0p0 Chapter 169 Come here because of fame
Chapter 169 Come here because of fame
Ever since the old man in Xinghua Village obtained the precious medicinal herbs, the news spread like wildfire. People from all directions flocked to Xinghua Village to see what the herbs looked like. Some offered high prices to buy the herbs, while others hoped the old man would give them to them. Some even tried to steal the herbs, but all were refused and stopped.
"What kind of strange medicinal herb is this?" The village chief asked curiously as he approached, his face full of doubt.
The white-haired, venerable old man smiled slightly and said slowly, "This is Cnidium monnieri! It is an extremely rare and precious medicinal herb, now only seen once every few hundred years! Its medicinal effects are excellent, and it can cure many difficult and complicated diseases. Not only that, its small and exquisite appearance and beautiful shape also have high ornamental value!"
Upon hearing this, the village chief's eyes lit up, and he said thoughtfully, "Since this medicinal herb is so precious and useful, why don't we sell it? That way, the money can be used to build our village school and roads, giving the children a better learning environment and making it easier for everyone to travel." His well-intentioned suggestion was echoed by many villagers.
However, faced with the crowd's chatter and eagerness, the old man frowned, his worry evident, and his once jet-black hair seemed to have turned several strands white in an instant. It turned out that this kind-hearted old man had intended from the beginning to use this hard-won Cnidium monnieri to treat the villagers suffering from serious illnesses and on the verge of death; how could he so carelessly sell it off? After careful consideration, the old man resolutely decided to convene a general meeting of all the villagers.
At the meeting, the old man solemnly and earnestly explained his true thoughts and the importance of preserving this medicinal herb. After listening to the old man's words, the villagers present were silent for a moment, and then burst into enthusiastic applause, expressing their full support and endorsement of the old man.
Therefore, the entire village worked together and acted swiftly. They meticulously set up layers of strict security measures around the village to prevent any unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of the situation and stealing the invaluable Cnidium monnieri. At the same time, they specially selected several strong and robust young men to take turns guarding the area day and night to ensure absolute safety.
However, some greedy individuals persisted, sneaking in under cover of darkness. Unexpectedly, the villagers were prepared, triggering a makeshift alarm as soon as they entered. Instantly, barking dogs and shouts filled the air, and the entire Xinghua Village was ablaze with lights. Those with ill intentions were terrified and fled in panic. After this incident, outsiders realized that Xinghua Village was united and not to be trifled with, and gradually they stopped coveting the medicinal herbs. Xinghua Village used the herbs to make medicine, successfully curing the sick villagers, and Xinghua Village returned to its former peaceful and harmonious life.
Finally, the moment of agonizing uncertainty arrived. Ye Beichen was about to embark on his journey back to the Northern Desert to inherit the supreme lordship. At this moment, he gazed at Su Yuning with deep and affectionate eyes and slowly said, "My wife, come back to the Northern Desert with me! That is, after all, our home."
However, faced with Ye Beichen's earnest request, Su Yuning gently shook her head and softly replied, "No, no, no, my husband, I really don't adapt well to life in the northern desert. Admittedly, the land there is fertile, and the people are simple, honest, and hospitable, but the capital city holds great significance for me. Not only is there the business I have painstakingly built, but also my dearest friends and beloved family who have been with me for many years. Therefore, I long to stay here."
Upon hearing Su Yuning's words, Ye Beichen's expectant face instantly darkened. He frowned and questioned her with a slightly displeased tone, "Yuning, do you really think I'm so insignificant? Have you ever truly put yourself in my shoes?"
Faced with Ye Beichen's angry questioning, Su Yuning's lips curled into a gentle smile, as beautiful as a spring flower in bloom. She gracefully tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear with her delicate hand, then parted her cherry-red lips and slowly explained, "My husband, please don't be so easily angered. After all, we are no longer the naive and innocent children we once were. We should have a deeper understanding of the world and act more maturely and steadily. In my opinion, true happiness is not obtained by sacrificing the suffering of others. Therefore, my mind is made up on this matter, and I will steadfastly uphold the choice I have made, no matter what."
Hearing Su Yuning's words, Ye Beichen frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure and provocation on his face. He snorted coldly and retorted without any politeness, "Hmph! But there are many trivial matters at home, and someone needs to take care of them for me, right? Do you expect me to do all these trivial things myself? Since my wife is unwilling to help, how about I simply take another concubine? That way, she can assist me in handling these complicated matters."
However, to Ye Beichen's surprise, Su Yuning's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, her heart as calm as still water. Her tranquil gaze met Ye Beichen's slightly provocative eyes, and she calmly replied, "If the lord truly believes this is feasible, I will naturally have no objections. Everything is up to the lord to decide."
Su Yuning's nonchalant attitude instantly deflated Ye Beichen, who had initially harbored a sliver of hope to test his wife's reaction. All his arrogance vanished. He shook his head helplessly, sighed softly, and said, "Alright, alright, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have said such things to upset you. I hope you won't take it to heart. Just consider what I said before as nonsense."
Ye Beichen stepped forward and took Su Yuning's hand, saying softly, "My wife, I just couldn't bear to leave you, and that's why I spoke without thinking." Su Yuning looked at him and smiled, "Husband, I know what you're thinking."
