Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 820 - 818_1

Chapter 820: Chapter 818_1

Food is provided on the boat, but most people will bring their own dry food.

Of course, Xiao’er and her companions do not need to eat dry food.

The captain personally came to ask what Xiao’er and her companions wanted to eat, and he arranged for someone to prepare it.

Xiao’er asked him to casually prepare one or two dishes, as they weren’t fussy when travelling; convenience was their top priority.

Besides, having the captain prepare a plate or two of dishes served as a mere smokescreen. Their main source of sustenance was still the food from the space.

The boat sailed along the river. Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi spent the day in the cabin, each occupying a table, busying themselves with their own tasks.

A breeze from the river blew in, making them feel serene and comfortable.

Meanwhile, Yang Mei was put to sleep by Yang Liu using the sleep acupoint, as she found the motion sickness too unbearable. She decided that during her days on the boat, she would rather sleep!

After a busy day in the cabin, Xiao’er stretched lazily and stood up.

Shangguan Xuanyi noticed Xiao’er’s movement and lifted his head from his book. "Finished your drawing?" he asked.

"Yes. I’ve been sitting all day, my back is sore. Brother Shangguan, shall we go up to the deck for some fresh air?"

"Alright." Shangguan Xuanyi put down his book and stood up.

As they stepped out onto the deck, they found a man in white standing at the bow of the boat gazing at the setting sun over the river. Upon noticing them emerge from the cabin, he turned around.

When Gong Qinghua saw them, he flashed a charming smile, his eyes scanning both of them and lingering on Xiao’er for a second longer before addressing Shangguan Xuanyi. "Young Master Shangguan, Mrs. Shangguan, what a coincidence, where are you headed?"

"Indeed, it is." Shangguan Xuanyi’s eyes darkened slightly; he instinctively disliked the way Gong Qinghua looked at Xiao’er.

"When did you arrive in Minze Country, Master Gong?" Xiao’er inquired.

Being away from home, they all knew they were concealing their identities, so naturally, they wouldn’t thoughtlessly address each other by titles that could reveal their status.

"Just in the past few days. My father is about to celebrate his birthday, and given Minze Country’s vast resources, I came to see if I could find some treasure to give him as a gift." Gong Zixuan’s gaze landed subtly on Xiao’er once more after he finished speaking.

Shangguan Xuanyi couldn’t help but step forward, subtly obstructing Gong Zixuan’s view of Xiao’er. "Master Gong’s filial piety is truly touching. Traveling such a distance to find a gift for his father in Minze Country. But Minze Country doesn’t have as many unique treasures as Nangong Country, so what are you looking for?"

"Rare treasures are easy to find, but extraordinary people are hard to come by. Minze is a land of great talent; I merely came to take a look without knowing exactly what I want. Where are you and your beautiful wife headed, Young Master Shangguan?" Gong Qingnian asked, taking the opportunity to glance at Xiao’er again.

"Just taking a casual stroll."

"What a coincidence? We’re all just strolling around. Why don’t we travel together?"

Xiao’er: "..." This person truly has no tact. Who would enjoy their couple’s outing being interrupted by a stranger?

"Sorry, that won’t be convenient." Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t want to entertain him further; he felt that his secret glances at Xiao’er were not well-intentioned. Lowering his head to Xiao’er, he suggested, "The wind is strong here, shall we go back to the cabin?"

Xiao’er nodded in agreement. She had wanted to come out for some fresh air, not to socialize.

Rather than staying here to casually chat with the prince of Nangong Country, she would rather return to the cabin and rest, feeling a distinct disinterest in his conversation.

"Excuse us!" Shangguan Xuanyi nodded slightly to Gong Qinghua before taking Xiao’er’s hand and leaving.

"By the way, my sister-in-law is pregnant. You don’t know about this, do you?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao’er’s eyes lit up. She stopped in her tracks and turned around, asking in excitement, "Really?"

Gong Qinghua smiled and nodded, "Of course, she had just found out when I left."

"Thank you for letting us know, Master Gong." Xiao’er thanked him before linking arms with Shangguan Xuanyi, "Brother Shangguan, let’s go back to the cabin quickly. I must write a letter to send back home immediately, asking them to prepare some small gifts for Sister Wanru’s child. I also need to ask her if she feels unwell."

"Alright." Shangguan Xuanyi felt happy seeing Xiao’er’s excitement.

Gong Qinghua had expected that revealing the news of Shangguan Wanru’s pregnancy would prompt Princess Rui to ask him many questions. However, she only spoke two sentences.

She remained quiet beside Shangguan Xuanyi, with very few words. But who would know that beneath the remarkable beauty was a highly intelligent mind? Even though she was apparently just a peasant girl, why did she possess such talent? Perhaps this was her secret.

As he watched the retreating figures of Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi, Gong Qinghua narrowed his eyes. No rush. He would find out soon. He had all the patience in the world.

The sunset on the river silently came and went.

At this moment, all the passengers on the ship, except for the sailors who were operating the sails, were asleep, with the sound of snoring echoing from all directions.

In a corner of the ship, a woman slowly lifted her head. In the dim light of the oil lamp, her eyes gleamed with a yellow glow, taking in the sleeping forms of the passengers.

She rose up quietly and slipped out.

Soon after, Xiao’er, still deep in sleep, vaguely smelled the scent of food cooking. Who got up to cook so early? She mumbled in her sleep, rolled over and fell back asleep.

She was picky about where she slept and had tossed and turned for a while before falling asleep. Now, having just fallen asleep not too long ago, she was in the deepest part of her slumber.

Shangguan Xuanyi was immediately alert as he caught the scent of food in the air. He quickly sat up, picked up his robe and tossed it to Xiao’er. "Wake up, there’s a fire!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao’er woke with a start. "A fire?!"

"Yes! We need to get out quickly and wake everyone up." After helping Xiao’er into her robe, Shangguan Xuanyi quickly put on his own.

Once they were dressed, they ran out.

At this time, Yang Liu and Yang Mei also ran out.

Gong Qinghua also emerged from another private room.

"There’s a fire! Wake everyone up to put it out!" Shangguan Xuanyi instructed the two.

Hearing this, Yang Liu and Yang Mei quickly went to notify the passengers in the other private rooms.

Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi quickly ran down.

"There’s a fire! Wake up, everyone! Help put out the fire!" While alerting the others, Xiao’er run towards the back of the ship where the fire was.

At this time, the sailors on the ship had also noticed the fire and were shouting, "Water! We need water!"

When they arrived at the back of the ship, they saw that the fire was spreading rapidly.

Xiao’er also caught the scent of peanut oil and she glanced at the cabin wall; it had been drenched in oil.

Somebody started this fire on purpose!

Who did it? Xiao’er’s first suspicion was Gong Qinghua.