Ning Yuxuan raised his eyebrows. He pointed at an oxcart that was outside a farmer’s house. “Since you’re not busy, it wouldn’t hurt to slowly go back.” 

  Go back on an oxcart? Ji Man was dumbfounded. Although it was true that riding an oxcart would be more relaxing and less bumpy, wouldn’t it also be too slow? By the time they got back, it would be the middle of the night. 

  “Head of the household, would you be willing to exchange your oxcart for my carriage?” Ning Yuxuan had gone straight to negotiating with the farmer, without waiting for Ji Man to agree. 

  In the end, the carriage was exchanged for an oxcart plus an additional cost of two silver taels. This was done completely without her, the real owner of the carriage, assent. After that, the farmer led them to a spot to take some loose straw to cushion the oxcart. 

  Ji Man felt quite indignant as she carried over the straw. This man’s chauvinism really couldn’t be changed. 

  However, after they gotten onto the oxcart, and the original carriage’s driver started the slow drive home on the oxcart, not only was this ride less bumpy, there was also a pretty good view of the autumn sun descending to the horizon. 

  Not caring about his image at all, Ning Yuxuan lied down on the oxcart with her in his expensive robes. Looking at the sky too, he asked her, “Doesn’t this feel really comfortable?” 

  “En.” Ji Man nodded. 

  After the autumn insects had chittered a few times, they fell silent. The sky gradually darkened. Ji Man was almost lulled to sleep by the swaying oxcart when the person next to her quietly asked, “Can you really not find a man that you like in this place?” 

  Ji Man opened her eyes and responded with a very puzzled expression at his sudden question. 

  “You said that you want a man that knows how to repair sky lanterns and cushion brains.” Ning Yuxuan pursed his lips and slightly looked away as he said, “That part is easy enough, but if you want someone that will whole-heartedly love one person, that’s really difficult.” 

  (T/N: Ji Man originally says someone that can repair computers in chapter 269, but she amends her words so that it’ll make sense in ancient times in chapter 270. In Chinese, the literal translation for computer (diànnǎo) is electrical brain, and the Chinese words for electrical and cushion are homophones.) 

  Ji Man felt even more confused. What did he mean by repairing sky lanterns and cushioning brains? 

  But, she understood the intent behind the second half of his words. Ning Yuxuan wanted to confess his feelings for her. 

  Turning her head to the side to look at him, Ji Man smiled and said, “That really is very difficult, so I’m not holding onto that hope. If I can’t go back in this lifetime, then after I’ve accomplished my goal, I’m going to find a place to live in seclusion.” 

  “Where do you want to go to live in seclusion?” Ning Yuxuan slightly furrowed his brow. It had already been so long, but she was still saying that she hadn’t found…… 

  “I’ll find a place that has enchanting scenery. A place where I can see the sunset and sunrise and isn’t suppressed by bureaucracy or divided by social class,” Ji Man casually answered, “Actually, when I was reading light novels, I used to really admire the male lead that would renounce his power for the female lead and go live in seclusion with her. But, now that I’m here, I finally understand that’s impossible.” 

  “Once a person has risen to a high position, how many people would be willing to go back to being ordinary? Love between ordinary people isn’t explosively spectacular. And, who can guarantee a lifetime love? For example, those people that jumps off buildings. When they’re throwing themselves off the ledge, they probably mustered up their courage and think they never want to go back. But, if the building is a bit higher, and they’re given more time to contemplate their decision as they fall, they’ll regret it.” 

  Love was like that too. 

  Ning Yuxuan couldn’t fully understand her words. He just gently leaned his head against hers and watched as the sunset glow changed into a night sky that was full of glimmering stars. The rest of their surroundings were tranquil too. 

  A long time later, Ning Yuxuan broke the silence by asking, “Do you still hate me?” 

  Ji Man contemplated. At the very beginning, she hated him very much and thought of a hundred ways to get revenge. However, after returning to the capital, finding out that Haohao was her son, and she herself was always in his care, as time went on, the hatred in her heart wasn’t as strong as it had been at the beginning. 

  No wonder suffering had to be experienced every day to be remembered. Otherwise, as time elapsed, it became much easier to forgive a lot of things. 

  Although she wouldn’t knock off the price of what was owed to her, he was no longer on her list of people that she wanted to kill. 

  “Marquis, you’re overthinking things.” Ji Man smiled and said, “Our relationship had already concluded a long time ago with that divorce letter. This one doesn’t hate the marquis.” 

  Ning Yuxuan slightly sat up. There was a glimmer of brightness in his eyes. 

