Stay away from me!
Although she fell into the water, Jin Niang was considered a martial artist and her body was not weak. So when Duan Baiyue and Nan Moxie went to meet her, she had already got up and packed up, and was about to go to the kitchen to cook dinner for everyone.
“Sit down.” Nan Moxie said, “There are so many small restaurants outside, are you still afraid that without you, we men will starve to death.”
Duan Baiyue also said: “If you don’t feel well, go back to the inn and lie down. The sea water is bitingly cold.”
Jin Niang said: “I’m fine. Greetings to Your Highness.”
Duan Baiyue nodded: “Thank you for last night.”
Jin Niang said: “I fell into the ocean and Your Highness saved me. It’s my turn to thank you.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “I don’t know if you fell into the ocean on purpose, but I know that you were pretending to be unconscious so that the ship could turn back as soon as possible.”
Jin Niang said: “Because Your Highness doesn’t seem to want His Majesty to leave.”
Duan Baiyue sat at the stone table and asked, “I heard that you know about the Wilderness Cloud Summit?”
“It’s the name of an island.” Jin Niang said, “The island is full of black boulders. No vegetation grows on that island and there are occasional earthquakes, so it’s rarely visited by people. It’s just that at every sunset, the sun rays glowing in the sky will reflect the surrounding sea into a fire-like color. So, standing on the island feels like standing on top of the clouds.”
“Thats why it’s called Wilderness Cloud Summit?” Duan Baiyue asked, “Where is it located?”
“I don’t know where it is exactly. I only know that the time to set off from Wilderness Cloud Summit is in July and August. If the conditions to sail are smooth, one can reach Liulizhou in ten days.” Jin Niang said, “And in October and November, one can not sail at all because of the strong winds and dangerous ocean currents. Even the most sophisticated dark iron giant boats cannot sail through the stormy waves at that time.”
Duan Baiyue nodded slightly: “Thank you very much.”
“I overheard these words when I was serving tea. At that time, Chu Xiang was discussing with someone about which month should he choose, if he wanted to go to the Wilderness Cloud Summit regularly every year, and what kind of business can he do along the way. Liulizhou produces fine crystal cups, which is why he specifically mentioned it.” Jin Niang said, “But it seems that it didn’t work out, so I haven’t heard him mention Liulizhou again.”
Duan Baiyue said: “In July and August, it takes ten days to go from Wilderness Cloud Summit to Liulizhou. But in November, it is difficult to move ahead even an inch. Considering this, I can already calculate its approximate location. As for Liulizhou, Brother Sikong may have some business dealings there, so we can inquire with him about it first.”
Jin Niang said: “Your Highness is going to Wilderness Cloud Summit?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Yes. I want to find something there.”
Jin Niang looked worried: “Although no one lives there, there should be no heavy security on the island. But according to Chu Xiang’s cautious and suspicious nature, if there is really some treasure on the island, he will not keep it open for outsiders to roam around freely. He must have set-up some secret traps there.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “This king naturally knows. No matter what, thank you this time. If we really have to attack the Wilderness Cloud Summit in the future, maybe we’ll need your advice.”
Jin Niang nodded: “Of course!.”
In the market, Duan Yao and Chu Yuan sat by the stall. Both of them have ordered a bowl of noodle paste.
Chu Yuan took a sip, and felt that being sick was already uncomfortable enough, why does he have to force himself to eat this stuff.
Duan Yao felt that it was necessary for him to explain: “The noodle paste made by chefs in the Southwest Mansion is very delicious.” It’s not that my brother has a strange taste.
After a while, he added: “And after practicing the Bodhi Heart Sutra, my brother can’t taste anything anymore.”
Chu Yuan said “hmm” and said no more.
“Your Majesty, let’s go back.” Duan Yao said, “Like I said earlier, it will really rain today.”
There was faint thunder in the sky, and black clouds pressed down on the area. The small vendors by the sea were busy closing their stalls, and Chu Yuan took Duan Yao back to the courtyard.
Nan Moxie was sleeping soundly under the eaves.
“Master, Master.” Duan Yao shook him awake, “Why did you fall asleep on the ground.” He really doesn’t know how to be decent.
Nan Moxie yawned: “I was sleepy after studying the map of the South China Sea for a long time.”
“The map of the South China Sea?” Chu Yuan asked, “Why did Senior want to study it?”
Nan Moxie chuckled: “Naturally, it has something to do with the Wilderness Cloud Summit. Jin Niang happens to know a few things about it.”
“Seriously?” A light flashed in Chu Yuan’s eyes.
