Ye Li looked at her with furrowed brows and asked softly, “Miss Dong Fang, these days, have you thought about Lady Dong?” Dong Fangyou trembled slightly, her face suddenly turning pale.

Yun Ge was brought to the Chu manor by Prince Ding’s people – she had come at Xu Qingchen’s request to see Ye Li. However, Xu Qingchen had specifically told her not to enter through the front gate where she might be seen. So little Yun Ge had tried to climb over the wall into the b# Chapter 373: The Mountain Girl Yun Ge.

The Chu family was indeed a prominent house of Great Chu, but unfortunately, Ye Li wasn’t a member of the Chu family. Moreover, with Yunzhou, the Chu family’s stronghold, still under Lei Zhenting’s control, why would the Chu family give money to Mo Jingli for military expenses to fight Prince Ding’s manor? Given the relationship between the Chu and Xu families, it might make more sense for Prince Ding’s manor to raise funds to fight Mo Jingli instead.

Yao Ji helplessly pushed the invitation in her hand into Ye Li’s, saying, “I didn’t want to bring such an absurd matter to you either. But the Regent King gave this task to the Marquis of Muyang’s manor, and since our lady marchioness has been in a foul mood lately, I had to come personally. It’s also a good chance to ask about Young Master Qingchen – it’s not easy for me to enter your manor openly.”

Ye Li smiled as she looked at the invitation in her hand, saying calmly, “It seems Mo Jingli truly places great trust in the Marquis of Muyang’s manor.”

Yao Ji twisted her lips. “Someone like the old Marquis of Muyang knows how to follow the wind. After Mo Jingqi’s death, the Marquis’s manor immediately sided with Mo Jingli. Although there was some past friction between the manor and King Li, the Marquis has helped King Li considerably these past two years. Besides, now that he’s voluntarily retired and passed the title to Mu Yang, Mo Jingli needs to show some appreciation – otherwise, how would Mo Jingqi’s old officials be appeased?”

Ye Li pondered this and nodded, lightly tapping the invitation in her hand. “I understand. Go back and tell the Marquis that Chu Junwei will attend the banquet on time.”

Yao Ji looked at her curiously. “You’re not planning to help Mo Jingli raise military funds, are you?”

Ye Li just smiled without answering, instead asking, “I’m rather curious – how could Mo Jingli be short of money? These past few years, Great Chu hasn’t suffered any disasters or engaged in foreign wars. When Mo Jingli moved south a few years ago, he emptied Great Chu’s treasury.” Of course, eight or nine-tenths of that money had gone into Mo Jingli’s private coffers – Ye Li had once thought Mo Jingli might be one of the wealthiest people in the world.

Yao Ji shrugged. “I wouldn’t know about that, but the Great Chu treasury probably didn’t have much money to begin with. Didn’t they fight several wars in those years?” Most tragically, they lost every battle, eventually even losing the capital. “Besides, even if Mo Jingli has money, he might not be willing to use it for military expenses.”

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. “I wouldn’t have guessed Mo Jingli had such miserly tendencies.” Speaking of which, among the princes and nobles of various states, Prince Ding’s manor had the greatest power, but Prince Ding and his princess weren’t particularly wealthy themselves. The manor’s assets were certainly countless, but since neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao had any inclination toward hoarding wealth, their private coffers combined probably held no more than forty or fifty thousand taels of silver. It seemed like a lot, but compared to other wealthy nobles and princes, it was rather modest.

Yao Ji didn’t stay long, rising with a smile. “Now that I’ve delivered the invitation, I’ll take my leave.”

Ye Li knew that many matters at the Marquis of Muyang’s manor were now handled by Yao Ji. She smiled faintly. “Take care.”

Outside Nanjing, dozens of li away in a deep mountain, several humble thatched cottages nestled among the mountains and waters, almost merging with the trees and flowers. If one didn’t come close, they wouldn’t notice that someone lived in this rarely visited place. In front of the cottages were small medicinal gardens growing many commonly used herbs. Although it was early winter and many herbs had withered, making the garden look sparse, those that remained were well-tended, the entire garden neat and orderly.