  “Anyways, that doesn’t matter. The marquis has chosen to be loyal to the emperor, and this one is carrying a blood debt that has to be collected. Our paths and plans are different,” Ji Man added before closing her eyes. 

  She could forgive him, but she couldn’t forgive Zhao Li for having her watch as Nie Clan was exterminated. 

  His eyes had looked as if they were filled with stars, but after hearing her words, it was as if there had been a sudden downpour, and the stars had completely disappeared. 

  Marquis Moyu wryly laughed. He twirled a wisp of her loose hair as he said in a slightly hoarse voice, “Why are you so heartless?” 

  “Didn’t I learn this from the marquis?” Ji Man turned her head away. 

  The oxcart continued to slowly move forward. Ning Yuxuan quietly looked the side of her face without moving. 

  He had said that she brought trouble upon herself, but in the end, who was the real culprit? 

  — 

  A few days later, Ji Man received a letter from Zhangjun Prince. As expected, he wanted her to collect grain. Moreover, he wanted her to slowly raise the price of grain in the capital. 

  There had already been a shortage of grain to begin with this year, and the imperial court was collecting a large amount of grain to supply the soldiers that were going on the military exercise. The commonfolk had already been grumbling about this. Once Ji Man raised the price for grain, many people were unable to afford food, and cries of complaints filled the streets. 

  As a result, the imperial court was forced to release some of their stored grain to the general population, which was then completely bought out by Ji Man and shipped to Zhangjun. Thus, the price of grain didn’t improve at all in the capital. 

  However, the emperor didn’t care about the plights of the commonfolk. He still wanted Ning Mingjie to take the army to Zhangjun at the end of the year.

  Chapter 400 – About to leave and be separated by a long distance (1) 

  Although Wen Wan was no longer confined inside Qiangwei Courtyard, she still hadn’t been able to serve Marquis Moyu. Not only did he sleep in the western courtyard each night, even if he did visit a woman’s courtyard, it would be Mu Shuiqing’s. 

  However, Mu Shuiqing’s health was getting worse by the day. Whenever Wen Wan went over to visit her, she would be told that Mu Shuiqing was bedridden and couldn’t see any guests. The marquis continued to be gone during the daytime, so Wen Wan could only go see Liu Hanyun. 

  “I have to figure out a way.” With her handkerchief covering her mouth, Wen Wan quietly said, “Madam, you have to help more. The marquis is going to leave the capital soon. If things continue like this, then does it even matter if I was let out of Qiangwei Courtyard or not? 

  Liu Hanyun knitted her brows. She pursed her lips and said, “I only promised Kangyuan Junzhu that I would help free you from your confinement. As for other matters, I won’t be able to help you. After all, the marquis doesn’t visit me either.” 

  Wen Wan pursed her lips. “Kangyuan Junzhu has already entered the palace. It’s only a matter of time before the emperor gives her a status as his consort. If you help me, I’ll say a few good words to her. Young Master Xi will definitely benefit from this.” 

  Liu Hanyun lowered her eyes and stayed silent. 

  “Madam, it can’t be that you’re still thinking about her kindness to you back then?” Wen Wan’s expression only slightly changed, but her tone became scornful as she said, “Back then, she only promote you to an honored concubine to drag you into the middle of her mess. Madam, why are you being so foolish? Look, neither she nor her child is in the estate, but she hasn’t missed taking the marquis’s heart and the position of the heir for her son. How could a person with that type of skill be a benevolent person?” 

  Liu Hanyun shook her head. “She’s always protected me. I can’t return her kindness with enmity. I can help you with a few things in return for Xi-er’s good future, but if you want to harm her, I can’t help you. If a person doesn’t appreciate gratitude, then even a beast is better than that person. 

  Wen Wan sneered. She picked up the nearby Xi-er and brought him over. “Who’s thinking about harming her? My target is the marquis. Madam, have you heard of hallucinogenic herbs? I happened to have acquired some and want to use it on the marquis. But, he’s not even willing to come to my courtyard, and he might not necessarily drink soup that I send over him. I just don’t want to waste it.” 

  Xi-er squirmed in Wen Wan’s arms and ended up kicking her stomach. The sudden pain caused Wen Wan’s expression to change, and she almost tossed him away. 

  “Xi-er.” Liu Hanyun hurriedly stretched her hands out and took her child. She patted his back to comfort him and frowned as she looked at Wen Wan. “How can that type of messy thing be used on the marquis? I won’t help you.” 

  Wen Wan rubbed her stomach and tightly pursed her lips. “Madam, are you really going to be this stubborn?” 

  Liu Hanyun headed inside while holding Xi-er. “Chunpi, send the guest out.” 