Nan Moxie said: “If we’re lucky, maybe we can really find Tianchensha this time.” I didn’t dare to say these three words before, fearing that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. But now all kinds of clues show that it seems that even the heavens are helping. Although Duan Baiyue has already practiced the Bodhi Heart Sutra, it only prevents the golden silkworm thread from reviving and devouring his blood vessels. His life is saved, but the dead poisonous worms are still entangled in his heart vessels, waiting for the next chance to come back to life. And once he gets Tianchensha, he can use his internal force to completely expel the golden silkworm thread, and then find a way to undo the poison generated by Bodhi Heart Sutra, which was used to subdue those worms. In a year and a half, his appearance will slowly recover. Until then……
“By that time, you will become the Empress!” In the study, Sikong Rui was holding Duan Baiyue’s shoulders with tears in his eyes, happy and excited.
Southwest King: “…”
“I never expected it.” Sikong Rui was filled with emotion, and then warned. “We have found Tianchensha now. If you keep avoiding the emperor, you won’t be able to justify it.”
Duan Baiyue said: “I haven’t found it yet.”
“You still have to wait for the rice to be cooked before you sell it for money1?” Sikong Rui had a headache.
Duan Baiyue sighed: “Although this statement is a bit disrespectful, I have never figured out why uncle Sikong was unwilling to hire a tutor for you when you were a child. Even if you couldn’t go to school, you should at least be able to get a tutor. You don’t even know how to speak properly.”
“What’s wrong with my analogy?” Sikong Rui said, “If it were me, even though the rice was still growing in the fields, I would first go to the merchant to negotiate its price, and get the deposit to lead a good life. Only then would I call myself worthy.”
Duan Baiyue said: “Are there any islands near Liulizhou where troops can be hidden?”
“Why are we discussing Liulizhou? We haven’t discussed the issue of food and rice completely yet. You have to listen to me this time.” Sikong Rui held his arm and said affectionately, “One day, you will be at the top of the harem—— “
Duan Baiyue raised his hand and hit his head.
Sikong Rui dodged and immediately kicked him over.
The two often fought like this when they were children. Normally, Duan Baiyue would have taken three steps back to avoid his kick. But coincidentally, Chu Yuan stretched out his hand and opened the door right at that moment.
Sikong Rui was startled. He quickly moved and spun in the air, and landed firmly on the ground.
Duan Yao asked: “Are you fighting again?”
“Of course not.” Sikong Rui immediately denied it, and said, “Brother Duan was so bored that I punched him to relieve his boredom.” Being so loyal, I am worthy of being rewarded with some brocade, gold and silver immediately by the emperor.
Duan Yao felt uneasy for a while.
Chu Yuan asked: “Where is the Wilderness Cloud Summit?”
Duan Baiyue reached out to get the map of the South China Sea on the table, but Sikong Rui beat him to it and offered it with both hands with a smile on his face.
Duan Baiyue: “…”
“Here?” Chu Yuan put the map on the table and pointed to a place circled by cinnabar.
“Yes.” Duan Baiyue nodded and couldn’t help but look up at him. But Chu Yuan kept looking at the map. His eyelashes are very long and his eyes are very bright.
Sikong Rui took one step back, two steps back, three steps back, and squeezed out the door.
Nan Moxie also carried the little apprentice out.
Duan Yao said: “Shouldn’t we have made an excuse to leave?”
“What excuse can we still make?” Nan Moxie closed the door for the two of them and said, “At this moment, you have to make excuses if you want to stay.”
Duan Yao suddenly realized: “Master is right.”
The two people in the room naturally heard these words, and Duan Baiyue was a little dumbfounded. Chu Yuan asked: “Are you sure?”
“Huh?” Duan Baiyue asked, “What?”
“The location of the Wilderness Cloud Summit.” Chu Yuan said, “The location of Tianchensha.”
“According to the clues given by Jin Niang, this place is indeed Wilderness Cloud Summit.” Duan Baiyue said, “But whether it is true or not, we need Sikong to check again. He has always had business dealing with Liulizhou. It will be easier to find more information.”
“Where is your army?” Chu Yuan asked again.
Duan Baiyue pointed at the map.
“Here?” Chu Yuan said, “How many people?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Five thousand.”
Chu Yuan frowned: “Is that enough?”
“Of course thats not enough to deal with Chu Xiang, but if this army is used only to deal with Wilderness Cloud Summit, it’s enough.” Duan Baiyue said, “These people are hard-core warriors. They are very skilled, and they are also masters in using poison.”
Chu Yuan said: “I don’t want this operation to go wrong again. Do you really don’t need the Chu Navy?”
Duan Baiyue said: “I don’t want to make mistakes, so don’t worry.”
