prince''s Mansion!


    The Dingguo Prince''s Mansion!


    The word "Dingguo" was like a curse.


    Why was it only the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion who could stabilize the country?


    What was he, the emperor, for?


    He didn''t want to live in the shadow of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion anymore, nor did he want his descendants to be restricted by the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    Looking at the memorial scattered on the ground, his eyes glimmered slightly.


    Shang Ruoyi sat in the bridal chamber. Her already weak body was overcome with dizziness.


    "This headdress is too heavy." Just as Shang Ruoyi was about to take off the crown on her head, she heard a rustling sound outside the door.


    "Is it true? Where did you hear that?"


    "It''s absolutely true. I just came from Concubine Zhang''s courtyard. The imperial doctor from the palace is in the Second Young Master''s room. They said they''re taking the lady''s pulse."

 Chapter 5 Spatial Emergence

    "Should it truly be a pregnancy pulse, then will this Prince''s Mansion belong to the Second Young Master in the future? After all, our Young Master... "


    "Hush, lower your voice. Do you not value your head? If the Young Master and his Consort were to overhear, do you still want to live?"


    The voices of the two gradually faded away. Shang Ruoyi rolled her eyes and thought to herself: Weren''t you speaking right outside my room on purpose for me to hear?


    However, she didn''t care about these things at all.


    Who the Prince''s Mansion belonged to, whether the Second Young Master had an heir or not, had nothing to do with her.


    The reason she agreed to substitute in the marriage to the Prince''s Mansion was simply to find an excuse to divorce He Zuiheng in the future and live a carefree life with her dowry.


    She stretched lazily, took off the headdress on her head. Suddenly, the string of the jade pendant around her neck snapped. In a hurry to pick it up, she accidentally poked a cut on her finger with the hairpin from which the glass beads had been removed. Blood dripped onto the jade pendant on the ground.


    "Ouch, that hurts." As soon as the words left her mouth, there was a dizzying spin. The scene between heaven and earth changed. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in the medical laboratory of her previous life.


    What on earth was going on?


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the laboratory in front of her in astonishment, being unable to react for a moment.


    Could this be a hidden bonus of time - travel? Looking at the rows of medicines and medical equipment, the corners of her lips curved upward involuntarily.


    With this magical tool, she was bound to thrive here. Even if she left the Prince''s Mansion in the future, her life would still be very comfortable.


    She walked out of the laboratory, and the scene before her was even more astonishing.


    Not far away, there was a spring. The clear spring water flowed out from the spring eye.


    When she walked closer, she could smell a sweet fragrance from the spring water.


    At this moment, a mechanical voice echoed in her mind: "The Spiritual Spring can cleanse the marrow, improve the physique, and prolong life."


    Beside the Spiritual Spring, there were two pools. One of them was steaming with a faint mist. She reached out her hand to test it. Sure enough, it was a hot spring.


    Unexpectedly, she could take a hot spring bath here.


    In the other pool, there were fish swimming. Shang Ruoyi had never seen this kind of fish before. They were pure white all over, fat and big, without a single scale on their bodies, looking extremely delicious.


    Not far away, there was also a field.


    Shang Ruoyi looked at this space and nodded with great satisfaction.


    In this way, she could plant whatever she wanted to eat here. How wonderful! But how could she get out of this space?


    Just then, her figure returned to the bridal chamber. Everything she had just seen seemed like a dream.


    Could it be that entering and exiting the space depended on her willpower?


    She silently thought in her heart: Enter the space.


    The next second, she really appeared in the space.


    So that''s how it was.


    Having this space was equivalent to having a cheating artifact, wasn''t it?


    She just didn''t know if the things in the space could be brought into the real world.


    After entering the space again, she walked around the laboratory and picked up a scalpel. When she walked out of the space, the scalpel was still in her hand.


    So the space and the real world were connected!


    Shang Ruoyi was overjoyed.


    Just then, the voice of a servant came from the door: "Young Master."


    She frowned. Could it be that this He Zuiheng really wanted to consummate the marriage with her?


    It was obvious to everyone that he didn''t want to marry, and she didn''t want to marry either. She had thought that the two of them had a tacit understanding and that He Zuiheng wouldn''t be so tactless!


    She covered her head with the red veil and sat upright on the couch. After a while, the door was pushed open, and the sound of a wheel rolling came.


    After a long while, a soft laugh was heard.


    "What, still waiting for this Young Master to lift the red veil?"


    He Jingheng sneered disdainfully. "This Young Master doesn''t have that kind of spare time."


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.Shang Ruoyi''s fingers curled slightly, not making a sound. But under the red veil, she rolled her eyes silently.


    If you don''t have the spare time, what are you doing here?


    "You should also know that the one betrothed to me is your eldest sister of the direct line. That the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion can accept a concubine - born girl like you, you should be extremely grateful and not have any other extravagant hopes. Do you understand?" Seeing that she didn''t make any move, He Zuiheng''s brows furrowed slightly. He had already spoken so harshly, why was she still not reacting at all?


    Wasn''t she supposed to be like what Yun Qi had described?


    Seeing that she still didn''t speak, He Jingheng instantly lost the desire to tease her and said in a deep voice, "If you have anything, just go to the steward or the servants. This Young Master is busy."


    After saying that, he left the room without even lifting the red veil.


    Shang Ruoyi heaved a sigh of relief.


    She had just time - traveled here and was still not clear about the temperament of the Young Master of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. As the saying goes, when under someone else''s roof, one has to lower one''s head. After all, she was still labeled as the Young Master''s Consort. If she wanted to get a divorce, she couldn''t really anger him. Only if she got a divorce could she take all her dowry with her. If she was divorced by him, then the dowry would have to be returned to the Shang Mansion. Judging by the character of her scumbag father, he wouldn''t leave her a single bit of the dowry.


    However, from what he said, it seemed that he had no interest in her at all.


    In that case, she was happy to be at ease.


    But the words the First Madam had said when she left the Prime Minister''s Mansion lingered in her mind all the time.


    What did she mean by having the life to take it but not the life to spend it?


    What exactly did she know?


    At the same time, in the study of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    He Jingheng looked coldly at Feng Shi who was kneeling on the ground. "Say it again."


    "During the battle at Broken Soul Cliff, the army suffered heavy losses. None of the soldiers who went to fight with the Prince survived, and the Prince... The Prince is missing," Feng Shi said in a deep voice, kneeling on the ground. "This subordinate failed to protect well and deserves death a thousand times. Please punish me, Young Master."


    "Have you sent people to search?"


    "Yes, but there was no sign of the Prince at the bottom of the cliff."


    He Jingheng clenched his fists tightly. "Send more people to continue the search. Also, don''t let the Old Lady and the Consort know for now."


    "Yes!" Feng Shi took the order and left. Just then, a gust of wind blew, and the candle flame in the study flickered.


    Yun Tian stood aside and said softly, "Young Master, the Prince is blessed with good fortune. He will surely be safe and sound."


    He Jingheng didn''t speak. He looked at his legs, exerted force secretly, but still couldn''t move them at all. If it weren''t for his injury this time, his father, being of such an advanced age, wouldn''t have had to go to the battlefield at all.


    Looking at the dark and cloudy sky outside, as if it was about to rain, he murmured in a low voice, "The wind sweeping through the tower heralds the coming storm."


    A sense of foreboding spread in his heart.


    Early the next morning, Shang Ruoyi, who was still in her sleep, was awakened by a series of footsteps. Due to her previous profession, her hearing was extremely sharp. Even the faintest sound could wake her up from her sleep in an instant.


    "Consort, it''s time to change clothes. You need to offer tea to the Consort of the Prince later."


    After much fussing, she was dressed in layer upon layer, very ceremoniously. Supported by the maids, she walked out of the courtyard.


    "Where is your Young Master?" Shang Ruoyi asked softly.


    "The Young Master said he has something to do today. You are to go and offer tea by yourself," the maid replied, with her head bowed, showing great respect.


    Shang Ruoyi was a bit surprised. The servants of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion were really well - trained. They didn''t show any disrespect to her just because she wasn''t favored.

 Chapter 6 Washing the Marrow and Cutting the Meridians

    Upon arriving at the Consort''s courtyard, after being announced by the servant, Shang Ruoyi was led into the main hall.


    There, an elegant and dignified old Consort of the Prince was sitting upright in the main seat. The seat on the left was empty, while the Consort of the Prince was seated on the right. Beside the Consort of the Prince was Concubine Zhang, Zhang Yuzhi.


    Shang Ruoyi walked in and offered tea to the old Consort of the Prince and the Consort of the Prince in a proper manner.


    "Since you''ve married into our Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, you are one of us. You mustn''t have any ulterior motives. Do you understand?" Although the words were admonitions, the tone was rather gentle.


    Shang Ruoyi nodded in response.


    The Consort of the Prince then took out a jade bracelet and put it on her wrist, smiling and saying, "Good child."


    The Consort of the Prince was deeply touched by the scene at the wedding banquet yesterday.


    "Thank you, Mother - in - law."


    Then Shang Ruoyi turned to look at Concubine Zhang sitting beside.


    She showed no intention of standing up to pay respects to Shang Ruoyi. Instead, she sat in the chair, looking at her rather provocatively.


    Shang Ruoyi raised her eyebrows, a sneer curling at the corner of her lips. Without saying a word, she turned and walked towards her own seat.


    The smile on Concubine Zhang''s lips froze slightly. She didn''t expect that Shang Ruoyi would completely ignore her.


    As soon as Shang Ruoyi sat down, she heard Concubine Zhang cough softly.


    She pretended not to hear, sitting upright in the chair with a smile on her lips.


    Concubine Zhang''s obvious hint was still completely ignored, and she couldn''t help feeling annoyed.


    Concubine Zhang came from a military family. Her father was once the deputy general of the Dingguo Prince. She was extremely beautiful and deeply loved by the Prince. Normally, she should have been promoted to a side Consort, but the old Consort of the Prince had never given her consent, so she had remained a concubine until today.


    However, her treatment in the Prince''s Mansion was always the same as that of a side Consort.


    So she had long regarded herself as a side Consort. Shang Ruoyi''s actions today were like a slap in the face.


    "Becoming the Young Master''s Consort really makes a difference. A mere concubine - born girl can be so arrogant in this Prince''s Mansion," Concubine Zhang picked up the teacup, took a sip, and sneered. "Indeed, everyone''s fate is different!"


    Shang Ruoyi naturally knew she was referring to herself. She smiled and said, "Yes, I, a mere concubine - born girl, never dared to dream of such a day. Fate is determined by heaven. Some people are born noble, but they may not be able to hold on to this wealth and honor."


    The smile on Concubine Zhang''s face disappeared instantly.


    "They say Prime Minister Shang is easy - going. I didn''t expect he could give birth to such a sharp - tongued daughter. No wonder the Young Master doesn''t like you."


    "As the saying goes, you can know a person''s face but not their heart. My father may not be the way you see him. So it''s not surprising that he gave birth to a daughter like me." The corners of Shang Ruoyi''s lips curled into a smile. "Also, Concubine Zhang, next time please address me as the Young Master''s Consort. After all, I am the Young Master''s legitimate wife. Even if I''m not favored, not just anyone can talk about me." Concubine Zhang''s face turned extremely ugly, but the Consort of the Prince sitting next to her was beaming with joy.


    Since Zhang Yuzhi entered the mansion, she had been deeply loved by the Prince. If it weren''t for her relying on her natal family''s power, her position as the legitimate wife might have been taken away.


    Her son rarely cared about the affairs in the inner courtyard, and she was always overshadowed by Zhang Yuzhi in the Prince''s Mansion.


    Today, finally, someone had taken revenge for her.


    The more she looked at her daughter - in - law now, the more pleasing she found her.


    The old Consort of the Prince looked at Shang Ruoyi and didn''t say anything.


    This granddaughter - in - law was quite good.


    Concubine Zhang put the teacup down heavily on the table.


    Before she could speak, she heard the old Consort of the Prince laugh and say, "Your mother once met me when she was very young. At that time, your grandfather had just opened his first shop. She came to the mansion with your grandfather to deliver fabrics. The little girl was very lively and cute. It''s a pity she married your father."


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.The words that Concubine Zhang had on the tip of her tongue had to be swallowed back.


    The old Consort of the Prince clearly took Shang Ruoyi''s side.


    Shang Ruoyi was also taken aback. She didn''t expect that her mother had this connection with the old Consort of the Prince.


    "Well, I''m tired. Let''s all disperse!" The old Consort of the Prince rubbed her forehead, looking a bit tired.


    Shang Ruoyi returned to her room and immediately delved into the space to study.


    Coming to the side of the Spiritual Spring, she remembered the voice that had appeared in her mind before.


    She cupped her hands and took a sip. It was extremely sweet in the mouth, much better than the mountain spring water she had drunk in modern times.


    She couldn''t resist taking a few more sips.


    When she stood up and was about to look at other places, suddenly, a sharp pain came from her abdomen. Then this pain spread throughout her body, as if every bone and every inch of her skin were being burned clean.


    She curled up on the grass, her face as pale as paper, with big beads of sweat dripping from her forehead. Moans of pain escaped from her mouth.


    She didn''t know how long it had passed when she woke up from the coma. Looking at the blue sky, she was dazed for a moment.


    Suddenly, a foul smell wafted over. Shang Ruoyi gradually regained her senses. "What''s this smell?" Just as she was about to cover her nose and mouth with her hands, the smell became even more pungent. She sat up abruptly and found that her body was covered in sludge. The foul smell was actually coming from herself.


    Thinking of the severe pain in her body just now, could it be that the Spiritual Spring was expelling the impurities from her body?


    The foul smell came again, and Shang Ruoyi quickly jumped into the hot spring pool. After washing several times, the sludge on her body was finally cleaned off. She found that her skin had become much more delicate than before, and her body felt extremely light, as if she could fly at any time.


    Could this be the legendary cleansing of the marrow and purging of the meridians?


    Such a thing had only existed in legends before. She never expected that it would really happen to her today.


    Feeling the wonderful features of this space, Shang Ruoyi thanked the heavens for their favor once again.


    In her previous life, she was an atheist, thinking that all these things were illusory. She never expected that there really were things like reincarnation, time - travel, and rebirth.


    In the following days, He Jingheng seemed to have disappeared. He didn''t return to the Prince''s Mansion again, and Shang Ruoyi was happy to be at ease.


    She even completely forgot about the matter of returning to her natal home.


    One day, just after having breakfast, she heard the voice of a servant outside the courtyard: "Young Master."


    Shang Ruoyi frowned. What was he here for?


    Yun Tian pushed him into the room. He Jingheng looked at her back and sneered, "The Young Master''s Consort actually has the leisure to read here."


    Shang Ruoyi turned around. This was the first time she had seen her nominal husband since their marriage. Even though she had seen countless handsome men, Shang Ruoyi was still stunned by the man in front of her.


    The man was wearing a black robe. His raven - black hair was like satin. His nose was high - bridged, his lips slightly pursed, and his face had clear - cut lines. His long and narrow eyes carried an excessive aloofness. Even sitting in a wheelchair, he couldn''t hide the noble and cold air around him.


    What a charming and elegant young man.


    While she was sizing up He Jingheng, He Jingheng was also sizing her up.


    He never expected that his Young Master''s Consort was so... stunningly beautiful. One glance could captivate a city, and another glance could captivate a nation.


    "What do you mean by that, Young Master? Should I go to the military camp to practice swordsmanship instead of reading in the mansion?"


    Shang Ruoyi''s words brought He Jingheng back to his senses.

 Chapter 7 Emptying the Mansion of Shang

    He was rather annoyed that he had been so distracted by a woman.


    "Three days have passed, and you haven''t returned to your natal home yet."


    Return to my natal home?


    Go back to the Prime Minister''s Mansion?


    She furrowed her brows slightly and nodded indifferently. "It''s kind of you, Young Master, to remember."


    "This Young Master is burdened with official duties. You can go back on your own."


    Shang Ruoyi nodded nonchalantly. After all, it was just a formality. Whether he went or not didn''t matter much.


    After greeting the Consort of the Prince, she set off on the journey back to her natal home with the gifts that had been prepared long ago.


    When she arrived at the entrance of the Prime Minister''s Mansion, she saw that Shang Nian and the First Madam were already waiting there.


    Seeing the carriage stop, they quickly stepped forward. "Greetings to the Young Master."


    The coachman opened the door, and it was Shang Ruoyi who stepped out.


    Shang Nian peeked inside. Seeing no one there, he said in a deep voice, "Why are you alone?"


    "What? Is the Prime Minister perhaps waiting for the son - in - law you despised?" Shang Ruoyi walked into the mansion, her eyes sweeping over the servants in the courtyard. They all lowered their heads, not daring to meet her gaze.


    From the memories of the original owner, it seemed that these people had all bullied her.


    Now that she had suddenly become the Consort of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, these people must be afraid of her revenge.


    "What nonsense are you spouting?" Shang Nian stepped forward, raising his hand as if to slap her.


    "Is the Prime Minister planning to hit me?" Shang Ruoyi said coldly. "Look clearly. I''m now the Consort of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, not the Second Miss who could be bullied at will in the Prime Minister''s Mansion."


    Shang Nian was halted by her gaze. The hand he had raised didn''t dare to come down.


    At this moment, the First Madam came over. "Since you''re here, stay for lunch before leaving. We don''t want others to say that we don''t even offer you a meal."


    The corners of Shang Ruoyi''s lips curled slightly, and she nodded in agreement.


    "I''ll be in my courtyard before lunch. Without my orders, no one is allowed to enter."


    She said to the guards behind her, "Do you hear me?"


    "This subordinate obeys."


    Seeing her turn and leave, the nanny beside the First Madam whispered, "She really has become a phoenix after rising from the common flock. She doesn''t show the slightest respect for the master and the mistress."


    "Never mind. Her good days are almost over," the First Madam sneered. "Send the lunch directly to her courtyard when it''s ready. Let her eat and leave quickly."


    "Yes, this old servant understands."


    Shang Ruoyi''s courtyard was in the most remote corner of the entire Prime Minister''s Mansion. Usually, no one would come here, and no one would pay attention to what she was doing.


    The First Madam often deducted her food, so she often changed into a maid''s clothes and secretly slipped out to find something to eat.


    Therefore, she was extremely familiar with the layout of the mansion. She took off her outer garment, changed into the maid''s clothes she had hidden before, did a simple makeup, and then slipped out through the window.


    The treasury of the Prime Minister''s Mansion was in the southeast corner, and beside it was Shang Nian''s study.


    She walked all the way with her head down and arrived at the door of the treasury.


    Looking at the lock, she took out a silver wire and fiddled with the keyhole. With a click, the lock opened.


    Walking into the treasury, she saw dozens of large boxes stacked there, filled with all kinds of gold, silver, and jewels.


    Tut - tut - tut. Her scumbag father was really good at embezzling.


    How many underhanded things must he have done to amass so many treasures?


    Since these were ill - gotten gains, she wouldn''t be polite.


    She placed her hand on these gold, silver, and jewels. With a thought, the items inside disappeared and all entered her space.


    In a short while, the treasury was left with nothing but the empty boxes.


    Just thinking about the expressions of Shang Nian and the First Madam when they discovered this made her feel extremely satisfied.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.This was also the reason why she insisted on having lunch before leaving.


    She walked out of the treasury and restored the lock. Just as she was about to return to her courtyard along the original path, she heard Shang Nian''s voice coming from the study.


    "It has already been presented to the Emperor. Now everything is ready; all we need is the right opportunity."


    "Prime Minister, don''t worry. The Emperor has already made a decision on this matter. We just need to wait for the good news."


    "Once the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is eliminated, we can rest easy." A strange man''s voice came out.


    What?


    Was it related to the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion?


    She was just about to get closer to hear more clearly when she heard a rush of hurried footsteps in the distance.


    Shang Ruoyi quickly left.


    Back in the courtyard, thinking about what the First Madam had said at that time, the unease in her heart grew stronger and stronger.


    Just then, a scream spread throughout the entire Prime Minister''s Mansion.


    Had they discovered it so quickly?


    It turned out that the First Madam was about to put the gifts for returning to the natal home that Shang Ruoyi had brought into the treasury. When she opened the door, she saw that dozens of large boxes inside were empty.


    These were things she had accumulated over more than ten years and had planned to use as Shang Yuguan''s dowry in the future.


    Now they had all disappeared without a trace.


    How could she not go mad?


    "Shang Ruoyi! It must be her!" After saying that, she led a group of servants and guards, aggressively coming to the front of the courtyard.


    Just as she was about to barge in, she was blocked by the guards. "Madam, without the Consort of the Young Master''s summons, no one is allowed to enter."


    "Presumptuous! This is the Prime Minister''s Mansion. How can Shang Ruoyi have the final say?"


    "Madam, please abide by the Consort of the Young Master''s orders." How could the guards of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion be afraid of a madam of the Prime Minister''s Mansion?


    For a long time, the First Madam couldn''t take a single step into the courtyard.


    Finally, she simply started shouting at the entrance of the courtyard, "Shang Ruoyi! Come out here!"


    Seeing that the time was almost right, Shang Ruoyi rubbed her eyes and walked out as if she had just woken up. "Who''s barking here?"


    "Shang Ruoyi! You actually dared to steal. Aren''t you afraid of going to prison?"


    "Steal?" Shang Ruoyi sneered. "When did I steal? And what did I steal?"


    "You stole the treasures in my treasury!" the First Madam shouted angrily. "Stealing property, according to the law, is punishable by having one''s hands cut off. If you take out the things now, this madam can still consider sparing you."


    "What treasures are in your treasury? And how many are there?"


    "Dozens of large boxes..." Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly came to her senses. The gold, silver, and jewels in these dozens of large boxes, not to mention her, even several strong men would need to carry them for a while. How could she have moved them?


    The guards standing at the door couldn''t help laughing. How could their Consort of the Young Master be able to carry dozens of boxes?


    "First Madam, one should speak with evidence. Otherwise, slandering a member of the royal family is a serious crime!" Shang Ruoyi adjusted her sleeves and said coldly. "Also, in the future, please address me as the Consort of the Young Master. If you directly call me by my name again, I will have to punish you according to the law for disrespecting the royal family."


    The First Madam''s eyes were filled with hatred. Those were dozens of boxes of priceless treasures! And they had disappeared just like that.


    "Then where are my treasures? Where are my treasures?"


    "If you don''t believe me, feel free to send someone to search. This shabby courtyard can be seen through at a glance. See if there are the dozens of boxes of treasures you mentioned."


    The First Madam''s body trembled uncontrollably. Unable to hold on, she fainted directly.


    Shang Ruoyi walked out of the courtyard, watching the servants bustling about to help the First Madam up. A smile curled up on her lips. "Let''s go back to the mansion."

 Chapter 8 Exile

    Just as she returned to the Prince''s Mansion, before she could even take a sip of tea, Shang Ruoyi was summoned to the main hall. As soon as she entered, a teacup shattered at her feet.


    "You little slut! So, you married into our Dingguo Prince''s Mansion to be a spy," Concubine Zhang screeched. "You actually resorted to framing and incriminating us."


    "Concubine Zhang, what are you talking about?" Shang Ruoyi looked at Concubine Zhang, puzzled.


    "Hmph! You know exactly what I''m talking about!"


    Impatience now showed in Shang Ruoyi''s eyes. "Concubine, there''s no need to play riddles. Just say what you have to say directly."


    "Ruoyi, our He family has never mistreated you. Why would you do such a thing?" The Consort of the Prince''s eyes were red. "Although you''re a concubine - born daughter of the Prime Minister''s Mansion, since you married into our Prince''s Mansion, no one has ever looked down on you. Why did you plant those forged letters in the study?"


    Forged letters?


    What on earth were they talking about?


    "Mother - in - law, what are you all talking about?"


    The old Consort of the Prince furrowed her brows deeply and said in a solemn voice, "Your father went to the Emperor today with a letter, accusing our Dingguo Prince''s Mansion of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country. And this letter..." She looked at Shang Ruoyi, her eyes full of scrutiny. "Your father said you found it in the study."


    What? "How could this be possible? I don''t even know which way the door of the Prince''s Mansion study opens. How could I have rummaged through letters?" Shang Ruoyi looked at the old Consort of the Prince and said in a solemn voice. "Besides, since I''ve married into the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, what good would it do me to do such things?"


    "Then what''s the deal with these letters?"


    "It must be that old scoundrel, Shang Nian!" Shang Ruoyi finally understood why Shang Nian was willing to hand over all of her mother''s dowry just to marry her into the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    It was to frame them with a legitimate excuse. On the day she returned to her natal home, he would present these pre - prepared letters.


    A complete frame - up plan was thus accomplished.


    Just then, an imperial eunuch arrived at the Prince''s Mansion, carrying an imperial edict.


    "All in the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, receive the imperial edict."


    Shang Ruoyi''s heart sank.


    It seemed that the Emperor in the palace had a deep - seated hatred for the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion and was eager to eliminate everyone in it.


    "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor''s decree states: He Yuwen, the Dingguo Prince, has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country, resulting in the tragic death of thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. His crime is unforgivable. He Yuwen, the Dingguo Prince, is stripped of his title. His current whereabouts are unknown. When he is found, he will be beheaded immediately. His family members are to be exiled three thousand li and are never to set foot in the capital again. All the property of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is to be confiscated and put into the national treasury. Thus."


    The eunuch put away the imperial edict and sneered. "Old Consort of the Prince, receive the edict!"


    The maid beside helped the old Consort of the Prince stand up. But before she could steady herself, she fell back onto the ground.


    "Old Consort of the Prince!" The maids around her were immediately in chaos.


    "Hmph! This servant still needs to return to the palace to report to the Emperor. Is there anyone in your Dingguo Prince''s Mansion to receive the imperial edict?"


    "Give it to me!" A jade - like hand reached out.


    Shang Ruoyi said coldly, "You may leave. No need for farewells."


    "The Second Miss of the Shang family has just been married for a few days," the eunuch looked at her, a mocking expression on his face. "Yet she has already suffered such a misfortune. Truly lamentable."


    As he left the Prince''s Mansion, he said to the guards behind him, "Guard the main gate of this Prince''s Mansion. No one is allowed to enter or leave."


    The main gate of the Prince''s Mansion closed with a loud bang, and chaos ensued inside the mansion. The old Consort of the Prince sat in the chair, murmuring, "It''s over, all over. The century - old foundation of our Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is gone."


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.The Consort of the Prince kept wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. "Just now, someone sent a message saying that Zuiheng was detained as soon as he returned to the military camp this morning. He already has trouble moving, and now we don''t know how much he''s been tortured."


    Concubine Zhang''s side was busy packing up gold, silver, and valuables, trying every means to hide them on their persons.


    Taking advantage of the chaos, Shang Ruoyi quietly went to the backyard and opened the treasury filled with her dowry. In a moment, the treasury was empty, not even a single leaf remaining, as everything was taken into her space. She then visited several treasuries where the Prince''s Mansion''s precious items were stored.


    After she left, the entire Prince''s Mansion was emptied.


    "Even if these things were to be thrown away, they must not fall into the hands of that unjust and muddle - headed Emperor," she said, looking at the space filled with treasures. Then, contentedly, she returned to the main hall.


    Just then, a group of soldiers rushed into the Prince''s Mansion. The leading captain said coldly, "Men, take them away! Strip them of their fine clothes, put them in prison carts, and send them out of the city immediately!"


    Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows slightly. How impatient was this Emperor?


    The group changed into prison clothes, had shackles put on their hands and feet, and were directly herded onto prison carts.


    At this time, Shang Ruoyi saw a pool of blood under the front - most prison cart, with fresh blood still dripping drop by drop.


    Her pupils dilated slightly. It was He Jingheng!


    The Consort of the Prince saw this scene and stumbled towards the prison cart, her fingers trembling as she grabbed the cart. "Heng''er! Heng''er! Open your eyes and look at Mother! Heng''er!"


    Just then, two soldiers stepped forward and roughly grabbed the Consort of the Prince''s arms, saying in a deep voice, "Get on the cart quickly. There''s no time for you to talk here. When you reach the outskirts of the city and meet up with the other exiled prisoners, you''ll have plenty of time to cry. Move!"


    The Consort of the Prince was pushed and fell to the ground. She stumbled to her feet, dragging the shackles on her feet, and walked towards her prison cart, looking back step by step.


    The prison carts had to pass through the busiest street in the capital. In the past, the people on these prison carts were either corrupt officials or criminals who had committed murder and were all despised by the common people. When passing through this street, people would throw stones and even set fires. But today, as the prison carts passed through the street, the common people were all in tears, and some even knelt and kowtowed on the ground.


    Shang Ruoyi witnessed all this. Although she had lamented her poor fate more than once, being innocently implicated and exiled right after time - traveling, seeing how the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, who were so beloved by the common people, were being treated so unjustly just because of the Emperor''s suspicion and their high achievements intimidating the sovereign, she gritted her teeth. It seemed that she had to save these people.


    He Jingheng''s leg was already injured. Although she hadn''t seen the wound, she could smell the ointment that had been used on his leg before, which was for treating broken bones and damaged sinews. But his current leg injury seemed rather serious.


    Concubine Zhang kept chattering in the prison cart, "Shang Ruoyi, you jinx! It''s all your fault! Your horoscope must be in conflict with that of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. Otherwise, why was everything fine before you married in, and as soon as you came in, such a huge disaster befell our Dingguo Prince''s Mansion?"


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t want to pay her any attention. But Concubine Zhang was too persistent. "You little slut, can''t you hear me when I''m talking to you?"


    "Alright, stop talking," the old Consort of the Prince looked at Shang Ruoyi and said in a deep voice. "Ruoyi, if Zuiheng divorces you now, you can regain your freedom and won''t be burdened by our Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. Are you willing?"


    When Concubine Zhang heard this, her face instantly changed. "Old Consort of the Prince, how can we let her leave just like that? We''ve all been harmed by her!"

 Chapter 9 Exile Begins

    The old Consort of the Prince turned a deaf ear to Concubine Zhang''s outburst and fixed her sharp gaze intently on Shang Ruoyi.


    Upon hearing this, Shang Ruoyi was momentarily taken aback. To be honest, ever since she married into the Prince''s Mansion, she had made up her mind to find an opportunity to divorce He Jingheng and regain her freedom. Then, like a bird soaring in the vast sky and a fish leaping in the boundless sea, in this second life, she yearned for nothing more than unrestrained freedom.


    However, at present, He Jingheng was severely injured and unconscious. The only remaining male in the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was He Qinian, who was a bully to the weak and a coward to the strong. Counting on him to take care of them during the exile was nothing short of a pipe dream.


    It was simply impossible for these ladies to reach the place of exile alive on their own.


    But it was beyond her capacity, in both her past and present lives, to watch upright and loyal people perish before her eyes.


    She looked at the old Consort of the Prince, her eyes resolute, and said, "Since I married into the Prince''s Mansion, I am part of this family. How could I seek to survive alone at a time like this?"


    The old Consort of the Prince''s eyes softened, and a rare smile graced her features. "Well said! From this day forward, Shang Ruoyi is the granddaughter - in - law personally chosen by me. If anyone dares to insult her again, don''t blame me for being ruthless!"


    Upon hearing this, Concubine Zhang''s face underwent several changes, and eventually, she fell silent.


    Even though the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had been sealed and they had become prisoners, the old Consort of the Prince was still her mother - in - law, and she didn''t dare to defy her.


    The Consort of the Prince looked at the front - most prison cart with a face full of worry, her tears streaming uncontrollably. "What are we going to do about Heng''er?"


    The old Consort of the Prince furrowed her brows deeply and slowly closed her eyes.


    When they reached the outskirts of the city, a group of soldiers stood under the shade of the trees, impatiently fanning themselves. Seeing the prison carts approaching, they said coldly, "Hurry up. What time is it already?"


    Shang Ruoyi and the others were roughly pulled out of the prison carts. Concubine Zhang, losing her balance, fell directly to the ground.


    "Ouch, ouch!" She sat on the ground, clutching her leg and wailing.


    At this moment, a soldier whipped her hard with a leather whip and shouted loudly, "What are you wailing for? Get up quickly! Do you still think you''re a lady? Let me tell you, on the exile route, you''re no different from those people." He pointed to the prisoners not far away, who were covered in dirt and whip marks. "Those who don''t obey or are lazy, don''t blame me for whipping you! And if you try to escape, hum£¬you''ll be beheaded on the spot!"


    Looking at the gleaming blade, the female relatives of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion couldn''t help but be startled.


    The last prison cart held the young princess of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, He Yunyi. Shang Ruoyi had scarcely seen her sister - in - law since marrying into the Prince''s Mansion. According to the servants, the young princess was rather introverted and didn''t like going out much. Now, being roughly dropped from the prison cart, her face was as white as a sheet, and she cowered timidly behind the Consort of the Prince.


    A soldier eyed Shang Ruoyi and He Yunyi with ill - intent.


    While others didn''t notice, Shang Ruoyi was extremely sensitive to others'' gazes and immediately detected the lecherous look in the soldier''s eyes.


    She immediately formulated a plan in her mind. On this exile journey, it would be all too easy for the guards escorting them to do whatever they pleased to the prisoners.


    It seemed that getting to the place of exile safely would require great effort.


    Just then, two guards carried the unconscious He Jingheng and placed him in front of the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    One of He Jingheng''s legs was already broken, and there was a deep knife wound on the calf of the other leg. Presumably, the tendon in that calf was severed. If not reattached, this leg was likely to be crippled.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on."Heng''er!" The Consort of the Prince threw herself onto him, wailing loudly. Looking at the continuously bleeding wound, she was at a loss as to what to do. She wanted to wipe it with a handkerchief but dared not, for fear of hurting him.


    The old Consort of the Prince also kept wiping her tears with a handkerchief, her heart aching terribly.


    Even Concubine Zhang subconsciously grasped He Qinian''s arm tightly, fearing that her son would end up in the same state.


    Shang Ruoyi crouched beside He Jingheng, felt his wrist, and couldn''t help frowning.


    His pulse was extremely weak, the wound showed signs of infection, and his body temperature was gradually rising. If not treated promptly, his life would be in danger.


    But at the moment, there was no chance to treat him.


    However, she could first give him some fever - reducing and anti - inflammatory medicine.


    As soon as this thought emerged in her mind, two tablets appeared in her palm.


    Could it be that the items in the space could be controlled by her thoughts? She tried again, and indeed, two more white tablets appeared in her palm.


    This was incredibly convenient.


    Taking advantage of everyone''s inattention, she put the tablets into He Jingheng''s mouth.


    She pressed a point on the acupoint on his neck, and his throat twitched, swallowing the two tablets.


    Just as she finished this, she heard the guard shout loudly, "Get up, get up! Time to start moving!"


    The people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion were shocked. In He Jingheng''s current state, how could he travel?


    "Sir Guard, in my son''s current condition, how can he travel?" Before the Consort of the Prince could finish speaking, she was pushed to the ground by the guard. "I don''t care how you travel! If you delay the schedule, I''ll feed him to the wolves!"


    Shang Ruoyi looked at He Qinian and said in a deep voice, "Now, in our He family, only you are capable of carrying him."


    Before He Qinian could speak, Concubine Zhang''s shrill voice rang out. "Are you insane? Asking my son to carry this He Jingheng, who might be dead or alive?"


    "Concubine Zhang, how can you say such a thing?" The Consort of the Prince said angrily. "Heng''er is the Young Master. Why can''t your son carry him?"


    "Our Prince''s Mansion is gone! What Young Master? Look at He Jingheng. Even if he survives, he''ll be a cripple. How can he carry on the family line for our He family? The only one we can count on now is Nian''er." Concubine Zhang''s words made everyone turn their eyes to He Jingheng''s legs and then look at Shang Ruoyi with pity.


    A young and innocent girl, just married and already starting to live like a widow.


    "Even if Heng''er is a cripple, he is the legitimate child of our He family," the old Consort of the Prince said in a deep voice. "Qiniao, quickly carry your elder brother on your back."


    He Qinian had been afraid of his grandmother since childhood. He quickly stepped forward and carried He Jingheng on his back.


    Shang Ruoyi stood aside and said softly, "Thank you."


    "Hey, you people, are you done yet?" The guard brandished the whip in his hand. Although he didn''t lash out, the sound of it swishing through the air still startled everyone present.


    He Yunyi was so frightened that she kept whimpering softly.


    "Yunyi, don''t be afraid," Shang Ruoyi said, stepping forward and taking her hand.


    "Sister - in - law..."


    Shang Ruoyi patted her on the back. "You must stay close to me."


    Remembering the guard''s lecherous gaze, Shang Ruoyi said in a solemn voice, "Wherever you go, even if it''s to the toilet, you must call me. Understand?"


    He Yunyi nodded vigorously. The unease that had been weighing on her heart seemed to find a sense of security at this moment.


    The exiled group walked along the path on the outskirts of the city towards the distance. On the city wall, two people stood at a high point, watching this scene.


    "Your Highness, are you just going to let the He family leave like this?" The speaker was none other than Shang Ruoyi''s scumbag father, Shang Nian.


    "What else should I do?" The man, dressed in a purple robe, had a sinister smile playing on his lips.

 Chapter 10 Buying Food

    "Your Highness, I believe that when cutting grass, one should remove the roots. To prevent them from making a comeback, we should... " He made a slashing motion across his neck with his hand.


    "Hmph, the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion are either old or disabled. The ones who are still alive are mostly female relatives. What kind of trouble could they possibly stir up?"


    "But He Jingheng is still alive!"


    "Alive?" The man sneered. "I think he''ll wish he were dead when he regains consciousness. " The man glanced at the man on He Qinian''s back. "He Jingheng is such a proud person. Now that he''s become a cripple, it''ll be extremely difficult for him to survive in the place of exile. Then, I''ll also let him experience the torment of being unable to live or die."


    "Your Highness is truly wise! I am far inferior to Your Highness."


    The man in the purple robe was none other than the current Crown Prince, He Lingsheng.


    He watched the departing group, his eyes narrowing slightly. He Jingheng, you always outshone this Crown Prince. You deserve this fate.


    He had already made arrangements with the guards escorting the exiles to "entertain" the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion well along the way.


    The exiled group walked for an entire day. Everyone was parched, but the guards showed no sign of stopping to rest. Shang Ruoyi didn''t feel too bad. After all, in her previous life, she could go without rest for two days and nights.


    However, the others didn''t have her physical stamina.


    Especially the old Consort of the Prince, who had lived a life of luxury and ease. How could she endure such a long - distance journey?


    The others weren''t much better either. The Consort of the Prince and Concubine Zhang also had pale faces.


    Just then, the guard lashed his whip loudly. "Stop! Rest here!"


    The group felt as if they had been pardoned. They plopped down on the ground.


    The guard took a cloth bag filled with dried cakes and distributed half a piece to each person.


    The He family members looked at the cakes in their hands and exchanged glances. Was this fit for human consumption?


    It was as dry and hard as a brick.


    Biting into it would probably break one''s teeth!


    And it was so dry, and there was no water to drink. Wouldn''t they die of thirst?


    Just then, Shang Ruoyi noticed an exiled prisoner approach the guard and secretly hand over a few copper coins. The guard then took out a water bag from a box. Another prisoner exchanged a silver earring for two white flour steamed buns. So, this was how it worked.


    The other prisoners didn''t seem surprised at all.


    It seemed that this was an unspoken rule.


    Come to think of it, many of the exiled prisoners were former court officials or their relatives. They all had some background to some extent. Although the guards talked about beating and killing, they knew very well which ones they could deal with harshly and which ones they couldn''t touch because their families still had power.


    Exiled officials who could hide some money on them were those whose families still had influence.


    These were the ones who couldn''t be touched.


    And those who were penniless and had no background were much worse off. Most of them died on the way before reaching the place of exile.


    The He family also saw this scene. The Consort of the Prince pulled Shang Ruoyi''s sleeve and took out a gold bracelet from her bosom. She said softly, "I hid this secretly. Take it and exchange it for some water and food. How can we swallow this dry thing?"


    Shang Ruoyi shook her head. "Mother - in - law..."


    "Forget it. What mother - in - law? The Prince''s Mansion is no more. Call me mother from now on."


    "Yes!" The old Consort of the Prince said softly. "Call me grandmother from now on."


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Yes. Mother, when we reach the place of exile, one of my father''s former disciples is a steward there. Anyway, they''ll still show some respect to our Qin family," Concubine Qin said in a low voice.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.The old Consort of the Prince nodded and then closed her eyes to rest.


    Shang Ruoyi returned the bracelet to Concubine Qin and said softly, "Mother, keep this bracelet for yourself. I still have some silver on me. If we''re thrifty, it''ll be enough for our family''s food and drink along the way. You must hide your things well. Maybe they''ll be of great use when we reach the place of exile."


    After saying that, she took out a few pieces of broken silver from her bosom and walked up to the guard, saying softly, "Sir Guard, I wonder how many water bags and white flour steamed buns I can exchange for with this silver?"