Inside the cottage, a strikingly handsome young man reclined by the window on a bed, casually leafing through an ancient text. With a faint smile on his lips, he looked like an immortal from beyond this world – who else could it be but Young Master Qingchen, whom the Mo family army had searched for throughout Nanjing without success?

After reading for a while, Young Master Qingchen looked up and glanced outside, his smile becoming somewhat helpless. A dull pain in his chest forced him to temporarily abandon his desire to get up and walk around. Who would have thought that the graceful, heaven-blessed Young Master Qingchen would find himself in such an unfortunate predicament?

Light footsteps sounded outside, and a girl in plain clothes entered carrying a bamboo basket full of herbs. Seeing the person leaning against the bed, she quickly put down the basket and came forward to inquire, “Xu Qingchen, why are you sitting up? Are you feeling better?” The girl appeared only fifteen or sixteen, her beautiful hair casually tied with a thin string similar to the material of her clothes, wearing a light green rough cotton dress. This attire was even simpler than that of ordinary country girls. But such crude dress couldn’t hide the girl’s beauty – her pink lips were naturally rouge-like, her nose delicate, and her eyes clear and penetrating as if they could see into one’s heart. Though young, she already showed signs of extraordinary beauty. However, at this moment, this lovable girl was frowning with worry, looking guiltily at Xu Qingchen on the bed. “Xu Qingchen… are you feeling better? It’s all my fault…”

Xu Qingchen helplessly looked at the girl who seemed about to cry, gently comforting her, “How could it be your fault? If anything, you saved me.”

“But… if I hadn’t insisted on taking you away, you wouldn’t have been hurt.” The girl said guiltily. She had merely been gathering herbs in the mountains when she heard beautiful zither music and followed it. Seeing a celestial-like person playing in the valley, she remembered the zither her late father had left her that she couldn’t play, so she had sneaked down to ask for instruction. Then, upon hearing that this divine-like young master was being held there, she had become determined to rescue him. She hadn’t expected that an accident underwater would cause him serious injury. Had she known this would happen, she wouldn’t have taken him away – after all, those people seemed to treat him well.

“That wouldn’t do – I’d rather be injured than stay in that place. So, I still need to thank you. Besides, aren’t you already treating my injuries?” Xu Qingchen smiled gently. Although he was certain Prince Ding’s manor’s people would come to rescue him, he didn’t know when. Sometimes, even a slight delay could lead to disaster. In his decades of traveling, Xu Qingchen had always remained safe, not only because of his wide connections but also because he was excellent at reading situations. Rather than meet that somewhat crazy woman Dong Fangyou, he’d prefer to suffer some injury and escape first. He couldn’t help but regret, for the first time in his life, his lack of martial arts skills.

The girl nodded repeatedly, her bright face immediately blooming into a smile. “Yes, yes, I’ll heal you quickly. My medical skills are very good – the doctors in the city all say my medicines work well. Xu Qingchen, I bought some good medicine from the city and just finished preparing it. Please take it.” The girl took out a small wooden bottle and presented it to him like a treasure, blinking her big eyes as she watched him expectantly.

Xu Qingchen smiled helplessly, reached out to take the bottle, and opened it. The small bottle immediately released a delightful fragrance. He took out a milky-white pill and let it dissolve in his mouth. In moments, he felt the discomfort throughout his body decrease significantly. There were only five pills in the small bottle, and though Xu Qingchen wasn’t particularly a medicine expert, he had enough knowledge to realize that the ingredients for these few pills must have been quite expensive.

The girl always felt guilty about causing Xu Qingchen’s injury. In truth, if one counted carefully, Xu Qingchen owed her far more. Originally, the girl had only wanted to learn the zither, or perhaps she was lonely living alone in the mountains and wanted someone to talk to. The girl thought she had meddled by trying to rescue Xu Qingchen, but, if not for some deliberate words from Xu Qingchen, how could this child who had barely grown up have thought of such things? Though the injury was indeed unexpected for Xu Qingchen, the girl before him had been caring for him attentively, focused solely on healing him quickly. During these days together, Xu Qingchen had learned that this girl had lived in these mountains with her father since childhood, and after her father’s death three years ago, she had lived alone. She only occasionally went to the city to sell her homegrown herbs and simple medicinal pills in exchange for daily necessities. This time, to treat Xu Qingchen’s injuries, the girl had used up all the silver her father had saved over many years while alive and had also ventured deep into the mountains to gather precious herbs that ordinary people wouldn’t know about to exchange for the needed medicines. Thus, every time he met the girl’s guilt-filled eyes, Xu Qingchen felt, for the first time in his life, that he was truly being somewhat of a scoundrel.