Chu Yuan asked again: “What’s the plan?”
Duan Baiyue replied: “I plan to let Yao’er go and bring the Southwest Army here first. As for Brother Sikong, he will use this time to go to Liulizhou. If everything goes well, we should be able to reach the Wilderness Cloud Summit within two months and get the …Tianchensha.” At the end of the sentence, his voice became a little softer.
Chu Yuan only said: “Okay.”
Duan Baiyue kept looking at him.
Chu Yuan stood up and did not meet his eyes: “Now that the plan has been decided, I will go back first.”
Duan Baiyue said: “It’s raining.”
Chu Yuan said: “It’s just rain.”
Duan Baiyue moved his lips and said, “Have a good rest.”
Chu Yuan smiled, turned and went back to the bedroom.
Duan Yao wiped the rain off his face and turned to look at his master who was also wet and brother Sikong who was also wet.
“Is Brother Duan sick?” Sikong Rui found it difficult to understand. In this stormy and windy weather, who leaves their beloved alone? If a novel was written like this, it is certain that the bookseller would be go so poor that he would have to sell his pants in three days.
The young disciple and the master Nan Moxie dragged their steps, squatted on the roof and sighed.
If I had known this, I might as well have gone back and slept.
Two days later, Duan Yao left Lijing Kingdom by boat and traveled day and night to mobilize the Southwest Army. Sikong Rui also boarded a merchant ship and went to Liulizhou on the pretext of doing business – this time he did not take the washboard with him, but left it all in the courtyard for emergencies.
Nan Moxie was nowhere to be seen, and no one knows what he is upto. Jin Niang was worried that she would be recognized by Chu Xiang’s people, so she never left the inn. After preparing meals for everyone, she went back to her room to make clothes and took care of her son without showing her face.
Chu Yuan often goes to the beach. Most of the time, he does nothing. He just sits and look at the clouds and birds in the sky as if thinking about something.
Duan Baiyue also didn’t know whether he should approach him or not. Sometimes he would look for him and just watch him from a distance. If the person you like sits idly all day, he will just stand and watch over him all day long, until dusk falls and the stars shine over the sea.
The accompanying guards noticed the clue and stopped reporting the matter to Chu Yuan. The people on this island are simple and honest, and the days go by very quickly.
Merchant ships bound to go for Xingzhou would arrive and leave the port every now and then. Chu Yuan estimated the number of livestock and logs on board from afar, but did not take them too seriously.
“Do you want to go up and take a look?” Duan Baiyue asked behind him.
Chu Yuan said: “What, are you willing to show up today?”
Duan Baiyue shook out the cloak from his arms and wrapped him tightly: “The wind is getting stronger, don’t catch a cold.”
“There’s no need to get on the ship to check. You can’t find out anything from one or two ships.” Chu Yuan said, “Besides, they are all daily necessities. Even if he builds Xingzhou magnificently, it doesn’t matter. If he ships the army, warships and gunpowder, then that is something to worry about.”
Duan Baiyue said: “Xingzhou is still a desert island now, and it will take a few years for him to transport the military warships.”
“Then let’s talk about it in a few years.” Chu Yuan jumped off the rock and was about to go back, but a guard came to report hurriedly, saying that a ship has mysteriously appeared on an island not far from the Lijing Kingdom. Judging from the flag of the merchant ship, it should be from Da Chu.
“Which island?” Chu Yuan asked.
“Its a deserted island.” The guard said, “Our people accidentally discovered it during our daily patrol. They only looked at it from a distance and saw that there seemed to be no one on it. They felt something strange, so they came back to report.”
“Could they have encountered pirates?” Chu Yuan asked.
“The business routes in this area are prosperous, so there should be no pirates.” Duan Baiyue said, “I’ll go and take a look.”
Chu Yuan said: “I will go too.”
The guard was worried: “Your Majesty, that ship looks really weird. It’s better for this subordinate to go and check.”
“No matter how weird it is, it’s just a merchant ship.” Chu Yuan said, “How far is it from here?”
“Two hours on the speedboat.” the guard said.
“Let’s go.” Chu Yuan ordered, “Leave immediately.”
The guards took the order and went to the beach to prepare. Duan Baiyue asked: “Why do you have to go by yourself?”
“As Xiaodao said just now, it is Da Chu’s merchant ship.” Chu Yuan said, “If those merchants have encountered a shipwreck, I will naturally not leave them stranded their alone.”
Duan Baiyue asked: “What if it’s a trap?”