  Wen Wan was furious, but her smile didn’t waver. She gestured at Tanxiang and departed the courtyard with her. If Liu Hanyun wasn’t willing to help her, then she would have to wait for an opportunity. She didn’t believe that Ning Yuxuan would ignore her forever. 

  — 

  The pedestrians on the capital’s streets were somewhat unsure where to go. The prices hanging outside the big and small rice stores were all shockingly high. 

  Ning Yuxuan was in Ji Rice Store and drinking tea. He heard the kids outside, who were too young to know any better, singing, 

  “No rice to eat, only husks remain, 

  The imperial family wages a battle, and the commonfolk suffer, 

  The cripple don’t know how long the road is, and the poor don’t know the fragrance of rice.” 

  Turning his head to look at the person next to him Ning Yuxuan asked, “Did you compose that?” 

  Ji Man shook her head. With her eyes on the account book, she said, “I don’t know where that song originated. It’s already been sung for the past several days. It won’t be possible to disperse the dark clouds above the capital. A lot of people have already been forced by the high grain prices to leave the capital in order to seek out food.” 

  Back when Zhao Li had seized the throne, his story had been so sensational. He had been a cripple that survived by living on the edges while the other princes competed with each other. At the end, he had launched a surprise attack and beaten Zhao Jue, the former third prince, and ascended to the top. Back then, everyone had thought he would usher in a golden age. At the very beginning, there had been many scholars that praised Zhao Li by saying that he would definitely be well-suited as the emperor. 

  However, while Zhao Li was able to abruptly rise to the top during troubled times, he had become paranoid and obstinate during this prosperous period. He wouldn’t listen to his officials’ advice and did as he pleased. His arrogant behavior was too outrageous. People couldn’t be blamed for gradually losing heart. 

  Ji Man finished writing in her account book. She turned her head to look at Ning Yuxuan and said, “Marquis, you’ve always been a clever person. Are you really not going to do anything about this situation?” 

  “How can I do anything?” Marquis Moyu smiled and said, “The emperor was the one that slowly took back the control over the Six Ministries. So, this type of issue, it’s for the emperor to worry about. Even if I wanted to trouble myself over it, there’s nothing I can do.” 

  Ji Man raised her eyebrows. She didn’t know if she was just misinterpreting things, but ever since Haohao entered the palace, Ning Yuxuan’s attitude towards the emperor seemed to have subtly changed. 

  Ji Man jokingly asked, “Marquis, it can’t be that you’re preparing to become a turncoat, right?” 

  “No.” Ning Yuxuan propped his chin in his hand and looked out the window as he said, “As long as he’s sitting on the throne, I’ll remain loyal to him.” 

  Until he could safely bring Haohao out of the palace. 

  Ji Man shrugged. The two of them were certainly strange enough. They understand each other’s position, but they were still able to sit here and chat. 

  Ning Yuxuan asked, “When are you going to return to Zhangjun?” 

  Ji Man picked up the thick account book and brought it over to a cabinet to put it away. After thinking it over, she said, “I’ll probably be leaving sometime in the next several days after I finish making arrangements for the rice store. Otherwise, once the end of the year arrives, I won’t be able to go back.” 

  Ning Yuxuan furrowed his brow. “So soon?” 

  “En.” Ji Man turned her head and smiled as she looked at him. “Why? Are you going to miss me, Marquis? If you do, how about saying I love you?”


  Chapter 401 – About to leave and be separated by a long distance (2) 

  Ning Yuxuan’s expression slightly sunk, and he silently turned his head away. A while later, he said, “Why don’t you stay in the capital? It’s not suitable for a woman to go to Zhangjun by herself.” 

  “Prince Zhangjun told me to go back.” Ji Man sighed and said in somewhat pleased with herself tone, “Right now, I have control over the grain price in the capital. As an important person, I naturally have to go to a safer place. If I stay in the capital and someone recovers her memories and spills the beans, will you protect me when your master seizes me and wants to behead me?” 

  Ning Yuxuan was frozen in surprise for a moment. He lowered his eyes. “You’re right. But if you leave so early, I won’t be able to see you for a long time.” 

  Ji Man paused before chuckling. “That’s okay. Marquis, aren’t there other people by your side? Wouldn’t it be better to look at them than to look at a man’s face every day?” 

  She turned around and went back to tidying the cabinet. By the time she finished separating all of the records for the old debts and the new ones, her back ached from tiredness. When she turned her head, there was no one sitting at the table. 

  He had silently slipped in here and silently slipped out. People with martial arts were just that good. Ji Man clicked her tongue in admiration, then she left the room to look for Yan Buba to make arrangement for certain things. Once she was done with that, she would go prepare her luggage. 

