Chapter 362: Why 362? Chapter 362: Why 362? They rode their horses over the muddy land, which posed no obstacle, but Ye Jiu was seated in a carriage.
The ground was wet and slippery; the carriage wheels could not turn easily, making their progress naturally slow.
“Since the ground is slippery, let’s wait a bit before proceeding,” said Ye Jiu, looking towards Ye Wenzheng. “Wenzheng, later you can go to the village again to inquire about Fourth Brother’s whereabouts, and please ask the villagers to keep an eye out. If they see anything, they can just pass on a message.”
“Hmm, I understand,” Ye Wenzheng replied.
The household where Ye Jiu stayed was very close to the next house – indeed, their courtyard walls were even stacked together.
Turning left out of the door, he reached the neighboring household’s main entrance directly.
Two guards stood in front of the ordinary peasant courtyard, dressed in military uniforms, with upright postures, standing there as if they were built into the walls.
As soon as Ye Jiu approached the entrance, he was stopped by the two men.
“I am Ye Jiu, here to meet the War King. Could you gentlemen please inform him?” Ye Jiu spoke up.
The way Sikong Mo and Ye Jiu interacted the previous evening was clear for all to see, so the two guards were aware that Ye Jiu knew their lord, and they dared not show any negligence towards him.
The two guards exchanged glances; one continued to guard the gate while the other went inside.
Shortly after, the man returned and saluted Ye Jiu, “The Prince invites you in, young master.”
Ye Jiu smiled slightly and proceeded forward.
Inside the house, Sikong Mo was seated to one side, his presence so sharp that not even the peeling, old furniture around him could conceal it.
Ye Jiu stepped forward and bowed, “Commoner Ye Jiu, at your service, War King.”
“Dispense with the formalities,” Sikong Mo said in a deep voice.
For a moment, there was silence.
Sikong Mo simply looked at Ye Jiu indifferently, not speaking, his thoughts inscrutable.
Unable to bear the oppressive ambiance, Ye Jiu broke the silence first. “The medicine that I had sent to the Prince last time, I hope it was satisfactory?”
Last time, although Ye Jiu did send the medicine, Sikong Mo had not forgotten that she had harbored intent to kill him then.
With a light chuckle, Sikong Mo said, “That wasn’t your true purpose for coming here, was it?”
“Indeed, I am here to ask a favor of the Prince, hoping that he will not hold past grievances against me. I shall be eternally grateful for this help,” said Ye Jiu, feeling slightly embarrassed at being seen through.
“Speak,” Sikong Mo said grimly.
He couldn’t explain why he felt uncomfortable inside, just that it irked him that she only sought him out when she needed something.
“The Prince also knows that I was kidnapped to Nanchang earlier this year and, thanks to the Prince’s rescue, I was fortunate enough to return. However, my elder brother went searching for me and has not returned since. Thus, I dare to ask for the Prince’s help in finding out any news of my elder brother,” Ye Jiu stated directly.
But Sikong Mo simply answered with three words, “Why should I?”
Ye Jiu’s eyes widened as anger surged within her, “Why? Have I not also saved the Prince several times, earning this one chance to inquire about news in return?”
Thinking it over, Ye Jiu raised a finger, “Exactly three times, while the Prince has only saved me once, and even that required my own effort. As a person of your stature, you wouldn’t take advantage of a mere woman, would you?”
Sikong Mo looked up, “Not calling yourself a commoner now?”
“What?” Ye Jiu furrowed her brows.
Although Ye Jiu’s self-designation as a commoner typically appeared very proper, Sikong Mo simply did not like her overly deliberate demeanor.
Now, with her brows furrowed in frustration, she seemed much more spirited.
Of course, she was most captivating when she smiled; regrettably, since returning from Nanchang, he had not seen her smile again.