Chu Yuan said: “If it’s a trap, then I should all the more go to take a look. If I ignore it now, the fishermen on Lijing Island will find the boat in two or three days at most. No matter what the trouble on ship is, once it comes out in open, the incident will be recorded under Da Chu’s name. In the future, Chu’s caravans may not be able to cross the port so easily then.”
Duan Baiyue said: “It’s the same if I go and check it out.”
“Why is it the same?” Chu Yuan glanced at him and said, “Unless you are seeking to usurp the throne, what does the matter of Da Chu have to do with you?”
Duan Baiyue: “…”
Chu Yuan turned around and went to the reef.
Duan Baiyue sighed inwardly, then naturally followed him.
There were several fast boats parked among the rocks. Taking advantage of the deep twilight, they found a waterway that was usually deserted. The group of people quickly arrived at the deserted island. It was a full moon night. The moonlight illuminated the sea making it all silvery and bright. There was no wind or strong waves, and the big ship was rocking slightly. And in the too-quiet seclusion, the huge ship anchored on the coast of the deserted island made people feel a little numb. This kind of merchant ships are not uncommon in the sea, and they usually come from very powerful large merchant gangs, with at least one person onboard. There are always hundreds of people together on the big ships, and it is very lively usually. Even if the voyage lasts for several months, one can always hear the laughter and folk songs coming from the deck. How can there be such a deep silence.
Duan Baiyue said: “I’ll go take a look.”
Chu Yuan frowned: “The ship and flag are not damaged, it doesn’t look like a shipwreck.”
“It may also be the doings of pirates.” Duan Baiyue said, “No matter what it is, you will know it when you see it.”
Chu Yuan held his wrist.
Duan Baiyue was a little surprised.
Chu Yuan felt a little uncomfortable, and said in a low voice, “Let’s check it out tomorrow.”
“If someone is really messing up, it will be easier to be discovered by them during the day.” Duan Baiyue said, “I have a measure of my security, don’t worry.”
Chu Yuan still refused to let go.
All guards standing at the bow of the ship continued to look ahead in tacit understanding, and no one looked back.
“This southern ocean has never been this quiet. Even if it’s just a small matter, if Chu Xiang finds out about it, there’s no guarantee that there will be a storm.” Duan Baiyue said, “Only after checking out the situation, you will feel relieved and I’ll be assured too.”
Chu Yuan said: “The purpose of this trip is to find Tianchensha.”
“Yes.” Duan Baiyue gently scratched his cheek with his gloved right hand.
Chu Yuan frowned and turned his head sideways, his ears turning red.
Duan Baiyue smiled, turned around and stepped across the sea, going to the deserted island alone.
Chu Yuan’s heart tightened secretly, and he stared at the ferocious giant ship, his brows not relaxing for a moment.
It didn’t look like there was an ambush around. Duan Baiyue easily boarded the giant ship. After listening attentively for a moment and making sure that no one was there, he took out a bright pearl from his arms to illuminate it and searched every corner carefully.
Although the furnishings in the cabin were a bit messy, there was no loss of property. What’s more, even a stack of banknotes was thrown on the ground, so obviously it didn’t encounter any pirates. But such a huge merchant ship was sailing well on the sea, why did the people on board suddenly disappear, without even taking their belongings with them?
Duan Baiyue frowned, and went to the next cabin. There were a lot of ledgers on the table. After opening it, he took a look at it. They were merchants from Huizhou. They were into some porcelain business, and there was nothing unusual about it.
After walking down one level, Duan Baiyue suddenly stopped. There was a strange smell in the air – the smell of rotting and a strong smell of medicine was mixed together. It was disgusting.
Connecting with what he had seen before, Duan Baiyue suddenly understood something and put the pearl back in his arms. Then he dismantled a piece of wood from the room, lit a blazing torch, and kicked open the wooden door in front of him.
The stench rushed towards him, and the huge cabin was full of corpses. It was hard to tell how long they were floating on the sea before they were stranded on this deserted island along with the ocean current.
The sound of footsteps came from behind him, and Duan Baiyue suddenly turned around.
Chu Yuan was standing behind him.
Duan Baiyue’s expression changed. Before he had time to explain, he reached out to cover his mouth and nose, stepped onto the strings of the boat, landed on the ground together with him, and ran forward for a while.
“What?” Chu Yuan broke away from him, a little annoyed.
“Stay away from me.” Duan Baiyue said.
Chu Yuan: “!!!!”
Say that again!!!??
Duan Baiyue threw him a bottle of pills and took a few steps back: “Eat this. The people on that ship were infected by the plague. Looking at the account records, they have been dead for at least three months. Let’s set it on fire as soon as possible.”
Notes:
hahaha… an idiom which means that ‘do you still have to wait till the end of the results’. ↩︎
Stay away from me!