    The leading guard, seeing that it was her who came to offer the silver, snorted. "With this silver, you can get one water bag and one steamed bun."


    Shang Ruoyi understood that he was treating people differently according to their status, simply trying to extort more money.


    She smiled. "So expensive? Could it be that my father got it wrong? Before leaving the city, my father gave me some silver and said I could exchange for some rations from you, Sir Guard. It seemed that a few copper coins could buy a water bag. If it''s this expensive, I''m afraid I''ll starve to death just after leaving the capital."


    "Your father?"


    "Yes! My father is Shang Nian, the current Left Prime Minister." Shang Ruoyi stared into his eyes without the slightest hesitation.


    Shang Nian?


    "Prime Minister Shang!" You mean Prime Minister Shang came to see you before leaving the city?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded without batting an eyelid. "Of course."


    The guard''s heart sank. Prime Minister Shang had indeed come to the city gate with the Crown Prince today.


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t expect that a casual lie she told would actually match the situation.


    The guard looked at her several times and weighed the broken silver in his hand. The Crown Prince only said to make things difficult for the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, not the daughter of Prime Minister Shang. It seemed that this young woman in front of him really couldn''t be offended easily.


    He took out four water bags and several white flour steamed buns. "Even if you''re the daughter of Prime Minister Shang, you''ve now become a prisoner. Do you understand the difference?"


    "Thank you, Sir Guard. When my father brings me back to the capital, I''ll definitely ask him to promote you," Shang Ruoyi smiled.


    She turned and walked back to the He family, distributing the water bags and steamed buns.


    "Ruoyi, what did you say to that guard? They gave us so much," Concubine Qin said as she handed a steamed bun to the old Consort of the Prince. "This white flour steamed bun is much worse than those in the mansion, but it''s far better than that dry cake."


    "Nothing much, Mother. I''ll try to ensure we have white flour steamed buns to eat along the way." She handed over the water bag. "Mother, Grandmother, drink more water."


    After they drank, they immediately felt much more comfortable. Concubine Qin smiled and said, "Maybe it''s because we haven''t had water for so long. I didn''t expect the water to be so sweet."


    Shang Ruoyi just smiled and said nothing. Of course the water was sweet!


    She had added spiritual spring water to the water bags!


    "Yes! The taste of this water is really good, and I feel that my body isn''t as tired as before," the old Consort of the Prince put away the water bag. "We''ll need water along the way. We must be thrifty."


    Shang Ruoyi picked up the water bag and walked to the still - unconscious He Jingheng. She poured some spiritual spring water into his mouth.


    After a moment, he slowly regained consciousness.


    "Where... Where am I?"

 Chapter 11 Wolf Attack

    "We''re about to leave the capital," Shang Ruoyi said calmly. "Now that you''re awake, have some food."


    She handed him the steamed bun. He Jingheng stared at it for a long while as if just coming to his senses. Then he snorted coldly, "Now that your goal has been achieved, why come along to suffer in exile? Haven''t you caused us enough misery?"


    "With the Young Master''s intelligence, you should know that I''m not the one behind this," she said, placing the steamed bun in his hand. "Even if it weren''t me, there would be someone else. It''s just a formality, after all."


    He Jingheng looked at her coldly. "You''re quite self - aware."


    Shang Ruoyi said in a solemn tone, "Young Master, rest assured. After we reach the place of exile and get settled, we''ll get a divorce. I won''t burden you."


    She added in her mind, And you''d better not burden me either. I still want to explore the great rivers and mountains.


    Divorce?


    Hearing these two words, He Jingheng was momentarily stunned for some reason. When he came to his senses, there was a hint of anger in his voice. "As you wish."


    Shang Ruoyi handed him the water bag. "Drink some water."


    Concubine Zhang and the other two also received a water bag and each got a white - flour steamed bun.


    "How can anyone swallow this dry thing?" Concubine Zhang complained. "Even the servants in the mansion wouldn''t eat such a thing."


    Her son, He Qinian, and daughter - in - law, Lin Shuyu, ate the steamed buns in silence, taking sips of water from time to time while Concubine Zhang kept muttering to herself.


    "Ouch, my leg hurts so much!"


    "My feet are about to break."


    "Ugh, is this even fit for humans or dogs?"


    Not far from Concubine Zhang, several prisoners were gnawing on the dried cakes. They curled their lips and said, "Hmph, still thinking she''s a lady. She should be grateful to get white - flour steamed buns."


    Hearing this, Concubine Zhang immediately turned around and looked at the dirty prisoners. "You bunch of beggars! I''m a concubine of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. I''m different from lowly commoners like you."


    When the prisoners heard that she was from the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, their eyes immediately turned fierce.


    There was a murderous aura!


    Shang Ruoyi immediately became alert.


    Not only those three prisoners, but more than half of the exiled prisoners were looking at them with anger.


    What was going on?


    The people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, sensing something was wrong, were all confused. Concubine Zhang finally felt a bit scared and shut up sheepishly.


    "Shut up if you can''t speak properly," the old Consort of the Prince said in a deep voice. "Zhang, you''re being reckless with your words!"


    With He Jingheng''s leg broken, He Qinian was the only male left, and his martial arts skills were mediocre. If they angered the crowd during the exile, how could this group of women, children, and the elderly manage?


    Apparently, Concubine Zhang also realized the seriousness of the situation and lowered her head, not daring to say a word.


    Just then, a whip cracked in the distance.


    "Get up, get up! Time to move!" The guards took their whips and lashed at a few people who were moving slowly.


    "Hurry up!"


    It was getting dark, and wolves often ³öû in this area. If they didn''t leave soon, there would be danger.


    However, there were always some people in the exiled group who were physically exhausted.


    Those who fell behind were whipped by the guards in a hurry.


    But being whipped only added to their injuries, making them move even slower.


    There were three or four such prisoners in the entire exiled group. As a result, they didn''t manage to leave the forest before dark.


    The sky gradually darkened, and as the last ray of light disappeared below the horizon, it was time for the beasts to hunt.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings."Speed up! We can rest in just one li," the guards'' voices, mixed with the sound of whips cracking, sent chills down everyone''s spines.


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t feel tired. Along the way, she had secretly added spiritual spring water to the water bags several times. Each time she drank it, she felt refreshed.


    The others in the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, although they didn''t drink as much as her, didn''t show signs of fatigue either. Especially He Qinian, who thought he had become stronger. He had been carrying He Jingheng for so long without feeling sore or numb.


    However, the physical strength of the others had clearly reached its limit. Just then, a rustling sound came from the depths of the forest.


    Shang Ruoyi immediately became alert.


    He Jingheng, who also heard the sound, saw the change in her expression and raised his eyebrows slightly.


    She had heard the sound before him.


    It seemed that what Yun Qi had said was somewhat credible.


    Shang Ruoyi subtly moved closer to the old Consort of the Prince and Concubine Qin.


    This subtle movement was noticed by He Jingheng, and he felt a twinge of anger. Was this woman using them as shields? How despicable.


    Just then, a wolf howl came from the distance.


    Damn! Wolves were pack animals. In her previous life, every time she heard such a wolf howl, it would attract a large number of wolves.


    Shang Ruoyi stood in front of them, her eyes fixed intently on the front, her heart sinking slightly.


    If she wanted to escape on her own, it would be easy.


    But there were so many people in the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, all defenseless.


    Protecting them would be extremely difficult.


    Seeing her actions, He Jingheng paused. He had underestimated her.


    The guards were also in a panic.


    They exchanged glances and then simply abandoned the people who couldn''t move anymore. They shouted loudly, "Run! It''s just a few hundred meters to safety! Hurry!"


    The crowd, already terrified by the wolves, found some strength from somewhere upon hearing that there was still a glimmer of hope for survival. They all ran for their lives.


    The few people who were abandoned were quickly caught up by the wolves and torn to pieces.


    But with dozens of wolves, those few people were far from enough.


    Another wolf howl was heard, and dozens of wolves leaped over the corpses of those few people and charged towards the crowd.


    Shang Ruoyi kept an eye on the situation behind her.


    Seeing several more people fall prey to the wolves, the unease in her heart grew. Running blindly wasn''t a solution. They couldn''t run faster than the wolves. Moreover, they were all wearing shackles on their feet, which made it impossible for them to run fast.


    Before long, they were surrounded by wolves.


    Unlike other animals, wolves had a very strict hierarchical system and could coordinate their attacks.


    It was completely dark, and the wolves'' eyes glowed with a greenish - oily light, looking extremely creepy.


    Many people started crying.


    Even He Yunyi, who usually didn''t say much, began to sob softly.


    Just then, several wolves pounced towards them.


    The guards brandished their large knives and tried their best to cut them down.


    The smell of blood directly excited the wolves waiting to attack.


    They kept scratching the ground with their front paws. Suddenly, a hasty wolf howl came from behind, and the wolves swarmed towards them.


    In this situation, the guards were no match for the wolves. The speed of their sword - swings couldn''t keep up with the wolves'' attacks.


    "Ah! Help!" A man''s shrill cry was heard. His leg was firmly bitten by a wolf, and in the next instant, another wolf bit his throat.


    The people who saw this were all horrified.


    Shang Ruoyi turned to the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion and said, "There are many stones by the roadside. If a wolf gets close to you, throw stones at it. Hit it hard."

 Chapter 12 Implication

    As soon as she finished speaking, Shang Ruoyi threw a stone, hitting the wolf right on the head. The wolf, seemingly in pain, dared not attack any further.


    Many people witnessed this scene and quickly picked up stones.


    For a moment, the wolves were driven back and stopped their attack.


    However, the stones on the ground were limited. Once they were all thrown, they would still become the wolves'' prey. Shang Ruoyi walked up to He Jingheng and said in a solemn voice, "Young Master, do you possess inner strength?" He Jingheng looked at her and nodded. "What for?"


    "With the Young Master''s martial arts skills, it should be quite easy to penetrate a wolf''s skull with these stones, right?"


    "So?"


    "The wolf king," Shang Ruoyi said, looking at the wolves that were eyeing them hungrily. "As long as we find the wolf king and kill it, the other wolves will naturally retreat."


    He Jingheng looked at Shang Ruoyi with a hint of surprise.


    He didn''t expect this woman to know so much.


    But how could an inner - chamber woman be aware of such things?


    The stones at their feet were running out, and the wolves seemed to have noticed. They paced back and forth, becoming more and more restless. Just then, another wolf howl resounded. Shang Ruoyi and He Jingheng simultaneously locked onto a particularly robust wolf at the back.


    He Jingheng''s stone, imbued with inner strength, shot out.


    Instantly, the stone struck the wolf king''s head. With the great force, the stone sank into its brain, and blood spattered.


    After a feeble wail, the wolf king slowly fell to the ground.


    Hearing the sound, the wolves gradually stopped in their tracks.


    With the wolf king dead, the wolves lost their leader and were instantly at a loss as to how to attack.


    At this time, He Jingheng threw a few more stones, and the wolves in the front fell to the ground. Seeing this, the wolves ceased their attack. Before long, they all left one by one. When the last wolf disappeared, everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    After this incident, the prisoners'' prejudice against the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion seemed to have lessened. The looks in their eyes were no longer as hostile as before.


    Shang Ruoyi never understood how the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had offended these prisoners, and no one came forward to explain.


    The sense of relief after surviving the disaster was quickly replaced by a profound feeling of exhaustion. However, everyone dared not delay. Without even taking a break, they walked until they saw the tall city wall. Only then did they relax.


    By this time, the city gate was already closed, so they could only spend the night in a dilapidated temple not far from the gate.


    Upon arriving at the temple, Shang Ruoyi heard the guards whispering about something.


    Thanks to her extraordinary hearing, she learned that the food they had brought was lost during the fight with the wolves.


    There was still one night until the city gate opened, and everyone''s strength was completely depleted. They were all starving.


    The prisoners didn''t say much as they only had one meal a day to begin with. But the guards couldn''t bear it and were discussing what to do.


    Just then, a group of soldiers escorted another group of prisoners to the temple.


    The old Consort of the Prince, who had just sat down, suddenly stood up, her voice trembling. "Ning''an, Zhiyuan, why are you here?"


    He Ning''an and He Zhiyuan were the second and third sons of the old Consort of the Prince.


    The old prince had only married the old Consort of the Prince and had three sons. The eldest son, He Yuwen, had inherited the title. The second and third sons were county princes. He Ning''an was in the Ministry of Personnel, and He Zhiyuan was in the Ministry of Works, both holding important positions. Now that the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was in trouble, their two families were also implicated.


    "Mother," He Ning''an quickly walked up to the old Consort of the Prince. "Mother, how are you?"


    At the sight of her son, the old Consort of the Prince couldn''t hold back her tears.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement."I''ve implicated you," the old Consort of the Prince wiped her tears and said sorrowfully. "Now, our He family is finished."


    "Hey, hey, hey! You''re having a family reunion here," a guard stepped forward and shouted loudly. "All the men in your family, except the disabled one, come here."


    There were six male members in the He family now.


    Excluding He Jingheng and He Qinian, there were the two sons of the old Consort of the Prince, He Ning''an and He Zhiyuan, and each of them had a son, He Jinghe and He Jingxi.


    At the moment, He Jingheng couldn''t move, and the other five were uninjured.


    "You guys, come with us to find food. Also, bring back the corpses of a few wolves."


    Having been masters all their lives, they were now being ordered around by a few guards, and they were naturally indignant.


    Seeing that they didn''t move, the guard got angry and whipped He Zhiyuan and He Ning''an. Two bloodstains appeared on their bodies.


    The old Consort of the Prince''s heart ached at the sight. "Let me tell you, don''t put on any airs of being an official here. I''m in charge. If you want to live, listen carefully. Otherwise..." He raised the whip again and lashed out, leaving another bloodstain on their bodies.


    He Jinghe was about to step forward but was held back by He Jingxi, who shook his head slightly.


    He Jinghe clenched his fists tightly and turned his gaze to Shang Ruoyi, looking at her with hatred.


    How dare she still stand here?


    If it weren''t for her father, how could their He family have ended up in such a situation? Just yesterday, he was drinking and listening to music with girls in Tianxiang Garden. Today, he had become a prisoner.


    Shang Ruoyi sensed his unfriendly gaze and knew why they felt this way. In her heart, she cursed Shang Nian a hundred times over.


    The male members of the He family were taken away, and the female relatives stayed in the temple.


    Zhang, the wife of He Ning''an, led her daughter - in - law, Qiao Yanxin, to sit far away from the old Consort of the Prince.


    Years ago, when Zhang entered the family, the old Consort of the Prince didn''t like her much. For this reason, Zhang had always held a grudge. However, since the family had split, her husband always felt content with his status as a county prince and was not ambitious. He held a sinecure position in the Ministry of Personnel, and many matters in the family still relied on the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion for help. Even though the old Consort of the Prince didn''t like her, she often visited the Prince''s Mansion to seek favors. Now that they were all in trouble and the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion could no longer be counted on, and the old Consort of the Prince was more of a burden than anything else, she no longer pretended to be filial.


    Concubine Qin walked up to her and handed her a water bag. "Second sister - in - law, why don''t you say hello to mother?"


    "Hmph, mother has always looked down on me. I thought mother must be in a bad mood now, so I didn''t want to make things worse," Zhang said.


    Although she said so, she didn''t even move from her seat, but she took the water bag.


    The old Consort of the Prince had long known the character of this daughter - in - law, so she had never liked her over the years. Seeing this, Concubine Qin smiled and returned.


    However, Lin, the wife of He Zhiyuan, brought her daughter - in - law, Cong Fangzhi, to the old Consort of the Prince and said softly, "Mother, you''ve suffered."


    "I''m fine. At my age, I''m almost at the end of my life," the old Consort of the Prince patted her hand. "Even if I die, it''s not a big deal. But you all... sigh."


    Lin saw Shang Ruoyi standing aside and the smile on her face faded a bit. "Is this the daughter of Prime Minister Shang?"


    Shang Ruoyi gracefully curtsied. "Greetings, Third Aunt."


    "I don''t deserve such a courtesy from the daughter of the Prime Minister''s Mansion," said Lin, who came from a military family. She had a natural air of heroism and was not one to yield in conversation.

 Chapter 13 Suspicion

    Shang Ruoyi was well - aware of the reason behind Lin''s attitude. Her despicable father had indeed caused extensive harm.


    Qin stepped forward, taking Shang Ruoyi''s hand, and softly said, "Wanru, the affairs of our family have no bearing on Ruoyi. Ruoyi is a kind - hearted child. When we encountered the wolves just now, she shielded us with her own body."


    Lin eyed Shang Ruoyi suspiciously. "I never anticipated that the daughter of Prime Minister Shang would be so valiant. As I recall, Prime Minister Shang held those of us from military backgrounds in disdain, did he not?"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled and replied, "My father lacks discerning vision and is rather narrow - minded. After all, his ascent to his current position was not founded on genuine talent or far - sightedness. It was merely due to the financial support of my birth mother."


    Upon hearing this, Lin was somewhat taken aback. She would never have expected to hear such words from Shang Ruoyi.


    As far as she knew, Shang Nian did have a concubine from a merchant family who was highly favored. At that time, he was merely a fourth - rank civil official with no solid foundation, yet he managed to gradually climb to the position of prime minister.


    Could this concubine be the mother Shang Ruoyi was referring to?


    "What about your mother now...?"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Once he became prime minister, he no longer needed my mother''s support. Moreover, her family suffered misfortunes, and my mother passed away in that dilapidated courtyard, consumed by melancholy."


    Lin fell silent upon hearing this.


    Qin stepped forward, grasped her hand, and said gently, "Good child, you''ve endured much hardship. Living in these grand manors, they are well - aware of the numerous sordid affairs that transpire within. An unfavored concubine who has lost her utility often fares worse than the servants."


    Although He Jingheng appeared to be in a state of repose with his eyes closed, his attention remained fixed on their conversation.


    Observing her masterful performance, he couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly. Her lack of favor might be true, but her identity was undoubtedly more complex than it seemed on the surface.


    Just consider how, during the wolf attack, she remained composed and even directed everyone to use stones for defense. This was not an action an ordinary young lady secluded in the boudoir could undertake.


    Not to mention that when she threw the stones, each one precisely struck the vital points. Even seasoned military officers might not possess her level of accuracy.


    Shang Ruoyi noticed his gaze from the corner of her eye. Just as she was about to approach him to discuss what she had discovered, a woman''s sobbing was heard from not far away.


    "Child, my child." She held a child around three years old in her arms. The child''s face was an abnormal shade of red, and his breathing was labored, clearly indicating a fever. Presumably, it was a high fever induced by shock.


    Here, not only were there no herbal remedies available, but even if there were, the guards would not permit her to gather them. After all, in their eyes, the death of one child was of little consequence.


    "Alas, her son seems to have a short - lived appearance. He''s already five years old, yet he still looks like he''s two or three," an old woman remarked, shaking her head. "If it were outside, he might have a chance of survival, but here, he won''t last long."


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings."Come to think of it, she''s quite pitiful. Her husband was killed, and she''s the one who ended up in exile."


    "I heard that the family of the murderer bribed their way out."


    Listening to the discussions around her, Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows. Leaving aside the adults, the innocent child was truly unfortunate.


    After some thought, she stepped forward and said, "I have some knowledge of medicine. I can examine your son."


    He Jingheng looked at her with a hint of surprise. She knew medicine?


    The woman, upon hearing this, looked at her with a glimmer of hope. However, when her eyes fixed on Shang Ruoyi, her expression suddenly turned strange.


    This instant change was noticed not only by Shang Ruoyi but also by He Jingheng.


    Throughout this journey, it seemed that a significant portion of the prisoners harbored some degree of hostility towards the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. This puzzled Shang Ruoyi greatly.


    The Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had always safeguarded the country and its people. The peaceful and prosperous lives of the people of Tianshun were attributable to the successive princes and young masters of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    But why did these people regard the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion as something to be avoided at all costs? Shang Ruoyi stood before the woman for a moment. Seeing no response, she silently chided herself for meddling. Just as she was about to turn and leave, she heard the woman ask weakly, "Can you truly save my son?"


    Shang Ruoyi shook her head. "I''m a physician, not a deity. I can only do my best."


    The woman considered for a moment and then handed her child to Shang Ruoyi.


    Shang Ruoyi retrieved the water bag and let the child drink a few sips of spiritual spring water.


    Before long, the child''s body temperature decreased slightly.


    Taking advantage of the inattentiveness of those around, Shang Ruoyi took out a fever - reducing pill and placed it in the child''s mouth.


    With these two measures combined, the high fever quickly subsided.


    "Benefactor! Benefactor!" The woman knelt before her, holding the child. "Thank you, miss, for saving my child. Thank you!"


    The members of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion watched in disbelief as she walked back.


    The old Consort of the Prince took her hand. "I never expected you to be proficient in medicine!"


    "I only know a smattering," Shang Ruoyi smiled. "I had ample free time in the mansion before, so I perused many miscellaneous books. It''s just superficial knowledge. I''m afraid others would scoff if I were to mention it."


    Zhang, who was seated nearby, witnessed everything. She snorted and muttered under her breath, "It was merely a stroke of luck. Does she really think she''s a divine healer?"


    Just then, the sound of voices came from the entrance.


    It was the group that had gone to find food returning.


    They had not only retrieved food but had also brought back three wolf carcasses.


    Looking at the three robust wolves, Shang Ruoyi licked her lips. If prepared properly, wolf meat could be incredibly delicious.


    Observing the guards standing around the wolf carcasses, at a loss, an idea suddenly occurred to her.

 Chapter 14 Roast Meat

    In her previous life, during a mission in the forest, she had hunted wolves. Since their rations had run out at that time, she roasted the wolf meat.


    It was extremely fragrant.


    Even without seasonings, it was incredibly delicious when roasted.


    Just then, a "ding" sound suddenly echoed in her mind.


    "Merit points +10, space upgraded." The mechanical voice resounded once again.


    Upgraded?


    Could this space actually be upgraded?


    At that moment, the scene inside the space gradually emerged before her eyes.


    Why did the space appear on its own?


    Wouldn''t this risk being discovered by others?


    She nervously looked around. To her relief, everyone was still occupied with their own affairs, and no one was paying attention to her.


    Her heart finally settled down.


    It seemed that only she could see this space.


    This must be a function after the space was upgraded. Just then, a guard shouted loudly, "Is there anyone who can cook?"


    The prisoners sat on the ground, all silent.


    Shang Ruoyi''s eyes lit up, and she smiled. "I can."


    The guards'' eyes fell on her, and they couldn''t help frowning. "You? You can cook? A young lady from the Prime Minister''s Mansion can cook? Who would believe that?"


    Even ordinary young ladies from official families never got their hands dirty with cooking, let alone a young lady from the Prime Minister''s Mansion.


    He Jingheng looked at Shang Ruoyi with a hint of surprise, his eyes filled with puzzlement.


    This was different from what he had known.


    He knew before their marriage that her life in the Prime Minister''s Mansion had been extremely difficult.


    The Second Miss of the Prime Minister''s Mansion was timid and weak - willed, not even daring to speak loudly.


    Shang Nian never paid any attention to this daughter, and her life was worse than that of the servants in the mansion. Even so, she never dared to resist, not even uttering a word of dissent. But ever since the day she got married, she had changed completely.


    She would retaliate in her own way against those who gossiped about her behind her back or insulted her to her face. Today, she even volunteered to cook for the guards. This really made him wonder if the woman in front of him was really the Second Miss of the Prime Minister''s Mansion.


    Who was she exactly?


    What kind of experiences must a person go through to change so drastically?


    "Hmph!" Zhang snorted. "I say, it''s better not to try to look big when you''re not. A young lady from the Prime Minister''s Mansion can cook? There''s a limit to lying."


    She glanced at Shang Ruoyi disdainfully. "Don''t make the food so bad that you anger the guards and drag our He family down."


    He Ning''an walked up to Zhang. Although he didn''t like what she said, he didn''t stop her.


    After all, he also disliked Shang Ruoyi very much.


    Originally, he could have lived his life comfortably with the title of County Prince, but because of Shang Ruoyi''s father, his life was ruined, and so was his son''s.


    Shang Ruoyi looked at Zhang indifferently. "It''s not for you, Second Aunt, to eat. The guards haven''t said anything. Why are you in such a hurry?"


    "Isn''t it because I''m afraid you''ll drag our He family down? Hasn''t your Shang family already caused us enough misery?" Zhang said angrily. "If we had known you would do such things, our He family would never have let you, this jinx, enter our door."


    "Whether I enter the door or not isn''t up to you, Second Aunt, nor is it up to me," Shang Ruoyi rolled her eyes. "At least, I didn''t marry your son."


    "You!" Zhang was about to retort when she heard the impatient voice of the guard. "Hey, hey, hey, you from the He family. Can you really cook?"


    "I''ll need a lot of dry firewood," Shang Ruoyi nodded.


    She stepped forward and held her hands in front of the guard.


    "What are you doing?"


    "How can I cook with these shackles on? Do you really think I''m going to run away?" Shang Ruoyi smiled.


    It was impossible for her to run away.


    "Let me tell you, don''t have any bad ideas. If you dare to run, the knife in my hand won''t show mercy," the guard looked at her and said coldly.


    He unlocked the shackles on her hands.


    Shang Ruoyi flexed her sore wrists and then reached out to the guard again.


    "What are you doing now?"


    "A knife! How can I cut the meat without a knife?"


    The guard took out a short knife from his bosom and handed it to her.


    As Shang Ruoyi looked at the sharp blade, He Jingheng noticed that the moment she held the knife, her demeanor underwent a dramatic transformation. She was like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, exuding a powerful aura.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.She skillfully skinned the wolves, with a proficiency that resembled that of an experienced butcher.


    In a short while, three complete wolf skins were removed.


    "Alas, it''s a pity. These wolf skins won''t fetch a high price. If these were complete tiger skins, they would surely sell for a fortune," the guard said with a smile. "I never expected you to have such skills."


    He Jingheng looked at the complete wolf skins, his eyes turning dangerous.


    Such clean - cut and skillful knife - work couldn''t be achieved without decades of practice.


    "These wolf skins are covered in blood. We should dispose of them quickly before they attract wild beasts," a guard looked at the dense forest ahead and said solemnly. "Besides wolves, there are many other wild beasts in this forest. If we attract lions or tigers, none of us will be able to escape."


    "Alright," two guards stepped forward to throw away the wolf skins. Shang Ruoyi suddenly spoke up. "Sir, let me deal with the wolf skins later. I''ll also throw away the internal organs. Look at the blood on the wolf skins. Since there''s no water source along the way, once my hands get dirty, there''s no place to wash them. My hands are already dirty anyway."


    The guard nodded upon hearing this. "That would be great."


    They were just too lazy to deal with it.


    After Shang Ruoyi finished processing the wolf meat, the guards had already brought back a large amount of dry firewood. She skewered the wolf meat over the fire. After a while, a rich aroma of meat wafted through the air, making the guards'' mouths water.


    "Do you have any seasonings?"


    "Just a little salt," he took out a small porcelain bottle containing fine salt.


    It should be known that since ancient times, salt has been extremely precious. Especially fine salt, which was rarely circulated on the market. Only the imperial relatives, noble families, and high - ranking officials could afford to enjoy it.


    Ordinary people could only buy coarse salt, and even then, not everyone could afford it.


    "This salt is very precious," the head guard came closer.


    "Use it sparingly," Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Naturally."


    She pinched some salt grains with her fingers and evenly sprinkled them on the meat.


    After roasting for a while longer, the wolf meat was cooked.


    Everyone present couldn''t help swallowing their saliva.


    Shang Ruoyi handed the knife back. Just as she was about to leave, the head guard called out to her. "Hey, can you cook other dishes besides roasted meat?" He tore off a wolf leg and threw it to her. "From now on, you''ll be in charge of cooking for us."


    "Okay," Shang Ruoyi looked at the wolf leg in her hand, a triumphant smile curving her lips.


    She knew that few people could resist her cooking skills. Winning over their stomachs was the first step she had taken.


    When the other prisoners saw the wolf leg in her hand, their eyes sparkled with greed.


    They never expected that cooking for the guards would bring such a good reward.


    A woman stood up and said obsequiously, "Sir, I can also cook."


    "Hmph, why didn''t you say so when I asked earlier? You''re so eager now that you see the wolf leg. I hate people like you the most. Get lost," the guard snapped.


    The woman''s face turned pale, and she quickly crouched back down on the ground.


    Shang Ruoyi handed the wolf leg to Concubine Qin. "Mother, tear the meat and let''s divide it."


    "Okay!" After walking all day and only eating one steamed bun, although they had the support of the spiritual spring water to maintain their physical strength, for people who were accustomed to having sumptuous meals every day, this was undoubtedly a form of torture.


    Moreover, the aroma of the meat was simply irresistible, making everyone''s mouths water profusely.


    Concubine Qin tore the meat. Although the wolf leg seemed large, with so many people in the He family, each person could only get a small piece. When it came to the second branch of the He family, Zhang snorted. "Can this wolf meat be eaten? Won''t it make us sick?" Even as she spoke, her eyes were fixed on the wolf meat in Shang Ruoyi''s hand, and she couldn''t stop swallowing her saliva.


    Shang Ruoyi''s lips curled slightly. This was exactly what she had been waiting for.


    "Since Second Aunt looks down on my cooking so much, then forget it. My cooking skills are indeed not as good as those of the chefs in your Prince''s Mansion. In that case, you and Second Uncle, you''d better not eat it." With that, she turned around and left without looking back, walking directly towards the third branch of the He family.

 Chapter 15 Potions

    The people of the second branch of the He family were taken aback by her abrupt departure.


    They were left dumbfounded.


    Zhang quickly said, "Since it''s already been brought here, there''s no reason to take it away."


    "Since you dislike it so much, eating it would probably make you uncomfortable. So why bother?" Shang Ruoyi swayed the wolf meat in her hand, walked up to the third branch, and smiled. "Third Uncle, Third Aunt, would you like some?"


    Before they could respond, He Jingxi stepped forward and took the wolf meat. "I''m sure Sister - in - law''s cooking won''t disappoint. Thank you."


    Seeing their son''s reaction, the couple remained silent.


    After a long day of traveling, they were already starving.


    Although Lin was not fond of Shang Ruoyi, she was no fool. On the exile journey, physical strength was of utmost importance.


    Originally, they were quite averse to wolf meat, considering it wild game. But now, having meat to eat was a rare luxury.


    The moment they took the first bite, they were astonished.


    They never expected that roasted wolf meat could be so delicious.


    They couldn''t help but devour it hungrily.


    The people of the second branch watched, their mouths watering. He Ning''an said in a deep voice, "It''s all your fault. She brought it to us, and you had to act so picky. Now we have nothing and can only watch."


    He Jinghe couldn''t help complaining, "Mom, we haven''t eaten for a day. Finally, there''s some meat, and you ruined it."


    Zhang watched them eating with relish and sheepishly closed her mouth, saying no more.


    However, her gaze towards Shang Ruoyi grew even more resentful.


    That little brat dared to play a trick on her.


    She was now certain that Shang Ruoyi had deliberately paraded the meat in front of her without any intention of giving it to the second branch.


    Shang Ruoyi handed the last bit of wolf meat to He Jingheng.


    "Eat this."


    He Jingheng had long smelled the aroma of the wolf meat.


    Considering how his extremely picky grandmother had enjoyed it, the taste of this roasted meat must be excellent.


    "Thank you."


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t say anything more and turned towards the pile of wolf skins.


    "Sir, I''ll go throw these wolf skins away." The guards were engrossed in eating and, without even looking back, waved their hands, telling her to do as she pleased.


    Shang Ruoyi left the dilapidated temple, carrying the wolf skins.


    Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, she quickly entered the space with the wolf skins.


    She washed the wolf skins clean in the spring water and hung them to dry in the space.


    These wolf skins were valuable items. The place of exile they were heading to was far away, and the long journey would inevitably take several months.


    The current climate was warm, but in a few months, winter would arrive. Dressed so thinly, they might freeze to death before reaching the place of exile.


    She then looked at the seedlings growing in the space''s fields.


    She was once again grateful that on the second day the space had appeared, she had asked the servants to buy her a variety of seeds.


    Although she had never planted crops in her previous life, she had at least seen how it was done.


    Moreover, the fields in this space seemed different from those in the outside world. The seeds had germinated into seedlings just a few days after being planted.


    Currently, there were corn seedlings as well as many vegetable and fruit seedlings in the field. Although they would have a vegetarian diet on this journey, at least they wouldn''t starve.


    She would figure out the next steps after reaching the place of exile.


    When she returned to the temple, the guard frowned. "Why did you take so long?"


    "I thought it would be better to throw them far away. In case there are really wild beasts, they won''t find us easily."


    The guard thought about it and didn''t suspect anything.


    Shang Ruoyi returned to her spot and closed her eyes to rest.


    Just as she closed her eyes, she found herself in the space.


    She was startled.


    If she disappeared out of thin air in front of so many people, wouldn''t she be regarded as a witch?


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.While she was filled with trepidation, the scene outside the space appeared before her eyes. Her body outside was leaning against a stone pier, sound asleep.


    Could it be that her consciousness could enter the space independently of her body?


    It seemed that this was another new function brought about by the space''s upgrade.


    She went to the laboratory and prepared several bottles of medicine to promote wound healing.


    During this journey, there were bound to be bumps and bruises. In the laboratory, there were only tablets that could be taken orally. Medicines for external use to treat wounds had to be prepared by herself.


    Just as she finished preparing the medicine, she exited the space.


    By then, it was already late at night, and everyone was sound asleep. The guard on duty was also starting to doze off.


    She walked up to He Jingheng. Before she could squat down, the man in front of her suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze, as sharp as that of a hawk, startled Shang Ruoyi.


    Seeing that it was her, He Jingheng furrowed his brows and said in a deep voice, "What is it?"


    She took out a porcelain bottle, ready to apply the medicine to the wound on his arm.


    "What is this?"


    "When I was dealing with the wolf skins, I found some herbs there. They''re helpful for wound healing," Shang Ruoyi said without batting an eyelid, spouting blatant lies.


    He Jingheng blocked the wound with his hand, looking at her with a skeptical expression.


    "With you in this state, do you still think I''m going to harm you?" Shang Ruoyi rolled up her sleeve, revealing a wound on her arm that had been scratched by a branch, and dripped the medicine onto it.


    "See? I''ve tested it on myself, Young Master. " Shang Ruoyi rolled her eyes. She should have known better than to bother with him. Her kindness was being repaid with ingratitude.


    This time, He Jingheng didn''t stop her.


    Watching her skillfully apply the medicine to his wound, he asked softly, "You know medicine?"


    "Yes!" She not only knew it but was proficient in it, Shang Ruoyi nodded.


    Seeing He Jingheng''s hesitant look, she laughed. "You''re not going to ask a stupid question like ''How could a young lady from the Prime Minister''s Mansion know medicine?'', are you?"


    He Jingheng touched his nose and remained silent. But the fleeting look of discomfort on his face was proof that Shang Ruoyi had guessed correctly.


    "One becomes a good doctor through long illness. Have you ever heard that saying?" Shang Ruoyi sneered. "What kind of life do you think an unfavored second daughter could have under the thumb of the First Lady? If my mother had been favored, things might have been a bit better. But unfortunately, my mother was a stain in Shang Nian''s eyes."


    He Jingheng understood.


    Many people knew that Shang Nian had once been a poor scholar and had only entered the imperial court after passing the imperial examinations. Over the years, without the help of Shang Ruoyi''s maternal grandfather to smooth things over, he could never have reached the position of prime minister.


    A first - rank prime minister who had reached his position through an concubine. If word of this got out, who wouldn''t laugh at him behind his back?


    As the medicine seeped into his flesh, the pain in his body gradually subsided.


    He Jingheng looked at the porcelain bottle in her hand, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.


    What kind of herbs could have such a miraculous effect on relieving pain?


    Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows as she looked at the whip marks on his arm and said in a deep voice, "Are there more on your back?"


    He Jingheng smiled. "Aren''t you afraid?"


    "Why should I be?" Shang Ruoyi said indifferently. "What''s this bit of injury? In my previous life, I''ve seen countless mutilated corpses and severed limbs. These are just some whip marks. What''s there to be afraid of?" But these words, when heard by He Jingheng, carried a different meaning.


    Denying her food was a form of punishment, wasn''t it?


    He Jingheng''s eyes turned extremely dangerous. What a Prime Minister''s Mansion, what a Shang Nian. They were really something.


    Looking at the criss - crossed whip marks on his back, Shang Ruoyi was a bit shocked.

 Chapter 16 Breaking the Bone

    It wasn''t that the injuries were terrifying to look at, but rather this man. With such severe wounds, his entire back soaked in blood, he hadn''t uttered a single sound. Moreover, he was able to kill the wolf king with one strike. This man was truly formidable.


    Shang Ruoyi finished applying the medicine. The liquid was cool, and He Jingheng immediately felt the pain in his wound ease.


    "What kind of herbal juice is this?"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "It''s a family secret, passed down only to daughters, not sons."


    He Jingheng thought to himself that he shouldn''t have even asked that question.


    She placed her hand on the knee of his left leg and exerted a bit of force. Immediately, a muffled groan of pain escaped his lips.


    "What are you doing?" He Jingheng suddenly grabbed her wrist. Beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down his forehead. Was this woman taking revenge on him?


    "Your leg was broken once before and hadn''t fully healed when it was broken again. If it''s not set properly, you''ll probably be permanently disabled," Shang Ruoyi said after a moment of silence, a faint smile on her face. "If the Young Master doesn''t care, I naturally don''t mind either." After all, they were going to get a divorce in the future. She was willing to treat his injuries now only because she didn''t want an upright and loyal person to die unjustly on the exile road, nor did she want the tyrant and the treacherous officials to be too pleased.


    "You know how to set bones?" He Jingheng''s face showed surprise.


    "I do, but my skills aren''t perfect. If I hurt you, Young Master, don''t blame me," she said in a low voice. "It''s going to hurt a bit. Try to bear it, Young Master."


    She held his leg with one hand and his knee with the other. With a "click," the dislocated and broken leg bone was set back in place.


    He Jingheng raised his eyebrows slightly. Hadn''t she said it would be very painful?


    He didn''t even feel the pain before it was done.


    And she still said her skills were not good? This woman was full of mysteries.


    Early the next morning, as soon as the city gate opened, they were escorted by the guards towards the city gate.


    The second branch of the He family hadn''t eaten for a day and a night and was already starving. Having to start the journey at dawn made them feel dizzy.


    Although the old Consort of the Prince didn''t like Zhang, she still cared for her son, grandson, and granddaughter - in - law. She was somewhat dissatisfied with Shang Ruoyi''s actions the previous day.


    "Ruoyi, if the guards distribute food today, don''t forget your Second Uncle''s family," the old Consort of the Prince said in a deep voice. "They haven''t eaten for a day and a night. How can they travel? If they''re slow, they''ll surely be whipped."


    Shang Ruoyi nodded and smiled. "I didn''t not offer them food yesterday. You heard what Second Aunt said. If something were to happen to them after eating, I couldn''t bear the responsibility."


    Hearing her words, the old Consort of the Prince couldn''t help but blame Zhang. If it weren''t for her, would her son and grandson have gone hungry?


    Lin had eaten Shang Ruoyi''s roasted meat the previous day. As the saying goes, "He who accepts a favor must not speak ill of the donor." When she saw Shang Ruoyi today, her attitude was clearly much friendlier.


    Zhang, on the other hand, rolled her eyes at her from a distance.


    Shang Ruoyi saw it but wasn''t annoyed.


    No matter how much she glared, Shang Ruoyi wouldn''t lose a piece of flesh. But she had plenty of ways to keep them from getting any meat.


    After leaving the dilapidated temple, Shang Ruoyi picked up a few dry branches on the ground and used them to fix He Jingheng''s newly - set leg.


    He Yunyi, following behind her, saw all this and felt an increasing sense of admiration for her sister - in - law.


    She could cook, was brave. Yesterday, when the wolves attacked, she had seen with her own eyes Shang Ruoyi standing in front of them.


    And now, she even knew medicine. Her sister - in - law was truly amazing!


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t know that, unknowingly, she had gained a young admirer.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.The group arrived at the city gate. The guards greeted the city - gate soldiers and then led the group of prisoners into the city.


    When the He family members passed through the city gate, the hands of the city - gate soldiers holding their swords tightened involuntarily, and their eyes were filled with anger.


    He Jingheng glanced at them indifferently and then lowered his eyes.


    After they had walked a distance, a soldier came forward and said in a deep voice, "The Young Master is so seriously injured."


    "Damn the emperor!"


    "Chief, why don''t we take care of those guards and rescue the Young Master? Let''s rebel!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, a slap landed on his head. "Shut up!"


    "Chief! The Young Master is so badly hurt. If this continues, he''ll lose his life."


