Volume Three: Those Years I Was a Wangye
Pretending to sleep
Chengxi Official Road
“Robbery! Hand over… hand over your money, and we’ll… we’ll spare your lives.” Several sallow-faced, emaciated women in tattered clothes blocked the middle of the road. Beside them stood a few more women in similar ragged attire, their faces tense, clutching rusty knives.
“How many groups is this now? I’ve lost count of all the robbers we’ve met on this road,” the woman on horseback chuckled.
“It can’t be helped. With the current flood disaster, people are displaced, and many refugees have turned to banditry1 just to survive. It’s not easy for anyone,” Ruilin sighed, looking at the robbers before them, each one sallow-faced and skinny as a rake2.
Everyone they had seen along the road looked like this, like withered husks.
Ji Chenwei tossed a bag of silver from her robes. “Stop robbing. You can barely hold your knives. Run south to Fengyong City. There’s a disaster relief shrine there, and the government is distributing food and clothing.”
The skinny woman caught it, and upon seeing a full bag of silver, all of them knelt on the ground and kowtowed in thanks.
“Thank you, thank you, kind people, thank you…”
Ji Chenwei waved her hand. “No need for thanks. Go on, don’t block the road here anymore. You should know that blocking an official road is a beheading offense.” She drew one hand across her neck in a deliberately vicious slicing motion.
Hearing this, the women looked at each other and then at Ji Chenwei, instantly panic-stricken. They scrambled to their feet and fled.
Ji Chenwei looked back at the carriage behind them and called out, “Wangye, Miss Lin, Hanrong, don’t be afraid. They’re just refugees fleeing the disaster who turned to banditry out of desperation. It’s alright.”
Qi Hanrong lifted the curtain, his face veiled, and looked at Ji Chenwei on horseback. He nodded. “Alright.”
Ruilin thought Lin Tinghan hadn’t heard and was about to repeat it when she saw a hand extend from the carriage, making a gesture she didn’t understand.
The index finger and thumb were pinched together, with the other three fingers extended.
She saw it was Xian Wang’s hand. Ruilin was puzzled by Xian Wang’s gesture and was about to ask.
Ji Chenwei tapped her shoulder and explained, “That gesture seems to be called ‘Ouka3 or Ouke4‘? It means everything is fine. Wangye created it for us to communicate privately. We haven’t had a chance to tell you and Miss Lin yet.”
Ruilin asked doubtfully, “Ouka? Ouke?”
Ji Chenwei scratched the back of her head. “I forgot what it’s called too. It’s quite a mouthful and doesn’t roll off the tongue. Just remember that when we make this gesture, it means everything is fine.”
Ruilin asked curiously, “What else did Wangye teach you?”
Ji Chenwei crossed the index and middle fingers of one hand. “This means danger.” Then, she raised her thumb and index finger. “This is called ‘action,’ meaning ‘go’ or ‘attack’.”
Ruilin found it amazing. It wasn’t hard to learn and allowed them to exchange information in situations where speaking was inconvenient. It was incredibly practical.
“Wangye is truly amazing, isn’t she?” Ruilin exclaimed.
A corner of Ji Chenwei’s mouth lifted. “Of course. No one can understand these hand signals created by Wangye except the five of us. It’ll be very convenient whether there’s danger or we need to pass messages.”
Wen Nuan had indeed taught them this to convey important information in dangerous situations.
She knew the plotline of this world, so she was naturally aware that Wangfu City had long been fragmented and eroded by corrupt local officials and the master of Ji Ge.
In such a perilous environment, hand signals were safer and more convenient than verbal communication.
Moreover, Wangfu City should have long received news of Xian Wang’s arrival. Outside the city, wails were incessant, and the land was littered with the bodies of the starved. Inside, they had probably already prepared everything.
Therefore, Wen Nuan didn’t hide her identity or whereabouts on this trip to Wangfu City. She deliberately made a big show of it, intentionally letting them try to deceive her with falsehoods. After all, her main purpose in coming to Wangfu City was to destroy Ji Ge; disaster relief was secondary. Anyway, she knew who all the corrupt people in Wangfu City were. With the precious sword bestowed by her Imperial Elder Sister, she could just cut down anyone she saw fit.
After all, her reputation as Xian Wang was not that of a kind person, so it was most convenient for her to do these rebellious and unscrupulous deeds.