Although she fell into the water, Jin Niang was considered a martial artist and her body was not weak. So when Duan Baiyue and Nan Moxie went to meet her, she had already got up and packed up, and was about to go to the kitchen to cook dinner for everyone.
“Sit down.” Nan Moxie said, “There are so many small restaurants outside, are you still afraid that without you, we men will starve to death.”
Duan Baiyue also said: “If you don’t feel well, go back to the inn and lie down. The sea water is bitingly cold.”
Jin Niang said: “I’m fine. Greetings to Your Highness.”
Duan Baiyue nodded: “Thank you for last night.”
Jin Niang said: “I fell into the ocean and Your Highness saved me. It’s my turn to thank you.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “I don’t know if you fell into the ocean on purpose, but I know that you were pretending to be unconscious so that the ship could turn back as soon as possible.”
Jin Niang said: “Because Your Highness doesn’t seem to want His Majesty to leave.”
Duan Baiyue sat at the stone table and asked, “I heard that you know about the Wilderness Cloud Summit?”
“It’s the name of an island.” Jin Niang said, “The island is full of black boulders. No vegetation grows on that island and there are occasional earthquakes, so it’s rarely visited by people. It’s just that at every sunset, the sun rays glowing in the sky will reflect the surrounding sea into a fire-like color. So, standing on the island feels like standing on top of the clouds.”
“Thats why it’s called Wilderness Cloud Summit?” Duan Baiyue asked, “Where is it located?”
“I don’t know where it is exactly. I only know that the time to set off from Wilderness Cloud Summit is in July and August. If the conditions to sail are smooth, one can reach Liulizhou in ten days.” Jin Niang said, “And in October and November, one can not sail at all because of the strong winds and dangerous ocean currents. Even the most sophisticated dark iron giant boats cannot sail through the stormy waves at that time.”
Duan Baiyue nodded slightly: “Thank you very much.”
“I overheard these words when I was serving tea. At that time, Chu Xiang was discussing with someone about which month should he choose, if he wanted to go to the Wilderness Cloud Summit regularly every year, and what kind of business can he do along the way. Liulizhou produces fine crystal cups, which is why he specifically mentioned it.” Jin Niang said, “But it seems that it didn’t work out, so I haven’t heard him mention Liulizhou again.”
Duan Baiyue said: “In July and August, it takes ten days to go from Wilderness Cloud Summit to Liulizhou. But in November, it is difficult to move ahead even an inch. Considering this, I can already calculate its approximate location. As for Liulizhou, Brother Sikong may have some business dealings there, so we can inquire with him about it first.”
Jin Niang said: “Your Highness is going to Wilderness Cloud Summit?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Yes. I want to find something there.”
Jin Niang looked worried: “Although no one lives there, there should be no heavy security on the island. But according to Chu Xiang’s cautious and suspicious nature, if there is really some treasure on the island, he will not keep it open for outsiders to roam around freely. He must have set-up some secret traps there.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “This king naturally knows. No matter what, thank you this time. If we really have to attack the Wilderness Cloud Summit in the future, maybe we’ll need your advice.”
Jin Niang nodded: “Of course!.”
In the market, Duan Yao and Chu Yuan sat by the stall. Both of them have ordered a bowl of noodle paste.
Chu Yuan took a sip, and felt that being sick was already uncomfortable enough, why does he have to force himself to eat this stuff.
Duan Yao felt that it was necessary for him to explain: “The noodle paste made by chefs in the Southwest Mansion is very delicious.” It’s not that my brother has a strange taste.
After a while, he added: “And after practicing the Bodhi Heart Sutra, my brother can’t taste anything anymore.”
Chu Yuan said “hmm” and said no more.
“Your Majesty, let’s go back.” Duan Yao said, “Like I said earlier, it will really rain today.”
There was faint thunder in the sky, and black clouds pressed down on the area. The small vendors by the sea were busy closing their stalls, and Chu Yuan took Duan Yao back to the courtyard.
Nan Moxie was sleeping soundly under the eaves.
“Master, Master.” Duan Yao shook him awake, “Why did you fall asleep on the ground.” He really doesn’t know how to be decent.
Nan Moxie yawned: “I was sleepy after studying the map of the South China Sea for a long time.”
“The map of the South China Sea?” Chu Yuan asked, “Why did Senior want to study it?”
Nan Moxie chuckled: “Naturally, it has something to do with the Wilderness Cloud Summit. Jin Niang happens to know a few things about it.”
“Seriously?” A light flashed in Chu Yuan’s eyes.