  — 

  During the next several days, Marquis Moyu didn’t come over. Ji Man didn’t mind. She thought that he was probably busy with something. 

  However, on the morning that she was boarding the carriage to leave the capital and go to Zhangjun, Ning Yuxuan still hadn’t appeared. 

  Feeling a bit uneasy, Ji Man looked at Yan Buba and asked, “Has something happened in the imperial court recently? Has an important official been caught and put into the imperial prison or perhaps, put under house arrest? Say, someone like Marquis Moyu?” 

  Yan Buba was calculating something on his abacus. He looked at her oddly and answered, “Boss, don’t worry. You can leave. Marquis Moyu is fine. He hasn’t been imprisoned or put under house arrest.” 

  Then, why hadn’t he come over to visit her? Ji Man furrowed her brow. Habit was truly a terrifying thing. Over time, she had gotten used to Ning Yuxuan coming over every day. When he had suddenly stopped coming, she felt a visceral uneasiness. She clearly didn’t care about him. It was like when you were sitting in a slow-moving car and didn’t feel as if you were moving, but when the car suddenly braked, your body would involuntarily lean forward. 

  Was this how Marquis Moyu seduced women? Ji Man chuckled. She finished packing and set out on her journey with two armed guards. 

  Fine, if he wasn’t going to come here to send her off, she didn’t care. 

  Was the carriage driver deliberately going the wrong way? Why would they pass by Marquis Moyu’s estate on their way out of the capital? Even if they were going to pass by, why didn’t he find an excuse to stop there? They had already passed the estate’s entrance. 

  With an unhappy expression, Ji Man called out, “Stop.” 

  The carriage driver obediently stopped the carriage and turned his head to look at her with a confusion expression. “Boss?” 

  “There’s an old friend inside. I have to go and say goodbye to him.” Ji Man coughed twice, put down her wrapped bundle, and jumped down from the carriage. “Wait here.” 

  “Understood.” 

  Ji Man walked to the entrance. When the person at the front entrance saw Ji Man, he didn’t even ask why she was here. Beaming, he bowed and called out, “Mister Ji.” 

  Ji Man awkwardly nodded. Before she could ask a question, the servant said, “The marquis is home. He’s probably in the western courtyard. Mister Ji, you can go inside.” 

  So enthusiastic. Ji Man pursed her lips, expressed her thanks, and headed inside. 

  — 

  Ning Yuxuan had actually woken up very early today. He was frowning as he had a servant girl help him change his clothes. He asked Guibai, “Is she leaving today?” 

  Guibai nodded. “My lord, didn’t you say that you wouldn’t go to send her off?” 

  Ning Yuxuan snorted. “I was only asking. I just happened to want take a stroll outside. It’s not because I want to see her off.” 

  Guibai nodded again. “There’s no need to hurry then. Master, you can go out for your stroll after you had breakfast. The kitchen servants are still preparing it.” 

  Marquis Moyu’s expression changed. He looked at Guibai and said, “Have I indulged you too much lately?” 

  Guibai looked at him blankly. He had no idea what he had done wrong. However, seeing his master’s expression, he knelt down to ask for forgiveness. “Master, don’t be angry. You’ll be hungry later if you skip breakfast.” 

  Wen Wan’s voice came from the other side of the doors. “My lord, this servant has a prepared a light breakfast for you and brought it over.” 

  Ning Yuxuan raised his eyebrows. Guibai had already gotten up to open the doors. Wen Wan came into the room with a slight smile. She brought seven small plates of side dishes and one bowl of congee. The breakfast looked quite appetizing. 

  Wen Wan was standing at the side and somewhat bashfully clutching her handkerchief as she said, “My lord, you should eat breakfast before going out. This servant doesn’t know what my lord likes to eat, so this servant freely made a few dishes.” 

  The seven side dishes on the platter looked very similar to the food that Ji Man had made during the Southern Trip. After Ning Yuxuan briefly looked over them, he sat down and picked up a piece of food to taste. 

  En, it wasn’t as tasty as Ji Man’s food. However, Wen Wan hadn’t known how to cook previously. She had finally become sensible enough to learn. 

  After eating several bites, Ning Yuxuan got up and wanted to head out. It wasn’t early anymore. 

  When Wen Wan came over to clean up the dishes and chopsticks, she stumbled and ended up falling into his arms. Seemingly flustered and embarrassed, she pulled his sleeve and mumbled, “Yuxuan……” 

  Startled, Ning Yuxuan lowered his head to blankly look at her. 

  Estimating what time it was by looking at the sky, Guibai wanted to reminded his master that it was time to leave, but Marquis Moyu said, “Guibai, you can go out first.”