The carriage suddenly jolted as if a wheel had run over a stone, causing the carriage body to sway.
Wen Nuan felt a weight on her shoulder. She carefully turned her head and looked at the head resting there.
On the left side of her neck, Wen Nuan could feel soft skin and faint breaths, like a feather lightly brushing against her, bringing a subtle, ticklish sensation.
Wen Nuan’s lips curved upwards. “…”
So good, throwing herself into my arms!
System: 【You’re smiling like a dirty old man5!】
Wen Nuan: “…”
After Lin Tinghan boarded the carriage, she read for a while and then leaned to one side to nap. Wen Nuan didn’t disturb her, thinking about preparations after entering Wangfu City. As a result, when the carriage swayed, the already sleeping Lin Tinghan was jolted into her arms.
Wen Nuan’s eyes darted. She stuck her hand out the window, pinched her thumb and index finger together, and waved it quickly from one side to the other.
Ji Chenwei, who was constantly watching the carriage, saw Wen Nuan’s gesture. She glanced at the convoy of carriages behind them and shouted, “Speed up! We must reach Wangfu City before nightfall!”
“Yes—”
Xu Wenlu, worried about Wen Nuan’s safety, had dispatched twenty shadow guards disguised as attendants to escort Wen Nuan, and also had thirty shadow guards protecting her secretly.
The carriage sped up, shaking more violently.
Lin Tinghan’s body tilted, and she tumbled entirely into Wen Nuan’s embrace.
Wen Nuan immediately wrapped her arms around Lin Tinghan’s waist, holding her securely in her embrace, carefully protecting her, afraid she might bump or hit Lin Tinghan.
Wen Nuan looked at the still soundly sleeping Lin Tinghan and sighed, “This child is such a heavy sleeper.”
Such violent shaking still hadn’t woken her.
The System noticed Lin Tinghan’s breathing change and saw the blackening value decreasing bit by bit. It silently shut up and said nothing.
Lin Tinghan smiled and buried her face in Wen Nuan’s chest. A delicate fragrance lingered around her nose, not as rich as incense, nor as light as the scent of flowers. It was a rich, subtle aroma that made one feel comfortable and content.
Lin Tinghan had indeed been a little sleepy, but her long-standing state of “sleeplessness” and “eyes unable to close” wasn’t so easily dispelled.
But the light fragrance from Wen Nuan’s body surprisingly had a calming effect.
Spurring their horses on, they finally reached Wangfu City before sunset.
Ji Chenwei took out a nameplate. Seeing it, the city gate guards all knelt and kowtowed.
“This subordinate greets Wangye, Xian Wang—”
Ji Chenwei waved her hand. “Open the city gates. Xian Wang wishes to enter the city to rest.”
The City Gate Commander walked over, bowing respectfully with an apologetic smile. “Lord Fang knew Her Highness Xian Wang would arrive in Wangfu City today and specially instructed this humble one to prepare a clean residence for Wangye to stay and rest. Please, esteemed sirs and madams, follow this humble one.”
Ji Chenwei’s face showed a hint of sarcasm, but her tone was extremely arrogant. “Consider yourselves sensible. Now, lead the way quickly.”
A flicker of a smile passed through the City Gate Commander’s eyes. She immediately went ahead to lead the way. “Esteemed sirs and madams, this way, please.”
The group followed the City Gate Commander into Wangfu City. The scenes inside and outside the city were vastly different; inside was joyous and harmonious, while outside was filled with wails.
“If I hadn’t seen the scene outside, I would think Wangfu City was doing very well,” Ruilin whispered in amazement.
“That’s because Wangye was about to arrive. Didn’t you see that the common people inside here also have sallow faces?” Ji Chenwei frowned.
Does Fang Shangwei6 really take us for fools and blind people?
On both sides of the roads in Wangfu City, there was still flood debris that hadn’t been completely cleared. Damaged houses were only half-rebuilt, with just a few workers hammering away on them.
The vendors along the streets sold their goods listlessly, and the pedestrians walked about like the living dead.
Seeing the scene before them, the City Gate Commander looked troubled and explained, “After a solid month of heavy rain, most of Wangfu City was flooded. Fortunately, Her Majesty the Emperor showed mercy, and with boundless imperial grace and blessings, Wangfu City was able to overcome this flood disaster.”