Nan Moxie said: “If we’re lucky, maybe we can really find Tianchensha this time.” I didn’t dare to say these three words before, fearing that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. But now all kinds of clues show that it seems that even the heavens are helping. Although Duan Baiyue has already practiced the Bodhi Heart Sutra, it only prevents the golden silkworm thread from reviving and devouring his blood vessels. His life is saved, but the dead poisonous worms are still entangled in his heart vessels, waiting for the next chance to come back to life. And once he gets Tianchensha, he can use his internal force to completely expel the golden silkworm thread, and then find a way to undo the poison generated by Bodhi Heart Sutra, which was used to subdue those worms. In a year and a half, his appearance will slowly recover. Until then……
“By that time, you will become the Empress!” In the study, Sikong Rui was holding Duan Baiyue’s shoulders with tears in his eyes, happy and excited.
Southwest King: “…”
“I never expected it.” Sikong Rui was filled with emotion, and then warned. “We have found Tianchensha now. If you keep avoiding the emperor, you won’t be able to justify it.”
Duan Baiyue said: “I haven’t found it yet.”
“You still have to wait for the rice to be cooked before you sell it for money1?” Sikong Rui had a headache.
Duan Baiyue sighed: “Although this statement is a bit disrespectful, I have never figured out why uncle Sikong was unwilling to hire a tutor for you when you were a child. Even if you couldn’t go to school, you should at least be able to get a tutor. You don’t even know how to speak properly.”
“What’s wrong with my analogy?” Sikong Rui said, “If it were me, even though the rice was still growing in the fields, I would first go to the merchant to negotiate its price, and get the deposit to lead a good life. Only then would I call myself worthy.”
Duan Baiyue said: “Are there any islands near Liulizhou where troops can be hidden?”
“Why are we discussing Liulizhou? We haven’t discussed the issue of food and rice completely yet. You have to listen to me this time.” Sikong Rui held his arm and said affectionately, “One day, you will be at the top of the harem—— “
Duan Baiyue raised his hand and hit his head.
Sikong Rui dodged and immediately kicked him over.
The two often fought like this when they were children. Normally, Duan Baiyue would have taken three steps back to avoid his kick. But coincidentally, Chu Yuan stretched out his hand and opened the door right at that moment.
Sikong Rui was startled. He quickly moved and spun in the air, and landed firmly on the ground.
Duan Yao asked: “Are you fighting again?”
“Of course not.” Sikong Rui immediately denied it, and said, “Brother Duan was so bored that I punched him to relieve his boredom.” Being so loyal, I am worthy of being rewarded with some brocade, gold and silver immediately by the emperor.
Duan Yao felt uneasy for a while.
Chu Yuan asked: “Where is the Wilderness Cloud Summit?”
Duan Baiyue reached out to get the map of the South China Sea on the table, but Sikong Rui beat him to it and offered it with both hands with a smile on his face.
Duan Baiyue: “…”
“Here?” Chu Yuan put the map on the table and pointed to a place circled by cinnabar.
“Yes.” Duan Baiyue nodded and couldn’t help but look up at him. But Chu Yuan kept looking at the map. His eyelashes are very long and his eyes are very bright.
Sikong Rui took one step back, two steps back, three steps back, and squeezed out the door.
Nan Moxie also carried the little apprentice out.
Duan Yao said: “Shouldn’t we have made an excuse to leave?”
“What excuse can we still make?” Nan Moxie closed the door for the two of them and said, “At this moment, you have to make excuses if you want to stay.”
Duan Yao suddenly realized: “Master is right.”
The two people in the room naturally heard these words, and Duan Baiyue was a little dumbfounded. Chu Yuan asked: “Are you sure?”
“Huh?” Duan Baiyue asked, “What?”
“The location of the Wilderness Cloud Summit.” Chu Yuan said, “The location of Tianchensha.”
“According to the clues given by Jin Niang, this place is indeed Wilderness Cloud Summit.” Duan Baiyue said, “But whether it is true or not, we need Sikong to check again. He has always had business dealing with Liulizhou. It will be easier to find more information.”
“Where is your army?” Chu Yuan asked again.
Duan Baiyue pointed at the map.
“Here?” Chu Yuan said, “How many people?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Five thousand.”
Chu Yuan frowned: “Is that enough?”
“Of course thats not enough to deal with Chu Xiang, but if this army is used only to deal with Wilderness Cloud Summit, it’s enough.” Duan Baiyue said, “These people are hard-core warriors. They are very skilled, and they are also masters in using poison.”
Chu Yuan said: “I don’t want this operation to go wrong again. Do you really don’t need the Chu Navy?”
Duan Baiyue said: “I don’t want to make mistakes, so don’t worry.”
