"Could it be because of her that Tortoiseshell City has experienced a drought?"
"Definitely because of her!"
The crowd was abuzz with discussion, but as they watched the line of carriages rapidly approaching and saw one man after another riding atop their steeds, despite being covered in dust, their imposing bearing still rendered the people of Tortoiseshell City silent, immediately clearing the way.
What surprised them most was that the City Lord and the Governor warmly and respectfully came forward to greet them.
"This subordinate (humble citizen) has seen His Highness Prince Rui and the Commandery Prince!"
Chu Yu did not speak; instead, Luo’er stepped forward and said, "Lead the way!"
Chu Yu, Yun Jinnian, and others had originally planned to stay at an inn, but as the small counties surrounding Tortoiseshell City were also stricken by the drought and suffering severe water shortages, it was better to stay at the City Lord Residence.
Firstly, because there was water, and secondly, everyone was eager to continue their journey and needed a good meal and proper rest.
Tortoiseshell City used to be quite prosperous; it was only because of this year’s drought that it seemed somewhat desolate and dilapidated. The City Lord Residence had been very well maintained, especially the courtyard prepared for Chu Yu, Yun Jinnian, and their party, which was arranged with particular elegance.
"Your Highness, Commandery Prince, the bath water for the two noble masters has been prepared. You two can take a good soak in the bath, and each of the guards has two buckets of water for bathing as well!"
Chu Yu himself didn’t mind, but he took care of Yun Jinnian, "In addition to the water prepared for this young master to soak in, let’s make it two buckets per person for everyone else!"
Upon hearing this, the City Lord was delighted and quickly responded, "Good, good!"
Do not underestimate these large buckets of water, as it takes fifteen to fill them up.
Nowadays, servants had to go to the deep mountains early in the morning to fetch water, so they needed to save where they could.
Yun Jinnian was just about to say that two buckets were also enough for himself.
But Chu Yu pulled at him, "You’ve had a hard time on the road. Take a good soak and get rid of the travel dust. You still have to examine our cousin later. If you really want to save water, let Hemei and Henuan bathe with you!"
Seeing Chu Yu insisted, Yun Jinnian could only say, "Alright!"
Upon hearing Chu Yu speak this way, the City Lord understood Yun Jinnian’s esteemed status and dared not be negligent.
He led them into their respective courtyards, and hot water was carried in one after another. The maids set down the scented soap and clean towels before retreating to wait outside the room.
After washing his hair and taking a bath, Yun Jinnian felt much more relaxed.
Sitting on the stool, he took a dry towel and gently wiped his hair.
Hemei and Henuan also washed themselves clean and still had nearly half a bucket of water left.
"After the bath, I feel so much more refreshed!" Hemei said. Seeing Yun Jinnian sitting on the stool drying his hair, she hurried over to help him.
Yun Jinnian smiled slightly, "I can do it myself. You should also dry your hair quickly, so you don’t catch a cold!"
Hemei nodded and began to wipe with the towel.
Yun Jinnian stood up and carried the stool over to her side, "Sit down!"
When Henuan came out, he invited her to sit as well.
The two girls were only ten years old but followed him around on his travels without a word of complaint.
The two sat down and, once their hair was dry, they got dressed and put on men’s clothing. Hemei followed Yun Jinnian, and Henuan went to wash clothes, especially Yun Jinnian’s undergarments, which could not be seen by others when drying.
They had just finished getting ready when the meal had been properly prepared. Yun Jinnian saw Han Tianci, who had washed up clean and came looking refreshed, "Tianci!"
Naturally, Yun Jinnian took Han Tianci’s hand, "Are you hungry?"
"Eat more later then!"
However, when the siblings entered the dining hall and saw the seven or eight enchanting and beautiful maids, they paused...