    The man said coldly, "Do you think I don''t want to rebel? With what? Didn''t you see the Young Master''s gesture just now? He told us not to act rashly!"


    "But..."


    "Enough. Let''s wait for news from the Cloud Guards."


    After obtaining the city - passing documents, they prepared to leave.


    Behind this city was a large mountain. They had to go around the mountain to reach the next city.


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the shoes on everyone''s feet. They were used to walking in the capital city, and whenever they went out, they took sedan chairs or carriages. They didn''t need such thick - soled shoes. But with these shoes, they couldn''t climb the mountain at all.


    Shang Ruoyi walked up to the guard and smiled. "Sir, I see there are some stalls ahead. We need a lot of seasonings for cooking on the way. Why don''t we buy some?"


    The guard was about to refuse when, like a magician, she took out a gold bracelet and stuffed it into his hand, saying softly, "This was left to me by my father for emergencies. Please accept it, Sir."


    Tsk, this is quite heavy.


    The guard''s face lit up with a smile. "Then the money for buying seasonings..."


    "Of course I''ll pay," Shang Ruoyi said, her tone changing. "However, I also want to buy some other things. Is that okay?"


    "Well, that''s fine, but not too many," the guard thought for a while and said.


    "Naturally."


    The guard unlocked her shackles and handed her a long robe to drape over her body to cover her prisoner''s clothes. "You have the time it takes to burn a stick of incense."


    Upon hearing this, Shang Ruoyi rushed towards the city market.


    She went to the seasoning stalls and bought up all the seasonings that could be used for cooking.


    Then she went to a tailor shop and bought a lot of fabric, needles, thread, and cotton. She also went to a shoe store and bought soles and uppers.


    She then went to a seed store and bought a variety of vegetable and fruit seeds to plant in the space, aiming to increase the variety of fruits and vegetables.


    Passing by a steamed - bun stand, she bought a large number of meat buns.


    Looking at the large bundle of things, she placed them all in an alley. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, she put them all into the space, leaving only the seasonings and a small package.


    She could pretend to take things out of the small package. Otherwise, how could she produce clothes and shoes out of thin air?


    As the time was about to run out, she rushed back outside the city.


    The guards waiting there saw that she hadn''t returned yet and said softly, "Could this person from the He family have run away?"


    "She wouldn''t dare," one of the guards said in a deep voice. "If she runs, we''ll take it out on the He family."


    Zhang''s face turned pale, and she said to He Ning''an in a trembling voice, "Could this jinx have run away and left us behind? I knew she was no good. If she really runs, what shall we do?"


    Concubine Zhao, upon hearing this, chimed in, "That little slut must have run away. That ungrateful wretch wouldn''t care about our lives." Just as she finished speaking, a broken branch stabbed straight into the ground next to her foot.


    It sank three inches into the ground.


    "Speak nonsense again, and next time this broken branch won''t be aimed at the ground," He Jingheng''s voice reached their ears.

 Chapter 17 Retribution always comes so quickly

    Everyone stared at the broken branch, their lips sealed in silence.


    It must be known that He Jingheng was a celebrated young general, a fearsome force that swept through the battlefield with unstoppable might.


    Even though his leg was now incapacitated, his profound inner strength remained intact.


    Not only this broken branch, but even a single leaf could be transformed into a deadly weapon in his hands.


    Upon hearing this, Zhang spoke in disbelief, "Jingheng, could it be that you''re actually going to take action against your own family for that woman?"


    He Jingheng cast her a frigid glance. "That woman?"


    "Yes, that second daughter born of a concubine in the Prime Minister''s Mansion."


    The woman Second Aunt refers to, the concubine - born second daughter, is my legitimate wife, He Jingheng''s wife, who entered our family through the proper formalities of three letters and six betrothal gifts. How could she be so reviled in Second Aunt''s words?


    "Hmph, if it weren''t for her father, how could we have ended up in this wretched situation?" Zhang said icily. "We were the most prosperous family after the royal household."


    With Zhang''s words hanging in the air, all members of the He family sank into deep contemplation.


    Indeed!


    Their Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was the most powerful family after the royal family, possessing substantial real - world influence. Setting aside matters of bloodline and status, in terms of sheer military might, the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion commanded eighty - thousand troops. Just this fact alone was sufficient to keep the emperor tossing and turning in his bed at night, was it not?


    "Yes, we were the most prosperous family," someone murmured.


    With their great achievements overshadowing the sovereign, the emperor was bound to be eager to eliminate them.


    So, regardless of who married into the family, the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was fated to meet its current end.


    He Jingheng watched Shang Ruoyi running towards them at full speed, a faint, imperceptible smile curving his lips.


    If it was her who had married into the family, it seemed rather good.


    Shang Ruoyi opened the package and presented it for the guards'' inspection.


    "Nothing amiss," the guard said, tossing the package back to her. "Right on time."


    Shang Ruoyi took out a few steamed buns and handed them to the guards.


    "You''re quite savvy," the guards'' attitude towards her was much friendlier than the previous day.


    Shang Ruoyi smiled.


    As the saying goes, "It''s easier to deal with the devil - king than with his underlings."


    If these guards were not properly placated, they were sure to create obstacles for them during the exile journey.


    Shang Ruoyi opened the package, and the aroma of the meat buns assaulted everyone''s taste buds.


    Zhang eyed the buns, her previously mocking words swallowed back down. If she offended Shang Ruoyi again, these buns would surely be out of her reach.


    Just then, a man from the exiled group stepped up to Shang Ruoyi. "Miss, could you spare me one of those buns? I''m starving."


    Shang Ruoyi, in the midst of distributing the buns, paused, looked at him, and shook her head. "We don''t even have enough buns to go around among ourselves."


    "You have so many buns. What''s wrong with sharing a few with us?" Seeing her refusal, he couldn''t help but shout. "Why do you get to eat buns while we can only watch?" As he spoke, he reached out to grab one.


    When the He family members saw this, they were about to step forward to assist, but then they saw Shang Ruoyi grasp the man''s wrist, pull him forward, and with a powerful kick of her right leg, send the man flying.


    The He family members who had intended to help stood frozen in place.


    Among the female members of the He family, apart from Lin of the third branch, none of them knew martial arts.


    Concubine Zhao, although the daughter of a military officer, had been raised in seclusion within the inner chambers.


    Suddenly witnessing such a clean - cut and powerful kick, they were all momentarily stunned. He Yunyi''s eyes widened in amazement.


    She never expected her sister - in - law to be so proficient in martial arts.


    She really couldn''t fathom what could possibly stump her.


    Lin, observing Shang Ruoyi''s skills with hands and feet, felt an indescribable emotion welling up within her. After marrying into the He family, she had transformed from a female general who brandished swords and spears into a woman confined to the inner chambers, never setting foot on the training ground again. Suddenly seeing Shang Ruoyi''s prowess was like catching a glimpse of her younger self.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.As for those who had been secretly eyeing the He family''s belongings, they quietly abandoned their covetous thoughts.


    Zhang looked at the man who had been sent flying, gripping her bun tightly. She had never anticipated that Ruoyi knew martial arts.


    After speaking ill of her yesterday, would she be deliberately seeking revenge?


    The guards, munching on their buns, glanced at the man lying on the ground, snorted coldly, and paid him no heed. After all, during the exile journey, the death of a few people was quite normal. If they had to choose sides, they would, of course, support the one who could bring them benefits.


    "Anyone who dares to steal again, take him as an example. But next time, they won''t be as lucky," Shang Ruoyi said, taking a bun and approaching the child she had treated earlier. She crouched down and asked softly, "Are you hungry?"


    The little boy nodded timidly.


    Shang Ruoyi handed him the bun. "Eat it."


    The woman holding the child, upon hearing this, looked up at her in surprise. "Benefactor, is this really for us?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded.


    "Thank you, benefactor. Thank you," the woman gratefully received the bun and, with her son, was about to kneel and kowtow to Shang Ruoyi. "There''s no need for that," Shang Ruoyi said in a low voice.


    "We were an orphan and a widow, thinking we would die on this exile journey."


    "These are all the provisions we have," Zhang said, curling her lips upon seeing Shang Ruoyi give a bun to an outsider. "And you''re sharing them with strangers. I really don''t understand what''s going on in your head."


    "I procured these buns. I can give them to whomever I please. If Second Aunt has an issue, then next time, your second - branch family can find your own food," Shang Ruoyi sneered. "You''re getting a free meal and still have the audacity to criticize."


    "With behavior like this, you still have the nerve to claim to be the daughter of the Prime Minister''s Mansion? You''re completely lacking in manners, having no regard for senior - junior relations," He Jinghe stepped forward, pointing at her angrily. "Is this how Prime Minister Shang taught you?"


    Shang Ruoyi looked at his brainless demeanor and said coldly, "You should be grateful that I didn''t learn what he taught. Otherwise, do you think you''d still be alive to talk to me here?"


    "You!" In a verbal altercation, how could He Jinghe possibly be a match for Shang Ruoyi?


    "When it comes to manners, yours aren''t so exemplary either," Shang Ruoyi took a bite of the bun. "They say, ''Don''t forget the well - digger when you drink from the well.'' I provided these buns, yet instead of being grateful, you speak like this. That''s the first point. Secondly, I''m your sister - in - law. Is this the way you address your sister - in - law? People like you have no right to question others'' manners." She sighed. "If it weren''t for Grandmother worrying that you''d starve, do you think I''d share with you?"


    "Hmph, don''t flatter yourself. Do you think the second - branch family can''t survive without you?" He Jinghe sneered. "We''re not beggars. We won''t accept your charity."


    "Those are your words. You won''t be getting any buns next time," Shang Ruoyi said, the corners of her lips curving slightly. With that, she turned to the old Consort of the Prince. "Grandmother, those were his exact words."


    The old Consort of the Prince''s face darkened slightly, but she remained silent.


    He Jinghe, born to Zhang, had learned nothing but her selfishness and pettiness. He was not only ignorant and incompetent but also spent his days carousing in the red - light districts. He was truly a disgrace to the family, and among the three grandsons of the He family, he was the one she disliked the most.


    Just then, the guards, having finished their breakfast, vigorously whipped their whips. "Get up, get up! Time to set off."


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the mountain not far away and then at the shoes on the feet of the second - branch family members.


    She smiled inwardly.


    Retribution always arrives so swiftly.

 Chapter 18 Traffic Jam

    The group arrived at the foot of the mountain. The paths on the mountain were paved with sand and gravel, making the walk extremely uncomfortable.


    During the summer, their shoes were designed to be breathable, with both the soles and uppers being very thin. On the flat roads in the capital city, they didn''t feel the discomfort, but on the mountain, it was a different story.


    Before long, people''s soles felt as if they were on fire. Some of the soles had already been worn through, and the skin on their feet was in direct contact with the sand and gravel, forming blisters one after another. Every step was like walking on the tip of a knife.


    People were constantly complaining, but the official boots worn by the guards had extremely thick soles and were not affected at all when walking on the sand and gravel.


    Seeing that everyone''s pace was getting slower and slower, the guards lashed their whips from behind, hitting the last few people.


    "Move faster! What are you dawdling for?"


    The last few people were wearing straw sandals, which had long been worn through, and the blisters on the soles of their feet had burst, leaving a trail of blood along the way. The members of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion were no better off.


    "Mother, how are your feet?" Concubine Qin supported the old Consort of the Prince and asked softly.


    The old Consort of the Prince''s face was deathly pale. Although no blisters had formed, the sand and gravel were hurting her feet, and now the soles of her feet were burning with pain.


    The old Consort of the Prince shook her head, already unable to hold on. More and more prisoners were unable to walk. Just then, the leading guard in the front suddenly stopped and looked at the cliff that was more than two meters wide, frowning.


    "Chief, where''s the wooden bridge on this cliff?"


    "It''s said that there was an earthquake some time ago. It was probably broken then."


    "We can go around from behind, but the road there is rugged and difficult to traverse. It''ll take a lot of effort."


    "In that case, let''s take the detour," the leading guard said after looking at the time. "It''s already noon."


    "Let''s have lunch here first before we go."


    They opened the box containing food, which was still just those cakes made of brown rice.


    Shang Ruoyi took out the cold buns and distributed some to the guards. What was left was not enough to go around for the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    However, if the second - branch of the He family was excluded, there would be just enough buns for everyone else to have one.


    Shang Ruoyi distributed the buns according to the number of people, and indeed, there were none left.


    The people of the second - branch of the He family smelled the aroma of the buns and looked at the dry cakes distributed by the guards in their hands, finding them even more difficult to swallow.


    He Ning''an snorted coldly. "I say, Daughter - in - law of the main branch, where are our buns?"


    "Second Uncle, you really have a short memory. Didn''t your son say he wouldn''t eat hand - outs?" Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Then you and Aunt should fend for yourselves. Besides, we didn''t have enough to begin with. How could there be extra buns for you?"


    "Shang Ruoyi, you''re going too far," He Jinghe shouted. "I never expected you to be so vindictive. You''re really petty."


    "Indeed, I always thought that a girl from the Prime Minister''s Mansion would be well - versed in etiquette," Zhang curled her lips. "She''s not even as good as my daughter - in - law from a humble family."


    Qiao, who was eating the cake, paused and gave her complaining mother - in - law a cold look.


    Shang Ruoyi sneered and finished the last bite of the bun. "I made it clear this morning that from today on, the food I bring back, even if there''s any left, I can give it to others. It has nothing to do with you."


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it."Mother, listen to what Jingheng''s wife is saying," He Ning''an said in a deep voice. "Is this how she should talk to her elders?"


    "Elders should act like elders. These things were all brought back by Ruoyi. Did you say a word of thanks? Is this how I''ve taught you all these years?" The old Consort of the Prince took a bite of the bun and gave him a glance.


    Hearing this, Shang Ruoyi felt extremely satisfied.


    She knew that the old Consort of the Prince was reasonable.


    He Ning''an''s face turned red, and he lowered his head without saying a word.


    Shang Ruoyi took out an insole and put it in her shoe.


    There wasn''t enough time to make shoes now, but adding two insoles would make it much more comfortable.


    When the He family members saw her actions, their faces brightened.


    This way, they could avoid some of the pain.


    "Ruoyi, do we all get these insoles?" Concubine Qin stepped forward and asked softly. "Can you give me a few more pairs?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Although it''s not as good as shoes, it''s still useful to put them in."


    Just then, a prisoner came up to her and said obsequiously, "Can you sell me a few pairs?"


    "What will you use to buy them?"


    He took out a silver bracelet from his bosom. "This is my wife''s bracelet. I wonder how many pairs I can exchange for it?"


    Shang Ruoyi weighed the bracelet. It was quite heavy. She took out four pairs of insoles, two pairs for men and two pairs for women, from her bundle. "Do you want to exchange?"


    "Yes, yes, yes!" He quickly took the insoles and returned to his position.


    Seeing that Shang Ruoyi was willing to exchange items, the prisoners who had silver on them couldn''t help but have the same idea.


    Zhang saw that the He family members all had insoles in their shoes, but their second - branch didn''t. She limped up to Shang Ruoyi and stretched out her hands. "Hey, where are the insoles for our second - branch?"


    "There aren''t any."


    "What? No insoles? How are we supposed to survive?


    The mountain road is steep, full of sharp stones. One careless step and the sole of the foot will be cut.


    Our feet will be ruined before we even get down the mountain."


    "Shang Ruoyi!"


    "Aunt, others know to use silver or other things to exchange. Are you blind or deaf? Or have you gotten so used to getting things for free that you''re used to just reaching out?" Shang Ruoyi sneered.


    "Shang Ruoyi, is this how you talk to your elders?"


    "Aunt, don''t use the ''elder'' card to pressure me. We''re all on the exile road. Everyone is like a clay Buddha crossing the river, struggling to save themselves." Just as Shang Ruoyi finished speaking, Lin of the third - branch laughed and said, "Daughter - in - law of Jingheng, I want a few more pairs of insoles. Do you think this can be used for exchange?" She took out a pair of gold earrings. "I don''t have anything of great value. Take a look."


    Zhang knew that Lin was doing this on purpose. She had always been at odds with her and would take any opportunity to make things difficult for her.


    "Third Aunt, you''re being too polite. We''re all family. What''s this about exchanging?" Shang Ruoyi said, then took out a few pairs of insoles from her bundle and gave them to her. "I have a lot more here. If Aunt needs any, just come and ask."


    "Thank you very much," Lin smiled, gave Zhang a triumphant look, and turned back to her position.


    Zhang was so angry that she was shaking all over.


    He Jingheng, on the other hand, looked at her bundle suspiciously.


    Could this small bundle hold so many insoles?

 Chapter 19 Go to the mountains to find food

    Finding no gain from Shang Ruoyi, Zhang turned her scheming eyes towards Concubine Qin.


    Concubine Qin had a meek disposition, easy to manipulate. Otherwise, Concubine Zhao wouldn''t have lorded over her for years. Were it not for the old Consort of the Prince''s intervention, the stewardship of the mansion might well have fallen into Concubine Zhao''s hands.


    She approached Concubine Qin, her eyes brimming with tears, and murmured softly, "Sister - in - law, I''m at a loss as to what I''ve done to incur Ruoyi''s disfavor. She clearly holds me in such low regard. Withholding food is one thing, but now, on this rugged mountain path, what shall we do without insoles?"


    Concubine Qin regarded Shang Ruoyi with a troubled expression. Seeing no sign of her willingness to intervene, she shifted her gaze back to Zhang, who was weeping beside her. Just as she was about to take out the extra pairs of insoles Shang Ruoyi had given her, a pair of delicate hands reached out from the side, restraining her. "Mother, Second Aunt herself said the mountain path is rough. We''ve no idea how much further we must traverse. With these few insoles, we scarcely have enough for ourselves," He Yunyi whispered, her breath tickling Concubine Qin''s ear. "Have you forgotten how Second Aunt used to mistreat you? She constantly came to our mansion to sponge off us, even eyeing your dowry. It''s not worth incurring Sister - in - law''s displeasure for someone like her."


    Concubine Qin stared at her daughter in surprise. Since when had she become so voluble? And she was so rational, seeing things more clearly than her own mother.


    Zhang didn''t catch what He Yunyi said to Concubine Qin, but she was certain it was no kind words.


    Concubine Qin looked at her and said gravely, "Yunyi is right. We don''t know how long this mountain journey will last. I truly can''t spare you the insoles. Perhaps you could ask Third Sister - in - law."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang erupted in fury. Pointing her finger at Concubine Qin, she shrieked, "You good - for - nothing Qin! I addressed you with respect as sister - in - law. Now, with Big Brother on the verge of execution and your son crippled, you''re still playing these games with me? Mark my words, if you ever need our help in the future, don''t count on it!"


    Hardly had she finished speaking when Zhang let out an "ouch."


    A stone struck her out - stretched hand, and the impact site immediately turned a dark, bruised color.


    "Who? Who hit me?" Zhang wailed, clutching her injured hand.


    He Jingheng arched an eyebrow slightly. Glancing at Shang Ruoyi, who feigned nonchalance, he couldn''t help but curl the corners of his lips.


    He set down the withered branch in his hand and resumed his pretense of dozing.


    Not only did Zhang fail to obtain the insoles, but she also injured her hand. Returning to her spot, she cast a glance at her daughter - in - law, Qiao Yanxin, who was silently munching on a cake. "Yanxin, can''t you cook?"


    Qiao Yanxin shook her head. "No."


    "Hmph, look at you. You''re not from some noble family, yet you can''t even cook," Zhang scoffed, shooting her a disdainful look. "If you could, that Shang Ruoyi wouldn''t have stolen all the limelight. She reaped all the benefits from cooking for the guards. That little hussy."


    Qiao Yanxin hung her head in silence. Ever since their marriage, Zhang had ceaselessly belittled her due to her humble origins.


    If it hadn''t been for that fateful entanglement of her sash with He Jinghe''s, giving the impression of a secret tryst, she would have remained unwed rather than marry that good - for - nothing who spent his days carousing in brothels.


    "Enough, hold your tongue. Aren''t you ashamed?" He Ning''an said gruffly. "Do you have any hidden silver? Go buy a few pairs."


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.At this, Zhang scurried to the side and exclaimed loudly, "I''ve no silver! The house - search was so sudden. Am I supposed to be a soothsayer?"


    He Jinghe looked at Qiao Yanxin. "Do you have any silver?"


    Qiao Yanxin shook her head. "No."


    Zhang surreptitiously felt her undergarments. Reassured to find her hidden emergency silver still there, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    The house - search had been abrupt, and she''d only managed to conceal some of her easily - hidden jewelry in her undergarments as a safeguard.


    It was only the second day. If she took it out now, what would be left by the time they reached the place of exile?


    Shang Ruoyi observed her every move. It seemed her Second Aunt and Second Uncle were not as united as they seemed.


    With the break over, the journey resumed.


    Those with new insoles felt much more at ease than in the morning; at least, their feet no longer ached.


    Zhang and her kin, however, were in a sorry state. After walking but a short distance, their feet were in excruciating pain. They gradually lagged behind, and when the guards saw their sluggish pace, they lashed their whips at them.


    "Move it! If you don''t, I''ll whip you to death."


    At this moment, Zhang deeply regretted her stinginess. The combined pain of her feet and the whip - lashes nearly rendered her unconscious.


    "Chief, it''s getting dark, and the mountain path is treacherous. We''d better halt here for the night," the leading guard nodded. "There''s no other option."


    "But our supplies have run out," a young guard reported, hoisting the box. "The cakes and steamed buns are all gone. They were initially sufficient only to reach the mountain''s base, but with the detour, we''re short."


    "It''s at least another day''s journey to the bottom. We''ll have to see if there''s any food in the mountain."


    "The mountain path is difficult, and we need to watch the prisoners. Who''s going to search for food?"


    The leading man surveyed the members of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion and stepped forward. "You three, do you know what''s edible?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "I do."


    "Good. Go find some food in the mountain," the leading man commanded sternly. "No funny business. If you try to run, I''ll massacre the entire He family." He pointed at Shang Ruoyi, He Jinghe, and He Jingxi. "Return promptly once you''ve found something. If you''re late, you''ll pay the price."


    He Jingxi and He Jinghe were clueless about what raw food looked like.


    Exchanging a glance, they turned their eyes to Shang Ruoyi.


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Alright."


    She scanned the terrain and then headed towards the thickly - wooded area.


    Just then, He Jinghe stepped forward. Watching her pick mushrooms, he suddenly recalled seeing some himself and rushed back to gather them.


    Returning to the patch of mushrooms, just as he was about to place the brightly - colored mushrooms into the basket, a thought struck him. These mushrooms were much more vivid in color than the ones Shang Ruoyi had picked; they must be far more delicious.


    The He brothers had no choice but to follow her.


    He Jinghe was calculating that he should find plenty of food. Maybe the guards would be in a good mood and share some with the second - branch of the He family. Catching a pheasant would be ideal, so they could enjoy some meat and soup.


    He Jingxi, on the other hand, stared blankly at the various plants in the forest, having no clue which were edible and which were mere grass.


    Shang Ruoyi led the way, gathering numerous mushrooms from the ground.


    She was fortunate; these wild mushrooms were all non - toxic, and there was an abundance of them. She collected them all, stowing most in the space to be dried into mushroom slices later for stews and stir - fries.


    The remaining mushrooms were deposited into the basket borrowed from the guards.

 Chapter 20 Fake it!

    "What''s up?"


    "I don''t know these things. I thought I''d follow you and pick whatever you pick," He Jingxi said, looking a bit embarrassed. "I can''t go back empty - handed."


    Shang Ruoyi divided half of the mushrooms in her hand with him and then continued walking.


    He looked at the mushrooms in his hand and then at her back. It seemed Shang Ruoyi was indeed different from her Prime - Minister father.


    Just then, a shadow flashed by. Shang Ruoyi was quick - eyed and threw a stone.


    It was actually a rabbit.


    She was very measured with her strike, merely knocking it unconscious.


    Walking up to pick up the rabbit, she was stunned.


    This rabbit seemed to be pregnant.


    She touched her nose and, taking advantage of no one being around, put the rabbit directly into the space.


    After walking a bit further, a pheasant came into view.


    Shang Ruoyi threw a stone. This time, she used a bit more force, and the pheasant died instantly. It was perfect for stewing with the mushrooms. It must be extremely delicious.


    Getting closer, she realized they were potatoes.


    "Where did you find these potatoes?"


    "I accidentally fell down just now and saw some plants over there," he pointed to a depression not far away. "I didn''t know if they were edible, so I wanted to pick them and ask you. When I pulled them out, there were two ''fruits,'' so I brought them all."


    Upon hearing this, Shang Ruoyi quickly walked towards the depression.


    Her eyes lit up.


    She stepped forward quickly and dug out the potatoes. There were more than twenty of them.


    The largest one was as big as a man''s fist.


    Taking advantage of the darkness, she put several potato - bearing seedlings into the space. If planted in the space''s fields, they might grow even bigger.


    "We separated once we entered the forest."


    Upon hearing this, Concubine Zhao was greatly alarmed. "Could that good - for - nothing have run away? Oh, that damned thing!"


    Zhang, seeing her cursing her son like this, despite her painful feet, quickly stepped forward and slapped Concubine Zhao.


    "You low - born concubine, how dare you curse my son? What do you think you are?"


    Concubine Zhao was not one to take a beating lying down.


    She was caught off - guard just now. Now that she reacted, she immediately stood up. "How dare you hit me?"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare? You''re just a concubine. Why can''t I hit you?" Zhang said coldly. "I''m the mistress of the house!"


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report."So what if I''m a concubine? I''m the prince''s concubine. Your family has nothing to do with me. Why should I let you hit me?" Concubine Zhao also got angry and raised her hand, slapping Zhang twice.


    Since Zhang married into the He family, she had been the mistress. She had never been hit before. Now that she was slapped by a concubine, how could she swallow this humiliation? She rushed at Concubine Zhao like a madwoman, and the two women started fighting.


    Concubine Zhao was originally taller than Zhang. She also had insoles when walking on the mountain road, and her food had been better than Zhang''s and the others'' in the past few days, so she had more physical strength.


    When they were pulled apart, their hair was disheveled, and their faces were scratched to varying degrees.


    Zhang was especially in a bad state. One side of her face was already swollen.


    Fights were too common in the exile team. The guards just took a look. Seeing that no one was killed, they didn''t intervene further.


    Seeing the pheasant in He Jingxi''s hand, the guards were overjoyed and patted He Jingxi on the shoulder. "I didn''t expect you to have such skills. It seems we can count on you for food on the exile journey."


    He Jingxi forced a smile. "Just lucky, lucky."


    He Jingheng looked at the wound on the pheasant. It was clearly a fatal blow at first glance. How could this be something He Jingxi could do?


    He usually had trouble even holding a knife.


    His eyes fell on Shang Ruoyi. This pheasant must be the work of this woman. He moved his previously broken leg. It had only been a day, and he could move it slightly. Presumably, it wouldn''t be long before he could move freely. However, he looked at his other leg. Shang Ruoyi said the tendon in this leg was cut, and it would be difficult to recover.


    Thinking that he might have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, he couldn''t help but feel irritable.


    Just then, a delicate hand handed him a water bag. "Have a drink."


    He Jingheng took the water bag. "Thank you."


    "How''s your leg? Any feeling?"


    He Jingheng raised his eyebrows. "Your medical skills don''t seem to be that good. I still have no feeling in my leg."


    "What? How could that be?" Shang Ruoyi squatted down, put her hand on his knee, and gently tapped it a few times. "Still no sensation?"


    Suppressing the tingling feeling, He Jingheng gritted his teeth and shook his head. "No."


    "The connection seems fine to me," she murmured, pressing a few more times on his knee. "It seems fine when I touch it."


    Just then, He Jingxi came over. "Sister - in - law, the pot you asked me to watch is smoking."


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the pot and said, a bit speechlessly, "That''s steam, not smoke. You scared me."


    She stood up and walked towards the makeshift stove.


    He Jingheng felt as if he had been granted amnesty. If she pressed a few more times, he wouldn''t be able to hold on.


    At the same time, an inexplicable sense of emptiness lingered in his heart.


    He looked at He Jingxi with a cold gaze, thinking: What an incompetent fellow.


    Yun Tian and Yun Qi, hiding in the shadows, watched this scene and swallowed hard.


    "The Young Master actually let a woman get close to him!"


    "I saw it. It''s even the daughter of Shang Nian."


    "The Young Master is really sacrificing a lot to seek the truth. He''s even resorting to using his charm!" Yun Tian sighed. "Our high - and - mighty master has actually come to this. Tsk, tsk, tsk."


    Yun Qi glanced at him. "Idiot. Didn''t you see the Young Master swallow his saliva just now?"

 Chapter 21 Craftsmanship

    When He Jinghe returned, Shang Ruoyi had already started stewing the chicken.


    He placed the colorful mushrooms on the table, chin held high, and said self - importantly, "Look at the mushrooms I picked. Compared with yours, the difference is clear!"


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the mushrooms he picked, each one more brightly - colored and more poisonous than the last, and laughed. "Those mushrooms of yours are inedible."


    Inedible?


    "Why are they inedible?" He Jinghe shouted. "I think you''re doing this on purpose, trying to steal my credit."


    "Don''t put it so harshly. No one is trying to steal your credit." She originally didn''t want to interfere, but she was afraid that if someone really died from eating those mushrooms, the guards would hold them accountable. After all, if the journey was delayed because of their family, the guards'' whips wouldn''t spare them.


    She stepped forward and said, "These mushrooms are poisonous. I''m afraid if you eat them, you''ll meet your ancestors."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Zhang stepped forward and said sternly, "You ignorant thing. You just can''t stand to see others do better than you."


    Shang Ruoyi really wanted to slap her twice. "Well, I''ve said all I can. If you don''t listen, there''s nothing I can do."


    Zhang looked at the mushrooms her son had picked. Indeed, she had never seen such brightly - colored ones before. "Son, it''s not that I don''t trust you, but we don''t know if these can be eaten. Why don''t we let your wife try them first?"


    Hearing Shang Ruoyi''s words, He Jinghe was uncertain for a moment. Zhang''s words now gave him an idea.


    That''s right!


    Let Qiao Yanxin test the poison. If she ate them and nothing happened, it would mean the mushrooms were edible.


    Qiao Yanxin, sitting nearby, heard every word of their conversation.


    She never expected that the mother - son pair had such a vicious plan.


    Before long, He Jinghe came over with the mushrooms. "Yanxin, these are the mushrooms I picked. Try them."


    Qiao Yanxin picked one from the pile. "This one will do."


    He Jinghe looked at the red mushroom in her hand and nodded. This color was quite bright, and it should be able to test the toxicity.


    What he never expected was that among all the mushrooms in his bag, only this one red mushroom was non - toxic.


    Qiao Yanxin, of course, recognized these mushrooms, so she took the only non - poisonous one.


    With the guards'' permission, He Jinghe added spring water to a broken earthenware pot he had picked up and prepared to boil the mushrooms.


    Shang Ruoyi was busy in front of the stove. Before long, the aroma of chicken and mushrooms wafted out. The prisoners had been walking all day and were starving. But without supplies, they could only salivate at the smell of the chicken soup.


    A young guard walked up to the stove, a smile on his face. "We''re in for a treat tonight. I didn''t expect your cooking skills to be so good."


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "I''m just glad you gentlemen aren''t disgusted. My little skills are nothing special."


    He Jingheng watched the guard lingering around Shang Ruoyi, his brows furrowing. He picked up a stone from the ground and threw it at the guard''s head.


    The stone, carrying internal force, hit the guard right on the forehead.


    "Ouch! That hurts! Where did that stone come from?"


    He looked around. The prisoners were all sitting there, and there was no sign of anyone throwing the stone.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.Just then, the leading guard came over. He looked at the young guard''s head and then cast a veiled glance at He Jingheng.


    "Chief, this place is a bit strange. How could a stone fly over out of nowhere?"


    "What''s strange? It''s because you''re stupid," the leading guard kicked him. "Get over here. You''re flirting with someone else''s wife. Do you want to die? The Dingguo Prince''s Mansion may seem to be in decline, almost completely destroyed, but the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion weren''t sentenced to death. They were only exiled.


    As long as people are alive, there''s a chance to turn things around.


    Especially the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    He didn''t believe that a general who had once commanded a million troops could be so easily defeated.


    That''s why, although the Crown Prince had specifically instructed to make things difficult for them on the exile journey, he still gave them some leeway from time to time.


    As the aroma of chicken and mushrooms grew stronger, everyone''s appetite was thoroughly aroused.


    He Jinghe kept urging Qiao Yanxin to boil the mushrooms quickly.


    Qiao Yanxin boiled the water in the earthenware pot and threw only her own mushroom into it.


    "What''s wrong with you? Why are you only boiling one?" Zhang pinched her arm hard. "Don''t you want to include ours?"


    Qiao Yanxin suppressed her tears and said in a low voice, "The earthenware pot is too small. If I boil too many, I don''t know how long it will take. I''ll boil mine first, taste it, and if it''s good, I''ll boil the rest."


    "Hmph, better be," Zhang glared at her and turned away.


    Qiao Yanxin clenched her fists, constantly telling herself to be patient, just a little longer.


    Shang Ruoyi served the chicken and mushrooms to the guards. She originally wanted to take the roasted potatoes from the fire to distribute among the He family members. Unexpectedly, the leading guard said in a low voice, "I see there''s still some chicken soup in the pot. You can take it and distribute it."


    Shang Ruoyi''s eyes lit up. If that was the case, she could add some spiritual spring water and boil a large pot, enough for everyone to have a bowl.


    She boiled the chicken soup, washed the picked - up earthenware pots, filled them with soup, and indeed, everyone in the He family got some. She then took out the potatoes. The fragrant roasted potatoes made everyone eager to eat. Even the guards who had just eaten their fill each took another roasted potato.


    "Your cooking skills are really good," the leading guard smiled. "They''re on par with those of Tianxiang Tower in the capital."


    Seeing that her cooking had won over these guards, Shang Ruoyi knew the time was right. She smiled and said, "Lord Zhang, I have a request."


    "Go ahead."


    "When I cook for you in the future, can I also cook a bit for my family? I definitely won''t delay the journey. My grandmother is old and not in good health. If she gets sick, it might really delay our journey."


    In the Tian Shun Dynasty, if they didn''t reach the place of exile within the specified time, not only the prisoners would be punished, but the guards would also be implicated.


    "Alright, but you have to find your own ingredients."


    "Don''t worry."


    He Jingheng sipped the chicken soup in his hand. Tsk, the cooking skills were really good. It was unexpected that this woman dared to negotiate with the guards.

 Chapter 22 Poisoning

    After Qiao Yanxin cooked the mushroom and consumed it, a lengthy period elapsed without any untoward reactions.


    Observing this, He Jinghe gained a sense of assurance.


    "Father, Mother, these mushrooms are surely non - poisonous. That woman, Shang Ruoyi, deliberately said otherwise to frighten us."


    He Ning''an furrowed his brows slightly. As a man, he naturally had little knowledge of kitchen affairs, merely consuming whatever the cook prepared daily. However, the mushrooms'' vivid hues made him truly hesitant to take a bite.


    Concubine Qin sipped the chicken broth while munching on a roasted potato, exclaiming, "I never before realized how scrumptious these simple items could be."


    He Yunyi nodded in agreement. "Indeed, but it''s also due to Sister - in - law''s remarkable culinary skills. She can transform such unadorned ingredients into a gastronomic delight."


    The other prisoners, upon beholding the He family savoring such delicious fare, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy.


    They yearned to be part of the He family themselves.


    The woman who had previously received food from Shang Ruoyi seemed to have reached a decision. With a resolute glint in her eyes, she fixed her gaze upon Shang Ruoyi. The next moment, she approached Shang Ruoyi, cradling her child, and dropped to her knees at her feet with a resounding thud. "Madam, I am willing to serve as your servant. I beseech you to spare a morsel of food."


    "However, I do not currently require a servant, nor is there anything that demands someone''s attention."


    "Throughout this journey, there will always be tasks that call for an extra pair of hands. I am proficient in all manner of tasks, truly. As long as you are willing to provide sustenance, I can forgo eating myself. Just ensure my child has something to eat," she tightened her embrace around her son, her eyes welling with tears. "My child has endured hardship with me since birth, never having a full meal. Please, take pity on us and take us in."


    Shang Ruoyi regarded her with a sigh.


    The innocent child. Very well then.


    "My grandmother is in need of a servant''s care. You may stay."


    The woman was overjoyed. "Thank you, Madam. Thank you."


    Shang Ruoyi retrieved two roasted potatoes and proffered them. "There is no more chicken broth. Have these."


    "Thank you, Madam."


    "Refrain from addressing me as ''Madam.'' Call me ''Mother'' instead. The term ''Madam'' makes me feel aged."


    The woman hastily responded, "Understood, Young Madam."


    Shang Ruoyi: "......"


    From that moment on, Aunt Li and her son, Fuzi, officially became part of the He family.


    After Aunt Li''s arrival, Concubine Qin and Lin of the third branch experienced a notable sense of relief. After all, they had been shouldering most of the care - taking responsibilities in the preceding days.


    "Ruoyi, do we have sufficient provisions?" Concubine Qin approached Shang Ruoyi and inquired in a hushed tone. "With so many mouths to feed in our family, and now Aunt Li and her son have joined." After all, food was the most scarce commodity on this journey.


    "Mother, there is no need for you to worry about the food situation." Shang Ruoyi had inspected the provisions within the space. Sustaining the entire family was well within reach.


    Just then, two agonized wails suddenly pierced the air.


    Zhang clutched her abdomen, her face ashen, beads of sweat the size of soybeans dotting her forehead. "Ouch, ouch, it hurts! It''s killing me!"


    The other cry emanated from Qiao Yanxin.


    "Jinghe! Jinghe! What''s wrong with you? Jinghe?"


    It transpired that Zhang and He Jinghe had ingested poisonous mushrooms, and now the venom was taking effect.


    Zhang had consumed less, and aside from the pain, she remained at least conscious. However, He Jinghe, having indulged in an excessive amount, had fainted outright.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.The guards, upon hearing the commotion, hastened over. "What''s going on?"


    "Sir, after my mother - in - law and husband ate the mushrooms, they have been reduced to this state," Qiao Yanxin said, her face streaked with tears, appearing both startled and terrified.


    "Having eaten poisonous mushrooms, they''re fortunate not to have perished on the spot," the guards sneered. "Whether they can recover is a matter of fate. We possess no antidote." The guards turned their backs and departed.


    Shang Ruoyi curled her lips in disdain and reclined, closing her eyes to rest.


    She had examined those mushrooms. Although venomous, they were not lethal; they would merely cause discomfort for a few days.


    After an indeterminate span of time, Zhang''s cries of pain gradually subsided, yet He Jinghe remained unconscious and showed no signs of awakening.


    As night fell, a wisp of smoke wafted gently over. Shang Ruoyi''s eyes snapped open.


    Sleep - inducing smoke!


    Just as she was about to rise, she heard a familiar cadence of footsteps.


    The sound was reminiscent of what she had heard within the prince''s mansion.


    It was the two bodyguards attending to He Jingheng.


    "Young Master," two deep voices intoned.


    "How fares the search?"


    "Reporting to the Young Master, we dispatched men to scour the area beneath the cliff for an extended period, yet we failed to unearth any trace of the prince," Yun Qi reported in a hushed tone. "We suspect that the prince was abducted by individuals from the palace."


    He Jingheng shook his head upon hearing this. "That cannot be the case. If he had been taken by those from the palace, given the emperor''s disposition, he would have been summarily beheaded and the news broadcast to the realm. Now that Father has vanished, the emperor in the palace must be equally anxious."


    "Young Master, what course of action should we take now?" Yun Tian regarded his leg and produced a vial of medicinal powder. "This is a concoction prepared for you by Physician Wang. Use it initially to alleviate the pain. When Physician Wang arrives, he can set your bones."


    He Jingheng eyed the porcelain vial. "Inform him that there is no need for him to come. This leg will recover shortly."


    Recover?


    How could that be possible?


    "By the way, Young Master, what should be done about Shang Nian''s daughter? Should we..." Yun Qi made a slashing motion across his neck.


    Shang Ruoyi, feigning slumber, couldn''t resist rolling her eyes. This voice belonged to that scoundrel, Yun Qi. He had best pray that she never caught him in a compromising position, or he was doomed.


    "Absolutely not," He Jingheng surveyed the "unconscious" Shang Ruoyi, and a hint of imperceptible softness crept into his tone. "Do not harm her."


    "Yes, sir."


    Finally, he has some sense of decency.


    Shang Ruoyi resolved to reward him with some spiritual spring water the following morning.


    Contemplating the spiritual spring water, she suddenly recalled that the potatoes she had gathered were haphazardly stowed within the space and had yet to be planted. She wondered whether the seedlings had withered.