As the two were talking, a commotion arose outside. It turned out that the village children were playing. Seeing this, Ye Beichen sighed, "This Xinghua Village is full of life and vitality. No wonder my wife is reluctant to leave."
“Husband, look at Xinghua Village. Although it’s small, everyone helps each other and everyone works hard to make a living. I really like this atmosphere,” Su Yuning said, leaning on Ye Beichen’s shoulder.
Ye Beichen pondered for a moment, "My wife, then I will stay a little longer and savor the beauty of Xinghua Village."
Su Yuning looked up in surprise, "Really? Husband."
"Yes, and I can also take this opportunity to think of ways to introduce some good products from Mobei to Xinghua Village to improve everyone's lives." Ye Beichen looked at Su Yuning gently.
After that, Ye Beichen worked alongside the villagers every day, learning about their needs. Su Yuning watched with satisfaction. The couple's relationship deepened, and Xinghua Village gradually developed thanks to the new ideas Ye Beichen brought, leading to a more prosperous and peaceful life.
Within the magnificent imperial palace, a highly anticipated selection of imperial concubines finally commenced. This selection was neither of Emperor Zhao Shouyi's own wishes nor with the Empress's approval; the true reason behind it was that the harem could not be without a mistress for even a day.
Just recently, heartbreaking news arrived—Nangong Xue'er tragically passed away due to complications during childbirth, leaving behind children who had not yet grown up, now deprived of their mother's love and care. Upon learning of this devastating news, Zhao Shouyi drowned his sorrows in alcohol every day. His former high spirits had vanished, replaced by a listless and haggard appearance.
Seeing this situation, the Empress Dowager was deeply worried. After careful consideration and discussion with the Emperor Emeritus, they finally made the important decision to select a concubine for Zhao Shouyi.
The following morning, sunlight streamed down upon the resplendent palace, making it gleam. Women arrived in droves to participate in the selection, including not only the Empress Dowager's cousin but also several unfamiliar newcomers: Su Muxue, Yang Yuyan, Gao Qingyu, Murong Le, and Gu Yunyun, among others. Each woman was exquisitely made up and possessed captivating beauty, stepping into this unknown palace with their own dreams.
However, when Zhao Shouyi met the Empress Dowager's cousin, he did not hesitate to expel her from the palace. This was because he had absolutely no interest in this cousin and found even a glance at her irritating.
Zhao Shouyi did have some recollection of Yang Yuyan. It turned out she was Su Yuning's former sister-in-law. But what puzzled him was why a woman who had already been married would participate in this imperial concubine selection. This question lingered in his mind like a fog, impossible to dispel.
"Are you the daughter of Yang the blacksmith from Yangjiaping?" Zhao Shouyi sat high on the throne, looking down at Yang Yuyan standing below, and asked.
Yang Yuyan lowered her head, nodded obediently, and replied softly, "Your Majesty, it is indeed my daughter."
Zhao Shouyi narrowed his eyes slightly and continued to ask, "I heard that you have been living with He Shuiqing. Why are you participating in this selection of concubines now? What is your purpose?" His voice was authoritative without being angry, as if he could see through the hearts of all people.
Faced with Zhao Shouyi's series of questions, Yang Yuyan raised her head, looked him straight in the eye with a firm gaze, and answered without hesitation, "Your Majesty, I have come to participate in the selection only for money." Her tone was calm and frank, as if she were stating a very simple fact.
Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned into silence. Zhao Shouyi was also taken aback; he never expected this seemingly delicate woman to so bluntly state her purpose. The crowd secretly pondered: throughout history, those who participated in the imperial concubine selection had always racked their brains and gone to great lengths to conceal their true intentions. Yet this Yang Yuyan had so openly revealed her intentions! Was she truly insane? Or did she harbor some unspeakable secret? For a moment, the entire palace fell silent, all eyes fixed on Yang Yuyan, waiting to see what astonishing move she would make next.
"Outrageous! How dare you act like this!" Zhao Shouyi's face was full of anger, his eyes wide open, and his voice rang out like thunder, making the entire palace seem to tremble slightly. His angry aura seemed to materialize and surged towards Yang Yuyan.
The sudden roar startled Yang Yuyan, causing her to tremble violently. Her face turned deathly pale, her legs buckled, and she collapsed to her knees with a thud. Terrified, she repeatedly kowtowed, begging for mercy: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger, please calm your anger... I know my crime, please spare my life..."
Seeing Yang Yuyan's state, Zhao Shouyi's anger subsided slightly, but he was still furious. He angrily questioned, "I ask you, Yang Yuyan, why are you so desperate for money? Explain yourself!"
Yang Yuyan was already sobbing uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls. She looked up at Zhao Shouyi through teary eyes and choked out, “Your Majesty, Young Master He… he cheated on me and kicked me out of the house. Now I am all alone, with no one to rely on. But I have a young son to raise, and to ensure he has enough to eat and wear, I have to travel far and wide to earn money… Moreover, I originally had a job at the school, but I was dismissed for some reason. Having no other choice, I dared to come here to try my luck…”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shouyi was deeply moved. He sighed softly, nodded slowly, and said, "Alas, the hearts of parents are all the same. I understand your predicament. Very well, you may remain in the palace for now." With that, he waved his hand, signaling the others to leave.
However, at that moment, a commotion suddenly erupted from the crowd. The women who had not been selected all looked indignant and began to shout.