Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 899 - 897_1

Chapter 899: Chapter 897_1

Jingrui just took office, and every day there were many things to deal with. Apart from staying at the government office to handle official business, he would also keep an eye out for business opportunities that could make the common people wealthy.

After all, the so-called "achievements in governing" ultimately boiled down to whether or not the common people could live better lives.

Xiao’er decided to stay here for a while before leaving, both to monitor the growth of the yellow dragon fruit since it was the first time they had tried to cultivate it, and also to see if Jingrui needed any help.

After all, he was the youngest magistrate in the history of the Minze Dynasty, and lacked any local government experience.

With both of them assisting, Jingrui would have someone to consult.

The days passed like flowing water, with the heat gradually receding. After a gust of wind and rain, the sweltering heat disappeared instantly, leaving only a refreshing breeze.

Shangguan Xuanyi had to deal with many official documents in his hotel room every day.

He also checked some letters and mails, keeping an eye on various kinds of information.

Sometimes, Xiao’er would accompany him.

The team sent to transport the radiation stone to the northwest has returned, bringing back the news: a piece of stone was stolen by someone.

Upon hearing this, Yang Liu frowned, "What’s the use of a man robbing a stone?"

"I’d like to know too," he replied. He wished he could stay far away from the stone, wondering who the thief wanted to harm with it.

"That stone can make an island uninhabitable for years, and the things it grows can’t be eaten, it’s even more poisonous than the deadliest poison in the world! The man who stole it must have intended to harm someone!" Zhao Yong analyzed.

Yang Liu gave him a disdainful look: "Of course I know he wants to harm someone, what I’m asking is who he wants to harm?"

Zhao Yong rolled his eyes at Yang Liu: "If I knew, I would have said it already! Why would I talk so much!"

"You could’ve just said that everything you just talked about is nonsense!" Yang Mei scathingly retorted.

"He talks the most nonsense every day! Completely lacking self-awareness." Yang Liu nodded in agreement.

Zhao Yong: "..."

Being sandwiched between two women was absolutely not a good feeling. Whatever, a wise man submits to circumstances, he stopped talking.

Shangguan Xuanyi’s brow furrowed: he remembered Xiao’er saying once that the function of the stone was the exact opposite of a space stone. A space stone could create space, so could the stone destroy space?

If Xiao’er’s space was a personal one, which means the space was within her, if it were to be destroyed, would Xiao’er be crushed to dust?!

Thinking of the possibilities, Shangguan Xuanyi sprang to his feet.

He was extremely remorseful! He had been careless! If only he’d known, he should have sent powerful martial artists to dispose of those stones, not just ordinary soldiers.

Even though the thief who ran off with the stone might not necessarily know the real purpose of the stone, what if, just what if?

Shangguan Xuanyi was torn.

Xiao’er, on the other hand, didn’t think deeply. After all, who would think she had a personal space?

She believed those who knew the use of the stone were those from Nangong Country, and that it was most likely stolen by people from Nangong Country. The possible use was likely similar to how it was used on Zhan’er Island. "Since it’s already been stolen, we can do nothing about it. We just need to pay attention to whether there are people in any other places who are often sick and don’t live long, just like on Zhan’er Island."

As long as the stone was not left in their Minze Country, she didn’t care where it ended up.

"Describe the sequence of events to me," Shangguan Xuanyi ordered the soldier in a cold voice.

The soldier recalled, "I was transporting the stone with a carriage to the northwest border. By that time, it was near dusk. I was parched from traveling all day, so I stopped to have a drink. Suddenly, a man in black ran out, dashed into the carriage, picked up the bag of stones, and ran off. His Qinggong skills were excellent, I couldn’t catch up, even riding the carriage."

The soldier didn’t dare to admit that he was afraid of the stone. He always kept his distance, which is why the thief already had a significant headstart when he arrived back at the carriage, unhooked it and started the pursuit. By that time, the thief had disappeared into the desert.

"Is there anyone who can outrun a horse with their Qinggong? That’s the first time I’ve heard of such a thing! A person like that can’t be an obscure, unheard-of individual," said Shangguan Xuanyi, casting the soldier a cold glance. So his underling thought he’d be fooled that easily? Ridiculous!

Frightened, the soldier quickly knelt down, "It’s my fault, master! I was... afraid of the stone, so I always stayed far away from the carriage during rest periods. I realize my mistake now! Please spare me, master!"

Despite having been given an antidote by the princess, the sight of those people on the island still deeply frightened him!

Furthermore, he couldn’t help but fear the stone, knowing its destructive potential. It emanated something called "radiation" - something that could cause lethal illness. How could he not be afraid?

Being such a dreadful stone, he absolutely did not expect anyone would steal it!

Shangguan Xuanyi was exasperated! What use was a soldier who was so afraid of death?

If such a soldier were on the front lines of a battle, he would certainly play dead, or surrender at the slightest danger. Shangguan Xuanyi never employed such men.

The soldier could only remain kneeling under Shangguan Xuanyi’s cold gaze, daring not to move.

Xiao’er understood his fears, however. After all, all creatures have the instinct to avoid danger.

Especially humans!

Not everyone could behave nonchalantly despite knowing about the harmful substances emitted by the stone. Only those with a strong heart could.

Nevertheless, not everyone possesses such mental strength.

"Alright, stop glowering at him. If I were him, I would sit far away too. Who would have expected someone to steal a stone?" Xiao’er then asked the soldier:

"Did you get a good look at the man?"

"He had concealed his face, I couldn’t see it. And he was far away, I couldn’t get a good look." The soldier admitted, less hesitant this time. He’d been several hundred meters away from the carriage, there was no chance he could’ve gotten a clear look.

Upon hearing this, Yang Mei snorted, "You’re pretty honest, aren’t you? Keeping several hundred meters distance from the carriage, I can’t believe you had the guts to do that!"

Upon hearing Yang Mei’s comment, the soldier lowered his head in embarrassment, his cheeks turning red. He was truly terrified.

Xiao’er ceased her questioning, realising its futility. All they could do was deal with challenges as they arose, "Alright, you may go. Here’s a medicine pill, share it amongst yourselves and eat it. You shouldn’t experience any further problems."

The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief, bowed and thanked her before leaving.

"You will report to the general and receive fifty strokes of the cane!" Besides this, Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t say anything more. He had to arrange for capable people to investigate why the stone was stolen.

Only then could he truly be at ease.

Xiao’er felt that Shangguan Xuanyi was overly worried about the fact that the stone was stolen, and so she asked him: "What’s wrong?"

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