    Entering the space with her consciousness, she was astonished to discover that not only were the potato seedlings thriving, but the potatoes themselves appeared fresher and larger.


    Could this space possess a preservation property?


    She planted the potatoes in the field and, in passing, inspected the previous crops. The cornstalks had grown to a person''s height over the past few days. Presumably, it would not be long before they bore corn.


    If the corn indeed grew, she would no longer need to fret about food for the remainder of the journey.


    Just then, Shang Ruoyi, within the space, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, as if a menacing presence was drawing near.

 Chapter 23 Capturing the Tiger

    At this moment, outside the space, a fierce tiger was eyeing the group of people menacingly from the forest.


    Through the space, Shang Ruoyi happened to meet the tiger''s gaze.


    Instantly, her clothes were soaked through with sweat.


    When facing such a highly aggressive beast, in her previous life, she would have simply used a gun to deal with it. Even in close - combat, she would at least need a sharp weapon in hand.


    The idea of killing a tiger bare - handed only existed in Water Margin.


    But at the moment, aside from her, everyone else had been affected by the sleeping gas. There was only He Jingheng left, and he was half - disabled. There was a fundamental difference between the combat power of a tiger and that of a wolf. Otherwise, why wasn''t the wolf the king of beasts?


    A single tiger taking on a pack of wolves was no mere legend.


    Watching the depths of the dense forest warily, Shang Ruoyi withdrew her consciousness from the space and opened her eyes. He Jingheng looked at Shang Ruoyi, a flash of coldness disappearing in his eyes. "When did you wake up?"


    "Just now," she replied without turning her head, her eyes fixed intently on the forest. "Did you see it?"


    In fact, He Jingheng had sensed the approach of the tiger''s aura. Just as he was about to take action, Shang Ruoyi opened her eyes.


    "See what?"


    "You know what I''m talking about. A mere tiger isn''t worth getting so worked up about," Shang Ruoyi said. At this, her heart skipped a beat, but then she heard him say leisurely, "Of course, that''s when I''m not injured."


    Wasn''t that just nonsense?


    Shang Ruoyi finally understood what the saying "men can''t be relied on" meant.


    The next moment, a tiger, with its huge head swaying, emerged slowly from the dense forest. When the tiger revealed its full form, Shang Ruoyi''s eyes lit up noticeably.


    This tiger was significantly larger in size compared to others. Its body was snow - white all over, and the patterns on it glistened under the moonlight. It was incredibly beautiful!


    If she could make it her own...


    Her eyes narrowed slightly, and with a hint of excitement, she said to He Jingheng, "Take care of yourself." With that, she walked straight towards the white tiger.


    The white tiger, having lived on this mountain for so many years, had never seen a human being so eager to throw themselves into its jaws.


    For a moment, it was stunned.


    By the time Shang Ruoyi was almost in front of it, it finally reacted.


    It actually took a few steps back.


    Suddenly, it seemed to wake up from a dream, realizing that it had been intimidated by a human.


    Its tiger dignity was greatly challenged, and it let out low growls from its throat.


    He Jingheng held a sleeve - arrow in his hand, ready to act at any moment.


    Unexpectedly, Shang Ruoyi neither dodged nor evaded, running straight towards the white tiger.


    Two stones in her hand flew towards the tiger''s face.


    There were projectiles! As expected, humans were crafty! The tiger deftly dodged. A smile curved Shang Ruoyi''s lips. This was the moment! She leaped past the white tiger and jumped into the dense forest.


    Turning back, she smiled and said, "You can''t catch me!"


    The white tiger was slightly enraged. How dare she provoke it! It promptly turned around and chased deep into the forest.


    Seeing this, He Jingheng instantly tightened his grip on the sleeve - arrow. By this time, it was too late to shoot at the tiger.


    He could only watch as the figures of Shang Ruoyi and the tiger gradually disappeared.


    After running for a while, Shang Ruoyi turned around. The white tiger was already right behind her.


    She gasped for breath as the white tiger stared at her with fierce eyes.


    Her physical strength had reached its limit.


    Although this body had been transformed by the spiritual spring, the lack of endurance couldn''t be compensated for.


    She took out a bowl of spiritual spring water and gulped it down, only then feeling a bit more restored.


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t notice that when she took out the spiritual spring water, the white tiger''s eyes changed abruptly.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.It licked its lips, its eyes fixed intently on the bowl in her hand, or more precisely, the contents of the bowl.


    Shang Ruoyi threw the bowl in her hand to the side.


    Before it even hit the ground, the white tiger shot towards the bowl like an arrow.


    It frantically licked the remaining spiritual spring water in the bowl, and the bowl clinked against the ground. Shang Ruoyi''s eyes dimmed. What was wrong with this magnificent tiger, acting like a dog? Could it be because of the spiritual spring water?


    She took out another bowl and filled it with water.


    As soon as the spiritual spring water appeared, the white tiger looked over again.


    As she had suspected.


    Shang Ruoyi smiled and shook the bowl in her hand. "Do you want a drink?" The white tiger looked at the human in front of it in confusion and slowly nodded its huge head.


    She took a step closer and accidentally spilled some of the spiritual spring water.


    The white tiger''s tail swished twice, and it took a few steps forward.


    Shang Ruoyi quickly said, "Stop!"


    The white tiger indeed stopped in its tracks.


    She smiled. "Sit."


    Although hesitant, after a moment of deliberation, the white tiger sat down. Taming a beast like this was incredibly convenient.


    She moved a few steps closer. Now, she was only an arm''s length away from the white tiger. She extended her hand towards the tiger, and the white tiger looked at her hand in bewilderment. Shang Ruoyi said softly, "Shake paw."


    Shake paw, shake paw...


    Was it really being asked to shake paw?


    This made it extremely resistant. Just then, Shang Ruoyi waved the water - filled bowl in front of it a few times. "If you want a drink, you have to shake paw."


    The white tiger blinked its eyes. The smell of the water was truly alluring, or rather, irresistible to a tiger.


    This time, it hesitated for a relatively long time. After all, it was a matter related to its tiger dignity.


    But nothing could change the nature of a glutton.


    Finally, it extended its tiger paw.


    In an instant, the world around them transformed. When it came to its senses, they were no longer in the dense forest. The white tiger looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings in confusion. Where was its territory? Where was its mountain? Where was its den?


    But the smell here was so pleasant!


    Suddenly, it saw the spring not far away, and its tiger eyes lit up. It rushed over to the spring and drank heartily.


    It drank until it was full.


    When it looked at Shang Ruoyi again, all the vigilance and fierceness in its eyes had vanished.


    "From today on, you''re my tiger," Shang Ruoyi said, surprised that she had tamed a fierce beast so easily.


    The white tiger rolled on the grass. Suddenly, it saw a rabbit grazing not far away.


    Just as it was about to pounce, Shang Ruoyi shouted, "If you dare to eat it, I''ll stew you tonight and drink tiger - bone soup!" The white tiger, which had already prepared to sprint, was so frightened by her words that it dropped to the ground.


    Shang Ruoyi walked up to it and patted its head. "Good boy. From now on, you''ll be called Xiaobai, okay?"


    Although it didn''t like the name, it didn''t dare to resist.


    Shang Ruoyi left the space, grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and smeared it on herself, then slowly walked towards the camp.


    When her figure appeared, He Jingheng sent the two people in front of him flying with a palm strike.


    Shang Ruoyi only felt two shadows flash in front of her eyes, but she didn''t see anyone.


    The others were still unconscious. He Jingheng looked at her, and the fist he had been clenching slowly relaxed.


    "You''re still alive."


    "Of course," Shang Ruoyi scoffed. "What, do you think you''re seeing a ghost?"


    "What about the white tiger?"


    "It couldn''t catch up with me. It probably got lost in the dense forest," she said, trying to brush it off. She walked up to him and touched his knee. "Didn''t expect you to recover so quickly¡£¡®¡¯


    "Thanks to you," He Jingheng replied indifferently.


    Did she think he was a three - year - old?


    The tiger couldn''t catch up with her?


    The tiger got lost in the forest?


    She was clearly lying.

 Chapter 24 The Matter of Divorce

    Yun Tian and Yun Qi were sent flying by a palm strike from their Young Master. Yun Tian hadn''t even realized what was happening when Yun Qi quickly covered his mouth. "Shh, the Young Madam is back."


    Young Madam?


    Since when had the daughter of Shang Nian truly become the Young Madam?


    They definitely didn''t address her like that in private.


    He Jingheng''s gaze was firmly fixed on her face as he said indifferently, "Don''t you have anything you want to ask?"


    "Ask about what?" Shang Ruoyi smiled. "I don''t inquire about things that aren''t my business. Didn''t we say that once we reach the place of exile, we''ll get a divorce?"


    She brought up the topic of divorce again. He Jingheng''s eyes turned slightly cold. He had originally thought that her previous mention of divorce was just out of anger and said casually. But now that she brought it up again, it was clear that she had given it serious thought.


    "Why do you want a divorce so much? You should know that even if you get a divorce, you can''t leave the place of exile. You''ll be imprisoned there for life," He Jingheng said in a deep voice. "Do you know what a woman like you will go through in the place of exile after a divorce?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Of course I do. But who says a woman doesn''t have the ability to survive on her own?"


    He Jingheng was stunned by her question.


    "Since ancient times, you men have always thought that women should obey their fathers at home, their husbands after marriage, and their sons after their husbands die. Where does your sense of superiority come from?" Shang Ruoyi readjusted the withered branch on his leg, then looked up at him firmly. "In fact, many women can live well without relying on anyone. Although I was born into the Prime Minister''s Mansion, I never had a single day of enjoying the life of a Prime Minister''s daughter. Today, even without the identity of a Prime Minister''s daughter, I can still survive. For example, right now, your leg needs my care."


    He Jingheng looked at the bright glimmer in her eyes, and his heart trembled.


    In his twenty years of life, he had never seen a woman with eyes as bright and dazzling as hers at this moment.


    Shang Ruoyi patted his leg. "At the rate you''re recovering, this leg will be back to normal in a dozen or so days. But for the other leg to fully recover, it will need surgery."


    "Surgery?" This word was completely foreign to He Jingheng.


    "Surgery means cutting open this part of your leg, reconnecting the severed tendon, and then stitching up the incision," Shang Ruoyi said, and then suddenly smiled. "I wonder what the Young Master will do to repay me if I cure his leg?"


    "What do you want?" He Jingheng''s eyes held a hint of teasing. "Could it be that the Young Madam wants..." His face suddenly moved closer, and he extended his index finger to lift her chin. His fingertip accidentally brushed against her lips. Before he could say anything, Shang Ruoyi said coldly, "If the Young Master doesn''t want his hand, I don''t mind cutting it off."


    He Jingheng''s finger froze. Looking at her cold, knife - like eyes, he retracted his hand somewhat uncomfortably. "Just teasing you."


    "The Young Master really has a lot of free time. You''re almost disabled, and you still have the mood to think about such things," she said as she stood up, looking down at him with a somewhat condescending air.


    He Jingheng touched the tip of his nose and coughed softly. "So, what kind of reward do you want?"


    "I''ll tell you later," Shang Ruoyi said without looking back as she returned to her place, no longer looking at him.


    He Jingheng watched her back and reached out to touch his chest.


    Just now, his actions weren''t just about teasing her. He wasn''t sure why he had done it either. He just naturally reached out his hand. In his entire life, not only had he never flirted with a woman, but there were very few women who could even catch his attention.


    Yun Qi, hiding in the distance, patted Yun Tian on the head. "Now you know why she''s the Young Madam?"


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.Yun Tian''s eyes widened like ox eyes. If he didn''t need to stay hidden, he would have shouted. "The Young Master, he actually!"


    "Exactly!" Yun Qi nodded.


    "Did that woman drug the Young Master? Otherwise, how could the Young Master have made such a frivolous move that only a street ruffian would make?" Yun Tian said angrily. "Does this woman know some kind of witchcraft? No, she can''t stay! She mustn''t stay!"


    Yun Qi rubbed his forehead. Was this kid out of his mind?


    It was obvious that their Young Master had developed feelings.


    Shang Ruoyi returned to her spot and lay down at the foot of the mountain in her clothes. The temperature on a summer night was tolerable, not too cold. But there were too many mosquitoes in the mountains. She secretly took out a bottle of mosquito - repellent water from the space and sprayed it around herself. Although her consciousness could enter the space, her body was still outside. If she was bitten by mosquitoes, she would be the one suffering.


    Early the next morning, everyone woke up one by one. The guard on duty rubbed his forehead, constantly trying to recall how he had fallen asleep.


    "Chief, I don''t know what happened to me. I actually fell asleep last night."


    "Fortunately, nothing went wrong last night. From now on, two people will be on night duty."


    "Got it."


    Hearing their conversation, Shang Ruoyi secretly curled her lips. After being affected by the sleeping gas, two people on duty, or even twenty, would be of no use.


    In the following days, except for the occasional trouble - making by the second - branch of the He family, the exile journey was relatively smooth.


    But things weren''t going well for the people in the capital.


    Since the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was sentenced to exile, Shang Nian had been thinking about retrieving the dowry that Shang Ruoyi had taken with her from the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    And the emperor naturally also wanted to take over all the assets of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    In the Imperial Study, after discussing state affairs with several ministers, the emperor asked Shang Nian to stay for a private conversation.


    "Dear Minister, now that the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion have been exiled, all the property of their mansion should be confiscated into the national treasury. I''ll entrust you to handle this matter personally."


    "Your Majesty, my unfilial daughter just got married and then left with the He family into exile. Her dowry..." Shang Nian was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly said.


    "Naturally, it should also be confiscated into the national treasury," the emperor smiled. "Since she has joined the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, she is a member of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. Her dowry is the property of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. Now that it has been confiscated, her dowry naturally has to be handed over. Dear Minister, am I right?"


    "Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty is right," Shang Nian wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    "Since that''s the case, why aren''t you going? What are you waiting for?"


    "Your servant takes his leave."


    With the emperor''s decree, Shang Nian personally led five hundred elite soldiers to the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    Standing in front of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion with a gloomy face, he said to the leader of the Imperial Guards, "The Emperor has said that all property should be confiscated into the national treasury, not a single bit left."


    "Yes!"


    The five hundred elite soldiers rushed into the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. After searching all around, except for some worthless ornaments in the mansion, they didn''t find even a single tael of silver.


    The leader of the Imperial Guards reported this matter to Shang Nian.


    "What? How could this be?" Shang Nian furrowed his brows. "Such a large mansion, how could there be nothing? When they left, they were only wearing prison clothes. Even if they hid some gold and silver, it would be very limited. How could they have emptied the entire mansion?"

 Chapter 25 The Empty Princes Mansion

    "This... Your humble servant has no idea," Zhang Wei, the leader of the Imperial Guards, pondered and then said. "There are two large storerooms in the backyard, but aside from some empty boxes, there''s nothing in them."


    Shang Nian made his way to the backyard storerooms. As Zhang Wei had described, it was exactly the same.


    The boxes in the first storeroom were quite familiar to Shang Nian. There was a large character "Shang" engraved on them.


    Those were the boxes used to hold Shang Ruoyi''s dowry.


    And in the other storeroom, there weren''t even any boxes.


    He had originally intended to show the world how much wealth the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had amassed over the years, to let them know that the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion wasn''t as incorruptible as they thought, and that it had been involved in quite a bit of embezzlement. But now, the entire mansion had been emptied by someone, cleaner than if it had been raided.


    How could they carry out their plans now?


    "What?" In the Imperial Study, the emperor was greatly shocked upon hearing this news. "Nothing at all?"


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, currently, the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is an empty shell. How could this be? Could there be a secret chamber or something?"


    Shang Nian shook his head. "Your Majesty, Your servant and Lord Zhang, armed with the blueprint of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, searched every nook and cranny of the mansion, yet found nothing. Even the dowry of Your servant''s unfilial daughter only left empty boxes, and everything inside had vanished without a trace."


    Zhang Wei quickly added, "Your servant inspected the surroundings of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. There were no signs of outsiders breaking in."


    Everything in the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion seemed to have disappeared overnight.


    The emperor sat on the dragon throne, rubbing his temples. "I see. You may leave."


    Shang Nian hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "When Your servant and Lord Zhang left, many commoners witnessed our fruitless search. Now, the entire capital is pleading for the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, saying... saying..."


    "Saying what?" The emperor slapped the table, shouting angrily. "Speak up!"


    Shang Nian''s voice grew softer towards the end. "They say the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is innocent, and that Your Majesty has wronged the loyal and upright." The emperor''s expression grew increasingly grim.


    "Outrageous!"


    Everyone in the Imperial Study dropped to their knees with a thud. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."


    "Your Majesty, surely someone is spreading such rumors to mislead the people," Shang Nian said in a deep voice. "Those who do such things must be remnants of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, or perhaps those ministers who firmly supported the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion in the court before."


    Upon hearing this, Emperor Tianshun''s face darkened. What Shang Nian said was exactly what he had been thinking.


    Perhaps the wealth of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had also been taken by these people.


    "If such remarks are heard again, regardless of who it is, arrest them immediately and punish them severely as a warning to others."


    "Your servant obeys."


    As Shang Nian and Zhang Wei were leaving the Imperial Study, they happened to meet Consort Zhao and Crown Prince He Lingsheng coming to pay their respects to the emperor.


    "Your humble servants pay their respects to the Crown Prince and Her Highness Consort Zhao."


    "Rise."


    "I heard that the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion has been emptied," He Lingsheng said in a deep voice. "Is it true?"


    Shang Nian nodded. "Indeed. Moreover, there are many unfavorable rumors spreading among the people, and His Majesty is deeply troubled by this matter."


    Upon hearing this, Consort Zhao whispered to He Lingsheng, "As the Crown Prince, you should share your father''s concerns."


    "Your son understands." He Lingsheng nodded and then walked towards the Imperial Study.


    Just as Shang Nian was about to take his leave, Consort Zhao smiled and said, "I''ve always heard that the direct daughter of Prime Minister Shang is both talented and beautiful, gentle and virtuous. I''ve been confined to the palace for so long that I''m quite bored. If she has the time to accompany me in the palace, that would be wonderful."


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.Upon hearing this, Shang Nian was overjoyed.


    Consort Zhao''s words clearly meant that she wanted his daughter to learn the palace etiquette in advance.


    If so, the marriage between his daughter and the Crown Prince would be a certainty.


    "It would be my daughter''s great fortune to accompany Your Highness," Shang Nian said eagerly. "Once I return home, I''ll have my daughter pack her things and enter the palace."


    Returning to the Prime Minister''s Mansion, Shang Nian immediately urged the servants to pack Shang Yuguan''s luggage.


    "Master, what''s going on?" The First Lady rushed over from the backyard. Seeing the servants bustling about packing things, she asked in confusion, "Why are you packing Yuguan''s luggage?"


    "Madam, it''s great news, great news!" Shang Nian repeated Consort Zhao''s words. "Our Yuguan''s good days are coming."


    The First Lady exclaimed in excitement, "Really?"


    Receiving Shang Nian''s affirmation once again, the First Lady trotted to the backyard. "Fu''er! Fu''er!"


    Shang Yuguan was embroidering in the backyard at that moment.


    Hearing the First Lady''s shouts, she put down her embroidery and was about to go out to see what was happening when the First Lady burst in.


    "Mother, what''s wrong? What happened?"


    The First Lady dismissed the servants in the room and closed the door.


    "Fu''er, Fu''er, your good fortune has arrived."


    "What good fortune?"


    "The Crown Prince!"


    Upon hearing this, Shang Yuguan''s eyes lit up.


    "Is the Crown Prince choosing a consort?"


    "No, but this is even more important." The First Lady grabbed Shang Yuguan''s hand, saying excitedly, "Consort Zhao, she wants you to enter the palace to accompany her."


    "Consort Zhao? The Crown Prince''s mother?"


    "Exactly." The First Lady smiled. "As long as you can please Consort Zhao, the position of the Crown Princess will surely be yours. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, you''ll be the empress who rules the world. Our Shang family will finally have an empress."


    Shang Yufu''s face showed delight. The Crown Prince was handsome and talented, and she naturally liked him.


    Previously, she had always thought that her engagement to the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion couldn''t be cancelled, and she would surely marry He Jingheng, the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. If He Jingheng hadn''t been disabled, he would have been an excellent husband. His appearance and talent were even superior to the Crown Prince''s, and he was also a highly respected young general. He would surely inherit the title of Dingguo Prince in the future, and she would be a lofty princess.


    But unfortunately, he became disabled, and the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was exiled. She was extremely glad that Shang Ruoyi, that little wretch, had taken her place. Otherwise, she would be the one suffering now.


    She was the direct daughter of the Prime Minister''s Mansion, and only the Crown Prince was worthy of her.


    "Mother, don''t worry. Once I enter the palace, I''ll do everything possible to please Consort Zhao."


    "I knew our Yufu was a person blessed with great fortune."


    While the Shang Mansion was joyfully preparing to send Shang Yuguan into the palace, the news of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion being looted reached He Jingheng''s ears. He couldn''t help but frown. He really didn''t know who could empty the entire Dingguo Prince''s Mansion without anyone noticing.


    Just then, a potato was presented to him.


    He expressed his gratitude. Potatoes were a common food during military campaigns. After all, they were cheap and filling. But they usually just boiled them and never knew that there were so many ways to cook potatoes.


    "Why does today''s roasted potato taste different from usual?"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "My exclusive recipe."


    She always said that. He Jingheng smiled and said no more. Just then, dark clouds rolled in the sky, and a violent storm was about to strike.

 Chapter 26 Poison in the cake?

    In an instant, the sky changed, and a fierce gale swept through.


    "What''s going on? It was clear just now!" The guards furrowed their brows. "It seems there''s going to be a heavy rain. We must find a place to take shelter."


    "Chief, there''s an abandoned Taoist temple ahead. Let''s go there to hide," said one of the guards.


    By the time the group reached the Taoist temple, they were already drenched by the downpour.


    The guards stared at the increasingly heavy rain, their brows knitted tightly.


    "This damned weather. It just started raining out of the blue."


    Shang Ruoyi gazed at the sky. The dark clouds were incredibly thick. It seemed the rain would only get heavier and wouldn''t stop anytime soon.


    With great difficulty, they found some dry firewood nearby that could still be used to start a fire. Everyone huddled around the fire, yet the cold on their bodies couldn''t be dispelled.


    People began sneezing continuously. The old princess had also been caught in the rain. Given her advanced age, she caught a cold and immediately developed a fever.


    "Mother, Mother, what''s wrong?" Concubine Qin, noticing that the old princess was burning up, said anxiously. "Mother, you have a fever."


    Lin stepped forward and touched the old princess''s forehead. "So hot."


    The men of the He family gathered around the old princess, their hearts filled with anxiety, yet they were at a loss for what to do.


    "Currently, without medicinal herbs and with Mother''s high fever not abating, the situation looks dire," He Zhiyuan said gravely.


    What he meant by "dire" made everyone''s hearts sink.


    Falling ill in such an environment could endanger one''s life.


    Zhang sat not far away, not approaching, coldly watching the He family.


    Just as He Ning''an was about to go over, Zhang held him back. "They don''t care if we live or die. Why are you going to join them?"


    In the past two days, she and her son, He Jinghe, had been tormented by the poison. The He family hadn''t come to check on them, nor had they shared any food. It would be better if this old woman died. Out of sight, out of mind. After all, she had always made things difficult for her.


    Shang Ruoyi stepped forward and placed her hand on the old princess''s pulse.


    The He family exchanged glances. Could she really know medicine?


    Zhang, watching from a distance, curled her lips. "Putting on an act."


    "Grandmother has caught a cold and, due to the continuous fatigue these days, has some inner heat. With multiple ailments hitting at once, she''s in this state."


    "Oh, what shall we do?"


    "Will Mother be all right?"


    Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows. The old princess''s clothes were still wet, and with the cold seeping into her body, no medicine would be effective.


    Just then, He Qinian carried He Jingheng to the group.


    He grasped the old princess''s wet clothes, and a surge of internal energy emerged. In an instant, the old princess''s clothes were dry.


    Shang Ruoyi blinked. Impressive! Truly impressive!


    She took out a white pill from the space and, while giving the old princess water to drink, slipped it into her mouth.


    She then massaged the acupoints for a while, and the old princess''s body temperature gradually subsided.


    "Ruoyi, you really know medicine," Concubine Qin grabbed her hand, saying excitedly. "That''s wonderful, truly wonderful."


    The eyes of all the prisoners were fixed on Shang Ruoyi. During the exile journey, the two most crucial things were food and medical care.


    Last time, when Fuzi''s fever subsided, everyone thought it was a fluke. After all, in the Tian Shun Dynasty, most doctors were men.


    Once could be a fluke, but could it be a fluke twice?


    The old princess''s fever reduction was clearly Shang Ruoyi''s doing.


    They all began to envy Aunt Li, who had joined the He family. At least, she had food and her life was safeguarded.


    They wondered if it was still too late to seek refuge with her.


    The rain showed no sign of abating. Shang Ruoyi placed a pot on the fire. When she bought seasonings before, she had purchased a large amount of ginger. Shang Ruoyi boiled a large pot of ginger soup. The guards made all the prisoners drink a bowl to minimize the risk of getting sick and avoid delaying the journey.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.After all, at the place of exile, they wouldn''t care about the reasons for any delays.


    After drinking the warm ginger soup, everyone felt warmer.


    The way they looked at Shang Ruoyi was tinged with gratitude. If it weren''t for her buying ginger in advance, where would they have gotten this cold - dispelling ginger water?


    Soon, it was time for dinner. There was still a bit of the provisions left from the journey. With such heavy rain, they couldn''t go out to find food. So, everyone ate coarse grain cakes today.


    During this time, the He family had been eating fine grains for the most part, not delicacies but still better than this. Coarse grain cakes like these were truly hard to swallow.


    At this moment, they once again lamented how much they missed Shang Ruoyi''s cooking skills.


    Shang Ruoyi nibbled on the coarse grain cake, thinking about going into the space later to check if the corn had grown. If it was ripe, she could make roasted corn. At the very least, she could have a roasted potato, which was much better than the coarse grain cake.


    Zhang, eating the coarse grain cake, cursed Shang Ruoyi in her heart again.


    If it weren''t for her father, how could the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion have been exiled? Why was she suffering here?


    With these thoughts, she chewed the coarse grain cake even more forcefully. Suddenly, she choked, fell to the ground, and started rolling her eyes. He Ning''an, He Jinghe, and his wife were so frightened that they shouted, "The cake is poisoned!"


    "What? Poisoned?"


    Upon hearing this, the other prisoners instinctively threw away their cakes. Zhang rolled on the ground, slapping her chest vigorously. Her appearance was terrifying.


    However, the second - branch of the He family just watched from the side, not approaching. They were afraid of being hurt by Zhang''s wild and menacing state.


    Seeing this, the other prisoners became worried. Would they end up like this too?


    The guards heard the commotion and came over to take a look. Zhang''s face was purplish - red, and she was clearly starting to have difficulty breathing.


    Could it really be poisoning?


    Shang Ruoyi originally didn''t want to intervene. But then she remembered how saving Fuzi had accumulated merit and led to the space''s upgrade. Her heart stirred.


    She had set He Jingheng''s bones before and just treated the old princess. If she saved Zhang now, she might accumulate more merit. She wondered what surprises the next upgrade would bring.


    With these thoughts, she pushed through the crowd and stepped forward to examine. It wasn''t poisoning at all; she had simply choked from eating too fast.


    Was this Zhang starving?


    How could she gobble up a coarse grain cake like that?


    Shang Ruoyi helped Zhang up and forcefully patted her back with the heel of her palm. After a few pats, with a "vomit" sound, Zhang spat out the food stuck in her esophagus.


    Her purplish - red face gradually returned to normal.


    Her breathing also became smoother.


    "Miss Shang, is she..."


    "She choked," Shang Ruoyi looked at Zhang, who was sitting on the ground, gasping for breath. "It''s just a coarse grain cake, and no one was competing with her. Why eat so hastily?"


    Everyone looked at her with disdain. She was supposed to be a noble lady, yet she ate as if she had never seen food before.


    Zhang calmed herself down. She never expected that she would almost die from a coarse grain cake.


    What made her even more disheartened was that none of her family members had come to her aid.


    In the end, it was this ill - fated girl who saved her.


    "Don''t think that just because you saved me, I''ll be grateful to you," Zhang said coldly. "You owe me this. If it weren''t for your father, we wouldn''t be in this situation. The debt of the father should be repaid by the daughter!"


    Shang Ruoyi rolled her eyes. If it weren''t for the merit, she wouldn''t have bothered to save her.

 Chapter 27 Corn

    Those who had thrown their coarse - grain cakes on the ground because the He family father and son had claimed that Zhang was poisoned glared angrily at them and then silently picked up the cakes, carefully blowing off the dirt. At the moment, these cakes were precious.


    Zhang''s rescue, which should have been a good thing, instead made Qiao Yanxin hate Shang Ruoyi.


    She had been eagerly hoping day and night for her mother - in - law to die.


    She had thought that the mushrooms would take Zhang''s life, but she had only been ill for a few days.


    This time, with such a good opportunity, when Zhang was on the verge of suffocating to death, Shang Ruoyi had saved her again.


    She looked at Shang Ruoyi with hatred. Meddling busybody!


    Shang Ruoyi, who was warming herself by the fire, felt a gaze filled with hatred. By the time she looked over, the gaze had disappeared.


    She couldn''t help but furrow her brows.


    In both her past and present lives, she was extremely sensitive to any gaze directed at her. Along this journey, aside from the second - branch of the He family, she hadn''t provoked anyone else. So, who else could want her life?


    The torrential rain had been pouring for a whole day and night and still showed no sign of stopping.


    However, all their provisions had been consumed.


    "Chief, what should we do? There''s not a single bite of dry food left," said one of the guards. They weren''t afraid of going hungry themselves, but they were worried that the prisoners might rebel.


    After all, if they were trapped on the mountain, the outcome would be starvation. But if they rebelled, there might be a glimmer of hope.


    "This rain shows no sign of stopping. Someone has to go find food," Zhang Hu looked at Shang Ruoyi. She was the quickest at finding food among them. Under normal circumstances, it might be fine, but in such a violent storm, sending her out to look for food while the rest of them, a group of grown men, waited in the Taoist temple, seemed rather heartless. Moreover, although the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion had been investigated and punished, the Prime Minister''s Mansion was still as prosperous as ever.


    After thinking for a while, he said in a low voice, "Give me the raincoat."


    After He Jinghe was poisoned, Zhang Hu had stopped asking him to search for food. After all, he couldn''t even tell the difference between poisonous and non - poisonous items, and no one dared to eat the food he found.


    He called He Jingxi, who stood up with a bitter expression. He didn''t know anything about edible plants. Every time, Shang Ruoyi had shared with him what she found so that he wouldn''t be scolded by the guards. In fact, he couldn''t even tell the difference between wild vegetables and common grass.


    Shang Ruoyi looked at He Jingxi''s expression as if he were going to his doom and suddenly began to worry about whether the food they found in the evening would be poisonous.


    Sure enough, an hour later, Zhang Hu and He Jingxi returned with a pile of things. It was all either weeds or poisonous plants, with nothing edible.


    When Shang Ruoyi informed them of the result, the expressions on their faces were quite something.


    There was no doubt that they were going to go hungry that night.


    Some prisoners took out the leftover coarse - grain cakes from the previous day. Due to the humid weather, the cakes had already started to rot. They carefully picked off the mold spots and took small bites.


    Qiao and the others also took out the coarse - grain cakes wrapped in handkerchiefs. Seeing that there were so many mold spots, they were impossible to swallow.


    And the guards didn''t even have a single bite of coarse - grain cake.


    Seeing this, Shang Ruoyi had to pretend that she needed to use the toilet.


    She braved the rain and ran to the foot of the mountain not far away, picking the ripe corn from the space.


    As she picked, she said, "I wonder if not letting others go hungry can increase my merit."


    When everyone saw her return to the temple, holding a pile of corn, they were almost stunned.


    "Where did you find this corn?" Zhang Hu stepped forward, saying in disbelief. "I didn''t see any corn on the way."


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.Shang Ruoyi said indifferently, "I saw it on the way back, in that forest." She casually pointed to the dense forest outside the Taoist temple. Zhang Hu nodded in understanding. So that was it. Only that forest was the place he and He Jingxi hadn''t been to. He never expected there to be corn inside.


    He Jingheng furrowed his brows at this. When they first came to take shelter from the rain, he had already surveyed the terrain outside. There was no corn at all. It seemed she had quite a few secrets.


    After Shang Ruoyi roasted the corn, she gave some to the guards. The remaining amount was just enough for everyone to have one, including Aunt Li and Fuzi.


    The aroma of roasted corn wafted into everyone''s nostrils. They looked at the golden - yellow corn, swallowing their saliva continuously.


    Fragrant! It was so fragrant!


    As soon as the corn entered their mouths, a sweet taste filled their mouths. "Ruoyi, this corn is so delicious! Can you find that place again? We can pick some more next time," Lin said in surprise. "It''s really better than any corn I''ve ever eaten."


    Before Lin joined the He family, her father had brought back corn from the military camp a few times, so she had eaten it. In the Tian Shun Dynasty, this kind of coarse grain was only eaten by ordinary people.


    "There''s no more corn in the place I picked. I''ve already picked all of it," Shang Ruoyi shook her head. "As for the difference in taste you mentioned, Aunt, it''s probably because it grew in the mountains. Maybe it absorbed some of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, so it tastes more delicious."


    As for the rest of the He family, except for He Jingheng, they didn''t even know what corn looked like. When Shang Ruoyi handed them the corn, they didn''t know where to start eating it at first, let alone compare the taste.


    Only by watching Lin eat did they realize that this kind of food could be eaten by simply biting into it.


    They had originally thought it was just a temporary way to fill their stomachs and that Lin''s words were an exaggeration. But when they took the first bite, they suddenly discovered that this food called corn was incredibly delicious.


    One by one, they threw aside their dignified appearances and gobbled it up.


    The guards were also extremely surprised. They never expected that this corn would be so different from what they usually ate.


    Zhang Hu smiled and said, "Come to think of it, you''re really lucky. You can always find food every time."


    Shang Ruoyi smiled in response and said nothing.


    Zhang watched them eating so happily and was filled with jealousy.


    She looked at Qiao Yanxin next to her and tapped her forehead in frustration. "Useless thing. Not only do you have a poor family background, but you can''t even cook or recognize food. Jinghe would have been better off marrying a peasant girl. You''re such a waste."


    Qiao Yanxin lowered her head, looking at Shang Ruoyi with intense hatred in her eyes.


    Why, why did you marry He Jingheng?


    If it weren''t for you, Zhang wouldn''t have treated me so poorly.


    Feeling that venomous gaze again, Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows once more.


    Who on earth was it?


    The next day, the long - awaited sun finally appeared. The guards quickly urged the prisoners to continue on their journey.


    After two consecutive days of rain, the mountain road was extremely muddy. It usually took only an hour to reach the post station, but they had walked all morning and still hadn''t arrived.


    "Chief, what should we do? We''ve already been delayed for two days. If this continues, we''ll definitely be scolded when we reach the post station," said one of the guards.


    "Don''t say that the prisoners, who have been starving, can''t walk fast. Even we can''t move quickly. The mountain road is difficult. Can we fly there?" Zhang Hu said coldly. "If they don''t believe it, let them come and walk this way themselves."


    After walking for another half - day, they finally managed to reach the post station.


    Just as Shang Ruoyi and the others entered the post station, a familiar voice rang out. "This Young Master has been waiting here for a long time."

 Chapter 28 Punishment

    A man turned around, looking at the people from the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion with a mocking glint in his eyes. "What? Are you surprised to see this Young Master?"


    This person was none other than He Qing, the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion, who had clashed with He Jingheng at the wedding banquet.


    "He Jingheng, have you fallen so low that you need someone to carry you now? I heard that both of your legs are completely useless."


    He walked up to He Jingheng and was about to reach out to touch his legs when He Jingheng said leisurely, "He Qing, I think you don''t want this hand of yours anymore."


    He Qing''s hand froze. The next moment, he became even more enraged. He couldn''t believe that He Jingheng, now a disabled man, could still intimidate him.


    "Insolent! You, a criminal, dare to speak to this Young Master like that!" He Qing said angrily. "Guards, arrest him and give him fifty heavy blows with the board."


    Fifty heavy blows!


    That was tantamount to a death sentence.


    He was already seriously injured and not fully recovered. After fifty blows, would he even survive?


    "He Qing, after all, we both bear the surname He. You and Heng''er are like brothers. Even if there were conflicts when you were young, there''s no need to take his life," Concubine Qin stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears. "You used to come and play in the prince''s mansion often when you were a child. Have you forgotten?"


    "Hehe, Auntie, that was twenty years ago. You actually have the nerve to bring it up," he said with a sneer in his eyes. "Auntie, it''s only been a few days, and you''ve become so haggard. If you hadn''t come forward, I would have thought you were someone else''s grandmother."


    "You!" Concubine Qin''s face paled. She never expected He Qing to be so ruthless with his words.


    Zhang, listening from behind, couldn''t hide the joy on her face.


    The arrival of the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion was really timely. It would be great if he could kill them all, especially Concubine Qin and He Jingheng.


    Concubine Qin''s maternal family was once extremely prosperous. Even though the old master of the Qin family had passed away, the Qin family, though not as glorious as before, was still far beyond what the Zhang family could compare with. Concubine Qin had married the Dingguo Prince. Although she was not as favored as Concubine Zhao, her life was much better than Zhang''s. Coupled with the old princess''s affection, Zhang harbored deep resentment towards her.


    As for He Jingheng, it was even more so.


    Since He Jingheng''s birth, he was the heir to the throne. Over the years, he had achieved remarkable military exploits on the battlefield. In contrast, her son was mediocre in appearance and far inferior to He Jingheng in every aspect. Over the years, there were always people gossiping behind her back, and she could only pretend not to hear.


    Now, with such a good opportunity for revenge, Zhang was naturally overjoyed.


    He Qing looked at the female relatives of the He family. "Who? Which one is the concubine - born daughter of Prime Minister Shang?" On the day of the wedding, Shang Ruoyi had been wearing a bridal veil, and he hadn''t seen her face.


    Hearing this, Zhang was delighted. Finally, someone was here to deal with this ill - fated girl.


    She quietly walked behind Shang Ruoyi and gave her a sudden push.


    Caught off - guard, Shang Ruoyi stumbled. He Qing immediately noticed her.


    "Are you the concubine - born daughter of Prime Minister Shang?" He walked up to her, his gaze lecherously sizing her up, and then looked at He Jingheng beside her. "I didn''t expect you, He Jingheng, to be so lucky. Although she''s a concubine - born daughter, she''s even more beautiful than the top courtesan in Tianxiang Tower."


    He had compared her to a brothel woman, expecting her to be ashamed and angry. After all, no noble lady would want to be associated with a brothel woman.


    But Shang Ruoyi''s expression remained unchanged. She just smiled and said, "I didn''t expect the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion to have such a taste. It really runs in the family from the Xiao Wang."


    "What do you mean?" He Qing furrowed his brows. "Slandering the royal relatives is an aggravated crime! My father and mother are the most affectionate couple in the entire capital."


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience."Oh, so the heir doesn''t know?" Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Your mother was originally a singing girl brought back by the Xiao Wang from outside the domain. At first, the Xiao Wang''s main concubine had already been decided, but he insisted on marrying your mother. But how could a proper noble - born daughter be willing to share a husband with a low - born singing or dancing girl? She would rather become a nun than marry into the mansion. Since then, no one has been willing to marry their daughter into your mansion. After all, who would want to pay their respects to a singing girl every day?"


    Her voice was loud enough for everyone in the post station to hear clearly.


    Everyone was stunned.


    The princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion was a former singing girl?


    This was something they had never heard of.


    So, the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion was born to a singing girl?


    When they looked at He Qing again, their eyes were filled with a hint of contempt.


    It should be known that in the Tian Shun Dynasty, status and birth were highly regarded. There was a clear distinction between the legitimate and the concubine - born, and birth was of utmost importance, especially for the royal bloodline.


    He Qing, hearing this, flew into a rage. "Outrageous! Utter nonsense! Where did you hear such rubbish? How dare you put it on this Young Master? I think you''ve had enough of living."


    "Rubbish? The heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion calls this rubbish?" Shang Ruoyi sneered. "Heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion, do you know that you''ve committed a serious crime?"


    "What crime has this Young Master committed? You, on the other hand, are already a convict, and now you''re even defying this Young Master. It seems that both you and your disabled husband have had enough of living." With that, he slightly raised his arm. "Despising the royal relatives is a crime punishable by death. This Young Master thinks there''s no need for you two to go into exile. You can be executed on the spot."


    "That so - called rubbish was personally said by the Emperor," Shang Ruoyi said unhurriedly. "Are you saying that what the Emperor said is rubbish?"


