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Chuchu's story was very clichéd – nothing more than a sad tale of a family fallen on hard times, sold into a brothel by a gambling-addicted father to pay off debts.
After Chuchu finished speaking, Su Li's eyes held pity. "Miss Chuchu is truly admirable, to be able to maintain her principles despite such a difficult life."
Chuchu's gaze gradually became hazy, her voice somewhat ethereal. "Young Master Wei, you... you truly are a good person."
Jun Mo had been sitting to the side without speaking. Seeing the hint of affection in Chuchu's eyes, he then looked at Su Li and frowned. Does she even remember she's a woman? This amorous display, if I didn't know her purpose, even I would have been deceived.
Su Li continued impassively, "Miss Chuchu's fame is widespread. Haven't you encountered anyone who treats you with sincerity? I hear that the second young master of the Jiang family, Shu Zhong's wealthiest, is truly devoted to Miss Chuchu!"
Chuchu sneered. "What sincerity? I'm merely his shield."
Su Li and Jun Mo exchanged a look.
Before Su Li could ask further, Chuchu continued intermittently, "He... requests me, but has never touched me. Every time he comes... every time he comes here, I sleep in the outer room. He is a very busy man."
Su Li asked gently, "Could it be that he is busy with his own affairs even in your room, Miss?"
"Yes, I often wake up in a daze in the middle of the night and see him discussing matters with his subordinates."
"What kind of matter could make him ignore a great beauty like you?"
Chuchu shook her head. "I don't know. Whenever he stays the night, I become incredibly sleepy, as if I can't get enough sleep."
Su Li understood in her heart; it was likely Chuchu had been drugged.
"However, once I seemed to hear something like 'bows and crossbows,' 'Seven Immortals,' or something like that."
Su Li continued, "Then do you know about the disappearance of men in this Shu Du City?"
Chuchu, her eyes half-closed, said, "I know..."
"Then do you know where they are?"
Chuchu shook her head. "...My younger brother disappeared. I... thinking of our sibling bond, wanted to ask... ask Second Master Jiang to help find him. Second Master Jiang said he had gone off to achieve great things and told me not to look for him."
Su Li wanted to ask more, but Chuchu suddenly slumped onto the table.
Su Li and Jun Mo exchanged a look.
Jun Mo looked at Su Li with a half-smile. "I didn't expect Li'er to actually be able to get information out of her."
Su Li stood up. "Let's go. We've pretty much found out what we needed."
The two left Qunfang Yuan. Mo Yang stepped forward. "Your Highness, Mo Feng has returned. Governor-General Han has also arrived."
Jun Mo nodded. "Excellent. Let's go to the other courtyard to discuss disaster relief matters."
Entering the other courtyard, they saw from afar a tall, burly man with a full beard standing in the front hall, talking with Wang Wei. Seeing the two enter, the man immediately came forward to greet them.
"Han Shi greets Your Highness Prince Jing!"
Jun Mo quickly supported his arm. "Governor-General, no need for such formalities."
Han Shi looked emotional. "Your Highness, it's been several years since we last met!"
Jun Mo nodded. "Indeed. Since we parted at the border, has the Governor-General been well?"
"Thanks to Your Highness's blessings, everything is well. But Your Highness's cold ailment..."
Jun Mo said, "Seeing this Prince walk as vigorously as flying, you should know there's nothing wrong."
Only then did Han Shi notice the jade-like young master beside Jun Mo. "This is?"
Jun Mo didn't hide it from him. "Su Li, daughter of Minister Su."
A trace of surprise flashed in Han Shi's eyes, and he immediately bowed. "Greetings, Princess Consort."
Hearing the words "Princess Consort," a trace of discomfort flickered across Su Li's face.
Jun Mo smiled faintly. "Li'er, don't mind it. The Governor-General is one of us."
Su Li smiled. "No need for formalities. It's fine for the Governor-General to just call me Li'er."
Han Shi immediately said, "How could this subordinate dare to directly address Her Highness the Princess Consort by name!"
Jun Mo chuckled lightly. "Li'er is thin-skinned. It's fine for the Governor-General to just call her Miss Su."
"Let's sit inside and discuss disaster relief matters," Jun Mo said.
The group entered the room. "Your Highness, I have already dispatched troops to guard the granaries. I guarantee not even a fly can get in."
Jun Mo nodded. "This disaster relief is one thing. The second is to find out where the missing men are. We already have some clues. Your bringing troops to Shu Du will likely put the Prefectural Governor and the Jiang family on guard, and they will send people to watch you. You just be responsible for the disaster relief; leave the rest to me and Li'er."
"Besides Shu Du, people also need to be sent to the disaster-stricken prefectures and counties. The grain has already been transported out. Your men must ensure the disaster relief proceeds smoothly, without any trouble."
Han Shi said, "Rest assured, Your Highness. Lord Mo Feng also told me some of the situation on the way. I didn't expect the Sixth Prince's ambitions to be so great. This time, he'll try to steal a chicken but end up losing the rice!"
The group dispersed only late at night.
Su Li, carrying her medicine kit, went to Jun Mo's room. There was already a tacit understanding between the two. Seeing her enter, Jun Mo sat on the bed and rolled up his trouser leg.
Su Li's silver needles fell one by one. Jun Mo's face alternated between green and white, and soon a layer of cold sweat covered his forehead. Seeing him in such pain, Su Li, as usual, tried to find a topic to distract him.
"Are we going to Tonggu Zhai tomorrow?"
Jun Mo said, "No rush. Let's wait a few more days. We'll go when the disaster relief is on the right track."
Su Li nodded. "Miss Chuchu mentioned the Seven Immortals Cave is at the seventh peak of Tonggu Zhai. Are we going there directly?"
Jun Mo pondered for a long moment, then said, "This trip is too dangerous. After thinking about it, it's better if I take Mo Yang to scout first."
Su Li said, "No. I must go. There are many miasmas and hidden dangers in the deep mountains; it's only guaranteed if I go. Besides, I can ensure my own safety."
Jun Mo thought for a moment and felt what she said wasn't unreasonable. "Alright, let's go together. This Prince can protect you."
After about half an hour, Su Li removed the silver needles and had Mo Yang bring in water. Su Li gave Mo Yang the pain-relieving medicine and turned to Jun Mo, "Then I'll return to my room first."
Jun Mo nodded. "Okay. Sweet dreams."
Su Li returned to her room. Si Qin and Zhi Shu brought water to help her freshen up. As Zhi Shu undid Su Li's male hairband, she smiled, "Miss looks truly handsome in men's attire."
Si Qin also said, "Yes, devastatingly beautiful in women's attire, and more handsome than Pan An in men's attire."
Su Li smiled. "Have you two girls eaten honey today?"
Zhi Shu smiled. "Miss, this servant heard that you... went to that kind of place. Is it true?"
Su Li nodded. "Circumstances forced it. When we return to the capital, don't you two let it slip in front of my parents."
"Miss, you're too bold! And His Highness too, really, how could he let you go to such a filthy place!" Si Qin said in surprise. If people in the capital found out about this, wouldn't Miss's reputation be ruined!
Su Li said, "It's alright. It's not his fault." This matter indeed couldn't be blamed on Jun Mo.
"Alright, you two go down and rest early too. Tomorrow will likely be busy." Tomorrow, the disaster relief would begin, and the Jiang family would probably discover that the grain in their granaries had vanished into thin air.
"Yes!" The two maids left a lamp lit and withdrew.
The night passed without a word.