Chapter 389: Aren’t We Close Enough?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The shopkeeper stepped back, and soon, the servers brought all the dishes.

Looking at the delicious dishes on the table, the group licked their lips. “Let’s eat first and ignore them. We can only think about things after having a full stomach.”

Giving a signal to the others, Qiao Mai picked up her chopsticks and started eating, taking out a jar of good wine.

The waiter posted outside the door left after realizing there was nothing to hear.

“A teahouse? How about listening to music for a while?”

“Sure.”

Upon entering the teahouse, it was quiet. A melodious tune wafted through the air, captivating the patrons who made no sound.

The waiter led the four to a quiet table in the hall. Yuan Jiaqi quietly ordered some tea.

They sat down, drank tea, nibbled on melon seeds, and listened to the music.

“The tune is decent, but not as pleasing as the one played by my Rui’er at home.”

The empress blushed, teasing him. “The tune is still good. It’s not worse than the one I play.”

“In-law?

Qiao Mai closed her eyes, appearing enchanted, but Yuan Jiaqi knew something was on his wife’s mind.

“Don’t disturb her. Maybe she has many people watching us in this teahouse, or perhaps she is thinking about something.”

“Alright!”

After a while, Qiao Mai opened her eyes and sighed softly.

“In-law, it seems we may have trouble.”

“What trouble?”

“The officials knew when we left the capital. Those who had designs on your throne might come after you.”

“Even if they kill me, Xuan’er is the Crown Prince. He is the natural successor.”

“It’s hard to say.”

“How many people came this time?”

“They are determined. They want to kill you and the empress in Suzhou. They must deal with you first and get the military token to have a chance in the capital.”

“Haha, I’m not afraid. I am with you two and Blackie.”

“I like hearing that. There’s no need to fear in the capital. Flame can handle it. Besides, we have a few little ones at home, and Tianshui Town is protected. I’ve arranged everything. Let them come; whoever comes will die.”

“Why are you trying to scare me?”

“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t know how many times you’ve died.”

“We are relatives. Aren’t we close enough?”

Yuan Tiaai also glared at the emperor. “This is my wife. What are you saving?”

“Haha, you are a slave to your wife.”

“That’s fine. I eat well, live well, hold an official position, and am protected by my wife. Some people are jealous but still say sarcastic things.”

“It’s not us.”

After listening to the music for an hour, they retraced their steps to the inn and prepared to rest. They had eaten too much at noon, so they didn’t plan to eat dinner. They gave some instructions and went to rest.

Qiao Mai woke up and found that nothing had happened overnight. It seemed that the other party was still patient.

Do they not plan to do anything in the city? She took out the map.

Yuan Jiaqi stood beside her, looking at Qiao Mai, who pointed to a place. “When we leave Suzhou, we will pass through here. There are woods on both sides of this road and mountains behind. It’s the easiest place to take action.”

“It seems they don’t have much confidence in Suzhou.”

“After all, there are too many people here.”

“The emperor and empress plan to take a sightseeing carriage out. Are we going with them?”

“No, I’m tired. How about you take Blackie and follow them?” “No, I’ll accompany you. I won’t disturb them.”

Qiao Mai looked at Yuan Jiaqi seriously. “Don’t you feel bored?”

“Not at all. My wife is like a book. Even if I stay by your side, I find endless joy.”

“When we return to Tianshui Town, you’ll manage the business, and I might go into seclusion for several years.”

“Even if it’s until the end of time, I’m willing to wait.”

Qiao Mai lightly pinched his face. “You’ve never let me down. You’re a good man.”

“You’re also a good woman. I’ve accumulated countless lifetimes of luck to marry you.”

“Cheeky! ”

“Haha.”

Several days flew by peacefully, and the weather was good. The sunlight was not too intense, making it an excellent time for sightseeing.

Outside the city, there was a famous lake not far away. After discussing, they decided to take everyone to the lake for a visit and let the servants and guards enjoy it.

They bought many ingredients and planned to cook on the spot.

Blackie was in high spirits, sitting opposite the emperor. The emperor was feeding him jerky and dried fish, and he was enjoying it.

The empress and Qiao Mai each bit into a fruit, looking out the window. Yuan Jiaqi was reading a book.

Yubao rode a horse on the side, following along. Guards were on both sides of the carriage, guarding it. The large group was eye-catching.

This incident alarmed the magistrate of Suzhou, and he quickly led people to follow.

Because the sightseeing carriage had no windows, people outside could see everything. When the magistrate saw the emperor, beads of sweat immediately appeared on his forehead.

He recognized the emperor and Yubao beside him.

However, he didn’t dare to approach recklessly. He had been following from a distance all along. Yubao looked back.

“Your Majesty, someone is following us. It seems to be the eldest son of the Gao family.” “The eldest son of the Gao family?”

“Yes.”

“Let him come over. He must have recognized us by now.”

Yubao turned his horse and went to the eldest son of the Gao family. “Mr. Huang is calling you over for a talk. Remember, he is now Mr. Huang.”

“I understand.”

Magistrate Gao came to the sightseeing carriage. “Greetings, Mr. Huang.” “You’ve been following us all the way. Is there something on your mind?”

“I want to accompany Mr. Huang to tour the lake and discuss the matters of

Suzhou.”

“Hmm.”

When he saw the other three, Magistrate Gao respectfully saluted, “Greetings to the empress, Mr. Yuan, and Madam Qiao.”

“No need to be polite. You can walk while talking.”

“Ah, I’m helpless. I’ve thought of many ways to help Suzhou. Mr. Huang, can you transfer the general guarding outside Suzhou City? Give me someone who has no grudges with my Gao family?”

“I have dispatched the Golden Dragon Guard to investigate. If it is true, we will raid his home and exile his family no matter who the general is. Whoever dares to put family matters before state affairs will not be spared.”

Hearing this, Magistrate Gao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s good. There are two forces in the city. One group seems to collect protection money, but someone is behind them. I tried to arrest them, but they disappeared as soon as they were caught. The other group hid in a corner of the city. I heard they work as enforcers for restaurants, brothels, and gambling houses. Each of them is highly skilled and often commits crimes in the middle of the night. They even threatened my family before.”

“Have you submitted a report?”

“Yes, but it’s like a stone sinking into the sea.”

“Don’t worry. Since I’m here, this matter will be resolved.”

Magistrate Gao finally breathed a sigh of relief when he heard these words. The worry on his face was reduced.

He followed the group to the lakeside and became their guide.

“Mr. Huang, this lake is called Lovesick Tears Lake. Legend has it that a fairy fell in love with a man in the mortal realm. The two secretly lived here. Later, when the Heavenly Emperor found out, he killed the man, and the fairy was imprisoned in the heavenly realm. She washed her face with tears daily, forming this lake.”

“There’s still a myth?”

“I have tasted the water here. It’s salty like human tears.”

“Are the fish and shrimp in there also salty?”

“I don’t know why, but there are no fish or shrimp in it. People don’t use this water to irrigate the fields either. Once they use it, the crops wither.”

Qiao Mai snorted, “It’s because of the salinity of the water. There’s no need to doubt it.”

The guards found a spacious place and stopped. Qiao Mai and the others also walked over from the carriage.

Turning around, they saw an endless lake. The sky and the lake were incredibly blue, and a few boats were drifting on the lake..