    What?


    Said by the Emperor?


    He Qing furrowed his brows. "You, a mere concubine - born girl, how could you have seen the Emperor? It''s all nonsense!"


    "I may not have seen the Emperor, but my father has. The fact that the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion is born to a singing girl was told to my father by the Emperor himself. As for whether it''s true or not, the heir can go and ask the Emperor or the prince."


    He Qing looked at her with a livid face, then turned to the people around him and shouted angrily, "What are you still standing there for? Kill them all!"


    Hearing this, Zhang was overjoyed. Killing these two would relieve her hatred.


    The guards around looked at each other, their faces full of hesitation.


    "What are you waiting for? Do you want this Young Master to do it himself?"


    Zhang Hu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, although the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion have been exiled, they haven''t been stripped of their noble status. If you want to execute them, you need an imperial decree. May I ask if Your Highness has brought it?"


    What? An imperial decree?


    He Qing was stunned for a moment.


    Where would he get an imperial decree?


    He had come here today just to say hello to the Crown Prince and to mock He Jingheng while he was down, to vent his hatred of these years.


    "This Young Master came in a hurry and hasn''t obtained the Emperor''s decree yet," he cleared his throat and said in a deep voice. "If I can''t kill them, I can at least beat them, right?"


    "He Qing, are you acting under someone''s order?" He Jingheng said.


    "Who allowed you to address this Young Master by name? Give him fifty slaps," He Qing shouted angrily. "Hit him hard."


    The guard beside him stepped forward and was about to strike when He Jingheng raised his hand and grabbed the guard''s wrist. The guard exerted all his strength but couldn''t move He Jingheng''s hand an inch.

 Chapter 29 Take Action

    With a "crack" sound, Immediately£¬the guard''s agonized scream rang out.


    He Jingheng released his hand, and the guard''s hand hung in an extremely strange position. It was obvious that it was broken.


    Shang Ruoyi curled her lips. It wasn''t just broken; it was shattered.


    With just a gentle exertion from He Jingheng, the guard''s hand bones and wrist bones were all shattered. Even surgery might not be able to restore it.


    "He Jingheng! How dare you resist!"


    "He Qing, are you deaf? Even if my title is stripped, I''m still a member of the royal family. Not only can I call you by your name, but I can also call He Lingsheng by his name," He Jingheng wiped his hands and glanced at him. "If you haven''t brought any orders from anyone, I advise you to go back and obtain them quickly. Otherwise, although my leg is injured, my fists are still here. I''m used to fighting and killing over the years. If I don''t kill anyone for a few days, my hands itch terribly."


    Upon hearing this, He Qing''s hand couldn''t help but tremble.


    Unlike them, the heirs and young masters who had always been in the capital, He Jingheng had truly seen blood and taken lives.


    So, the murderous aura on him could be felt from a great distance. Especially when he fixed his eyes on someone, it was terrifying.


    Just like at this moment, He Jingheng merely glanced at him, but the murderous intent in his eyes made him tremble until now.


    He Qing never expected that even in He Jingheng''s current down - and - out state, he could still make him feel afraid.


    Zhang, seeing that He Qing had no way to deal with them, couldn''t help but despise him.


    A dignified heir, yet having no real power at all. It was truly exasperating.


    He Qing looked at Shang Ruoyi, his eyes narrowing slightly. It didn''t matter that he couldn''t kill He Jingheng. He had originally just come to kick a man when he was down, not intending to take his life. Now, if he couldn''t kill him, at least he could still annoy him.


    With this thought, he extended his hand towards Shang Ruoyi''s face. Just as he was about to touch her, He Jingheng''s eyes darkened, and he was about to take action when He Qing suddenly let out a pained cry, his face turning deathly pale as he clutched his stomach.


    The attendants were startled. How could their young master suddenly become like this?


    They rushed forward and saw a silver needle stuck in his stomach, a trace of blood trickling down.


    "Assassin! There''s an assassin!"


    They surrounded He Qing tightly, looking around vigilantly.


    Shang Ruoyi curled her lips. How dare he touch this granny£¿This was just a small lesson. It would make him suffer pain for more than a month and be unable to sleep peacefully every day. If there was a next time, it would be his life. Whether it was needles or knives, there was an endless supply in the space.


    The guards guarded for a long time, but no assassin was found. But where did this silver needle come from?


    "Useless! A bunch of useless people. You can''t even find one assassin," He Qing clutched his stomach. Just as he was about to stand up, a sharp pain suddenly shot through his abdomen.


    "Ah! It hurts, it hurts!" The stabbing pain made him kneel directly to the ground. Coincidentally, the direction he knelt was exactly towards He Jingheng.


    "He Qing, we are of the same generation. There''s no need for such a grand gesture," He Jingheng smiled. "Since you''ve realized your mistake, I won''t pursue your previous rudeness."


    "You!" He had just uttered one word when he felt the pain in his abdomen intensify, and finally, he fainted directly.


    "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and take this sickly fellow back to the mansion," He Jingheng looked at the attendants around He Qing and said calmly. "If it''s too late, his life may be in danger."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.So, He Qing came in a hurry, and the servants left in a hurry. For a moment, the guards looked at He Jingheng with different eyes than before. Zhang Hu was even more convinced of his previous thoughts.


    He Jingheng could never be so easily defeated, and Shang Ruoyi was not as simple as she seemed on the surface. Prime Minister Shang actually told her such a secret matter about the princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion. This was not the attitude towards an ordinary concubine - born daughter.


    So, during the room allocation that night, the He family received special treatment.


    Originally, the prisoners were all to be housed in the firewood shed outside. But due to the continuous heavy rain, the firewood shed had collapsed, so the prisoners had to be placed in the rooms inside the post station.


    That night, except for the second - branch of the He family, the rest of the He family were separately placed in a room. The remaining prisoners were placed in a leaky room on the first floor. The ground in the room was damp, the whole room was filled with a musty smell, and the space was extremely narrow.


    The He family''s room was also very simple, but at least it was dry and had a low couch.


    Zhang sat in the corner and said in a deep voice, "Why? We''re all from the He family. Why are we driven here? Even that Aunt Li and Fuzi can be in a dry room. Are we even worse than a servant?"


    He Ning''an''s face also darkened.


    Since the exile, although he hadn''t said anything, he had harbored deep resentment towards the eldest - branch of the He family in his heart. Leaving aside Shang Ruoyi''s father, surely his elder brother, He Yuwen, and He Jingheng had offended the emperor somewhere, which led to this disaster. Now, they were implicated, and not only did they show no apology, but they also excluded them.


    Zhang was right. In the eyes of the eldest - branch, they were even inferior to servants.


    "I think they''ve all been bewitched by that little slut Shang Ruoyi. They all revolve around her. And those guards too. Father is still a prince, yet he''s not as favored as that little slut Shang Ruoyi," she said in a deep voice. "I say, Shang Ruoyi might have had some improper dealings with the guards. Otherwise, why would the guards always give her convenience?"


    He Jinghe nodded upon hearing this. "Mother is right. Shang Ruoyi has a seductive look. She''s clearly not a well - behaved woman."


    Qiao Yanxin glanced at him. Seductive? True, Shang Ruoyi was extremely beautiful. But what kind of person was He Jinghe? His eyes would often land on Shang Ruoyi''s face and body. Did he think she didn''t notice?


    Just then, a prisoner reeking of stench plopped down beside Zhang. The extremely pungent smell made her retch uncontrollably.


    In the previous few days, although everyone was close, the living places were ventilated. It was nothing like this air - tight space now.


    At this moment, the smell in the whole room was hardly any better than that of a pigsty.


    He Ning''an and Zhang''s family couldn''t bear it any longer and went to the guards. "We''re also from the He family. Why are we placed here?"


    The guards were eating roast chickens bought in the town. Being interrupted, their moods clearly worsened. With a cold face, one of them said, "What? Not satisfied?" He picked up the whip on the chair and lashed it hard. The whip directly struck He Jinghe. "If you''re not satisfied, just say it. I''ll beat you until you are!"


    Blood seeped from the wound on He Jinghe''s arm, and he grimaced in pain.


    Seeing the guards'' tough attitude, they could only slink back to their places.

 Chapter 30 Space upgraded again

    Shang Ruoyi and the others were sitting on the low couch, eyes closed to rest. Every now and then, the coughs of the old princess could be heard.


    After a while, Concubine Qin opened her eyes. Looking at He Jingheng''s leg not far away, a trace of heartache flashed in her eyes. Then, thinking of her husband whose life and death were uncertain, she could no longer hold back her tears and began to cry softly.


    Shang Ruoyi, who was a light sleeper, woke up immediately upon hearing Concubine Qin''s sobs.


    Guessing the reason for her crying, Shang Ruoyi furrowed her brows slightly. She wanted to offer words of comfort but didn''t know how. Her previous - life occupation had made her accustomed to relying on herself. Whether it was hardship or pain, she dealt with all emotions on her own. So, consoling others was really something she wasn''t good at.


    Just as she was about to wake He Jingheng up, she noticed that his forehead was covered in large beads of sweat, his face was deathly pale, and his lips were faintly purple.


    This was poisoning!


    Shang Ruoyi quickly got up and rushed to He Jingheng''s side. Grabbing his wrist, her face changed abruptly.


    She couldn''t feel a pulse!


    His body was as if frozen.


    She filled a water bag with spiritual spring water and fed him a few sips.


    After a moment, his body seemed less cold, and his pulse gradually returned, though it was beating extremely slowly.


    He Jingheng fell into a coma.


    Shang Ruoyi''s movements were not large and didn''t wake the others, but Concubine Qin saw everything clearly.


    "Ruoyi, what''s wrong with Heng''er?" She wiped away her tears and asked softly.


    "Judging from the situation, he should have been poisoned," she said, placing her hand on his wrist. Her brows knitted tighter. Judging from the pulse, there were no signs of poisoning.


    However, if it wasn''t poisoning, how could he suddenly become like this?


    "Poisoned?" Concubine Qin covered her mouth in horror, and her tears flowed even more profusely. "What should we do? My Heng''er."


    "Mother, don''t cry. For now, it seems there''s no danger to his life. Let''s wait until he wakes up and then ask him," Shang Ruoyi said. While taking his pulse, she could feel that his body was gradually recovering. Presumably, he wouldn''t be unconscious for long.


    Upon hearing this, Concubine Qin gradually stopped crying and nodded. "Ruoyi, your mother has never been one to make decisions since she was a child. In her parents'' home, she listened to her parents. After getting married, she listened to your grandmother and the prince. Now that the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is in trouble, your mother doesn''t know what to do. Your mother sees that you''re a decisive person. From now on, this family will be in your hands."


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Mother, before getting married, I was just a concubine - born daughter. The First Lady, my step - mother, never taught me about household affairs. So, I know nothing about managing a family. Besides, there aren''t any household affairs to deal with at the moment. Mother, you should still be in charge of the family."


    Concubine Qin nodded. "All right. Then, when we reach the place of exile, I''ll hand over the power of managing the household to you." Concubine Qin looked at He Jingheng, her eyes filled with deep concern.


    The journey ahead was long, and whether the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion could reach the place of exile alive was uncertain.


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t respond. When they reached the place of exile, she was even less likely to take over the power of managing the household. She had told He Jingheng that they would get divorced when they arrived there.


    Concubine Qin held her hand and talked for a long time. Only when sleepiness came over her did she gradually fall asleep.


    Late at night, when He Jingheng slowly woke up from his coma, he found himself leaning against Shang Ruoyi. Warmth radiated from her body. No wonder the pain this time was much less than before.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.As soon as He Jingheng made a slight movement, Shang Ruoyi woke up.


    "Sorry for waking you."


    "It''s all right." Shang Ruoyi looked at his appearance and expression and could tell that he was aware of his poisoning. She said in a deep voice, "What kind of poison did you get?"


    "Years ago, when attacking a small border country, I was poisoned by their national teacher. The poison is called Ice Bones. On the first night of each month, all the bones in my body feel as if they''re being frozen. I''ll lose consciousness briefly. Usually, at this time of the month, I would go outside to avoid worrying my father and mother. But in the current situation, I seem to have nowhere to go. You need to cover for me in front of my mother," He Jingheng said, looking at Concubine Qin and the old princess. "Although I''m my mother''s biological son, I grew up in the military camp and didn''t spend much time in the prince''s mansion. I''m not very close to my mother."


    "She already knows," Shang Ruoyi said softly. "She saw you when the poison attack."


    He Jingheng''s brows furrowed briefly. "If she asks you, just say it''s not serious."


    "Okay."


    He had just said they weren''t close, but actually, he didn''t want her to worry.


    Shang Ruoyi, who had planned to rest in the space, unconsciously fell asleep leaning against He Jingheng.


    Early the next morning, before dawn, Shang Ruoyi was awakened by the mechanical voice in the space.


    "Number of living beings increased. Space upgraded."


    Upgraded again?


    Shang Ruoyi''s consciousness immediately entered the space. The white tiger quickly ran over and circled around her. She stroked its tiger head and smiled. "Have you grown taller in just one day?"


    The space said the number of living beings increased. Could it be that the rabbit gave birth?


    Sure enough, when she pushed aside the grass, several small rabbits were sleeping under the mother rabbit''s belly. They were soft, tiny, and extremely cute. So, this could also make the space upgrade.


    I wonder what new function has been added this time?


    Suddenly, the crowing of a rooster was heard in her ears.


    Chicken?


    She hadn''t raised any chickens in the space.


    Could it be...


    She quickly walked forward. The space had actually added a livestock area.


    A dozen chickens and ducks were eating inside.


    There were also a few eggs in the nest.


    With these, there was no need to worry about food.


    She picked up the eggs. Perhaps due to the space''s influence, she found that these eggs were much larger than those outside. There was no pot in the space, otherwise, she would have liked to boil one immediately. She couldn''t remember how long it had been since she last ate an egg.


    Just then, she sensed that people in the room were waking up one by one. She quickly left the space and slowly opened her eyes. He Yunyi walked up to her and smiled. "Sister - in - law, you woke up the latest today."


    "I might be a bit tired these days."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the door was pushed open from the outside.


    "You inside, come out quickly," the post - station guard said with a frown and a deep voice. "I really don''t know what Zhang Hu was thinking. They''re just prisoners, yet he gave them a separate room."


    When they walked out of the post station, the other prisoners were already in the courtyard. The second - branch of the He family looked at them coming out and felt extremely resentful.


    Zhang said with a dark face, "Look at them, all looking refreshed after a good sleep. We''re all prisoners, but we had to sleep in that dirty and stinky place while they got to sleep separately. I really don''t know what Shang Ruoyi did to make those guards so bewitched."


    Her voice was not low, and the surrounding prisoners heard her clearly. They began to suspect that there must be some improper relationship between Shang Ruoyi and the guards. Otherwise, why would the guards give the He family special treatment?

 Chapter 31 Throwing dirty water

    "The one who was talking just now, isn''t she Shang Ruoyi''s second - aunt?"


    "Should be. Since she said so, I guess it''s probably true."


    "Could it be? But she''s the Young Madam!"


    "Humph, so what if she''s the Young Madam? Let me tell you, the more high - ranking and wealthy a family is, the more devious they are. I used to work at Tianxiang Tower. Tsk tsk, I''ve seen all kinds of people."


    The more those people talked, the more absurd it became. Zhang listened, feeling extremely proud.


    Shang Ruoyi, if I can''t kill you, I''ll at least ruin your reputation. Then, being ostracized by others and despised by your in - laws, let''s see if you still have the face to live. Little did she know that Shang Ruoyi simply didn''t care about these things.


    These idle rumors spread quickly. When the He family walked over, the way they looked at Shang Ruoyi was clearly filled with disdain. Some even spat in her direction.


    He Jingheng''s eyes turned fierce. Seeing this, that person quickly lowered his head.


    Shang Ruoyi smiled and whispered in He Jingheng''s ear, "It''s okay. I have plenty of ways to deal with them."


    She had excellent hearing. Zhang thought she was being discreet, but from the moment she said the first word, every word she said fell clearly into Shang Ruoyi''s ears. It seemed that the poison from the mushrooms last time had been completely cured, and Zhang had the energy to stir up trouble again.


    Zhang Hu and the others took the official documents and began to pack the provisions into the boxes.


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the usual coarse - grain cakes and silently sighed.


    "Zhang Hu," a post - station guard walked up. "It seems you''ll be eating coarse - grain cakes all the way."


    Zhang Hu asked in a deep voice, "Why?"


    Those coarse - grain cakes, though called coarse - grain, were actually made by grinding rice husks and baking them with cornmeal. They were extremely hard to swallow. Usually, such coarse - grain cakes were given to prisoners, while the guards in charge of escorting ate steamed buns made of white flour and cornmeal.


    What did it mean to make them all eat coarse - grain cakes now?


    "I saw several baskets of steamed buns in the kitchen yesterday. Why can''t we have them?"


    The guard looked at the He family and said in a low voice, "Yesterday, the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion was injured here. The princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion was furious, saying that we didn''t protect him well. So, she took away all our food and deducted our salaries for a month."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Hu immediately understood what he meant.


    It was simply because the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion had suffered losses at the hands of the He family, and his secrets had been exposed. He was just venting his anger.


    The other guards were extremely unhappy upon hearing this. When they looked at the He family, their eyes were filled with anger.


    If it weren''t for them, why would the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion have come to the post station?


    If the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion hadn''t come, none of these things would have happened.


    Ultimately, it was their fault.


    So, a guard walked up to the He family with a whip in hand. Just as he was about to strike, Zhang''s voice came from the crowd, "Serves them right."


    The guard got angry immediately. He turned around and walked towards her, raising the whip and lashing down without mercy. "Serves them right? Who do you think serves them right? Do you think I''m being too lenient with you?"


    Zhang howled in pain. The guard looked at He Ning''an and the others beside her and shouted angrily, "You''re also from the He family, right? Huh?" With that, he whipped all four of them.


    Shang Ruoyi shook her head. The saying "One who asks for trouble will surely get it" was really fitting.


    After venting his anger, the guard put away the whip and said to the four of the second - branch, "Watch your mouths, or don''t blame me for being ruthless."


    The four of them, with bloodstains on their bodies, nodded shiveringly.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.Zhang was whipped the hardest. Her clothes were torn in several places, and the flesh on her arm was exposed.


    Although she was in her thirties, as a princess of a county, with servants taking care of her on weekdays and good maintenance, she looked only in her twenties. Her skin was very delicate, and the group of prisoners stared at her, their eyes wide open.


    Zhang Hu took the provisions with a dark face. Seeing this, Shang Ruoyi stepped forward and quietly handed him a bag of broken silver. "Because of our He family''s matter, you''ve been implicated. This is all my savings. Please accept it as an apology."


    Zhang Hu weighed the bag of broken silver. The other guards saw it clearly, and they felt better.


    "It''s just some dry food. It doesn''t really matter," the guards smiled. That bag of silver was enough to cover their regular salaries for three months. "Anyway, Miss Shang''s cooking skills are excellent. We''ll have to trouble you a lot with the food on this journey."


    "You''re too kind, sirs."


    Zhang Hu looked at Shang Ruoyi''s back and then touched the bracelet in his hand. When Shang Ruoyi gave him the bag of silver, she had quietly stuffed a gold bracelet into his hand. He couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. Was this really just a concubine - born daughter?


    Zhang and the others watched, their teeth itching with anger.


    She had the silver but didn''t take it out earlier. She waited until they were whipped before doing so. This was clearly on purpose.


    He Ning''an endured the pain on his body and said angrily, "I told you to keep your mouth shut!"


    He Jinghe also couldn''t help complaining, "Mother, all the troubles on this journey were caused by you. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have been treated differently, and today we took a beating for them for no reason."


    Although Qiao Yanxin didn''t say anything, the resentment in her eyes was obvious.


    Zhang gritted her teeth and said nothing, but the resentment in her heart grew deeper, especially towards Qiao Yanxin. A girl from a common - family background dared to show her an attitude.


    When passing through a town, Shang Ruoyi proposed to go shopping again, and the guards all agreed. After all, it wasn''t their money being spent.


    She went to the market and bought several large pots and cooking utensils. When passing by the meat stall, she bought a lot of meat. Since it could be kept fresh in the space, they could still have some meat dishes when they reached the place of exile.


    After buying rice, flour, and other food items, Shang Ruoyi walked towards the city gate.


    When passing by a booth, she suddenly stopped.


    "Grandma, how much do these seedlings cost?"


    She had actually seen fruit seedlings.


    "To be honest with you, girl, this old woman doesn''t know what kind of seedlings these are. They were given to me by my neighbor from the Western Regions before he left. I originally wanted to plant them and see, but not a single one survived. I thought I''d sell the remaining ones," the old woman said.


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "I''d like to give it a try. I''ll take them all."


    The old woman was overjoyed. "Thank you, girl."


    Just as she finished speaking, a sharp - tongued voice came from the side. "I say, you old woman are always up to tricks. What Western - Regions neighbor? What didn''t survive? These are clearly just weeds." The man sneered. "Little girl, don''t listen to her nonsense. Come and take a look at my seeds. They''re definitely a hundred times better than that old hag''s!"


    Shang Ruoyi gave him a cold glance. "I think most of your seeds are withered. They won''t germinate at all if planted in the ground."


    A woman who was just about to buy seeds heard Shang Ruoyi''s words and turned away.


    The man flew into a rage. "What are you talking nonsense about? Are you going to buy or not? If not, get out of here. Don''t mess up my business."


    Shang Ruoyi picked up the seedlings, turned to look at the man, and sneered. "I see that your forehead is dark. You''re likely to have a bloody disaster today!"

 Chapter 32 The Disaster of Blood Light

    Upon hearing this, the man''s eyes instantly widened. "A bloody disaster? How dare you curse me! I think you''ve had enough of living!" With that, he rolled up his sleeves and charged towards her.


    The old woman selling the seedlings saw this and quickly said, "Girl, run quickly!"


    Shang Ruoyi curled her lips, placed her things on the old woman''s booth, and said in a low voice, "Don''t worry."


    Just as she finished speaking, the man rushed up menacingly. As soon as he raised his hand, Shang Ruoyi stomped hard with her foot and kicked him directly on the knee. The man knelt straight down.


    "Ah, ah, ah, my knee!" Burning with anger, he picked up a nearby stone and charged again.


    Just when everyone thought Shang Ruoyi was surely going to be bloodied on the spot, she stepped forward quickly and landed a side - kick right on the man''s abdomen. The intense pain made him fall backwards, and the flying stone hit him right on the forehead, causing blood to flow.


    "Blood! Blood!" The man exclaimed in horror. "I''m bleeding!"


    Shang Ruoyi walked up to him. "It''s just a superficial wound. Stop yelling." Seeing that it wasn''t serious, she smiled and said, "Didn''t I say you''d have a bloody disaster today?" With that, she picked up her things and walked towards the city gate.


    When there was no one around, she put the seedlings into the space and returned to the team with a small amount of rice and meat.


    Since she had already bribed the guards with silver, they didn''t ask why she had taken so long. Looking at the food in her hands, they smiled and said, "There''s even meat. Miss Shang, you''ve gone to a lot of trouble."


    Hearing the guards'' words, He Jingheng was very unhappy.


    What "Miss Shang"?


    She was already married. She should be called Lady Shang.


    When He Qing returned to the Xiao Wang Mansion, he was in so much pain that he passed out. The princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion invited all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital to diagnose and treat him, but none of them could figure out what was wrong.


    "Your Highness, our medical skills are limited. We really don''t know why the young master is like this," the head of the Imperial Hospital wiped the sweat from his forehead and said in a low voice. "The young master''s illness is really strange."


    Just then, a maid in the room rushed out in a panic. "Your Highness, the young master has woken up and is screaming in pain. Please go and have a look!"


    When the princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion heard this, she was shocked.


    When she entered the room, He Qing was sweating profusely from the pain. He felt as if there were countless bugs gnawing at his body. "Mother, there are bugs!" He Qing shouted loudly.


    The princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion was greatly startled and quickly stood up from the bed. "The young master said there are bugs. Hurry up! Where are the bugs? Come quickly!" she shouted. "Find them on the bed!"


    "Yes!" The guards rushed forward and searched the bed.


    He Qing was in so much pain that he couldn''t speak and waved his hands anxiously.


    How could the princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion understand his meaning? She just thought he was anxious and stepped forward to comfort him. "Don''t worry. No matter what kind of bugs they are, Mother will definitely find them for you."


    "Stop! Stop!" Finally, he managed to catch his breath and shouted, "Get out!"


    The guards quickly turned around and left upon hearing this.


    He Qing looked at the imperial physician, gasping for breath. "This Young Master feels as if there are thousands of bugs gnawing inside me. What''s going on?"


    What? Thousands of bugs? Inside the body?


    The princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion almost fainted upon hearing this. If it weren''t for the maid supporting her, she might have really fallen to the ground.


    The head of the Imperial Hospital furrowed his brows and took He Qing''s pulse again. After a moment, he shook his head. "Judging from the pulse, there''s nothing abnormal with the young master''s body. He''s not sick, nor has he been poisoned."


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work."How could that be? If there''s nothing wrong, why am I in so much pain?"


    "I don''t know about that," the head of the Imperial Hospital shook his head. "My knowledge is limited. I''m afraid I can''t relieve the young master''s pain."


    "Quacks! A bunch of useless people!" At this moment, even more intense pain hit, and He Qing shouted angrily, "Get out! Get out of here! All of you, get out!"


    "Yes." The head of the Imperial Hospital gave him a cold look and turned to leave.


    After walking out of the Xiao Wang Mansion, the group of imperial physicians behind him finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    "The illness of the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion is really too strange."


    "Yes! It''s unheard - of."


    The head of the Imperial Hospital looked at the plaque of the Xiao Wang Mansion and curled his lips into a sneer. The son of a singing girl and a deposed prince dared to speak to him like that. Then let him suffer like this.


    The news that the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion had been poisoned by a strange toxin reached the palace. He Lingsheng was having a meal in Consort Zhao''s palace when he received the news.


    "I see. You may leave," he put down his chopsticks and said softly. "Mother, Your son has some matters to attend to. I''ll take my leave first."


    "All right. Later, I''ll have Yufu send you some snacks to your palace," Consort Zhao smiled. "I didn''t expect Prime Minister Shang, who seems like an old - fashioned person, to have such a wonderful direct daughter."


    Consort Zhao stopped talking at this point. He Lingsheng naturally understood what she meant. Although he was unhappy, he could only nod. "It''s up to Mother to decide."


    "You''re grown up. You should have some people around you who care for you," Consort Zhao put down her chopsticks and said softly. "Shang Nian is at least a high - ranking official in the court. Although you''re the Crown Prince now, you must know that your father has many sons. You must have enough power to ensure that your position is not shaken."


    He naturally understood these principles.


    "Sheng''er, remember, only when you''re in the highest position can you like the people you like and do what you want. Do you understand?"


    "Your son understands."


    Consort Zhao nodded. "Go and attend to your business."


    After He Lingsheng left, Bixi, Consort Zhao''s personal maid, walked in. "Your Highness."


    "What happened?"


    "The heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion has been poisoned by a strange toxin, and even the head of the Imperial Hospital couldn''t do anything about it."


    Consort Zhao put down her chopsticks and said in a deep voice. "Is this kind of thing even worth telling Sheng''er? The people below are becoming more and more incompetent." Bixi stood aside, not daring to say a word.


    "Replace the thoughtless people around Sheng''er. That low - born brat of a singing girl''s son dares to waste Sheng''er''s time and make him leave before finishing his meal to deal with things." Consort Zhao lost her appetite for food. She picked up a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, then threw it on the ground after using it, and said coldly. "Useless people don''t deserve to live in this world."


    Bixi curtsied. "This servant will take care of it right away."


    "Go. Do it discreetly. Don''t let Sheng''er find out."


    "Your Highness, don''t worry."


    He Lingsheng came to the Xiao Wang Mansion. Looking at He Qing, who had been tortured beyond recognition by the pain, he directly tapped his sleeping acupoint. He Qing, who had been howling for a long time, finally quieted down.


    He Lingsheng asked in a deep voice, "What happened?"


    The attendant told him the whole story. "Hit by a hidden weapon?"


    "Reporting to the Crown Prince, a silver needle flew in from nowhere. After the young master was hit, he became like this."


    He Lingsheng narrowed his eyes. This matter must be related to He Jingheng.


    "I''ll send people to search far and wide for famous doctors. He Qing won''t be allowed to suffer like this."

 Chapter 33 Jealousy?

    Hearing this, the prince and princess of the Xiao Wang Mansion expressed their profound gratitude.


    "Attendants! Search for suspicious individuals around the post station. The murderer must not be allowed to go unpunished!"


    "Yes!"


    He Lingsheng''s men set out in a grand manner to look for suspicious people, while the real instigator was cooking for the guards.


    Shang Ruoyi stir - fried a plate of shredded pork with green peppers and a plate of eggs. She claimed to have found wild eggs and wild peppers on the mountain, but in fact, these were taken from her space.


    "Chief, this is the best - catered escort mission for exiles I''ve ever had."


    Zhang Hu nodded. Not only was the food the best, but they also received the most silver.


    Was Shang Ruoyi really the unfavored concubine - born daughter as people said?


    Not to mention a concubine - born daughter, even a legitimate daughter might not have so much gold and silver at her disposal.


    Little did he know that the money Shang Ruoyi used for bribing was from the dowry in her space. As for the things in the treasury of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, she hadn''t touched a single cent.


    When she returned with two plates of dishes, the eyes of the He family members lit up.


    "There''s actually meat!" He Jingxi exclaimed. "There''s enough for each person to have a piece."


    Although the two plates of dishes were not abundant, on the way of exile, they should be secretly delighted to have such food.


    Seeing them eating so deliciously, the other prisoners were so greedy that their mouths watered. They bit hard into their coarse - grain cakes, as if they could taste the flavor of meat.


    At this moment, they saw that there was actually a piece of meat and several pieces of eggs in Fuzi''s bowl, and they couldn''t help but envy him.


    Just then, a man came forward and knelt beside Shang Ruoyi. "Miss Shang, do you need a servant? I used to be a bodyguard in a security company and know some martial arts."


    Shang Ruoyi looked at him and nodded. "That could be possible."


    In fact, Shang Ruoyi had noticed him for a while. This man was burly and clearly a martial artist. The journey ahead was long, and there were many female relatives in the He family''s group. There was no guarantee that there would be no danger.


    Having a bodyguard in the group would make them much safer.


    "Thank you, miss. My name is Li Wenyuan."


    Shang Ruoyi handed him a pair of chopsticks and a bowl. "There''s rice in the pot. Serve yourself."


    Seeing that she had taken in another bodyguard, the He family members couldn''t help but worry.


    If this continued, how could there be enough food?


    He Jingheng''s eyes fell on Li Wenyuan, and looking at the food in his bowl, he lost his appetite.


    "Why aren''t you eating?" Shang Ruoyi saw him put down his chopsticks. "Is the food not to your taste?"


    "I''m full." He Jingheng tapped the table with his index finger, and He Qinian quickly helped him up.


    The leg that He Jingheng had reattached could already be used for walking, but the other leg still couldn''t. The skin and flesh had started to heal, but he still limped when walking.


    He Jingheng sat on a stone, with his back to the crowd. He Yunyi, looking at her brother''s posture, walked up to Shang Ruoyi and whispered, "I never thought my brother would be like this today."


    "Hmm?" Shang Ruoyi didn''t understand. "What''s wrong with He Jingheng?"


    "I used to only read in storybooks about men being jealous, but I always thought such things only happened in storybooks. In reality, how could a man be like a petty woman? But today, I actually saw it with my own eyes." He Yunyi''s voice was very low, but it sounded like thunder to Shang Ruoyi. "Sister - in - law, my brother is jealous because you took in a bodyguard."


    What?


    Jealous?


    How could that be possible?


    The two of them had agreed that they would discuss divorce when they reached the place of exile.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version."You''re overthinking it." Shang Ruoyi shook her head. "Your brother isn''t the type to be jealous. Besides, we''ve only been married for a few days, and we only saw each other on the wedding day."


    "Don''t you know, sister - in - law?"


    "Know what?"


    "You''re just like the beauty in the storybooks who makes people fall in love at first sight. Which man wouldn''t like you?" In He Yunyi''s eyes, Shang Ruoyi was an extremely perfect person. "If I were a man, I would definitely marry you no matter what."


    Shang Ruoyi couldn''t help but rub her forehead. Her sister - in - law, who claimed to dislike going out and meeting people, was actually reading storybooks in her room all the time.


    She looked at He Jingheng, who was sitting on the stone, eyes closed, resting. She really couldn''t imagine what this man would be like if he fell in love with a woman.


    She didn''t notice that two men in the prisoner team exchanged a glance, as if they were quite surprised.


    In the following few days, it was sunny every day, and the temperature rose day by day. Coincidentally, they were traveling along a mountainous route with no water source in sight.


    The water supplied by the guards was almost used up.


    Shang Ruoyi had secretly added spiritual spring water to the water bags several times. Otherwise, their water would have run out long ago.


    "What kind of damned weather is this? A few days ago, it was pouring with rain, and these days, it''s extremely dry." The guards wiped the sweat from their foreheads, becoming increasingly irritable.


    The prisoners were so thirsty that their lips were chapped.


    The He family members hid their water bags, fearing that the little water they had left would be snatched away.


    "Mother." Concubine Qin poured a small amount of water and handed it to the old princess. "Have a drink."


    The old princess drank the water and sighed. "It seems that the road ahead will be getting more and more difficult."


    He Zhiyuan nodded. "Yes! It seems there''s a severe drought here."


    In the past few days, the land they passed by was cracked, indicating that it hadn''t rained for quite some time.


    It was the season for planting grains now, but due to the lack of water in the land, all the seedlings had withered, and the farmland was barren.


    As they were talking, they saw a group of people approaching from afar. They were dressed in rags and were clearly refugees.


    Seeing the firelight here, they walked towards it.


    Unexpectedly, it was the guards escorting prisoners.


    An elderly man came forward, his back slightly hunched, and said to the guards, "Sir, we are villagers from Lijia Village. I''m Li Gui, the village head. It''s getting late, and we really can''t continue our journey. I wonder if we can stay here for the night? Don''t worry, sir. We''ll just make do outside the temple. We won''t disturb you."


    Zhang Hu nodded. "You can stay inside too."


    Hearing this, the old man was overjoyed and quickly called on the villagers to come in.


    "Old man, are you all moving?" Zhang Hu walked up to him, looking at the hundreds of villagers with a frown. "What happened in Lijia Village?"


    Mentioning this, Li Gui let out a long sigh. "It''s a long story. Our Lijia Village has been suffering from a severe drought for three consecutive years. The crops in the fields have failed completely. Moreover, we have to pay taxes every year. We have no other choice. Otherwise, who would be willing to leave their homes?" After a pause, he continued, "In the village, most of the elderly and children have starved to death. Alas, it''s tragic."


    Just then, the cry of a baby came out.


    Li Gui quickly walked over and said in a deep voice, "Quickly find a way to stop her from crying. We it''s not easy found a place to stay. If we anger the guards and they drive us out, what shall we do?"


    "But..."


    Just then, a jade - like hand held out a bowl of water in front of the baby. "Drink this. It might help."

 Chapter 34 Miracle!

    Water! It was actually water!


    For a moment, the villagers of Lijia Village stared at the bowl of water like hungry wolves eyeing food.


    You see, the well at the entrance of their village had long run dry. They hadn''t had a single drop of water to drink for days. The woman gratefully took the water bowl and carefully fed the water bit by bit into the baby''s mouth.


    The child was truly extremely thirsty. Half a bowl of water was drunk up completely, and then the baby fell asleep with a look of contentment. Shang Ruoyi had added some spiritual spring water to the water. After the child drank it, the originally pale little face visibly turned pink. The woman was deeply grateful and kept kowtowing on the ground. "Thank you, benefactor! Thank you, benefactor!"


    "You don''t have to say thanks." Shang Ruoyi quickly helped her up.


    The villagers, who had been a bit afraid of Shang Ruoyi and the others at first, now looked at them with much softer eyes.


    The prisoners gave Shang Ruoyi several dirty looks. They were almost dying of thirst too. Why didn''t she give them a sip of water?


    "We''re almost dying of thirst too. Jingheng''s wife, quickly give us a bowl," Zhang said. Her wounds from the whip lashes hadn''t healed yet. She grimaced in pain, stood up, and walked to Shang Ruoyi''s side. She rummaged in her sleeve for a long time and took out a tiny piece of broken silver, handing it to her. "Is this enough?"


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the tiny piece of broken silver, no bigger than a sesame seed, and sneered. "Oh, this is really a large amount of silver! Second - aunt, did you dig this out of some ant hole?"


    "Take it or leave it! Give me the water!" With that, she reached out to snatch the water bag from Shang Ruoyi''s waist.


    Shang Ruoyi nimbly sidestepped and avoided her. She said coldly, "Second - aunt, you only have one face. You''d better save some dignity." She put the broken silver in Zhang''s hand and jeered, "Second - aunt, you must hold it carefully. Later, don''t drop it on the ground and lose it."


    Zhang looked at her back, gritted her teeth in anger for a long time, and then turned around resentfully.


    When the other members of the second - branch saw that she had returned empty - handed, they all rolled their eyes.


    "Mother, you''re so stingy. You want to buy water with just this little bit of silver?" He Jinghe looked at the broken silver in her hand and pouted. "It''s not even enough to send a beggar away!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhang shouted angrily, "If you want to drink water, why don''t you buy it yourself?"


    "Mother, you!"


    Zhang gave He Jinghe and Qiao Yanxin a cold look. "Do you still think we''re living in the prince''s mansion?" She vented all the anger she had suffered from Shang Ruoyi on her son and Qiao Yanxin.


    Just then, the village head, Li Gui, saw He Jingheng, who was sitting aside with his eyes closed, resting.


    He blinked, looked at him in disbelief for a while, and then walked up to him shakily. He Jingheng felt someone approaching and suddenly opened his eyes. He asked in a low voice, "Old man, is there something wrong?"


    "Are you He Jingheng, General He?"


    He Jingheng raised his eyebrows and nodded. "That''s right."


    When the village head heard this, he immediately knelt down on the ground. "General! It''s really you! This old man has finally found you!"


    He Jingheng had difficulty moving. Shang Ruoyi stepped forward and helped the village head up. "Village head, please get up and talk."


    When Li Gui stood up, his face was already covered with tears. He wiped the tears on his face, cupped his hands towards He Jingheng, and said, "A few years ago, the village was attacked by bandits. If it weren''t for the general''s rescue, all the people in our village would have been massacred."


    He Jingheng had driven away the bandits single - handedly, left without leaving his name. Only the mark of the He Family Army was printed on the left sleeve of his clothes. Later, on the way back to the capital after a great victory, the village head saw the hero who had saved their entire village at the front of the team. After making inquiries, he learned that it was He Jingheng, the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion and General He.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it."General, you are so noble - hearted!"


    He Jingheng waved his hand. "It was just a small act."


    The village head looked at his attire and then realized that he was wearing prison clothes. He exclaimed, "General, this is..."


    "It doesn''t matter." He Jingheng''s face showed no change. He just smiled. "It''s getting late. Old man, you''d better rest early."


    Just then, a guard walked forward and placed the scabbard of his sword horizontally in the middle. Seeing this, the village head had to return to the wall, looking at He Jingheng from time to time, his eyes filled with helplessness and heartache.


    Shang Ruoyi saw all this and furrowed her brows slightly. Perhaps because of her previous - life occupation, she could better understand He Jingheng''s feelings.


    Late at night, when all was quiet, He Jingheng opened his eyes, looked at the group of villagers huddled in the corner, sighed, and then raised his right hand to make a gesture. The figure on the big tree outside disappeared instantly.


    Shang Ruoyi curled her lips into a smile and fell into a deep sleep.


    Early the next morning, before dawn, the guards woke them up. They had fallen behind in the journey in the previous few days, so they couldn''t afford to waste a single moment.


    When Shang Ruoyi and the others left, the villagers of Lijia Village were still asleep.


    After a while, the village head opened his eyes first. Seeing that the people on the opposite side were gone, he couldn''t help but sigh.


    How fate plays tricks! The war god of their Tian Shun Dynasty had actually ended up like this.


    Just then, a fragrant smell caught his attention. This was...


    He rubbed his eyes and found that there was a stack of corn on the ground, hundreds of ears in total. Next to it was a basin filled with water.


    "A miracle! A miracle!" He stumbled to the food, thinking he was hallucinating. He shook his head vigorously. His voice woke up the villagers of Lijia Village. Everyone looked at the mountain - like pile of corn in shock and murmured, "Could it be that the heavens, seeing our plight, have bestowed this upon us?"


    "No, it must be General He! It must be him!" The village head said firmly. "Only General He could have done this."