Ji Chenwei looked at the people on the street—thin bodies, withered like husks—and frowned. “The Emperor has allocated a total of two hundred thousand taels of silver to Wangfu City. How come the common people in the city still look like they haven’t had enough to eat? It’s vexing to see.”
Seeing Ji Chenwei’s disgusted expression, the City Gate Commander’s lips curved up slightly. She sighed and said, “My lord, you may not know, but this flood disaster is one seen once in a hundred years. The floodwaters were like a wild beast that had broken its leash, collapsing the dam, submerging tens of mu7 of fertile land, destroying people’s homes, and drowning many cattle, sheep, and livestock. Many city residents also died in this flood, and their bodies haven’t even been found yet. Currently, Wangfu City is severely lacking in manpower, resources, and finances. In such a predicament, Prefect Fang8, with no other choice, can only request Her Majesty the Emperor to allocate more funds to support Wangfu City.”
As she spoke, she even dabbed at the corner of her eye and apologized profusely to Ji Chenwei, “My lord, this humble one has been too tactless and made a fool of myself. It’s just that seeing Wangfu City in this state, the sorrow in this humble one’s heart is truly unbearable. I hope my lord will forgive this humble one’s impoliteness.”
Ji Chenwei: “…”
She’s so damn good at pretending.
Ji Chenwei waved her hand, her face full of disdain. “Alright, what’s a grown woman like you crying for? It’s disgraceful. Now that Xian Wang is here, she has specially brought two hundred thousand taels of silver and fifty thousand taels of gold to aid Wangfu City.” She pointed to the carriages behind them. “That silver is all in the carriages back there.”
The City Gate Commander looked over, an imperceptible trace of greed flashing in her eyes. She excitedly knelt on the ground, kowtowing in the direction of Jiajing, and said, “This subject, Lai Yi9, kowtows in gratitude to Her Majesty the Emperor! Imperial grace is vast, bestowing favor upon the four seas.”
“Alright, lead the way quickly. Don’t delay Her Highness Xian Wang’s rest,” Ji Chenwei said, looking displeased.
The City Gate Commander immediately got up and led the way forward.
She led Ji Chenwei and her party to a mansion in the city. With its green tiles, red eaves, carved beams, and embroidered doors, it looked exquisite and clean. Compared to the dilapidated state of Wangfu City at that moment, it seemed out of place, as if it had appeared out of thin air.
A city gate guard secretly observed Ji Chenwei. Seeing that she didn’t show any suspicion, the guard smiled and said, “This is the residence Prefect Fang prepared for Her Highness Xian Wang. It’s a bit run-down, I hope Wangye and all the esteemed sirs and madams won’t mind.”
Ji Chenwei pursed her lips. “It is a bit run-down. Forget it. Anyway, the Xian Wang is just going through the motions. If Her Majesty the Emperor didn’t always think the Xian Wang was neglecting proper duties and issue an edict forcing the Xian Wang to escort the disaster relief funds, the Xian Wang would have been in Jiajing, sleeping with beauties in her arms long ago.”
The City Gate Commander lifted her eyelids, her eyes narrowing, and said with a playful smile, “This humble one wouldn’t dare to inconvenience Wangye.” She clapped her hands, and attendants from behind brought forward two young men. They had charming appearances, graceful figures, and a coquettish demeanor, smiling sweetly at Ji Chenwei and Ruilin.
“This is a welcoming gift from Prefect Fang for Wangye. We hope Wangye will like it.”
Ji Chenwei smiled. “Prefect Fang certainly knows how to please people. Now that Wangye has arrived in Wangfu City, she didn’t even come to greet her personally. Instead, she sends two young men to curry favor with Wangye. She’s quite the schemer, isn’t she?”
The City Gate Commander frowned, a troubled look on her face. “Lord Fang is currently at the Weng River estuary, working with the laborers to repair the dam and mitigate the damage caused by the flood breach. She truly couldn’t get away to welcome Wangye personally and specially instructed this humble one to take good care of all matters concerning Wangye and the esteemed sirs and madams.”
“Lord Fang is so diligent in her duties and loves the people so much. If I pursue this further, wouldn’t I appear narrow-minded?”