“Yun Ge, come sit down,” Xu Qingchen beckoned to the girl.

The girl called Yun Ge blinked and obediently sat down on a stool not far from Xu Qingchen’s bed. Xu Qingchen asked softly, “Yun Ge, you went into the city today. Did anything happen there?”

Yun Ge blinked. “I heard people in the city say there’s going to be a war.”

“A war?” Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. Great Chu was now south of the Yunlan River, with Lei Zhenting of Western Ling being their only opponent. But by rights, Lei Zhenting shouldn’t be engaging in warfare with Great Chu now. “Against whom?”

Yun Ge pouted. “Against the Mo family army. My father said the Mo family army are good people. King Li wants to fight them – King Li is bad.” Hearing this, Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. “Why did your father say Prince Ding’s people were good?”

Yun Ge thought for a moment. “My father said Prince Ding’s manor was devoted to the country, loyal and righteous, but unfortunately their great achievements made them a threat to their ruler, who lacked tolerance, leading to Prince Ding’s untimely death. My father said everyone in Prince Ding’s manor is good people.” As she spoke, she nodded firmly to show her agreement.

Only then did Xu Qingchen understand – Yun Ge’s father must have been referring to the previous Prince Ding, Mo Liufang or Mo Xiuwen. However, he wondered about the identity of this deceased recluse – to have taught Yun Ge such profound medical skills and martial arts, he couldn’t have been an ordinary person. “Alright, Prince Ding was good. Any other news? Did you notice any activity at the Chu manor in the city as I asked?”

Yun Ge nodded. “I watched for a long time. People were constantly coming and going. But there were many skilled fighters in the manor, so I didn’t dare get too close. Though I did see a handsome young man in white robes, and later a beautiful lady went in.”

“A young man in white robes…” Xu Qingchen mused thoughtfully. “Could Li’er have come personally?”

Yun Ge looked at him puzzled. “Do you want to find that person in white? I can help you look tomorrow. Also, many people are searching for something in the nearby mountains. I almost got discovered on my way back. I went to that valley today – there’s no one there anymore. But don’t worry, nobody can find this place, you don’t need to be afraid.”

Xu Qingchen felt somewhat helpless – he worried that this place was too well-hidden, not only would others not find it, but even the people Li’er sent to search for him wouldn’t be able to find it either. But this was also good – he couldn’t move for now anyway, and everyone being unable to find him was better than being found by enemies.

“Xu Qingchen, will you teach me to play the zither?” Yun Ge asked softly, looking at him.

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Of course, didn’t I promise you before? Once my injuries heal, I’ll teach you.”

Yun Ge looked at him. “But when you’re healed, won’t you leave? Why don’t you watch me play now? I learned a little before. It’s my fault – when father was teaching me, I didn’t study properly, and then father… and no one was left to teach me.” Seeing the hope and melancholy in the young girl’s eyes, Xu Qingchen’s heart skipped a beat. He smiled gently and asked, “Why does Yun Ge want to learn the zither?”

“The sound is beautiful, I can play for myself to listen,” Yun Ge said with a smile.

Xu Qingchen sighed slightly. Yun Ge’s father had perhaps been too trusting. When he passed away, Yun Ge was only twelve or thirteen – even with martial arts skills, living alone in these deep mountains must be too lonely. However, given this little girl’s beauty and nature, without close relatives watching over her, perhaps living in this uninhabited place was safer.

Yet, this little girl had lived here for years without thinking of leaving. She only went to the city once a month to exchange for daily necessities. These years, she had followed her father’s dying instructions, only taking common herbs and medicines to sell. Otherwise, with her medical skills, she would likely have become famous long ago.

After pondering for a moment, Xu Qingchen asked, “Yun Ge, don’t you plan to leave this place?”