Chu Yuan asked again: “What’s the plan?”
Duan Baiyue replied: “I plan to let Yao’er go and bring the Southwest Army here first. As for Brother Sikong, he will use this time to go to Liulizhou. If everything goes well, we should be able to reach the Wilderness Cloud Summit within two months and get the …Tianchensha.” At the end of the sentence, his voice became a little softer.
Chu Yuan only said: “Okay.”
Duan Baiyue kept looking at him.
Chu Yuan stood up and did not meet his eyes: “Now that the plan has been decided, I will go back first.”
Duan Baiyue said: “It’s raining.”
Chu Yuan said: “It’s just rain.”
Duan Baiyue moved his lips and said, “Have a good rest.”
Chu Yuan smiled, turned and went back to the bedroom.
Duan Yao wiped the rain off his face and turned to look at his master who was also wet and brother Sikong who was also wet.
“Is Brother Duan sick?” Sikong Rui found it difficult to understand. In this stormy and windy weather, who leaves their beloved alone? If a novel was written like this, it is certain that the bookseller would be go so poor that he would have to sell his pants in three days.
The young disciple and the master Nan Moxie dragged their steps, squatted on the roof and sighed.
If I had known this, I might as well have gone back and slept.
Two days later, Duan Yao left Lijing Kingdom by boat and traveled day and night to mobilize the Southwest Army. Sikong Rui also boarded a merchant ship and went to Liulizhou on the pretext of doing business – this time he did not take the washboard with him, but left it all in the courtyard for emergencies.
Nan Moxie was nowhere to be seen, and no one knows what he is upto. Jin Niang was worried that she would be recognized by Chu Xiang’s people, so she never left the inn. After preparing meals for everyone, she went back to her room to make clothes and took care of her son without showing her face.
Chu Yuan often goes to the beach. Most of the time, he does nothing. He just sits and look at the clouds and birds in the sky as if thinking about something.
Duan Baiyue also didn’t know whether he should approach him or not. Sometimes he would look for him and just watch him from a distance. If the person you like sits idly all day, he will just stand and watch over him all day long, until dusk falls and the stars shine over the sea.
The accompanying guards noticed the clue and stopped reporting the matter to Chu Yuan. The people on this island are simple and honest, and the days go by very quickly.
Merchant ships bound to go for Xingzhou would arrive and leave the port every now and then. Chu Yuan estimated the number of livestock and logs on board from afar, but did not take them too seriously.
“Do you want to go up and take a look?” Duan Baiyue asked behind him.
Chu Yuan said: “What, are you willing to show up today?”
Duan Baiyue shook out the cloak from his arms and wrapped him tightly: “The wind is getting stronger, don’t catch a cold.”
“There’s no need to get on the ship to check. You can’t find out anything from one or two ships.” Chu Yuan said, “Besides, they are all daily necessities. Even if he builds Xingzhou magnificently, it doesn’t matter. If he ships the army, warships and gunpowder, then that is something to worry about.”
Duan Baiyue said: “Xingzhou is still a desert island now, and it will take a few years for him to transport the military warships.”
“Then let’s talk about it in a few years.” Chu Yuan jumped off the rock and was about to go back, but a guard came to report hurriedly, saying that a ship has mysteriously appeared on an island not far from the Lijing Kingdom. Judging from the flag of the merchant ship, it should be from Da Chu.
“Which island?” Chu Yuan asked.
“Its a deserted island.” The guard said, “Our people accidentally discovered it during our daily patrol. They only looked at it from a distance and saw that there seemed to be no one on it. They felt something strange, so they came back to report.”
“Could they have encountered pirates?” Chu Yuan asked.
“The business routes in this area are prosperous, so there should be no pirates.” Duan Baiyue said, “I’ll go and take a look.”
Chu Yuan said: “I will go too.”
The guard was worried: “Your Majesty, that ship looks really weird. It’s better for this subordinate to go and check.”
“No matter how weird it is, it’s just a merchant ship.” Chu Yuan said, “How far is it from here?”
“Two hours on the speedboat.” the guard said.
“Let’s go.” Chu Yuan ordered, “Leave immediately.”
The guards took the order and went to the beach to prepare. Duan Baiyue asked: “Why do you have to go by yourself?”
“As Xiaodao said just now, it is Da Chu’s merchant ship.” Chu Yuan said, “If those merchants have encountered a shipwreck, I will naturally not leave them stranded their alone.”
Duan Baiyue asked: “What if it’s a trap?”
