Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 362 - 360

Chapter 362: 360

After completing the map and marking the locations, Xiao’er had spent a day in the space, but it was still dark outside.

She harvested all the produce in the space, replanted them, and had a rest before she left the space.

Xiao’er instructed the golden python to keep an eye on Yang Yong, record every detail for her, and report any abnormalities immediately.

The golden python reluctantly left; it was still sleepy!

Bai Tian was right! For their master, they were just tools that could be used without any consideration for their wellbeing! At least let the snake rest for a while!

Today was Shuangxiang, the last solar term of autumn, and winter was about to begin. The temperature difference between day and night was quite large, cool in the morning and evening and hot during the day.

It was just 5 a.m., and dawn was about to break.

Opening the door, Xiao’er felt a cool breeze on her face.

Yang Liu was carrying a basin of hot water. Seeing that Xiao’er had already dressed up and seemed to be going out, she asked, "Miss, are you going out?"

So early, she was probably going to bid farewell to the Sixth Prince.

"Yes, Yang Liu, you go to the palace gate to find out if the Sixth Prince has left the palace. Yang Mei and I will wait at the city gate."

"Okay." Yang Liu placed the copper basin in the room.

Xiao’er arrived at the city gate, which had yet to open to the public. Apart from the soldiers guarding the city, there was no one else in sight.

Xiao’er sat in the carriage at the city gate for a while when she heard Yang Liu quietly reminding her, "Miss, the Sixth Prince is coming."

Upon hearing this, Xiao’er lifted the carriage curtain to look at him.

Shangguan Xuanyi dismounted from his horse.

Xiao Fuzi jumped off the horse and bowed to Xiao’er.

"Why are you waiting here? How long have you been waiting?"

"I just got here not long ago. Brother Shangguan, please get in the carriage with me, I have something for you."

Hearing this, Shangguan Xuanyi jumped off his horse and bent over to get in the carriage.

Yang Liu and Yang Mei guarded outside.

Xiao’er handed him the map she had drawn last night and then took out the night pearl for lighting.

"Brother Shangguan, look what this is."

"This is a map of the grain and grass transport route." Shangguan Xuanyi took it, opened it, and looked at it in the light of the night pearl. After a thought, he guessed where Xiao’er had got this map from.

After all, the matters that Xiao’er had arranged for Zhao Yong to investigate used his resources.

"Did you get it from Yang Yong?"

Xiao’er nodded.

"I understand. Go back quickly. Send my message to Fourth Brother that the original plan remains unchanged. I will handle this, and Yang Yong is still useful."

Xiao’er nodded. This was what she had thought of too: "Brother Shangguan, have a safe journey!"

Shangguan Xuanyi couldn’t help but stretch out his hand to hold Xiao’er in his arms, then let go and quickly jumped out of the carriage.

Shangguan Xuanyi used the token to instruct the guards to open the city gate, and then quickly departed.

Xiao’er did not look away until the city gate was closed again.

At this time, Yang Liu hurried over, "Miss, when I arrived at the Imperial Palace, the Sixth Prince had already left."

Upon hearing this, Xiao’er nodded, "We have already met him, let’s go, let’s go to the Four Seasons Restaurant for breakfast."

Zhao Yong nodded.

After breakfast, the shops on the street gradually opened.

Xiao’er waited for the bookstore to open. Once she saw the bookstore open, she went downstairs.

When Xiao’er arrived at the bookstore, the boss immediately greeted her with joy, "Miss, your books are all copied."

The boss moved a large stack of books onto the desk.

"So quickly?" Xiao’er was very surprised. Then she picked one at random and started flipping through it, full of delight.

"Boss, who wrote this? The painting and calligraphy are really good, and the copy is almost identical."

"A very talented scholar, but sadly he has a bedridden grandmother at home that needs to be looked after. He has ambition but no opportunity to display it." The boss spoke of himself with a face full of regret when he mentioned this person.

But with him coming to his shop to copy books, he could make a good income every month.

"Gold will always shine." Xiao’er praised and did not inquire further.

"Boss, I am buying a lot of books this time. I am going to continue to leave one book here, still three hundred coins a book, first copy a hundred books."

Upon hearing this, the boss’s face was full of smiles. This time he could earn another ten taels of silver.

When she returned to the Marquis Shengping’s Mansion, Shen Chengyao had just returned from his official duties, looking exhausted.

He had spent the entire night preparing for the military food supply.

"Dad, is the food and grass ready?"

"It’s ready. We are sending some of them first tomorrow. The rest need to be transferred from other provincial mansions."

"Dear, go freshen up, then come out and eat something before you go back to sleep."

Shen Chengyao nodded, he was indeed quite exhausted after more than ten hours of work!

Mrs. Liu busily instructed the maids to prepare some light meals for him.

Seeing that she was not needed, Xiao’er returned to her room.

"Yang Liu, I need to see the Second Prince or the Fourth Prince."

Shangguan Xuanjun was going with General Dingyuan to lead the army to the northwest, so it would take a few days before they set out. He was still in the Imperial Capital at the moment.

"Yes." Yang Liu took the order and left to make arrangements.

"Yang Mei, tell Zhao Yong that I want the background information of the bookstore and secretly look into who delivered books to the bookstore for copying yesterday. Also, assign a reliable person to closely monitor the actions of Hua Rong Yue Mao, especially if they transport a large amount of goods to the northwest. Don’t let them notice!"

"Yes." Yang Mei nodded solemnly.

After ordering these matters, Xiao’er sat down, sorted out her thoughts, and tried to figure out if there were any aspects she had neglected.

Zhao Yong soon returned. "Miss, Hua Rong Yue Mao sent a batch of goods to the northwest early this morning, saying that they were replenishing the stock."

Xiao’er nodded, this was indeed as expected.

Shangguan Xuanjun didn’t arrive until after noon, with Shen Chengyao accompanying him in the front yard.

"Stay outside, don’t let anyone near." Xiao’er rushed over from the backyard and issued orders to Yang Liu and Yang Mei before entering the main hall.

Yang Liu and Yang Mei stood guard outside.

After bowing to Shangguan Xuanjun, Xiao’er handed him the supply route map.

Shangguan Xuangjun opened it and his eyes widened.

"How did you get this map?" Although it was slightly different from the original, the path was spot on.

"I stole it from a civilian."

Shangguan Xuanjun squinted his eyes when he heard this.

Xiao’er briefly explained to Shangguan Xuanjun how she discovered this map.

"Fourth Prince, this dense forest is where the enemy intercepts the food and grass."

Shangguan Xuanjun nodded, passing through this dense forest and crossing the river would lead them into Xiyue Country.

"The Sixth Prince is already aware of this. He asked me to convey a message that everything should proceed according to the original plan, and he will handle this matter. Also, Yang Yong is still of use."

"Alright, thank you, farewell! Marquis Shengping, you should go along with me!" After thanking her, Shangguan Xuanjun left quickly.

He still had a lot of things to deal with, and now there were even more.

Shen Chengyao quickly rose and followed him out.