Yun Ge looked at him bewildered. “Why should I leave? Father said there are many bad people outside.” Even someone as handsome as Xu Qingchen had been captured – if she went out, she would surely be captured by bad people too. When her father had just passed away and Yun Ge first went to the city alone, she encountered several attempts at robbery and assault, fortunately, her martial arts were good enough to easily deal with such people. Afterward, Yun Ge learned to conceal her appearance when entering the city, but if she left here, she couldn’t smear ash on her face every day, could she? Though raised in the wilderness, the love of beauty was natural to girls, and Yun Ge didn’t want to be dirty all the time.

Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but raise his hand to tap her forehead, but accidentally pulled at his wound and frowned in pain. Yun Ge quickly jumped up and pushed him back down. “Don’t move around, your injury hasn’t healed yet.”

Xu Qingchen looked at her. “A young lady living alone in these deep mountains isn’t a long-term solution. Why don’t you come with me to Li City?”

Yun Ge was stunned for a moment, but still shook her head. “I can’t. Father told me to stay here, saying someone would come for me later.”

“Come for you? Who? Did your father say when they would come?” Xu Qingchen suddenly understood. Yun Ge’s father certainly wouldn’t have failed to consider his daughter’s future, but after three years without news, would the person honor their promise to come?

Yun Ge thought for a moment, saying confusedly, “Father wrote a letter for me to send. He said someone would come for me after that. But no one has come yet.”

What a silly girl – three years after sending the letter and still no one had come. Either the letter hadn’t been received, or the recipient had no intention of coming. Xu Qingchen smiled gently. “How about this – you come back with me, and we’ll leave a letter here. If someone comes for you, they can find you in Li City. After I return, I’ll also have people watch if anyone comes here. Besides, didn’t you say my internal injuries would take a long time to heal? You could help treat me there, wouldn’t that be good?”

Yun Ge looked at him troubled. She wanted to leave with Xu Qingchen. Although she wasn’t particularly fond of crowds, after these days of having Xu Qingchen to talk with, she felt somewhat sad thinking about being alone again. But father had instructed her to wait here for someone, and she couldn’t disobey.

Seeing her hesitation, Xu Qingchen’s eyes flickered. He smiled, “Well, do you remember the address where you sent the letter? I can have people help you find them. Perhaps they didn’t receive the letter – wouldn’t you be waiting here your whole life then?”

After thinking for a long time, Yun Ge finally nodded and gave an address. Upon hearing it, Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. Seeing his expression change, Yun Ge worried, “Xu Qingchen, what’s wrong?”

Xu Qingchen asked, “Is your surname Mu?”

“Ah? No, it’s not Mu. My father’s surname is Shen,” Yun Ge said puzzled, wondering if she hadn’t told Xu Qingchen her surname. Thinking about it, she indeed had forgotten to tell him she was surnamed Shen. When one lives alone for too long, perhaps things like surnames and given names become less important.

“Then what’s your mother’s surname?” Xu Qingchen asked.

Yun Ge said, “Father said my mother’s surname was Li.”

Xu Qingchen nodded. “I know who your father was trying to find. I can take you there – come with me once my injuries heal.” Yun Ge’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

Xu Qingchen smiled and nodded, looking at the joyful young girl before him and sighing inwardly – she was just a lonely child after all.

At the Chu Manor

“Your Highness, the servants reported that a girl was spying outside earlier,” Wei Lin came to report.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly. “A girl?”

Wei Lin nodded. “The girl had good martial arts skills, but little experience. She watched outside the manor for most of the day before leaving.” Ye Li smiled with interest – neither Cangmang Mountain nor Mo Jingli would send an inexperienced young girl to spy on the Chu manor. “Did you see what she looked like?”

“She seemed fifteen or sixteen, but we couldn’t see her features. Also, the people who followed her out of the city have returned.”

Ye Li smiled. “Lost her?”

Wei Lin nodded shamefully, feeling that the secret guards had become increasingly incompetent lately. First losing Young Master Qingchen, and now letting a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl slip away. It was a complete disgrace to the Qilin unit.

Ye Li smiled. “It’s alright, don’t be too hard on them. By rights… they wouldn’t lose track of an inexperienced young girl. Have people look carefully around where the girl disappeared. Also, keep that area well watched – that little girl will certainly come back.” Wei Lin nodded. “Yes, thank you for your mercy, Your Highness.”