    The villagers nodded in agreement. Just then, the woman holding the child suddenly felt a cloth pocket on the child. When she opened it, there were some silver and a silver bracelet inside.


    This was...


    Suddenly, she remembered the woman who had given water yesterday. Could it be that she had left all these?


    The villagers quickly picked up dry firewood and lit a fire to roast the corn.


    Although the water was not much, for those who hadn''t had water to drink for a long time, it was extremely precious. Each person was only given a small sip, and the rest was filled into several water bags.


    The person who came to deliver the food under He Jingheng''s instruction was stunned when he entered the dilapidated temple and saw this scene. The villagers inside were gnawing on the corn vigorously, and there was a pile of fresh raw corn beside them.


    He walked out of the dilapidated temple, looked at the map, and couldn''t help but feel puzzled. He hadn''t delivered it to the wrong place! But the people inside didn''t look like refugees.


    The village head walked up and asked, "We are the villagers of Lijia Village. What can we do for you, sir?"


    "I heard that your village has been hit by a disaster, so I''ve brought some food and travel expenses. Please take them."


    The village head never expected there to be so much food. Naturally, he expressed his profound gratitude.

 Chapter 35 Water sources

    Shang Ruoyi and the others had walked several li. The further they went, the higher the temperature became. The fields that should have been planted with crops had already cracked.


    The post stations, which were supposed to supply water along the way, were already deserted.


    The water in the guards'' water bags was almost used up, and everyone''s eyes were fixed on the water bags in the hands of the He family.


    Shang Ruoyi noticed this and became vigilant.


    They were really too exhausted to walk, so they stayed in an empty post station.


    The guards went to the backyard of the post station. Looking at the dried - up well, they sighed. "I never expected this drought to be so severe."


    "We don''t know how many displaced people there will be." The guards went to the second floor. As far as they could see, there were only dried - up lands and no signs of people.


    "Chief, with the sun so strong and the temperature so high, if we don''t have water, we won''t survive for long."


    Zhang Hu looked at the prisoners who were severely short of water and said in a deep voice, "We must find water. Otherwise, we''ll die of dehydration here before we even get out of this arid land."


    "But it doesn''t look like there''s any water source around here!"


    At night, everyone fell into a deep sleep.


    A black shadow rummaged around among the He family.


    "Where on earth is it? I clearly saw it last night. Why is it gone now?"


    Suddenly, his wrist was grabbed by a strong hand, and He Jingheng''s deep voice came. "Stealing from me? How shameless."


    The black shadow tried to run, but He Jingheng held his wrist tightly. "Jinghe, you should have some self - respect."


    The person who came to steal water was none other than He Jinghe from the second - branch.


    "Brother, I''m really dying of thirst," he said in a low voice. "Just give me a sip, okay? Just one sip."


    "The water has always been with your sister - in - law."


    In other words, he had no say in this matter.


    He Jinghe was astonished when he heard this. "Brother, how could you leave such an important thing in a woman''s hands?"


    "Otherwise? In your hands?" He Jingheng sneered. "Go back to sleep."


    He Jinghe left reluctantly. Qiao Yanxin saw this and secretly snorted. Useless man.


    Just before dawn, He Ning''an came to the old princess.


    The old princess finally couldn''t resist his persistent pestering and said to Shang Ruoyi, "Ruoyi, give the second - branch a water bag."


    A water bag?


    Shang Ruoyi sneered. If it weren''t for the spiritual spring in her space, the water in those few water bags would have run out long ago.


    "We don''t have that much water," she said, taking out the water bag from the package and shaking it in front of the He family. "There''s only half a bag of water left. Should we give it all to them?"


    What? Only this little water left?


    The old princess saw this and quickly changed her words. "Give each of them a sip."


    He Ning''an didn''t refuse either. A sip was better than nothing. At least it could hold them over. Maybe they could find water if they walked a little further.


    Just then, several men rushed towards her, or more precisely, towards the water bag in her hand.


    Shang Ruoyi kicked out, and one man was sent flying backwards. The other two men were blocked by Li Wenyuan before they could get close.


    "Water! Give me water!" The man looked at the water bag in Shang Ruoyi''s hand and shouted. "Please, just give me a sip."


    Shang Ruoyi frowned. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to take out the water, but she really didn''t know what method to use. If others knew the secret of her space, they would surely burn her as a witch.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.The guards heard the commotion and came over. "What''s going on?"


    The man lying on the ground crawled to the guard''s feet, grabbed his trouser leg, and pleaded, "Sir, give me some water to drink."


    The guard kicked him away and said coldly, "Asking me for water? Dream on!"


    Just then, she suddenly saw several big trees in the distance. Her eyes lit up, and she said to the guard, "Sir, I know where we can find water!"


    Zhang Hu heard this and quickly walked up. "Where?"


    The group of people came to the big trees. The trees were extremely tall, with oval - shaped and very thick trunks. Strangely, while other trees had withered, the leaves of these trees were still green.


    "What are we doing here?"


    Shang Ruoyi pointed at the tree and smiled. "The water source is here."


    Here?


    This tree?


    A guard said coldly, "We have no water and no food now. We don''t have time to listen to your nonsense."


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Sir, you may not know that this kind of tree is called a baobab tree. The reason its trunk is so thick is that it stores a large amount of water inside."


    In her previous life, when she was on a mission in an extremely arid place, this kind of tree was planted there. That''s how she knew that trees could store water.


    What?


    Water stored in the trunk?


    How could that be possible?


    Shang Ruoyi looked at He Jingheng and said softly, "Can you make a hole in the trunk?"


    He Jingheng nodded, reached out and pulled out the knife from Zhang Hu''s waist. Before the guards around him could react, he had already made a hole in the tree and put the knife back into the scabbard.


    Zhang Hu''s pupils suddenly contracted. He knew that the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion was highly skilled in martial arts, but he had never experienced it personally. During this exile, including this time, He Jingheng had only made a move twice. Once was now, and the other time was when they encountered wolves.


    Having seen his two moves, Zhang Hu deeply understood that He Jingheng was definitely the most skilled martial artist he had ever seen in his life.


    Suddenly, the sound of gurgling water caught his attention. This was... water!


    Everyone was stunned. There was really water in the trunk!


    The group quickly took out their water bags and filled them up.


    When they returned to the post station, Zhang Hu gave each prisoner a bowl of water, and everyone felt as if they had come back to life.


    He Jingheng looked at her and smiled. "I didn''t expect you to know so much."


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "It''s nothing. My mother showed me a book many years ago. It talked about a lot of strange things. I thought the author was just making things up, but it turns out it''s true. Fortunately, I remembered all of them."


    Shang Ruoyi mentally praised the excuse she had just come up with. In the future, if she did anything unusual, she could say she saw it in that book. If He Jingheng asked about the book, she could say it was lost after the house was raided.


    He Jingheng saw that her expression didn''t change at all and smiled. "Although your mother - in - law didn''t teach you how to manage a household, she taught you how to survive."


    Mother - in - law?


    Shang Ruoyi''s face turned slightly red, and she turned and left.


    She didn''t notice that their every move was being watched by two people.


    "I never thought that the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion would actually be enchanted by a woman."


    "His Highness was originally worried that He Jingheng would be difficult to deal with. Now it seems that he''s just a useless man addicted to beauty."


    "But I think that concubine - born daughter of Prime Minister Shang is a bit strange."

 Chapter 36 Punishing the Zhang Family

    "What do you mean by that?"


    "She doesn''t seem like an ordinary boudoir lady at all."


    "She''s just a concubine - born daughter. Why should we care so much? His Highness asked us to keep an eye on He Jingheng, the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion."


    The man thought what he said made sense. A concubine - born daughter, after all, just knew some strange things. She couldn''t stir up much trouble and wasn''t worth fearing.


    People were gulping down water from their bowls. Under normal circumstances, a person would go into shock after not drinking water for a few days. And they not only had no water to drink but also had to walk such a long way under the scorching sun. Their bodies had long reached their limits.


    Now, with their fill of water, they lay on the ground of the post station, extremely content.


    He Jinghe glanced at Shang Ruoyi. He didn''t expect this woman to be quite capable, knowing so many things they had never even heard of.


    "Hmph, she managed to steal the limelight again. A woman showing herself off all day long, doesn''t she feel ashamed?" Zhang took a big sip of water, pursed her lips, and said, "He Jingheng can''t even keep his wife in check. Hmph, well, he''s already a disabled person. Who knows how many green hats he''ll have on his head in the future!"


    Although Zhang''s voice was low, Shang Ruoyi heard it clearly, and so did most of the people around.


    She walked straight up to Zhang, snatched the bowl from her hand, and threw it on the ground, shattering it into pieces.


    "You little slut! How dare you break my bowl!" Zhang stood up and shouted angrily. "Do you have any respect for your elders? Do you know the proper order of seniority?"


    "Respect for elders? Are you worthy?" Shang Ruoyi said coldly. "As the old saying goes, ''Don''t forget the well - digger when you drink water.'' Even pigs and dogs know how to be grateful. How come you, Second - aunt, don''t understand such a simple truth? Are you even worse than pigs and dogs?"


    "How dare you curse me!" Zhang rolled up her sleeves and raised her hand to hit Shang Ruoyi.


    How could Zhang be a match for Shang Ruoyi? Before her hand could fall, Shang Ruoyi grabbed her wrist and flung her aside. "What? When you can''t win an argument, you resort to violence? Is your mouth just for show? If I don''t treat you like a human, you really stop acting like one, don''t you!"


    Zhang was trembling with anger. He Ning''an watched from the side without saying a word. As a man, he felt it would be beneath his dignity to step in when women were quarreling. He Jinghe looked and then turned his head away.


    The other day, Zhang had embarrassed him in public. He wouldn''t step forward. Besides, his mother couldn''t control her mouth. Not only now, but also in the prince''s mansion before, she often gathered with those gossipy women to talk about other families. As a man, he naturally disliked such things.


    The surrounding prisoners were watching the scene. Zhang felt as if her wrist was broken.


    "Ouch, it hurts! My wrist!" she shouted. "Sir, you must stand up for me!"


    The guard had seen it all but didn''t even turn his head, leaving Zhang shouting there.


    "Second - aunt, I respect you as an elder and call you that. But don''t think I''m easy to bully." With that, she picked up a stick as thick as an arm from the ground.


    "What? Are you going to hit me?" Zhang took a few steps back, her back hitting the wall. She watched Shang Ruoyi approaching with the stick.


    The other members of the second - branch just frowned and didn''t seem to want to step in to help.


    "What are you doing? I just said a few idle words. You didn''t lose anything. Beating an elder, is this the upbringing of the Prime Minister''s Mansion?" Zhang leaned against the wall, with no way to retreat. Shang Ruoyi raised the stick, her eyes cold.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation."I was wrong, I was wrong. I won''t say it again!" Zhang crouched on the ground, covering her head.


    "Crunch!" With a crisp sound, the wooden stick broke in two in her hands.


    Zhang looked at her in horror. She didn''t expect her to be so strong.


    Shang Ruoyi''s eyes were filled with coldness. "Second - aunt, you''re right. This is the upbringing of the Prime Minister''s Mansion." She threw the broken stick at Zhang''s feet and said coldly, "If I hear anything else I shouldn''t, I can''t guarantee what my hands will do."


    The prisoners who were watching quickly lowered their heads when Shang Ruoyi looked over, focusing their eyes on their noses and then their hearts, as if trying to show her that they weren''t the ones watching just now.


    Shang Ruoyi returned to her place. The old princess just sighed and didn''t blame her. After all, no one would tolerate such slander.


    He Yunyi sat beside her, looking at her with bright eyes, and whispered, "Sister - in - law, you''re so amazing! You could break such a thick stick in two. I want to learn too!"


    Cong Fangzhi, the wife of He Jingxi from the third - branch, also came over and said a bit shyly, "Sister - in - law, I had some misunderstandings about the Prime Minister''s Mansion before. I thought the people there were all very hypocritical."


    Shang Ruoyi shook her head. "You''re not wrong."


    Cong Fangzhi was stunned, thinking there was a rift between her and Shang Ruoyi, and she suddenly felt a bit awkward.


    The next moment, she heard Shang Ruoyi say indifferently, "The people in the Prime Minister''s Mansion are indeed hypocritical. You''re absolutely right. From my father to my eldest sister, who is praised by everyone in the capital, they''re all extremely hypocritical villains."


    Her words stunned not only Cong Fangzhi but also Lin, who was sitting nearby.


    It was the first time she had seen someone speak so poorly of their own maternal family. But the way Shang Ruoyi dealt with Zhang just now was really impressive. It was very much to her liking.


    The two men in charge of watching the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion family gasped.


    "So this is the type the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion likes. His taste is really unusual!"


    "Tsk tsk tsk, I wouldn''t dare to marry such a fierce wife."


    After solving the water problem, everyone had a meal of coarse - grain cakes and then continued their journey.


    After being threatened by Shang Ruoyi, Zhang became much more obedient. At least she didn''t dare to spread idle gossip anymore. As for how she cursed Shang Ruoyi in her heart, Shang Ruoyi didn''t care at all.


    The drought had displaced many people, and a large number of refugees had flocked to the vicinity of the capital. During the morning court, ministers presented one memorial after another. For a while, the refugee problem in the capital was giving Emperor Tian Shun a severe headache.


    He Lingsheng came to Consort Zhao''s place. Coincidentally, Shang Yufu was also there.


    "Sheng''er, you''ve been sighing since you came back from the court. Is something wrong?" Consort Zhao said with concern. "No matter how tiring court affairs are, there''s always a way to figure them out. Don''t exhaust yourself. In a few days, we''ll discuss your marriage with your father. You can''t put it off because of official business again."


    He Lingsheng smiled and nodded. "Yes."


    Hearing Consort Zhao''s words, Shang Yufu''s face lit up. Consort Zhao was talking about the Crown Prince''s marriage in front of her. Didn''t that mean she was going to be betrothed to the Crown Prince? It seemed that Consort Zhao was quite satisfied with her.

 Chapter 37 Utilization

    Last time, she was ordered by Consort Zhao to deliver snacks to the Crown Prince. She dressed up specially, but in the end, she didn''t even enter the study and didn''t see the Crown Prince. She originally thought that the Crown Prince definitely didn''t like her. She had even presented herself, but the other party didn''t even glance at her. However, Consort Zhao''s words today made her overjoyed.


    "Sheng''er, you still haven''t told me what exactly happened. Let Mother see if there''s anything I can do to help."


    "It''s not a big deal. It''s just that there have been successive years of drought, and many refugees have flooded into the capital. Now we need to allocate funds for disaster relief and appease the displaced people, but the national treasury is empty, so Father is in a very difficult situation."


    "So it''s this matter. Mother has also heard a bit about it." Consort Zhao waved her hand, and the maids walked in carrying several boxes. "Sheng''er, these are Mother''s personal savings. Take them and help your father with disaster relief. Although it''s not much, it''s still a token of my heart."


    "Mother, there''s no need."


    "Take it. As a noble concubine, I am supported by the world, and as the mother of the Crown Prince, who manages the affairs of the six palaces, I should set an example at this time." As soon as Consort Zhao finished speaking, Shang Yufu gracefully stepped forward and made a deep curtsy. "After hearing what Your Highness said, I am deeply touched. I don''t have much silver. I will write a letter to my father and ask him to set up porridge - giving sheds to show my heart."


    "Very good, very good. Yufu''s idea is wonderful. I didn''t even think of so much." Consort Zhao''s face was filled with a beaming smile.


    He Lingsheng stepped forward and said softly, "Then thank you, Miss Shang."


    Shang Yufu''s face turned slightly red. "I will go back and write to my father now. I take my leave first."


    After Shang Yufu left, the smile on Consort Zhao''s face gradually faded. The maid helped her down from the main seat.


    "Sheng''er, do you see? With just a word from you, you can get everything you want."


    "During the morning court, those old foxes like Shang Nian put forward some measures that only treat the symptoms but not the root cause. As soon as the topic of silver came up, they all pretended to be poor. Who doesn''t know that when Shang Nian married his daughter into the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, the dowry was countless."


    "So this girl, Shang Yufu, must enter your Eastern Palace. Whether she will be the main concubine or a side concubine will be decided by your father."


    "Yes, Your son will abide by Father and Mother''s decision."


    After He Lingsheng left, Bixi waved her hand to let the maids take the boxes away.


    Consort Zhao sneered. "With such a mind, she still dreams of entering the Eastern Palace as the Crown Princess?"


    "Miss Shang is still young and needs more experience." Bixi helped her rub her shoulders and said with a smile. "However, Miss Shang''s temperament is quite easy to manipulate."


    "What''s the use of being easy to manipulate? What I want is not a malleable girl, but a daughter - in - law who can assist Sheng''er in firmly securing the position of the Crown Prince, a daughter - in - law with means and a sharp mind."


    "Your Highness is right." Bixi said in a low voice. "The granddaughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, this servant has made inquiries. You will surely like her."


    "I have already thought about it, but the Duke of Zhenguo holds military power. If I bring it up, the Emperor will surely be suspicious. This matter needs to be carefully considered."


    After receiving Shang Yufu''s letter, Shang Nian couldn''t stop sighing.


    "Ever since that little wretch Shang Ruoyi took away all the dowry, our mansion has been emptied. Where do we have the silver to set up porridge - giving sheds? If we could take out the silver, when the Emperor mentioned it in the morning court today, could I not have agreed?"


    The first wife took the letter, read it, and said in a deep voice, "Fu''er has already promised in front of the Crown Prince and Consort Zhao. We must save face no matter what. Didn''t you hear Fu''er say that if this matter is done well, she can become the Crown Princess?"


    Shang Nian furrowed his brows. Judging from his many years of experience in the court, this matter should have nothing to do with the position of the Crown Princess.


    But as the first wife said, the words had already been spoken, and they had to do it.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it"That little wretch Shang Ruoyi, don''t let me catch her. Otherwise, I''ll make sure she pays."


    Relying on the water obtained from the baobab trees, Shang Ruoyi and the others walked for a few days and finally arrived at a town. The situation here was not much better than that in the capital. A large number of refugees were gathered at the city gate, looking as if they were on the verge of death.


    Shang Ruoyi''s heart sank.


    Since ancient times, disasters have always been accompanied by plagues. After people die, if the corpses decay and are not dealt with in time, a large number of viruses will be produced, which is the plague.


    Coupled with the underdeveloped medical conditions, diseases spread extremely fast, and it is very difficult to control the plague.


    But this was not something they needed to worry about. After replenishing supplies at the post station, they were about to leave. However, from then on, there would be nothing but mountains ahead, and there would be no more post stations. This time, the supplies distributed to each person were a few catties of brown rice, which they could cook and eat on the way. As for other things they wanted to eat, they could only look for them in the mountains by themselves.


    Once they entered the mountains, there was no need to worry about the prisoners escaping. They might get lost in the mountains and never be able to get out before they even ran out of the mountains.


    Shang Ruoyi proposed to go shopping again. Zhang Hu thought for a while and said in a low voice, "If you have enough silver, you can buy some winter clothes and winter quilts. The temperature will get lower and lower as we go north."


    Hearing this, Shang Ruoyi quickly thanked him. "Thank you, sir, for your reminder."


    She went to the bedding and ready - made clothing stores and bought a lot of cotton - padded quilts and clothes. Then she went to the shoe store and bought cotton - padded shoes. When there was no one around, she put some of them into the space and tied the remaining things into a huge bundle, which she carried on her back. She also bought several bamboo baskets in the market and put the purchased ingredients in them. She put the bought chicken and pork into the space so that they could be taken out and eaten when they reached the place of exile.


    Shang Ruoyi came to the city gate. The He family members were startled when they saw her carrying so many things. He Jingxi quickly stepped forward and carried the largest bundle on his back. He Yunyi and Cong Fangzhi carried the bamboo baskets on their backs.


    The prisoners were extremely envious when they saw this. Those who still had some silver on them stepped forward one after another and asked if they could buy some from her.


    Shang Ruoyi took out a little from the bamboo basket and sold it to them. She had deliberately bought more for this very purpose, to win people''s hearts. After all, when they reached the place of exile, if they wanted to live comfortably, they would inevitably need servants to wait on them.


    Zhang touched the hidden silver and jewelry. Altogether, there were only forty or fifty taels. She took out two taels of silver, walked up to Shang Ruoyi, and said in a low voice, "I want a few pairs of shoes."


    Shang Ruoyi weighed the two taels of silver and sneered. "Second - aunt, these two taels of silver can only buy two pairs."


    Zhang gritted her teeth and took out another two taels of silver and handed it to Shang Ruoyi.


    She watched the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion put on new shoes, and she was extremely jealous. At the same time, she also regretted a bit. If she hadn''t had a falling - out with Shang Ruoyi at the beginning, the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion would naturally have included her in everything. Now, she had nothing.


    Shang Ruoyi took out some and handed them to her, smiling. "Second - aunt, you''re not short of silver after all."


    Zhang''s face was extremely ugly. She picked up the four pairs of shoes and went back.


    He Jinghe put on the new shoes and smiled. "I didn''t expect Mother to have hidden silver."


    "Humph, who would be as stupid as your wife? She can''t even hide a bit of silver. A girl from a common - family background really shouldn''t be married. Look at that Shang Ruoyi. She bought so many things. She must have a lot of silver on her. Maybe she even has gold."


    As soon as she finished speaking, many people''s eyes fell on her.


    Zhang was right. Perhaps all the assets of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion were with her. There must be a lot of good things.

 Chapter 38 Ginseng

    However, although they might not have witnessed He Jingheng''s martial arts firsthand, he was the renowned God of War General of Tian Shun. How could they, a motley crew, compare with him?


    Moreover, Shang Ruoyi''s martial arts skills didn''t seem like those of an amateur.


    Neither of this couple was easy to deal with. Even if there was more gold, they couldn''t even dream of getting their hands on it.


    Watching Li Shen and her son, as well as Li Wenyuan, having enough to eat and drink in the He family, they were filled with envy.


    The three men who had tried to snatch her water bag before stepped forward. "We also want to be your guards."


    Shang Ruoyi glanced at them and said indifferently, "I don''t need guards anymore."


    "Anything else will do, as long as you can provide us with enough food and clothing."


    Shang Ruoyi sneered at their servile looks.


    They clearly regarded her as a fool. Seeing that she had food, drink, and new shoes, they wanted to come here to live comfortably.


    "My He family doesn''t need servants now. You can go back."


    The three were rebuffed but dared not show their anger. After all, they had been kicked flying by Shang Ruoyi before, and just thinking about it made their abdomens ache faintly.


    They returned to their places and looked towards the He family reluctantly.


    "I had a good look just now. There are quite a few delicious things in Shang Ruoyi''s bamboo basket."


    "I seemed to smell the aroma of roast chicken."


    "And meat buns."


    In fact, the only meat in Shang Ruoyi''s bamboo basket with food was some raw pork, which she planned to make into a plate of stir - fried meat. In her previous life, she seldom ate pork, thinking it was too greasy.


    In this life, since the original owner seemed to have suffered from hunger, she found pork quite delicious.


    Leaving the town, everyone entered the mountains. The air in the mountains was very humid, and from time to time, the chirping of birds could be heard. Shang Ruoyi walked at the back, occasionally squatting on the ground to dig something.


    He Yunyi noticed and came over, asking softly, "Sister - in - law, what are you digging?"


    "These are all herbs." Shang Ruoyi took out what she had dug and showed them to her. "This is Indian Kalimeris Herb, which can clear heat and detoxify. This is Common Cnidium Fruit, this is Chinese Thorowax Root, and this is Fleeceflower Root."


    "Sister - in - law, you know so many herbs. Can you teach me?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Of course."


    Shang Ruoyi led her, digging and explaining along the way. She clearly described the names of the herbs, their functions, and how to combine them for medicine. At first, only He Yunyi was listening, then it became He Yunyi and Cong Fangzhi, and later, many female prisoners followed her.


    Zhang saw a group of people around her and cast several disdainful glances. A woman, always showing herself in public, was really shameless.


    But she just thought this in her heart. After the previous lesson, she didn''t dare to voice these thoughts.


    After following her for a few days, He Yunyi and Cong Fangzhi had a new understanding of Shang Ruoyi.


    It seemed there was nothing she didn''t know. For a while, He Yunyi admired her even more than her own brother.


    Summer gradually passed, and the weather became cooler day by day.


    The temperature in the mountains was even lower than outside, especially in the morning and evening, when a chill could always be felt. Shang Ruoyi dried some of the herbs she had collected and put them in the bamboo basket. She also planted some in the space. The place of exile was the most barren and desolate area in Tian Shun. Not to mention herbs, even crops might not grow there. So these herbs might come in handy in the place of exile.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.One day, when they reached an open space, the guards ordered to set up camp. Everyone went to collect some dry firewood nearby to make a fire and cook porridge.


    The vegetables and meat in the bamboo basket had already been eaten up.


    He Jingheng''s leg had recovered a lot. Now he no longer needed to be supported, but the leg with the severed tendon was still a bit lame.


    "I''ll go with you," He Jingheng walked up to her and said in a low voice.


    "No need. The mountain path is difficult to walk. I can manage on my own." Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Your leg isn''t fully recovered yet. You''d better walk less on the mountain path."


    "Alright," He Jingheng nodded and turned to leave.


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t think much of it. She informed the guards and then carried the bamboo basket up the mountain.


    He Jingheng watched her back, feeling as if a ball of cotton was stuffed in his chest, making it a bit difficult to breathe. This woman really didn''t understand his feelings.


    The two spies of He Lingsheng saw this and got together to whisper. "Did you see that? It seems like that woman is arguing with He Jingheng."


    "He Jingheng''s expression changed."


    "Tsk tsk tsk. A man who only knows how to lead troops in battle surely doesn''t know how to please a woman. I''ve noticed that they haven''t had much communication along the way. Instead, He Jingheng looks at her from time to time. Tsk tsk tsk."


    The two had completely forgotten what He Lingsheng had sent them here for.


    Shang Ruoyi walked up the mountain. After making sure there was no one around, she skillfully took out some vegetables and eggs from the space. She also picked some wild fruits.


    The wild fruits here tasted a bit sour, but they were better than nothing. When there was really no food, wild fruits could also satisfy hunger. Although she had a lot of food in the space, many things were not suitable to be taken out on the way of exile.


    Now the grains in her space had matured, and the vegetables she had planted before had also grown. The cabbages and radishes were many times larger than those grown outside, looking extremely fresh and appealing.


    There were also dozens of chickens and ducks. Every day, dozens of chicken and duck eggs were laid, and new chicks and ducklings were constantly hatching.


    The white tiger was very bored in the space every day. Shang Ruoyi would let it out every time she came to find food.


    Sometimes the white tiger could help her catch some hares and pheasants. Today, the white tiger caught a hare and wagged it around her legs. Shang Ruoyi stroked its big head and smiled. "Why don''t you eat the game you caught?"


    The white tiger shook its big head and threw the hare into the bamboo basket. Since drinking the spiritual spring water in the space, it had lost interest in outside food. But the little things in the space smelled so fragrant that it really wanted to take a bite.


    Every day, it couldn''t help but want to gnaw on those chickens, ducks, and rabbits. But Shang Ruoyi had warned it that if it ate these little things, it would never get to drink the sweet spring water again.


    Just as she was about to go back, she suddenly noticed a red dot in the bushes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly walked over. It was a ginseng!


    She took out the medicine - digging shovel from the space and carefully dug away the soil beside it, digging down extremely cautiously, for fear of damaging its roots.


    After a while, when she dug out the whole ginseng, she almost exclaimed. This ginseng was at least fifty years old, and it was a wild mountain ginseng. If it were in her previous life, it would have fetched an astronomical price.


    In fact, in Tian Shun, such ginseng was very rare. Even if there was any, it would have ended up in the palace or the mansions of the high - ranking officials and nobles.

 Chapter 39 The Assassination

    Shang Ruoyi planted the ginseng in the medicine field within her space. This medicine field was different from ordinary fields. Herbs planted here not only grew gratifyingly but, most importantly, could take root and shorten their growth cycle.


    Around the herbs she had planted before, many new shoots had sprouted. Perhaps if this ginseng was planted, new little ginsengs might grow. Wouldn''t that mean getting rich?


    When she returned, the pot had already been set up.


    "You''re a bit late today."


    "I found a nest of eggs and caught a rabbit." When Shang Ruoyi took out the rabbit, He Jingheng''s pupils suddenly constricted when he saw the wound on the hare. That wound couldn''t have been inflicted by a human; only a fierce beast could have made it.


    Shang Ruoyi noticed He Jingheng''s gaze fixed on the hare, and her heart sank.


    This man was extremely shrewd. He might be able to figure something out from the wound on the rabbit.


    She subtly blocked his line of sight. He Jingheng frowned slightly as he watched Shang Ruoyi''s back.


    "Look, He Jingheng can''t take his eyes off that woman."


    "However, Shang Ruoyi is indeed a beauty. That face, that figure, tsk tsk, just thinking about it is wonderful." The two men were filled with lust, unaware that their actions had long been noticed by He Jingheng. If it weren''t for the fact that they were still useful, they would have been dead many times over.


    Shang Ruoyi quickly cooked the meal. There wasn''t much rabbit meat, and most of it was given to the guards. They only kept a few small pieces. The eggs were made into an egg soup, and a small handful of greens was stir - fried.


    "Mrs. He''s cooking skills are truly superb. Even this simple stir - fried greens tastes so delicious." Zhang Hu picked up a few mouthfuls with his chopsticks and smiled. "I have to say, these greens are even more delicious than meat."


    "Chief, I feel the same way. And every time I eat the food cooked by Mrs. He, I feel more energetic."


    Zhang Hu nodded in agreement. Since Shang Ruoyi started cooking for them, he felt that his body was getting stronger day by day. Even though the journey of exile was arduous, he didn''t feel overly tired. The complexions of the He family members were even better than theirs. If it weren''t for the prison clothes they were wearing, they didn''t look like exiled prisoners at all. Everyone had a ruddy complexion.


    Along the way, among the older prisoners, some had died and some were injured. Only the old lady of the He family was in better health than before the exile. When they first started the exile, she needed someone to help her walk. Now, the Li Shen who was originally in charge of taking care of her had been sent to carry the bamboo basket.


    He couldn''t help but suspect that Shang Ruoyi had given them something to make them like this. In fact, he was not far from the truth. The greens they ate were taken from the space and irrigated with spiritual spring water. The vegetables carried the nutrients of the spiritual spring water. Not only were they delicious, but they could also strengthen the body.


    The He family members usually drank diluted spiritual spring water, which was even more nutritious than the greens, so their bodies were naturally in good condition.


    Yunqi and Yuntian squatted on a nearby hilltop, sniffing the aroma of the food. Yunqi wiped his mouth hard with the back of his hand. "What are the Crown Prince and the others eating? Why does it smell so good?"


    "The Crown Princess made it." Yuntian smacked his lips, took out half a piece of flatbread from his bosom, and took a big bite. Yunqi glanced at him. "Look at how greedy you are. So unpromising." With that, he also took out half a piece of flatbread and took a big bite.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.Yuntian: "..."


    He was in no position to criticize others.


    Late at night, He Jingheng, who was meditating with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes, picked up a branch from the ground, and threw it out.


    With a "ding" sound, a flying dart landed on the trunk of a tree not far away.


    Hearing the commotion, Shang Ruoyi opened her eyes. Just then, two flying darts shot towards her. She rolled to the side and narrowly avoided them. Before she could get up, several more flying darts came.


    After several rounds of such chaos, everyone woke up and was shocked to see the flying darts on the ground.


    "Ah! Help! Murder!"


    The guards drew their knives and nervously looked around. But the night was too dark, and the distance was pitch - black. They couldn''t see anything.


    Shang Ruoyi kicked the campfire apart, picked up an unburned wooden stick, and threw it into the darkness.


    He Jingheng''s eyes showed approval.


    A flash of firelight passed, and several figures in the darkness were revealed.


    He Jingheng threw a stone. A muffled groan came from the darkness.


    The next second, several masked men in black clothes walked out, their eyes full of killing intent. "We didn''t expect that the heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, even with a broken leg, still has such formidable martial arts skills. We really underestimated you."


    Their eyes then fell on Shang Ruoyi. "The concubine - born daughter of Prime Minister Shang also seems to know some martial arts." The leading man sized her up a few times, a malicious smile on the corner of his lips. "But I like your temper, little girl. Why not follow me? I promise you a life of luxury."


    Before he could finish, a dagger came through the air. Before he could react, it stabbed straight into the top of his foot.


    "Ah! My foot!" The dagger penetrated the sole of his shoe and stuck into the ground. The man''s foot couldn''t move an inch.


    Zhang Hu touched his waist and found that his dagger was gone.


    When did He Jingheng take it?


    Shang Ruoyi originally wanted to take out a few silver needles from the space to make him shut up. Unexpectedly, He Jingheng was one step ahead of her.


    "He Jingheng! I''ll kill you!" The man endured the pain, pulled out the dagger, and shouted angrily. "Not only you! Your wife, your family, I won''t spare any of them!"


    With that, he waved his hand, and a group of black - clothed men emerged from all directions.


    At this moment, a shadow that flashed not far away made the corners of Shang Ruoyi''s lips curl slightly.


    "Attack! Kill them all! Except for Shang Ruoyi, kill everyone else!"


    The black - clothed men charged towards them with long swords.


    "He Jingheng, now that you''re disabled, let''s see what tricks you can still pull."


    He Jingheng smiled, hooked his finger, and the guard''s knife beside him fell into his hand.


    A figure flashed, and He Jingheng rushed out.


    Although he had an injury on his leg, it didn''t affect his ability to fight the enemy at all.


    Shang Ruoyi pinched a few silver needles between her fingertips. Seizing the opportunity, she directly shot the silver needles into the foreheads of the black - clothed men. The tails of the needles disappeared into their heads, and they died on the spot.


    He Jingheng looked at the continuous supply of silver needles in her hand and couldn''t help but feel curious. Where did she hide these things on a daily basis?


    There were a large number of black - clothed men, over a hundred. Just the two of them couldn''t repel them in a short time.


    Just as the black - clothed men were about to break through their defenses and reach the He family members, a white figure suddenly appeared.


    With a loud "roar," the tiger''s roar shook the mountains and forests.

 Chapter 40 The Lying Elf

    A white tiger charged into the group of black - clothed men, its huge tiger claws pouncing towards them.


    Xiaobai''s claw tips were extremely sharp, and each claw directly dug into the flesh and blood.


    Its body was already much larger than that of a normal tiger. Under the influence of the space and the spiritual spring, both its size and agility were beyond what an ordinary tiger could match.


    It shuttled among the black - clothed men, pinning them down with a claw and then opening its big mouth to bite off their throats.


    It was like a human - life harvester.


    For a moment, the attacking power of the black - clothed men was reduced by more than half.


    The prisoners were already so frightened by the black - clothed men that they were almost scared out of their wits. After the white tiger appeared, some who couldn''t hold on fainted directly with their eyes rolling back.


    The He family members were used to big scenes, but they were still severely frightened.


    Especially the female relatives. Cong Fangzhi''s hands were trembling, and she leaned tightly against He Jingxi, barely able to stand steadily.


    Just then, a black - clothed man suddenly rushed up from behind, and his long sword stabbed straight towards the old princess.


    He Yunyi saw it too late. She only heard herself shout, "Sister - in - law, help!" As soon as the words fell, the black - clothed man froze in place, his eyes wide open, and fresh blood flowed down from between his brows. His tall figure slowly fell to the ground.


    A silver needle was precisely stuck in the black - clothed man''s head.


    Just as Shang Ruoyi let out a sigh of relief, she heard the sound of wind breaking behind her. The swords of two black - clothed men were already close at hand.


    She turned around and threw the silver needles. One of the silver needles hit the shoulder of a black - clothed man, and the other one killed him instantly.


    They had originally thought that since He Jingheng was disabled, killing him would be an easy task. Unexpectedly, he was so difficult to deal with. Not only did they fail to kill him, but they also lost so many of their brothers.


    And Shang Ruoyi, from what Prime Minister Shang had said, this concubine - born daughter of his was timid, weak, and good - for - nothing. But where was she timid? She was clearly bolder than a man. Good - for - nothing? Was he blind? She had killed so many of his brothers. Good - for - nothing?


    And this white tiger, where did it come from? Moreover, this white tiger was clearly targeting them.


    He picked up a long whistle and blew it twice. The black - clothed men suddenly retreated and disappeared into the dense forest in the blink of an eye.


    The white tiger looked at Shang Ruoyi. Seeing her nod, its figure also gradually disappeared into the night.


    He Jingheng looked at the white tiger, his eyes dark and unclear. This white tiger was clearly the one that had come to look for food and tried to eat them that night.


    There were no casualties among them. He Jingheng looked at Zhang Hu apologetically. "I''m sorry, your dagger was taken by those people."


    "It doesn''t matter, it''s just a dagger. It''s not worth much silver." Zhang Hu quickly waved his hand.


    He Jingheng smiled. "Then thank you, Lord Zhang."


    "Don''t dare, don''t dare." Zhang Hu almost knelt down. This master had barely said a few words during the entire journey of exile. Just his presence made people feel great pressure. Now that he called him Lord Zhang, cold sweat instantly broke out on Zhang Hu''s forehead.


    After the guards had truly witnessed He Jingheng''s martial arts skills, their attitudes towards him became much more respectful.


    They also didn''t dare to look at Shang Ruoyi with lecherous eyes anymore.


    After the events of the night, everyone''s sleepiness was gone. The sense of weakness after surviving the disaster made them all sit limply on the ground.


    Shang Ruoyi squatted beside He Jingheng''s leg, gently pressed it a few times, and asked in a low voice, "Does it hurt?"


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.He Jingheng didn''t speak, just looked at her with deep eyes.


    After a while, without getting a reply from him, thinking he had fallen asleep, Shang Ruoyi looked up and directly met his teasing eyes.


    "What are you looking at?"


    "Looking at you, the liar."


    Shang Ruoyi was momentarily stunned. "Liar?"


    "Isn''t it?" He Jingheng smiled. "That white tiger, don''t you have any impression?"


    "What white tiger? I don''t know." Shang Ruoyi looked at his leg. "Your leg is fine. I''m going back to sleep first." As soon as she tried to stand up, her wrist was grasped by a strong big hand.


    Shang Ruoyi''s face turned red. "What are you doing? Men and women should not have improper contact."


    "Aren''t you a doctor? In the eyes of a doctor, there is no such thing as male and female." He exerted force with his hand and pulled her towards him. The distance between the two suddenly shortened. She heard his voice gently ring in her ear, "Besides, you are my wife, properly married. Where does this talk of improper contact come from?"


    Shang Ruoyi''s face turned slightly red. She thought to herself that this person, who looked so serious, was actually a rascal.


    "That was the white tiger you said got lost in the dense forest just now, right?"


    "How would I know? All white tigers in the world look the same. Did you mark it or something?" Shang Ruoyi gave him a white look.


    "Didn''t you notice? There''s a plum - blossom - like pattern on its back." Shang Ruoyi was suddenly stunned. Was there? How could she not have noticed? Did he really mark it?


    "Even if it''s that one, if it wants to follow us all the way, what can I do?" Shang Ruoyi shook her wrist a few times but couldn''t break free no matter what. Her eyes turned cold.


    He Jingheng felt a sharp pain on the back of his hand, and then he lost consciousness.


    Shang Ruoyi pinched a silver needle between her fingertips and pulled her wrist back. "If you provoke me again, I''ll paralyze your whole body."


    He Jingheng felt that his right hand, which had already regained consciousness, raised his eyebrows. The momentary paralysis just now seemed like an illusion.


    Shang Ruoyi turned and left. She heard He Jingheng''s voice from behind, "Actually, the mark on that stupid tiger was just something I made up."


    Shang Ruoyi''s steps paused. She was wrong. She should have paralyzed his whole body just now.


    "Look, look, tsk tsk tsk, so affectionate."


    "It seems that He Jingheng is really infatuated with that woman. So as long as we control Shang Ruoyi, we can completely manipulate He Jingheng."


    "Even heroes can''t resist the charms of beauty."


    He Jingheng glanced at the two of them from the corner of his eye and snorted softly. Using a woman to control him? If this was He Lingsheng''s method, then the position of the Crown Prince really needed to be given up.


    In the Xiao Wang Mansion.


    The prince of the Xiao Wang Mansion held two silver needles and looked at them for a long time. "Are you sure these silver needles are from that concubine - born daughter of Prime Minister Shang?"


    "Exactly. This subordinate pulled them out personally from the body of the brother who was hit by the hidden weapon."


    He Qing endured the severe pain in his body, his fingers trembling as he pointed at the two silver needles, and shouted angrily, "It must be her! That little slut Shang Ruoyi, how dare she! How dare she plot against me! I''ll kill her!"


