Chapter 373 - Chapter 373: This Dog Is Agile
Chapter 373: This Dog Is Agile
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yuan Jiaqi carried the basket. Qiao Mai gently patted the little girl’s head, smiled, and then turned around and went back to the inn with her husband. Using a large basin, Qiao Mai picked out the good fruits, cleaned them, and the two sat face to face eating.
“Poor children become mature early. These fruits are quite good.”
“Do you want to adopt her?”
“No. What about her grandmother at home if we do that?”
“I thought my wife had softened her heart.’
“I like hardworking, kind, and simple kids. I’m willing to give them some luck.” Yuan Jiaqi was taken aback, recalling her pat on the little girl’s head just now. “I see.”
As evening fell, the rain continued, but the emperor and empress took a nap and were in good spirits. Qiao Mai shared the fruits with them, and the rest went to the guards and servants.
It rained all night and cleared by dawn.
As they traveled south, the climate became hotter and more humid.
Fortunately, the carriages were dry, and Qiao Mai used symbols to keep them comfortable.
Only the horse-riding guards experienced the damp heat, but they didn’t utter a word of complaint.
To understand the local situation, the group didn’t travel directly south. Instead, they took a southwestern route, planning to travel by water to the north and then circle back to the capital by May or June.
The entourage moved slowly, stopping in each city to enjoy local delicacies and chat with the people.
Arriving at a town, they would explore nearby scenic spots indicated on the map.
Whenever they encountered beautiful places, they would set up camp there. With Qiao Mai’s guidance, they lacked nothing.
Sometimes, they would fish. The emperor, now enjoying his life, got hooked on fishing. Yuan Jiaqi joined him.
Qiao Mai and the empress, along with their people, cooked and rested, turning the caught fish into delicious meals.
On the carriage roof, Blackie was ignored. It didn’t fancy the uninspiring food without spiritual energy.
Observing humans enjoy their meals, it couldn’t help but salivate, attracting everyone’s attention.
At this moment, everyone just noticed that Qiao Mai came out with her pet.
Not only that, Dong Zhao and Dracaena also approached. Qiao Mai conjured spirit grass from her space for the two horses. She felt a bit of a headache with Blackie.
What does this arrogant creature want to eat? Everyone was watching Blackie.
“Want some grilled fish?”
“Master, let me catch one myself. Can you grill it for me?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Blackie swiftly plunged into the river and vanished. Watching from above, everyone was eagerly waiting.
In just two minutes, a black figure emerged from the water, holding a fish almost its size. Qiao Mai’s face turned dark.
Damn, this big? Does it want to get stuffed full?
Two guards hurried over. “We’ll take care of the fish.”
A fish weighing around ten kilograms was dealt with by the guards. Qiao Mai reluctantly got up and grilled the fish on a charcoal basin while seasoning it.
Given Blackie’s level, Qiao Mai sprinkled seasonings with spiritual energy.
The aroma filled the air, making Blackie salivate. Other people couldn’t help but drool.
Protective of its meal, Blackie glared at the humans, showing its teeth to warn them not to covet its food.
Holding a plate, Yuan Jiaqi fed his wife, glancing at Blackie with a hint of reproach. How could they serve the pet while it neglected its master?
After half an hour, Blackie picked up its food, leaped onto the carriage roof, and started eating. Everyone was amazed at its agility.
This dog is agile and adaptable, even more so than a cat.
Should they try to get closer to this dog? Rely on it for hunting rabbits?
Ten days after leaving the capital, they needed to take to the water. The roads were unsuitable, requiring them to navigate a series of formidable mountains.
After consulting with the emperor, Yubao began arranging boats. Five carriages disappeared into Qiao Mai’s space one night. She didn’t say anything, and no one dared to ask.
Leaving only necessary luggage outside, everyone rested for the night. The next day, they went to the pier, rented two boats, and set off for Liangzhou City.
The journey by boat would take more than ten days, but no one on the team suffered from seasickness. The rented boats were large and stable.
The four sat at the bow, looking at the mountains and rivers. The mood was relaxing, and they had encountered no unpleasant incidents.
It is peaceful and prosperous, with fewer thugs and hooligans around. The local officials seem to be working for the well-being of the people. They operate under the guise of a merchant caravan and do not disturb the local authorities.
The emperor bragged, “How is it? How does my empire look?”
“I’m afraid people have heard about your incognito visits, and they are keeping a low profile.”
“How is that possible? I dispatched the Golden Dragon Guards, sweeping from the south to the north, dealing with many people.”
“How many cities have you visited? We are just starting to enjoy ourselves.” “In-law, I’m not boasting, but there are not many wise rulers like me.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“We’ll see indeed.”
Qiao Mai waved to the boat captain, and a tall, sturdy man approached.
“Zhuang Tie greets everyone.”
“Captain Zhuang, the long journey can be boring. Can you tell us some interesting stories about Liangzhou?”
Zhuang Tie sat down without hesitation. Yuan Jiaqi poured him a cup of tea, and he took a sip.
“Good tea! I wonder what you all want to hear?”
“We are in the business and would like to know if there are any local bullies in Liangzhou. It’s good to be prepared.”
“Bullies? Every industry has its power on the docks; we, ship-runners, have to pay protection fees regularly. There are bullies on the streets. Doing business with them requires paying protection fees. As long as you don’t provoke them, it’s fine. They won’t push you to the limit.”
“Yeah, it’s the same in the capital.”
“Throughout history, officials protect each other, and the fees collected by bullies are handed over to the government. The emperor sent people to clean up once, but it didn’t work. The old ones disappeared, but new ones emerged.
Bullies can never be eliminated.”
Qiao Mai grinned and glanced at the awkward emperor.
“If we go to Liangzhou, what should we be cautious about?”
“After arriving, inquire about the situation before making any decisions. Don’t act recklessly. Be careful not to offend the wrong people or enter the wrong territory. Otherwise, you’ll have to pack up and leave.”
Qiao Mai nodded and continued, “Do you know the preferences of the magistrate of Liangzhou?”
“That guy…” Zhuang Tie looked at them thoughtfully.
Yuan Jiaqi took out a silver ingot from his sleeve. “Just tell us. We don’t want to take the wrong path.”
Zhuang Tie pocketed the silver with a smile. “That guy appears noble, but in reality, he has one wife and eight concubines, all beautiful. I heard he has connections in the capital, and his wife is related to the royal family. He likes money and women but never goes to the brothels. All his concubines are daughters of wealthy merchants.”
“All local merchants?”
“Yes, Liangzhou City is his domain. He is the local emperor there, and even officials from the capital have to be cautious.”
Yuan Jiaqi handed over another ten taels of silver. “Thanks for the information,
Captain. ”
Zhuang Tie took the silver, finished his tea in one gulp, stood up, and looked deeply at the four before walking away.
The emperor pursed his lips, frowned, and coldly snorted.
“If what he said is true, I will uproot that guy even if he has influential connections. ”
“Don’t get worked up. Let’s see how things unfold. Come, have some tea to calm your nerves.”
The emperor sighed. “Sometimes, people are two-faced. I’m not a deity..
In-law, once we’re in Liangzhou, don’t just stand by and watch, okay?”