Ye Li shook her head. “Though I say this, I think the Qilin unit needs to learn some new skills.”

“Yes, we’ll follow Your Highness’s instructions.”

Ye Li smiled. “We’ll discuss that later. Do you think… this young girl might be connected to my brother?”

Wei Lin thought for a moment before saying, “It’s quite possible. Even Mo Jingli hasn’t noticed anything unusual about the Chu manor, so why would this girl specifically come to watch it? And she appeared near where Young Master Qingchen disappeared. Perhaps this girl was the one who rescued Young Master Qingchen. But… if Young Master Qingchen was rescued, why hasn’t he returned?”

Ye Li frowned. “My brother… likely suffered serious injuries. Don’t worry, since he knows we’re here, we should have news soon.”

“Yes. I will have people watch that area. King Li’s searches are strict today, and soon we’ll have to attend Mo Jingli’s banquet. Your Highness should not leave the city personally.” Wei Lin said. Ye Li nodded and sighed lightly. “That’s all we can do.”

Indeed, the next day at noon, Ye Li saw the young girl Wei Lin had mentioned. She couldn’t help but be amused – it was a little girl. She looked not quite sixteen, and most importantly, those crystal-clear eyes made even someone like Ye Li feel ashamed.

Yun Ge was brought into the Chu manor by Prince Ding’s people – she had come at Xu Qingchen’s request to see Ye Li. However, Xu Qingchen had specifically told her not to enter through the front gate where she might be seen. So little Yun Ge had tried to sneak around to the back courtyard to climb over the wall. What she didn’t know was that the back courtyard had far more guards than the front gate, and she was predictably caught.

Yun Ge looked at Ye Li curiously and asked, “Are you the Li’er that Xu Qingchen mentioned?”

Ye Li smiled gently and nodded. “That’s right, I’m Li’er. And who might you be, little miss?”

Yun Ge smiled. “I’m Shen Yun Ge, I’m Xu Qingchen’s friend. You’re very beautiful, but… why are you dressed as a man?” Ye Li was somewhat surprised. “You can tell I’m a woman – did my brother tell you, or did you figure it out yourself?” Ye Li was confident in her disguise; no one had seen through it before, certainly not an innocent young girl like this.

“I’m a doctor,” Shen Yun Ge said proudly. “Of course, I can tell. Men and women are very different.”

Ye Li smiled, realizing that medical expertise could vary greatly. At least one other person who claimed to be skilled in medicine hadn’t seen through her identity. Ye Li looked at the young girl before her and asked, “How is my brother?”

At this, Shen Yun Ge’s face fell immediately, looking distressed. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault… Xu Qingchen was seriously injured.”

“Don’t worry, I know you saved my brother. Tell me slowly what happened,” Ye Li said soothingly. Shen Yun Ge recounted in detail how she had met Xu Qingchen. Ye Li understood perfectly – perhaps Yun Ge hearing the zither music was coincidental, but everything after she managed to sneak into the valley to ask her brother for lessons was no accident. It would be too harsh to blame this little girl for what happened to her brother.

Even Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin standing behind Ye Li had strange expressions, secretly thinking: This must be karma for Young Master Qingchen deceiving an innocent girl.

Ye Li patted Yun Ge’s small hand and smiled. “How could this be your fault? I should thank you for saving my brother.”

Having prepared herself for a scolding, Ye Li’s gentle response made Yun Ge somewhat uncomfortable. She asked in a small voice, “Li… um, you’re not angry with me?” Ye Li smiled. “No need to be so formal. I’m a few years older than you, just call me Sister Li’er. It wasn’t your fault, how could I blame you? Besides, for a young girl to bring my brother up from underwater – some bumps and bruises were inevitable.” Ye Li was truly amazed at how such a small girl had managed to drag an unconscious grown man through underwater passages. Even a strong man would have found it difficult. So, the internal injuries were quite minor – it was fortunate he hadn’t hit his head.

Yun Ge’s eyes brightened. Growing up, she had only known her father and mother and had always envied others who had sisters when she saw them in the village. “Sister Li’er.”

“Good girl…” Ye Li fondly patted her head and smiled. “How are my brother’s injuries now?”