    The prince of the Xiao Wang Mansion said in a deep voice, "Does he hurt as much as the Crown Prince?"


    "No." When He Qing heard this, his anger grew even stronger. "Why? Why does only this Crown Prince hurt so much?"


    The man paused and said in a low voice, "He didn''t feel any pain. He just died suddenly after coming back."


    Died suddenly!


    When He Qing heard this, he silently closed his mouth. It was better to live like this than to die suddenly.


    The two silver needles were sent to the Eastern Palace of the Crown Prince. He Lingsheng frowned tightly and said in a deep voice, "It seems that I underestimated her."

 Chapter 41 Childhood Memories

    "Your Highness, who would have thought that the concubine - born daughter of Prime Minister Shang would have such capabilities?"


    He Lingsheng snorted coldly. "I''m afraid even Shang Nian doesn''t know that his daughter has these skills. Otherwise, how could he have allowed her to marry that good - for - nothing He Jingheng?"


    "There is actually some good news." The eunuch beside him said softly. "That He Jingheng seems to be truly infatuated with Shang Ruoyi. Not only are his eyes glued to her all day long, but according to those two informants, he also gets physically close to her from time to time."


    He Lingsheng frowned. "Those two scoundrels aren''t talking nonsense, are they? Since when has He Jingheng been the type to be caught up in love affairs? Shang Yufu, who had a betrothal agreement with him before, was a renowned beauty in the capital, but he didn''t even give her a second glance."


    The little eunuch suddenly remembered the pastries sent by Shang Yufu in the afternoon and brought them up. "Your Highness, these were sent by Miss Shang in the afternoon. You were in a meeting with Lord Zhao, so Miss Shang left."


    He Lingsheng didn''t even look at them. "Throw them away."


    "But..."


    "Do you think I would take a fancy to a woman that He Jingheng doesn''t even look at? And marry her into the Eastern Palace?"


    "Yes, this servant will dispose of these pastries right away."


    He looked at the two identical silver needles on the table, his eyes dark and unfathomable.


    The beautiful and innocent face from his childhood emerged in his mind again.


    Shang Ruoyi, if only you weren''t a concubine - born daughter.


    That day, when he saw the thin woman in the exile procession on the city wall, he first began to doubt whether it was right to include her in his schemes.


    After a long while, he picked up the silver needles and put them in a box.


    Mother was right. As long as he sat in the highest position, he could get everything he wanted: power, money, women. The whole world would be within his grasp.


    Since everyone learned about the martial arts skills of He Jingheng and Shang Ruoyi, they dared not have any ulterior motives towards them.


    Zhang also started to behave herself, not even daring to look at them.


    From time to time, hearing the laughter and cheerful voices from that side, she wished she could slap herself. What on earth was she thinking back then to have a falling - out with them? Yesterday, Lin changed into a new pair of shoes. The previous pair only had a hole on the instep, while the sole of her own shoes was completely worn out. Looking at the still - wearable shoes, she felt an itch in her heart. So she walked up to Lin and said softly, "Wanru, are you still going to wear these shoes?"


    Lin saw through her intention at a glance and smiled. "Of course I''m going to wear them. It''s just a hole on the instep. When we reach the place of exile, I can sew and mend them and still wear them." With that, she sighed. "It''s just Ruoyi. She insisted on giving me new shoes to wear."


    When Zhang heard this, her face darkened. She knew that Lin was deliberately trying to annoy her. But the sole of her own shoes was worn out, and it was really painful to walk. And she didn''t want to spend money to buy new ones. So she said brazenly, "Wanru, we had a good relationship before. Look at my shoes. They''re all worn out. You already have new ones. Give me this pair."


    "Oh, Second - sister - in - law, it''s not that I''m stingy. I only have two pairs of shoes. If I give you one pair, what will I do? I can''t always rely on Jingheng''s wife, can I?" She smiled. "Why don''t you go and talk to Ruoyi directly? She has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Maybe she''ll bestow, oh, look at my mouth, not bestow, give you a pair."


    Lin''s face was beaming with a bright smile, but Zhang couldn''t manage even a faint smile.


    "If you don''t want to give it, just say so. What excuse are you making here?" Zhang said coldly. "Don''t think that just because you''re relying on Shang Ruoyi now, you can rest easy. That little slut is not easy to deal with. You''ll regret it one day. Don''t forget, it''s all because of whom our He family has ended up in this situation."


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.Lin rolled her eyes. Why should Shang Ruoyi be blamed for Shang Nian''s mistakes?


    They all came from big families. Who didn''t know the dirty secrets inside?


    Shang Ruoyi was just a daughter that Shang Nian looked down on. He wouldn''t feel the slightest bit of heartache if he pushed her into the fire pit, let alone using her to bring down the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion.


    Perhaps even Shang Nian himself didn''t expect that Shang Ruoyi would have so many capabilities.


    "Second - sister - in - law, if you''re envious and jealous, just say so directly. Why are you here trying to stir up trouble and distort the truth?" Zhang snorted coldly and turned to leave.


    The mountain road ahead was even more difficult to walk than before, and the temperature was much lower. Especially in the morning and evening, it was extremely cold.


    Shang Ruoyi took out thicker clothes from the bundle. The He family members were stunned. They didn''t expect her to be so well - prepared. He Jingxi had carried this big bundle all the way, and he didn''t even know there were thick clothes in it.


    After Shang Ruoyi distributed the cotton - padded clothes, she tied up the bundle again. When He Jingxi carried the bundle on his back again, he couldn''t help but frown. Why didn''t the bundle feel any lighter at all?


    He Yunyi, wearing the cotton - padded clothes, looked at Shang Ruoyi with bright eyes. "Sister - in - law, are you a fairy? Did you conjure these up?"


    "What nonsense are you talking?" Shang Ruoyi''s heart skipped a beat. He Yunyi was half - right. These could be considered as conjured up by her.


    "I thought I was going to freeze to death." She touched the fabric of the cotton - padded clothes. "It''s so much more comfortable than the prison clothes!"


    Shang Ruoyi took a few sets of cotton - padded clothes to the guards. "Lord Zhang, it''s getting colder. Please wear these cotton - padded clothes."


    "No, no, no, there''s no need. We all have our own with us." Zhang Hu quickly waved his hand. "The winters in the place of exile are extremely cold. You''d better keep these winter clothes for yourselves."


    The other guards had the same attitude.


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. It turned out that in the face of strength, even class differences could be overcome.


    Zhang looked at the cotton - padded clothes in her hand, thought for a while, and then turned her gaze to Qiao Yanxin. "You go and ask Shang Ruoyi for a cotton - padded clothes."


    "Mother, I''m not familiar with sister - in - law. How could she give me the cotton - padded clothes?"


    Zhang said resentfully, "Are you stupid? Just because you''re not familiar with her, she''ll find it hard to refuse you."


    Qiao Yanxin looked at Zhang with difficulty. "Mother, I think forget it."


    When Zhang heard this, she pinched her arm hard. "Are you going or not?"


    Qiao Yanxin cried out in pain, with tears welling up in her eyes.


    "Mother, I''ll go right now. Don''t hit me." Her voice was not low, and everyone around could hear clearly. He Ning''an felt extremely embarrassed and said in a deep voice, "So many people are watching. What are you doing?"


    Zhang glanced at Qiao Yanxin. "I don''t know what I was thinking back then to welcome her into the family. She''s really a jinx."


    Qiao Yanxin''s eyes filled with tears. She rubbed her arm and walked up to Shang Ruoyi.


    Zhang''s voice was so loud just now that Shang Ruoyi heard clearly. She naturally knew very well why Qiao was coming.


    "Sister - in - law, I..."


    Shang Ruoyi took out a cotton - padded clothes. "Logically speaking, after I entered the family, I should have given you and Fangzhi a gift as a token of welcome. Since you called me sister - in - law today, I''ll give you this cotton - padded clothes. But in the future, if you want anything else, you''ll have to pay for it with silver."

 Chapter 42 Taking in

    Upon hearing this, Qiao Yanxin''s fingers holding the cotton - padded clothes curled slightly. "Thank you, sister - in - law."


    When Zhang saw her coming back with the cotton - padded clothes, the corners of her mouth couldn''t help but turn up. "You see, what did I say?"


    But when she took the cotton - padded clothes and saw that there was only one piece, and it was a small and tight - fitting one that only Qiao Yanxin could wear, Zhang''s face immediately fell. "What''s going on? Why is there only one piece? So you only asked for one for yourself, right?"


    Qiao Yanxin repeated Shang Ruoyi''s words exactly as they were. After hearing this, Zhang pinched her several times with all her might. "You good - for - nothing! You can''t even convey a simple message clearly. What''s the use of marrying you back?"


    He Jinghe measured the cotton - padded clothes and couldn''t even fit his sleeves into it. His tone was also extremely bad. "Go and talk to Shang Ruoyi again. She must have a lot more things there."


    "Sister - in - law already said that. How can I open my mouth again?" Qiao Yanxin''s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she said in a deep voice. "If you want it, you can go yourself."


    "What did you say?" He Jinghe frowned tightly, his tone unfriendly. "Say it again!"


    Qiao Yanxin rubbed the bruised and purple areas on her body that were pinched by Zhang. She also didn''t have a good attitude. "I said, if you want it, go and talk to sister - in - law yourself!"


    He Jinghe never expected that Qiao Yanxin, who had always been submissive, would dare to talk to him like this. He slapped her across the face, and Qiao Yanxin fell directly to the ground, her head buzzing.


    "Who gave you the courage to talk to me like this!" He Jinghe shouted angrily. "You little slut, you still dare to talk back. I''ll beat you to death." With that, his fist was about to land on Qiao Yanxin.


    Just then, a stone flew over and hit He Jinghe''s wrist directly. He cried out in pain, hugging his wrist.


    Shang Ruoyi sneered. "What? You have no ability yourself, and you don''t even allow others to speak?"


    "Shang Ruoyi, this is our family matter. Is it your turn to interfere?" He Jinghe shouted angrily. "Don''t think that just because you have some silver, you can buy people''s hearts here. Let me tell you, even if you have mountains of gold and silver, I don''t care."


    "Buy people''s hearts?" She nodded and sneered. "I do buy people''s hearts, but I won''t buy yours. What''s the use of having a heartless person?"


    He Jinghe knew that he was no match for her in an argument. "A gentleman doesn''t fight with a woman, but you don''t butt in either."


    "A gentleman doesn''t fight with a woman? That''s because you can''t win." Shang Ruoyi picked her ear. "Since this is your family''s matter, then please don''t disturb my rest. Otherwise..." She looked at the guards. "If I don''t rest well, I''m afraid I won''t have the strength to cook for the lords."


    When the guards heard this, no cooking? That won''t do!


    They were relying on Shang Ruoyi''s cooking skills to survive now. Zhang Hu, holding a whip in his hand, strode over. "What''s going on? Do you want a whipping?"


    He looked down at the injury on Qiao Yanxin''s face. One side of her face was already swollen, and there was blood at the corner of her mouth. It seemed that He Jinghe had really used great force.


    "What kind of ability is it for a big man to hit a woman?" Zhang Hu pointed at He Jinghe with the whip. "If you cause trouble again, I''ll whip you to death."


    Zhang quickly stepped forward and said with a flattering smile, "There won''t be a next time. Absolutely not."


    Qiao Yanxin glanced at Shang Ruoyi from the corner of her eye, bit her lip, and after a moment, as if she had made a certain decision, she ran to her side and knelt down straight.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it."Sister - in - law, please take me in."


    Qiao Yanxin''s actions startled everyone.


    The faces of the three people in the second - branch immediately turned dark.


    What was this woman Qiao Yanxin doing?


    Shang Ruoyi frowned. "Take you in?"


    "Sister - in - law, ever since I married into the prince''s mansion, Zhang has often beaten and scolded me, both openly and secretly. Look." She rolled up her sleeves, and there were many bruised and purple marks on them. Everyone was shocked.


    When Lin saw this, she gasped in horror and said angrily, "Zhang, are you crazy? How can you use private punishment to beat people?"


    Cong Fangzhi stepped forward and looked at the marks on her arm. They were really shocking.


    When Zhang saw this, she finally knew how to write the word "wronged".


    "I didn''t! Heaven and earth can testify. When did I beat and scold you?"


    As soon as Zhang finished speaking, the people around all pursed their lips. After all, everyone had clearly seen her pinching Qiao Yanxin just now.


    He Jinghe felt ashamed and quickly stepped forward to drag her back.


    "Come back here." Before his hand reached her, Qiao Yanxin seemed to be extremely frightened and shouted loudly, "Don''t hit me! Please, don''t hit me!"


    This clearly showed that she was often bullied in the mansion, which was why she had such a big reaction.


    The corners of Shang Ruoyi''s lips curled up. What a clumsy act.


    "Taking you in is not impossible." The smile on her face remained. "But why should I take you in?"


    "What?" Qiao Yanxin was stunned.


    "Do you think this is some kind of shelter?" She sneered. "If you can''t bring value to me, why should I support you?"


    She pointed at Li Shen and the others. "Aunt Li can take care of grandmother. Li Wenyuan can protect the safety of our group. Even three - year - old Fuzi can carry a bundle. What about you? What can you do?"


    "I..."


    "You have to know that whether on the way of exile or when we reach the place of exile, food and water sources are very scarce. There''s no need for me to support you for nothing."


    "I can do anything. Just don''t make me go back." Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked so pitiful. It really made people feel sorry for her.


    But who was Shang Ruoyi? How could she be deceived by her?


    However, for now, it was still unknown what she was up to.


    Maybe she just simply wanted to get a meal. After all, nothing was more important than having enough to eat and wear now.


    If she behaved herself and worked hard, she wasn''t really unwelcoming.


    At this time, Qin walked over and said softly, "Ruoyi, Yanxin is so pitiful. Just take her in. There are so many of us. If each person saves a mouthful, we can definitely support her."


    "Mother." He Yunyi stepped forward. "Mother, sister - in - law doesn''t mean not to take her in, but she can''t be taken in for nothing. Every day, we rely on the food sister - in - law finds to survive. It''s already very hard for her to support our whole family. Now there''s one more person. If she just comes to freeload, won''t it make sister - in - law even more hard - working?"


    Shang Ruoyi looked at her appreciatively. Her little sister - in - law was really understanding.


    The people who had just thought Shang Ruoyi was a bit heartless felt a bit ashamed after hearing this. They had been relying on her to support them all the way, and yet they secretly blamed her in their hearts for not taking in a freeloader. Thinking about it, they really felt guilty.


    "Exactly." Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Since you said you can do anything, I''ll take you in for now. But if you complain about hardship and tiredness in the future, don''t blame me for being ruthless."

 Chapter 43 Arrival in Exile

    "Thank you, sister - in - law."


    Seeing this, Zhang was displeased. She quickly stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and said angrily, "A married woman should follow her husband. Jinghe hasn''t divorced you yet, and you already want to run away?"


    Zhang naturally didn''t want Shang Ruoyi to take in Qiao. After all, their family of four could receive four bowls of porridge. Every time, she poured half of Qiao Yanxin''s porridge into her own family''s bowls, so that the three of them in her family could have enough to eat. Moreover, when they reached the place of exile, there would surely be a lot of farm work. Zhang had already planned that she would order Qiao Yanxin to do it at that time.


    Now that she wanted to turn to Shang Ruoyi and work for her, then who would serve the three of them in her family?


    "Divorce! I want a divorce!" Qiao Yanxin shouted loudly. "A divorce should be okay, right?" In Tian Shun, women were allowed to propose divorce, but such women were extremely rare. After all, they had been educated in the Three Obediences and Four Virtues since birth, and the rebellious spirit in their hearts had long disappeared.


    At the words "divorce", Zhang and her son were stunned. They never expected that Qiao Yanxin would dare to propose divorce.


    "How dare you ask for a divorce?" Zhang put her hands on her hips, looking like a shrew. Qiao Yanxin, on the other hand, knelt on the ground, crying pitifully. It was obvious that she was often bullied at home.


    By now, the fact that Zhang often abused her daughter - in - law was firmly established. No one would suspect that this was a farce self - directed and self - acted by Qiao Yanxin.


    "Let''s forget about the divorce." The old princess said calmly. "Yanxin, come and serve me for a while. Zhang, you go back and reflect on yourself carefully."


    With the old princess''s words, this farce finally came to a real end.


    He Jingheng had been watching coldly from the side. He originally thought that Shang Ruoyi wouldn''t take in that woman who clearly had strong motives. Unexpectedly, she had taken her in. This woman really became more and more unfathomable to him.


    But wasn''t it more interesting when she was unfathomable?


    A woman like Qiao was really annoying at first sight.


    The two spies of the Crown Prince looked at each other when they saw that Qiao Yanxin had stayed by Shang Ruoyi''s side.


    One of them made an excuse to relieve himself and went to the forest behind. Taking the opportunity, he sent out a note. He Lingsheng looked at the note and a smile curved his lips. Finally, there was some good news during this period.


    "Your Highness, now that Qiao is already beside the Dingguo Prince''s family, should we ask her to take the opportunity to poison and directly kill the Dingguo Prince''s family to avoid future troubles?" The little eunuch said softly. "As for that Shang girl, why don''t we find a way to change her appearance and send her back to your side?"


    "Humph, since when can you make decisions for me?" He Lingsheng''s voice was slightly cold. When the little eunuch heard this, he knelt down with a thud. "Your Highness, please forgive me. This servant is just worried that you might be nostalgic for the past. This servant is loyal to you and has no other thoughts!"


    "Forget it, get up." He Lingsheng said calmly. "Precisely because I know you have no other intentions, otherwise your head would have been removed long ago."


    The little eunuch felt as if he had been granted amnesty and stood aside tremblingly. "I also don''t want to let this drag on and cause more trouble. Although Father has taken away the military power of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, don''t forget that the He Family Army only obeys the orders of the Dingguo Prince and He Jingheng. If we kill them all like this, I''m afraid there will be changes."


    "As for Shang Ruoyi." He Lingsheng''s mind was once again filled with that beautiful face. He said in a deep voice, "She''s just a woman. Once I become the emperor, what kind of woman can''t I have?"


    "Your Highness is wise."


    At night, in Consort Zhao''s place.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation."Did Sheng''er really say that?"


    "Your Highness," Shang Yufu asked, "This servant was informed by Eunuch Wang beside Your Highness. It must be true." Bixi gently helped Consort Zhao rub her legs. "Does Miss Yufu still need to send the Crown Prince midnight snacks?"


    "Humph, such a vulgar thing. What unmarried woman sends midnight snacks to a man at night? Who doesn''t know what she''s up to? She''s the daughter of a prime minister, after all. How can she be so tactless?" Consort Zhao snorted coldly. "With this kind of demeanor, she still dreams of entering the Eastern Palace and becoming the chief concubine? She''s even being flattered if she becomes a concubine."


    "Your Highness is right."


    Consort Zhao put down the fruit in her hand and frowned. "What kind of fruit is this? It''s so sour. How can anyone swallow it?"


    "Now the fruits in the palace are all like this. Only a few days ago, a batch of melons and fruits were tribute from the Western Regions and were all sent to the Empress''s palace." Bixi said in a low voice. "According to the servants, the Empress is suffering severely from morning sickness. She can''t sleep well all night, and she doesn''t have a good appetite for meals either."


    "Humph, she''s given birth to several princesses in a row. The imperial doctor took her pulse and said that this child is also a princess. But the Emperor still treasures her like anything." Consort Zhao picked up the teacup beside her and sneered. "So what if she''s favored? If she can''t give birth to a son, she''s useless."


    "Your Highness''s fortune is naturally beyond what those of lowly fate can compare. No matter how noble the Empress is, she can''t give birth to a legitimate son. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, who will still remember her? Naturally, Your Highness will be respected." Bixi took the teacup and said with a smile. "According to the people in the Empress''s palace, the chefs from Sichuan have already arrived. The Empress has been clamoring to eat some fresh, spicy dishes all day long. The people of the Empress''s maternal family are extremely worried."


    "Humph, the son I raised with great difficulty will naturally only recognize me as his mother. How could he let the Empress ride on my head?" Consort Zhao sat up straight, picked up the portrait on the table, and said in a deep voice. "The legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo''s Mansion does bear some resemblance to that child."


    "Presumably the Crown Prince will be satisfied with this girl." "Perhaps. Another day, find an excuse to send the people from the Shang family out of the palace, and then let her enter the palace."


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    "I heard from the people below that Shang Ruoyi has quite some abilities. Tell them to keep a close eye on her. If the situation turns bad, get rid of her. This can also completely cut off the Crown Prince''s thoughts." Consort Zhao frowned. "If only she were the legitimate daughter of the Shang Mansion."


    "Nothing else is a big deal, but according to them, Shang Ruoyi can use hidden weapons. Some time ago, many of the assassins sent by the Xiao Wang Mansion died under her silver needles. Moreover, it seems that she was the one who poisoned the heir of the Xiao Wang Mansion. The prince of the Xiao Wang Mansion is trying to find a solution." Bixi also nodded.


    Consort Zhao frowned even tighter. She never expected that she had hidden so deeply.


    "Where have they reached now?"


    Bixi thought for a while. "They should have reached the place of exile by now."


    Consort Zhao said in a deep voice, "Tell them to find a way. They must get rid of Shang Ruoyi."


    With such scheming and such abilities, if she couldn''t be used by them, she definitely couldn''t be left alive.


    Such a woman was the greatest help to He Jingheng, but to them, she was the greatest threat.


    Bixi was right. Shang Ruoyi and the others had already arrived at the place of exile.


    People who had always lived in warm areas finally experienced what it meant to be pierced by the cold wind for the first time.


    If it weren''t for Shang Ruoyi''s cotton - padded clothes, the He family members would have fallen ill long ago.

 Chapter 44 Choosing a House Site

    "Good heavens! Why is it so cold?"


    "I''m freezing to death, freezing to death."


    The prisoners kept rubbing their hands and arms, their faces turning purple from the cold.


    Zhang Hu handed them over to the local soldiers at the exile site.


    "Yo, it seems you didn''t suffer much on this exile journey. Your complexions look good!" Zhao Junyi said with a smile. "I remember the last time you came, your complexion wasn''t much better than the prisoners''."


    Zhang Hu nodded. Not only had they had a relatively good journey, but the number of surviving prisoners was also the highest ever. In the past, less than half of them survived, but this time, over eighty percent did. They owed it all to Shang Ruoyi.


    "Where are the people from the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion?"


    Zhang Hu pointed in the direction where Shang Ruoyi was. Zhao Junyi''s eyes narrowed slightly. Thinking about the successive imperial decrees from above, he couldn''t help but feel a headache.


    "For the sake of our good relationship, brother, I''ll give you a piece of advice." Zhang Hu said in a low voice. "Except for the second - branch of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion, don''t mess with anyone."


    "Oh? Why is that?" Zhao Junyi was just worried about how to deal with this group of people and which imperial decree to follow.


    "The heir of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion is renowned for his bravery and military prowess. There''s no need for me to elaborate. Even three - year - old children in Tian Shun know about this general."


    "That''s for sure." Zhao Junyi sighed. "Back then, I served under him for over a month. Although it was just a short time, he was still my former master."


    Hearing this, Zhang Hu quickly said, "He was your master before, and you should still treat him as such now."


    After hearing this, Zhao Junyi had an idea in mind.


    "And that Shang Ruoyi, although she''s a concubine - born daughter of the prime minister''s mansion, she''s even more resourceful than the legitimate daughter." He made a gesture indicating money and said in a low voice. "I don''t think she''s a useless pawn of Prime Minister Shang. On the day of the exile, Prime Minister Shang even went to the city gate in person."


    Zhao Junyi''s face showed a slight shock. This was different from the information he had received.


    However, thinking about what the Crown Prince''s confidant had said about Shang Ruoyi, he said in a deep voice, "It seems that none of them can be touched."


    "You don''t need to pay attention to the second - branch. They''ve already been separated from the He family."


    Zhao Junyi looked at the second - branch of the He family, who were almost huddled together from the cold, and then at the He family members, whose servants were all wearing cotton - padded clothes. Even a fool could tell the difference.


    Everyone looked at the extremely desolate exile site, feeling extremely frustrated.


    "Ah, with this kind of soil, what can grow here? Not even cacti can survive."


    Among the exiled prisoners, there were experienced farmers. Since even they said so, the others became even more disheartened.


    Just then, two people dressed in rags walked by, holding an old pickaxe in one hand and two tiny potatoes in the other. They were sighing as they said, "We''re lucky today. We found two potatoes. We have to be frugal. They can last us a few more days."


    The other person nodded. "Alas, if we can''t pay the taxes by the end of the year, we''ll probably get a severe beating again."


    Taxes for this piece of land? What could they pay with?


    The sand here?


    Just then, Zhao Junyi walked over and said in a deep voice, "Presumably, during this exile journey, you should have realized that for those who come here, going back is absolutely..." He paused, looked at He Jingheng, and his tone softened a bit. "Well, it''s probably impossible. So, just serve your sentence honestly here and work. If you can''t pay the taxes by the end of the year, you''ll be in for a tough time!"


    People looked at the whip in his hand and were too scared to say anything. The man just now had said they''d get a severe beating!


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.Next came the allocation of residences.


    These were all earthen - built houses, and most of them were on the verge of collapse. The remaining part had already collapsed.


    "Goodness, how can people live here? The lowest - ranking servants in our mansion lived in better places!" Zhang pinched her nose, her eyes wide open.


    She never expected that the residences in this exile site would be so shabby.


    Not just her, everyone felt that the future looked bleak.


    No food, no drink, and no proper place to live. What was the difference between this and death?


    Zhao Junyi pointed at the houses on the verge of collapse. "You can choose from these. They''re all about the same size."


    Seeing this, Zhang immediately ran towards one of the houses, and He Jinghe followed closely behind.


    After all, it hadn''t collapsed yet, right? They could make do for now.


    There were fences separating the courtyards, and the yards were not big, only suitable for growing a small amount of vegetables.


    But the soil here was so poor that not only vegetables, which had high requirements for soil quality, but even sweet potatoes were extremely difficult to grow. So, the size of the courtyard didn''t really matter.


    However, these houses were too small for the He family. Zhao Junyi thought for a while and said, "Well, you can either split into several families, or there''s a huge courtyard at the east end of the village. But the houses there are thatched cottages, not even earthen - built ones. Now that the weather is getting colder, you''d better think carefully."


    "Sir, how big is that house? Could you take us to have a look?" As she spoke, she secretly put a silver ingot in his hand. "Sorry to trouble you, sir."


    Zhao Junyi weighed the silver. It was at least ten taels.


    He smiled in satisfaction. "Let''s go!"


    When they arrived at the courtyard, Shang Ruoyi was startled. What courtyard was this? It was clearly a manor. There was even a small hill in the courtyard.


    This was exactly what she wanted.


    Shang Ruoyi smiled and said, "We''ll take this one!"


    The He family members looked at the thatched cottages swaying in the wind, and a chill ran down their spines.


    The so - called exile meant coming here to be farmers, but they were different from ordinary farmers. Their status was even lower.


    Ordinary farmers could participate in the imperial examinations held by the court. Many scholars from humble families changed the fate of their families through these examinations. But exiled people couldn''t. They were criminals, and criminals didn''t have the qualification to take the imperial examinations. If they weren''t pardoned, their descendants for generations would be criminals. They wouldn''t even have the chance to be servants in wealthy families and could only engage in farming.


    In addition, without permission, they couldn''t leave the exile site. The place where they were exiled was a village under a border town in Qingzhou. Basically, everyone here was an exiled criminal.


    Moreover, they didn''t have land and had to reclaim it themselves. In the autumn of the following year, they had to pay taxes. Shang Ruoyi specifically asked what kind of taxes they had to pay.


    "Usually, some potatoes are planted here. If the weather is favorable, some corn can also be planted."


    Zhao Junyi advised her not to plant vegetables as they simply wouldn''t survive.


    "Sir, can we hire people to build houses?" Shang Ruoyi''s words gave the people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion a glimmer of hope. Right! They could hire people to build houses instead of living in thatched cottages.


    "Of course, but building a house requires a lot of money." However, seeing how generous they were, he thought they must have quite a bit of money.


    When it came to money, they became dejected again.


    With such a hasty confiscation of their property, where did they get the money?


    "Sir, as long as we don''t leave Qingzhou, going to the town is allowed, right?"


    Zhao Junyi nodded. "Normally, only one person from each household can go to the town within a day. Since your family has more people, the maximum number shouldn''t exceed four."


    "Thank you, sir."

 Chapter 45 Settlement

    The people of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion entered the thatched cottage. Inside, there was nothing but a row of low couches.


    Everyone secretly blamed Shang Ruoyi in their hearts. The houses chosen by others were all much better than this one. Although they were drafty, they were at least sturdier than the thatched one.


    He Zhiyuan said in a deep voice, "Jingheng''s wife, your third - uncle has always thought you were a reliable person. But in this matter, you should have discussed it with us. How could you make such a hasty decision on such an important matter?"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Third - uncle, you only see the shabbiness of this thatched cottage, but you haven''t discovered the wonderful features of this courtyard."


    "What wonderful features?"


    "If we go further east from our courtyard, there is a forest. Although the land here is barren, the trees in that forest are very lush, which indicates that the soil quality there is good. We can dig the soil there and spread it in the courtyard. Perhaps we can plant some fruits and vegetables. The trees can also be cut down to make some furniture, which can save us some money. The trees can also be used to make some fences to raise chickens, ducks, cows, and pigs. Then we can reclaim some land to grow grains. After paying the taxes to the court and the bribes to the officials, we can not only be self - sufficient but also perhaps earn some money."


    When Shang Ruoyi finished speaking, the whole room was silent. Everyone, including He Jingheng, looked at her in shock.


    They never expected that Shang Ruoyi, just by taking a walk, had already thought out all the plans.


    The corners of He Jingheng''s lips curled up. This woman always surprised him again and again.


    "But what about this house? Where do we have the money to build a new one now?"


    Qin thought for a while and finally took out the only gold bracelet on her body.


    "This is all my possessions." Before, Shang Ruoyi had told her not to take it out and that it could be used for other purposes when they reached the exile site.


    Now, building a house was the most important thing.


    The old princess took out a paper - wrapped package, which also contained some gold and silver jewelry. "The property confiscation was hasty. I could only take such a small amount of things."


    Lin and Cong Fangzhi from the third - branch also took out some. "This should be enough. Let''s build a small one first. When we have more money in the future, we can build a bigger one."


    As soon as the words fell, He Jingheng took out a jade finger - guard from his pocket and put it in Shang Ruoyi''s hand, saying softly, "Build a big one."


    The moment the old princess saw the finger - guard, her face changed slightly. But seeing He Jingheng''s calm expression, she moved her lips and finally said nothing.


    Shang Ruoyi noticed this scene and knew that this finger - guard must have some extraordinary significance.


    That night, when they saw Shang Ruoyi take out several quilts from the biggest bundle, they were so shocked that no other words could express their feelings.


    "On the way of exile, Lord Zhang told me to buy some cotton - padded clothes and quilts, saying that they would definitely be useful here." Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Thanks to Lord Zhang''s reminder, otherwise we would have been freezing."


    He Jinghe looked at the quilts in the bundle. At that time, after Shang Ruoyi took out the cotton - padded clothes, he saw that she never opened that bundle again. He even thought it was so heavy that it might as well be thrown away.


    Fortunately, he didn''t throw it away. Otherwise, he would have slapped himself today.


    For the first time in several months, the He family members had a good night''s sleep.


    Knowing that the finger - guard was extraordinary, the next day, when Shang Ruoyi went to the pawnshop in the town to exchange silver, she didn''t put the finger - guard in. Instead, she took out several gold ornaments from the space and exchanged a total of one hundred taels of silver.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.If she went to the county town, she could exchange more silver, but where did she have the time?


    She also took out the banknote she got from the eldest lady on the day of her marriage, took out a five - hundred - tael one, and went to the bank to exchange it for cash.


    With so much silver, it was enough to build a big house.


    She also bought a lot of daily necessities in the town, as well as a lot of meat and vegetables. They hadn''t had a good meal for a long time. Now that they had a place to stay and didn''t have to travel anymore, they naturally had to have a good meal.


    "Sister - in - law, what do you think of this shovel?" He Jingxi walked over carrying a shovel and asked. "I''ve never used one, so I don''t know if it''s any good."


    Shang Ruoyi knew he wasn''t good at shopping, so she deliberately sent him. Only in this way could she have the time to exchange the banknote for silver and put it back into the space.


    However, she never expected that the shovel in his hand was so shabby.


    "This is clearly a broken shovel that others don''t want. It can''t be used." Shang Ruoyi frowned. "Where did you buy it? Take me there."


    He Jingxi took her to an iron - ware shop. An old man was standing at the door, with a meat bun in his mouth, eating it hungrily. When he saw He Jingxi coming back with the shovel, he quickly ran away.


    He Jingxi was looking intently at the shops one by one and didn''t notice that the old man who had sold him the shovel had already run far away.


    Shang Ruoyi entered the shop and saw the brand - new shovels all over the room. She secretly scolded He Jingxi for being blind to have bought the only broken shovel in it.


    She put the shovel at the door. The shopkeeper, a man, came over with a smile. "What would you like to buy, sir/madam?"


    Shang Ruoyi pointed at the shovel and said coldly, "Did you sell this to my brother?"


    The shopkeeper was stunned for a moment, looked at the shovel, and said, "Sir/madam, are you in the wrong shop or did you remember wrongly? Our shop sells only new iron - ware. This one of yours is clearly old and broken and can''t be used."


    Shang Ruoyi turned to ask, "Are you sure you bought it here? Was it this shopkeeper who sold it to you?"


    He Jingxi blinked, looked at the furnishings in the shop, and then at the shopkeeper, and said in a low voice, "I bought it from an old man in a gray robe at the door of this shop. He said he was the shopkeeper of this store and that this shovel was the best one in the whole store."


    Hearing this, Shang Ruoyi couldn''t help but sigh deeply.


    This was clearly being cheated!


    Looking at He Jingxi''s innocent face, she was somewhat speechless.


    Should she say he had been too well - protected or that his brain didn''t work well?


    "Oh, that guy! Young man, you were cheated. He''s a swindler. Everyone in our town knows that." The shopkeeper also never expected that a grown man could be cheated out of his money by such a person.


    "Sorry, shopkeeper." Shang Ruoyi walked around the shop, bought all the farming tools she needed, paid the silver, left an address for the shopkeeper to deliver these things to their home, and then left with He Jingxi.


    Since there were so many things to buy today, Shang Ruoyi planned to buy a carriage. It would be more convenient to go shopping this way. It was much more convenient than walking to the town on foot today. Moreover, with a carriage, both He Jingheng and the old lady could come to the town.


    "Sister - in - law, I''m sorry. We lost a tael of silver for nothing." A shovel that could be bought for two hundred copper coins, he actually spent a whole tael on it.


    Shang Ruoyi waved her hand. "It doesn''t matter."


    As soon as the words fell, a gray figure appeared not far ahead.


    He Jingxi''s angry roar came from the side. "Old man, don''t run!"

 Chapter 46 Hidden Secrets

    Seeing this, the old man in gray quickly stuffed the bun into his mouth. But he swallowed too fast, and the bun got stuck in his throat, making his eyes roll.


    Shang Ruoyi stepped forward. The old man''s face turned red, and he pointed to his neck. "Help... help me."


    He Jingxi snorted coldly. "You dared to cheat me, and you still want me to save you?"


    Then, he looked at Shang Ruoyi. "Sister - in - law, should we save him?"


    Shang Ruoyi walked up and gave a sudden hard pat on the old man''s back. A large mouthful of the bun fell to the ground. After a while, the old man gradually regained his breath and sat on the ground, panting heavily.


    "Th - thank you." He then looked at the bun on the ground, frowning. It was covered with dirt and couldn''t be eaten. Would it be okay to wash it with water? Just as he was considering the feasibility of this, a big yellow dog ran over and snatched the bun on the ground in one bite.


    "The bun! My bun!" He staggered to his feet and was about to chase after it when He Jingxi blocked his way.


    "Wait! Where''s my silver?" He put the shovel in front of the old man. "You not only lied to me that you were the shopkeeper of the iron - ware shop, but also sold me such a shabby shovel. Give me back the money!"


    "I don''t have it!" The old man turned his head. "The silver has been spent."


    "Old man! If you don''t pay back the silver today, I''ll beat you to death!"


    Shang Ruoyi said in a deep voice, "According to the law, what you did belongs to fraudulent selling. You not only have to return the silver but also go to jail. If you can''t pay back the silver, your jail term will be extended. You''d better think it through."


    The old man looked at Shang Ruoyi, then suddenly turned around and ran.


    He Jingxi didn''t react in time, and for a moment, he let the old man take advantage.


    He quickly chased after him.


    Shang Ruoyi saw the things in his arms, her eyes darkened slightly, and she followed quickly.


    The old man turned left and right and entered a dilapidated house in an alley.


    Looking back and seeing no one following, he let out a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to close the door, a big hand pressed on the door panel.


    He Jingxi''s figure appeared in front of the old man.


    "You! You two!" "Old man, see where you can run this time."


    The old man hung his head, sighed, and turned to walk into the room.


    "Hey! You!" He Jingxi chased after him.


    Shang Ruoyi entered the courtyard and smelled a strong smell of traditional Chinese medicine, frowning.


    Entering the room, the old man took out the medicine package in his arms. Without turning around, he said to He Jingxi, "If you want silver, I don''t have it. If you want my life, wait until I finish boiling these medicines."


    Shang Ruoyi stepped forward, picked up the herbs the old man was handling, and looked at them. "These herbs have gotten damp. Even if you boil them, they won''t be of much use."


    The old man''s hand paused for a moment, and then he continued to handle them.


    "Judging from these herbs, the patient should have a lung disease." Shang Ruoyi smiled. "However, taking this medicine won''t cure it."


    The old man''s hand stopped completely, and he looked at her in surprise. "You know pharmacology?"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled. "I''m proficient in it."


    Hearing this, the old man smiled. "Miss, you''re really modest."


    "Not at all." She put the shovel in front of the old man''s door. "It''s just medical skills. It can''t compare to the former shopkeeper of the iron - ware shop."


    "How did you figure it out?"


    "There''s a desk in the southeast corner of that shop, covered with dust. Presumably, it hasn''t been used for a long time. That was your desk, right?" Shang Ruoyi remembered the regretful words of the shopkeeper next door when she passed by and said in a low voice. "With such good skills, why do you engage in fraud?"


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.The old man said in a deep voice, "If there was any way out, any glimmer of hope..." The old man sighed. "I''m afraid I can''t pay back the silver. You can send someone to arrest me if you want."


    "You cheated for the sake of buying medicine for your wife. If I can cure her, in exchange, can you design a house for me?" She saw some sketches on the desk, which were extremely neat.


    "Can you really cure her?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Of course."


    The old man put down the herbs in his hand and said in a deep voice, "Follow me."


    The old man led her into the inner room. There was only a dilapidated bed in the room. An old woman with a withered face was lying on the bed, her eyes closed, her lips chapped. If it weren''t for her faint breathing, He Jingxi would have thought she was a corpse.


    Shang Ruoyi stepped forward, felt the old woman''s pulse, and said in a deep voice, "This is consumption."


    The old man nodded. "Yes, it''s been many years. She probably won''t survive this winter." He sighed. "To treat her illness, I''ve sold all my property. Now, as you can see, I''m penniless and can only cheat to get by."


    "It''s not incurable."


    "What?"


    Cure it?


    Hearing this, the old man said loudly, "As long as you can cure her, not to mention designing a house, I''ll build it for you myself!"


    "But I need the house urgently. We may start building it in a few days. Otherwise, we won''t be able to survive the winter." Shang Ruoyi smiled. "I''ll give your wife an acupuncture treatment today. If it works, how about you two come back with me? Although I only have a few thatched cottages now, looking at your place, it''s probably not as good as mine."


    "Let''s see the treatment first."


    Shang Ruoyi pretended to rummage through her sleeves, but actually took out an acupuncture bag from the space. She inserted needles at the Feishu, Zhongfu, and Taiyuan acupoints respectively. After a while, the old woman suddenly opened her mouth, exhaled a long breath, and her complexion improved.


    The old man watched, and his eyes suddenly lit up.


    "Old woman, old woman!"


    Shang Ruoyi withdrew the needles and said softly, "How about it?"


    "Good!" Seeing hope, the old man nodded. "I''ll go with you."


    While he was packing his things, He Jingxi walked up to her. "Sister - in - law, how did you know he could design houses? Can you read faces?"


    Shang Ruoyi gave him a blank look. It seemed that it was no wonder he spent a tael of silver on a useless shovel. This kid was really stupid. "I heard the shopkeeper next door talking about it."


    When she walked out of the shop, the shopkeeper next door was talking to his wife. "He''s the best at designing houses in the town. Now, for the sake of his dying wife, he''s not only sold all his property but also given up his old business and even resorted to cheating."


