The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 15: Chapter 15: The Back Mountain

Xia Wenjin, looking rather embarrassed, explained, ”Our money pouch was stolen, and we’re terribly hungry. So, we ate at this small restaurant and owe five taels of silver. We’ll have to work here for ten days to half a month to pay it off. We’ve heard that the people of Yuqing County are famously hospitable, and we’re very grateful for Miss Wang’s kind offer. We’ll visit Miss Wang’s residence in half a month!”

So that’s what happened.

Huangfu Jingchen unexpectedly glanced at Xia Wenjin. He thought Xia Wenjin wanted to go. Unexpectedly, she found such an excuse to decline.

Qiao Xi immediately said, ”Who dares to charge guests invited by our Miss? You go ahead, and no one will trouble you!”

The tone and attitude clearly suggested that in this area, not only does the Prefectural Governor rule absolutely, but his daughter is indeed domineering and unruly.

Xia Wenjin gave her a cold glance and reprimanded, ”How can you speak like this? Won’t people who don’t know better misunderstand and think this is your Miss’s attitude? Won’t people think your Miss is arrogant and unreasonable?”

Under that glance, Qiao Xi felt a cold chill wash over her from her forehead down. Hesitantly, she glanced at Wang Wan’er, only to see her own Miss glare sharply at her, scaring her into silence.

Xia Wenjin continued, ”Paying for meals is only right. Eating without paying would be shameless, wouldn’t it? How could we do such an unscrupulous thing? Miss’s kindness is appreciated, but we must work to pay off the meal debt first!” Saying so, she turned to leave.

Wang Wan’er hastily said, ”Wait!”

Xia Wenjin turned back, ”Does Miss have other instructions?” Her gaze swept, her voice carrying a hint of mockery, ”Or does your maid’s meaning truly reflect yours?”

Wang Wan’er replied, ”You misunderstand, sir!” She turned her head, ”Qiao Xi, this young master is right; it’s only right to pay for your meals. How have I taught you usually? How could you say such a thing? Go fetch five taels of silver for the young master to pay for the meal!”

Xia Wenjin, surprised, said, ”No, no, that wasn’t my intention. How can I let Miss pay?”

With a gentle expression, Wang Wan’er responded, ”It’s only five taels of silver, do not worry about it! Pay the meal, and then come visit our home with your brother!”

At this point, Qiao Xi dared not say more, fetched five taels of silver, and handed it to Xia Wenjin with her head lowered.

Xia Wenjin took it and walked into the restaurant.

Earlier, both had rushed out the door without paying, and the shopkeeper had started to come after them. But seeing Wang Wan’er disembark her carriage, he resigned himself to his loss and returned to his shop, sighing. To his surprise, Xia Wenjin returned, making him pause.

Xia Wenjin placed the five taels of silver down, saying, ”Shopkeeper, here’s the payment!”

The shopkeeper hurriedly said, ”No need for so much; your meal comes to only one tael and two coins!”

Xia Wenjin smiled, ”Keep the rest, shopkeeper, and use half to prepare some bread and porridge for the beggars outside town!”

While the shopkeeper was stunned, Xia Wenjin was already heading out. The shopkeeper called, ”Young master, please wait!”

Xia Wenjin turned back.

The shopkeeper hesitated, eventually saying, ”Young master, that Miss Wang... She usually invites handsome young men... to visit. Those... invited were never seen again...”

Xia Wenjin’s eyes sparkled, smiling, ”Thank you, shopkeeper, I understand!”

That smile was pure and innocent, dazzling like sunlight. It momentarily dazed the shopkeeper, who, by the time he collected himself, could only watch Xia Wenjin leave. The shopkeeper shook his head helplessly, lacking the courage to further advise.

Over there, Qiao Xi was still waiting. As Xia Wenjin exited, Huangfu Jingchen quickly walked to her side, whispering, ”What exactly are you planning?”

Xia Wenjin looked up and smiled, ”Brother, Miss Wang invited us to visit and even paid for our meal; should we refuse such hospitality?”

Huangfu Jingchen glanced at the scheming glint in the young man’s eyes, somewhat guessing his intentions, hesitated for a moment, then turned his eyes deeper, choosing silence.

Qiao Xi said, ”This way, young masters, please!”

Her voice was proud, with a sense of superiority.

Wang Wan’er invited them to ride in the carriage. Huangfu Jingchen initially refused, but Xia Wenjin tugged him inside. Huangfu Jingchen quietly sat aside, curious to see what Xia Wenjin might be up to.

What had Xia Wenjin said earlier?

A three-day deadline? A bet?

Today was the third day.

Could it be she intended...

Huangfu Jingchen decided to watch the show unfold!

On the way, Wang Wan’er tried to make conversation with Xia Wenjin and Huangfu Jingchen. Huangfu Jingchen remained aloof, but Xia Wenjin answered everything cheerfully.

Her demeanor was pure, curious about everything, her words amusing enough to make Wang Wan’er giggle uncontrollably.

Qiao Xi served tea, looking at Huangfu Jingchen and Xia Wenjin with both contempt and disdain. Huangfu Jingchen’s gaze grew colder, though he felt disinclined to squabble with a maid.

Xia Wenjin simply ignored her.

Wang Wan’er glanced at Xia Wenjin, smiled, and asked, ”Where are you from, young masters?”

Xia Wenjin casually replied, ”Fengshan County, Jiazhou!”

Upon hearing they were from Jiazhou, Wang Wan’er’s smile widened. Learning they came from another county only deepened it. ”Our Yuqing County has many delightful things; you’re sure to enjoy!”

Maid Qiao Xi lowered her head, wearing a sinister, smug smile, thinking she’d be well rewarded by her Miss again.

Haotian Village, in a secluded spot in the rear mountain.

Under a tree stood a young man clad in dark blue brocade clothes, around twenty years old, tall and handsome, exuding elegance and composed demeanor, with exceptionally striking looks, a broad forehead, and rosy lips.

One hand behind his back, he appeared to be admiring the unique scenery of Haoran Mountain.

Yet, his eyes lacked any sense of relaxation or grace, instead revealing a lurking darkness.

Nearby, the grass moved softly, and a figure emerged, kneeling on one knee and saying in a low voice, ”Young master!”

”Did everyone succeed?”

”Reporting to young master, four groups were sent to intercept, three have returned successfully. All three succeeded, though the third group reported the target didn’t follow the planned route, initially missing them, but they’ve since been tracked, and action is imminent.”

The man in brocade slightly furrowed his brows, the third group? Was that from the Yunzhou direction?

He fretted most over the first and second groups. With them succeeding, his worries would be allayed; the third and fourth groups were merely incidental.

He was satisfied with the competence of his assigned tasks. He turned his head, asking, ”Any news on Xia Wenjin’s whereabouts?”