Yun Ge said, “He’ll be able to move freely in a few more days. But he shouldn’t move much these days. Um… I’ve told you everything Xu Qingchen asked me to say. I should go back now, or he’ll be hungry.” Ye Li smiled and nodded. “In that case, I’ll trouble you to look after my brother. When his injuries are better in a few days, shall I send people to get him?”

Yun Ge shook her head, smiling brightly. “It’s no trouble. Xu Qingchen talks with me, it’s nice.”

“That’s good then. Wei Lin escorts Miss Yun Ge out of the city. Also, send along any medicines my brother might need.” Ye Li instructed. Wei Lin responded, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Watching Wei Lin lead Yun Ge out, Ye Li couldn’t help but say softly, “What an interesting young girl, isn’t she?”

Zhuo Jing nodded. “Who would have thought the person who took Young Master Qingchen would be such a delicate and lovely young girl? Most importantly, her nature is remarkably pure and clear.” Most importantly, who would have expected to find such a beautiful young girl in such a remote place? Young Master Qingchen was truly blessed…

“Why doesn’t Your Highness send people to care for Young Master Qingchen?” Zhuo Jing asked with a smile.

Ye Li said calmly, “Since Miss Yun Ge has taken such good care of my brother these many days, letting her continue for a few more days is fine. What?”

Zhuo Jing raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Your Highness means…?”

Ye Li waved her hand and stood up. “I don’t mean anything. My brother has been tired these past few years. Since he has this rare opportunity, let him rest and recover properly.” That little girl’s nature was pure and simple, without the affected manners of typical young ladies. For her brother to trust her enough to send her to the Chu manor showed his faith in her, so let things be.

“Your Highness is right.”

Yun Ge was escorted by Prince Ding’s guards to near her home before returning alone. As soon as she entered, Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow at the girl almost buried under various boxes and smiled. “Since when did you enjoy shopping?”

Yun Ge wiped the sweat from her face, puffing her cheeks. “I didn’t buy these, Sister Li’er gave them to me.”

Xu Qingchen looked at her amused – calling her Sister Li’er after just one meeting, truly a girl without any guard.

Yun Ge busied herself arranging various items on the table, muttering softly, “Xu Qingchen, you’re such a young master – just for a few days of care, you need so many things prepared. Fortunately, the guard brothers helped carry everything up the mountain, or I couldn’t have brought it all back myself.” Looking through everything, there was indeed quite a lot. Besides various medicines and tonics needed for Xu Qingchen’s recovery, there were books for entertainment and three or four sets of clothes. Even matching jade pendants and accessories had been prepared.

Xu Qingchen glanced around and pointed to a box nearby. “Open that one and take a look.”

Yun Ge looked curiously. “This one?” Opening it, she found an exquisite woman’s dress in egg yellow. Yun Ge didn’t know, but Xu Qingchen recognized from the box alone that it was from the most famous silk shop in Nanjing. Xu Qingchen smiled. “That’s a gift from Li’er to you. You should try it on.”

“For me?” Yun Ge was puzzled, blinking at the beautifully embroidered egg-yellow garment in the box. She was used to wearing simple cotton clothes, and though she had seen many girls in the city wearing beautiful clothes, she had never envied them. Clothes were just for keeping warm. But now, looking at the bright garment, then at Xu Qingchen in his white robes smiling at her, Yun Ge suddenly felt ashamed of her unkempt appearance. She grabbed the box and hurried out.

Xu Qingchen smiled watching the little girl’s figure disappear through the doorway, shaking his head with amusement. Teasing children was indeed quite entertaining, and he found himself looking forward to seeing how Yun Ge would look properly dressed up.

As for Li’er not wanting him involved in Nanjing’s affairs, he would let things take their course. Besides, with injuries that prevented him from even getting up, he would only be a hindrance if he returned. Surely Mo Jingli alone couldn’t stop Li’er.

In his good mood, the content Young Master Qingchen completely forgot that in a military camp in the north, a certain man was anxiously awaiting his wife’s return, gnashing his teeth, “Xu Qingchen, you’d better not die before returning to us! Making A’Li travel to Jiangnan to find you – I’ll make you serve Prince Ding’s manor like an ox or horse into your next life!”