    "Come on, he has no choice. I gave him a few meat buns today. Look at how thin the old man is, just skin and bones."


    Shang Ruoyi looked at the small package in his hand, which only contained a few old clothes. "Is that all?"


    The old man nodded. "Yes! My luggage is her."


    Shang Ruoyi gave He Jingxi some silver and asked him to buy a carriage. She specifically instructed, "Just make sure it''s comfortable and spacious."


    If he couldn''t even tell good horses from bad ones, he might as well be reborn.


    Before long, He Jingxi came back and said, "Let''s go! It''s at the intersection."


    When Shang Ruoyi saw the extremely large and luxurious carriage, she almost slapped him in the face. He didn''t even need to be reborn. With this IQ, he didn''t deserve to be a human.

 Chapter 47 Showing off

    When they returned to the village, the prisoners all looked at the extremely luxurious carriage in shock.


    "Which big shot is this?"


    "Surely an affluent landowner from the town. Such a luxurious carriage must have cost at least ten taels of silver."


    Zhang also saw it. Looking at the direction the carriage was heading, she followed suspiciously.


    When the carriage stopped, she was shocked to see that the person getting out was Shang Ruoyi.


    She thought for a while and then rushed back home quickly.


    He Ning''an and He Jinghe were both sitting on the low couches, eating the leftover coarse - grain cakes from the morning. Since they had just arrived at the village, they would be provided with ten - day rations, one coarse - grain cake per person per day.


    Zhang trotted all the way home and said loudly, "Husband, Shang Ruoyi bought a huge carriage. I looked at it, and it''s no worse than the ones in the capital. Where did she get so much silver? Could it be given by the old lady?"


    He Ning''an frowned and said, "Where would my mother have silver? The property confiscation was sudden. Where could she hide it?"


    "Why not? Maybe there are no gold and silver jewelry, but couldn''t she have banknotes?"


    Hearing this, He Jinghe nodded and said, "Mother is right. I''ve always thought it was very strange. During the exile, Shang Ruoyi had a lot of silver. She''s just a concubine - born daughter. How much silver could she have? Maybe it was all given by grandmother."


    "Even if it was given by your grandmother, so what? We''ve already been separated. Can we go and ask for it?"


    He Jinghe looked at the dry coarse - grain cake in his hand and felt a sense of imbalance. "Why can''t we? Don''t the third - uncle''s family all freeload on grandmother?"


    Just then, many people outside were talking about something, and their voices were quite loud.


    Before long, Zhang came in again. This time, her face was indescribably ugly. With a dark face, she said in a deep voice, "Go and have a look! Another big cart of things has been delivered, all to the east end of the village. I saw there were chickens, ducks, pork, and so on."


    Hearing this, He Jinghe threw the coarse - grain cake in his hand. "I must go and ask grandmother for an explanation today. Why are we being treated so differently!"


    With that, he strode outside.


    The exiled prisoners all gathered at the gate of the He family''s house, watching the continuous stream of food and daily necessities being delivered to the He family, and they were all extremely envious.


    "Meat! It''s actually meat!"


    "And quilts and cotton - padded clothes."


    "Alas, as expected of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion! Even in exile, they can live so comfortably. Unlike us."


    "Exactly. How much silver must these things cost?"


    "Don''t even think about it. Don''t forget the martial arts skills of the heir and his wife. A stone could directly pierce through a wolf''s head. Our heads don''t seem to be as hard as a wolf king''s!"


    Everyone still remembered this scene vividly, and it was still extremely shocking when mentioned now.


    "Look at the servants of the Dingguo Prince''s Mansion. They can even eat meat. Remember the second - branch that was separated? Oh, I saw them going to get the coarse - grain cakes this morning. Tsk tsk tsk, they''re living worse than the servants."


    "Some masters, even in exile, are still masters. Some masters, in exile, are not even as good as servants."


    He Jinghe heard these words and couldn''t help but burn with anger.


    He wished he could rush up and beat those two people up. But the two people who said these words were burly and far beyond what he could match. When he was in the capital, he was addicted to women all day long, and his body had long been drained.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.He turned his gaze to the He family, his eyes full of gloom.


    He pushed through the crowd and walked towards the He family.


    The two people who had just spoken looked at each other. As expected, He Jinghe was really brainless. They just casually provoked him a bit, and he couldn''t bear it anymore.


    He Jinghe walked into the courtyard and saw the food piled up everywhere. He couldn''t help but be filled with anger.


    His family had to be frugal when eating coarse - grain cakes in the shabby house, while Shang Ruoyi and the others were doing so well. Not only did they buy so much meat, but they didn''t even share a piece with them. How stingy! Did they still consider them as a family?


    Just then, Zhang also followed. Looking at so many things, she quickly walked in and put on a smile. "Eldest sister - in - law."


    When Qin saw her coming, her face darkened. "What are you here for?" Qin hadn''t forgotten Zhang''s previous attitude.


    "Eldest sister - in - law, look, you have so much food here. Can you share some with us?" She rubbed her stomach and looked pitiful. "We haven''t eaten yet and are starving."


    Qin pulled her arm out of Zhang''s hand and said coldly, "What does your hunger have to do with me? I didn''t snatch your coarse - grain cakes."


    Zhang''s face froze. She thought to herself that Qin wasn''t as easy to manipulate as before.


    "How can one swallow those coarse - grain cakes?" Zhang frowned and said in a low voice. "Well, consider these as something we''re borrowing from your family. We''ll definitely pay it back in the future."


    Just as Qin was thinking about how to refuse, Shang Ruoyi''s voice came. "Can''t swallow them? I saw that you ate them quite deliciously during the exile!"


    When Zhang saw it was Shang Ruoyi, she knew she probably wouldn''t be able to get any food today.


    "Besides, you say you''re borrowing from us now. But when will you pay it back? How will you pay it back? With silver or food? And how will the interest be calculated?"


    As soon as Shang Ruoyi finished speaking, He Jinghe said, "You won''t even give away such a small amount of things? And you still want interest? We''re a family. Moreover, these things were bought with grandmother''s silver. Our family should have a share!"


    Lin from the third - branch walked out and sneered. "When we separated and lived apart, we had already divided the family property. Why are you still coveting your grandmother''s things now?"


    "Humph, Third - aunt, you still have the nerve to talk about me. What about you? Aren''t you also freeloading here with grandmother''s silver?" He Jinghe sneered. "You still have the nerve to talk about me."


    Lin''s face darkened. "Speak with evidence. When did we freeload here? We all contributed our own possessions."


    "Please leave. The He family doesn''t welcome you."


    "You!" He Jinghe looked at Shang Ruoyi and laughed mockingly. "I really don''t know when this concubine - born daughter like you became the one to decide in the He family. I want to see grandmother! I want to see grandmother! Maybe grandmother has been bewitched by you, a vulgar concubine - born daughter."


    Just then, He Jinghe suddenly let out a painful cry. The next second, a bloodstain appeared on his left cheek, and blood flowed down his cheek.


    He Jingheng was sitting by the door, holding a leaf in his hand. Looking at the ground beside He Jinghe''s feet, there was a leaf of the same kind.


    People were suddenly shocked. A leaf had cut his face?


    "Who are you calling vulgar?" He Jingheng''s deep voice carried a strong sense of oppression. "It seems that you need to relearn your manners."

 Chapter 48 Division of the family

    He Jingheng''s voice made Zhang and He Jinghe tremble inwardly.


    For so many years, He Jingheng rarely managed the affairs of the mansion. He was in the prince''s mansion for at most a few dozen days a year.


    But this didn''t mean that the He family wasn''t afraid of him.


    One should know that He Jingheng had survived the fierce battles among thousands of troops.


    When he was truly angry, the murderous aura on him was no less than that of the Asuras in hell.


    "Jingheng, your younger brother just said it casually. It doesn''t count, it doesn''t count." Zhang put on a flattering smile, fearing that she might really anger He Jingheng.


    "Now that my mother has handed over the house - keeping power to Ruoyi, she''s the one who makes the decisions in the entire He family. If she says she won''t give you any, then don''t even think about taking a single thing from here."


    He Jinghe was unwilling in his heart, but he didn''t dare to challenge He Jingheng at all. The pain on his face was still there, constantly reminding him that the elder brother in front of him couldn''t be provoked.


    Just then, He Yunyi helped the old princess walk out of the room.


    Seeing this, Zhang quickly stepped forward. "Mother."


    "Humph!" The old princess glanced at her and said coldly, "You know to call me mother now? Weren''t you eager to stay away from us when we were down and out?"


    The smile on Zhang''s face froze. She knew the old princess was mocking her, but at the moment, as long as they could return to the He family, what did a few mockeries matter? At least they could have enough to eat and wear, and there would be servants to attend to them.


    Coincidentally, Qiao came out with a quilt to dry. Zhang smiled and said, "Mother, look, now that Yanxin has also returned to the He family, let us come back too! I''ll serve you."


    Shang Ruoyi sneered. Zhang had really calculated well! She said she would serve the old lady, but in essence, she just wanted to come back to the He family to freeload. She wouldn''t let them have their way and end up raising a bunch of parasites to annoy herself.


    However, she could give Zhang a taste of her own medicine first.


    "If Second - aunt wants to return to the He family, it''s not impossible." Shang Ruoyi stepped forward and looked at her and He Jingheng with a smile.


    "Really?"


    "In a few days, we''re going to build a house and need a lot of workers. At that time, Second - uncle and Jinghe can come to build the house. We''ll provide food and pay wages."


    "You want me to do manual labor?" He Jinghe said angrily. "Are you crazy? I''m a master! Even if I return to the He family, I''m still a master. How can I be a servant at your beck and call!"


    "If others can do it, why can''t you?" He Zhiyuan stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "I knew you were a wastrel. Now that we''re in this situation, you still refuse to reform. You still want to be a master? Dream on!"


    "Third - uncle, how can you also be deceived by her? I''m your nephew." He Jinghe couldn''t understand why Shang Ruoyi, a married - in woman, had a higher status in the hearts of the He family than him. He turned his gaze to the old princess, hoping to arouse her pity. But as soon as the old princess saw him, she couldn''t help but think of all the absurd things he had done and only wished he could stay as far away from her as possible.


    Just then, He Ning''an walked out of the crowd and came to the old princess. With a solemn face, he said, "Mother, I just want to ask you one thing. Will you take care of our family of three or not?"


    He had seen clearly that there was a big cart of food being moved into the house like a flowing stream. His son was right. Why didn''t they have a share?


    "Second - brother, why should mother take care of you? On the way of exile, weren''t you disdainful to be with us? How many times has mother been sick? When did you ever come to visit? Now that you see our lives are getting better, you want to come and get a share. There''s no such easy thing." He Zhiyuan snorted coldly. "When we were in the prince''s mansion years ago, you were addicted to pleasure - seeking. Now it''s still the same. That''s why Jinghe has become like you."


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source."It''s not your turn to lecture me!" He Ning''an waved him aside and looked at the old princess gloomily. "Mother, you''re determined to ignore me, right? There''s no lack of silver now. It''s not that we can''t afford to support our family of three. Are three more people really that much of a burden? I''m a county prince, and Jinghe is the heir of the county prince. How can we be compared with those low - class people?"


    The people standing outside the courtyard were very displeased. What did he mean by low - class people? Who was he calling low - class?


    Many of them were former court officials who had been exiled here. So when they heard He Ning''an''s words, they all frowned. He Ning''an didn''t expect that his words would stir up public resentment.


    Seeing that the old princess didn''t answer, he said coldly, "In that case, give me the money for the family - division."


    Family - division?


    Shang Ruoyi understood. So the second - branch had made such a scene for this.


    "How do you want to divide it?"


    "Divide all these things you bought into three parts. We''ll take one part."


    Shang Ruoyi sneered. After the old princess''s jewelry was exchanged for silver, it wasn''t even enough to buy all these things. And they still wanted to take away one - third directly? They were simply daydreaming.


    "No way." Shang Ruoyi''s voice rang out.


    He Ning''an had always looked down on Shang Ruoyi. Now that she actually refuted his words openly, he said angrily, "With the elders here, where is it your turn to speak?"


    "Second - uncle, you''re wrong. Since I''m in charge of the He family, I make the decisions about household finances." She took out a few pieces of paper and handed them to them. "When I went to the pawnshop to exchange silver today, I specifically asked the shopkeeper to write down how much silver each of the things we sent there was exchanged for. Grandmother, mother, Third - aunt, please have a look to see if there are any omissions."


    "Oh, my dear, when your aunt gave you her possessions, she trusted you completely. There''s no need to calculate so clearly. It would make us seem distant." Lin smiled and didn''t look at the paper. "No need to look."


    "Thank you, Third - aunt."


    He Jingheng watched her show the accounts to those three people, but not to him. The corners of his lips curled up slightly.


    In his perception, Shang Ruoyi regarded the two of them as one, so she didn''t show him these accounts.


    In fact, it was because Shang Ruoyi didn''t pawn his finger - guard at all, so she couldn''t produce the relevant account.


    The old princess looked at the accounts and nodded. "There''s no problem. It''s exactly these amounts."


    Shang Ruoyi handed the old princess''s bill to He Ning''an. "Second - uncle, have a look! Grandmother''s jewelry was sold for a total of thirty taels. Divided equally into three parts, it''s ten taels."


    She took out ten taels of silver from her purse and handed it to him. "Here, Second - uncle, this is your share."


    Ten taels!


    How could it be only so little?


    He Ning''an looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze. "Did you forge this? Just to give us less silver."


    "If Second - uncle doesn''t believe it, you can go to the town and ask yourself. The name of the shop is also written on it." Shang Ruoyi sneered. "Furthermore, I''m not a prophet. How could I have predicted that Second - uncle would come today to ask for money?"


    He Ning''an looked at her. Just as he was about to take the silver, Shang Ruoyi''s voice came. "Second - uncle, once you take this silver today, we''re completely separated."

 Chapter 49 Temptation?

    Upon hearing this, He Ning''an snatched the silver and said coldly, "Separate the family then. We''ll surely live better than you. Just wait and see. Sooner or later, there will come a day when you beg me to come back." With that, he turned and left, taking Zhang and He Jinghe with him.


    "Alas, it''s a debt of sin!" The old princess let out a sigh. She looked at the retreating figures of the three without saying a word.


    After the second - branch people left, the onlookers who had been watching the excitement began to have ideas.


    "Did Shang Ruoyi really say that her family is going to build a house and recruit workers? Is it true?"


    "I think it''s quite likely. If they''re building a house, the people in their family alone aren''t enough. They''ll definitely need to recruit workers."


    "She said she''d provide food and pay wages."


    A man bravely stepped forward and asked, "Miss, is it true that you''re going to build a house and recruit workers?"


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "Of course it is."


    "Really provide food and pay silver?"


    "Yes, but I only want hard - working and capable people. If someone wants to come here to freeload and cheat money." She smiled, but her eyes were filled with coldness, making people shiver. "Sorry, I''ll have to ask him to leave."


    "When will it start?" The court - issued coarse - grain cakes were only distributed for a few days. If they couldn''t find work and had no money, they would starve. In the cold winter, being cold and hungry could be life - threatening.


    "It''ll be in a few days."


    When the crowd heard this, they beamed with joy. At least they had some guarantee for the future.


    Having cut off all ties with the second - branch, Shang Ruoyi was in a very good mood. She told everyone to put away the things and then went to the inner room. The old man in the gray robe had settled his wife on the couch and then turned to her. "What kind of house do you want to build?"


    "Since we''re new here, I don''t know what materials are available."


    "Most people here build houses with a mixture of mountain stones and mud. Poor families use straw or wood, while wealthy families use blue bricks."


    "Blue bricks?" This was the first time she had heard of them.


    "Yes, these are specially fired for the rich. They''re expensive, but very sturdy and durable. Most importantly, they keep warm in winter. In this extremely cold northern land, winter is very long."


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. "In that case, let''s use blue bricks." She smiled. "Sir, I haven''t had the honor of asking your name yet."


    "I''m Wu Wenhan."


    Shang Ruoyi briefly described the house she wanted to build. The old man Wu''s brows furrowed slightly. "For such a large estate, a great deal of blue bricks will be needed."


    "The money is sufficient. You just need to help me design and build it." With that, she walked to the bedside, took out a pill from a porcelain bottle and gave it to the old lady. It was a tablet specifically formulated for tuberculosis in the laboratory. She placed it in Old Man Wu''s hand. "Take one pill a day."


    "Miss Shang, how long will it take for my wife to recover?"


    "About a month, and she should be completely cured."


    So fast!


    Old Man Wu had never expected that his wife could recover. He was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes, and he kept expressing his gratitude to her.


    "Old Man Wu, there''s no need to be so polite."


    In the evening, Shang Ruoyi personally cooked a large table of delicious food with the ingredients she bought.


    It was truly a feast for the eyes and taste buds. The old princess nodded frequently. "I never thought Ruoyi''s cooking skills were so good. We''re really in for a treat." During the exile journey, they also ate the food she cooked. But the conditions on the way were harsh, often with no guarantee of the next meal, and with an uncertain future. Even the most delicious food would seem tasteless.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Now that everything had settled down, they felt much more at ease.


    Old Man Wu put down his chopsticks, took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, and said with a smile, "Miss Shang''s cooking is truly superb. Even the restaurants in the capital can''t compare with it at all."


    "Old Man Wu, you flatter me."


    "Old Man Wu has been to the capital?" He Jingheng looked at him and said indifferently. "The capital is very far from here."


    The smile on Old Man Wu''s face froze for a moment, and then he explained, "It was a long time ago. Let''s not talk about it."


    He Jingheng nodded and continued eating without replying.


    Shang Ruoyi didn''t suspect anything. After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, it was already dark, and they fell asleep soundly.


    After a long time, two figures appeared in the courtyard.


    "How is it?" He Jingheng''s figure emerged from the shadows.


    "Master, the two of us searched all the pawnshops in the town but couldn''t find that finger - guard."


    "But we found the jewelry of the princess and others in the pawnshop you mentioned. We redeemed them all as you ordered." Yunqi handed the things to him. "However, there are a few more items than you said."


    He Jingheng picked up the jewelry that Shang Ruoyi had pawned and said in a deep voice, "Are you sure you''ve searched everywhere? No omissions?"


    "Yes, we''ve asked all of them."


    "Master, could it be that Miss Shang took the finger - guard? That finger - guard..."


    Yuntian''s words were interrupted by him. "It doesn''t matter. It was a fake to begin with."


    Fake?


    "Alright, you can go." He Jingheng''s face was slightly solemn. He stared at the door of the room, lost in thought.


    Yuntian wanted to say something, but Yunqi grabbed his collar and they flew away.


    He stood in the courtyard for a long time, his eyes fixed on the room. After a long while, he murmured, "If you''re really a spy, this heir will still accept it."


    Yunqi pulled Yuntian and flew for a long time with light - footwork before stopping.


    Yuntian said angrily, "What are you doing? Why didn''t you let me speak?"


    "Speak your ass!" Yunqi scolded. "Can''t you tell the master is in a bad mood?"


    "That finger - guard is related to the lives of hundreds of thousands of our brothers! The heir actually used it to test a woman." Yuntian thought for a while and said, "And that woman is the daughter of our enemy."


    Yunqi sighed. "All this must be under the master''s control. We just need to follow the master''s orders."


    Yuntian smacked his lips. "But that woman''s cooking really smells good. I could smell it even in the yard. It made my mouth water."


    Yunqi nodded. "Yes."


    "But we''ve walked so far. How can I still smell it?" Yuntian murmured. "Could it be that I''m just too hungry?"


    At this time, Yunqi took out an oil - paper - wrapped package from his bosom. Inside was a roast chicken.


    "You actually smuggled food!" Yuntian was about to grab it, but Yunqi dodged.


    Yunqi tore off the chicken''s rump and handed it to him. "This is yours."


    Yuntian: ''......''


    If they were real brothers, wouldn''t he share a chicken leg? Yunqi''s actions told him that they weren''t that kind of brothers. Take it or leave it.


    Early the next morning, when Shang Ruoyi got up, she found He Jingheng sitting in the courtyard.


    She walked up to him and said with a smile, "Up so early."


    "Yeah." With that, he turned and left, his tone a bit cold. But Shang Ruoyi didn''t mind. Since they met, this person had always been a bit strange. She originally wanted to return the finger - guard in her space to him, but seeing him walk away, she had to give up. Just then, in the forest not far away, a group of people were quietly approaching them.

 Chapter 50 The Assassination Operation

    After having breakfast, Shang Ruoyi''s eyelids kept twitching non - stop.


    He Yunyi saw her constantly rubbing her eyes and stepped forward to ask, "Sister - in - law, is there something wrong with your eyes?"


    "Not really. They just keep twitching."


    "Mother always says that an eye twitch means there''s money coming." He Yunyi spread out her palm and smiled. "Here comes the fortune." In her palm was a jade pendant.


    "What are you doing?"


    He Yunyi handed the jade pendant to her. "There might not be enough money for building the house, right? This is the only thing I brought out. Mother said it was given to me by my elder brother when I was born. I''ve always worn it. In this situation, we can pawn this jade pendant."


    Shang Ruoyi smiled and said, "This jade pendant is of high quality. It''s clearly top - grade suet jade. You''d better keep it for yourself. There''s still enough money for building the house."


    He Yunyi tried to persuade her several times, but seeing that Shang Ruoyi just wouldn''t accept it, she had to give up. "Sister - in - law, if you need money, just come and tell me."


    Shang Ruoyi nodded. Just as she was about to say something more, suddenly, her eyes turned sharp, and her fierce gaze looked towards the dense forest.


    "Sister - in - law, what''s wrong?" He Yunyi saw her face change suddenly and asked in confusion. "What happened?"


    "Go back! Hurry back to the room and don''t come out. Tell mother and the others not to come out either!" Shang Ruoyi pushed her hard into the room. As a result, the jade pendant in her hand fell to the ground.


    Just as He Yunyi entered the room, the next moment, an arrow was shot at the place where she had just been standing.


    "The jade pendant!"


    "Don''t come out!" Shang Ruoyi turned around and picked up the jade pendant.


    As soon as she finished speaking, several more arrows were shot over. Shang Ruoyi quickly dodged and narrowly avoided them.


    She hid behind the only pillar in the courtyard and looked at the arrows on the ground. A scalpel appeared in her hand. The range of the silver needles was very short, only suitable for dealing with close - range enemies. She didn''t have any other handy weapons. At the moment, she could only use the scalpel for self - defense.


    Just then, that mechanical voice sounded again in her mind: "The space is upgrading."


    Upgrading again?


    The appearance of the space emerged in front of her eyes once more. Beside the laboratory building, a house shaped like a warehouse appeared, with the words "Ancient Weapons" written on it.


    Weapons? This was really like getting a pillow just when one wanted to sleep.


    Her consciousness entered the weapons depot. Inside, there were all kinds of weapons such as knives, guns, swords, halberds, axes, battle - axes, hooks, and forks. On the shelves in the east, there were also bows and other hidden weapons.


    In her previous life, apart from guns, she was very proficient in cold - weapons and hidden weapons. She never expected that she would really use them now.


    She originally wanted to take out a long sword, but if He Jingheng found out, it would be very difficult to explain. So she chose a sleeve - arrow, which was very suitable for long - range attacks.


    With a flash of consciousness, the sleeve - arrow was worn on her wrist.


    At this time, a group of black - clothed people had appeared on the edge of the dense forest.


    As soon as He Yunyi entered the house, He Jingheng''s figure appeared at the door.


    "What''s going on?"


    He Yunyi gasped for breath and said, "There are assassins."


    He Jingheng''s brows furrowed tightly. "Where''s Shang Ruoyi?"


    "Sister - in - law didn''t come in to help me pick up the jade pendant. She''s trapped in the courtyard."


    What?


    He Jingheng walked to the window and looked out. There was a circle of black - clothed people standing around the dense forest.


    Several arrows were already stuck in the ground.


    Shang Ruoyi was standing behind the pillar, fiddling with something on her wrist.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.Was that a sleeve - arrow?


    Where did this woman get so many things?


    "Jingheng, what should we do? Ruoyi is still outside." Lin said anxiously.


    "Yes! She''s a delicate woman. How could she possibly fight against assassins? Think of a way quickly!" Qin was almost crying. "You say you lead troops to fight all day long and claim to be a war - god general. Where''s the war - god? You can''t even protect your own wife. You''re just like your father, a deadbeat."


    He Jingheng didn''t answer. His eyes were sharp as he looked outside. Seeing that he didn''t respond, Qin said angrily, "Mother is talking to you. Did you hear me?"


    "I heard, I heard!" Just then, an arrow was shot towards the position where He Jingheng was standing. There was a flint tied to it. If this arrow landed on the thatched cottage, it would instantly turn into a sea of fire.


    He Jingheng''s eyes turned slightly fierce. The internal force in his palm condensed. Just as he was about to make a move, a silver light flashed. A weapon he had never seen before hit the arrowhead. The arrow that was originally flying towards the thatched cottage was knocked to the ground.


    The next moment, flames flashed in the dense forest, and more than a dozen arrows flew towards the thatched cottage.


    Damn!


    Dozens of scalpels were shot out, but only most of the arrows were shot down. A small number of them slipped through the net. Just then, a very strong internal force appeared. The next moment, the arrows suddenly turned around and flew towards the dense forest.


    "Ah! It''s on fire!" Several screams rang out. The flames flickered in the dense forest. Shang Ruoyi took the opportunity to roll on the ground and collect the arrows on the ground. She glanced in the direction of the thatched cottage, the corners of her lips curved up, and she stretched out her hand to throw those arrows into the air.


    He Jingheng raised his eyebrows. With a wave of his palm, powerful internal force gushed out. Those arrows flew towards the dense forest with a whooshing sound.


    Several more screams rang out. The black - clothed people didn''t expect that a disabled person would be so difficult to deal with. And those hidden weapons that flew out from nowhere had shot down so many arrows. It seemed that there was a master helping them.


    "Boss, what should we do?" A black - clothed person said in a deep voice. "We didn''t expect He Jingheng to be so powerful. Before we even confronted him, we''ve already lost so many brothers."


    "What to do? If we don''t kill him, we''ll be the ones to die. We must kill him today no matter what." The leading man looked at the bare courtyard and said coldly, "There are many female relatives in their exiled family. The master said that this time, besides killing him, his newly - wed wife can''t be left alive either."


    "A woman is much easier to kill than him, boss. If we can''t kill He Jingheng, we''ll kill his wife to make up for it."


    The man nodded. It seemed that there was no other way.


    "Charge straight in. Kill anyone you see. Leave no one alive!"


    "Yes!"


    The black - clothed people held blades and rushed straight towards the courtyard.


    Shang Ruoyi stood behind the pillar, watching the black - clothed people getting closer. She threw out the pre - prepared medicine bag and at the same time, pressed the mechanism in her sleeve. A flying knife shot out and hit the medicine bag exactly. In an instant, white smoke spread out.


    The black - clothed people were not on guard. The smoke landed on their eyes, and immediately a burning pain came. Their eyes couldn''t be opened at all.


    "Ah! My eyes! My eyes!"


    They were all throwing away their weapons and armor, rolling on the ground, covering their eyes.


    The intense pain made them wish they could dig out their eyes directly.


    Just now, they were shouting fiercely to kill, but now, even a few - year - old child could kill them.


    Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the leading black - clothed person took out a flare. A few breaths later, another group of people came and carried them away.

 Chapter 51 Won the bet but lost the heart

    Shang Ruoyi directly walked out from behind the pillar and picked up the scalpels on the ground one by one.


    Although there were plenty of these in the space, to avoid making that man, He Jingheng, suspicious, it was better for her to collect them all. As far as she knew, there seemed to be no steel - making technology in Tian Shun yet.


    "Where is it? I remember clearly that I took out fourteen. Why are there only thirteen left?" She didn''t notice that one of the scalpels was in He Jingheng''s hand.


    When she was aiming at the medicine bag, He Jingheng had used his internal force to suck the scalpel into his hand.


    He Jingheng opened the door and watched the retreating figures of the black - clothed people. His fingers twitched slightly, and the tree shadows swayed. The next moment, several figures disappeared from the trees not far away.


    "What are you looking for?" He Jingheng sized her up. Seeing that she had no wounds, he finally felt relieved.


    Shang Ruoyi shook her head and smiled. "Nothing, nothing."


    He Yunyi and Qin rushed out of the room.


    Shang Ruoyi spread out her palm, and a jade pendant lay quietly on it.


    "Here you are. I didn''t let you down!"


    "Sister - in - law!" He Yunyi ignored the jade pendant and hugged Shang Ruoyi tightly, her voice already tinged with sobs. "You scared me to death. What if something happened to you?"


    Qin also wiped her tears. "That''s right. It''s just a broken jade pendant. Even if it''s lost or broken, so what? How can it be more important than you?"


    Shang Ruoyi was stunned. In two lifetimes, this was the first time she had felt the warmth brought by family. In her previous life, everyone told her that as long as she could complete the mission, sacrificing her life was a small price to pay. So when her teammates died, although she was sad, if one person''s death could bring greater benefits and allow more people to survive, then that sacrifice was worth it.


    But now someone told her that her life was more important than anything else. How could she not be touched?


    "Jingheng, do you know who came today?" The old princess walked out, looking worried. "These assassins were able to find this place. What will we do in the future?"


    He Jingheng shook his head, his tone low and a bit helpless. "Grandson can''t determine who the attackers are. The Dingguo Prince''s Mansion has made many enemies. There are many people both inside and outside the pass who want my life."


    Shang Ruoyi turned her gaze towards the dense forest. It seemed that she had to do something there.


    Before long, Wu Wenhan arrived late with a group of people. "What''s going on?" Wu Wenhan looked at the arrows on the ground and asked in a deep voice.


    Shang Ruoyi gave a general account of what had happened. Wu Wenhan''s brows furrowed deeper and deeper. "I didn''t expect that there would be people daring to cause trouble here. I will definitely investigate this strictly."


    "Then thank you, sir."


    Seeing that they had no casualties, Wu Wenhan led the people away again.


    Shang Ruoyi watched their retreating figures and couldn''t help but sneer. How could it be such a coincidence that they arrived only after the black - clothed people left? The village was so small. With such a big commotion, how could he have just found out? He just deliberately came late. It seemed that the people behind this assassination were related to the court.


    That afternoon, Shang Ruoyi took Old Man Wu to the town to purchase raw materials for building the house.


    Today''s incident made her deeply realize how important it was to have a sturdy house.


    She could leave all the matters related to the building materials to Old Man Wu alone. Shang Ruoyi found a blacksmith and handed him part of the drawings she had drawn. "Master, can you make the items on this drawing?"


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report itThe blacksmith looked at it and nodded. "Yes." He looked at it for a long time but still couldn''t figure out what it was. But as long as there was a drawing, he could make it.


    She then went to another blacksmith shop and gave the remaining drawings to the blacksmith there to make.


    The two of them didn''t return to the village until it was almost dark.


    He Yunyi was pacing anxiously at home. "Brother, why don''t you go and look for them? It''s almost dark, and sister - in - law hasn''t come back yet. What if something happened to her?"


    "Yes, Jingheng. Why don''t I ask your third - uncle to go and meet them?"


    He Jingheng shook his head and said indifferently, "No need."


    "But..."


    Just then, there was a noise at the door, and Shang Ruoyi''s figure appeared in everyone''s sight.


    "Sister - in - law!"


    Shang Ruoyi smiled and handed over the oil - paper bag in her hand. "Here, your favorite buns." Since she came in, she hadn''t looked at He Jingheng directly or said a word to him. At first, he didn''t notice anything different. It was not until she was distributing the buns and didn''t give him any that He Jingheng realized that she seemed to be angry. When Shang Ruoyi came to the yard to hang the clothes, he slowly walked up to her and asked in a low voice, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." Shang Ruoyi smiled. "Prince, I think we should talk about the divorce."


    As soon as Shang Ruoyi finished speaking, He Jingheng''s brows furrowed imperceptibly.


    "Do you really want a divorce that much?"


    "Otherwise?" Shang Ruoyi had a smile on her face, but it didn''t reach her eyes at all. "We don''t love each other. I was forced on you by Shang Nian and the emperor. I said on the way of exile that once we arrived at the exile site, we would get a divorce, didn''t I?" She had heard their conversation at the door. Everyone was worried about her safety, but he looked indifferent.


    He Jingheng looked at her, and her expression didn''t seem like she was joking. A chill couldn''t help but well up in his eyes.


    Was it because she had the finger - guard and didn''t want to play this game with him anymore?


    For some reason, once this guess appeared in his mind, he felt as if a ball of fire was burning in his chest. He sneered. "As you wish."


    Shang Ruoyi''s hand, which was hanging the clothes, paused for a moment and then immediately returned to normal.


    "Once this place is built, we''ll get a divorce. You promised me this yourself, Prince." With that, she took out the finger - guard from her bosom and handed it to him. "Here, this is yours."


    The moment the finger - guard appeared, He Jingheng was stunned. This finger - guard...


    He looked at Shang Ruoyi. "Wasn''t this finger - guard sold?"


    "When you took out the finger - guard that day, grandmother''s expression wasn''t good. I guessed that this finger - guard was probably very valuable, so I didn''t pawn it. I wanted to give it back to you when we came back, but I never found the opportunity."


    Just these words instantly warmed his heart, which had been as cold as ice.


    He took the finger - guard, and a smile curled up on his lips. It seemed that in this big bet, he had finally won.


    No, it should be said that he won the bet but lost his heart.


    Seeing that he took the finger - guard, Shang Ruoyi said indifferently, "Don''t forget about the divorce, Prince."


    "Let''s talk about it later!" He Jingheng turned and left.


    Talk about it later?


    What did he mean by that?


    Didn''t he just agree?


    The news of the assassination in the exile site soon spread to the Eastern Palace.


    "What did you say?" He Lingsheng slapped the book on the table and said angrily. "Who is it? How dare they be so bold as to ruin my plan!"


    "It''s... it''s the Noble Consort."

 Chapter 52 Shen Shuyi of the Marquis of Zhens Mansion

    Mother?


    He Lingsheng''s brows knitted tightly. He had always been aware of his mother''s little schemes. Usually, he could turn a blind eye to them, but this matter was different. He Jingheng held something that he desperately wanted to obtain. Before getting that thing, He Jingheng had to stay alive. And there was also Shang Ruoyi. He had clearly given instructions, but unexpectedly, the people below were playing the game of feigning compliance while actually going against his orders.


    "I see. You may leave."


    He Lingsheng thought for a while, then got up and walked towards the Lanqing Palace.


    As soon as he arrived at the palace, he heard a burst of light laughter coming from inside.


    "I never thought there would be such interesting things. Shuyi, you must come and talk to me often. These novel things can''t be seen in the palace."


    "If the empress likes them, it''s the fortune of these things." Shen Shuyi smiled. "My grandfather and father have been fighting in all directions all year round and are often away from home. My mother passed away early, and I have no siblings at home. I often feel bored. Thanks to the empress''s love, if I can accompany the empress, I will be extremely delighted."


    "Very good, very good. This girl, I like you." A trace of satisfaction flashed in Noble Consort Zhao''s eyes. "I heard that your grandfather led the troops to fight against the Western Turks this time, defeated the enemy, and will return to the court soon. The emperor is very happy and said he will welcome them in person!"


    Shen Shuyi stood up, performed a deep curtsy, and said with a faint smile on her face, "Thank you, Your Majesty and the empress, for your love."


    Noble Consort Zhao looked at Shen Shuyi with satisfaction. This was the daughter - in - law she wanted.


    He Lingsheng stood outside the palace. The maid lowered her head and asked, "Your Highness, shall this servant announce your arrival?"


    "Yes."


    The maid walked in. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has come."


    "Quickly invite him in!"


    He Lingsheng entered the palace. A woman in a white dress was standing inside. When his eyes fell on Shen Shuyi''s face, he couldn''t help but be stunned for a moment.


    Noble Consort Zhao looked at his expression with satisfaction. She knew her son would be pleased.


    "Your servant, Shen Shuyi, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo''s Mansion, pays her respects to the Crown Prince." Shen Shuyi performed the ceremony in a proper manner, her eyes lowered. Her appearance bore a five - point resemblance to Shang Ruoyi.


    "Rise."


    "Thank you, Your Highness." Shen Shuyi raised her eyes to look at He Lingsheng. The shrewdness and calculation in her eyes fell into He Lingsheng''s sight, making his brows furrow.


    Her eyes were not like this.


    He Lingsheng withdrew his gaze with a bit of disappointment and sat down next to Noble Consort Zhao.


    Noble Consort Zhao looked at him. "Sheng''er, do you have something to talk about today?"


    Seeing that the mother and son had something to say, Shen Shuyi got up to take her leave. "Noble Consort, my grandfather and father are about to return. There are many things to take care of in the mansion. Your servant will take her leave first."


    "It''s really not easy for you to manage the huge Duke of Zhenguo''s Mansion. Hurry back!" Noble Consort Zhao waved her hand, and Bixi came over with a box. "Look, girl."


    Inside the box was an east pearl the size of a thumb. One should know that east pearls were not something anyone could wear, especially such a large and high - quality one. Basically, only the empresses and concubines in the palace could wear them. When Shen Shuyi saw the east pearl, her heart skipped a beat with joy, but she didn''t show it on her face. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your love, but this east pearl is too precious. Your servant really can''t accept it."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it."It''s just a pearl. How can it be so precious? I think you are even more dazzling than this east pearl. Take it!"


    "Since the elder bestows, one cannot decline. If I decline again, it will seem that I''m not well - behaved. Then, your servant thanks the empress for your kindness."


    After Shen Shuyi left, Noble Consort Zhao said to He Lingsheng, "What do you think of the legitimate daughter of the Shen family?"


    He Lingsheng was shocked. So his mother knew all about his little thoughts.


    "As long as mother thinks it''s good. Of course, I''ll follow mother''s decision in these matters."


    Noble Consort Zhao nodded and smiled with satisfaction. "Sheng''er has been sensible since childhood. Mother is very gratified. Is there anything else?"


    He Lingsheng shook his head. "I just came to visit mother today."


    After that, Noble Consort Zhao kept him for lunch and he didn''t leave until it was time for her to take a nap. After He Lingsheng left, Bixi told her everything about the Eastern Palace in detail.


    "Your Majesty, His Highness was very unhappy when he learned that you intervened in this matter. According to the servants in the Eastern Palace, he was very angry when he left."


    "Humph, angry?" Noble Consort Zhao sneered. "Without me, could he sit firmly on the position of the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace? Everything I do today is for him. When he ascends the throne, he will understand my hardships." She took off the hairpins on her head and said with a smile, "I really like that Shen Shuyi. Her manners are proper, neither humble nor arrogant. She is a suitable candidate for the Crown Princess."


    "Your Majesty has a discerning eye. The one you choose must be the best."


    Noble Consort Zhao lay down on the couch contentedly. Now she was just waiting for an excuse to let the emperor issue an imperial edict.


    Shen Shuyi returned to the mansion and told her personal maid, Furong, to put away the east pearl bestowed by Noble Consort Zhao.


    "Miss, that''s an east pearl! Only in the palace can one find such a good one."


    Shen Shuyi sneered. "It''s just a pearl. What can''t I get if I want it?"


    "Yes, yes. Even if the miss wants the stars and the moon, the master will pick them for the miss." Furong smiled.


    Shen Shuyi looked at her beautiful face in the bronze mirror, and the image of a handsome young man couldn''t help but appear in front of her eyes. Yes, she could get even the stars and the moon, but that person wouldn''t even look at her directly.


    Since he didn''t like her and married someone else, she would become the most noble woman in the world. Then, he would surely regret it.


    The man whom Shen Shuyi both loved and hated was chewing on a dry coarse - grain cake in the exile site at this time.


    He Jingheng looked at the coarse - grain cake in his hand, then at the others on the table who were eating meat and vegetables, and smiled helplessly.


    He Yunyi whispered, "Well, sister - in - law, did you vent your anger?"


    Shang Ruoyi looked at her with a mix of amusement and annoyance and nodded randomly. "Yes, I did."


    Hearing this, Qin secretly let out a sigh of relief. "Good girl, it''s good that you''re not angry anymore. If Jingheng makes you angry in the future, come to us. Mother will stand up for you. Don''t mention divorce again."


    Shang Ruoyi nodded reluctantly.


    She never expected that when she said the word "divorce" at the end, He Yunyi would hear it. What''s more, the two of them kept asking questions all night, insisting on knowing why she wanted a divorce, whether she disliked He Jingheng''s leg.


    Shang Ruoyi had no choice but to say that he had made her angry, and she was so angry that she didn''t want to live with him anymore. The two of them took turns to persuade her for a whole day. Shang Ruoyi was really annoyed by this mother - daughter pair and promised not to divorce.


    He Jingheng saw her nod and a triumphant smile curled up on his lips.