Chu Yuan said: “If it’s a trap, then I should all the more go to take a look. If I ignore it now, the fishermen on Lijing Island will find the boat in two or three days at most. No matter what the trouble on ship is, once it comes out in open, the incident will be recorded under Da Chu’s name. In the future, Chu’s caravans may not be able to cross the port so easily then.”
Duan Baiyue said: “It’s the same if I go and check it out.”
“Why is it the same?” Chu Yuan glanced at him and said, “Unless you are seeking to usurp the throne, what does the matter of Da Chu have to do with you?”
Duan Baiyue: “…”
Chu Yuan turned around and went to the reef.
Duan Baiyue sighed inwardly, then naturally followed him.
There were several fast boats parked among the rocks. Taking advantage of the deep twilight, they found a waterway that was usually deserted. The group of people quickly arrived at the deserted island. It was a full moon night. The moonlight illuminated the sea making it all silvery and bright. There was no wind or strong waves, and the big ship was rocking slightly. And in the too-quiet seclusion, the huge ship anchored on the coast of the deserted island made people feel a little numb. This kind of merchant ships are not uncommon in the sea, and they usually come from very powerful large merchant gangs, with at least one person onboard. There are always hundreds of people together on the big ships, and it is very lively usually. Even if the voyage lasts for several months, one can always hear the laughter and folk songs coming from the deck. How can there be such a deep silence.
Duan Baiyue said: “I’ll go take a look.”
Chu Yuan frowned: “The ship and flag are not damaged, it doesn’t look like a shipwreck.”
“It may also be the doings of pirates.” Duan Baiyue said, “No matter what it is, you will know it when you see it.”
Chu Yuan held his wrist.
Duan Baiyue was a little surprised.
Chu Yuan felt a little uncomfortable, and said in a low voice, “Let’s check it out tomorrow.”
“If someone is really messing up, it will be easier to be discovered by them during the day.” Duan Baiyue said, “I have a measure of my security, don’t worry.”
Chu Yuan still refused to let go.
All guards standing at the bow of the ship continued to look ahead in tacit understanding, and no one looked back.
“This southern ocean has never been this quiet. Even if it’s just a small matter, if Chu Xiang finds out about it, there’s no guarantee that there will be a storm.” Duan Baiyue said, “Only after checking out the situation, you will feel relieved and I’ll be assured too.”
Chu Yuan said: “The purpose of this trip is to find Tianchensha.”
“Yes.” Duan Baiyue gently scratched his cheek with his gloved right hand.
Chu Yuan frowned and turned his head sideways, his ears turning red.
Duan Baiyue smiled, turned around and stepped across the sea, going to the deserted island alone.
Chu Yuan’s heart tightened secretly, and he stared at the ferocious giant ship, his brows not relaxing for a moment.
It didn’t look like there was an ambush around. Duan Baiyue easily boarded the giant ship. After listening attentively for a moment and making sure that no one was there, he took out a bright pearl from his arms to illuminate it and searched every corner carefully.
Although the furnishings in the cabin were a bit messy, there was no loss of property. What’s more, even a stack of banknotes was thrown on the ground, so obviously it didn’t encounter any pirates. But such a huge merchant ship was sailing well on the sea, why did the people on board suddenly disappear, without even taking their belongings with them?
Duan Baiyue frowned, and went to the next cabin. There were a lot of ledgers on the table. After opening it, he took a look at it. They were merchants from Huizhou. They were into some porcelain business, and there was nothing unusual about it.
After walking down one level, Duan Baiyue suddenly stopped. There was a strange smell in the air – the smell of rotting and a strong smell of medicine was mixed together. It was disgusting.
Connecting with what he had seen before, Duan Baiyue suddenly understood something and put the pearl back in his arms. Then he dismantled a piece of wood from the room, lit a blazing torch, and kicked open the wooden door in front of him.
The stench rushed towards him, and the huge cabin was full of corpses. It was hard to tell how long they were floating on the sea before they were stranded on this deserted island along with the ocean current.
The sound of footsteps came from behind him, and Duan Baiyue suddenly turned around.
Chu Yuan was standing behind him.
Duan Baiyue’s expression changed. Before he had time to explain, he reached out to cover his mouth and nose, stepped onto the strings of the boat, landed on the ground together with him, and ran forward for a while.
“What?” Chu Yuan broke away from him, a little annoyed.
“Stay away from me.” Duan Baiyue said.
Chu Yuan: “!!!!”
Say that again!!!??
Duan Baiyue threw him a bottle of pills and took a few steps back: “Eat this. The people on that ship were infected by the plague. Looking at the account records, they have been dead for at least three months. Let’s set it on fire as soon as possible.”
Notes:
hahaha… an idiom which means that ‘do you still have to wait till the end of the results’. ↩︎