The City Gate Commander chuckled awkwardly. “Not at all! It’s because you, my lord, are broad-minded and cannot bear to see the city’s people suffer.”
Ji Chenwei looked towards the carriage and bowed. “Wangye, Prefect Fang has sent a welcoming gift to express her apologies. Would you like to see it?”
The City Gate Commander looked over and saw Ruilin pull open the door curtain.
Everyone saw Xian Wang step down from the carriage, holding a beauty in her arms. The beauty had an exquisite appearance, a stunning figure, and an outstanding demeanor. Compared to the two young men standing nearby, it was like the difference between clouds and mud.
The City Gate Commander suddenly felt that this welcoming gift was rather shabby. The beauty Xian Wang had brought herself was so stunningly beautiful; she had never seen such a handsome “man” in her life.
Just as the rumors said, Xian Wang was indeed dissolute by nature, indulging in pleasure and women, a good-for-nothing who only knew of ponds of wine and forests of meat10.
Ruilin and Ji Chenwei were both stunned to see Wen Nuan carrying Lin Tinghan in her arms.
Ji Chenwei’s expression changed immediately, and she was just about to explain their relationship.
When she heard the City Gate Commander exclaim admiringly, “Her Highness Xian Wang and your Attendant Lord are truly loving.”
A talented woman and a handsome man, a match made in heaven.
She didn’t seem to have heard of Xian Wang marrying a Principal Consort, so the person in her arms must be Xian Wang’s Attendant Lord.
Ji Chenwei: “…”
Ruilin: “…”
“…” Wen Nuan glanced at the City Gate Commander with satisfaction. “I didn’t expect your official rank to be low, but your judgment is quite sharp.”
The City Gate Commander smiled. “It’s mainly because Wangye and this Attendant Lord in your arms are such a perfect match. Anyone with discerning eyes can see you are a beautiful couple made by heaven and arranged by earth.”
Ji Chenwei: “…”
Ruilin: “…”
Wen Nuan suppressed the urge to let her lips curve upwards and said calmly, “Hmph, you certainly know how to talk.” Holding the still-sleeping Lin Tinghan, she turned and walked into the mansion, glancing at Ji Chenwei. “Reward.”
Ji Chenwei: “…Yes.”
Reward what?
Ruilin took out a gold ingot and handed it over. “Wangye is going to rest. You may all leave. Don’t stay here and disturb Wangye’s rest.”
The City Gate Commander immediately understood. She glanced into the mansion and said with a fawning smile, “Thank you for Wangye’s reward. This humble one will leave right away and will absolutely not disturb Wangye and the Attendant Lord’s rest.”
After the City Gate Commander left, Ji Chenwei frowned deeply and asked, “That brain-dead fool mistook Wangye and Miss Lin for a couple. Should we explain?”
Ruilin shook her head. “Wangye didn’t say anything. Why are you trying to get involved?”
Ji Chenwei thought about it and agreed. Wangye wasn’t even angry, so why should she bother explaining?
“But your young miss sure can sleep, huh? Slept the whole way, didn’t even wake up when getting out of the carriage, and even had the Xian Wang carry her down personally,” Ji Chenwei remarked.
Ruilin didn’t say anything, just rolled her eyes at Ji Chenwei and turned to enter the mansion.
Ji Chenwei looked at Qi Hanrong. “Why did she roll her eyes at me?”
Qi Hanrong sighed, shook his head, and tapped Ji Chenwei’s forehead with a fingertip. “Blockhead.”
Ji Chenwei: “….”
What the heck?!
Why are you insulting me now?
Ruilin watched as Wangye carefully placed her young miss on the bed, covered her with the quilt, and then came out, instructing her to take good care of the young miss.
She curtsied and agreed.
Then she looked at her young miss, who was lying on the bed with her eyes already open.
Her young miss had always been a light sleeper. She was pretty sure she hadn’t misseen the smile that had touched her young miss’s lips just now.
The young miss was pretending to be asleep. She just wasn’t sure if Wangye knew.
The author has something to say:
Wen Nuan smiles: Hehe, warm jade in my embrace11.
Female lead purses her lips: Hehe, throwing herself into my arms.
System scoffs: A pair of stinky lovebirds.
Hand gestures referenced from Baidu’s 《Sign Language Gesture Tutorial》.
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